Chapter 3 (2/2)
If I talk about the cla.s.sroom learning, the first thing I can remember is character. And then it is mainly dictation or writing down characters (書き取り) .
In order to become able to read character, it was no longer slightly scary to spend time alone in the mansion. It is because I borrowed picture books from the library room in the mansion which boasts splendid book collections. When I was 3-year-old, I all of sudden slept alone at night and it was scary and frightening, I covered my head with futon and sang a song. No matter how fluffy the bed, no matter how clean the bed, I’ve been always sleeping with my mum in the same bed. Longing for others, I want to cry, but if I cry I think surely I will get yelled awfully, I couldn’t do that. I used to really think obediently not showing true feelings is not these days trauma.
When compared to my elder brother and sisters, my cla.s.sroom learning time is not at all lesser, I was forced to thoroughly memorise one whole book of n.o.ble family almanac.
n.o.ble family almanac, in relation to aristocrats of this country, is completely similar to things that are recorded in dictionary. There are about 1000 pages. Regarding a person that is mentioned in aristocrat family registry, name is naturally there, hair and eyes colour, distinguished features, and until achievements are recorded. There is also a drawing portrait of the royalty. Furthermore, just genealogy of a royalty family takes 15 pages, the relations.h.i.+p diagram of royalty families’ relatives is also recorded.
By the way, I am also properly recorded. Name and brown blonde hair and eyes. Although it is only one line. I am angry that the name of my mother is left blank.
The latest one of this n.o.ble family almanac is issued annually, every time if I have spare time, I will be asked various questions by Dorcie-sensei, 「My favourite book is n.o.ble family almanac。」is to be said repeatedly. If I can’t answer, of course with a pointy rod…
I wonder why Dorcie-sensei asked me to read only this.
After study room, the most studied one is dance. The dance that common people do is completely different.
First, if the posture is not nice, then no good (ダメ). How many hours needed for standing and placing book on the head? When the book drops because of the malicious elder sisters, I got beaten by Dorcie-sensei with the pointy rod.
And then wearing hand down dress from my elder sisters, putting on high heels, and smilingly practicing steps.
I think I never received an invitation to a ball, but Dorcie-sensei is not opposing it (Raw: 私が舞踏会に招待されることなんて無いのにって思っていたけど、ドルシア先生には逆らえず). If the new step becomes popular, immediately I was taught to master it, well because I didn’t dislike dance, I properly memorised it. Incidentally, I also mastered forced smile. I think I myself have a light carriage.
Because the one who brewed tea was mostly me in the study room, it was also properly done skillfully. At least I can find employment as a maid for princess.
Living with mother, I rarely could drink things like tea and high grade luxury item. But, sometimes I also received deteriorated quality tea leaves and returned to make it delicious.
Education of n.o.ble, in what way is this useful?
Obligation as a n.o.ble…I did study. Govern a territory, it becomes a role model for the population of a fief. Serve for the sake of the country. I can’t really think to partic.i.p.ate in those things. Marriage? I can’t think I wish for it.
To me, I didn’t grow up having the pride of an aristocrat at all. Because I only carry half n.o.ble blood, I am being looked down by pure blood aristocrat family, I am also being alienated by workers in the mansion, there is no way to be raised having pride. Although I was raised up with only the self-awareness of a commoner, only the behaviour of aristocrat mismatched me.
(Raw: 庶民である自覚ばかりが育っているのに、貴族の振る舞いだけはできるちぐはぐな私。)
My commoner mother that I like very much didn’t show me the significance of n.o.bility.
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