The Duke’s Substitute Bride is a Maid - Chapter 2

Chapter 2: Etiquette Training

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

On the other side, Irene had already followed Keisha to an empty side hall in the palace.

Irene was waiting with the other handmaidens who had also been recommended. All of them looked smart and capable, full of hope for advancing to high-ranking handmaidens.

Irene was originally a little sad, but when she recalled what Marla had said to her, she became even more determined. She absolutely could not let down the princess’s expectations. She wanted to become the most outstanding high-ranking handmaiden.

A moment later, the door was pushed open from the outside.

A serious-looking woman with dry lips walked in with a teaching stick. She glanced at the maids sitting at the dining table. When she saw Irene, her lips curled up a little.

Then, she coughed lightly and introduced herself. “I am the head housekeeper, Jones. In the next month, I will be your etiquette teacher.”

Irene and the other maidservants bowed to the woman. “Hello, Madam Jones.”

“In the first lesson, we’ll be learning dining etiquette. As a high-ranking maidservant serving the king, she must be able to treat the foreign guests with dignity and propriety. Whether it is helping the distinguished guests cut the steak, or helping them sober up or pour the wine, they are all very exquisite.”

Jones carefully introduced everything from how to set the tableware and napkins, to how to guide the distinguished guests to their seats, and even how to walk and smile.

Irene widened her eyes and imprinted everything Jones had said and done in her mind, afraid that she would forget it.

She would definitely be the most skilled one in actual training later!

But unexpectedly, Jones turned around and smiled at Irene. “Irene, for the sake of this lesson being more vivid and for you to understand the etiquette of the nobles, you will be the distinguished guest and accept everyone’s service.”

Irene was stunned. “But Madam Jones, I am also a maid, how can I…”

“Of course you can.” Jones patted her shoulder and showed a comforting smile. “This will be very helpful to you. Playing the role of the person you will be serving will help you understand the needs of your master more deeply…”

Irene could only force herself to agree. “Okay, Madam Jones, I will study hard.”

Under Jones’s guidance, Irene learned how to sit down gracefully, how to pick up a knife and fork, and how to swirl a glass of wine gracefully. Her smile was no longer the respectful obedience of a maid, but with elegance and dignity.

Although this was the first time Irene had acted as a noble in her life, she had been influenced by the princess and learned many things that she did not know.

Therefore, she quickly acted like a proper noble.

Jones praised her for having a noble temperament, so for the next month of training, Irene was allowed to act as a noble while the other maids served her.

After a month of training, Irene’s temperament had greatly improved.

She could gently cut the steak without making a sound. She could still walk steadily and elegantly with a few books on her head. She could smile gently and appropriately without being obsequious..

On the day they graduated, Jones looked at Irene, who had completely changed, and clapped her hands in satisfaction. “Irene, you will be the disciple that satisfies me the most.”

Irene was a little shy. “Thank you for your praise, Madam Jones. You have taught me well.”

Jones patted Irene on the shoulder and smiled meaningfully. “Starting tomorrow, you will embark on a new journey alone. Do your best!”

Irene felt that Jones’s words were a little strange.

Why would she embark on a journey alone?

Before she could ask any questions, Jones had already left.

That night, Irene received the silver coins that were awarded to her for advancing to a high-ranking maid. Just as she was about to return to her room, Jane the maid stopped her. “Irene, today is the day that you leave the palace to visit your family. Please come with me.”

Visit her family? In the war a year ago, her family had all died.

Seeing Irene’s stunned gaze, Jane added, “It was the princess’s idea. In the future, when you become a high-ranking maid, you won’t be able to move as freely as when you are by her side. So the princess found an excuse to give you a holiday. You can visit your family or take it as a way to relax.”

Irene’s nose went a little sore. At this time, the princess was still so considerate to her.

“Okay, I haven’t left the palace for a long time. I’ll just treat it as going out to look around.” Irene sniffed and followed Jane to the place where the carriage was parked.

After Irene got into the carriage, she suddenly smelled a strong fragrance and lost consciousness.