Chapter 23: A Spoonful of Heaven
Elune moved like a spring breeze with occasional and unexpected flurry of wind in short bursts. At times, it seemed she had mechanical limbs with screws loose; at other times, she moved like the hands of a clock that didn’t tick, but glided in one smooth, continuous motion. As she oscillated between floating grace and clumsy fawn, I was amazed how someone could have the equal amount of dexterity to be a total klutz and pull off reflex recovery at the same time. She’d drop something for no reason at all but manage to catch it before they hit the ground, and she looked like she was going to trip and fall only to balance herself again like a ballerina.
All in all, there was something charming about the way she moved from task to task, humming faintly as she wiped surfaces that were already spotless and preparing my breakfast.
Luc had left immediately after introducing her, with a simple "She will report to me directly." It was a puzzling statement that left a lingering question whether Elune was assisting me or assisting Luc.
Regardless, it became clear that Elune was fully dedicated - and eagerly so - in serving my every needs, going far beyond what was reasonable.
I sat on the couch while Elune prepared breakfast on a silver tray. Porridge with delicate flower-shaped garnishes, freshly peeled fruit, and tea in a white ceramic cup with a black rim. A porcelain spoon rested beside it asking me to pick it up just to feel its smooth surface.
"You don’t have to go this far," I said, starting to feel a little uncomfortable with all the pampering.
"I must," she replied with a proud smile - proud to be serving royalty.
The breakfast was good. I only touched the porridge - which I normally hated - out of obligation as I didn’t want to undermine Elune’s effort, but once I started I could not stop.
After I set the spoon down and looked up, I saw that Elune was buttering my croissant for me.
"Seriously, I can do it myself."
"Unacceptable. Miss Roen shouldn’t have to endanger her fingers with crispy bread crumbs."