Chapter 21: Chapter 20: lessons

After arriving at the palace, we had our evening meal together, my parents, Mizu and I.

Nana was currently relaxing in the break-room, probably bragging about what happened today at the temple.

Well, it is not a secret anymore, is it?

 

"Greya sweetie, are you listening?" mother asks.

 

"Ah sorry, I was lost in thought I guess. What did you say, mother?"

 

"Pay attention dear, it is unbecoming of a princess to let her thoughts wander while in company."

 

"Yes mother, I will remember that."

 

"Well, back to what I was saying. I said tomorrow evening the festival will start. And now that you have recovered from your illness you even visited the temple already. So, your father and I decided it would be in your best interest that you took some quick lessons this evening and tomorrow. Nothing too difficult, just some basic etiquette. Also some dance practice. We are not expecting any miracles here, but now the secret is out, people are going to expect more from you."

 

Father then continued "we will tell the public that you just recovered from an illness that prevented you from being in the palace until now. It is not exactly a lie, so we can say that. But after your meeting at the temple today, people know you are also a demi-goddess. Well if they don't know, it won't take long for them to connect the dots. So we need to prepare you for the festival."

 

"But father, forgive me for not understanding. Is a festival not an informal gathering where people are having fun? How would me being all formal fit into this?"

 

"Well honey," my mother said, "you are a princess. You will be introduced to the public, your future subjects,  and even the whole world as our daughter, the heir to the throne. You will be the next queen dear."

 

"Really?" Both Mizuki and I said at the same time. 

 

Mother giggles and adds "it's cute when you both do that, but try to stop doing that in public."

 

"Yes mother", we both replied at the same time.

 

Mother rolls her eyes, shakes her head, then smiles and shrugs.

"Greya, you will be meeting many important people tomorrow evening. There will be nobles, commoners, merchants, many people who have something to gain by being on speaking terms with you.

It is important for you to listen to them, show interest, but not agree to any potential new contracts. 

So there is a bit of politics involved; showing them respect, but not to the point of letting them influence your way of thinking. They will mainly be speaking on their behalf and try to warm you to their ideas."

 

"Yes, I see how that can be complicated. So I will gladly do my best and prepare wherever possible. But isn't there too little time for these things?" 

 

"Well," father now says, "you can never prepare for these kinds of events, but we have a tutor for you. He will be guiding you into your role as princess and as future queen."

 

Future queen, I can't imagine this. First I come to Mirai, become a woman, get a sister, become a head-priestess, learn that I am a princess, then that I am supposed to be the future queen...

 

"Greya dear, you are spacing out again," mother says. 

 

"Ah yes mother, sorry. But it really is quite a lot to take in. I was just beginning to get used to being called a princess. Now I am supposed to become the next queen. How many more surprises are there for me?

I just wanted to be together as a family and be happy. But it is getting much more than I can handle.."

 

My eyes started to get blurry, then a teardrop fell in front of my face, no longer able to contain the emotions. 

Mizuki extends her arms around me and pulls me into a hug. "Greya, I know it is a lot to take in. For me it is the same. I was only a servant recently. Now I am your big sister. I hope to become the next queen's big sister someday.." she giggled.

 

"Sniff", I started to giggle too, "yes Mizu, I am happy to have you as my big sis. And I am also grateful for my wonderful parents. But I don't know if I can keep this up, you expect too much from me. I don't want to fail you."

 

"Aww," mother says, "you and your sister are too cute. With goddess Ima's blessing, you two will be together for whatever may come. Your father and I don't expect you to be perfect. If that is what you think, then think again. We love you Greya. We don't want to hurt you. What happens at the festival will happen, we won't think any less of you. Just know that you won't be alone there. We are there to help. But the festival is there for you and your sister to be introduced to the world."

 

"Wait, me too?" Mizuki says.

 

"Well of course dummy, you are our daughter too, aren't you? By the way, we finished the legal documents. You are now officially our daughter!" 

 

"Congratulations Mizu!" I said, now smiling. "Let's have fun tomorrow, nobody is ever going to question whether you are my sister or not!"

 

"Well said Greya", father says. "Now Mizuki, we have a little present for you."  He gives a small box to Mizuki.

 

She opens the box, and finds a necklace in there with the royal insignia.  "Thank you father, mother, I don't know what to say!"

 

"Well dear, you could say that you will wear it with pride," mother says.

 

"Ah yes, I will do that! Thanks again."

 

After dinner, Nana led me to my study room, where my tutor awaited. But I didn't enter the room just yet. A lady may be fashionably late, so as a princess I can be even later. I guess he can wait five minutes. I asked Nana to prepare some tea for him, but not yet bring it in. I asked her to inform him that I would be meeting him in about five minutes.

 

First I went to my bedroom, where I focused on my connection to mother Ima. "Mother, sorry for the short notice, but I am going to meet some nobles and such, and I have absolutely zero experience in these matters. Could you maybe, like, download some things into me? You know, introductions, how to do a curtsey and stuff?" 

 

The answer came immediately.  "Sorry dear, you can't cheat your way through life. But as I see you want to make a good impression on your tutor and you indeed will be seeing many important people tomorrow, I have to give you at least something. So, done. You will now remember how to do a proper curtsey and how to show some basic etiquette. But nothing more. You will have to learn that the hard way. That's why you have a tutor anyway."

 

"Alright mother, I understand. Thank you very much for helping me. All help is welcome."

 

"You are welcome sweetie, now go, he is waiting for you. Bye for now." And I felt the connection disappear.

 

I tried to remember my lessons in etiquette and how to do a curtsey. And what do you know? I feel like I was taught many hours how to behave properly like a princess. Well, indeed, only basic stuff though. I think she still gave me more than I had hoped for. I think I need to thank her properly soon.

 

Yes, back to my study room. My parents prepared my very own study room for me. It is the bedroom next to mine that was hastily converted to help me prepare for my role as future queen.

 

I walk out of my bedroom, heading for the next door, but only to find Nana there waiting for me.

 

"My princess, tea will be served in a few minutes. Please let me follow protocol, it is in your best interest."

 

I only nodded in agreement.

 

Nana knocked on the study room door once, but did not wait for a reply. She opened the door and stepped inside, then stepped to the side. "Tutor Hirota Norio, may I introduce her highness princess Greya, heir to the throne of Eshar."

 

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Wow, what an introduction. Before I entered the room, I remembered the room layout. I know that this room is spacious, as all rooms are in the palace. A desk sits near the window, next to the balcony door. All curtains are always open, neatly fixed to the side, so the room is set for maximum lighting. 

The view outside is still the same as my original room. Then I realised, this IS my original room, the room I first woke up in when I arrived in Mirai. I already wondered why the view in my new bedroom was almost the same as before. Well, duh, I should have known that. Well, I did have a lot on my mind recently.

Focus Greya, focus. Luckily my thoughts only lasted a second or two.

 

I entered the room, giving a warm smile, and waited for his reply. His face relaxed, returning a warm smile, then said  "your royal highness, princess Greya, it is an honour to meet you and to be your tutor".

 

I did a curtsey and replied "Tutor Hirota Norio, thank you for coming here on such short notice. I will be in your care."

 

From the corner of my eyes, I could see Nana watching my every move with great interest. Her face shows surprise. Well wouldn't you like to know how I learned to curtsey in five minutes, now would you?

 

I looked at her properly "Nanami, would you please bring us some refreshments?"

 

She bowed and replied "of course my princess, I will be back in a minute." Then she quietly left. 

Wow, she really is good in her formal-mode.

 

Then I walk closer to my tutor and open my hand, palm upwards to respectfully offer him a seat on the sofa.

"Would you please have a seat, Mr Hirota sensei?"

 

"Yes of course, thank you. Wait, what was that last word? sensee? " 

 

"Ah, no. It is an ancient word to express respect for a teacher, or tutor as yourself. It is called sensei."

 

"I see, well, if the princess agrees, might I suggest to just call me Norio? If we are going to work together, an informal setting will work best I believe."

 

"Of course Noria, by all means. I do prefer informal conversations. In that case, please do call me Greya when we are in an informal setting." 

 

"Alright then Greya, I already feel much better. I was truly nervous a minute ago."

 

Mmm. I have to be careful here, he may be testing me here, let's not be too informal just yet.

"Please be seated, Norio. Our tea will arrive in a minute." 

 

"After you" he says.  See I knew it, he is testing me. 

 

I sat down and said "I thought you preferred to be informal."

 

We both looked at each other, neither of us saying anything. Then a smile appeared on his face, I automatically copied it as well. Then we were both laughing, happy to release the tension.

 

"Well Norio, I must admit. I was pretty nervous as well. But I do believe it would be best to trust you and have an informal setting. But please respect my confidentiality here."

 

"Of course, of course. Greya. Let me start my role as your tutor. 

Let me first say that your introduction was flawless, as was your courtesy. I know you have a big event tomorrow evening, so don't worry about introductions. You were also right not to trust me immediately, 

that is a very important fact not to forget. You never know who your counterpart will be, he may look friendly, but might also try to convince you to give him some trade favours."

 

"Thank you Norio. But I feel a but coming."

 

"Well indeed, otherwise I would not be a good tutor. They might seem insignificant to you, but are very important when maintaining diplomatic relations or seeing other important guests. 

Your face should continue to express a warm feeling, not only during your introductions, just think of it as a game. Never let the other party truly see your inner feelings. It could be used against you."

 

"I see your point. I will try to remember that."

 

The door knocks once, then Nana enters the room. She carries a silver platter with our refreshments.

She sets it down on the table and then leaves.

 

"Why does your servant not pour our tea, Greya? It is hardly polite to leave so soon."

 

"I see your point, Norio. She acts on my orders. I wanted her to leave the room quickly. 

I would already be pouring your tea into your cup if you hadn't asked. I find it a humbling experience, to honour my guest. Whether he be a king, a commoner or my personal tutor."  

 

I then poured his tea first, then mine. Making sure not to spill anything, as first impressions are lasting impressions. Something I learned just a few minutes ago, together with other lifetime lessons my mother decided to put in there. 

 

"Thank you Greya, he said. I see, it does show respect. I must admit I have never experienced this before."

 

"Then you will be surprised about many more things, Norio. You will see that I am not a conventional princess, having only arrived here in the palace recently."

 

"Yes, I heard. You were ill until recently if I am not mistaken. Would you perhaps tell me more about it?"

 

"Of course I would. It is not something I prefer to share with others, so I would ask you to respect my privacy as much as possible. After tomorrow, it will be public knowledge, along with some more surprises."

 

"Oh, call me intrigued already. Now about that illness, was it serious?"

 

"Indeed it was. All my life I have felt off, unable to eat more than absolutely necessary to survive. 

I was more bone than skin. I had no stamina, and felt like a very old person. The fresh mountain air did wonders for me, but it took 18 years for my health to stabilise. This happened after our goddess Ima intervened in my life and restored my health. I will dedicate my life to her, and will become her head-priestess in our main temple soon."  Well those are not complete lies, so let's roll with it.

 

"You said you felt off, what do you mean by that, if I may inquire?"

 

"Well, I never felt like a princess before. My life until then was mostly boring and repetitive."  Careful, careful. Not too much.

 

"Ah, I think I understand. Let's change our topic to your teachings, is that alright?"

 

"Yes please do, I believe my parents have stated the topics we need to cover, so my actions tomorrow evening will be those expected of a princess.' 

 

"Indeed, but we do not have much time. Today we will have only an hour, tomorrow we will have all day until an hour before the festival. I was asked to stop by then, so you would have some time to get ready for the festival. Let's cover the following topics: dancing, practising small talk without really agreeing to someone's business interests, recognizing someone's personal interest in you,...." 

 

That is when my thoughts shut down. It was going to be a long, long day tomorrow. I feel a headache coming already. Meh, I can fix that myself.

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