The boy didn't need to ponder over his sitting choices for too long.
While he didn't have anything against Pony, she was too much of an extrovert for him. It was like her mere presence drain his energy.
As for Purple-belly who sit next to the ponytail's girl, it's clear that while he is amicable with everyone he still has a grudge against those in the group who let them fend off for themselve with the monster, including Dust.
But in some way, his reaction is quite funny. Didn't he let Follower all alone too? What is the difference between his situation and the women?
He didn't help her like Dust didn't help him with the monster. He escaped too and left her as if she was already dead.
He could have chosen to be next to Two at the end of the table. But Two is like him. Quiet as a shadow. If Eyes didn't make it then he really need to form a bond with another one here. It will really make him feel safer.
But if he can have a proper discussion with the other how can they bond?
No he need someone who has social skill because Dust doesn't .
The idea of speaking with Follower is directly rejected. She look like she want to strangle every person in this room. Especially Princess.
He doubt that she is in the mood for a nice chat.
Then there is Princess. But she look quite cold and quite busy at ignoring the daggers shooting straight out of the eyes of Follower.
What is left is Suspicious and Old man.
Dust choose to sit next to Suspicious when he see his other choice sitting between Pony and Purple-belly.
The red-haired man will do.
With this decided the boy sit next to the man while trying to give him a friendly look.
This simple action bring him a burst of anxiety in his shyness.
However the man doesnt notice his effort as the silver plate before him take his full attention.
Why is it so hard to initiate a conversation?
It was easier with Eyes… well they didn't really converse between each other either...
The table in the dinner room is a long rectangular one. In fact the table is so long that several chairs are still free from any occupants even what them all seated. The plate before each sit is full with meat. Slice of roast dipped in currant sauce accompanied by asparagus. The sight make the stomach of Dust growl.
They also have a crystal glass with red wine to quench their thirst.
Princess in his far left appear to appreciate the beverage a little too much.
Since his arrival here, Dust has seen her fill her glass two times.
Apart from that, a table runner composed of lilies and ivy on a gilded tablecloth cut the table in half.
Between the flowers, silver candlesticks, baskest with bread and bottle of wine stand.
it's quite festive as a decoration…
Touching the silver fork next to his plate Dust hesitate.
For sure he is hungry but…Once again the same statement keep popping in his head .
the whole situation is so strange…
Who prepare a dinner without attending to the said dinner? No,wait.
Who take in their own home seven unconscious people without going to the hospital?
Considering everything is it safe to eat?
Giving a quick glance in the direction of Two eating with no care in the world and then peeking at the wine who keep being gulped down by Princess, the boy decide that it must be ok to try his luck.
At least if the foods or the drinks are poisoned he won't die right away.
Though dying slowly by poison is not much preferable.
Anyway.
He feel like he is too paranoid.
First of all if people wanted to kill them then why bring them here while they would have an easier time slicing the throat of everyone in the group when they were unconcsious? Preparing baths, dinner and clothings ready just to poison them?
Ahaha no way.
Comforted by his own logic the boy finally tasted the tempting meat.
Really delicious.
For a while only the wind and metallic sound of the cultery could be heard in the dinner room.
The atmosphere sure took a hit with the deep resentment of Follower.
Dust was pondering how to break the silence and attract the attention of Suspicious when Purple-belly wipe his lips with a towel before clearing his throat.
-Fortunately you are safe even if ... you were left alone in the mine lady...
Dust nearly hissed. He doesn't want them all to have a showdown. At least he want to finish his meal in peace.
What a bad timing.
The girl give another one of her icy look to the man who spoke.
Her thin lip is squeezed between her teeth like she will draw blood in one second or two.
Till now she didn't touch her meal.
Hearing no answer, Purple-belly is obviously embarassed. With a sorry expression he perseveres.
-I am sorry to not have helped you. I think we all are sorry.
He sigh letting her see how sorry he is.
- But you can understand us no? At that time the monster was between us. it was suicidal to help you lift the shelves...