Chapter 185 Dining with the Male Leads
"Grandpa Victor, feel free to request any specific dishes you’d like. Hannah is skilled in almost all cuisines," Hera offered, mindful of the possibility that some guests might not voice their preferences or allergies out of politeness.
Noticing Hera’s concerns, Hannah chimed in, "Absolutely, sir. Just let me know your preferences, and I’ll whip up whatever you desire. International cuisine happens to be my specialty." With a reassuring pat on her chest, Hannah emphasized her confidence and passion for her craft.
Hera also made sure to extend the same courtesy to Bry and his father and uncle, noticing their hesitance and unfamiliarity with the dishes before them. She wanted to ensure that everyone felt comfortable and had their culinary preferences catered to.
However, when Bry enthusiastically dug into the Seafood Paella, his delight caught the attention of his father and uncle. This moment of enjoyment helped ease their discomfort with the unfamiliar food and dining etiquette displayed by the others. Suddenly, they no longer felt like outsiders amidst aristocrats, but rather, welcomed guests enjoying a shared culinary experience.
"Sister! This is absolutely delicious!" Bry exclaimed between bites, his enthusiasm evident. Amy, noticing his enjoyment, promptly served him additional dishes she thought he would enjoy. Witnessing Bry’s happiness, his father and uncle gradually let go of their initial discomfort. The warm hospitality displayed by Hera and the others, coupled with their consideration for their guests’ comfort, put them at ease. They didn’t want to appear overly fussy in such a welcoming atmosphere.
"I’m delighted that you’re enjoying it," Hera remarked with a smile, gesturing towards Hannah. "Just look at her—your compliment has her beaming from ear to ear," she teased playfully, taking a taste of the seafood stew herself.
"Young Miss, don’t tease me," Hannah replied, cheeks flushing with embarrassment despite her evident happiness at the compliment. With a shy smile, she quietly excused herself to the kitchen to prepare desserts for the guests and Hera.
By now, the title "Young Miss" no longer fazed Hera, as she had already established the image she desired in front of the male leads. She savored her meal with delight, and as before, Xavier attended to her with great care, ensuring she had seconds of the seafood stew and fetching dishes he thought she would enjoy.
Luke also made sure to take care of Hera, passing her some food from his side of the table that was out of her reach. Meanwhile, Zen animated the table with his lively chatter, discussing a variety of topics. In the past, he had refrained from speaking during meals, especially in the presence of his disciplined grandfather, who had a military background and preferred a quiet dining environment. However, witnessing his grandfather’s relaxed demeanor at this gathering, Zen felt at ease sharing his experiences in extreme sports over the years. Hera’s genuine interest in his stories further encouraged him, and her attentive listening ensured that Zen’s narrative flowed uninterrupted.