"Hmm…it smells divine! I can hardly wait to dig in." marveled Clover with an empty bowl in her hand.
Since we didn't have an oven, our cooking took place on a bonfire concocted by Sir Nate. He and young master Dimitriu also brought us pots and utensils. We were reluctant to accept them due to the potential danger that it would expose us to. However, they reassured they'd protect us if it ever comes to that.
"Is the young master busy again? Is that why he isn't here tonight?" I asked Nathan while serving his food.
"Indeed." He replied curtly.
What's with him today? He seems grumpier than usual.
"Who's busy?" a familiar voice chimed in.
"Young master! Yay! You're here! Please have a seat while I prepare your serving." I exclaimed cheerfully.
+++++
There was not a drop of soup left after they raided the entire pot in mere minutes. Young master Dimitriu ate four bowls of soup, and Sir Nate ate five while Ivy and Clover ate three. As for me I only had two bowls since I was busy serving them. Luckily, I made quite a big pot today.
"Fati…I'm…so…full, and sleepy all of a sudden." burped Clover while slumping her head over Ivy's shoulder.
"Yeah, me too." yawned Ivy in response.
No matter how many times I rack my brain, I still can't understand their actions. These young men could be eating all the excellent dishes in the world because of their positions. Why do they keep asking me to cook for them? It isn't as if I'm some professional chef as I learned to cook only by mere chance.
"Say it correctly, Corora!"
"Co-ra?"
"No child! My name is Co-ro-ra. Say it with me, Co-ro-ra, not Cora."
The charismatic cook on the merchant ship took a special liking to me. As such, she would often request my assistance in the kitchen, which helped me to avoid getting thrashed by the traders. When she realized I knew nothing about the world, she took it upon herself to teach me how to cook. However, a sheltered princess in the kitchen was bound to be disastrous to the point where we almost burned down the ship on many occasions.
"Phew! That was too close. Thank goodness we quelled the fire on time."
Our faces were covered in soot, and our hair was partially burned as we stood there laughing at the disastrous scenery. Corora was dedicated to teaching me all that she knew, even when I showed no signs of improvement. She persevered until I eventually adapted.
"You'll be all on your own from now on, sweetheart, but I have faith in you. Be strong and stay safe, my dear Fati. If we ever meet again, I'll cook you the most delicious meal."
This was the last time I ever saw her. I wonder how she's faring nowadays.
"What are you thinking about so deeply?"
"It's nothing…"
Young master's head was leaning against Sir Nate's shoulder as he snoozed the meal away. His blonde hair was partially covering his face, depriving me of the chance to gawk at him. I stood up and encroached them as Sir Nate's expression suddenly became perturbed. When I got close enough, I leaned over and gently tucked the young master's hair behind his ear. My heart was beating so fast as I couldn't believe what I just did. Then again, when else would I get such a rare opportunity?
"You should quell your feelings for him as soon as you can." warned Sir Nate, shifting his head the other way.
"I understand it could cost me my life, but I don't think I can stop. I've never met anyone so genuinely kindhearted before. Everything about him is so alluring, it makes me want to know more, do more and even be...."
"Sorry, I'm rambling." I sighed as I walked away.
Sir Nate and I have grown so close over these past three weeks that I can now freely express myself around him and not have to worry about any repercussions.
"It's getting late. We should get going."
"Indeed. I'll put those two to bed and clean up. As always, I thank you for your help, Sir Nate." I bowed to him.
After a slight bob of his head, he grabbed the sleeping young master and left quietly.
+++++
"How long are you going to pretend to be asleep, Dimitriu. Stand up on your own two feet, or I will not hesitate to drop you."
You lousy coward!
"Ah! Your highness didn't have to throw me on the ground! Ow, my buttocks hurt!"
"You heard everything, did you not?"
"You know I've always been popular among the ladies, your highness. Besides, she is but a mere slave of my estate, what do you expect me to do?"
What's he so furious about?
"Stop leading her on and tell her the truth."
"Why does the truth matter to a mere slave? I fail to understand your point, your highness. Besides, I'm sure what she's feeling is just a passing fancy, she'll get over it soon enough."
"There is your true color at last."
"I'm afraid I do not understand what you're upset about, your highness."
It's no use arguing with him. At times like this, I mustn't let myself get carried away by my own emotions lest I make a mistake I'll regret for the rest of my life.
"Forget it. I'm going to bed." I sighed as I released his collar.
++++++
"Our young Lord Dimitriu has requested your presence in his study today. This is the attire that you must wear to enter the mansion. I shall await you outside."
"O-okay."
Among all the other maids I've interacted with, this one is by far the nicest. She seemed to be cautious of me by how she kept her distance throughout our brief conversation. I find it hard to believe that the young master would call me into the mansion, which means this must be a scam, orchestrated by the mistress yet again. What matter of torture will she put me through this time?
++++++
"We have arrived at our next respite, your highness. We will promptly escort your luggage into your suite."
So, this is Maison Blan. A hotel founded by Duke Kartier himself. My goodness! It is much grander than I anticipated.
"We shall escort you to the breakfast hall, your highness."
"Indeed, I am rather famished after such a long journey."
Every detail of the enormous building was exceptionally elaborate. The main entrance was adorned with flowers and monumental statues, one of which was of the duke with an eagle perched on his arm. Once inside, the atmosphere shifted to a much fancier ambience. The lobby was lavishly decorated with expensive carpets, draperies, and flowerpots. There was also a large water fountain right in the middle with the words 'Wish Fountain' engraved in large letters at the bottom of it. How absolutely magnificent!
"This way, your highness." Instructed the hotel butler.
It seems there's no shortage of guests in this hotel either. Even their children were allowed residence, which is rare in the capital unless they're traveling.
+++++
"Your highness, it appears Duke Kartier's return has been delayed due to the worsening of his mistress' morning sickness."
This is all just an excuse to protect her against the duchess' attempts on her life. How has he not yet managed to tighten her reins after so many years?
"Has the crown prince's return been scheduled yet?"
"Not at the moment, your highness, however it is only a matter of time before his majesty makes a firm decision."
Why does he insist on staying in the duchy, when he has an entire city at his disposal? He usually prefers being alone since he gets annoyed by the slightest thing anyone does around him, so why…
"Very well. You may all leave for the night."
"Good night, your highness."
We have been traveling since the crack of dawn. I'm tired. I was hoping to sightsee throughout the day, but my body is begging me to rest.
"I wonder what my beloved Dimitriu is up to these days." I murmured with a yawn.
+++++
It appears the maid was being truthful. I was escorted into the young master's office promptly after leaving the stables, but he wasn't there.
"Ah, there you are, Fati. I've been waiting for you." exclaimed the young master as he burst through the doors.
In his hands was a thick stack of papers, and following close behind him was butler Damian.
"Why don't you take a seat." he suggested as he slammed the messy stack of papers on his desk.
Butler Damian neatly removed his long coat, and the young master proceeded to sit down. I was still perplexed as to what in God's name I was doing here. I've ventured into this lavish mansion before when duke Kartier was here, but I've never been on this side of it. The young master's study was untidy with books scattered all over the floor, and heaps of documents piled up on his desk. When he sat down, all I could see was the top of his head.
"Do you not wish to sit?"
"O-on the chair?"
"Where else?" he replied in a stern tone.
Is he perhaps angry with me?
"I-if I may, y-young master…" I stuttered nervously.
"What is it?"
His tone is getting colder by the minute.
"Am I here to receive some sort of punishment?"
Please say no, please say no.
"What matter of balderdash are you spouting Fati? Will you sit, or must I come and make you?" he roared in a serious voice.
When I glanced at the butler, he was sweating bullets as he nodded to me. The young master then stood up and walked out from behind his desk. He strode across the room to the doorway and swiftly hauled me into his arms, which sent shockwaves of all kinds of sensations throughout my body. He gently sat me on the chair, his shadow looming over me as he rested his hands on the back of the sofa. His face was so close that I subconsciously held my breath while my heart was pounding out of my chest.
"Must you always be so stubborn?" he whispered in my ear.
The sound of his voice echoed inside my head and the heat of his breath made my chest tingle. At that moment, I could feel my soul slowly leaving my body.
+++++
"How dare he bring such filth into my estate?!"