Chapter 48 - 45: Nihility
Ellen stood in the kitchen, arms crossed as she watched Rina hum to herself while preparing lunch. The elegant maid moved with practiced grace, carefully measuring out ingredients, but Ellen's sharp eyes didn't miss the moment Rina reached for an ominous-looking vial. Without hesitation, Ellen grabbed Rina's wrist mid-pour.
"Rina." Ellen's voice was flat. "What is that?"
Rina blinked at her innocently. "It's a special extract. It enhances the flavor."
Ellen sighed. "It'll enhance their way to an early grave." She released Rina's wrist and shook her head. "Stick to the basics, please."
Despite the minor setbacks, the two continued cooking, and soon the kitchen filled with the rich aromas of a well-balanced meal. A hearty beef stew simmered in a large pot, its broth thick and infused with savory herbs. Fluffy, golden dinner rolls rested in a basket, still warm from the oven. A fresh salad of crisp greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette provided a refreshing contrast to the hearty meal. For dessert, a simple but elegant fruit tart sat on a tray, its crust perfectly flaky and its surface glistening with a light glaze.
With the food plated, Ellen and Rina carried the dishes into the dining room. The long mahogany table was polished to a gleaming shine, illuminated by the soft glow of a chandelier hanging above. The seats were arranged according to familiarity and hierarchy. Von Lycaon sat at the head of the table, his presence naturally commanding attention. To his left, Corin had her spot, posture stiff as always. Rina's seat was beside Corin, her refined demeanor ever-present. Ellen took her seat next to Miyabi, who had Mira comfortably nestled in her lap. The twins, Nova and Solis, sat across from Ellen, still visibly worn from training but eager for a meal.
As they placed each plate in front of its respective owner, the individual preferences became apparent. Von Lycaon's plate had a balanced portion of everything, his meal meticulously arranged. Corin's portion was noticeably smaller, primarily consisting of lean meats and vegetables. Rina's was a delicate presentation of the meal, as if she were dining at a high-class restaurant rather than their dining hall. The twins had nearly identical servings, though Nova's had a little extra protein, likely to compensate for her endurance struggles, while Solis had a more carb-heavy dish to maintain her strength. Ellen's plate mirrored Miyabi's, both of them favoring a mix of the hearty stew and a generous serving of the dinner rolls.
As she took her seat, Miyabi glanced at Ellen's outfit and smirked. "You know, the maid uniform really suits you."
Ellen raised a brow before her lips curled into a sly grin. Shifting subtly, she placed a hand on her chest and tilted her head ever so slightly. "Oh my, Lady Miyabi, such compliments from you so early in the day? You wound my modesty," she said with a teasing lilt, her voice adopting a refined elegance that matched her outfit.