The Queen and the Lion - Chapter 54

It wasn’t until Aslan had regained enough strength to cleave through three logs with a single swing of his sword that his lessons resumed. As he had feared, he had forgotten most of what he had learned during his time off. Previously, such an oversight would have been met with a scornful rebuke, but after the assassination attempt and Lysian’s harsh punishment, their complaints were limited to a rather passive attitude.

Thus began Aslan’s struggle to acquire at least a semblance of Florean etiquette, he who had been considered almost animalistic in his ignorance of their customs.

Dancing was somewhat easier, as his body seemed to remember the movements.

However, observing people’s clothing and gestures to gauge their intentions was still a real struggle.

Dining etiquette was no different. Having been on a liquid diet ever since eating the poisoned salad, Aslan had completely forgotten about formal dining. He made clumsy attempts to recall what he could, but Count Mugue’s disapproving expression remained unchanged. While trying to pay attention, Aslan dropped his fork. At least now he didn’t try to pick it up. He quietly celebrated this small victory.

When the dining lesson ended, Aslan quickly got up to attend the next class. Dandelion approached him to get Count Mugue’s signature for today’s lesson.

Count Mugue scribbled his signature on the blank space. He glanced sideways at Aslan’s retreating figure. His footsteps were loud and heavy. Mugue muttered under his breath, just loud enough for Dandelion, who was standing right in front of him, to hear.

“For a general of a country, he’s so lacking in refinement.”

Though everyone had been cowed by Lysian’s anger, it didn’t mean they had fully accepted Aslan. Some even harbored resentment, believing that Aslan was the reason why promising young noblemen were being sent to rot in Heiban.

Count Mugue didn’t harbor as much resentment towards Aslan as to outright oppose him, but he didn’t view him positively either. In fact, he despised his terrible manners.

After receiving Mugue’s signature, Dandelion carefully placed the paper into a leather folder.

“He’s the one Her Majesty chose. Shouldn’t we help him learn etiquette so that Her Majesty will be pleased? Instead of whispering about him like this.”

Though his voice was soft, his words carried weight. Dandelion smiled, but his eyes, hidden beneath his eyelids, were fixed on Count Mugue.

Although he was merely a steward, in a sense he was more than just that. He was the closest person to the queen. The queen’s most trusted confidant.

If this matter were to reach Lysian’s ears, there would be trouble. Count Mugue cleared his throat loudly to hide his embarrassment and turned his head away. Unable to meet Dandelion’s gaze, he made a fuss about how he had to go.

Pretending to know nothing, Dandelion smiled faintly and bowed. He followed after Aslan to the next classroom.