Rin
The giant meeting hall doors shut with a resounding thud. Back in the Western foyer of the estate, the halls were once again bustling with activity. I stepped off to the side to avoid two servants pushing a cart as they rushed past and into the meeting hall, which Assistant Chiron had just closed the doors to.
His… substitute?
Scattered thoughts wandered sporadically in my head.
Being his… son?
I couldn't understand him at all. What does Lord Elgin gain from this?
"Hungry? Disciple Rin." Assistant Chiron walked up to me with a smile, disrupting my daze.
Pausing momentarily to get my thoughts back in line. "Absolutely!" I responded with a jingle in my voice.
"I'm sure you remember where the dining room is?"
"Even if I didn't, I'm sure my need for food would guide me there naturally."
He waved his arm forward, gesturing for us to begin walking. We crossed to the far side of the foyer and made our way down the South Main Hall. Catching the sweet scent of food as we passed the kitchen, my mouth began to water. I have never smelled something so delicious before. The aroma itself only added to my hunger. Like the empty pit in my stomach became deeper upon my body realising it could eat soon, making as much space as possible for the meal to come. I tried to peek through the kitchen doors, but no one was walking in or out.
"You're drooling, young Disciple."
"Ah?" I look at Assistant Chiron foolishly, wiping my mouth. "Sorry."
As the dining room is only one door down from the kitchen, Assistant Chiron immediately sped up to move from beside me to in front. Opening the door to the dining room, he welcomed me with a bow. Instead of heading in, I stopped right in front of him and waited until he rose from his bow. "Assistant Chiron, when you are with me, you have no obligation to open my doors. I am quite capable myself."
"Disciple Rin, while I understand and appreciate your courtesy, my job is a simple one. To serve the Grimwald family. And as I am sure you are aware, you are now part of this family. I take pride in my work and the effort I put in. I'd appreciate it if you would allow me to perform my duties to the level expected of my position."
A servant who takes pride. For some reason, it sounds like a rare thing to find. To me, the position of servant always seemed tedious.
Giving the most elegant bow I could manage. "As you wish, Sir Chiron." Rising, taking a step towards the door. "Thank you."
"Now go enjoy a lovely meal… with your family." He said with a smile wider than usual.
Turning and looking into the dining room, I was met with my… 'family' sitting at the table.
I seemed to have interrupted a conversation, as they all went awkwardly silent as I stepped inside.
Placed at the large dining room table, Lady Phia was seated at the head of the far end, Asher was to her right along the side of the table, Lavinia was facing him, to her mother's left, with Leo right of Asher. With the only spot near any of them, next to Lavinia.
They all looked in my direction upon my entry, all holding my gaze. Aside from Lavinia, who looked away immediately with a scoff.
Her short, golden blond hair twirling as she quickly turned her head. Before gracefully curtaining down over the side of her face down to her chin, blocking her profile. Changed out of her school clothes, she was wearing a hoodless, thin, light beige trench coat. With a tailor-made, long-sleeved linen jumpsuit underneath. It has the recognisable house frost pattern over the chest, but in gold, curling up in a turtle neck, completing the jumpsuit.
"Rin, ma boy!" Asher called out, standing up and making his way toward me. He was wearing a simple light blue laced shirt in the house's colour.
Lady Phia stood as well, not moving from her spot, but gave a slight bow. "It is nice to finally meet you. Asher has been telling us much about you."
She was a beautiful middle-aged woman, even though she didn't look her age. Her wavy, deep black hair was parted to the sides of her head, keeping clear vision in the front. Her hair contrasted with her pale white skin. She may have been in a bow, but her dark black eyes were fully trained on me, piercing me with analytical focus. Her flowing black dress swayed slightly upon her ascent, its edges emitting a slight ethereal black smoke. Almost like the dress wasn't real, but a phantasm. Nearly too faint to see.
"Lady Phia," I responded to her bow with one of my own. "Thank you again for taking me in."
"Of course, it's the…"
"Oh, nonsense. It was time they finally did some damn charity!" Asher spoke over Lady Phia. Upon reaching me, he pulled me straight up from my bow and placed a hand on my shoulder. "I'm glad yu're finally here. Must'a been a pain dealing with ma brother and Sir Log over there." He looked at Sir Chiron, giving him a wink. "Why don't'cha have a seat ma boy." Practically pushing me in the direction of the table.
As I went to take a seat beside Leo, Lady Phia sat back down, gesturing at the chair next to Lavinia. Quickly changing course toward the right side of the table, trying to make it look natural, I pulled the chair back before taking a seat next to Lavinia. My bottom was comfortably welcomed by the chair with open arms, or cushions. I guess.
Lavinia shifted uncomfortably in her seat, creating as much distance between us as possible. Leo sat in a more relaxed position, leaning back in his chair. His hands up supporting his head. The large sleeves of his light blue robe draped down his arms. He glanced at us with a strange look before getting distracted by an obnoxious laugh from Asher and Sir Chiron.
Looking at the two of them, it was apparent that they were close friends. Asher, in a fit of laughter, was roughly slapping Sir Chiron's back. They quickly caught up before Sir Chiron retired into the kitchen, and Asher made his way back to the table.
"Asher and Sir Chiron have been friends for decades. They used to instruct the most promising soldiers in the Royal Guard together." Lady Phia said, prompting me to look at her.
Lavinia must have been looking at the two as well, because as soon as I turned my head, her hair fluttered in a spiral. Indicating that she quickly turned away.
"Aye. Though that ol goat don't know when to quit trainin' others, apparently." Asher said, looking at me. Sitting back down. "Though those years were truly an excitin' time. Nothin' better than screamin' orders at frightened men act'n like little girls." He laughed to himself.
"Sir Chiron, I understand because of his age. But why did you stop? And move to the Middle District?" I questioned.
Some awkward glances were tossed between Leo and Lady Phia. Lavinia shot me a hateful look, while Asher just looked down at the cutlery in front of him.
"It was during the Long Night, a long time a…"
"You don't have to, Asher. We all understand how difficult that time was… for everyone" Lady Phia spoke softly, giving Asher a comforting look.
"Have you never heard of the Dark Long Night?!" Lavinia yelled at me. Meeting my eyes for the first time.
Her face was now in full view. Her straight hair parted away from her eyes, just like the rest of the family. Her glowing hazel eyes pulsated in irritation, exemplified by her scrunching eyebrows, their light colour blending in with her skin. Her peachy cheeks were an amplified red from her blood-rushing annoyance.
"Sure, the most detrimental battle against the Shadow Beasts years ago. During the yearly Long Night Eclipse. It was long before I was born, though."
"You are unbel…!"
"Another time, Rin. Another time, and I'll share everythin'." Asher said, looking right into me. With a look of defeat on his face, I've never seen before.
The room was silent for a while, no one seemed to have the heart to speak up. Everyone was apprehensive. With nothing more to talk about, most wanted to stay silent until the food came. Lavinia stared at me for a long time after her outburst, before remembering that she was trying to prove a point of indifference to me.
Leo looked at us more curiously than before. After being silent this whole time, I guess he was antsy to say something, "What's going on between you two? You just met."
"Nothing!" Lavinia immediately spat out.
"Oh, honey. I know how you're feeling, but try to see the best of this arrangement." Lady Phia reassured her.
"The best?! What best could come out of this? I don't know him." She said, pointing at me. "I don't care about him, and I do not aspire to!"
"What in the Monarchs are you talking about?" Leo and Asher said at the same time.
Lavinia crouched in her chair, trying to make herself as small as possible. Lady Phia palmed her face and shook her head.
"Your father… is arranging Nia and Rin, while training here — for public image — to… marry."
Leo and Asher's faces turned from confusion to sober immediately. Looking between me, Lavinia, Lady Phia, and finally, themselves.
Asher spoke first. "What in the Monarch's ass is my brother thinkin'?"
"I'm sure my husband has a good reason, if only you give him the chance to explain."
"I don't think father has any ill intentions, Lavinia." Leo said.
"What's your take on all this?" Asher jumped in softly.
Lavinia tried to remain calm, her efforts clearly showing, but slowly faltering. "My… my take? I-I think father, regardless of his intentions, has no right to-"
Just as she tried to speak her mind, Sir Chiron and some servants came out with the food. Everyone at the table looked over with grim faces. Sir Chiron took one look, taking in the situation, before begrudgingly bringing in the cart of food.
Servants quickly circled the table, while Sir Chiron stood at the room's edge, by the hall entrance door. Plates of food were placed down in front of us with practiced ease before they retreated into the kitchen, leaving us to our meal.
The plate carried more food than any meal I would see at home. My mouth began to water yet again at the sight. My thoughts went to my mother and sister. I could only hope that Mom would treat themselves to some more food with the pouch of zen I gave her.
It was only a simple breakfast, but the quantity of food would make one think it was a holiday meal. Rich, soft loaves of bread, pre-cut, were placed in the center for us all to grab. With a dish of butter off to the side.
Breaded butter. I always cherished it. My mother would get some every holiday and special event back home. It hurt our savings, but she loves treating us.
Without second glances at my plate of food, I immediately grabbed a few slices of bread and the dish of butter. The butter easily parted against the knife and spread across the bread in a smooth glide.
I took my first bite in honor of my family. This counts as a special event. Does it not?
My plate was loaded with an array of diced vegetables, some of which I had never seen before. Greens, yellows, and oranges brightened the plate with their vibrant colour. Two fried eggs were caked over some kind of meat, I was told was called 'ham'.
The last part of the meal was a nutrient-heavy soup, with more vegetables, meats, and carbs.
Everyone took a few bites of the food, enjoying the meal, before Asher spoke up. "What was it you were goin' to say, Lavinia? Before you got interrupted."
Lavinia still had a gloomy look on her face, playing with the peas on her plate. "Huh?" She said, looking up from her food. "Oh. I was just going to say that… I think… father is too absorbed in the family's image."
The others were quiet, but it was obvious Asher and Lady Phia silently agreed. Leo had a look that screamed 'What's wrong with that?'.
"What's wrong with th-?" Leo got cut off.
"I think your father… is just giving you an opportunity. While I do believe this might be a bit exaggerated. He wants to know that you care about the family's design. Its goals." Lady Phia said. Reaching over the table and lightly grasping Lavinia's hand.
Lavinia responded, futilely speaking lower so as not to be overheard, "I don't like it, but… what should I do?"
Lady Phia leaned closer, doing a better job of keeping quiet, "Try… nice…"
Leo gave a knowing smirk, likely using his Will to hear the exchange.
They slowly leaned away from each other, Lady Phia giving Lavinia a warm smile. They both glanced at me, sending slight shivers down my spine, before Lavinia shifted closer in her chair and fully turned to me.
Keeping her gaze just below my eyes, she spoke in a strained, gentle tone, "R-Rin… do you mind passing the plate of bread and dish of butter? Please."
Trying to reciprocate her nice change of attitude, I went along with it. "Sure." Reaching for what she asked for, I brought the dishes closer to her.
"Thanks." She said, quiet as a mouse.
The rest of the breakfast was uneventful, aside from the incredible food. There wasn't much talking. Everyone seemed to want to eat as swiftly as possible to return to their duties.
By the end, servants had come and gone, retrieving all the leftover dishes, and I was left alone in the large dining room.
Leo had gone back to his room, continuing his hobby of music. Lady Phia went to check up on Lord Elgin, Lavinia left for the living room, and Asher left the estate entirely. Planning to take a few days to check on the cafe and ensure it's in good hands for his extended absence.
With nothing to do and nobody bothering to care about what I was doing, I decided to check out the only room I hadn't seen yet, the library. I was very curious about what would be available with such a large portion of the house designated to books.