I made some rice then boiled a whole chicken with onions salt, mushrooms, ginger and herbs that I picked in the forest. After I had finished up on the boiled chicken I moved the bean sprouts and braised potatoes to the center of the table. After the pot the chicken was in had cooled a little I moved it and the rice to the middle of the table also. I placed two bowls and a plate in front of each chair. Then I placed a spoon and a pair of chop sticks beside the plates. I then went ahead and placed rice in one of each of the bowls. I put the broth from off the chicken in the other bowl and place chives over it.
My mother greeted Hana at the door. My assumption was right they were going to have lunch here. It was very awkward sitting together while we were waiting for my father and Tori to come back. They went to inspect the salt.
If our marriage goes through Tori's father will allow my father to be the head salt merchant for his trading company. Until the marriage goes through Tori and my father will be managing the salt pond here in Silen together. After the wedding my father will have full control over it. That's why we moved here.
I sat there quietly for a few minutes while mother and Hana had small small talk going. I could feel Hana's eyes making a hole through the side of my face I slightly clenched the fabric on the side of my dress. I was irritated and relieved at the same time when my father and Tori came in laughing like they were the best of friends. We stood up and sat back down after my father and Tori took their seats. Sitting this close to him is making me sick. He had that smug smirk across his face again.
"Well I don't don't believe in prolonging things so I'll get straight to it. I was very shocked by that abrupt out burst that Nomi had the other night. I was very close to packing everything up and telling Ren that we should end our arrangement but, after speaking with Naomi and hearing that Nomi was experiencing woman hood for the first time I became sympathetic." I shot a sight glance at my mom. I had stopped bleeding three days ago. I turned my head back to Tori after hearing that ridiculous laugh that seemed to only grace my ears.
Hana continued on, "I understand how she would feel inferior to my Tori and how she has been a nervous wreck leading up to yesterday, but that dose not excuse how she spoke. Tori says that he is ok with the marriage continuing. So i've decided to give it three months. After that I will make my final descion."
There it was again. She was insulting me in a polite manner. I slightly clenched my fist and smiled.
"Thank you Mother for being understanding, I'll try my best to be a model daughter for you." It took everything I had in me not to go off.
After we were done with our meal I excused myself to go to my room and retrieve the painting that Tori had gifted to me earlier that day.