01x03 - Why Raeliana Trained in Domestic Arts

[bunniefuu]

What is this?

Can you even call this a carriage?

Goodness.

I suppose this is what one should

expect of a duke's carriage.

It's like the horses are

pulling our house behind them.

Are these all of your things?

If there's anything else you'd like

carried out, please let me know.

Oh, no, this is quite enough.

Are they trying to make me move out entirely?

Please take good care of my sister.

Rose

Raeli, do take care of yourself.

We have been awaiting

your arrival, Miss McMillan.

Allow me to introduce myself.

I am Gideon Jura, the supervising

butler of this mansion.

It is an honor to see you again, Gideon.

Four butlers in one mansion?!

The servants will carry your things

for you. You need not worry.

I appreciate your consideration.

Now, before I show you to your room,

allow me to tell you

about this mansion's history.

Th-The mansion's history?

Indeed.

This is a venerable mansion that the

Wynknight family has

called home for centuries.

It is packed full of

the Wynknight family's history.

Ah That certainly does sound intriguing.

I'm gonna die!

What is this? Some new

form of hazing?

Like a "don't think

someone like you can just

come into the duke's

mansion like that" thing?

All that stuff about who they

got the mansion from,

and how every single pattern

has immeasurable value

And how diligently

the designer worked to design it,

and how much all that work influenced

designers who came after

I don't even care about all that!

They're not going to tell me that even this

bed is a national treasure, are they?

Don't worry. That bed isn't included.

Want a drink?

Wait a minute! How long has he been there?!

Wh-What are you doing here?

You shouldn't just enter

someone's room without warning!

Are you saying you require privacy?

Of course I do!

Well, give it up.

It's pointless to expect such a thing.

You're lucky you were born in this world.

In my world, you would've

been arrested long ago.

And?

Did you have business with me?

My fiancée has moved into my home.

She can't just stay

in her room all the time.

Yes, yes, I see.

The Brooks family is seeking

monetary compensation.

You have no taste in men.

Yes, so it would seem.

After all, I proposed a deal with this guy.

Could my taste in men be any worse?

I will take care of the Brooks family.

You can just focus on acclimating

yourself to life here.

Your bridal training will

begin in earnest tomorrow,

but I hold no expectations for you.

You needn't concern yourself with mastery.

Mastery? Who's worried about that?

Yes, I also have no intention

of becoming your perfect bride.

I wouldn't ask as much of you, either.

All I need you to do is keep up

the appearance of my fiancé.

I see.

I'll keep that in mind.

Um There is one thing

I'd like to ask you.

Are there any others, excluding myself,

who know of our deal?

I need to ensure

that our stories match if so.

Currently, there are only two who know

of our deal other than you and me.

One is someone you are already aware of.

Master Taylor?

Yes.

And the other

Well, you'll know soon enough.

Oh I bet he means his chief aide.

He was in the novel, too.

This does mean we'll have to play the part

of a harmonious couple whenever

we're in this mansion, though.

I will have you conduct yourself as my

beloved fiancée both

publicly and internally.

W-Wait just a moment!

What is it?

Um

I believe we should discuss the more

detailed rules that aren't in the contract.

First, please address me not

with formalities, but as "Raeliana."

I will do that, Raeliana.

Second, I understand that

you have your suspicions of me,

but within this room, at the very least,

could you please respect my privacy?

If I refuse?

Even now, I act with utmost

respect for your intentions.

I simply hope you will understand that.

Very well.

And now, our fun must come to an end.

I will take my leave.

Fun? How was that fun?

If there's anything you need,

don't hesitate to ask.

There is nothing we

can't get for you here

Raeliana.

To have you show such

consideration for me, Duke,

makes me so happy, I feel like I could cry.

In that case, I won't hesitate to ask.

The one thing I want right now

is some time to myself.

Just get out of here!

If you are my fiancée, should you not

call me "Noah" rather than "Duke,"

my beloved Raeliana?

That's right.

I have to play the part

of his loving fiancée now.

But that doesn't mean

I can just use his first name!

What's the matter?

If you don't like that,

we could use pet names.

No, that's quite all right.

I'll call you by name.

Say it, then.

I will, the next time I need something.

Words don't always come naturally

when you need them to

if you aren't accustomed to using them.

Say my name right now.

N-N No

Come, now. Quickly.

Noah

Noah.

This jerk!

Well, that'll do.

I will take my leave now, Raeliana.

That That That jerk!

Adam, what do you think of that girl?

She's strange.

That's an unusually

positive assessment for him.

Does he actually like her?

"Strange," is she?

Don't let her out of your sight.

Social etiquette.

Embroidery.

Dancing.

I had no words for all

the things they made me do

as part of my bridal training.

But luckily for me,

Raeliana McMillan was someone who had

grown up exposed to that sort of culture,

so it all came naturally.

The only problem is

the differing range of education

associated with our differing ranks.

The McMillans are common

nobles of the Estota class,

and Raeliana is their daughter

It's time for your math lesson.

But if they think I'm just another

noble's daughter, they're very wrong!

I was just studying

for college entrance exams.

I can solve these problems

with my eyes closed.

It's been almost two weeks

since I came to the duke's mansion.

I'm so bored.

You feel the need to

wear leaves on your head?

If you desire jewels,

I'll buy you as many as you want.

Damn him! Why is he so utterly revolting?

What brings you here today?

A bouquet? For me?

Absolutely revolting!

Calm down, me. Just hold it in

My people have been hailing

you as the perfect bride,

flawless and above all reproach.

Why is he suddenly speaking

to me respectfully?

You said you had no intention

of being my perfect bride.

Why the change of heart?

I-I'm simply studying to learn

things I didn't know before.

It has nothing to do with you, Duke—

Noah.

It has nothing to do with you, Noah.

Besides, I'm forbidden

from leaving the mansion,

so I have nothing to do

other than focus on my studies.

You're saying it's my fault?

Yes, that's exactly what I'm saying.

There happens to be a ball

that I am required to attend tonight.

You will accompany me there.

Huh?

Well, I have nothing else to do

I plan to announce my engagement there.

What?! You can't just do that without—

Well, the engagement

ceremony is in one week.

Engagement ceremony?! But

In what world can you have

an engagement ceremony

without the engaged party's knowledge?!

This world.

Oh, of course.

Well, then, I'll go get ready.

No need for that.

Come in.

Well, well!

If it isn't the young Miss McMillan!

What an honor!

My name is Nick Maddox.

I am the magician who will make

you shine at tonight's ball.

Please, call me Nick.

What is this?!

I'll be off to get ready, as well.

Hang on!

Nick, take good care of my fiancée.

Wait!

Just leave it all to me!

Well, then

I eagerly await the sight of you looking

even more beautiful than usual, Raeliana.

Noah!

Oh, yes! The wonders of youth!

Your skin is so pliable!

But then again

Oh, dear! Honey

Honey?

Don't worry about the little things.

Just come and look at this!

Those bags under your eyes!

Come here.

I'll cover those up nice and neat for you.

I have been studying all the time

and not sleeping lately.

Oh, dear. Now that I look closer,

your skin is so rough.

Sleep deprivation is beauty's

natural enemy, you know.

How can you let yourself get this exhausted

when you're about to get married?

But never fear!

My magic can transform any type of skin

into smooth, silky beauty!

B-By the way, um

How shall I address you?

Would you prefer M-Madame?

Non, non! I am Monsieur Nick.

Yes! Very nice!

Ta-dah! What do you think?

Monsieur Nick, you're amazing!

Please, just call me "Nick."

Is this really my skin? I look like a doll!

Do you believe me now?

With my power, I will make you

the star of the ball tonight.

Nick!

Mademoiselle!

Wow

I can't believe I get to

wear such a gorgeous dress.

Très bien!

I knew it would suit you perfectly.

This is all thanks to you, Nick!

All right, come sit down.

I'll do your hair next.

High society values

nothing more than a smile.

Two different types are popular right now.

One is this: the Noah Wynknight smile.

It is offered to everyone equally,

and though it may look sincere,

the true message is: "You have

no business speaking to me."

Nick

Ah, but only Noah Wynknight can pull

that one off, so never mind.

I guess I wasn't the only

one who felt that way.

Seeing the true feelings hidden

behind a smile is a trivial

matter for Monsieur Nick!

And the other is the Vivian Shamal smile.

Vivian Shamal?

She's a real vixen.

Huh? A vixen?

Anyway, putting the little things aside

This is the Vivian Shamal smile.

He's a pro.

And finally, this is the smile

that you will make popular.

Feel free to call it the Nick Maddox smile.

Go on. Do what I do.

Easy for him to say!

Non, non, non!

Your eyes and mouth are too tight!

Picture the face

of the person you hate the most.

However you may fight it,

you can't escape this marriage.

If you saw that person again,

would you sh**t them

in the head or the chest?

Without a doubt, the head.

Then imagine you're about

to land that head shot!

Yes, sir!

Not "sir"! I'm Nick!

Yes, Nick!

Master Taylor.

What do you think?

I don't look strange, do I?

I guess I shouldn't expect him to answer me.

Miss McMillan

The master awaits you in his study.

Allow me to escort you there.

Thank you, Gideon.

You look truly beautiful, Miss McMillan.

You honor me.

Master, the young Miss McMillan's

preparations are complete.

Enter.

Wait just a moment.

Once I finish this, we'll go—

Do I look strange?

Why isn't he saying anything?

I was sure he'd say something snarky again.

I guess he doesn't even want to

bother with flattery for me.

I have arranged the carriage.

I'm certain he is being bashful

because you look so beautiful.

Bashful? Him?

No way.

Have a lovely evening, Miss McMillan.

Thank you.

Have a lovely evening, Lady Vivian.

Noah, do you know about the two types of

smiles that are popular in high society?

That's

the Noah Wynknight smile!