Own Time

Chapter 08

I walked alongside Griza, who held my hand firmly, warning that I might get lost in the vast mansion—a prospect I found entirely believable. As we made our way to the dining room, I look in my surroundings eagerly, having missed the chance to explore the previous day. I had been informed that after breakfast, I would have the freedom to play and explore the mansion as I pleased. The idea initially surprised me, but I understood the importance of obeying the guidance of my elders.

We arrived in front of the dining hall door, and I noticed that my is hand trembling. Griza must have noticed too. "Young master, there's no need to be nervous. Lady Aditya is not always what other people say," she reassured me kindly. I smiled and nodded, finding some comfort in Griza's reassurance. She opened the door, and as I entered, I was immediately met with a stern gaze from the Lady .

"I thought she's not what other people say," I murmured under my breath.

"My Lady! You're scaring the child," Griza scolded her firmly. The Lady shook her head, maintaining a poker face that was less intimidating and threatening.

"Young master, you should sit now," Griza said, gently caressing my head. I nodded and walked towards the chair that is far from the lady , and Griza help me to seat down. "What are you doing?" she asked. I quickly looked at her and saw her tilt her head and raise her brows inquisitively. I gulped nervously, wondering if I had made a mistake by sitting there.

"I...," I began to respond, but before I could say anything, she interrupted, "Sit here, why are you so far away? Are we having a banquet?" She tapped the space beside her. I heard gasps from all the attendants, including Griza, and they started whispering to each other.

"Well?" the Lady prompted, waiting for my response. Startled, I jumped from my chair and hurried towards her. However, when I tried to sit down, I realized the chair was too high for me.

'Seriously, can this get any more embarrassing?' I thought to myself as I struggled to find a way to sit comfortably. Before I could figure it out, I felt myself being lifted by my clothes again. I was placed gently onto the chair and watched as the Lady returned to her seat. 

I was shocked but couldn't help a smile from creeping onto my face as I looked at Lady Aditya, who seemed unfazed by the event. The whispers around us grew louder, and then I heard her sigh.

"Silence will be appreciated right now, unless you prefer something else," she said in a stern voice that sent a chill down my spine. The attendants quieted down immediately and stood still, and I pushed myself to remain silent, determined not to do anything that might irritate her further.

"Not you, go back to your loud self," the Lady remarked, glancing briefly at me before focusing on cutting her food. I frowned at her comment. "I'm not loud. If you're referring to how I talked to you yesterday, it was just because I was feeling pressured," I explained, feeling a bit offended. As I reached for my food, not paying attention, I accidentally stabbed a grape, causing it to bounce and hit the Lady in the face.

I widened my eyes in shock, and everyone present seemed scared about what had just happened. "Woah, I came at the right time," a voice said, and I turned to see and it was the Vel guy. He walked over to the Lady and handed her a napkin.

She wiped her face with the napkin and then looked at me. I gulped nervously and awkwardly smiled. "This seems familiar," she remarked, touching the spot where I had accidentally hit her yesterday. "I'm so sorry!" I bowed, feeling embarrassed more than scared.

"Forget it, just eat," the Lady said calmly as she swapped my plate with hers. I looked down and saw that the food was already cut into tiny pieces, clearly prepared for me. Slowly, I looked up at her and smiled gratefully. "Thank you for the meal!" I said and bowed again before starting to eat.

I heard a small laugh. "Shut up," she said sharply, glaring at Vel. We both continued to eat, and I found myself in a great mood, feeling light-hearted and relieved after the earlier tension.