Unable to say no to his order, she took a view at the list in front of her as he continued talking. Taking a second look, all the young girls were older than her, much to her relief. "In a month and a half you'll be expected to host your own tea party and invite your own guests."
She'd been in this world long enough and been with this family long enough to understand the meaning. He expected her to be able to have proper etiquette lessons of the older girls of nobility, along with make her own connections and keep who she deems beneficial to herself nearby.
The standards for Argyris children were far too high, she was thankful she weren't normal and was already useful instead of being forced to run around and train like the other children with other magics. She didn't want to, but it sounded like she'd have to approach Rosalyn or Nyx for help with this, Isaac would be no help managing a tea party.
"I doubt anyone would decline your invite, but you should approach this carefully." The Duke continued, she definitely needed to approach Rosalyn and avoid Penelope. Ever since she could walk Penelope had done everything in her power to indirectly mess with her. The one time Isaac caught her Penelope's hand was nearly chopped off.
It was always petty but it would bring her so much pleasure to take it all away from her one day, perhaps that could start with the tea party, already knowing of who to invite as an honorary guest.
Much to her surprise, the Duchess' youngest son was not in fact a teen during the time of the hunt. He was simply a giant, one of the reasons Penelope liked and borderline stalked him. By now he would be thirteen, a bit older than her but that would be fine with both Isaac and Nyx attending. There was no way she was surviving without them.
Zoning back in she squirmed slightly under the Duke's gaze, listening to what he had to say before excusing her. "You'll be attending one of the tea parties you've been invited to in a week, you should pick a tutor quickly." That was the last thing he said as she exited.
Running a hand through his hair, he watched her leave the office as his chin rested on his palm. She was growing up quickly and begun looking so much like Cyrille that he found himself accidentally being lenient with her over time, he knew it was time for her to finally start receiving orders.
On the other side of the door she squatted down and let out a deep breath, petting the snake and tiger to calm her nerves and anger. A single week to learn noble etiquette and pick a tutor? He really was a tyrant.
At the time being Isaac was visiting his territory and Nyx went to fetch something for him, leaving her to her own devices. Getting up, she tugged at Theron's leash and made the long journey to find Rosalyn, the socialite of the noble circles.
Over the years her influence only grew as she gained more devoted followers despite toying with them. She'd had her debutante and people from all over flocked to her, if she remembered correctly a man claiming to be a foreign country's prince once saw her and fell in love but she declined. There was no one to ask other than her, quite possibly because if she didn't ask Rosalyn she would be so upset some of the other noble ladies wouldn't attend from her influence.
Finally making her way to the garden, she panted as her tiny legs took her to the place she normally had her afternoon stroll, catching her just before she returned. "Sister Rosa!" She called out, scrambling towards her and nearly falling on her face as Theron caught her by biting the back of her dress, pulling her up.
"Sister Theia?" She questioned, fanning herself and walking up to her quickly with her adult legs she envied. "Did Isaac require something from me? It's not often I see you alone." The auburn haired girl hummed, tilting her head slightly putting on her pretty act.
Huffing, she shook off her tiredness and focused on her new goal of petty vengeance, humiliating Penelope at the tea party. "Father said I have to attend a tea party," as her snake glared at the girl, she quieted him down despite feeling her eyes narrow on her. "I can't think of anyone better than you, could you please recommend me an etiquette teacher and help me pick which to attend?" She asked politely, the exact opposite of how she spoke to Zenon.
She was on her best behavior just like Rosalyn, she prayed it would work or else she'd have to go ask Nyx who would tell Isaac and the two would spend hours doing a background check on everyone, Isaac might even try to attend her lessons.
Taking a moment, she paused and thought about her schedule. She had no major events coming up, she could easily avoid them if she desired. She may even be able to take credit for Theia's behavior and get on her good side if she did her this favor. Isaac might even owe her at the end of the day.
She wanted to get on her good side for a single reason. She didn't care for marriage at the moment nor inheritance. She merely wanted to be left alone with riches able to do what she's doing. If Isaac were satisfied with her and left her alone, she would be willing to stay on his good side if he were to become Duke. Staying on his good side meant only one thing, not trying to murder his sister or mother.
She had no clue who would inherit the title in actuality, it was always anyones game, but it was worth it for now putting up with the family until a successor were actually announced just in case. Pouncing on the opportunity, she closed her fan and folded her arms. "Etiquette teacher? Why pick one as long as you have me, sister Theia. I'll make sure to teach you everything you need to know and throw in a good word." She smiled gracefully, one of the reasons she was nicknamed the rose of the Argyris household.