Son of a slave

"That’s a lot of food," said Mr. Albeck, who was prodding at a plate of untouched meats and veggies. "I’m surprised you have such a large appetite."

He gave his teacher a confident smile. "The kitchen staff worked hard to make everything. I don’t want any to go to waste."

Over at his previous spot, Edmun’s eyes were trailing over Anice’s front in a disbelieving fashion, lingering on her breasts. "I didn’t expect you to have grown so much these past years."

She looked pale. "Really? I haven’t noticed."

Calum was busy whispering in Lessa’s ear, the girl just as uncomfortable as Anice. Antoine and Daniel weren’t paying them the least bit of attention, though Alistar doubted that they were unaware of how uneasy the girls were.

So these are my relatives.

Both Mr. Albeck and Alder were doing a poor job of hiding their disapproval, though they didn’t dare to speak out. It was when Alder was looking away from the young ones to take a long sip of wine that Antoine suddenly spoke out from across the table, addressing him.

"Alder. When are you going to leave this backwater county and come serve me in Valay?" Voice remaining level as he directed his silver eyes in Mr. Albeck’s direction, the duke added, "I’m not too fond of my new court mage, since I had to hire him last minute. You know that I don’t turn away capable hands."

"You flatter me, Your Excellency." Alder put down his glass and adopted an air of humility. "I couldn’t possibly take on such a heavy responsibility."