Chapter 18: Dining Room [part 2]
Walking past the antechamber, I get into the dining room. As I step into the dining room, the warm glow of candlelight flickers along the walls, casting soft shadows that dance across the room. Above, a grand chandelier hovers in the center, not merely lit by fire but burning with a bright, otherworldly fire spirit.
Seated beneath it are four figures, surrounding a round, exquisite table. The table itself is laden with an array of medieval dishes— roasted meats, steaming bowls of stew, freshly baked bread, and plates of ripe fruits.
The four people around the table are none other than my father, mother, my father's steward, and someone I least expected to see—Alvida!
"Good evening, Father, Mother. It's a pleasure to see you both. And good evening to our esteemed guests. I trust you are all enjoying the evening?" I greet, bowing my head and performing a curtsy.
"Good evening, dear. It's lovely to have you here," my mother replies warmly, while my father casually pops a raspberry into his mouth.
"Good evening, Lord Luke. We're delighted to see you," the steward and Alvida both respond.
I bow once more and take a seat near Alvida, our bodies almost touching. I can faintly smell the shampoo she recently used, despite her hat covering her head. For some reason, Alvida doesn't glance at me as I sit beside her as if she's deliberately avoiding me.
'I would have chosen another seat if any were available. It feels like this was planned. There are usually empty seats around the table,' I think, feeling an odd discomfort as if Alvida's presence is somehow suffocating.
"Let us begin. Please, enjoy the meal," the Duke announces.