The room was adorned with rich fabrics, gilded furniture, and flickering candlelight that danced off the polished silverware and gold-rimmed goblets. The long wooden table is covered with a sumptuous array of dishes, showcasing the culinary extravagance of the time.
At the center of the table sits a magnificent roasted boar, its golden skin crispy and crackling, surrounded by a halo of fresh herbs. Next to it, a spit-roasted venison, glazed with a honey and wine reduction, emanates a tantalizing aroma.
In addition to the meats, platters of exotic fowl such as peacocks and swans were presented, their vibrant feathers carefully preserved for decorative purposes. Stuffed pigeons and quails are arranged in an intricate pattern, showcasing the culinary prowess of the Ark family kitchen.
Assorted pies and pastries line the table, filled with a medley of ingredients like succulent lamb, fragrant spices, and dried fruits. Pottage, a thick and hearty stew, is served in elegant silver bowls, brimming with root vegetables, grains, and meats.
The table was also adorned with fruits and nuts, including apples, pears, and grapes, displayed in ornate silver bowls. Exotic fruits like figs and dates were, adding a touch of luxury to the feast. Bowls of almonds and walnuts accompany the fruits, providing a crunchy contrast.
The array of bread is extensive, with loaves of white, brown, and grain bread, as well as delicate rolls and pretzels. Buttery spreads and honey pots were placed by the side.
Seated around the table, instructor Kane and his daughter Alicia put in a lot of effort to maintain dignified looks as they waited for Sol to arrive. Alicia was only two years older than Sol, but she had the presence of a dignified woman.
Alicia had a striking presence with her long, ebony hair cascading down her back, neatly tied back into a ponytail. The glossy locks shimmer in the light, framing her face in a way that highlights her features. Her dimples, nestled on either side of her warm smile, added a touch of charm to her countenance, giving her a friendly and approachable demeanor.
Behind a pair of stylish spectacles, Alicia's eyes sparkle with intelligence and curiosity. The glasses complement her look, adding a touch of refinement and highlighting her scholarly side. Dressed in a gown, Alicia carried herself with graceful confidence. The gown, while elegant, is unable to conceal her natural curves and well-endowed assets.
She had the blood of the Ark family, making her a perfect match for Sol. At least, that was what Old Man Chamberlain thought, since he suspected Sol and Lyra may have gotten intimate. He was grateful that Instructor Kane brought Alice here, it was only a matter of time before she charmed her way into Sol's heart.
Thud!
Footsteps coming from the staircase caught the attention of everyone, drawing their gaze in that direction. Sol descended the stairs, dressed in a Chinese-style orange robe adorned with symbols that evoke the imagery of raging fire. The fabric itself was a rich and luxurious silk, its surface reflecting the light in a way that accentuates the fiery hue, giving it a lustrous quality.
Woven into the fabric are elaborate patterns depicting flames and sparks, creating a mesmerizing visual representation of a raging fire. The flames dance and intertwine, symbolizing vitality, passion, and energy. The intricate embroidery skillfully captured the essence of fire, with shades of red, orange, and gold blending seamlessly to evoke the warmth and intensity of flames.
Along the hems and edges of the robe, flame-like motifs are meticulously embroidered, creating a dynamic border that seems to flicker and dance with every movement. The sleeves of the robe cascade like tendrils of fire, adding a touch of drama to the overall design.
This is the traditional attire of the Ark family, similar to that worn by Apollo Ark in all depictions of him. Sol had never bothered with these kinds of robes before even when he was younger since he always believed it was out of fashion, seeing him wear it today left old man Chamberlain stunned and overjoyed.
Alicia was stunned by the youth walking down the stairs, especially since this was the first time she was seeing the young master of the Ark family. Judging based on the stories going around the Ark territory, one would think he is a lanky, weak boy, but the youth walking down the stairs carried the presence of a man.
Ba-dum!
She felt her heart beating faster, and her face flushed red with embarrassment, causing her to lower her face instinctively. However, her gaze spotted Lyra walking behind Sol and Alicia felt strange.
While Lyra wasn't wearing anything grand or walking beside Sol, she exuded a presence equivalent to that of Sol. Her steps were graceful and even though she was inferior in terms of natural assets, she was dangerously beautiful facially.
Seeing her say something inaudible to them and Sol smiled at her words, Alicia felt like something was off. The look in their eyes when the two made eye contact was something beyond normal.
"Who is she?" Alicia whispered as she tugged her father's shirt.
"The Slave of Instructor, Dorothy." Instructor Kane responded while his attention still on Sol. "The young master claimed her yesterday as compensation for the accident."
Hearing this, Alicia was confused. If Lyra was a slave, then why wasn't she dressed and treated as one? Instead, she seemed like a very close friend of Sol.
At this moment, Sol had reached the table and Instructor Kane rose to his feet, but Alicia was still seated lost in thought. Seeing this, Sol frowned, while Instructor Kane and old man Chamberlain were left confused.
"Alicia!" Instructor Kane shouted.
"Y-yes?" Alicia was pulled back to reality only to see Sol standing across the table with a frown on his face.
She quickly sprang to her feet and began bowing repeatedly as she apologized.
"Forgive me, my lord!" She cried out. "I was stunned by your appearance and got lost in thought!" She said immediately.
Her words shifted Sol's initial discontent to shock, and everyone else in the room was met with the same emotion.