10-05: Practicing to be Royal I

The sun didn't even rise past the horizon when Veronica's royalty teacher barged into her room, waking her up almost violently.

Within ten minutes of waking, Veronica was already dressed and sat at a table. Manners class, this early into the morning.

Elbows on the table, mouth open for just a fraction of a second for too long before chewing, or even breathing incorrectly was met with a very, very harsh slap on the wrist with a wooden stick. The worst was when she used the wrong hand to pick up a utensil, Using the edge of the stick instead of the flat part.

Were it not for her physical resilience from all of her evolutions, her hand should've been broken by now. And that was just the first class. Veronica wondered what awaited her next, after the two hours of hand bruising.

Thankfully, it was just speaking, or "language" class. Veronica thought it would be that hard. Just don't say things inappropriate, right?

She learned the hard way that there was a lot, lot more than that. Language wasn't just words, but also facial expressions, hand gestures, and even resting positions. Back straight, arms down to the side or rest over the lower stomach was considered proper, any thing else would be met with the stick.

At this point Veronica was wondering if she made the right idea accepting Priscilla's request. Just learning was physically taxing. Though, maybe it was just this hard due to the time restraint, right?

"Could've took my time if Kazue was here. Just learn in the dreamscape." Veronica thought to herself, losing concentration and dropping the books on her head, which led to swift smack to the back of her head with the stick.

"If you can space out, you can walk with dignity. You're not just some random filth taken off the streets to live here. You are Her Highness' bride to be."

"Wouldn't it be husband, considering my position?"

"Does it matter?"

"No ma'am!"

Six hours down. Six hours straight of classes and punishment. But thankfully, she had a break, which she spent with all the girls.

"It's torture I tell you!"

"Hehe... We had to go through that when we were younger. Now it's pretty much just testing us to make sure we remember those things properly." Eleanora said with an amused smirk.

"She's right. The missus was rather strict, but considering who we are, it made sense. We got through just fine." Celia added.

"You two also had years to practice. Ver only gets about a month. Today was just day one." Cassidy said, trying to sooth Veronica's bruises.

"How were you two able to endure such harshness?" Aviris asked.

"Willpower and lineage. And time."

"Your Highness, Princess Celia, I beg your attention for a moment." Shaerill requested, coming into the room.

"We're by ourselves, I've told you can call me Celia. So, what is it?"

"Your mother want to see you in her office. Something about learning to deal with partnerships."

"I see. Thank you, Shaerill. If you'll excuse me, ladies." Celia stood up and left, with the physical embodiment of grace.

"So that's what they need me to be like..." Veronica mumbled to herself.

It was difficult to really get the hang of it. Something that not only came to Celia and Eleanora naturally, but something they had years to practice.

"Hey, Elly..."

"Hm? What is it?"

"Would you be able to help get through this easier?"

"Maybe as a dance partner, but everything else is solely just repetition. Sorry, but there's not much I can do. I mean, maybe if you attend dinner with us, you can pick up on what we do?"

"Sounds like a plan. Ow! Watch where you press down Cass."

"Sorry!"