The feast finally came to an end, the remnants of sumptuous dishes lingering in the air like a sweet memory. Zeiss expressed his gratitude to the maidservants, their diligent hands having filled his stomach with delightful fare. He left first, accompanied by Lincoln, while Eleven remained behind to assist the maidservants in their cleanup.
"I never knew you liked shrimp; else I would have put a lot for you," Gianna remarked to Eleven as they washed the plates together, the clinking of porcelain echoing in the dimly lit kitchen.
"Oh no, it's alright, Gianna. You already said it was for Zeiss; I didn't want to disturb you about it," she replied, her voice soft yet firm. Gianna nodded in understanding.
"He hasn't changed at all — Zeiss, I mean." Gianna rinsed the plate that Eleven handed her and set it aside with the others. "He still sees you as little Eleven." At this, Eleven bit her lip, a hint of uncertainty flickering in her eyes.
