Ame watches with mild amusement at how large the Min clan manor is. From all the hallways and courtyards, they passed, she is certain that if one did not know the path, they would easily become lost. Well, at least it is not a palace for then she truly would be in trouble.
The small group finally turns a corner and reach an incredibly beautifully decorated courtyard. As the guard carries Ame over a small bridge that holds a large pond beneath it, the large koi fish dart hungrily below her.
Ame’s face twists in thinly veiled disgust. The movement of the Koi fish remind her to much of the mutants. The hungry crazed look in their eyes is the same.
Ame forcibly turns her attention away and stares at the intricate patterns on the bridge itself. Her lips become a narrow line at the extravagant luxury. Nobles and self-entitlement go hand in hand after all.
A well-dressed maid bows to the group and silently slides open a door. A group of people silently sit around a low-level table sitting comfortably on piles of elegantly, embroidered cushions. A handsome man with violet hair and violet eyes wearing a silk blue Kurta tunic sits at the head of the table.
Ame studies the stern violet haired male figure that is most certainly the biological father of this body. With some wariness, Ame studies the handsome figure before her. With reluctance, she admits that man would even make striped zebra print look good.
To the right of Min Hee, a very elegant woman sits in a violet kimono. Her black hair is neatly done up in a Korean palace hairstyle. From faint memories, she recognizes the figure before her as Ehuang, the first wife.
To the left of Min Hee sits a beautiful, haughty woman in a red Chinese palace style dress. Her long silky, brown hair hangs loosely over her shoulders only slightly pulled back by a beautiful golden comb. The cold, frigid gaze tells her that this is Ayako, the birth mother of Ame.
Sitting next to Ehuang is a cheerful younger woman. She is wearing an emerald colored Turkish dress and has her black tinted blue hair pulled up in an elegant Chinese bun. Without needing to do math, Ame is certain that this is the third wife, Nuo.
Out of the four figures, the only one to offer a warm welcome is Nuo. She smiles cheerfully at Ame, but a single glance her way causes her to quickly hide her smile behind her fan. Ame nods at Nuo but does not show any other visible reactions on her face.
The guard gently sets Ame most gently onto the floor. Ame takes a deep breath and bows to her parents, and all the while, her muscles scream in protest as she does so. Keeping her voice numb, Ame greets them, “Greetings Father and Mothers. I apologize for the inconvenience that I have brought upon our clan and am pleased to find that you are well. May you live long and prosper.”
Ame’s body shrieks in pain, but she does not dare move until she is dismissed. There is a long pause, before Min Hee speaks, “Thank you, child. Be seated, and it is our pleasure to see you safely home. We have all missed you.”
With trembling limbs, Ame slowly lower her body in relief as Sada quietly seats herself behind her. Lord Min Hee turns towards the servers and motions for them to begin serving the meal. With a pale face, Ame studies the place setting before. With interest, she notes the pair of silver chopsticks as well as the Turkish style adorned silverware.
The maids and male servants silently place the warm Nan on the table as they serve a meat type curry resembling Tikka Massala. Ame sniffs the air eagerly, unable to hide her enthusiasm. Having once lived without good food for several years other than military dried rations, food began to hold new meaning for Ame.
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Food was the only measure of hope Ame had in those days. Food had become the meaning of life. If a choice was to be offered between immortality or food. Ame would always pick food first.
Manor servants continue to place smaller dishes onto the table, including rice and pickled vegetables and other smaller dishes. The maids place each item in front of each of us. The rustling stops as the servants retreat soundlessly and smoothly.
Without a word of thanks, Lord Min Hee raises his chopsticks and begins to eat, the signal having been given everyone else at the dinner table joins in. The ladies all begin to elegantly eat as Ame fights the urge to gorge herself on food.
Such an action would only invite tragedy. Not only embarrassing herself and Sada at the table, but she remembered all too well a similar situation where she went out without proper food for two whole years. Without further ado, upon arriving at the haven, she immediately began to eat proper food but threw it up within hours. Her stomach could not handle the heavy food even though it was starving.
Ame carefully chooses to eat light food and rice. She takes small bites and closes her eyes in pleasure as she enjoys the long-forgotten taste. Her eyes shimmer with tears for a moment as she enjoys the pleasure of tasting and enjoying a good meal.
With mild regret and sorrow, Ame carefully places her chopsticks on her plate and wipes her face. Without another word, Lord Min Hee rises to his feet, and without any other word, leaves as his wives follow. Sada motions for the guard to carry Ame back to her quarters. The guard nods and gently carries Ame back.
Ame quietly ponders the events that transpired at dinner. Her return was not a welcome sight in the end. But that was not a problem if she was left to her own devices.
Upon having returned to her quarters, Sada swiftly undresses Ame and readies her for bed. Ame allows her to do so, being tired from the day’s events. With a gentle and tender care, Sada tucks Ame into bed and begins softly hum to her. Ame slowly closes her eyes and falls into a tired slumber.
*
Lord Min Hee seats himself elegantly in a chair as his wives do so as well. With interest, he studies their well-endowed figures as they gracefully seat themselves. After a moment of allowing his wives to compose themselves, he speaks, “Well, what do you think of her?”
Ehuang considers the idea for a moment before answering tactfully, “Lord Husband, the child seems to be well behaved given the circumstances.”
Lord Min Hee doesn’t respond as he waits for the other two women’s answers.
Ayako stretches her back leisurely and lazily replies, “Does it matter? Either way, the child was and will never amount to anything.”
Nuo flutters her fan nervously before firmly saying, “Even so, she is still a daughter of the Min Household.”
Ayako sharply glances for a moment at Nuo, causing her to glare back, but Ayako returns her gaze to Lord Min Hee. Nuo relaxes slightly at the sharp gaze being turned away from her.
Lord Min Hee doesn’t say another word, forcing his wives to excuse themselves of their own accord. Minutes later, a silent figure enters the room and bows to Lord Min Hee.
“Dara, you will oversee the child. She is late in starting to cultivate, but she will be given a chance. If she manages to excel, we will nurture her with sufficient resources and engage her to a suitable household. But if not, ensure that she leaves of her own accord cutting all ties with the Min Household,” Lord Min Hee strictly said. Given that Ayako thought the child undisciplined and unruly, it was a suitable solution on both ends.
Dara remains silent contemplating the decision and clasps his hands in a salute. “As you wish, Lord Hee,” Dara said with a heavy heart at the merciless decision and departs from the Lord’s quarters. Cultivation began early and the Second Young Mistress Ame was many years, behind her fellow peers.
However, that was the lesser problem to be dwelt with. The Second Young Mistress had only just returned and has yet to fully recuperate from her wounds. It was possible, that even her cultivation had been affected. He straightens his back as he resolves to aid the Young Mistress in every possible way and ensure that she succeed.
Lord Min Hee remains in silence as he glances out the window and stares at the cherry blossoms. The cherry blossoms lightly twirl in the air until they at last fall to the cold earth.
*