The Laurence family is one of the three most prestigious families in Mondstadt's history, but it was once blinded by desire, causing Mondstadt to fall into a dark age oppressed by the nobility. Later, Vanessa overthrew the old aristocracy and established the Knights of the West Wind.
The Lawrence family quickly declined.
In the next thousand years, the fire of hatred that regained the family's glory, won the awe of mortals, and returned to the top of rule was like a snake that snaked around, buried deep in the heart of the Lawrence family.
Even though they have long since declined, the Lawrence family still hopes to return to the ruling class. In order to prepare for this great moment, their education and training of their children is so strict that it can be called pathological.
As for Yora, the eldest daughter of the Lawrence family, the family's requirements for her are even higher than training family members. In addition to learning manners, etiquette, academics and cooking and housework, the eldest daughter of the Lawrence family also has high requirements for her.
Women also need to be dancers in ritual dances.
"The Ritual Dance" was originally a sacrificial ceremony to commemorate Lord Barbatos who liberated Mondstadt, but later evolved into a ritual.
A ritual used by famous families to show their nobility.
Art is the second soul that the old aristocracy values most. Although the Lawrence family has declined, the former overlords still cling to the glory that once belonged to them and those red tapes.
The ritual dance, a ritual that represents power and glory, has gradually taken on a different meaning.
When it comes to Youla, this is the family's strict requirements for her.
Having blood on your toes is just an embellishment of glory, and every dancer should be proud of it.
"Even if you train until your toes are worn out, you can't stop."
This is the responsibility of being the Lawrence family, the responsibility of being the eldest daughter.
The tranquil fruit wine lakeside.
The clear lake surface is rippled with light, and the layers of forest trees are swaying slightly with the gentle breeze. Occasionally, crisp bird songs can be heard from the forest, either far or near.
The girl with light blue hair appeared together with Ying, and beside her was Paimon, who was circling around the two of them.
"When a dispute arises, maintaining the honor and dignity of the family must be the first priority."
After the two came out of the tavern, they rushed non-stop to the deserted Cider Lake outside the city. Along the way, Yora was still spreading the etiquette of the Lawrence family to her.
"What would you say if you were talking to ordinary people?"
Ying asked curiously.
"Ordinary people?"
Yora thought for a moment and rubbed her chin: "As a commoner, you have been born with the blessings of Mondstadt all day long. Now, in front of you is a member of the great Lawrence family. Please kneel down devoutly and accept the noble teachings.
”
"So...proud?"
Paimon covered his mouth and tried to think of a less derogatory word to describe Yula.
"Hmph...Little Paimon, are you saying I'm proud?"
Youla put her hands on her hips and tilted her head, pretending to be indifferent and looking at Paimon: "This enemy..."
"I've written it down!"
Paimon already knew what Yura wanted to say, so he raised his head proudly and accepted the blue-haired girl's words.
"That's probably the way nobles speak. Next, there is the most important manner among nobles..."
As if thinking of the bad memories, Youla's amber pupils dimmed for a moment, and then returned to her calm demeanor.
When the golden sunlight fell from the distant western sky into the lake again, she closed her eyes, raised her shoulders, stepped lightly, and her pale silver heels drew an arc of light.
The shoulders and arms are raised, like holding up an ice flower, blooming quietly. The fit-fitting knight's dress makes the graceful figure appear extremely elegant.
The dance steps are spinning, powerful and rhythmic. Yola's expression is dignified, and her indifferent eyes reveal an indescribable dignity, just like the aristocratic soul frozen in an ancient oil painting reviving and dancing gracefully.
She raised her neck high, like a flawless white swan flying out of the bushes by the lake.
"Miss Yola...so...noble..."
Paimon opened his eyes wide. On the way out of Mondstadt, Yora told Paimon a lot about the etiquette of talking to nobles. Paimon only felt that Yora next to him was a bit talkative but very good.
A considerate person.
Until now...
By the lake, Yola put her feet together and opened her eyes. The sunshine at that moment was destined to be dim.
The next moment, the dance steps under her feet changed again, like the legendary blade that cut off all the shackles of the world. It opened and closed, fast and cold, like the cold wind coming from the sky, and like the ice and snow coming towards the face. In addition to the rituals, there is also the fierceness of the battle.
Youla's posture stretched out, her eyes closed and her head raised. The ripples on the lake surface spread out in circles behind her. The swans swimming in the water leisurely stretched their wings, and the afterglow still fell quietly in the center of the lake.
"How about it? This is the pride of the Lawrence family, the ritual dance. Have you learned a little bit about it?"
The sound of thawing ice springs sounded in Ying's ears. Yora wiped the sweat on her forehead and asked softly.
A sparrow flew to the shallow puddle in Fengqi Ground and splashed a few drops of water on itself. Ants crawled out of the intricate nest and stopped next to the fallen bottle, licking a little sweet drink that flowed out.
Paimon was still immersed in Yula's dance, but Ying immediately reacted.
"I am happy to listen to your teachings, dear Miss Youli."
Ying stood up slowly and awkwardly curtsied.
"I learn very quickly, and I can already apply what I have learned."
Youli took off her hairband, and her elegant short hair spread out, reflecting the golden light of the sun like satin, and even jumped a few times on her shoulders mischievously.
Like a light elf, she took steps forward, turned around charmingly, and stretched out her hand to Ying: "Would you like to dance with me?"
Leaning forward, Youla sent an invitation to the opponent with complicated eyes.
"Of course."
Ying gently held Yula's soft and warm little hand, brought it to the top of her head, and started the swirling dance of waves.
Two long figures danced gracefully under the sunlight, but only occasional unharmonious shouts were heard.
"Yeah... you stepped on my foot! It hurts so much. Hum, I will remember this grudge!"
"Ouch! You pinched my hand so much that it hurts! Have you forgotten the etiquette from before? Be gentle to ladies! I will also remember this grudge!"
Ying was clumsily led by Yura to dance. Ying, who originally had coordinated steps, should have learned this dance quickly, but Yura's palms were soft and she had a seductive expression in her seriousness, which made her unable to concentrate.
, Paimon was so anxious that he kept giving guidance in the air.
Following Paimon's voice, Ying's steps became more and more chaotic.
"Don't worry, this is a very simple ritual dance, just the first chapter."
Youra's gentle voice sounded in Ying's ears.
"Imagine yourself as a wave, moving in the tide of the sea, and that's it."
As Yula explained, Ying's pace became more and more coordinated, and her demeanor gradually became more elegant.
Ying met Youla's pupils, but found a red, energetic figure in her eyes.