Chapter 48: Let's Get Wasted (5)

'…umm… is she really the Lavinia I knew from the book? Why is she being like this?'

"You want everyone in this kingdom to taste that wonderful smell, it seems like you're planning to start a business related to food." Lavinia's sharp gaze disappeared and it was replaced by an enthusiastic one, "I don't mind if you want me to judge it."

The heck? So that's what she meant. How dare you make me so nervous?! I retained my business smile even when I wanted to smack her…

"Oh my, Lady Eckardes, you noticed! Well, I am considering starting one, but as you can see, one of the purposes for inviting this many guests is that I need to know the kingdom's food preferences. I want to challenge someone for the best cuisine in Cartania." I smiled so competitively while watching her reaction.

"So you're referring to that wealthy middle-class guy who recently gained a title of nobility, Baron Dresden. He is the only one who owns known food establishments in the kingdom, that will be a hard feat to do."

So Fredrick got promoted?! How many times is it now? The butterfly effect (if there's any) shouldn't have affected Fredrick's life, what the heck is happening? Shit, should I really consider that someone other than me is out there changing the story?

- Human, she must be a food enthusiast, why don't you partner up with her?

- No, she's really weird. She wasn't like this in the book.

- Book? What book?

- It's nothing important but it's something I keep.

- Is she suspicious?

- …I don't know, maybe?

- Do you want to kill her?

- Seriously? No, just shut up.

But why is she acting like this? Is she also a reincarnator? perhaps a possessor? or a regressor? (I come to know about this nonsense because of my situation) Is she the one responsible for the other changes? Fuck. This is really difficult. What should I do if she is?

"Let's just wait for the food then tell me that after you taste it… I'll accept every bit of your critique then. I'll excuse myself, for now, enjoy the party Lady Eckardes." With a confident smile, I turn around to greet the next guest.

We'll see later if she is. I make sure to focus on her reaction once she sees the food. But my mood changed when I saw the next guest…

- Oho, human isn't she your friend from before?

- She is not my friend.

- Ah, right, it's a buddy, not a friend.

- Dearby!

- Just saying…

Yes, it is Melancholy, that drunkard lady. But she's not alone this time, she's with her half-sister, Alta. Seeing them like this makes me want to puke, that Alta girl is an unrecyclable plastic. Very very plastic, though plastic wasn't produced yet during this time, well she'll be the first.

Should I tease them a bit? *evil laugh*

"Greetings Reginleif Ladies. Do you want to sit together or not?" I asked. Alta will just say yes to prove she's a kind sister- but Melancholy definitely would say no, since she hates Alta.

"Yes/No" As I expected.

"Then… let's decide from the youngest suggestion." I smiled, "Lady Alta Reginleif, where do you want to sit?"

She sadly smiled and looked down, don't try it on me, bitch. I won't feel pity for you. I look at Melancholy who is crossing her arms and rolling her eyes, this brat! She's showing everyone how hateful she feels for her sister. That’s why she always appears as the villainess.

"I'll just sit with my friend, Lady Cavelier." She answered, and she went to the table with the ladies- I don't intend to know. But I saw Denzelle among them, a bunch of plastics we have here… I looked at Melancholy and I told her to follow me.

"Why aren't you asking me where I prefer to sit?" Melancholy is frowning at me but I smirked at her.

Just like I've said before, Melancholy and Tania are at odds almost every time they see each other's faces. But I'm different.

"You'll sit with us."

"Why do I need to sit with you? There are other chairs over there." Melancholy argued, but I smiled

"You don't want to sit with us? Do you think we want to sit with you?" I nonchalantly said, "Don't make a scene here, I have prepared you a seat."

I saw how she got irritated by what I said and sent me a glare, haa… I led her next to where Lavinia was, her face crumpled upon seeing the Lady.

"So this is a grand table for the marquess' children, why are you letting me sit here?" Melancholy was displeased. She must have recognized the only Lady of Eckardes.

"Oh yeah? What makes you think so? This party isn't based on social status." I nonchalantly replied. "Stay here and don't make a scene, I'll go greet other guests before the celebrant comes out."

"Tsk. I suggest you stop bossing me around if you don't wanna be cursed" she threatened knowing I'll freak out, heh, I knew her curse can't affect me

"Yeah yeah, go on. Whatever." I said and I left.

I saw Lavinia's face turn serious while she was intently watching Melancholy and I bickered, she definitely has something…

*dingg!*

♤Character Status♤

Name

Lavinia Yera Eckardes

Age

18

Gender

Female

Title

Job

Family

Eckardes Family; Marquess Family

Race

Human

Status

Level

34

Next Lvl.

16.40%

⌸• Stats •⌸

Health

100/100

Magic

35

Stamina

100/100

Power

Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.

75

Strength

69

Mentality

76

Agility

56

Speed

57

Intelligence

105

Wisdom

65

Senses

275

Stealth

700

Control

850

Luck

60

Description (By the Book):

Lavinia Yera Eckardes, was a beggar, a replacement for the real Lady of Eckardes Family when she went missing. Lavinia has a bit of resemblance to the missing Lady, so she was brought to the Eckardes House at the age of 7, but as expected she was not welcome. Valdis and the Marchioness, her foster younger brother and foster mother, mistreat her. She was showered by mockery and even servants pushed her around, not accepting her as their lady. After that she completely changed, she became greedy as they say she is, buying anything she wants, lavish, rantings, yelling- a totally crazy brat. Her brothers, Valentine and Valdis don't care about her, watching her suffer is all they do. Later in the story, she died miserably in the hands of her maid by poisoning.

EH? What? How is it possible for her to have these stats?? You must be kidding me…

Curious and Interest? I feel like she's watching every move I make, she's quite creepy. Maybe… she also finds me suspicious, that's only the case if and only if she is a possessor like me.

Surprisingly, her stealth and senses are high for her level, is she an assassin or something? Good for her, whoever she is, she has a talented body to possess, compared to me who's useless without the system. Though I remember her using a bow in the book, but don’t remember her wielding a poison or a dagger, there's no doubt if she trains well she can be an assassin.

-----

The lights dimmed and the head maid gestured for the band to play a song for Vega's entrance. While Marquess Trastius was the one to escort her, walking down the staircase. Guests are clapping their hands upon seeing that scene.

My lovely Vega is smiling from ear to ear and has teary eyes, mouthing her 'thank yous' to the guests that greet her.

Now for the speech…

"Thank you everyone for coming on my birthday, you might not know but this is my first birthday that I'm with my family and friends. T-this… this is really… thank you for celebrating with me, thank you for my sister who adores me. Thank you to my father who supports me, thank you to my brother who always gave me words of wisdom and courage, and to my friend, Nathalie whom I swore sisterhood. Please enjoy the party, and I promise you won't be disappointed." A round of applause from the guests greeted her with a happy birthday.

Did I hear her right? Does Keaton always give her words of wisdom and courage? When the heck is that? And the marquess supports her? When? Wasn't she always alone and felt lonely because of her unreasonable and unbelievable family? Or is that sarcasm?

Chef Chad brought out the three-layer cake with a candle. Then the band starts playing Happy Birthday music while the guests sing along. Another round of applause when Vega blows out the candles and after that, the Marquess announces the start of the dance hour.

Marquess asked for Vega's hand and he led her to the center. Everyone watches them dance elegantly, and both the father and daughter look wonderful at the center until everyone joins them.

"Ladies, why don't you go and dance too? Everyone's enjoying themselves." I told Lavinia and Melancholy. While Melancholy rolls her eyes, Lavinia smiles.

"I'm fine, Lady Cavelier." Lavinia answered, "How about you Lady Reginleif? I heard you were quite a dancer."

Melancholy snorted and looked at us confidently. I don't mind her rudeness, but what amazes me is that Lavinia can also suppress herself like this.

"Of course, I am. It's just that there's no handsome guy to dance with, so I'll just be here and drink, don't mind me." Melancholy waves her hand and a servant comes over with a tray of wine.

"Haists." I shake my head in disbelief.

"Then why are you? Seems like someone is waiting for you to accept his invitation" Lavinia sips her tea. I got confused for a moment before turning around, it was Theo with his red face.

"Ohoo, what do we have here… Lady Tania, you got yourself a cutie pie!" Melancholy exclaimed while looking at Theo. Theo became even redder by her statement. "A shy type too! Haha."

Lavinia and I both look at her in disbelief. How can she be this shameless? We're the ones getting embarrassed because of her.

"Don't mind her Mr. Theo, we don't know her," I said as I accepted his waiting hand

"Hey did you just deny me?! You're the one who brought me here, how dare you!" Her voice fades among the crowds and we start dancing. Thanks to my grandma who taught me traditional etiquette and dancing, I did not fall short of the other ladies. The only problem is my stiff partner.

"Loosen up, will you? I'm not going to eat you." I said with a poker face.

"I-I'm sorry… it's just… I feel weird dancing with my lady who resembles the Captain so much." He blushed.

Haa… stop blushing, please… It looks like I'm forcing you to dance. Your Captain is me anyway, you don't have to feel weird unless your gay over me. Not that you know that fact.

"Just relax. Anyway, how are you feeling after the dungeon raid? Ah… don't misunderstand, it's just that Randall told me about you and your situation, in case you need help, you can contact me directly."

His grip tightened on my waist and his eyes stared at me, now I feel conscious.

"Everything is alright now, My Lady. The shark lords did not bother us again after I paid them, they must've learned that I came back from the dungeon safely. Captain really saved us, siblings, that's why I want to give him my first book as a novelist." I can see how sincere and motivated Theo is. Unlike our first meeting, he looks content with what he is now.

"You already finished your first book? But… wasn't it only a few days since the dungeon's clearance?" My mouth hangs open when I recall him writing something during our journey back then. So since that day, he already set his mind to being a writer and began writing about his experience.

"To be honest, I just decided to become a writer when I met Captain. From then on I was full of inspiration all because of him. I want to repay him for saving me."

I turned cold and expressionless. Who wouldn't, if someone's talking about you face to face as if I am the love of his life? The fuck. It's so cringy, I even got chills. I'm thankful that I inspired him but please don't make that expression, someone might think I've become his lover.

"I-Is that so? My cousin will definitely be thankful if he heard you say that." I awkwardly faked a laugh

"…I'm also… thankful to him…" Theo mumbled but I didn't hear the last part-

- …not just because he saved me, but also because I got the chance to meet you, My Lady.

- Ha?

- I read what was on his mind, but I also didn't hear the last part and I got curious hehe.

- ……

- What do you think, human?

- As I thought.

- What? Since when did you start suspecting him?

- Nah, I just did not predict him falling for me. But as I thought, no one can resist my beauty.

- …Right, I’ll shut up.

After dancing with Theo, I stayed at the table with Lavinia and Melancholy. Melancholy keeps on drinking and annoying Lavinia, although the latter just ignores her, she's really mysterious if I compare her to the Lavinia in the book. If this is the Lavinia I know, she might have already showered Melancholy with insults, but of course, Melancholy won’t back down and additionally given that this is Tania’s manor - she would join the party… Haa… Somebody might call our table a group of trash. Definitely, a rare sight from another's perspective, but who cares anyway?

When the dancing part finished, everyone seemed tired from all that dancing… I mumbled, “it’s time…”

“What? What is?” Melancholy asked with her faint blushing cheeks, this pretty much only came here to drink

“Just stay seated, Lady Reginleif.” I stood up and went to the other room. Chef Chad and assistant chef Greg are waiting with a few servants, they have the dishes prepared and the servants who’ll bring them outside, in fact, this is a catering type of buffet.

“Now you all seem tired, everyone. Then please allow me to replenish your energy so you could enjoy my party to your heart's content. Myrna, the food please~” Vega said with a sweet tone… Usually, Vega is a cunning child who would only use her cuteness to her advantage, and also this time she even used her sweet acting to please the audience, what a nice move… she’s definitely puking inside her cunning head after doing that, especially in front of Denzelle, her enemy.

As expected, the guests' mood lightened while listening to Vega’s voice, and then their heads immediately turned to the room where I came in. One by one servants carrying different dishes walk out of the room, the aroma filling the hall and I can see their faces give a curious reaction and watery mouths. Oh my god, I only see this type of reaction on TV, I thought these reactions were only scripted to bait the audience but seeing it in person hits differently. Nice one Mom, Bruce!!

*Growls~~!!* (Guests)

“A-ah…”

“Oh my gosh…”

“Oh no!”

“Sheesh… That was embarrassing…”

“Haha…” I covered my mouth so that no one could hear me laugh but I couldn't help it… Who would, if these noble’s appearances are funny? Some cover their faces with a hand fan, some avoid their eyes so they won’t be embarrassed, and some pretend it wasn’t them.

“Laugh it out, if you don’t want to fart it out later.”

I turn my head just to see Keaton by the pillar’s shadow… on his pajamas? I didn’t sense him but now that I saw him, I feel confident wherever he hides I’ll probably see him. Was it the power of the black cloak? ...hmm… I’ll get one for myself later. Anyway, what's he doing here in that attire?

“What are you looking at?” I asked with my brow raised, he looked completely fine now.

“Wow. Is that how you greet someone who barely escaped death?” Keaton refuted. “I’m hungry and I smelled some food, I came to get it.”

I jerked my thumb towards the door, “Go inside. There’s some foo-”

“Milady, we ran out of Jollibee style spaghetti--”

“Milady, there are no lechon pork belly rolls left--

“Milady, the barbeque and Jolly chicken are gone”

“Milady! The omouri-”

“Calamar--”

“--Kimbap too.”

……..

“*Ehem*… In short, everything's gone, Milady” Robert fakes a cough.

*trembles*

“Young master?? Milady?” Robert asked with a worried tone.

‘It was a success!! It did not even take ten minutes HAHAHAH--’

* Oi, the soul of your brother must’ve left his body.

When I turn around, Keaton is trembling too, but in devastation though.

“Haa… How many days has it been since I last ate? Haa… now because of some goddamned people I didn’t get my portion… Haa…”

To be precise, it's been more than half a week since you collapsed, how pitiful, even the aloof and introverted brutal person can be like this when they're hungry. Food is precious.

“Umm… Milady?” Myrna comes close to me and whispers something

“Lady Eckardes asked if she and Lady Reginleif could have a taste of the food, apparently the two of them were pushed behind the crowd of people who were about to have their seconds. When Lady Reginleif was about to hit someone with a chair, Lady Eckardes stepped forward and warned her not to make a scene and ruin the party. That’s when she called me over and asked me to tell you.”

“Hmmm…” so that happens, they were the people I wanted to taste the food with the most. Tch. “Escort them to the dining room. It would take a bit to prepare it so if they’re willing to wait then I’ll have it prepared as fast as I can.”

“Oi, loser, come with me if you don’t wanna die of hunger,” I said before dragging him with me to the kitchen area.

-*-

I place the eggy vegetable fried rice on the table, Keaton with his dirty face (due to coal) places a marinated grilled chicken, while Myrna and Lora put the steamed siomai, corned chilly tuna, and unbaked cake. These are just the simple dishes I could think of but I’m curious as to what their reaction will be, I’m looking forward to it.

“Thank you for waiting, dear guests.” I greet them with a smile, “I did not anticipate that the crowds would be like that after we serve the food. Although we ran out of other dishes, I just prepared another dish, especially for the two of--”

“*ehem*” Keaton faked a cough as he look at the dishes on the table… Tch.

“-the three of you who have yet to taste it. Have a dig in.”

Lavinia gracefully placed a napkin on her lap before she took a serving for herself, on the other hand, Melancholy grabbed a piece of grilled chicken and took a bite of it, how unladylike. Keaton glared at her and also grabbed a piece of grilled chicken and placed it on his plate, then the fried rice, siomai, and corned tuna - he looks like someone who will be executed the next day.

Keaton was the one to grill those chicken but of course, I am the one who seasoned it. Looking at them right now makes me unknowingly happy. Was this the feeling of being a chef? Or maybe this is just because of my overwhelming happiness for my future restaurant? Who knows.

*dingg!*

*dingg!*

♤Notice!♤

You have unlocked a special new skill!

Heavenly Palette - Lvl. 1 (passive)

Every dish you’ll cook and serve with your sincerity on it will taste heavenly that no one can resist. Nothing is impossible if you want to live in happiness.

(No Limit of Use)

You leveled up!