Part. 25, A Dinner Party With Estellise, Roadies Blunt The knives!.(D8)
Disclaimer: just a reminder, I do not own Tales of Vesperia, that's the property of Namco-Bandai.
(The Castle, entrance hall, A couple of days later…)
(Julia's point of view)
"Oh, honestly, Julia...Are you actually planning on going out there dressed like a...servant…?" Effie asked me, who, despite the occasion at hand, was still dressed in my maid uniform(long skirt version).
"Yeah, mentor..." Nan added. "Clint and Tison are gonna be out there. If they see you dressed like that… I'll never hear the end of this." Her face, not surprisingly, was rather red.
"I'm absolutely sorry, Nan… Lady Trinket." I placed my gloved hand on Nan's shoulder. "But I am, after all, the head maid of this very castle. And I take great pride in this uniform. Besides, I told Clint and Tison about what I do months ago. They know I'm a maid."
"Now you tell me..." Nan moaned. "You coulda told me that back in Berlin."
"My apologies, Nan." I bowed.
"Well, anyway, it's too late to get you to change, now..." Effie shook her head. "It's time for your speech, Nan."
"...Right, lady Trinket." Nan looked at the main doors. "...Let's just get through this."
"Once more into the proverbial breach, Nan?" I grinned.
The Victor party stood in the entrance hall waiting for the doors to open. We heard first, the Mayoccian national anthem, followed by the anthem of the gods.
Some of Effie's staff clips microphones onto our collars. Commandant Alexei introduced them as the main doors opened."Big smiles, everyone." Effie said.
"Right, once more into the breach..." I added as we walked through the entrance to the waiting crowd of locals held well back by the squads of peacekeepers and the Royal Guard. The VIPs were standing at the top of the stairs beneath the grey winter sky as scattered snowflakes waft about in the breeze. We could see that the castle on either side, and the square before them was festooned with banners bearing the symbol of the gods. Not to mention that the square was packed with the afore mentioned crowd of locals.
Just like all our other visits, there was a special platform at the bottom of the stairs for the family of the fallen tribute of district 8. The applause, and the flashing cameras soon die down and Alexei, and then Ioder and Estellise, gave the speech in Nan's honor. Two little girls approached her with large bouquets of flowers.
Nan began her speech. "People of Terca Lumireis, I congratulate you on your heartfelt support in the glorious name of the benevolent, merciful gods that watch over us year in and year out. I especially want to congratulate my fellow tribute, Riker Fairfax(M) of Capua Torim, who performed bravely in the games and died a noble death. Be proud of our valiant efforts. And of our victory this year. BE PROUD, DISTRICT 8! BE PROUD, HUNTING BLADES! THIS IS YOUR YEAR! DISTRICT 8 RULE! HUNTING BLADES RULE! YEEEAAAHHH!" Nan thrusts her fist upwards into the air in triumph.
"I couldn't have said it better myself..." I commented. "...'Course my own speech wasn't quite so… enthusiastic."
The crowd let out a thunderous cheer for Nan. Ioder steps forward and presents Nan with a Plaque. "I humbly accept this plaque, your highness." Nan said as he accepted the plaque. The cameras start flashing again as we re-entered the castle...
(Late afternoon)
The coaches start showing up at the front doors. Each one carrying a noble family. Anybody who's anybody is attending tonight's party.
The great doors opened and the first guests arrived. Me and the butler greeted them, take their coats and hats and hang them up nearby, and show them to the audience chamber... "Announcing the arrival of lord and lady Barakain Egerton and their son, Gudauri Egerton!"...Where they are then introduced to the victor party and the royal cousins.
Me and the butler hurry back to the entrance hall just in time for the next family to arrive. The new guests enter...
...And the big burly bearded nobleman suddenly hugs a rather surprised me, lifting me off the floor. "GAAH! FATHER!" I yelped in surprise.
"HA HA! IS THAT ANY TO GREET ME, MY PRODIGAL DAUGHTER!?" Father joyfully yelled, his thunderous voice reverberated throughout the entrance hall. "I WAS HOPING YOU'D BE HAPPY TO SEE ME!"
"I am! I am!" I squeaked. "Now please let me go! Can't breathe! Ribs giving out! Lots of pain! OW!"
"Oh, sorry about that!" Rather then released me. "Sometimes I tend to forget my own strength... HA HA HA!"
"Ow! My ribs... Honestly, Father." I shook her head, rubbing my sore ribcage. "… Hello, Mother... Hello Fredrick.. Hello Nina… I'm home for the holidays." I greeted Mother, Catherine, my brother Fredrick and my sister, Nina.
Mother gave me a, more gentler, and more lady-like, hug. "Welcome back, Julia." She smiled. "Still working as a maid I see."
"It would seem so, Mother." I smiles back, still rubbing my ribcage.
"I wonder are you going back up to Aspio once this tour is over?" Nina asked.
"… Who knows." I shrugged. " Anyway, let us take your coats and hats and escort you to the audience chamber."
Me and the butler escorted my family to the audience chamber… "Announcing the arrival of earl Robert DuBois, countess Catherine DuBois, their son Fredrick DuBois and their daughter, Nina DuBois!"
Over the next hour, more nobles arrived. Some of them had a history with me… Which we'll not discuss here...ugh… earl Gradana Stafford, Alexander & Mimula von Cumore, archduke Kyle Nicolas and Ragou Stufato… once again...ugh... And were also escorted to the audience chamber to chat and mingle.
"Is everyone present?" The butler asked the crowd.
Standing near the throne, watching it all, was Estellise and Ioder. "Um… Are you sure this is all right?" Estellise asked.
"Oh?" Ioder cocked his head.
"Commandant Alexei was the one who helped set this up..." Estellise replied. "… And we agreed to it without so much as a second thought."
"It'll be perfectly fine, Estellise..." Ioder replied. "… It'll be no different from any other dinner party…"
"Well, that's a relief, I suppose." Estellise smiled back.
"Everyone...Everyone..." Margaret gets everyone's attention. "This way to the dining hall, if you please." She gestured towards the dining hall. The royal cousins, followed by the guests, make their way to the dining hall.
As soon as they enter, they gaze upon the finely polished tables, the perfectly pure white plates and cloths, the crystal clear drinking glasses, and the finely polished silverware. All under the warm yellow glow of the candles in their polished silver candelabras. Between each candelabra, was a bowl of fresh fruit.
"As expected of Julia and the maids..." Margaret smiled at how gorgeous it all looked. "I taught her well."
"I'll see that they get a bonus..." Ioder added as they all proceeded to sit. "They certainly earned it this year." Oh goody.
Once they were all seated, the band starts playing classical music. "We're so glad that everyone's gathered here this fine evening." Estellise announced. "Please enjoy yourselves." She toasts with a glass of white grape juice. "To everyone's health."
Shortly afterwords, the food was, finally, brought out, starting with the appetizers, gracefully carried to the tables in covered silver platters by yours truly and my fellow maids.
"This is tortoise soup..." Ioder explains to the Kabbage Boy band-members. "Made from the meat of the giant Tolbyiccian tortoise. I hope you find it to your liking."
"Like it looked like it's still swimming." Erik commented as he took up a spoonful of the broth. "Wow...it's like totally tasty, prince dude."
"His name is Ioder, mr Faust, not… 'Prince Dude'… Honestly." Margaret reminded the half-masked lead singer.
This is quite superb, master Ioder." Seneca grinned after tasting his soup.
"I agree. It tastes marvelous." Effie added.
"Certainly...tastier than the soup we usually have on the trail." Nan commented after taking a spoonful herself. "...'Course we usually don't have much access to any of the seasonings you guys use."
After the soup was finished and the bowls were taken back to the kitchen for cleaning, me and the maids brought out the entrees. "For your entrees, ladies and gentlemen… We have lobster and salmon in orange sauce..." I presented the entrees. "Axe-beak supreme with truffles… And finally, we have for you pureed pheasant. Please enjoy." I smiled, bowed and back-stepped.
"This is rather scrumptious." Effie said after tasting one of the entrees.
"I agree, it's all so delicious." Seneca agreed as they both finished one entree and proceeded to consume the other two, also saying that they were also delicious. "It would appear that I'm quite full."
"So am I." Effie added.
"Oh dear..." Estellise daintily raised her hand to her face. "It's not a good idea to consume all three entrees. You only need to eat one."
"And miss out on the other two, my dear princess?" Seneca replied. "..Oh, my apologies, it's apparent you are unfamiliar with how dinner parties are conducted in the god's realm."
He wipes his mouth. "We have ways to insure that are stomachs are empty." He looked at me. "Mentor DuBois, I trust there is a… Suitable place nearby for us to take care of this?"
I sighed. I knew all too well what Seneca meant. "Please follow me..." I gestured. Seneca and Effie stand up and followed me to a nearby washroom. "I have a rather uneasy feeling you two brought the appropriate… medicine?"
"We do, mentor..." Seneca showed me a bottle of clear pinkish fluid. "Syrup of Ipecac, from our own realm. Now, if you'll excuse us..." Seneca pours himself a shot on the liquid, drinks it down and enters the washroom and closed the door. Sounds of him… ugh … purging can be heard.
I covered my ears and tries to think of something else lest I lose her own lunch. Something I hadn't done since I found out what a certain aphrodisiac I was under was made from.
A couple of minutes later, he emerges, wiping his chin. Then Effie takes a swig, and goes into the washroom and also… Oh yuck … purges her stomach. And also comes out also wiping her mouth, and re-applying her makeup. "Ah, that's so much better… I do believe we are now ready for our main courses. Do be so kind as to lead us back to our seats, darling."
"As you wish, my lord and lady." I curtsied and led Seneca and Effie back to their seats…. And resumes with helping to bring out the next course.
XXX
While me and the maids were looking calm, graceful, dignified, and professional as we brought the platters to and from the kitchen…
… In the kitchen itself, however, it was all noise, hustle and bustle as the cooks got the meals out as fast as they could…
"Oy! Orders number 34 and 35 are good to go!" One of the cooks calls out.
"Hey, is the sauce done?"
"Beatrice, Joanna! Is that chutney finished!?" Greta, the head chef inquires.
"Yes, It's all done!" Beatrice… Or Joanna replied.
"I'm still missing the jelly sauce! Please get it for me!" Greta, orders.
In the background… "This crumbles easily..." One of the cooks hands a pie to me as I came back in to take out another tray of food. "Please be careful with it."
"No sooner as I stepped in the door..." I took the tray and about-faces. "...And out I go again..."
"Could someone finish this for me?"
"On it!"
Greta looked over at the ovens. "How's the roast chirpees doing?"
Priscilla, the sous chef opens up the oven and checks. "Just a few more minutes." She answers. "Hey, Rosanne! I need a serving plate!"
"Right away!" Rosanne hands her a plate. "How did they turn out?"
"Prerfecto..." Priscilla smiles at her work. "That's my cooking for ya." She placed it on Rosanne's serving plate. "Okay take it… Drop it and you're out on your butt!" She warns.
"Got it." Rosanne replied as she took the dish.
… like I said, noise, hustle and bustle as the cooks prepared the meals for the guests refined tastes, and we maids carried the food out as fast and as careful as we can…
(Meanwhile, over in the staff section)
(Eddie's point of view)
Me and Ralph was talking with Flynn, Hatchette, and Sodia about our tour.
"At first, I thought I had to build a warp-drive for our tour bus..." I told Flynn about the tour.
"… But I explained to him the gods got that covered." Ralph added. "Namely that big ol' airplane of theirs that's parked at the bottom of the hill."
"Yeah, we saw that earlier." Flynn replied. "I swear that flying ship's bigger than some of the Entelexeia that our empire fought against up to nine years ago."
"So, anyhoo, what cities have you guys been to?" Hatchette asked.
"Well..." I leaned back on my chair. "On this tour, we've been to, Mexico city, Ottawa, Rosewood, Meltokio, Daath, New York, Adams, Sailor's Island, Madera, Berlin, Werites Beacon, and, most recently, Tokyo. Also there's Zaphias, which is where we're currently at. And we still have to do the god's realm of Panem."
"And so far, We've been building stages of all shapes and sizes in every place we've been to so far." Jake stated.
"Except for New York and Sailor's Island..." Bob added. "We were just passing through on our way to our main gigs."
"I'm telling you three, We, along with Julia, have seen some pretty interesting stuff." Jianyu said.
XXX
(Julia's point of view)
As we was bringing out the first of the desserts, I noticed Estellise was looking at Flynn as he was talking to Edward.
"… Well, at any rate...This blackbird pie… It's really quite marvelous." Seneca said.
"Ah...Yes… The pie is quite tasty, lord Seneca." Estellise smiled back.
Seneca continues. "You have good cooks here, lady Estellise..." He takes another bite of pie. "...For your district anyway."
"I'm honored, lord Seneca..." Estellise smiles. "I'm quite pleased with them as well…"
"Apologizes for the interruption, but desserts are now being served.' I Said as we placed the first trays on their table.
"Oh, it looks like they're bringing out dessert now..." Estellise added.
"I believe that's what I said, lady Estellise." I smiled at her. We continued to bring out desserts for the other guests...
(Back in the Kitchen)
The last of the desserts were being prepared. And me and the maids had just finished bringing them out.
"There, we're all done." Greta said. "That's the last of it." Jeanne took the platter with the desserts out to the tables. "Well, Julia, How'd the guest like it?"
"Well, everyone's quite satisfied with all our hard work tonight.!" I happily replied as I took up another platter of desserts. "Even lady Estellise was praising our efforts."
"But of course..." Priscilla grinned.
"All right!" Beatrice cheered.
"Bonus! Bonus!" Followed by Joanna, happily pumping her fist in the air. I'm looking forward to that too… For my tuition to this spring's scholarship exams of course.
"Oh Give it a rest, you two..." Greta replied. I giggled as I took the platter out. "All right, girls let's get the our suppers re-heated." The cooks take out some food that they cooked earlier, re-heated them in the still hot ovens. And placed then on some plain tin platters just in time for me and the maids to come back in.
"Oh, finally! We get to eat!" Natalie declared, almost drooling at the sight of their own meal. "I'm hungry enough to eat the Lord of the Plains right now!"
"You and me both, Nat..." Hannah added.
Mee too, I wouldn't be too surprised if that giganto tasted like chicken… Hee hee hee...
XXX
We took the platters out to the staff section of the dining hall. We placed the platters on the table for the Knights, then the roadies, then the cooks, and finally, our own table. "Okay everybody, LET'S EAT!" I happily announced, before sitting down and taking up our own meal.
(Eddie's point of view)
Unlike the meals served to the nobles, our meals weren't as fancy, matter of fact, they were pretty simple and straight forward. You have tomato or vegetable soup, salad, local fruit, sliced bread, sliced cheese, and sausages. The main course being pre-sliced roasted beef or chicken or fried fish, with fried potatoes on the side. And beer, rum, or mead for your beverage.
"Damn, that mighty good eatin'." Ralph commented as he helped himself to the fish and chips. "Wish we had some boiled crab."
"I'm afraid we used up all our crab on our other guests, Ralph." Julia replied as she helped herself to some roast pork and seasoned potatoes. "But I'm certain we can get you some tomorrow…. Don't look now, Flynn, but..."
...That Estellise chick managed to, once again sneak into the staff section and sat next to Flynn."So… Managed to sneak away again, lady Estellise?" Flynn grinned.
"Certainly looked like it, Flynn..." Estellise smiled. "They'll be an even longer while before they notice I'm missing. Were you all talking about the tour?"
"More or less, princess." I answered. "I'm guessing you want to know about all the placed we've seen, huh?" Estellise nodded. "Okay then..." I told Estellise of all the places ew've been to so far. "… So what do ya think…?"
"Oh, wow…?" Estellise pressed her hands together in amazement. "Buildings that are taller than the Sword Spire, cathedrals with buttresses that span a city, floating islands in the sky, and sailing islands on the sea. It's just so amazing! I wish I could've seen all those." She looked at Julia. "Julia, I'm so envious."
"And I can't blame you if you are, lady Estellise." Julia smiled back. "… Those placed I've been to are indeed amazing… Despite the crazy adventures I've been through."
"Oh?" Estellise cocked her head at Julia. A REALLY curious expression on her face. "Please, tell me about it, Julia!"
"Oh, good grief, me and my big mouth..." Julia sighed. "Well.. If you wish to know..."
"Oh, I do, Julia… Please tell me." Estellise pleaded, looking quite interested.
"Well, as you wish, lady Estellise..." Julia tells the curious pink haired chick of her adventures in the other districts. "… And there you go. How was my story?"
"Oh my..." Estellise had both of her hands to her face. "Telepaths in Rosewood, A female ninja trying to kill you in Meltokio, your fellow mentor getting his face wedged in your breasts… Hee hee hee… in Daath."
Julia blushed on that one. "… And don't get me started on that...*shudder*... woodworm."
Estellise continued. "Um… Right..." I'm guessing that she knows that Julia is scared shitless of worms. "...Then getting strangled by a priestess, and punching her out!? Oh my! Then getting in a sword duel with a Valuan admiral, Getting… humiliated and have your pin stolen Berlin, and finally, beating up the same person that humiliated you and getting said pin back in Tokyo? You' weren't kidding about your experiences on this tour being...crazy."
That's an understatement.
"I agree with you on that, Lady Estellise." Flynn said.
"Same here...sheesh!" Sodia added. "And I thought I had rough days."
We yakked some more, mostly talking about the stage me and the boys were putting up. Before long, we've pretty much cleaned the plates of everything edible. We chugged down our mugs of mead, which lead to...*lots of belching*… from everybody… "Oh, yeah, now that's damn good eatin'." I commented, leaning back in his chair.
"My word, you Earth people sure do eat a lot." Estellise commented.
"I do worry for our plumbing, lady Estellise." Julia added.
Just then. "I should've known, lady Estellise!" Margaret scolded as she entered the staff section and immediately spotted Estellise sitting next to Flynn. "I swear, I just can't take my eyes off you for a moment. Now come along."
"Yes, Dame Margaret..." Estellise nods and leaves the table. "It's been fun chatting with you all… Thank you so much." She politely bows to the roadies.
"You were enjoying their company, lady Estellise!?" Margaret's face was almost white with shock. "What were you thinking!? Look at those people… They're so uncouth, rough. and even their women are wearing...trousers...*shudder*… And don't get me started on their table manners!"
"They're jeans, lady..." Marcia retorted.
"Yeah, you try working up in the scaffolding in a skirt." Leslie added.
"Personally, I prefer to stay on the ground." Melissa said to herself.
"...HUMPH!" Margaret snorted, nose in the air. "I'll not dignify that with a response." She turns back to Estellise. "And then there's all that...*shudder*… belching. How rude and improper.
"Yeah, what's wrong with… BURP … 'Scuse me... burping." I burped. "Better out the attic than out the basement."
"How true, Edward… burp … Oh, Excuse me." Julia burped.
"Julia… That's not very proper of you." Margaret shakes her head.
"Yeah, You need to loosen up a little, Dame Margaret..." Flynn suggested. "Fact is, everyone.. burp … 'Scuse me… You get the idea."
"… burp … Excuse me." Sodia burps.
"You two, Sodia…?" Margaret moaned.
"Guess it's kinda catching, huh?" Sodia grinned.
"Now do you see what a bad influence those… laborers are having?" Margaret points at the roadies. "They've already got (Points at Julia) the daughter of an earl, (Points at Sodia) a daughter of a marquess, (Points at Flynn) and a soon to be gentleman belching like...commoners. Can it get any..."
Margaret was suddenly interrupted when..."… BUUURRRPPP ..." Estellise let one loose. "...Oh my… Did that come out of me…?… urp... My apologizes." She bowed.
"… Worse..." Margaret finished, rolling her eyes in dismay. "I just had to say it...I...Just… Had...To...say...It… I'm sick of those roadies!"
"Oh come on, Margaret." Julia walks up and placed her hand on the housekeeper's shoulder. "What on Terca Lumireis is the matter?"
"What's the matter?" Margaret looked back at Julia. "WHAT'S THE MATTER!? Those roadies are a dreadful influence! Look at what they did to lady Estellise, Flynn, and Sodia! They already got them belching like...commoners… Not to mention their...*shudder*… apparent lack of table manners! I'm afraid they're gonna clean out our pantries at this rate! Drain all our casks! Track filth all over the halls! And our bathrooms...*shudder*... Just the thought of their...waste backing up our plumbing...*shudder some more*..."
"Oh, don't be like that, Margaret..." Julia smiled back. "To be honest...As rough as they are, They're really quite a merry bunch once you get to know them."
"You tell her, Julia." I added. "Hey let's get these plates washed up, guys..."
"I do not want to get to know them!" Margaret retorted, body all stiff. "Look at what they did to lady Estellise… A proper princess does not belch!" Just then, Warwick, holding a dirty plate walked up. "Ah! You keep away from me!"
"Excuse me..." Warwick asked. "...Sorry to interrupt, but what should I do with my plate?"
"Here, Warwick, give it to me..." Bob takes the plate. "OI! Marcia! Catch!" And he tosses both his plate and Warwick's plate, like a Frisbees, at Marcia, who catches them and then flings them into the kitchen where they're caught by Adam, who, along with a couple of other roadies, starts to wash them.
More plates start whizzing by, and sometimes over Estellise Julia and Margaret, causing them to occasionally duck. "Woah!" Estellise yelps.
"My word!" Julia added.
"Hey! Wait! Stop!" Margaret yelps. "Those plates are over a hundred years old,! Stop tossing them around like that!"
We keep tossing plates and bowls from the tables into the kitchen. Our antics, and Margaret trying to tell us to stop that was certainly getting the attention of the other nobles.
"Well, now there's something you certainly don't see everyday." Charles Fortescue commented, watching the roadies antics.
"Well I hope they don't break the plates..." Ioder added, also watching the unfolding, and somewhat amusing scene. "… They're a bit expensive." Then they hear metallic clanging coming from the staff section. "Now what are they doing?"
"They're clanging the forks and knives together, Ioder." Julia answered back as Bob tosses a bowl over her head to Marcia, who catches it and tosses it to Adam. "And stomping their feet. They certainly got an interesting rhythm going."
"They are clanging the utensils…!? … Could you ruffians not do that!" Margaret ordered. "You'll blunt them!"
"You hear that, guys?" Jake said, stomping his feet. "...She says we'll blunt the knives."
"Ha ha!" Marcia starts singing as she keeps flinging the plates. "Blunt the knives. Bend the Forks!..."
Bob joins in. "… Smash the bottles and burn the corks!..."
Then Ralph and a few other roadies join in. "...Chip the glasses and crack the plates!..." Then he looked at the somewhat shocked Margaret. "Um… what's your last name…?"
Margaret stared back at him, body all stiff. "Now why would I tell you my last..."
"Her last name's Géroux!" Estellise interrupted.
"Lady Estellise!" Margaret gasped.
"Thanks, your highness..." Ralph grinned. "Right, boys and girls, where were we..."
And we resumed singing. "… THAT'S WHAT MARGARET GÉROUX HATES!"
And the plates, bowls, glasses and utensils really start flying as we proceeded to clean off the tables in the staff section of the dining hall and send them flying into the kitchen.
"Cut the cloth and trail the fat! Leave the bones on the bedroom mat!"
We tossed the plates to Warwick, who manages to catch them all, stacking them quite high.
"Pour the milk on the pantry floor! Splash the wine on every door!"
We relay- tossed bowl after bowl into the kitchen.
"Dump the crocks in a boiling bowl; Pound them up with a thumping pole;"
And now the boys are rolling the plate towards me, who just casually flips them over my shoulder… Towards Bob, of course.
"And when you've finished, if they are whoooole... SEND THEM DOWN THE HALL TO ROLL!"
Both Estelle and Julia were looking pretty amused at the (I'll admit) surprisingly skillful demonstration of table cleaning. Even the dining nobles were amused. Margaret, however, was white(er) with shock…
The princess, maid and totally shocked housekeeper followed the last utensils as they were tossed into the kitchen to see… "THAT'S WHAT MARGARET GÉROUX HATES!"… All the plates, bowls, drinking glasses, and the knives, forks and spoons were all stacked up neatly, perfectly cleaned, and perfectly undamaged.
"Wha...wha...wha…!?" Margaret gasped, as the roadies guffawed at her totally exasperated expression.
"Well… That was...Rather interesting." Julia stated, examining the dishes. "Not even a smudge or a chip, or even a bend or a blunt. Amazing… Absolutely amazing."
"I…. Uh… Ah wa wa wa! How could this…. My brain! I don't understand!" Margaret reeled, looking just plain confused. Her eyes were all… swirly. "I… Ooooh…. I need to go sit down."
"There there, Margaret, it's all right." Julia takes Margaret by the shoulders. "Come with me, I'll find you a chair…"
She looked at Me. "I do admit, it was quite amusing watching you and your friends wash the dishes. But I kindly suggest that, for the remainder of your stay here, you leave the care of the tableware to me and my fellow maids. That's what we're paid for. Besides, I don't think our housekeeper can take another… ahem … show like that."
"Right, we'll keep that in mind, Julia..." I replied. "Admit it, it was kinda fun watching her spaz out like that."
"I suppose so, Edward… Heh heh heh... By the way, that song."
"...'Blunt The Knives'? It was originally from the book, 'The Hobbit; There And Back Again' written by John Ronald Reuel Tolkien back in 1937." I explained. "The version we sang came from the movie adaptation that came out a few years back. Oh yeah, we substituted in Margaret here for the lead guy, Bilbo Baggins. Read the book after I saw the movie. It's a pretty good read."
"I see… I suppose I should see if I can get my fellow mentors to get me a copy. Now if you'll excuse me…" Julia led the still dazed Margaret out of the kitchen.
XXX
(Julia's point of view)
I led the rather dazed Margaret to the table out in the main section of the dining hall and sat her down on her chair. "Here, relax for a bit. Give yourself a chance to pull yourself back together." I offered Margaret a cup of tea. "This'll probably help."
Margaret sipped the tea and leans back in the chair. "Oh, my nerves… I thought for sure that those...ruffians would destroy our dishes."
"Well they didn't, Margaret." I reassured. "...But they promised me that they wouldn't do it again."
"I hope so..." Margaret moaned. "That was just...improper of them."
"I thought it was kinda amazing." Nan chirped. "You shoulda seen the look on your face."
"I do admit, it was kind of...amusing." Alexei said. "But changing the subject; We'll be momentarily retiring to the men's drawing room to talk about the latest events, drink and smoke. Miss DuBois, both you and miss Fortescue's presence are required in the ladies drawing room at the request of both your mothers… Formal wear required, of course. And, yes, you two are relieved of your duties for the remainder of the evening."
"Understood, your excellency..." I bowed. "I'll go and inform Sodia and get ourselves attired." I turned and headed back to the staff room to get Sodia...
(The Ladies Drawing Room)
With the help of some of the maids, it didn't take too long for both me and Sodia to be changed into more appropriate attire. Afterwords, we both made their way to the ladies drawing room.
"Ah! There you two are..." Margaret greeted as we entered. "And, for once, the two of you actually look like proper ladies." The outfits both me and Sodia were now now wearing, like the other noble ladies, are the latest fashions going around and are rather fancy. "If only we could do something about you hair."
Well me and Sodia both have short hair, after all.
"Oh well, do come in, Julia, Sodia..."
We nodded and entered. Sodia sits down next to her mother, marchioness Deborah Jasperta Fortescue. And I sat next to my mother and Nina. Sitting across from us was Estellise, Effie Trinket and Nan. All wearing their best, of course.
"Do you want coffee or black tea." Margaret offered as Hannah rolled up a cart with the offered beverages still steaming in their kettles. The Fortescues, Effie, Estellise and Nina asked for tea while Mother, me and Nan wanted coffee.
"Oh, boy, my stomach is so full!" Nina stated, hand on her stomach. "I can't wait to get out of this corset."
"You're not the only one, Nina." Estellise replied. "...Getting kind of tight in here too." She looked at Nan. "Well, Nan, How have you been enjoying the castle?"
"I'm pretty much enjoying it so far, lady Estellise..." Nan answered. "...'Though I'll admit I've been feeling a little...uncomfortable around all those nobles…"
"As you should be, Nan..." Said a cold, haughty voice, belong to Mimula Lytton von Cumore, sister of captain Alexander von Cumore as she approached. "After all you are naught but a commoner."
"Well, how nice of you to drop by, Mimula..." I coldly replied. "… If only to remind my ward that she's not of the peerage… Honestly."
"No… She isn't, Julia." Mimula smiled back, sitting next to Effie."… And nor shall she ever be."
"I don't think I even want to be a noble." Nan replied. "… If it means having to act like a stuck-up snob with a stick up her butt!"
"And I used to be like that..." I shook my head.
"Really..." Mimula coldly replied. Then she looked at Sodia. "Well well if it isn't Sodia Fortescue."
"...Humph… Charmed I'm sure." Sodia replied, nose in the air.
"Rumor has it that you've developed a relationship with that lowly person, Flynn Scifo. So much so that you left my brother's brigade to be with this Flynn person."
"Your … brother was making me feel...uncomfortable, Mimula." Sodia answered. "… And that brigade just...didn't feel right."
"And I suppose that lowly blonde commoner is, Sodia?" Mimula replied. "Besides, It's no secret that he prefers to do it…. How you say… samurai style with other men. At least that what my brother Alexander said after those two visited Gilbert's clinic on his suggestion."
"What did you say…?" I venomously interrupted. Mimula tries to reply but… "On second thought, don't, Mimula Lytton von Cumore… I know both Yuri and Flynn for about five years. They are both perfectly straight."
Not to mention, Me and Sodia prevented that nonsense from happening… Still, that weird glittery blood of Gilbert's when I killed him, and that doujinshi we found in his office afterwords showing what he had in mind for Yuri and Flynn...*shudder*...
"Are you really sure, Julia..." Mimula replied. "Those two have been living together since that Scifo was sent to live in the Lower Quarter ten years ago. They might be hiding their… queerness for one another for a long time. Oh ho ho ho."
I just coldly looked at her. Let me tell you, it took no small amount of restraint on my part to NOT punch out the lights of that slanderous lavender-haired snob.
Sodia has an expression of doubt on her face. "...Could what Mimula said about Flynn and Yuri be true?" She asked. "...It can't be..."
"Anyway, enough talk about those two Lower Quarter homos..." Mimula turns her attention to Estellise. "Well, lady Estellise, in a couple of months, you'll be eighteen, correct?"
"That's true, Mimula..." Estellise answered. "I'll be eighteen early next year."
"And yet, you still keep making yourself smell like bubblegum." Mimula commented.
"Oh…? Is there something wrong with bubblegum-scented perfume…?" Estellise cocks her head. "I think it's a cute smell."
"Yes, it's...cute, but it is also such a childish scent." Mimula explained. "You should probably think about procuring yourself a more mature perfume. Something that smells like flowers and reflects your royal status. I would suggest roses, lavender, lily of the valley, or my personal favorite, lilac."
"Isn't that also your brother's favorite scent, Mimula?" Deborah asked.
"Yes is is, Deborah." Mimula answered. "I do wish that Alexander wouldn't keep borrowing my perfume and my hair-dye so often. I know he's a bi, but this is just ridiculous."
"No kidding." Sodia, surprisingly for herself, agreeing. "What with him dying his hair lavender, that outfit he wears, and that makeup and perfume. He looked like more of a woman than any of us do. Yeesh." We all chuckled. Mimula, however, has a less-than-amused expression on her face.
"Now I think I'm beginning to see why you left his brigade, Sodia." I said, shaking my head. "Anyway let's change the subject. So how are you liking the castle, Nina?"
(Meanwhile, in the men's drawing room)
(Standard point of view)
The men were all basically talking about the latest news, smoking cigars or pipes, and enjoying their rum. Ioder was chatting with the Egertons in one corner, And in an opposite corner of that large room, Robert and Charles were giving Cumore an earful...
"I will have to admit, Alexander. What you did to both lieutenant Flynn and that Yuri chap was downright shameful." Robert accused the lavender haired brigade captain. "It's almost right up there with what that bowl-cut twat of an earl did to my own daughter three years ago."
"Really, earl Robert..." Cumore smirked. "I thought I was helping those two come out of the closet with the help of my late friend, Gilbert… Which reminds me… I'll have to plot my revenge on that maid later on..."
"As I recall, him and his cronies not only almost raped those two… they endangered both my daughter's, and Robert's daughter's lives as well..." Charles stated. "Still, It's a good thing both my Sodia and Julia came along just in time and rescued Flynn and Yuri from those accursed perverts."
Cumore decides he had enough of their company and heads over to Ragou, Gradana, and Alexei. "So what are you three discussing? Thought I'd join you, seeing that earl and marquess are still a bit...sore with me."
"Not too surprising, Alexander, seeing that both their daughters were almost raped by a gang of thugs that Gilbert led. And that whole...incident ended up leading back to you." Kyle replied, enjoying his cigar.
"And I would've succeeded in getting rid of those punks, Yuri and Flynn if it weren't for that four-eyed maid and my former sweetie… Ugh… Why did she not want to stay in my beautiful brigade?" Cumore laments of the loss of Sodia.
"Guess it was just your bad luck that my former slave and that ginger haired… smart-Alec showed up when they did." Gradana said. "Too bad Gilbert and his fellow rapists didn't give those two what they truly deserve for what they did to me..."
"You mean miss Fortescue's making you look like a fool at that social function and ms DuBois for… kicking you in a really sensitive place, Gradana?" Alexei inquired.
"As well as getting me kicked out of the Royal Guard, Alexei." Gradana added. "One day I'll get even with them… Guhihihi..."
"Something funny, you bowl-cut twat?" Robert overheard Gradana's trademark laughter. "You'd better not be talking about screwing my daughters. Or I'm going to have to come over there… And yell at you." He threatened.
"Perhaps we'd best change the subject..." Alexei suggested. "I don't care to nearly get deafened again." Cumore, Ragou, Kyle, and Gradana nod. "Anyway, Ragou, How's that Ehmead Hill barrier blastia project coming?"
"It's still going up as we speak, commandant Alexei." Ragou replied. "And soon, We'll have that new core installed."
"Yes, it would be quite convenient to have that pass protected from those monsters… Especially that giant wolf that they're calling Gattuso. He's becoming a bit of a pain lately." Alexei commented.
"Which is why I'm having that barrier blastia commissioned for that hill." Ragou replied. "That accursed brute has cost me quite a few mercenaries… But a beast like that could be useful, once my other project becomes a success."
"Ah, yes..." Alexei replies in a low tone. "That old zoikós blastia that scholar, Fidi acquired. I trust it's now functional?"
"Well we had to convert it to a Hermes Blastia to get it to work, but, yes, its now functional, commandant Alexei." Ragou grinned. "And, as planned, we'll be using it to acquire a certain creature in Kiev Moc to fully control a certain young lady. Heh heh heh. As well as...If the opportunity presents itself..." He looked over at Ioder. "...To help get a certain gentleman out of the way."
Gradana grinned. "And we'll most certainly use her to control the empire. She'll become Empress, of course buut..."
"We'll be the ones in control." Alexei replied. "But don't 'work' her too hard… Even though I prefer them well broken in."
"Right, commandant Alexei..." Ragou replied. "I'll personally oversee her tasks following her birthday. She'll soon be our ideal empress."
"And we'll see that you're well rewarded, lord Ragou." Kyle grinned. "Make her our. fawn and soon, you'll be a duke yourself, with all the privileges that come with the title, heh heh heh..."
XXX
Back in the ladies drawing room, Estellise suddenly sneezes. "...HAH-CHOO...Is someone talking about me?" She asked Effie.
(Back in the kitchen)
The cooks were now washing up the tableware from the victor party and noble guests tables.
"We made so much food for so many people…" Beatrice commented as she wiped a dinner plate. "I wouldn't be surprised if the pantries are empty."
"They are empty, Beatrice..." Joanna replied as she washed a glass. "There's nothing left."
"Can't be helped, It was a big dinner party we had to prepare. Guess We'll be grocery shopping tomorrow." Rosanne commented. "...sigh… Over here are the cooks and over there are the nobles… With a locked gate between them." She slumped.
"I disagree." Priscilla interrupts. "When we cooks are able to please the nobility with our skills of food preparation, in that moment, we're equal." All the other cooks look at her. "Well, that's the way I see it. Don't you?" She smiled.
End Part 25
Author's Notes:
And there we go. The last of the district speeches.
I decided to use the 'Victorian Romance Emma' chapter 'A Dinner Party With Eleanor' (Chapter 11 in the manga) as a reference for this chapter. So yeah.
Anyway next chapter, Sodia learns of Julia's sexuality. Wonder how this'll effect their friendship.