Something Sweet

Chapter 12

Revised

_________________________________________

Chapter 12

"Is the meal to your liking, Miss Jean?" The head maid approached from aside, "As instructed, no spices or heavy starches were included in today's dinner preparations."

Following the food restrictions, the doctor advised her to lessen her abdominal pains. Days steadily passed as her condition subtly continued to improve. The no longer acting grandmaster and her assigned maids were progressively adapting to the modifications, as taking notes at meals became a standard routine.

"I think this is fine. I'm feeling okay, so it is safe to say the doctor was right about spicy foods." The faint smile on Jean's lip remained as she contemplated the ongoing arrangements, "We've eliminated so many other foods the past week. I'm having trouble differentiating the taste between vegetable soups and fruit salads."

"I understand, Miss Jean." Adelinde retrieved a small notepad from her uniform pocket, "I'll continue to consult with the kitchen staff and see if there's anything else they can prepare."

"Oh no, this is all fine for tonight's dinner. We can make it a plan for tomorrow's meal preparations."

"Are you sure, Miss Jean?" Adelinde Insisted while inspecting the meal portions on the table.

"Yes, I am all done for tonight. I don't think I can take another bite..." With her voice trailing off while glancing around the empty dining room, Jean hesitantly asked, "Do you know if Diluc will be returning tonight?"

Adelinde took a short moment to reply as she began to collect the plates from the table, "Unfortunately, there's no news about Master Diluc returning for the night."

It's been two weeks since Jean moved into the Dawn Winery as agreed upon in their contract. Further arrangements proceeded as planned, and after signing her name to the marriage court papers, Jean spent most of her time alone or in the company of the maids. Her hours didn't correlate much with his schedule, as Diluc would spend days at a time away from home.

His sleeping hours were too short to notice, and his presence in the manor was overall limited.

It all appeared to correlate with the weather as the rainstorms had finally ceased, and the upcoming swarm of reports and requests came pouring in as a result.

Jean was sure Diluc was unfortunately caught within back-to-back orders to command the knights.

With the rain stopping, an increase in enemy campsites and road blockages was expected. Again, this was as far as assumptions got her due to her feeling miscommunicated. Now that she wasn't in an active position, Jean could only hope the assault orders didn't involve anything further than a few hillchurls and mitachurls.

"Might I prepare a cup of warm tea?" Adelinde offered, just as the head butler rushed in her direction, interrupting her words.

A low whisper of words was exchanged between the two as Adelinde acknowledged the new request.

Elzer slightly bowed in Jean's direction before dismissing himself and retreating toward the main entrance.

"Is... everything okay?" Jean couldn't help the question as Adelinde abandoned the plates in her hands and rested them on the table again.

"Nothing to be concerned about. We should retreat upstairs to your room." A hint of urgency was noticed in the head maid's voice. However, it wasn't enough to convince Jean to move without further explanation. "Please, grandmaster Jean, I'll explain things once we're inside the privacy of your room." Adelinde gave a slight apologetic bow.