Chapter 7: Still waters run deep (Pt.2)

The warmth of the morning light woke Yohan. A slender figure dressed in a black satin tailcoat pulled the curtain tassel, making a tie-back. Hearing the rustling of the comforter, he turned and greeted Yohan.

"Good morning, Mr. Yohan. Please have a hangover drink on the bedside table and be prepared by 9."

His glasses glinted, enhancing his strict expression.

"Thank you… Mr. Eren."

Walking across the room, Eren quickly folded a new towel and set out clothes. After double-checking the arrangement, he excused himself swiftly.

After changing, Yohan rang the bell. Following Eren to the Main Hall, he greeted the Duke, who was sitting at the head of the table. A column of ceramic plates was positioned with precise measurements, and polished metal cutlery was placed in a standard arrangement. Between the cutlery were folded napkins and a warm cloth, part of the table etiquette practiced by affluent nobles. Noticing Yohan's presence, the Duke stood up and extended his hand.

"It's been quite some time since I saw you yesterday. I hope the room prepared for you provided a good night's rest."

"Good morning to you, sir. Thank you for inviting me for breakfast," Yohan replied, returning the handshake.

Eren slightly pulled a chair out. Sitting next to the Duke, Yohan began to discuss the food.

"I'm quite a food connoisseur and particular about my diet. The food served here is prepared by the brother of the Empire of Eir's head chef. His cooking is on par with his brother's, so do try," the Duke shared.

"This is lemongrass beef bites, fried to perfection, with a sizzle of lime. Though I am a meat lover, I prefer a lighter meal for breakfast. I know it sounds very sour, but I promise you it's not." The Duke laughed and began to eat.

Understanding the signal, Yohan lifted the folded napkin, tucked it under his collar and on his lap, and carefully took a bite, using the cutlery with his index fingers lined up with the knife and fork. Despite the Duke's reassurance, the acidity of the lemon was hard to ignore.

"Mr. Yohan, I'm quite surprised you're familiar with the table etiquette here," the Duke remarked. Immediately, Yohan slowed his hand movements, staring at the dish in front of him.

Years of working as the right-hand man for the Crown Prince and eventually a bodyguard for the Second Prince in the previous timeline had ingrained proper etiquette in him. Attending royal duties, meetings, and parties had taught him to choose his words carefully and adhere to strict etiquette protocols. It became second nature to him, and he realised he had accidentally displayed perfect etiquette for a commoner.

Yohan's hands felt cold as he faced the Duke. Masking his shock at his mistake, he quickly made an excuse.

"Well, I had a chance to learn proper etiquette from a gentleman while riding on the Orient Express. He said it was unsightly and ignorant of me not to know how to act in high-class dining and imparted some of his knowledge to me. Did I do something wrong?" Yohan asked, feigning inexperience.

The Duke narrowed his eyes but dropped his suspicion. "Not at all. I was just curious about this gentleman. It's rare for nobles to teach commoners how to act. Did you ask for his name?"

"I did, but he refused to say his name. He said he was simply doing a kind gesture to ease the disturbance," he mumbled, uncomfortable with using such negative language.

It was Laurent who taught him table etiquette. Back when he was the second-in-command of the Imperial Army, Yohan had witnessed many instances where nobles looked down on and gossiped about newly recruited knights' lack of education, mocking their commoner backgrounds. However, no one took the initiative to teach them what was acceptable in high-society gatherings.

Despite the challenges, Yohan had been able to adapt smoothly due to his high school table manners program. Hence, he decided to teach them how to properly act in formal settings. Now, that was a bygone memory.

"That's very harsh of that gentleman, but I guess it pays off," the Duke complimented, noting his impressive form.

Yohan softly laughed and continued to eat with an intended clumsiness. It was hard for him to act as if he didn't know the current situation.

"Well, since you're going to stay here for a year, can I know why you're citizenless? Weren't you born in the Empire of Eir?" the Duke asked.

'Oh, he must have seen my resume.'

"It's true I was born there, but I wish to travel around the world freely. It's not that I'm unfaithful to my country; I just find government matters a hassle," Yohan answered casually.

"Joining The Guild gave me flexibility and authenticity since it's an internationally recognised organization. Hence, it's a way to sustain myself while traveling and working, and I'm content with that."

"Not bad, you thought it out quite well. You're young and have just begun to explore the world beyond your environment. How many times have you visited the New Eternal?" the Duke asked.

"Once. It was when I signed up as a delivery man for The Guild to purse my ambition."

"Only once? Then what do you do back in your village?"

'How would I know when I just spawned there on the same day of my departure to the capital city?'

Caught in a difficult situation, Yohan replied awkwardly, "A- a farmer. I lost my parents at a young age, and I was in charge of their land until I realised that I shouldn't waste my youth in a repetitive job."

"It must be a brave decision for a young, secluded man like you. At that time, it should have been the coronation ceremony, right? Have you seen the royal family?"

"Yes, but I was quite far away, so I didn't get a clear look at him. But the newspaper report showed the second prince to be very handsome," Yohan said.

"Of course, His Highness's beauty is unparalleled." The Duke agreed, waving his hand to signal the servant.

After a while, the servant placed a cold plate with an artistically decorated dessert.

"My child loves cinnamon ice cream. It's an adventurous choice, but it wouldn't hurt for you to try it. I'm too old to taste something cold in the early morning, so I won't be joining you."

Then, Eren walked to the Duke's side and whispered something to him. His face revealed a serious expression as he stood up, adjusting his suit.

"It was a pleasant conversation with you, Mr. Yohan. Sadly, I have other matters to attend to, so please enjoy your food. I'll be looking forward to eating with you again," the Duke smiled and left with Eren, leaving Yohan alone in the hall.

Lifting the teaspoon and taking a scoop of ice cream, Yohan felt the combination of spiciness and sweetness clashing with the coldness, leaving a numbing aftertaste in his mouth.