Chapter 14 Worthy of a Duchy
After a minute of silence, he inhaled and resumed the conversation.
“Your Grace, this is not humility—it is simply the truth. I would have lost had Sir Rossi continued the duel. He possesses far more experience and technical skill than I.”
“I am well aware. Sir Rossi told me as much himself—but he also said you have great potential. And that your abilities are remarkable for one so young.”
Even though the commander had said it to his face, Oscar was surprised he had repeated it to the Duchess. Did he truly mean it?
Faced with Oscar’s silence, Lady Brynn displayed a small, satisfied smile.
“In any case, I am pleased to see you growing accustomed to the staff and the surroundings. Perhaps we could arrange a walk together in the coming days. I could show you a few charming places I am fond of—places that might appeal to you.”
The proposal caught Oscar off guard.
“Together? Yes—of course, with pleasure,” he agreed after a moment’s hesitation.
“It would be my way of proving that there are many interesting places besides the Eastern Forest,” Lady Brynn added.
Oscar thought he detected a mocking note in her expression. He frowned slightly but tried not to show his displeasure.
“I shall take you at your word, Your Grace. And… if you do not object, I would very much like to speak with you about the affairs of the duchy. After all, as the future Duke of… of Wingfall, it seems only natural that I should be informed.”
She raised an eyebrow as she set her glass down. Her expression was difficult to read, and Oscar could not tell what she was thinking. She continued.
“Well, that would indeed be the natural order of things. You are yourself the heir to a duchy, after all—and though you are still young, I am certain your father taught you the ropes.”
Oscar froze for a moment before swallowing another bite of his meal with some difficulty.
His father had done little more than postpone teaching him the principles required to govern a region. Of course, he had received lessons in etiquette, dance, music, history, and economics. He had even been educated in the sciences. But when it came to his duties as a noble, Oscar had always felt set apart. He had never been particularly eloquent, and keeping up appearances—or being a good leader—was not a matter to be taken lightly.
Was he even capable of it? At Eau-Claire, he had believed so—perhaps merely to stand up to his father. But here, there was no room for games.
He took a sip of water and swallowed.
“Of course,” he lied, “though I do not possess his experience or his wisdom.”
She slowly traced a finger along the rim of her glass, drawn to its delicate texture. Yet her gaze never left the young man.
“That comes with time, and you are a perceptive man. I am sure you will find your footing quickly. Unless, perhaps, you prefer the frivolity of social soirées?”
“To be honest, I have rarely attended such events. A few were organised by my parents, but… they faded with time.”
Since his mother’s death, in truth.
Lady Brynn gave him a puzzled look.
“No balls in society, in the capital? Have you ever met other nobles before?”
Faced with her incredulous expression, Oscar could not help but feel a twinge of shame.
“I have… not. My father is not particularly fond of social gatherings.” He tried to maintain his composure, sipping at his wine. “Besides, such occasions tend to appeal more to women.”
The Duchess’s face lost some of its usual sharpness, replaced by genuine confusion.
“Yet your father remains the Duke of Rivière. The Emperor often invites him to a few annual gatherings reserved for the highest ranks of the aristocracy. In fact, it was at one such evening that I met him—but you did not accompany him to any of them? As his heir?”
Oscar grew increasingly uncomfortable.
“As I said, they are events that appeal mostly to women. I preferred to focus on the art of combat.”
A brief silence followed.
The Duchess lifted her glass once more, pragmatic.
“Well then, we shall ensure you receive a few… remedial lessons in etiquette and the rules of balls and social soirées. Do you know how to dance, my lord?”
“I have practised very little. Why do you ask?”
“Because you will be dancing with me at the Winter Ball. It is held in honour of the Crown Prince. I am invited—and my fiancé as well, of course.”
A surge of anxiety prickled along the young man’s spine.
“When will this ball take place?”
“Just before the great cold arrives, silly. In a little over a month.” She said with an amused smile.
He felt goosebumps in his chest.
“A month… hmm… that is not long.”
“Then your lessons will begin as soon as possible—alongside the military training you value so dearly. Madame Brown will instruct you in etiquette and the rudiments of ballroom conduct. She was my governess for many years. However, be warned—she is severe.”
A hint of a smile curved her lips, touched by memory. Perhaps she thought a few lessons in decorum would truly put Oscar to the test. That would be underestimating him.