My head kept recalling the thick stone wall that broke down so easily.
I slowly stood, faced this Hotaru person and lowered my head.
"Thank you for saving me, I thought you'd be hungry after your long trip and cooked you something, I hope that while you discuss things with Father, you will find it satisfactory." I make sure to throw out Father's name, so I could excuse myself from the situation and find something else to cook.
No doubt they'd be changing rooms after this.
As I lifted my head, the guy from the Nomura clan complained.
"We were not fed when we arrived, this difference in treatment is outrageous!" He glared at me, his anger was misplaced.
"H-how can that be? Every new resident that comes here is always fed at the cafeteria…"
"Why does he get to eat such foods when we have to go to a common place, why is he given such preferential treatment?!" That person was in my face yelling while pointing at Hotaru who was cleaning out his ear with his finger.
Brother watched on expressionless as usual. So he was alright with someone yelling at me but not harming me I see. Or perhaps he finds I deserve this treatment after calling him and his people vagabonds?
"A-as I said earlier, he saved my life. Thus I thought it only appropriate to show my appreciation for his efforts… I'm sure Sir Hotaru would be willing to share if you ask nicely, now if you'll please excuse me." I quickly said my piece, dipped my head and backed away.
The child from the Nomura clan was glaring at Hotaru so it seemed my hope to sic him back onto him worked.
I quickly retreated with my maids, closing the door shut without bothering to make any eye contact.
As I walked a good distance away, a huge relief escaped me. I cleaned up and de-splintered with the maids, my dress had been stabbed so I had to borrow a uniform from one of them.
My relief didn't live long.
Father wanted me to attend the dinner, I planned for maids to hand over my gifts but Father said that it would be insincere and said I should remain present to personally do so.
Man, fuck these people. What happened to chivalry?
I was glum, but thankfully the entire time consisted of Father talking, Hotaru and the boy from the Nomura clan(, I learned his name was "Asahi" he was the last living son of the head of the Nomura clan) were both stuffing their faces.
Thankfully whenever they asked for refills and seconds, I was more than happy to oblige as it gave me an excuse to leave the room.
As Father wrapped up the talk about how grateful he was as the guys finished eating, the maids offered them bowls to wash their hands in and tea to rinse their mouths.
Asahi understood but Hotaru made a weird face and followed Asahi's movements. Flicking his hands roughly with a look of deep loathing.
To be honest, I didn't think he would allow Asahi to partake in his feast, he's more generous then he seems. Or perhaps...petty?
Father suddenly turned to me, his face exasperated as the two hadn't said any words aside from asking for seconds. "Ah, that's right. Himiko, you personally prepared something for Sir Hotaru, I heard."
Don't act as if this is the first time you're hearing it when you're the one who told me to do this.
Asahi looked annoyed. "There's more?"
Everyone's eyes were on me and I swallowed.
"Ah, yes, of course it is still nothing compared to Sir saving my life, but I thought it was only right that I do something…"
"I'm sure he enjoyed the dinner very much, Himiko." My Uncle Jiro who was also present, had been making faces the entire time watching Hotaru and he seemed to want to persuade me not to bother doing anything more. Instead he shifted his attention to his eyepiece that misted as he tried to eat the steaming food.
I'd also like to do nothing more. I want to go back to my room, bathe, wash my hair and sleep. Forget the experience, by studying runes and Grandma's techniques.
Still I took hold of my first item. Having to walk all the way over to him instead of handing it to a maid made me feel awkward, like I was called out in class by the teacher.
I made sure to keep my head low.
"It is a cloak to keep you warm,"
Hotaru stared at the cloak without touching it.