8.

Somehow, Dante came to mind.

“I don’t need to become your tutor, Serenity. However, there is something I’d like to ask for your help with.”

“…What?”

“To be frank, would you consider it? If not, then perhaps it’s better for both of us not to speak about it.”

Though the start was different, Dante was asking for help just like he always did.

What could Clagen be asking Serenity, who had just awakened?

‘No, that can’t be it.’

Clagen wouldn’t make an effort to save Julie.

However, he had to make sure.

His mind grew colder.

Considering and accepting a proposal were two different things.

“I’d like to know the candidates for my teacher, regardless of my consideration. Also, I’d like to know about Clagen’s history. I will choose the person who will be most helpful to me among the teachers.”

Clagen agreed with Serenity’s words.

“I understand.”

“So, please tell me how I can be of assistance now.”

Clagen, who had set down his teacup, took a deep breath. He slightly lowered his gaze, his fingers absentmindedly tapping the table, as if this were a natural and unintentional action, unlike earlier.

“I’ve heard that you know about Julie Liv.”

Again.

Once more.

‘Why Julie Liv?’

“In fact, Julie is my former associate, who, like your past self, is in an unconscious state.”

“My, what?”

Serenity was sure her ears must be deceiving her.

But her assumptions were wrong.

“My associate.”

Clagen’s words were the same. If anything, he said it more confidently.

Suppressing a hollow laugh, Serenity stared at Clagen with cold eyes.

“Were we that close?”

“We used to meet regularly. We’d stroll in the park and dine together. You can ask other nobles if you’re curious; most of them know.”

“…”

That was only the façade they presented. It was all for Clagen’s benefit.

The time they spent together felt like yesterday.

Clagen’s expression grew progressively darker.

It was so convincing that anyone would believe it to be genuine. Serenity felt goosebumps all over her body, clenching her fists.

He was worse than Dante.

There was no sincerity towards Julie.

It was just a story to win Serenity’s favor. An emotional appeal.

“Of course, it’s Clagen.”

If she weren’t Julie Liv, his eloquence would have been enough to win her over. His concern seemed genuine, and his actions were perfect.

Clagen was a flawless actor.

The more Serenity saw of it, the angrier she became.

“After she collapsed, I’ve missed the time we spent together a lot. Her smiling face when we had meals, her obedient nature. I’m looking for every possible way to not let it end like this.”

Anyone who listened would think they were close friends.

“After hearing that Serenity woke up and getting to know her, we carefully examined her condition and tried to bring back her memories…”

In the end, the emotions that had been building up since Julie’s time burst out.

“Shut up.”

Her rationality disappeared.

Clagen’s pupils dilated.

Serenity’s words made Clagen look stunned.

She felt satisfied.

“What did you just say?”

She had spoken, but she knew she couldn’t be that impolite to Clagen.

Serenity quickly crafted an excuse. Tactfulness had been instilled in her during her upbringing with Yulia. She did it to avoid hurting her feelings.

“It’s dangerous. I’m afraid I might get hurt. The examination and memory recovery, I’ve already declined through the magician.”

“…”

“I think listening to your story up to this point is enough. I was able to understand how much you care about that person, Clagen.”

Serenity lowered her gaze, looking like someone in pain.

“Maybe we’ve been talking for too long; my body is getting tired. Can I go now?”

“Are you considering it?”

Clagen realized the sharp atmosphere from Serenity. When he asked cautiously, Serenity nodded, forcing herself to do so.

“Please send me the list of tutors. It was nice meeting you today. Thank you.”

Serenity stood up.

She knew it was an impolite action, but she couldn’t stay in the same place with Clagen any longer.

She didn’t know what else he might say if this continued.

Serenity bowed her head and bid farewell.

“I’ll take my leave now.”

Serenity closed the door and headed to her room, leaving Clagen behind.

Clagen sat down and watched Serenity’s retreating figure.

“…I’m not usually the style that people dislike. I don’t know why.”

For some reason, Zeros’s youngest daughter, who had awakened not long ago, seemed to intensely dislike him. It had been a long time since he had faced such an inexplicable hostility.

“…It’s the opposite with Julie.”

He thought of Julie, who showed infinite affection to him, the complete opposite of Serenity.

He sat in his place, lost in thought.

* * *

Lily, the Viscountess, was selected as the home tutor to teach Serenity basic etiquette and common sense.

Clagen had been worried that he might have said something to the Zeros couple that would make them uneasy, but there was no indication of such discomfort from the couple.

Serenity was well aware that she hadn’t made a good impression either way.

Thinking back to how she had told Clagen to shut up, Serenity chuckled.

‘Who would see me and think of Julie Liv?’

The Viscountess was a patient person. She never wrinkled her brows, even when teaching each and every detail from the beginning.

Currently, they were learning the waltz. It wasn’t as easy as she had thought, so she had practiced the steps multiple times. Yet her feet were still entangled.

“You’re doing well!”

The Viscountess didn’t hold back on her praise, even when Serenity managed to pick up a fork correctly or stood up straight with her back rigid.

She couldn’t understand it. She didn’t know what she was doing well, and it felt like they were just joking around.

In Serenity’s eyes, she still had a lot to improve. She wanted to be more perfect than Yulia.

As she delved deeper into that thought, the difference between Yulia and herself became more apparent, and she grew impatient.

Even though she knew it was inevitable.

So now, Serenity said, “Lady Serenity, please come this way.”

She was extremely nervous. Today was the day she would showcase everything she had learned in front of the Zeros couple.

“I can only imagine how hard it was for you to hold back from seeing us for so long…”

Lady Lily wiped the sweat that trickled down her face.

Serenity was escorted into the grand ballroom where parties and soirées were held at Duke Zeros ‘s mansion.

The largest ballroom within the Zeros mansion was magnificent. The chandeliers, including diamonds and other splendid gems, adorned the ceiling, and the entire ballroom was enveloped in an elegant navy blue wallpaper.

“Wow…”

An expression of wonder escaped Serenity’s lips.

“Serenity, come over here.”

Yustian Zeros approached Serenity with large strides.

Serenity cast another glance at the ceiling and then made her way to where Yustian and Jane Zeros were standing together.

Next to Jane, Cordelia was standing. Having just finished her shift, Cordelia was in the process of removing her armor. Wiping the sweat from her brow, she exchanged a smile with Serenity upon meeting her gaze.

“Serenity, I came here to dance a song with you. Please understand the smell of sweat,” Cordelia said with a grin.

As Cordelia continued to fan herself to cool off, Yustian suddenly stepped in front of her.

“Serenity should dance with me first. I’ve had a longer career on this side, after all. In my prime, I even heard people call me the ‘Waltz Maestro.’ Haha. Do you remember?” Yustian said.

“Uh… yes?”

Serenity watched Yustian Zeros’ departing figure with wide-eyed surprise.

‘I didn’t come here for a test, did I?’

Serenity knew just how much this family cherished her. But aside from that, she had to debut Serenity in the social circles. Cherishing her and this were entirely different matters because their youngest daughter’s debut was connected to their honor.

So she really thought they were going to assess her dance skills…

‘Are they really starting a verbal fight with me over a dance…?’

Serenity agonized. It was clear that they were joking.

She glanced at Cordelia.

But Cordelia was serious, coughing and protesting to Yustian, pressing her temples.

“It’s more important than your dancing career. When was the last time you danced, Father? At the very least, I attend regular soirées.”

“I’ve danced alone with Jane at home…”

“Enough from both of you. If you’re going to fight like this, I’ll dance with her.”

In the middle of their argument, Jane also joined in.

“Um…?”

Finally, as Serenity spoke, Yustian turned his back swiftly.

All three of them focused their attention on Serenity.

“Ugh, this is embarrassing.”

She couldn’t help but think she wanted to show them her dance quickly and return to her room.

“I’m going to show you the dance…”

As Serenity began to trail off, Cordelia stepped forward quickly. She was someone who knew how to seize opportunities.

“Fine, then let’s dance together!”

Cordelia, who spoke confidently, took Serenity’s hand before Yustian could say anything and led her out to the center of the ballroom.

“Ugh, we’re late…”

Yustian looked disappointed. Jane comforted him.

“This isn’t the only chance. I lost the timing to dance with our daughter as well.”

“Next time, for sure…”

While Yustian and Jane were planning when to dance with Serenity, Serenity faced Cordelia.