"Huh?" Aran let out a shrill reaction from her mother's remark after that glare.
"Sorry, Mother is quite the talk breaker here. She's too hungry to entertain the guest." Mahrisse scoots over to Aran in order to fill him up with some information about her weird take-over with him.
"I see..." He responded.
"Well then, we should continue our talking on the table, shall we, Mr. Aran?" Duke Frederick took the lead and invited Aran for their dinner.
"Yes, His Grace." He bowed in front of him.
The family of Silvestre is so rich that all of their food is a combination of a dazzling feast inhibiting such different kinds of flavors every day, prepared by multiple maids, cooks, and other good butlers who are professional in handling all kinds of household chores. Their table is also fancy, seeing that they are very neat and clean and the chairs are arranged in an order that is likely to be normal in their house.
Upon entering the second half, in the nearest room, is where the dining table is located. Its shape is similarly conditioned to an oblate spheroid kind and it is huge. The table mat is alluring in any direction you see. The designs are controversial for their style but then it is prominent for rich families like this to have such a cryptic design of a covering pad that is served well for their eating.
"Woah, even this room is much more organized than our academy's cafeteria." Aran couldn't help himself but feel indulged and attracted by several spots in which it has many furniture to offer. Among all of those were vases that are made from gems and some spots for pieces of jewelry. But the most attractive and sparkling of all is that idea that the chandelier does have some kind of frosting fractals all around that hang the lamp with the illumination of orange lighting. Setting up the correct mood for every noble that comes or visits this place.
"I am glad that you like our household, It took me several years to form this kind of construction." Duke Frederick made his walking slowly to par with Aran as he gratefully accepted the commendation from him.
"Is this the fruit of all of your hard work for your territory?" Aran asked.
"You could say that, but they are mostly coming from our people." He responded with a vague answer.
"People?"
"In this place, rankings and territories or even leaderships are nothing but a sham in our nature. We don't discriminate against each other and everyone is equally contributed for the sake of their survivability. With that living, I have gained the trust of each and everyone in our place and managed to create a utopia wherein everyone should help each other as well. This mansion or palace didn't come from my own money but rather, they are built by my people for their regard and gratefulness. Did you know that we used to live in a small cabin?" He explained.
"Wait, but aren't you a noble? Why do you live in such a place?" Confused by his different aura, Aran raised another question.
"It is because I chose to become a normal noble who doesn't stand out in top. My father, my grandfather, my great grandfather and all of my other ancestors didn't quite like how the system portrays such inequality on the cycle of humanity in each generation. There are only quite a few nobles in this world left that are adequately humble to raise their people. Some of them are now the lord of these places but they abuse their power for their demanding concept. But we're not like that. Do you know why rebellions often happen on some occasions whenever there's a newly elected or inherited land?" He asked.
"It is because of the performance of the lord?" Aran answered.
"Precisely... The lord doesn't care for his people, and if that tolerates the rebellion, then it is most likely the most common reason why other nations don't prosper well enough to keep them stable. These fools acclaim their position and use it on different aspects and properties, shaming their people and punishing those who oppose them. We live in a world where the system directly puts us in such a lowly hierarchy phase. Honestly, it irritates me that I am receiving such an accusation that I am also a tyrant duke from other countries and nations. But these people, our people, they know the truth and that's how we kept our way of living until we eventually reached the higher level."
That's right, most people don't really respect others because of the hierarchy. Rankings are now important now that our world is modernized. And it serves as a stroke of bad luck for those who are born in the deepest part of this level. The higher level receives the first grand, while the lower level receives what seems to be the leftovers of their gift and knowledge.
The talk parted their ways and each and everyone came to their own seat on the large oblate dining table. Aran took the left side near the duke and on the opposite of him where the duchess is positioned near the duke as well. Near Aran's right side is where Mahrisse is seated and on the opposite of her is where Veronica while the last seat is where Lucia is seated.
I-I'm nervous, I didn't think I would run to her whole family. I only expected it to be with the Duke only. I need to remember my table manners and etiquette... Umm... let's see here, the fork and the knife should be in this place and the spoon has three different sizes and variants that are used on other plates... Aran took his sweet time to remember the rules and the manner that he should often display when eating with a noble family.
Thinking about the dinner, the maids came through the room as they were seated all together. This is followed by a rack of plates and cups with saucers on a moving tray, pushing all the way on the side of the table to place it down. The maids go over to the Duke's position first, handling him the first plate and all of the other tablewares. After serving him, they went through the duchess until they reached Mahrisse's seat and eventually came in last to serve Aran.
There are so many spoons and kinds of stuff, I don't know which one is used for which... This is more advanced than what I have learned yesterday... Even the saucers and the glassware is more than the usual.
Surprised by many unique tablewares, his mind went through a blank state, kneading him with such anxiety because he doesn't know how to use these tablewares at all. Meanwhile, staring at the others, he noticed that they have already prepped all of their things and is now waiting for the tray of food to come.
Up until now, I've only used my hands and some spoons to eat my food. But now here I am, staring at these things that I don't even know where to use them. I shouldn't embarrass Mahrisse! Damn it! Aran! Give it a thought, remember all of the rules and table manners you've learned! Remember it!
The overthinking and embarrassment made him vulnerable and ecstatic at the same time. He closed his eyes to focus, although he is sweating profusely because of his nerve, he still tried to determine the situation that he is in. On the quick take, the other maids have finally arrived in the room with another rack of the tray with different kinds of dishes on top of it, enclosed with a bowl of metallic ash letting the heat soaked, permeating on all edges of the whole dish.
Aran's nervousness went out of the blue as soon as he smelled the nice aroma of these dishes enveloping the entire room. The smell is so good that it is already patronized in his mind because he doesn't usually taste this kind of dish back in the capital.
IT SMELLS GOOD! he twitched in his place, suddenly letting out a drooling lip on a subtle note. His expression completely overturned all of his anxieties away.
As soon as they have finished serving all of the dishes, the maids returned to their stalling position outside the room and thus the dinner has started.
W-What should I do...? Umm... how do I get food? Should I ask Mahrissee? No no no no, I shouldn't bother her when she is eating, I should be able to take care of myself... this is just easy... I just need to grab something from that tray...
However, as soon as he stood up for an attempt, the tray landed on the farthest side of the table because all of them are switching places to get something. It was a completely organized linear distribution of the food. Aran was confused about how is he going to start eating without any direct instructions. Seeing how others move is not enough because he cannot imitate that very well.
He began to sweat again while wearing a weary and indistinct smile, putting up a tough facade on his top because he knows he cannot embarrass Mahrisse right now. While they are eating, Mahrisse suddenly noticed that Aran hasn't even touched his tablewares yet and he hasn't had any food on his plate.
"Aran...?" She called out to him but he doesn't hear her.
Damn it, at this point, I would get busted! I need to think of a reason... Or an excuse! I should've studied how to eat as well!
Mahrisse placed down her fork and knife to get a glance at how vulnerable Aran is.
Why is he not eating yet? Is he scared? Haha! He is so cute when he is panicking that much... She chuckled without a sound. Using the napkin on her side, she rubbed her lips in a formal manner and decided to open up in order to cover Aran's convenience.
"Father... Can we loosen up for a bit?" She asked. Everyone stopped their streak of eating and looked at her. Aran suddenly got that shock in front of him after realizing that Mahrisse began to talk.
Mahrisse...?
As Duke Frederick continued to survey the food around him, he got the message of her daughter indicating that Aran is not comfortable with their prominent table manners.
"I see, I take it that this is your first time?" He suddenly asked Aran.
"I-I apologize sincerely..." Aran bowed, guilty that his stupidness is reigning over him.
"Nonsense, just go eat however you like, young man." After answering his question, the Duchess Giselle Dadiani instructed Aran to eat however he likes.
"Eh? Um?" Aran was confused. A faint smile can be seen on other sisters as well.
"We're not in an important event or gatherings right now, Mr. Crossford. This is how we normally eat together. You don't have to adjust and do the same as we do. You can just eat freely however you'd like, or maybe mess it up, we don't really mind the table manners." Veronica filled him up with the information. After hearing those words, he finally loosens up the tension that has been bothering him for such a long time and finally got himself relieved.
"That's right, now go get your tummy filled up, young man. Just eat everything. Uh... Lucia, go fetch that tray and offer him some food!" Duchess Giselle instructed her.
"Yes, Mother." She responded, waving the tray on the left side on the opposite in order for Aran to get the food that he likes.
Phew! Aran leaned back and exhaled all of the tenses.
"M-Mahrisse... Thank you..."
"Haha! No worries... You're really not used to this kind of thing, huh?" She asked.
"Well, this is my first time on a noble house so..."
After a few minutes, he devoured all of the dishes he gets and everyone just silently watched him leech all of them.
"Oh my, a glutton..." Duchess Giselle remarked with a smile on her face, feeling happy that Aran finally got to eat.
"Thanks for the food! That was good!" He shouted in happiness as he slammed the cleaned plate on the table. Everyone just got surprised by his sudden liveliness.
"Eh?! Um... I am sorry!" Feeling that he messed up once again, the family of Silvestre laughed.
"Ehhh?" Aran leaned back and made a confused expression.
"You're really something, Aran Crossford. You have such a unique personality and you're pretty funny." Duke Frederick complimented his nature as he chuckled as well.
"T-Thank you so much, His Grace." Still feeling a bit drowsy and confused, Aran bowed down and made a forced smile in order to take up the compliment.
"Now then, everyone is finished eating. I would like to discuss you." And then there comes the time wherein after the food that you have taken, you will have to face such an unnerving challenge that will literally sap all of the food that you have taken and you will fall under the scrutiny of events. Needless to say, the part that he has to take their request and for all of the things that he has done, a mere dinner wouldn't really take for an account even if you are honored to be here with them.
Gulp! Aran straightened his body out and prepared himself.
"I will give my grateful thanks to you for saving our daughter..." At first Duke Frederick bowed in front of him.
"You are more than welcome, His Grace" Aran responded.
"Who knows what would've happened if you were not there to save everyone. I heard that you didn't only save my daughter but you actually defeated the criminal and saved the whole place. That was such a remarkable feat from a young man like you. Do you happen to be with someone on the League that teaches you all of your prowess and intrepid techniques?" He asked.
"Yes, His Grace. I am living with my Master Nash Sterling." Aran answered.
"Hoh, that Silver Knight, huh. Are you his offspring?"
"Just as I wanted to express that much, but no, I am not his son, His Grace."
"What do you mean?"
"I am adopted by Master Nash Sterling himself. Five years ago, my home village was ambushed by Wolves and killed my parents. I didn't have anyone or anywhere else to go. I was such a scared brat without any remarkable talents." He paused. Everyone was intrigued by his story, suggesting that they all lend their ears in order to pay heed to what he is saying.
"I am commoner, a villager from Moriville." Everyone gasped.
"Moriville... That tragedy five years ago, so you were a victim of that?" Duchess Giselle asked.
"Yes, Her Grace." Her expression seems to be timid and sad, frowning her mood to a certain degree of a deceased acquaintance.
"One of my fellow friends, her name is Cecilia, do you know her?" She asked.
"Yes, Her Grace. She is one of the most joyful people I've ever met. She often lends me her books and other knitting stuff for my father and helps me with my studies alongside my childhood friend. Um, pardon me, but why do you ask?"
"S-She's... Did she... Is she still alive?" Her trembling lips pardoned her static tone, it is really hard for her to take the result, whether or not she is still alive, she needs to let go of the past and rest easy on what's in the future.
"..." Aran was silent. There were no utter words coming out of his mouth, but his expression displays an amount of grievance lurking in his mind. He gripped his fist and slowly reverted his speech.
"Yes... She passed away after getting into the Sanitorium..." It was hard for him as well. Hearing the answer, Giselle optimally shed a tear from her eye. Duke Frederick stayed closer to her as she rubbed her head.
"I am really sorry about what happened, Aran, and... Giselle..." Duke Frederick replied.
"No, I am sorry, His Grace. You've wasted your time for some commoner like me..."
"Hmm? I didn't say anything about that..." Confused by the sudden change of topic, Duke Frederick responded with such confidence. "I already know from the start that you are not from here, Aran. You don't have to worry about you being a commoner and me, inviting you to such a luxurious place. Sure, you may have been stated on the lowest level of the rank, but for me, you are one of a kind and you are special. Just like what I have earlier, we don't discriminate." He explained.
"I-I apologize for jumping to a conclusion, His Grace. Forgive me for my rudeness." Aran bowed after messing up his timing of apologizing.
"No problem, I get that you are being humble right now. But then, you saved my daughter's life. And you should be getting more praises from other people, you know? You are the hero of that place yet they act as nothing happened. I am sure that you deserve more than this. And that is also the reason why I called you here..."
"Huh?"
"I'll have you know that this is not enough and it is the only thing that we can do to pay you for your great kindness, but I hope you do accept it." Duke Frederick brought up the topic of paying Aran.
"Umm..."
"So, if it is something that I can do, please let me know and I'll have it ready for you before you leave this place. I am not letting your heroic acts go to waste like what those people in the capital did." He followed.
"But umm... I don't really have anything to request, I think this dinner is more than–"
"Aran, it is okay. Just ask for anything that you will like. I am really thankful for you, you have saved dozens of life including me. If it weren't for you, I may have suffered grave injuries or even die. I couldn't help but feel weak and sad for my family." Mahrisse contemplated.
"If you want money, I will give you 300,000 golds..."
"300,000 GOLDS???!!" He scuffed in his seat.
"What? Is it not enough? 500,000 then!" Duke Frederick continued.
"No no no no no, that's more than what I have expected. Like umm... I was thinking about 10 gold or something." His modesty and humbleness are really irritating.
"What are you saying? Are you an idiot? Seriously, you're asking for that amount?" Lucia retaliated.
"N-No, I'm... I just think I couldn't have that much..."
"You can also have a share of space here in my territory, you know? Have a house, I will give you a lot, I will give you a mansion just like this one. Do you want maids? I will give you maids, anything that you need." He is still bribing him.
Oh my, that's a lot of things, I don't think I can handle that much while I am focusing on my careers. I should ask for something that can be useful for me and for the rest of the people... Let's see...
"Hmm, what else can I offer to you, you could also marry my daughter..."
And there you go, a sudden interval from himself wherein everyone is surprised with their silent yet powerful reaction deep inside their soul.
"F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-FATHER, WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?" Mahrisse stood up from her seat, feeling all red and flustered. Her expression is brimming with such a cute excuse, and it's really attractive. Her embarrassment is something to keep.
"KYAAA! Our sister is getting married!" Lucia's excitement glossed over the table.
"Aran, if you don't like Anne, you know you can just choose me..." Veronica seduced him with an option, she intentionally bounced her breast in front of him.
"W-Wha?" Feeling embarrassed but at the same time, he looks kinda pleased...
"A-Aran!" Mahrisse shoves Aran while pouting. Telling that her initial reaction is kinda contradicting how jealous she is of her older sister.
"I..."
"So what's your request, Aran? Just tell me... I actually wanted to recommend you to marry my daughter, just choose one of them and you can have some shares."
"F-Father! That's enough!" Again, she huffed getting full of these embarrassing subjects.
"Come on, Anne. Just tell us that you love him already..." Teased by Lucia she shifted her purring expression to her, still with a lurking shake in her own body followed by the faster rhythm of beat from her heart.
"T-That's not what I meant! W-We're still young! We don't have time for this kind of thing! A-And umm..." She paused.
"Hmmm?" Veronica mingled.
"I-I don't think... A-Aran likes me at all..." Her tone is kinda sad and shattered in a static streak but everyone can hear her muttering. Her chest is fluttering.
S-She's cute... Aran paused as well.
"What are you saying? I like you..."
"Huh?"
"Oh my..."
"Ara~"
"Gulp!"
With that words coming out of his mouth,
"O-Of course as a friend... Like I like how your personality is so nice and all, and you have a great–" A punch from Mahrisse came over to his face.
"Mm! I get how you feel!" Duke Frederick crossed his arms.
"Ow..." Aran dragged his body on the chair to get in place. "I-I'm so sorry..." He apologized.
"Hmph!" Mahrisse faced the opposite side from Aran.
Wah, a tsundere act coming from Mahrisse. Her slight change is what makes her cute though. It is not entirely a waste to get that side of her, displaying such different nature out of her compulsive maturity. Either way, he still got that punch because he friend-zoned her out of the blue.
"So what now, dear? You have so many things to request..." Duchess Giselle ended their pointless streak.
"U-Um... I am thinking about something that will work both for me and the other people. I don't want to waste a lot of this for myself only. I want to help the others as well so umm... I am thinking about... I want to upgrade my place at the capital or maybe somewhere outside that I can use for living." He said.
"Upgrade?" Duke Frederick asked.
"Yes, His Grace. I have my house stated on the side of the capital in which is called Farmland. It is not that big and the houses there are pretty much in poverty despite living at the first world rate. I want to be able to upgrade the land there so that many people can apply to be a worker or a farmer and have a place to stay. I want to build apartments on that place and extend the farming land for more profit." He explained.
"I see, so you intend to build an independent foundation and department for those who are poor and give them some chance to work under you and provide them someplace to stay for free, is that correct?" Duke Frederick stared seriously at him.
"Yes, His Grace..." Aran stood up and bowed in front of him. His expression was serious enough to convince him. Hearing his request, everyone got into silence, negotiating whether they approve his demand or now.
"Amazing..." Suddenly, Duchess Giselle clapped her hands while her eyes spark with joy.
"E-Eh?"
"Mmm, you really reek such a good personality. You're the finest embodiment of a humble person. I give the tip of my hat to you, Aran Crossford. You didn't let this chance go under your own belt, but you also used it for the sake of helping the poor bringing them all together, and giving them a chance. What a spectacular man you are..." Duke Frederick commended him.
"T-Thank you so much for your kindness, His Grace..." Aran did so as well.
"Aran..." Mahrisse was also applauded by various feelings, she knows that Aran is the only person who would do such things because his experience is far more elusive in the darkest depth than those others. The fact that he sacrificed himself, turned a lot of praise, and even used this advantage to help people, only shows that there are still people like this in the world and he is the evidence, a modicum of decency that surrounds a person.
"Very well, I accept your request, Aran Crossford. I have good acquaintances and co-workers inside the capital and Commander Henry and I are pretty much close as well so I will have him know." Duke Frederick smiled as he accepted his demand.
"Yes! Thank you very much!" Aran bowed.
"However... That fulfillment is not enough." He continued.
"Eh?" Aran raised his head.
"I will give you the 300,000 gold coins and I will let you decide on what to do with it. Alongside the upgrade of your land, and building a lot of foundation, these 300,000 gold coins can be used on other various things you can invest in. Whether it is up for business, or a marketplace, or maybe ingesting a lot or extending a donation, I want you to use this money for your sake and for yourself as well. Whatever you may do with it, I will respect it." He continued.
Aran was frozen in his place, not knowing what he should do with that amount of money. But then, it gradually came to him that he wants something to change. Bringing back the land, and helping tons of people, and investing in a self composing business, it is time to get back to work.
"Thank you so much, I will do my best to use this in such a good manner." He accepted.
"Haha! No problem... I am still sad that you didn't take my daughter's hand though..."
"FATHER!!!!!!!" Mahrisse squeaked.
"Hahahahahaha!" He chuckled.
"Now then, I think I have fun tonight..." Aran gets up.
"Me too, you're really admirable..." Duchess Giselle offered her commendation.
***
With that, the dinner ended peacefully with everyone getting full and having such a relived phase. Duke Frederick and his wife left the room and the other sisters also head on to their own rooms as well.
Outside the balcony of the mansion, is where Mahrisse has been taking her leisure time while making sure that the food she ate goes down properly. She gazed through the night sky into the beautiful luminosity of the moon, surrounded by several stars with oblique colors dimming with natural variation.
She was fixated, Aran took the chance and opened the glass door to see her.
"There you are... What are you doing here?" He asked.
"Hmm, nothing..." Her tone is so nonchalant at some point like it was directly holding a knife towards him.
Is she still mad about earlier? Should probably apologize again
Aran closed the glass door and walked towards her. The dazzling lunar lights opened up sight in front of him, brimming closely on the foundation of the whole territory. It was a beautiful sight to see and it is probably more relaxing than in the capital.
"Sorry about earlier... I didn't think you would get that upset..." He started to talk as he moved closer towards her right side.
"Hmm..." She gazed at him.
"I was just trying to cheer you up... like, I am not going to let anyone tell you that they hate you or something. And it is true that I like you anyway, you have such a unique personality." He followed as he rubbed his head while his eyes are averted from her.
"Well, you certainly did a bad job trying to cheer me up!" Mahrisse scoffed with a pout.
"I know I know... I am really sorry." Mahrisse cheered up and smiled, tickling him with such a feint of an act.
"Haha! You're also cute when you are upset!" She replied.
"Hahaha..."
"Hey, Aran..."
"Mmm?"
"Do you think about the future?"
"That came out of nowhere but umm... Yeah, sometimes I do, why do you ask?"
"Well, it is just that, I am kinda scared to think about what will happen to our world like... Let's say ten years from now, perhaps?"
"Why would you be scared with that?"
"It is just that... I couldn't help but feel unsafe about the coming future. We know that there are more Dhekaids lurking around the world and we are still not safe. I feel hopeless and somewhat iffy with my choices, and if it happens that the world falls into such events, I wouldn't be able to live that much longer..."
"Mahrisse..."
"I'm scared, Aran... I'm really scared... There wasn't any time that I had felt this much frightened... I don't know what to do if that happens, I want to be free... I don't want to live with the downside of the earth anymore..."
Her expression turned into something glistening yet horrid. A share of openness comes with a shed of a tear. She is congruently composing all possibilities in the near future and by disregarding their chances of success over winning the world.
The world still doesn't know what lurks beyond the earth. What happens in history is not something that can be found in textbooks nor in any newspapers. Simplifying the objective of humanity to be free, reigning all over the world in a near future. It is definitely scary to think about the future without any reassurance of what will happen. Rahel didn't give such an answer, he just has hope and that hope is soon to have vanished if humanity didn't strive for the longness of life.
As she ventures into her deep feelings, Aran felt a spark in his heart. His goal didn't change, from when he was still a child he is interested in knowing the outside world as well. He wants to know what happened 200 years ago and how did the world got separated.
Empathizing with her current situation, Aran walked towards her. Using his left arm, he grabbed Mahrisse's body and pulled her to his chest. He took the back of her head with her right hand and leaned it over to him as he stroke her hair to caress it.
What happened 200 years ago?