Unknown to Gloria, the teacher's mentality towards her was changed swiftly in a short time. It was quite scary.
However, to her, as long as no one bothered her, she wouldn't bother with them as well.
Before stepping into the pavilion, a friendly smile was already plastered on her face. After all, this was her teacher. It was immoral not to show respect to one's teacher.
"Madam!" the teacher respected called with a slight bow, the moment Gloria stepped into the pavilion.
Such a greeting did not faze Gloria. After all, back then, when she was still the Willow Clan's matriarch, she was already used to such greetings.
"Hello, teacher. I hope that I haven't kept you waiting!" Gloria respectfully returned the greeting, a polite smile on her face without any contempt showing at all.
The female teacher was taken aback by Gloria's demeanor and inwardly praised how humble the other party was.
Even Cassy was relieved seeing that everything was going well.
The teacher and student exchanged greetings warmly before sitting down across from each other.
Once they were seated, the official introductions began.
"Madam, I will be your teacher for these four days. You can just call me Lady Irene," the teacher formally introduced.
Gloria nodded politely at Lady Irene and responded, "Thank you for having me, Lady Irene. I will be bothering you a lot in the days to come!"
Lady Irene smiled as she looked at Gloria and generously said, "That's what I am here for!"
The two smiled at each other knowingly and with the introductions out of the way, the lessons officially started.
When people talk about etiquette, the first thing that comes to mind is how a person behaves in social situations.
For people who come from noble backgrounds like Gloria and the others, they are expected to behave in certain ways. Whether when people are around or by themselves.
Of course, etiquette in the real sense only applies when people are engaging outside with others. After all, wouldn't the house be rigid if the family acted politely towards each other? How would that be fair?
So, when it comes to etiquette, Gloria was forced to learn how to act politely and respectfully. It was something that she already knew, but since she was already having the lessons. What else could she do?
However, there were parts that she already knew and the majority she found interesting. She busied herself absorbing knowledge like a sponge. Lady Irene was very satisfied with this student of hers.
When it comes to learning, you learn properly as you practice the lessons in real life. And using that example, Gloria found her life much easier and the lessons more interesting.
The most interesting part of the lessons, although she was already good in that aspect, was the dining etiquette. Gloria understood the importance of learning to be honest before attending the gala.
After all, if she had just gone there without receiving such lessons, she might have embarrassed Xander and the Frost clan.
She was used to being homey and carefree. However, such actions of hers which might seem not harmful, when misinterpreted by others, might become a sharp weapon fashioned against her.
So, every single day, as she sat at the dining table, she always remembered what Lady Irene meticulously taught her.
Wait until everyone is served. In other words, she shouldn't start eating before all guests have been served.
Thankfully, in the days she had arrived at the Frost clan, she only ate with Xander a few times. She hadn't lost face when it came to this basic principle yet.
She learnt how to place the napkin, something that was barely done when she was in the Willow clan. There was something about posture as well, how to use the utensils, passing food, and chewing.
When dining, engage in pleasant conversation but avoid sensitive or controversial topics. That was an interesting one. After all, she remembered how her parents (fake) always brought up these uncomfortable topics when she was in the middle of enjoying a meal. As a result, the meal would end unpleasantly.
Were they doing it for a reason?
There were also lessons on greetings which weren't as difficult as the dining lessons.
When greeting someone new, greet them face-to-face. It shows politeness and respect. You should also do so while maintaining eye contact. That shows that you are interested in them.
If you interact with them while staring at other things, it shows disengagement. One should use positive body language.
Always maintain a smile, even when you are carrying heavy burdens. A grimace would put the other party in a defensive mode. So, no matter what the circumstances, always smile.
The smiling part made Gloria feel a bit complicated. After all, there are times when smiling is very hard to do. Especially when facing people, she didn't like. However, when she thought about how she wanted to avenge herself and give her enemies a huge blow. She instilled the smiling rule in her mind.
There was no way she was going to get caught and give the enemy a chance to counterattack before having her fun.
So, she practiced smiling as much as she could every single time, she was alone in her room. That way, in the future, the smile will look natural no matter what.
She was also taught to take initiative with a handshake. That will come across as being confident and assertive, not aggressive. It would be better not to give the other party to take the lead. When shaking hands, do a firm one but not a death grip. Also, avoid a 'limp fish' handshake as it leaves a poor impression.
When greeting, always mention who you are. For her, she had to learn in her mind imagining the people she would be meeting in the future.
'Hello, I am Gloria, the Frost clan's matriarch.'
It sounded domineering already in her mind. Though she hoped that one day, she wouldn't need to use such a tile to back herself up. She wanted to have a career as well and let people know her with her deeds and not because of the hard work of her husband.
She was also her own person, but for now, she didn't mind relying on the thick thigh she was hugging.
When dealing with people of hierarchy. One should introduce those on the lower side to the upper ones to show respect to them.
Lastly, remember the names of the people you were introduced to and use their names properly. It's better to repeatedly ask the name until you get it right than use the wrong name. And when using names, it's considered rude to call people with their first names.
Some people don't like being informal, so it's always best to use titles.
Learning all that, Gloria admired Xander's vision for making her take these lessons. She would have truly embarrassed herself. Thankfully, she got her armor before going to the battlefield.
As for the other lessons, Gloria no longer needed them. Since she had learnt what was truly needed when socializing with others, the rest could be learnt slowly.
So, on the last day of taking lessons that evening, Gloria hosted a dinner for Lady Irene to thank her for her hard work.
That same night, Xander who was like a ghost, always returning late at night and sneaking into Gloria's room was at the table.
Gloria didn't forget her lessons and sat upright without any discomfort. She couldn't help but realize that Xander's etiquette was on point as well. As for Lady Irene, she was like a walking robot. How could she make mistakes?
The meal started nicely and ended on a beautiful note.
After the meal, the three of them sat in the living room, where Gloria listened with a smile as Lady Irene and Xander spoke.
"Patriarch Frost, I have nothing but praise for your wife. She is a great student and very willing to learn and put in more effort. I believe that she is ready and can handle whatever is thrown at her," Lady Irene sincerely reported to Xander without mincing any words.
It's been ages since she met such a willing student, so she was in a good mood.
Xander was all smiles as he listened to that. Although he always received daily reports from the staff, hearing the teacher acknowledging Gloria's hard work made him very happy and relieved.
"Thank you, Lady Irene, for your hard work!"
Lady Irene smiled as she waved her hand nonchalantly. "I should be thanking you for giving me such a student. This lady's heart is settled."
The two, being familiar with each other, chatted for a while and flattered each other left and right before Lady Irene received a call from her son.
"I am sorry, but I must leave. There is an emergency at home," Lady Irene said apologetically as she rose to her feet.
Both Xander and Gloria rose to their feet, while Xander responded to Lady Irene.
Gloria listened on the side and also participated in sending Lady Irene away.
"Goodbye and thank you, Lady Irene," Gloria sincerely said with a smile as she waved at Lady Irene.
Lady Irene smiled back. "Thank you as well!"
Gloria then watched as the car drove smoothly away, leaving just her and Xander outside.