As I headed to the dining room, I saw Father at the top of the stairs.
Viktor: "Good morning, Father."
Father: "Ah, Viktor, I'm surprised to see you up so early. How are you feeling?"
Viktor: "I'm fine, sir."
Father: "Good to hear. You've been reading a lot about history recently. It makes me proud to see the heir to the Kernes family already taking such an interest in books. And at such a young age—you're already reading! That shows how talented you are."
Viktor: "If only you knew. It took me two whole years to learn this world's difficult language! You have no idea how much I suffered." Out loud, I replied, "Oh, please don't praise me, Father. I've only read a few books in the library, nothing special. Besides, reading isn't hard—I could already read when I was three in my past life."
Father: "Well, let's get to the dining room before your mother starts scolding us."
We made our way down the stairs and joined Mother and Elizabeth in the dining hall.
After greeting each other, we took our seats, and the meal was served. The butler emerged from the kitchen, expertly balancing trays and pushing a cart loaded with plates and bowls. With the help of a few maids, he arranged everything on the table, bowed slightly, and swiftly returned to the kitchen.
Mother chuckled softly before speaking.
Mother: "I do like that man… he behaves in the funniest, most peculiar ways." She continued to laugh to herself.
Father: "Yes, I've grown quite fond of him too. If I recall correctly, he used to work as a bartender—until an incident occurred one night. A disagreement with a customer escalated, and the customer ended up firing a weapon in the bar, which led to a fire. The whole place was lost."
Mother: "How dreadful!"
Father: "Indeed. I used to be one of his regular patrons and appreciated his service. So, after the incident, I paid him a visit and offered him the butler position here, which he accepted. And now, he's become part of the household."
Elizabeth: "Father, you really are so kind."
Mother: "Is something wrong, Viktor? You're unusually quiet today."
Viktor: "I'm fine, Mother." As if I'm not always this quiet.
Father: "By the way, your mother and I will be leaving for a business trip later today."
Elizabeth: "You're going to the Vamp Festival, aren't you?"
Father: "Yes, how did you know?"
Elizabeth: "Just a guess."
Father: "The journey will take three days. I only hope we arrive in time."
Elizabeth: "Three days!? But my baptism ceremony is tomorrow… do you really have to go?"
Mother: "Elizabeth, we know it's tomorrow, but our attendance at the festival is important for upholding the Kernes family name."
Elizabeth: "But… isn't my baptism just as important?"
Mother: "Oh, honey, it certainly is. But we don't have the time, and besides, your brother will be here. Everything will be fine."
Elizabeth, visibly holding back tears, eventually resigned herself to Mother's decision, saying no more.