Capítulo 38: Lunch with the mistress.

Seated regally at the elegant dining table, Valaria, the esteemed lady of the house, indulged in her delectable lunch, savoring each bite with refined grace. Positioned discreetly behind her were two butlers, ever vigilant and poised to attend to her every need.

In the midst of this serene atmosphere, Anna, a graceful figure with an air of quiet efficiency, glided into the room. She positioned herself attentively at the side of the table, her presence commanding attention as she addressed Valaria. "He is on his way, Milady," she informed, her voice carrying a delicate timbre that matched her composed demeanor.

Valaria's emerald eyes sparkled with anticipation as she lowered her silverware and regarded Anna. "Excellent," she responded, a hint of excitement lacing her words. "Please ensure that he receives the utmost care and attention, Anna. I do not wish for him to be burdened with unnecessary stress."

With a respectful nod, Anna acknowledged Valaria's instructions, her eyes never wavering from the lady of the house. "Of course, Milady," She acquiesced, her voice laced with unwavering loyalty. Her head bowed slightly in deference, she silently pledged to carry out her duties with the utmost dedication.

Just as the air brimmed with anticipation, the sound of approaching footsteps resonated through the opulent dining room. Ethan, the subject of their conversation, entered with a measured stride, emanating an aura of confidence befitting his role. Adorned in the finest clothes handpicked from the house's extensive dressing room, he presented himself with elegance and poise.

Valaria's gaze, now fixed upon Ethan, acknowledged his arrival with a subtle smile gracing her lips. "Ah, there you are," she uttered, her voice carrying a note of warmth and satisfaction.

The soft glow of the room's chandeliers illuminated her features, highlighting the noble bearing that befitted her station.

Ethan's gaze met Valaria's as he moved closer, his steps measured and purposeful. "She told me you summoned me," he declared, his voice carrying a hint of anticipation mingled with a tinge of curiosity.

Valaria's emerald eyes twinkled with amusement as she set aside her silverware, momentarily halting her consumption to focus her attention on Ethan.

"Oh yes, I did, join me for lunch." She confirmed, a playful smile dancing upon her lips. Her gaze lingered on Ethan, as if inviting him to partake in the sumptuous feast before them.

Ethan's eyes widened with delight as they scanned the vast array of delectable dishes adorning the expansive table. His excitement was palpable, yet he maintained a composed expression, careful to conceal his emotions beneath a veneer of poise.

"Thank you," Ethan expressed his gratitude, a subtle nod accompanying his words, as he gallantly pulled out a dining chair and took his seat. His posture exuded a quiet confidence, fitting for a man of his stature.

Seated at the table, Ethan's gaze shifted to his empty plate, his brows furrowing slightly in confusion. To his right and left, he noticed the meticulously arranged cutlery—knives, forks, and spoons—each positioned beside his plate, awaiting his understanding of their purpose.

A momentary pause ensued as Ethan contemplated his next move, unsure of the proper etiquette. Seeking guidance, his gaze momentarily flickered to Valaria's elegant hand, gracefully wielding a knife and fork.

With a hint of uncertainty, he mirrored her actions, gingerly picking up a knife in his right hand and a fork in his left, imitating her poised stance.

A delightful giggle escaped Valaria's lips as she observed Ethan's cautious imitation. Her laughter held a touch of genuine amusement, painting her features with an expression of fondness. "Oh, dear, you truly are an intriguing individual," she commented, her voice carrying a melodious lilt.

Ethan, unphased by her amusement, responded with calm composure. "I apologize, Milady. I have never experienced dining in such a manner before," he explained, his voice steady and respectful.

Valaria's eyebrows lifted in surprise, her curiosity piqued by his confession. "You haven't? But surely commoners have their own dining tables," she inquired, her tone carrying a hint of bewilderment.

A serene expression graced Ethan's features as he offered his explanation. "Yes, they do," he acknowledged, his gaze fixed upon Valaria. "I'm just an exception".

The room seemed to hold its breath for a moment, as if the words themselves carried a weight that demanded attention. In the silence, the contrast between their worlds became apparent, emphasizing the unique circumstances that had brought them together.

Valaria's smile remained gentle and serene as she shifted her attention towards Anna, the embodiment of efficiency and grace. "Please, do assist him, Anna," she requested with a regal air.

Anna, obedient and ever attentive, lowered her head in a respectful bow before gracefully making her way towards Ethan. With practiced precision, she deftly collected his empty plate, her eyes meeting his with a composed demeanor. "What would you like to have?" she inquired, her tone carrying a hint of polite formality.

Ethan, his words devoid of hesitation or preference, responded in a straightforward manner, "Anything that can be considered food."

A subtle twitch of Anna's eyebrows betrayed a fleeting moment of surprise, quickly masked by her unwavering professionalism. "As you wish," she acquiesced, her voice composed and respectful, before setting about the task of selecting a suitable meal for him.

Effortlessly navigating the grand dining room, Anna returned swiftly with a carefully prepared dish, placing it before Ethan with a quiet grace. The tantalizing aromas wafted through the air, enticing his senses and stimulating his appetite.

Without any semblance of restraint, Ethan dove into his meal with an uninhibited hunger, his focus solely on the nourishment before him.

The world around him seemed to fade away as he surrendered himself to the pleasure of the flavors, his actions unburdened by the weight of social conventions.

As Ethan immersed himself in the blissful experience of savoring his meal, a voice cut through the air, jolting him from his gastronomic reverie.

Valaria's words, laced with a hint of curiosity, reached his ears like a gentle breeze. "So, boy, how would you like to work for me?" she inquired, her tone carrying an air of both authority and genuine concern. "I assume you are new to this part of the kingdom, and it would be unwise for you to roam about without any means to sustain yourself, don't you agree?"

Ethan paused mid-bite, his gaze shifting from the plate before him to meet Valaria's emerald eyes. Her offer hung in the air, tantalizing and filled with potential. The grandeur of Valaria's world and the allure of stability danced before him, tempting him with the possibilities that lay within her proposition.

.....

A/N

Hello Author here, if you have enjoyed this story so far, I really appreciate it, you can join my discord if you wish to see the character references and talk with me about the story.

https://discord.gg/z4dBEHVewD

And if there's anything that needs changing on this book, please do tell.