Chapter 8

"Hmm…it smells divine! I can hardly wait to dig in."

Since we did not have an oven, our cooking took place on a bonfire made by Sir Nate. He and young master Dimitriu also brought us pots and utensils. We were reluctant to accept their gestures due to the potential danger that it would expose us to. However, we were reassured by them, as they promised to always protect us no matter what. 

"Is the young master busy again? Is that why he isn't here tonight?" I asked while serving his food.

"Indeed." He replied curtly.

What's with him today? He seems grumpier than usual.

"Who's busy?"

"Young master! Yay!" I exclaimed cheerfully.

+++++

There was not a drop of soup left after they raided the entire pot in mere minutes. Young master Dimitriu ate four bowls of soup, and Sir Nate ate five while Ivy and Clover ate three. As for me I only had two bowls since I was busy serving them. Luckily, I made quite a big pot today.

"Fati…I'm…so…full, and sleepy all of a sudden." Whined Clover.

"Yeah, me too." said Ivy while yawning.

They tiredly slumped on one another and began to snooze. Even the young master was out of it.

However many times I rack my brain, I can't wrap my head around it. These young men could be eating all the excellent dishes in the world because of their positions, so why do they keep asking me to cook for them? It isn't as if I am some professional cook as I learned it only by mere chance.

"Say it correctly, Corora!"

"Co-ra?"

"No child! My name is Co-ro-ra. Say it with me, Co-ro-ra, not Cora."

The charismatic cook on the slave ship took a special liking to me. As such, she would often request my assistance in the kitchen, which helped me to avoid getting beaten by the traders. When she realized I knew nothing about the world, she took it upon herself to teach me how to cook. However, a sheltered princess in the kitchen was bound to be disastrous. To the point where we almost burned down the ship.

"Phew! That was too close. Thank goodness we quelled the fire on time."

Our faces were covered in soot, and our hair was partially burned. We were a complete mess; however, we could not help but laugh. Corora was dedicated to teaching me all that she knew, which included cooking, cleaning, and bedmaking. By the time I arrived in Alkaraz, I managed to master all that she had taught me.

"You will be all on your own from now on, sweetheart, but I have faith in you. Be strong and stay safe, my dear Fati."

This was the last time I ever saw her. I wonder how she's faring nowadays.

"What are you thinking about so deeply?"

"It's nothing…"

Young master's head was leaning against Sir Nate's shoulder as he slept. His blonde hair was partially covering his face. I stood up and began to approach them as Sir Nate's expression grew more perturbed. When I got close enough, I leaned over and gently tucked his hair behind his ear. My heart was beating so fast that I could not believe what I just did. But then, when else would I get such a rare opportunity?

"You should quell your feelings for him as soon as you can." warned Sir Nate with his head facing the other way.

"I am well aware that it could cost me my life, but I don't think I can stop. I have never met anyone so genuinely kindhearted before. Everything about him is alluring."

Sir Nate and I have grown so close over these past three weeks that I can now freely express myself around him and not have to worry about any repercussions.

"It's getting late. We should get going."

"Indeed. I'll put those two to bed and clean up. As always, I thank you for your help, Sir Nate."

He nodded quietly and left with the young master.

+++++

"I know you aren't asleep, Dimitriu. Stand up on your own two feet already."

You lousy coward!

"Ah! Your highness didn't have to drop me on the ground! Ow, my bottom hurts!"

"You heard everything, did you not?"

"You know I have always been popular among the ladies, your highness. Besides, she is but a mere slave of my estate, what do you expect me to do?"

What's he so furious about?

"Stop leading her on and tell her the truth."

"Why does the truth matter to a mere slave? I fail to understand your point, your highness."

"There is your true color at last. You and your stepmother are all the same."

"Your highness you are crossing the line."

It's no use getting into a heated argument with him. At times like this, I mustn't let myself get carried away by my own emotions. Otherwise, I might end up making a mistake I'll regret for the rest of my life.

"Forget it. I am going to bed." I said with a heavy sigh as I released his collar.

++++++

"Our young Lord Dimitriu has requested your presence in his study today. This is the attire that you must wear in order to enter the mansion. I shall await you outside."

"O-okay."

Among all the other maids I have interacted with, this one is by far the nicest. She seemed to be cautious of me by how she kept her distance throughout the entire conversation. I find it hard to believe that the young master would call me into the mansion, which means that this must be a scam, orchestrated by the mistress yet again. What matter of torture will she put me through this time?

++++++

"We have arrived at our next respite, your highness. We will promptly escort your luggage into your suite."

So, this is Maison Blan. A hotel founded by Duke Kartier himself. My goodness! It is much grander than I thought. 

"We shall escort you to the breakfast hall, your highness."

"Indeed, I am rather famished after such a long journey."

Every detail of the enormous building was exceptionally elaborate. The main entrance was adorned with decorative flowers and monumental statues, one of which was of the duke with an eagle perched on his arm. 

Once inside, the atmosphere had shifted to a much fancier ambience. The lobby was lavishly decorated with expensive carpets, draperies, and more flowers and the faint noise of classical music playing in the background. There was also a large water fountain right in the middle of the lobby with the words 'Wish Fountain' inscribed in large letters. I could not help but stare in awe at its magnificence.

"This way, your highness." Instructed the hotel butler with a smile.

It seems there is no shortage of guests in this hotel. Even their children were allowed residence, which is rather rare in our empire.

+++++

"Your highness, it appears that Duke Kartier's return has been delayed due to the worsening of his mistress' morning sickness."

Most people know that this is all just an excuse to protect her against the duchess' attempts on her life. How has he not yet managed to tighten her reins after so many years? 

"Has the crowned prince's return been scheduled yet?"

"Not yet, your highness, however it is only a matter of time before his majesty makes a firm decision."

Why does he insist on staying in the duchy, when he has Chilsela at his disposal? He usually prefers being alone since he gets irritated by the slightest thing anyone does, so why…

"Very well. You may all leave for the night."

"Good night, your highness."

We have been traveling since the crack of dawn. I am rather tired. I was hoping to sightsee throughout the day, but my body is begging me to rest. 

"I wonder what my beloved Dimitriu is up to these days." I murmured with a yawn.

+++++

It appears that the maid was not at all lying. I was escorted into the young master's office promptly after leaving the stables. Ivy and Clover were whining about me leaving but ended up accepting it when I explained.

"Ah, there you are, Fati." exclaimed the young master as he burst through the doors.

He was carrying a tall heap of documents, and following close behind him was butler Damian.

"Why don't you take a seat." he suggested as he placed the messy stack of papers on his desk.

Butler Damian neatly removed his long coat, and the young master proceeded to sit behind his desk. I was still perplexed as to what in God's name I was doing here. I have ventured into this lavish mansion before when duke Kartier was here, however I have never been on this side of the home before.

Young master's study was messy to say the least. There were books scattered all over the floor, and heaps of documents piled up on his desk. I could barely see the top of his head behind the documents. 

"Do you not wish to sit?" he asked.

"O-on the chair?"

"Where else?" he replied in a slightly stern tone.

Is he perhaps angry with me? *gasp* No way! Am I here to get punished again?

"If I may, young master…" I stuttered nervously.

"What is it?"

His tone is getting colder by the minute.

"Am I here to receive some sort of punishment perhaps ?"

Please say no, please say no.

"What matter of balderdash are you spouting Fati? Will you sit, or must I come and make you?"

Butler Damian was sweating bullets while listening in to our awkward conversation. The young master then stood up and walked out from behind his desk. He strode across the room to the doorway and swiftly hauled me into his arms, which sent shockwaves of all kinds of sensations throughout my body. He gently sat me on the chair as he leaned forward, resting his hands on the back of the sofa.

His face was so close that I subconsciously held my breath. My heart was pounding out of my chest and my entire face felt warm. 

"Must you always be so stubborn?" he whispered in my ear.

At that moment, I could feel my soul slowly leaving my body.

+++++

"How dare he bring such filth into my estate?!"