Beneath the Candlelight, Secrets Stir

My stomach was full from the sumptuous dinner that was laid before me. The gammon had been roasted to perfection, its juices mingling with rich, overflowing gravy with every bite. The roasted potatoes were soft on the inside yet so crispy on the outside. It was so adequate that I did think twice before clearing my plate entirely, leaving not a single spec of remains, including the fetid vegetables, ones most would avoid.

"..."

I let out a contented sigh. Clara, standing beside me, giggled softly at a comical sight. “Are you finished, dear Master? Shall I take your plates now?”

“Yes, haha. Please do.”

“As you wish, Master.” Clara carefully stacked the plates in her arms. “Tessa, go and refill Master’s glass with water, please.”

“Y-yes, Ma’am!” Tessa quietly refilled my glass, her voice barely audible.

“Thanks, Tessa.”

"..."

I glanced around, inspecting every bit of the extravagant dining hall. But seeing the maids and butlers standing silently, awaiting orders, made me feel a twinge of guilt. They had to endure the smell and sight of a lavish meal while remaining upright and alert, ready to serve at a moment’s notice. Clara and Tessa, especially, were stationed very close, right behind me, ensuring I was cared for even mid-meal, a precaution most likely ordered by Father himself.

— I wonder when they will be permitted to eat.

My gaze then drifted to the rest of the family. My eldest stepsister, whose name I still didn’t know, remained at her plate on the left, slicing each bite into meticulously small portions. They do say the mouth is the first part of the digestive system after all, and that chewing thoroughly aids digestion. Unlike me, who had devoured my meal like a savage.

On the right, Timothy and my stepmother had finished their meals, summoning the maids to clear their plates, despite leaving behind extensive remnants of gammon and untouched vegetables.

—  Why would you even waste food like that? There are people in, uhm, people in the world, yes, people in the world don’t even have any food to eat!

Instead of finishing the last remnants on their plates, they seemed more absorbed in conversation with Father, who smiled and lavished them with attention and approval. A pang of loneliness tightened in my chest. My stepsister continued her meticulous chewing, while Tessa remained silent, stationed by my side, and I knew any attempt to speak with my stepmother or Timothy would only invite hostility.

— Perhaps, I should try speaking with Father instead.

"..."

Despite mustering a little courage, my throat felt dry. I couldn’t utter a single word.

Was I afraid?

Or was this Elias’ lingering sense of inferiority?

Even so… what could I even start the conversation with?

“…”

Then, suddenly, I remembered my two dear sisters, Alice and Karen, who were unfortunately not present at the dining table today.

Where had they gone?

Would it even be appropriate to ask Father such questions?

But then I realised my stepmother would likely judge me, observing me with circumspection, for simply mentioning her absent daughters.

How was I supposed to bring this topic up…?

“!”

“Elias, is something the matter?” Father’s voice cut through my thoughts, as if he had noticed my fidgety behaviour.

“Y-y-yes, Father!” I stammered, with a rush of panic. “I… I have a question I would like to ask…”

“Go ahead. Feel free, do not hesitate.”

All eyes at the table turned toward me. I swallowed hard, nervous about how my words might affect the mood of the room. But I had to know. The question had to be asked, or this gnawing feeling in my chest would continue to linger.

“Well, Father… I wanted to ask… where are my sisters, Alice and Karen, today?”

“…”

A tense silence swept across the dining hall. Everyone froze mid-action; my stepmother’s glare was sharp and dripping with disgust. Timothy, meanwhile, stared with barely concealed jealousy, clearly resentful that the sisters had shown their kindness to me instead of him.

“May I ask why you wish to know, Elias?” Father’s voice was firm, his presence pressing down on me like a physical weight. He seemed very reluctant to answer.

But I refused to back down. Meeting his gaze, I replied with as much confidence as I could muster. “Father, my sisters, Alice and Karen, had visited me during my recovery and showed me great care and affection. Naturally, as their little brother, I wish to know how they are faring, and to repay their kindness in any way I can.”

“I see,” Father sighed. “Your sisters have gone to visit another city. They will be returning soon, in the coming weeks ahead.”

“May I ask where and why, Father?” I pressed. It seemed strange for them to be away so long. If it were for education, I would understand, but Father’s tone suggested otherwise.

“!”

“Ohoho, curious, aren’t you, my dear ‘son’?” Stepmother interjected with a hint of sarcasm. “We have sent them to the House of Marquis Théodore Beaumont to… acquaint them with their future partner.”

“Seraphine!” Father’s voice snapped, as though trying to hide the truth.

“It’s fine, dear,” she said dismissively, waving off his frustration. “Our ‘son’ is old enough to understand. With these marriages, the Vandrelis family will gain even greater standing, power, and connections, something you will realise sooner or later… or perhaps not, heh.” She scoffed, clearly disregarding me, the illegitimate son born of a maid, thinking I could never hold influence in the political sphere.

Yet Father’s visible distress made it clear this was not his decision. My stepmother, Seraphine, had orchestrated the entire arrangement, using Alice and Karen as pawns in her bid for more authority. Now it all made sense, why the sisters had left my door that day with heavy hearts, saddened by the prospect of arranged marriages to a stranger whose character and future intentions were unknown. 

The thought frustrated me.

But what could I do? 

I was powerless… 

Though if I ever get an opportunity, even a slight chance to help, I will do everything within my power to protect them.

“…”

“I see. Thank you for letting me know, dear ‘Mother,’” I said, my words laced with subtle sarcasm. Her expression darkened instantly, but she quickly looked away, fanning herself. My eldest stepsister on the left quietly giggled at my retort, then resumed her composed, elegant demeanour.

— I see you!

“Is that all, Elias?” Father’s tone was soft now, almost weary, like a lion drained by the lioness.

“Yes, Father. I apologise for any inconvenience caused.”

“Very well. You are free to leave if you wish to.”

“Yes, Father. I think that would be the most appropriate thing to do now.” I slowly rose as Tessa pulled the chair back. “Please, enjoy the rest of the evening, Father, 'mother', dear sister, and Timothy.”

“Hey! Why are you calling me by my name?” Timothy protested, likely expecting the formal ‘brother.’ I simply ignored him and walked out, with Tessa by my side, as Clara soon caught up. Together, we returned to my chambers.

“Clara!”

“Yes, Master!”

“When do you two usually have dinner?”

“Once Master has gone to sleep, of course.”

—Damn… that is quite late. They must be starving by now.

“Forget that!”

“Sorry, Master?”

“Both of you, you are dismissed. Go have dinner. I’m sure you are famished after today’s events.”

The maids exchanged shocked glances. Clara asked hesitantly, “Are you sure, Master?”

“Yes. It’s fine. Besides, I can now walk by myself without needing any assistance. Though if I do need anything, I can simply come and ask.”

“Thank you very much for your kindness, dear Master,” Clara and Tessa said in unison, bowing with smiles, and they left to take their own dinner.

“…”

Now alone, I walked to the balcony and gazed at the night sky, pitch dark, unmarred by artificial lights like in my previous world. The stars shone clearly, clouds drifting silently, and the moonlight cut across the night with stark clarity.

Today… had been quite a day.