Will Of A Deity

39| Dinner with the Duke

Time: 19:00
Location: Claude Dukedom
Hyron Dominus Rye Claude

After we rest by the fountain, I escorted Selene back to her room before going back to mine. I was so tired that after I washed up, I went straight to rest. I didn't even had the chance to have lunch. It's past 6pm and I'm starting to feel famished. I was fixing appearance in front of the mirror when I hear three consecutives knock on the door.

"Come in," I said.

A maid emerged from the door and lowered her head before at me.

"The lord asks for your presence in the dinner table, young master."

"I'll be with him in a moment."

I check my appearance one last time before coming out to go to father. I wonder what needs to be discussed that he's inviting me for dinner.

The maid opened the door to the dining room for me.

"Ah Rye, you're here." Father greeted me when he noticed my presence.

"Good evening, father." I greeted back.

"Sit down, let us wait for the other guest who'll be joining us this evening."

"Guest?" I asked as I sit down on my seat beside him. As if on cue, the door opened and...Selene entered the dining room.

I was bewildered for a moment but regained my poise afterwards.

"Good evening, Duke Claude...and Hyron." She greeted.

"Sit Down, Ms. Selene." She sat down on her seat and seems to be also quite bemused as to why she is being invited to dine with us. I don't mind it. I like her presence after all.

Father ordered to servants to bring in the food.

"You must be confused as to why you're here," he started. "Ms. Selene and Rye," he called us. "There's just something I need to discussed with the two of you for a moment."

"I understand, father."

I don't understand. What does he need to discuss from the two of us? I haven't proposed to Selene yet. This is too early for marriage talks.

The servants finally came and serve the food on the table. I saw Selene's eyes lit up when she saw the dishes that were being served in front of us. But she immediately composed herself as if remembering that she is in our presence. I can't help but chuckle silently. She's so adorable.

"As per tradition," father said as we start eating. I notice Selene trying to eat her food as slowly as she can to seem graceful. I doubt that will fill her up. Should I bring more food to her later after dinner? Or should I------

"Ehem," Father cleared his throat while looking at my direction. "Rye, are you with us?"

"Yes, father. Please continue what were you saying," It seems that I have just been staring at Selene all this time and seemed to be not paying attention at my father's words.

"I know that Ms. Selene is quite endearing. However, listen to what I have to say first. You can gaze at her as much as you like later after I'm done with my announcement," Oh father, now you've really done it. Selene's face turned bright red at what my father said.

"Duke Claude, it's not like tha--------"

"I understand, I'll do as you say father. Please hastily announce you're news so I can continue blessing my eyes over Selene's beauty."

Father laughed heartily at my reply. While Selene looks like she want to curse me but she can't because we are with the duke.

"I apologize, Ms. Selene." Father said turning to Selene. "My son seems to be giving you a hard time."