บท 15: Thin Ice (1)
THE NEXT day, all five of us, including Elishia and Ekris of course, are eating breakfast together.
I can say that it is such a rare occurence since Ekris usually stays away from me while Elishia rarely seeks me, if she does though, she threatens me quite a bit.
I'm starting to think that maybe this is her hobby.
As I sat there, I notice that the food that I am eating is not hard to chew and the softness of the meat itself felt like it was melting in my mouth, the veggies are not even bad as they are coated with butter and spices.
It is so delicious that I might tear up a little bit.
'This, this is food!'
I have been eating soups for a little while, per doctor's orders, and now I can finally have a little bit of solid food!
'Praise for meat!'
Of course, mother still monitors what I eat to ensure I don't force myself and get sick again, but other than that, I can eat real food now!
"You have a good appetite today, Eris." Mother said happily as she stared at my now empty plate.
I don't usually empty my plates, or bowl, since I feel full after having a couple of spoons but the omelette that the chef prepared along with the soft bread? The orange juice and sweet apples coated in melted sugar?
'HEAVEN!'
"The food is delicious!" I answered joyfully as I wipe my mouth with the napkin, full and happy once more.
Father chuckled, "I am sure the chef will be happy to hear that."
We smiled at each other and was about to talk again when our conversation was cut short when I felt glares on the side of my face, enough to disrupt my peaceful eating.
I looked to the side and saw Ekris who is wearing what seems to be her training outfit as her dark black hair is up in a ponytail.
Beside her is Elishia who is giving me a cold shoulder but I could see the glares that she sent me here and there.
It was enough to make me look away, a shiver running down my spine.
I guess I am hated even more.
'But why though? What now?'
I pretend to ignore their gaze as I continue to eat but it is getting harder to swallow my food when there is an aura of death hovering on the side of my face.
'Can't they just leave it until I finish my food?!'
"Mother, Father." Ekris called as her eyes briefly landed on me before returning to both the Count and Countess.
"What is it, sweetie?" Mother responded.
"I finished training earlier today, I even got praised by my instructor saying I am moving too fast!" She boasted with an incredible confidence.
She glanced at me, looking all smug, whilst I ate my food happily.
I secretly glanced at Avril and she was just standing near a wall but close to me, if I ever I need her to be by my side instantly.
"That's great, sweetie. I'm glad you are enjoying yourself." Mother, who is an angel, said to Ekris in a sweet voice.
Ekris's chest rose for a moment before a blish covered her cheeks, a smug smile on her face.
"Hehe."
"Eris, would you like some more soup?"
I almost spew out my food as I looked at Mother who immediately turned to me after praising Ekris.
She looked at me like she didn't do anything wrong but when I secretly glanced at Ekris, I could almost feel murderous intent in her eyes.
'Why are you glaring at me?! I was just eating here!'
Also, does Mother want me to die by Ekris' hands tonight?
"I… I'm fine, Mother." Ask Ekris if she wants some!
Mother looks quite sad after I said that as she nodded at me, which made Ekris and Elishia glared at me openly.
Now I know why the original Eristheria doesn't tell anything to her parents.
The clear anger on their face was hard to miss but I don't think our parents noticed it. They just smiled at our interaction like the person in front of me does not want to kill me right now using her eyes.
It was as if their eyes are saying 'how-dare-you-make-mother-sad'.
'Damned if you, damned if you don't'
I just want to eat in peace, damn it.
"Right, I forgot to announce this when Eris woke up."
We all stopped what we were doing to look at Father as he spoke. He has a small smile on his face as he looked at me shortly before his hand held Mother's that was on his right side.
Mother smiled back and held his hand too, as if encouraging him and giving him strength to continue.
The three of us, Ekris, Elishia, and I, just sat there waiting for him to continue while looking confused.
"What is it, Father?" Elishia asks when Father is taking his sweet time before speaking.
Father cleared his throat first.
"If Eris' health continues to get better, we will hold her first debut here in our home."
I almost drop my spoon and knife.
'You. Gotta. Be. Kidding. Me.'
"A debut? But she hasn't even taught any etiquette and manners!"
'Ouch Elishia! But that is kinda true though.'
I barely have a clue on what to do in social events and now they want me to debut? It is like asking for the Holstead family to be laughed at!
Don't get me wrong, I love people. I love interacting with them, but I already got a lot on my plate and I haven't even started on learning about anything!
By anything, I meant other than what I already know from the novel!
Ekris agreed as she nodded frantically, "Sister Elishia is right, Father! Eris is basically an…ignorant for a debut!"
'Woah, woah, it's true but can't you sugarcoat it like Elishia?!'
Father's eyes lost all liveliness in them as he stared at both of them who were strongly disagreeing with his decision.
The way he looked at Ekris and Elishia sent shivers down my spine and it is very hard to believe that this was the same man who just gave a smile to us moments earlier.
"Are you both saying that your younger sister will bring shame to our family?" Father's voice rang across the quiet room.
I was just stunned at what happened and still processing what Father said, but at the same time, I am preparing my funeral for whatever comes after this.
Elishia and Ekris are going to be harsher to me than before.
'Great. My goal is to survive as Eristheria in this novel but what is happening?'
How will I live a comfortable life without dying in the hands of my sisters first?
"…No, Father." They both answered in unison.
Father nodded at them but not before giving them a warning gaze, then turning to me as if to console me because of what they said.
"Forgive your sisters, Eris. They are still young and they are just concerned about our family." Father carefully explained.
I nodded happily at him and not showing an inch of sadness in my face, not that I am sad though, but I could feel their dagger-like gazes at me.
I wanted to leave now.
"It's fine, Father. Eris completely understands!"
When I talked in a child-like voice, I heard a faint snicker behind me and I only knew one person who would and who had the audacity to do so without thinking of the consequences.
'Avril, shut it! My life is on the line here!'
Father softly nodded and patted my head gently, his gaze warm as he spoke softly.
"You are such an understanding child."
I may die in my sleep but thanks for the compliment.
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