Maybe I went a bit too much with the flow.
For a moment I saw my old self, that wanted to go to events, dance, enjoy conversations with others, and simply pose in a beautiful dress.
Yet now I want to give that stupid girl a mouthful for what she got me into here.

 

"Status is as always the most important. You don't know those people as I do. They won't take you seriously if you can't present yourself accordingly." (J)

"Won't my escort kinda push my arguments?" (E)

"I won't deny that you're holding significant power and they might recognize that, but you'd still be considered a fool. A powerful fool, but still. Not knowing the ways of the palace is the same as showing weakness, and that's inviting them to take advantage of you. I don't wish for this to happen, because, in my opinion, this country can afford neither a conflict nor displeasing your kind. Even if we wouldn't be weakened at the moment." (J)

 

I get his point.
It's very much the same as going to trade negotiations without having any real idea about the prices.
That's simply bad preparation.
It's almost a miracle that we've got even slightly reasonable prices.
And I'm still somewhat sure that Olira makes the greater profit from this.

For the coming talks, I now have a chance to make even a minor difference.
Show them that I'm not just a child they can cheat as they want.
The fact that my mother is with us isn't directly supporting proving my maturity.

 

"As things are, I would like to introduce you to my trusted chamberlain. He will organize short-term lessons on the most important subjects." (J)

"Ehk, well, I don't think there's any reason against this. There's still some time till I have to go there. But my swarm... They're still very protective of me. I don't think I can stay the whole day here." (E)

"I'm sure your base, below my town, will suffice to accommodate you." (J)

 

Guess he's still a bit pissed about this.

 

"One more thing, I'm sure Lady Lorata didn't leave this out, about the "role of a princess". It's a difficult subject for me, but what do we do about that?" (E)

"Yes... I'm sorry, but I have to report to my liege. Everything else would be considered treason or at least plotting. But we will also send a request to be considerate of your "special" circumstances." (J)

"Fine. I agree." (E)

"Good, then please wait in the hall for my chamberlain. Before your escort claws in the door." (J)

 

Honiu remained quite silent, but I think that's for the better.
Out there mum and Kyska are eagerly waiting.

 

<Scriku!/And, how was it? Did you discuss anything important?> (F)

 

Ah, my mum tends to fall into Formicea if she's excited and can't think closer about her phrasing.

 

<Nothing of importance. But the human made her agree on receiving 'lessons' regarding proper human behavior. Which is strange as they were the ones who wanted us to come. So they shouldn't make demands.> (H)

"Still, I don't want to embarrass myself. If this makes things go more smoothly, then I'm in." (E)

"If this is your wish, my princess. But the security measures have to be adjusted for a prolonged stay." (K)

"As long as you don't swarm the castle. Just tell me first. We don't want to impose on them." (E)

"You don't want to." (H)

"Please, that man was always very supportive of me. Just treat him fairly." (E)

"Fine. I agree. For now." (H)

 

It's a bit creepy how she repeats my words.
One notices how she learns from observation and gets better and better by the moment.

 

After a while, yet not directly unduly lengthy, a man who I suppose is the chamberlain comes.

 

"Lady Erys. Please, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Gerard. Apologies for the wait, but the preparations required some time. Would you follow me?" (Gerard)

 

What exactly did they all prepare?
Now I'm getting anxious.

 

"Okay. But I need to insist that the others accompany me." (E)

 

Honiu's job is basically to watch everything, so I can't leave her side, even if I'd like to.
Kyska, as my personal maid is the one who might profit most from any lessons and it's important for her to know what to expect at the palace in terms of schedules.
And I surely won't leave out only my mum.

 

"As you wish. But I need to inform you that the lessons are only for a single person. There's not enough time to simultaneously educate all of you." (G)

 

I look at the others, but none of them looks put off or emits the according pheromones.
So it should be fine.

 

"This is not a problem." (E)

 

I just hope they won't grow bored.

 

"Then please follow me." (G)

 

We cross some hallways, always shadowed by my escort.
Finally, we arrive at a grand side hall.

 

"Here we will conduct your education." (G)

 

Did I mention that I'm still anxious in this situation?

 

<I'm sure you'll manage, Ery. Just think about how this was always your dream.> (F)

 

My mum's words, or rather insectoid clicks and creaks, are friendly and soothing.
However, when I back then dreamed about attending social events and presenting myself I had a slightly smaller scale in mind.
And certainly very different circumstances.

 

"Ahem. It might be good to directly mention that talking in a foreign language as an ambassador isn't looked kindly upon. It's accepted as something that happens, but counts as very discourteous. After all, others can't understand and will consequently assume the worst. For example that you're mocking them in front of their eyes. Or worse, that you're plotting something. So it's not recommended." (G)

 

Then it's good that I at least can speak fluent human.

 

"We said that our princess shows great abilities to achieve things she set her mind on. She will do well!" (K)

"Good. Otherwise I wouldn't be sure how to get through this schedule." (G)

"Is it so complex?" (E)

"Some nobles are educated for years on their mannerisms before they attend any social event. Messing up means being ostracised for life. Not like one could ignore your... army. However, they'll see every little mistake and remember it. So it would be better to minimize their number. We'll begin with a general instruction about mannerisms. Please come over here, so we can do this while simulating a talk." (G)

 

In my opinion, such a grand hall wouldn't be necessary for this purpose.
I step in front of him but am at a loss regarding what to say.

 

"Ehk, how do we get started?" (E)

"First mistake. To be precise, two! When walking up to a noble it's common to wait till the other party invites you to start talking. In urgent cases one begins with asking for their consent, like "Excuse me, would you allow me to take a bit of your time?". Otherwise you'll be seen as imposing." (G)

"Ehk?" (E)

"And that was the second one. Ignoring your unique circumstances it has to be avoided to make any sounds disconnected from speech. This includes sighs, groans, snarls, naturally cursing, and whatever that just was." (G)

 

I already start to feel uncomfortable.

 

"This sounds extremely difficult to keep up if one isn't used to it." (E)

"Third mistake. Your demeanor is slipping. A noble should always conceal their true emotions and wear a cheerful mask, no matter the circumstances. Everything else might be construed as weakness. It's a necessity to protect one's own social status." (G)

"Wait a moment, the other nobles I met back then during the negotiations weren't a bit like this. Especially not Temia." (E)

 

That one certainly showed very openly how she truly felt.

 

"I assume you're referring to Lady Lorata. Never do that again. First, the nobility located in the capital cannot be compared to the backwater nobles here in the countryside. Many seldom ever visit the capital. Also, the social events there are much more formal. It's incomparable with what you're used to. Especially as it was a very emotional situation back then." (G)

"I feel like I can only mess up." (E)

"Making mistakes won't cost you the audience. But it will be a blow to your status in accordance to the severity. And this will be detrimental for reaching your purposes." (G)

"Question! What even is my status? I don't exactly know how I'm seen." (E)

"As things present themselves, the title "princess" doesn't seem too far-fetched. Yet this is a special case, as it's less of a symbolic role of a woman from a royal house, but one that wields real power. However, there are precedents for similar situations. Your power cannot be overlooked, so it should suffice if you show the bare minimum regarding manners." (G)

"Eh-, You know, there are some greater issues. I'm sure you were informed about some of my "more special" problems. It got recently a bit more predictable, but what do I do if I literally have to lay an egg?" (E)

 

For a moment his eye twitches and he fights a groan.

 

"First, you absolutely won't mention it. You excuse yourself by saying that you have pressing matters to attend to. In general, no one will inquire further at this point." (G)

 

Pressing, huh?

We continue to talk like this for some time, while he points out more and more of my mistakes.
Especially my posture got numerous minus points.
This is kinda frustrating, but I can see the merits of knowing about the existing issues.
After he deems we're done with basic talking practice, for now, we continue with a meal.
For this reason, they bring a full-course meal.
It's a bit sparse, but this might be connected to the food shortage.

I start to eat as I usually would.

 

"Wrong! You use the tableware beginning from the furthest outside!" (G)

"O-okay." (E)

"No stuttering. Proceed." (G)

 

Sigh, fine.
I do as I was told and start cutting the meat.

 

"Cut smaller chunks. And less intense motions while doing so. Take your time. You're not here to stuff yourself." (G)

 

God, I get how nobles can stay thin despite their wealth if this is how they usually eat.
I should prepare for receiving a second meal in our base in the capital.
Especially since Kyska might freak out because I don't receive enough sustenance for the eggs.

However, at least I can see how the amount of fresh cutlery I have to use decreases as the meal comes to an end.
Even if I never thought that something could spoil dessert for me.
At least it can't get much worse.

 

"Now that we're done with this it's the best time to continue with the last lesson for today. Dancing!" (G)

 

What did I just say?

.

.

.

 

"Mind your posture! Making the right steps is the most important, but your stance is guiding them! If you're lax everything else will crumble."

 

This is hell.
At least I'm sure that my feet are there, considering how they feel now after all this practice.
Just why did I have to get new shoes?
I was fine with my old ones.
They fit perfectly after I've had them broken in for so long.
Okay, maybe they got a bit worn out and the last months in the hive weren't great for them, but try finding a cobbler there.
However, while I'll admit that they're looking expensive and very finely made, they bite like I suppose the hunters would.

And it doesn't end with this.
They also got this woman to guide me through this.
She's stern, but maybe not as ridiculing as the chamberlain.
Still, I can feel how she's continuously disappointed with my performance.
Even if I can at least physically keep up with my undeserved muscles.

However, eventually, I need a break.
Just when I think I can have my much-needed breather Honiu walks up to me.

 

<I have already been watching this for quite some time. I tried not to speak, as I'm aware my knowledge is lacking on matters regarding the surface. So to say, it's non-existent. Especially concerning human customs. However, I need to state a question. What is the meaning of this ridiculousness?> (H)

"It's dancing." (E)

<You're moving as if you lost control of your muscular system.> (H)

"You can see dancing as a form of social interaction. Just not with pheromones, which humans can't use, but with the body. Doing well means the same as clearly pronouncing one's pheromones. They'll be more accepting of us that way. Wouldn't this be good?" (E)

<Your point comes across, but you're missing awareness. We're not going there to present us the way they want us to be, but as we are. You're one of our kind not one of them. Remember this. Your allegiance is clearly set. Don't be their slave!> (H)

 

Honestly, I don't know what to reply here.
Everyone says something different.
And this while I just want to make this work.
This is all just so complicated.

But for now, all I can do is continue jumping around while an elderly lady is yelling at me.

Sigh.