I sat across from Dante and William in my usual spot. As I waited for the food to arrive, I couldn't help but smile. It's not like I was happy or anything. In fact, I'm very irritated. One reason being the two idiots standing off to the side that I saw earlier talking about poisoning the two children in front of me.
William looked at me with concern, "Seri. Are you alright?"
I turned to him still smiling, "Of course I am. Why do you ask?"
"Well... Your smile is a bit unnerving."
Dante nodded in agreement.
I chuckled, "I'm just really excited for dinner today."
Dante spoke, "You don't look excited."
"Oh? But I'm smiling."
William mumbled, "Is that a smile?"
At that moment, three servants walked out carrying our trays. As they put each one in front of us I carefully looked at them. They don't look poisoned. But, I guess that's what makes poison so effective. *sniff sniff* They don't smell poisoned.
"Did you just sniff our food?" William said in a disgusted tone.
Hmm. Well. I suppose if William had a few bites he would just get sick and live. Maybe I should let him have a few bites.... NO. This is about another challenging my turf. I won't let anyone do anything without my permission.
Before William and Dante could take a bite, I grabbed my plate and slammed it against the ground. It landed at the feet of the maid I saw earlier under the tree. Everyone jumped at the sudden sound.
Lona shouted at me, "What has gotten into you?"
I stood up abruptly, "I just remembered something." I grabbed Dante and William's plates.
William shouted, "Oi! What are you doing?"
I smiled at him, "I just noticed a slight imperfection. That's no good right?"
"Since when have you cared if the food isn't perfect?"
"Since today. Now don't worry your pretty little head William. You two just sit there like the good boys you are."
I took the plates and walked into the room I noticed the cooks always walk out of. I looked around the kitchen at the cooks standing and staring in surprise. They had never seen a guest come in before. Although, they knew it was never a good thing.
Luckily, I had worked as a waitress in my college days. Because of that, I knew everyone's position immediately.
I smiled at the head chef, "Is everyone in here that helped prepare the dinner tonight?"
He blinked in worry, "Yes miss."
"Great. Now everyone come over to me."
They all followed my instruction. I sat the two plates down in front of me on a counter. I carefully observed everyone's face.
"These two meals were made for William and Dante. They look quite tasty. Don't they? Well. I'm afraid there's something wrong with them."
The head chef looked concerned, "What's wrong with it, Miss?"
"All in due time, sir. Now. I would like each of you to take a bite and tell me what's wrong with it."
I paused to survey everyone's face. Most everyone looked confused and concerned. But two individuals hesitated at my command. I smiled. Gotcha.
"I changed my mind. You two." I pointed them out, "Come here."
They walked over while still doing a good job at hiding their guilt. Unfortunately for them, I had earned a degree in criminal psychology and could spot micro emotions very easily.
"Good. Now I want you to each eat an entire plate."
The shorter one spoke, "Young miss. I'm not sure what this is about, but-"
"Ah ah ah!" I shook my finger at him, "Don't question me. Just do what I asked."
The other spoke, "It would be improper for us to do this, Miss. These plates are for Prince William and Dante."
I glared, "Are you saying no to my direct order? Perhaps I should call Queen Luna and tell her just how rude you two are to her guest. Or perhaps I should just tell her the issue I have with this meal." I took a deep breath and returned to smiling, "Now. What's it going to be?"
They hesitated. Of course they didn't want to eat poison and die. These yellow bellied pricks.
I looked at them feigning innocence, "Just out of curiosity. What's the punishment for an attempted assassination against a member of the Royal family?"
They both swallowed hard. From what I understand, treason is treated quite cruelly here. Anyone in the family of the one accused of it, will be tortured and eventually killed. It's a bit too cruel.
"We will eat it."
"Good." I watched them slowly eat the plate extremely afraid for what would come next. I clapped my hands, "Hurry up. I don't have all day."
They quickly finished their plates looking as if they were about to cry. That's right, you b*tches. This is my turf. Mine.
The head chef spoke, "Young Miss. Can you please explain to me what this is about?"
I turned to him, "I expect you will figure it out soon. Just keep these two under your supervision. I won't let Queen Luna know what happened so please solve this in any way you'd like. I know if she were to find out, these two wouldn't be the only two in trouble. Next time, just be more careful about who you hire."
The head chef stared at me with wide eyes finally realizing what was happening. He looked as if he would faint.
"I will make sure they are properly disciplined."
"Good. And, don't let Queen Luna know that I pointed it out. Tell her you did it yourself. I imagine that will look good for you."
I left him after that and returned back to the dining room. I noticed William and Dante about to walk into the kitchen. I pushed them back into their seats.
"Didn't I say to sit like good boys? Bad. Bad boys."
William frowned, "Don't talk to us like we are dogs."
I tapped his shoulder, "But you are dogs."
"Hey!"
Dante interrupted, "Just what is going on?"
"Like I said earlier, don't worry your pretty little head. I'm almost finished."
I then approached the two in question who had been chatting under the tree. I could see the girl shaking slightly.
I took her hand, "There there. No need to be so scared. I just had a pleasant conversation with your two friends in the kitchen."
She instantly dropped to her knees, "Please forgive me! I didn't mean for this to happen! Please have mercy!"
The man also dropped to his knees and joined her in begging.
"Please! It was all my idea. She didn't have anything to do with it. Please have mercy."
I chuckled. I bent down and whispered into their ears.
"Mercy? That's funny coming from someone who intended on blaming me for their crime. I bet you're wondering how exactly I figured out your plot. Well, just know I am paying someone very powerful in the red light district for protection. Perhaps you've heard of The Black Death?"
I heard them gulp. D*mn. Does my made up character really have that much influence? I just stole the name from something that I recalled in my past world. I didn't think it would become this popular.
"That's what I thought. Now, I imagine you will be getting a visit from him later. So make sure to let your friends know not to mess with me or those two idiots at the table. They belong to me. Understand?"
They nodded.
I patted them , "Good. Honestly, if you want revenge against a King, just go kill him. Don't be a coward who tries to hurt a child."
I left the two still shaking. I crossed my arms and sat down still pissed off.
William looked at me, "Are you going to tell us what's going on?"
I sighed, "Nope."
He frowned, "Well what are we going to eat now?"
Well not poison, that's for sure.
"I'm not hungry."
He stared at me slack jawed, "You?! You're not hungry? Now I know something is wrong."
I smiled at him, "You said that to be a good knight I should practice fasting. Isn't that right Dante?"
"Yes. Many practice fasting as part of their training."
"See? So today we are going to practice fasting."
William pouted, "But I'm not training to be a knight."
"I'm sure you could use it though."
"Oi! What's that supposed to mean?!"
I stretched ignoring him, "Well. I suppose it's time for me to go."
They followed me and said goodbye. Dante looked like he wanted to ask me something, but didn't.
I am too exhausted to deal with this anymore. I didn't think threatening people would be so tiring.
Once we got in the carriage, I laid down onto Lona's lap. She stroked my hair. I closed my eyes feeling relaxed.
"Are you going to tell me what happened? I've never seen you act that way before."
I sighed, "It's nothing really. Just know that your master protected everyone."
She chuckled, "My master did? Well, she is pretty smart so I wouldn't doubt that."
"D*mn right I am."
"Too bad she is such a vulgar girl."
Can't argue with that.
As William and Dante watched the carriage leave, they couldn't help but feel like something important just happened.
William spoke to Dante while still staring at the carriage in the distance, "Do you know what happened?"
"No."
"Are you going to find out?"
"Definitely."