𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟓: 𝐋𝐞𝐭’𝐬 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫
In the evening, I assisted in the kitchen with the preparation of the Marchioness’ dinner.
The starter was pheasant pie, followed by carrot potage, stuffed mushrooms, a fish main of trout with butter sauce, and a meat dish of steamed chicken and vegetables. For dessert, there was sweet wine-stewed pear and crème caramel—a feast that made one wonder if a dinner party was about to commence.
Given that breakfast and lunch are typically light meals, I suppose dinner is where one would indulge.
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The cook, Tony, apparently hails from the culinary kingdom of Frandeen.
His vibrant plating was truly an art.
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“Goodness, thanks to Mrs. Dosa’s assistance today, things went much smoother.”
“I’m glad I could help.”
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It seems that everyone eats the same dinner menu as per the Marchioness’ instructions.
There were servings for Florenci and me, which was greatly appreciated.
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As I was plating the food, an energetic girl came bounding in.
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“Is Mrs. Dosa here?”
“Yes?”
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The girl with the carrot-colored hair tied in pigtails was the chatty maid, Rosa.
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“What can I do for you?”
“I have a message from the Marchioness. She would like to have dinner with Mrs. Dosa, so please prepare three servings and bring them to the dining room!”
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The three servings are for the Marchioness, me, and Florenci.
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“So, you’re saying that my son and I will be dining with the Marchioness?”
“Seems like it. The last time the Marchioness, who’s not fond of people, suggested dining together was with the late Irma-ojousama.”
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After saying that, Rosa covered her mouth with both hands.
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“Ah, um, please pretend you didn’t hear what I just said.”
“Yes, I will do so.”
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Even Leon, who’s a regular tea drinker, has never been invited to dinner.
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“Mrs. Dosa, how did you manage to break through the fortress-like defenses of the Marchioness?”
“It seems she took a liking not to me, but to my son.”
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Her heart was touched by the sight of him studying so diligently.
Florenci ended up spending from morning until evening with the Marchioness.
When I asked if he was being troubled, he just shook his head, indicating there was no problem.
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“This is a good trend. Ever since Irma-ojousama passed away, the Marchioness has seemed so lonely that it’s been painful to see—oh!”
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Once again, Rosa covered her mouth with her hand.
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“Uh, sorry. I was strictly told by Lloyd not to mention Irma-ojousama, but I inadvertently did.”
“You don’t need to worry. I won’t say a word.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Dosa.”
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I couldn’t help but marvel at how Rosa had managed to avoid making any blunders in front of the Marchioness until now.
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“Ah, your son is already waiting in the dining room. We’ll take care of the plating and serving.”
“Thank you.”
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With her reassurance, I head to the dining room.
As I walk down the hall, I hear cheerful voices.
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“So, you came all the way here on a big ship?”
“Oh, really? That sounds like quite an adventure.”
“Yes!”
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The ones chatting were Florenci and the Marchioness.
Surprisingly, the Marchioness was smiling cheerfully.
It was remarkable that Florenci could soften the demeanor of the Marchioness, who’s said to dislike people and keep them at bay.
My little brother Florenci is such a formidable child!
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“Ah, Okaa-san!”
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With a smile like an angel’s, Florenci ran towards me.
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“The Marchioness invited Okaa-san and me to have dinner.”
“Yes.”
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When I expressed my gratitude to the Marchioness again, she told me that there was no need to thank her for such a thing.
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The tall man with his bangs swept back—the butler Lloyd, approached and pulled out a chair for me.
I was slightly bewildered by this treatment, almost as if I were a guest, as I sat down.
Even though we are both servants, I couldn’t help but wonder if he was annoyed at the different treatment. I glanced at Lloyd, but he seemed unperturbed.
He must be the type whose thoughts cannot be guessed from his expression.
As these thoughts were crossing my mind, the food was brought in.
The one pushing the cart loaded with meals was Annie, a quiet maid.
The food I had helped to prepare was served.
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“Lara, Tony’s cooking is really delicious. Please enjoy without restraint.”
“Yes, thank you.”
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Expressing gratitude for the ingredients, I savored the meal.
It was my first time tasting the cuisine of the Flandeene Kingdom, but every dish was tastefully seasoned and quite delicious.
As I ate, the Marchioness watched with a faint smile.
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“Ren, you handle cutlery very well.”
“Yes! My Okaa-san taught me.”
“That’s good, you’re a good child.”
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To ensure that Florenci would never be an embarrassment anywhere, he had been trained in the minimum etiquette necessary in noble society.
Although there were times when he was strictly instructed, seeing Florenci so happy to be praised reassured me that my decisions back then were not wrong.
ㅤ
Thanks to Florenci, the dining hall was filled with a pleasant atmosphere.
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