Wow, I started to feel hungry. I supposed I need to eat something soon. I looked at Sena and she is smiling again but this time she is also holding my hand. It’s best to let it be. I didn’t press Sena into giving me more details about her situation because I’m sure she doesn’t want to say any more than that. When the time is right, she can take her time to open up. Sena is quite mature for her age. Perhaps the other younger girls are like that as well? A hard life does make one mature faster after all.

“ Let’s grab something to eat, I wonder what kind of food the maids know how to make”

“ Yes let’s eat!” cheered Sena.

Wait a minute… hunger? I know that this dream is realistic. Perhaps too realistic. I started to think that this is reality itself. Hm… only an idiot would think being transported into another world is real. I wondered if I’m having this dream to help me escape the reality of my situation. The sadness of losing someone who I might have been able to love.

The smell of the cooking food drafted into my nose, making me hungrier than normal. I sat at the dining hall waiting with Sena. It seems that Azure was one of the 2 maids that were cooking. Azure sure does know how to do everything here. I am blessed to have her. If only she didn’t see me as scum. I realized I can change that. If the people around me can change like myself and Sena, why not Azure too?

Come to think of it, Azure still didn’t exactly respond to my confession for her yet. I hope she doesn’t make the food taste bad, or worse, poison it. Now I’m getting nervous again.

“ Medium rare steak, herbed mashed potatoes, carrot soup, and red wine has been prepared for you Lord Crow,” said Azure.

She doesn’t seem fazed at all by my sudden confession earlier. I did have a crush on her but I don’t want to act on it or have any expectations anymore. I guess I will forget about it happening too.

“ Just to make sure, the food hasn’t been poisoned right?”

“ Why would they be poisoned?” questioned Azure.

Answering a question with a question? That was a little different from before, usually, she gives a straightforward answer.

Sena warned, “ Azure If you poisoned my future husband, I will have you executed.”

It was nice for Sena to stand up for me but it seems like she is not fully mature yet. And wait, future husband? I better correct that misunderstanding fast.

This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

“ Sena please do not say you will execute anyone.”

“ But we are nobles, err I mean you are a royal Lord Crow. And Azure is a commoner. It’s a crime for a commoner to kill a noble and especially a royal,” explained Sena.

Wait I’m a royal? It does explain some things and I thought I was just regular nobility. Does this society use outdated punishment like death for any killers?

“ Now now Sena, I don’t think it’s poisoned at all.”

I took a bite of the mashed potatoes and the flavors melted in my mouth. It was the best that I ever had.

“ This is really good. Thank you Azure and Tarra. You two should also join us to eat.”

Azure replied, “ We both have already eaten but if you insist for us to eat more then...”

“ Oh is that so? Then feel free to have some free time, we will clean up after we are done”

The maids looked at each other, probably thinking why the lord is acting so weird. They both soon left.

“ Sena I must tell you that I do not intend to marry you or the other two girls.”

“ Why Lord Crow? Are you going to send me back after all? Am I not young enou.h….” apologized Sena.

I stopped her before saying anything more.

“ That’s not it Sena, I will let you girls stay here for as long as you like. Forcing underage girls like yourself to get married is wrong. If I had to marry someone. She has to be at least 18 years or older and loves me back.”

“ Then… when I am 18, will you marry me?” asked Sena.

I did not see that coming at all. Sena even though you are only 10 years old, you are very sly.

“ You do not have to choose me you know, you should love someone you actually love. And who knows maybe you will find that special someone growing up.”

“ But… you are my special someone,” pleaded Sena.

“ You can’t Sena… its…”

“ Why can’t I choose you Lord Crow?” said Sena.

“ I see you as my little sister.”

“ But we are not related by blood at all?”

“ It’s….”

I didn’t know how to further refute Sena. I’m not exactly a relationship expert but I always have gotten along with people in my life. Should I just leave it to fate then? Maybe Sena would change her mind as time passes.

I told the same thing to the other 2 girls Tuuli and Kaida. At least they both understood and thanked me for being so kind to them. I’m starting to have hope again. You know what… maybe life can indeed get better. When I return to the real world. Perhaps I will go to more social outings instead of being introverted all the time. Maybe I will find a special someone.

I was quite mentally exhausted from the day. It appears that night has fallen. I entered my spacious bath. It was big enough for 10 people. I felt the heat permeating my entire body, creating a strong sense of relaxation. A hot water bath is the best! It sure beats the tub at home. The bath itself seems to be made of smooth white stone inside a nicely lit high ceiling room. The dream still wasn’t over yet. Thank you dream, even if it was a nightmare from the start. I was able to face my dream head-on. I will do the same back in real life, facing it head-on. 

I heard the sound of the bathroom door unlocking.