The dining hall of Ravencrest Castle carried an air of faded grandeur. High arched ceilings bore dim frescoes, and heavy tapestries lined the thick stone walls. A wrought-iron chandelier cast flickering candlelight over the long oak table, its surface marked by time but still bearing intricate vine and beast carvings. Tall-backed chairs with worn cushions lined its sides, while old but elegant cabinets displayed tarnished silverware and gilded plates.
Sera sat at the head of the table, sipping from a silver cup. Tia, to her right, picked at his meal in quiet thought, while Vina, on her left, ate with steady precision. Two maids moved around them, placing fresh bread, butter and pottage with practiced ease. The soft clink of silverware and murmured conversation echoed through the vast hall, morning light casting stained-glass colors onto the stone floor.
"Mother, I don't like eating breakfast at this long table," Vina complained. "It was much better when we had it in the kitchen."
Sera smiled. "Think of it as training. One day, we might have to attend banquets or visit other territories. Wouldn't want people thinking we're ignorant country bumpkins, now would we?"
"But we've been doing this for a year already," Vina grumbled. "It still feels uncomfortable, too constrained and lonely."
Sera hummed in thought. "You are right. I don't like it much either. How about this? If we're not hosting guests, we'll have breakfast and dinner in the kitchen, and lunch in the dining hall since we might invite guests then. Emma and Alaric can join from time to time, and the maids will still get practice serving when needed."
Vina's face lit up. "Yes!"
While Vina and Sera chatted, Tia sat anxiously, wanting to say something but hesitating.
Despite noticing his unease, Sera and Vina continued their chat of trivials as if they did not see anything, deliberately ignoring him.
"What are your plans for today? Training as usual?" Sera asked, breaking a piece of hard bread.
"I want to, but I haven't been in the mood lately," Vina admitted, stirring her stew. "I don't know why but, I'm feeling kind of down, so I thought I'd practice magic language instead."
She took a sip of water before continuing. "I heard from Rose that Ron, Olivia, and Julian just got back from the Light Goddess Citadel. I wanted to visit them, but Lilian said we should give them time to rest after their long journey."
"Apparently, Priest Joshua is going to start teaching them magic tomorrow, so we're all planning to go to the temple," Vina added.
Tia's thoughts drifted. 'Ron, Olivia, and Julian, along with their families, were invited by the Light Goddess Temple for a tour of the citadel. The entire trip took half a year. Most of it must have been spent traveling.
'I heard Olivia's father didn't join them. Other than him, all their families went.'
"But Mother, didn't Teacher Kevin say they'd be invited just a few days after their awakening ceremony? Why did it take a year and a half?" Vina asked, frowning.
"Maybe they forgot," Sera said with a shrug. "Or maybe they didn't want to draw too much attention right after the ceremony. Inviting them too soon might have seemed suspicious. Who knows? Maybe they were busy and finally found the time."
"What about you, Mother?" Vina asked.
"As usual, I have my work cut out for me," Sera sighed, her face full of reluctance. She poked at her food, looking thoroughly unenthusiastic.
Tia took a deep breath, steeling himself. 'No, I can't hesitate. I have to convince them today. No matter what!'
"Mother—"
YOU ARE READING
The Eclipse Moons Grimoire: Lilith's Soft Whispers
Mystery / ThrillerA boy who wishes to be a girl dies in an accident and reincarnates in a world of gods and demons as the second son of the baroness with hidden past. His supposed mother disguises and raises him as a girl.
