Dinner

Feeling tense and nervous, I stepped inside the vast dining hall. It was complete with the most luxurious things I could only imagine. There were a couple of large chandeliers that hung from the ceiling, lighting up the room brightly. On the walls were lamps shaped in the most intricate of shapes.

On the side were giant windows that allowed us to enjoy the scenery of the outside. The light of the moon peeking through. Everything in the room, even ‌the smallest of decorations, was sparkling clean. Standing on the corners were several maids, all lined up neatly, wearing the cleanest of uniforms. Seeing how neat everything was, it was sort of freaking me out.

At the center of the room was a dining table made of black marble. On one side, there were four seats, while on the other side there were two. Someone was already sitting on one of the four. The eldest sibling, our elder sister — Vivienne Fiorenza Nightingale, twenty-four years old.

She was radiant, her beauty was illuminating, like the brightest stars in the sky bundled up together. Her long and wavy golden hair glimmered under the light from all over the room. Her eyes were golden, as precious as the most precious ‌gold. She had a pale ‌complexion, her skin perfectly smooth and flawless.

She wore a fitted gown that showcased her perfect, slender figure. Her upper chest was covered by thin fabric, showing a little bit of her color. The gown’s sleeves were extravagant and puffy. On her ears hung beautiful gemstones colored in gold. Her exposed legs were long and perfect. She wore heels with thin silver strings wrapped around her ankles to the feet. Her smile was seductive and bewitching.

On the other side of the table, where the two seats were, sat our parents. My mother, Lucilla Domirelle Nightingale, despite being in her forties, still looked quite a bit young for her age. She had neatly arranged crimson hair, fierce as a raging fire. Her eyes were bright gold, deep and captivating. She had fair white skin, and her lips were tinted with bright red lipstick. Her hair was decorated with silver accessories. She wore a magnificent gray colored dress. Obsidian colored earrings hung on her ears.

My father was a mature, and sharp-looking man. He had neatly combed dark hair, and a short dark beard. His eyes were dark and observant. He had a light complexion and a well-built body fitting a warrior. He wore dark formal clothing. Overall, he exuded strength. His name was Dominic Vittorio Nightingale.

I subtly swallowed. I didn’t like the atmosphere here at all. They all looked like they would kill me once I started acting strange. Which I think they definitely would. At least not until they torture me and learn whatever they want from me.

Calm down.

I steeled myself as I entered this battle for myself. As long as I act normal, everything should be alright.

“Hey, everyone.” Without hesitation, Alaric casually walked and plopped down his seat. He cocked his chin as Vivienne dismissively glanced at him.

My elder sister was not quite fond of Alaric because of his behavior. He was too direct and straightforward for her. He did not carry the fitting behavior of a royal. The way he was too flirtatious, too lecherous, and too casual was a bother to her as someone who carried herself with regalness and grace.

Saviel sat down on the chair in between them, sitting up straight.

As I headed for my seat, I glanced at the family. Vivienne raised her golden eyes to look at me, and she smiled slightly. I sat down in my seat. We were lined up based on our age and seniority. On the right was the oldest, then to the left going down to the youngest, which was me. We now faced our parents on the other side of the table.

My father’s gaze was powerful and fierce, but it didn’t have any strictness in it. However, my mother, on the other hand, was sharp. Like she was judging me as I sat. Overall, their gazes on me felt too heavy, it was almost suffocating.

These people… were dangerous… as if the gothic style all over the place didn’t make that obvious already.

It was then suddenly that pale arms wrapped around me from behind. I froze and clenched my skirt as I received a gentle and loving embrace.

“How’s my beautiful doll?” It was Vivienne. I didn’t even realize she had moved. Maybe I was too anxious and distracted. “Are you alright, my dear Avenelle?” She caressed my cheek.

I gathered up all the courage that I had and maintained my composure. “I’m alright, dear sister.”

“Hmmm. Really?” Her embrace got tighter. “You’re soft as ever and adorable. So pretty, like a doll. Are you still enjoying your hobby?”

“Of course.”

“Good, that’s good. Sometimes, I just want to play with you like a doll.” From the memories, she had already said that many times. “You’re so pretty and cute.” Her smile widened and she pinched my cheek. “What do you think about your elder sister?”

“Of course you’re the most beautiful, Vivienne.”

“Oh?”

“More beautiful than anyone, more beautiful than I.”

“Oh my, how humble. But how good for you to know the truth. Don’t worry, my cute little sister, you’re second to me. All will still fall under your charm.”

“I-I don’t know about that, sister.”

“You need only learn how to use them. A beautiful woman can rule the world if she wants. Control kings in the shadows…” she whispered. “Just as I had rulers grovel before my feet.” She then softly kissed me on the cheek. “Will you finally be interested in learning such a craft?”

I slowly took a breath. “... I liked my dolls more, sister.”

“The usual answer, huh?” She grasped my hand. “Perhaps your commitment is what’s most charming about you, sweet little sister.”

“That’s enough, sister.” Saviel said to her. “Do not make her uncomfortable.”

“Making her uncomfortable is not my intention. I merely want to express my love, and help her realize her full potential.”

Yeah well, I’m not particularly interested in that. Not the original Avenelle, not the current me.

I was never a good seductress or anything. In fact, I was kind of awkward with guys when something romantic happens even slightly. That was kind of embarrassing to admit, however…

“She’s fine as she is, big sister,” Alaric said. “In her own way, she has her own charm.”

Vivienne frowned in displeasure. “I don’t want her to never improve as a person like you, Alaric. Someone who could not develop past his perverse behavior. I prefer not to waste what can be put to good use. She can be more than just a puppet player.”

Alaric scoffed. “Oh, sister, so regal. That’s rich coming from someone that people just want to sleep with.”

“You’re confusing lust with adoration, little brother. But I shouldn’t have expected more, that is all you know after all.”

“Heh. Right…”

“Sit down, Vivienne,” Saviel said in a stern tone.

Vivienne groaned in frustration, and she let go of my hand, returning to her seat. For a moment, there was silence. It was then that my mother placed her hands on her table.

“Finally done catching up, you four?” she said.

Yup, she was a bit scary. So, I wouldn’t even think of replying to that. Besides, it shouldn’t be the youngest’s responsibility to respond to that. So I just smiled.

“Yes, Mother. I’m done at least,” Vivienne said.

“Hm. In that case, let us dine.” She raised her finger, signaling the servants to bring in the food.

A couple of servants opened the door from the other end of the chamber. Came in the servants pushing food carts, moving towards our table. The maids grabbed clean porcelain plates and utensils from one of the carts and placed them in front of each of us family members.

Afterward, the servants placed covered cuisine at the center of the table. To be honest, I was quite excited to eat. From the memories alone, the food here seemed actually delicious. As royals, or in other words, rich people, it was only natural that we would be given the best and the best. And seeing how fancy the family was, there was no way they’d get something mediocre.

As I watched the food being placed on the table, I noticed Alaric beside me checking out the pretty maid. He looked at her from head to toe. The maid must have noticed it too, but with the presence of the king and queen, they had to keep it stoic.

This guy’s lust truly knows no bounds.

Not that I hated him because of that, as long as I wasn’t the target of such. And based on the memories, even Avenelle didn’t care much, except when Alaric himself started to annoy her. Hm, it would seem she and I were the same in that regard…

Once all the dishes were all placed on the table, the maids returned to their lines. We started scooping some food. I, of course, went for the meat first. I loved meat, and maybe also a bit of vegetables. I was feeling a bit impatient, but as I looked around, I remembered where I was. So, I made sure to move as gently and gracefully as ever.

If I didn't, it would be pretty strange. Avenelle was a graceful girl.

I scooped some food from my plate and ate it. I resisted the urge to widen my eyes and react in astonishment. It was amazingly delicious. More delicious than anything I had ever tasted in my entire life. There was no way I could cook this well, and I had been cooking for myself most of my life. Oh how much I wanted to express my satisfaction. But I couldn’t, this was supposed to be a normal dinner for Avenelle.

I could live like this, though. The way to a woman’s heart truly was food. And I was starting to like this place. This was already way better than my life on Earth.

“How was your day, children?” my mother asked.

To my surprise, she first glanced at me. She had a blank face, which was a bit disturbing. But in my memory, she was always like this. At least she wasn’t neglecting me like my other mother and was actually asking how my day went.

“I was working on a new set of puppets. But I accidentally fell asleep on my table.”

My mother paused and lowered her spoon. “You fell asleep during the day? Did you sleep late again, daughter?”

I wryly smiled. “Y-Yes…” That was what I remembered.

Mother Lucilla let out a sigh. “How many times do I have to tell you not to do that? You are still growing. Do you not wish to grow taller?”

“Taller…? Uh… I suppose I want to.”

“Then sleep early, take care of your health.”

“Yes, Mother.”

“I let you do what you want, but not at the expense of your body.” She may sound a bit cold, but she seemed to truly care.

“Did you start fitting your puppets with parts for battle yet, daughter?” My father suddenly asked.

I remembered him suggesting as such. Avenelle never thought of fitting her puppets with weapons or anything equivalent. However, her father suggested putting them in some to defend herself. She was a princess after all.

“I’ve started, Father. But it’s not yet fully functional.”

“I see.”

And that was it. He was not one with many words in the first place.

My mother then directed her gaze at Alaric.

“... Nothing noteworthy, Mother. The same as always. The city is going well, if you’re curious. No major problems.”

“Is that all that happened?”

“Yes, Mother.”

I glanced at him. “He tried to flirt with a maid earlier.”

“Sister…! You didn’t have to mention that.”

Mother audibly lowered her spoon onto the porcelain plate, directing a stern gaze at Alaric. “You have broken the hearts of many maids already, Alaric. And how fortunate none have gotten pregnant.”

“I’m just that good.”

“Not the point. Again, I tell you, do not lie with any of the palace staff. This will not be a house of your debauchery. And the servants are not to your sole pleasure.”

Alaric frowned. “I know that, you’ve already told me.”

“Learn restraint.”

Alaric continued eating with a frown.

Mother then shifted her gaze to Saviel. “It’s good that you joined us, our diligent son.”

“Yes, Mother. We’ve found old documents mentioning an old ruin buried deep within the ground. The team had started digging.”

“Splendid, our Great Mother will be pleased.”

The Great Mother… Our grandmother, to be exact. But she was more than any normal grandma.

“There’s also nothing noteworthy to report on our espionage missions,” Saviel added.

“I see. But what about you? Are you not overworking yourself to death?”

“I’m completely fine, Mother.”

“... If you say so.” She then turned to Vivienne.

Vivienne was so graceful in her movements. So smooth, like a slowly flowing river. The way she chewed was gradual and gentle. She was so careful not to stain the skin on her mouth. She was the ideal woman indeed. And as I watched her, I actually started imitating her movements.

“Vivienne?”

“There’s nothing special for me to report, Mother.”

“I see. At any rate, as you go about your day, take care not to damage your health.”

Huh, despite the creepy vibes… Everyone is quite loving of their family.

Not bad at all. So that was why Avenelle held no resentment towards any of them at all…