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An elongated dining table similar to that of a kingdom in famous fantasy novels or cartoons, accompanied by ten chairs made of the same material with red cushions. The dining table looks like it is made of sparkling gold because it is given a special gold paint like a nest of fireflies at night. Despite the unpolished intricate carvings, the fact was that they were made of oak.
The three people are now in the kitchen which is connected to the dining room. Aunt Mildsven was serving tomato puree, Agnes put down two baskets of apples and grapes and quickly arranged plates as well as glasses, Cake was making something in the kitchen, while Lady De Polcester was preparing the main course.
"Good afternoon, please take your places," called Aunt Mildsven, smiling for a moment.
Grunt and Ren felt bad for doing nothing, they offered to help. But Aunt Mildsven refused because all the preparations were almost complete.
---------------------------10 MINUTES LATER-------------------- --
Owner, maids, guests, everyone was having lunch without exception. The atmosphere of eating together is peaceful and calm, eliminating castration. Grunts again topped the list by spending the fastest and the most, adding to the tomato soup and mashed potatoes and two apples. His two friends reminded the Affro haired man a like a bird's nest, remembering that the owner only eats a little. But Aunt Mildsven actually supported Grunt, that was because usually the tomato soup was already cooked, when someone finished eating nobody touched it again. Aunt Mildsven really hated wasting food.
"So, you guys are actually on vacation or doing college assignments?" asked Aunt Mildsven curiously. She also took a sip of tomato puree to finish off the leftovers. Her wrinkled face looked like a grandmother who was spending longing with her grandson.
"Both of them, if I'm being honest. Currently, the second semester is material that focuses on painting. There really isn't a theme about painting…,” Ren said, then turned her gaze to Sistine. But her friend looked nervous, not knowing what to say.
“Because we like to travel and… there's nothing wrong with doing painting at the same time. We decided to find a more public place. It's like there have to be trees, grass, and there has to be a calm nuance,” answered Grunt representing Sistine.
Lady De Polcester who was sitting between Aunt Mildsven and Agnes was not the least bit interested. Instead, she was slicing a grilled fish that looked like it was still in half. Her mouth chewing sluggishly, Cake observed for a moment.
"Then you choose around the Perth and Kinross areas?" asked Agnes whose eyes shone on the grape she ate slowly.
“Well, Ren decides. Actually we don't really mind, the important thing is not expensive and too far away. After all, some of us also work part-time, though,”
“Part-time work, monsieur? Where do you guys work?” asked Cake, while pouring a glass of water.
“I used to do odd jobs at a delivery service. But because it was too tiring and sometimes it clashed with class hours, I moved to another place. Luckily, the mini market in Glassgow has open part-time vacancies," said Grunt, embarrassed.
“Ah, good for you! You yourself, Miss Brunes?” asked Aunt Mildsven instead.
"I-I'm a freelance marketing worker at a travel tour agency," Sistine said hesitantly. She only felt a little inferior because it was not as hard as her friend's efforts.
“Ow, what a coincidence! Would you like to promote our place when it officially opens?” Aunt Mildsven offered rather passionately.
"Of course…,"
When Ren's turn came, the same question was asked.
Just as the woman was about to raise her mouth, Cake felt that more eyes were paying attention to Ren. Especially with Lady De Polcester, the knife that had been slicing the grilled fish kept moving as if she herself didn't notice it.
"Well, I'm embarrassed where to start..."
Ren says she has three part-time jobs. As a Restaurant cleaning workers, supermarket cashiers and library receptionists.
“You are super busy, mademoiselle. How do you manage the schedule?” asked Cake amazed. He thought that if only the woman was in Cambridge, Cake would not hesitate to appoint her as an employee. Moreover, he believes that he is a good and logical boss.
“Actually, I don't have any trouble living if I don't get out of Wales, because there are foreigners who regularly give some kind of scholarship in the Orphanage. But I don't want to feel confined all the time, it's boring and not very challenging. Adjustment is the most difficult. The most difficult moments of struggle are when you step out of someone else's umbrella and steadfastly break through the rain. Since deciding not to make things difficult for the people at the orphanage, I have mentally and physically prepared myself to work hard. That way, at least you won't be too surprised by the busy activity. I just need to be selective about how much energy I spend, and how much benefit I get from it," Ren explained.
It was as if all eyes were stunned by her imposing words, slightly embarrassing Ren.
"I don't know if there are still gems for the younger generation in this instant era. But still, it's an impressive way of survival,” Aunt Mildsven gaped and nodded in awe. He then turned to Cake.
While chatting until empty plates were left with only traces of oil and sauce, about half an hour the topic made them forget the time. But impressively, Lady De Polcester didn't show a smile at all. Lady De Polcester's plate was finally empty too, she had just downed the last mouthful of the grilled Char.
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The change in Lady De Polcester for a moment was only when Ren started talking, and only glanced briefly and lost focus when cutting fish meat with a knife even though it had been cut.
Lady De Polcester, a quiet woman of about forty who since yesterday they had not heard a voice or a smile. Even since just now, the awkward atmosphere had all come from her.
Her appearance is no less attractive than a teenage girl, her nose is completely sharp and her pouty lips actually invite an alluring air of mystery. Sharp chin and cheek skin looks supple without wrinkles even though her hair is slightly gray. Her face is like that of a doll whose makers deliberately paired a melancholy character, then polished it like an Edwardian descendant of the nobility rather than a tudor.
Ren, assisted by Sistine, had washed all the dishes used for food even though Aunt Mildsven told her not to do that. Then three people before disbanding, wanted to say something. Something the three of them undo.
"Well, actually we're going home tomorrow. So…, how are we going to pay?” Ren asked hesitantly.
Aunt Mildsven sighed. But not sighing like people would mind. She was more expressive that Ren and her friends, or even Cake, should not worry too much about it. On the contrary, the old lady wanted them to enjoy their time a little more. They were much more welcome than yesterday's first odd impression, especially from Agnes.
"Well…, about that," her tone sounded hesitant, just like her current expression. She glanced briefly at Lady De Polcester to make sure there was no hint of disapproval. “About that… actually Lady De Polcester hasn't decided any further, so let's just say nothing. But… she would like it if you all stayed a little longer, perhaps?”
The three of them turned somewhat fearfully to Lady De Polcester who was still seated in the same place, staring blankly at the table. They whispered to each other in disbelief.
“Ah, we have a better offer! Come with me to the garage,” said Aunt Mildsven. Because of the enthusiasm of the 60 year old woman, they were made as if they couldn't refuse.
Everyone except Lady De Polcester took steps towards the front door. Ren, who was at the very back, looked back for a moment why the woman was still sitting down.
Ren, however felt shocked and horrified. How come? Anyone would get goosebumps when suddenly that woman who had finished eating just stared at the table and then her pale face looked up and stared blankly, her sleep deprived eyes bulging, and her lips grinning?
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