Out of all the enemies that Joanne had to face, she didn't think that table manners would be her strongest opponent yet.
When Maribelle compared Joanne' table manners to "that of a newborn pig whose eyes are still closed," the noble took it upon herself to teach Joanne how to act like a "proper lady." Cue the onslaught of knowledge, of a straight, rigid back, of a high-held chin, of shoulders down and held back. Maribelle lectured Joanne on proper etiquette when meeting a stranger while she combed through Joanne's dull, wispy hair in order to make it not look like a shedding mop.
"By the time we're done, darling, you will be enunciating your 't's and 's's in your sleep!"
Joanne wouldn't be surprised at that point-she was dreaming about porcelain teapots and soup spoons. Her back ached from the straightening of her spine, and it felt as though her neck had been wrung out like a wet rag.
Eventually, Joanne set down her teacup and told Maribelle that, while she appreciated her enthusiasm to help, being a "lady" really isn't for her. Joanne was a tactician, meant to work together professionally with those of higher status, certainly, but Joanne wasn't going to be attending socials or marrying a rich man.
"Well, Joanne, what will you do once the war is over?"
"... I don't know. But I'll still have friends like you who can point me in the right direction." At that, Maribelle had smiled into the rim of her teacup.
When Joanne went to speak with the Exalt, she found herself with a straight, rigid back and a high-held chin.
