Chapter 70: Olivia(2)
Upon seeing Leon staring intently at her, Olivia suddenly felt an urge to ask why he was looking at her so closely. Her thoughts raced—had she done something wrong again? However, to her surprise, Leon extended his hand and, with a gentle smile, said:
"Would you care to join me for tea?"
Hearing this, Olivia looked at him in utter confusion. Ever since she had become an honorary student at the academy—the only commoner among the elite—her life there had been a challenge. Many students disliked her presence; at best, they ignored her, and at worst, they openly mocked her. And now, one of the nobles was inviting her to tea, offering his hand with genuine warmth in his gaze.
Doubt gnawed at her, but as she looked at his outstretched hand and soft smile, she finally made up her mind. Carefully placing her hand in his, Olivia stood up from the ground, where she'd spent the past few minutes after yet another "accidental" fall orchestrated by her detractors.
Leon wasted no time and led her to a small room nearby.
When they stepped inside, Olivia froze in astonishment.
Her eyes widened as she took in the sight of an exquisitely set table. Everything on it looked like it came straight out of a luxury culinary magazine: delicate porcelain teacups adorned with golden patterns, silver spoons, crystal jars filled with jams, and, most strikingly, the desserts. There were perfectly layered cakes, pastel-colored macarons, airy éclairs with cream, handmade chocolate truffles adorned with gold leaf, and elaborate tarts topped with fresh berries.
Olivia suddenly felt out of place. She was overwhelmed by the opulence. "Am I even supposed to be here?" she wondered.
But Leon, noticing her hesitation, gently nudged her toward the table and helped her into a comfortable chair. He poured her a cup of aromatic tea, its warmth and fragrance immediately calming her, and then slid a plate of desserts closer to her.