The Villainess's Secret Bedroom Service
Chapter 66: Sincere Child

Chapter 66: Sincere Child

Rosalie descended the stairs with an eagerness akin to that of a person reuniting with a dear, long-lost companion. There was a mixture of excitement and fascination that coursed through her, effortlessly dispelling any lingering traces of negativity or unease.

Amidst the whirlwind of emotions, a faint but persistent voice in her mind whispered, encouraging her to hasten her steps, urging her to mend the rift with a cherished friend from the past who had become estranged.

Princess Angelica remained mesmerizing as always. Her lengthy blonde locks radiated akin to the sun’s resplendent rays, an unfaltering brilliance even amidst the somber embrace of autumnal days. Her eyes, tinted azure, glimmered with an ever-present optimism. However, a paradox lay within her appearance – her pallor, almost fragile, seemed to lack the vitality attributed to the healthful atmosphere of Rische, a stark contrast emphasized by her towering yet sickishly slender physique.

"Rosalie!"

At the very moment the princes caught sight of Lady Ashter, an almost instantaneous impulse propelled her to the forefront. Her lips, tinted with a reddish hue, gracefully curved into an expression of sheer delight. This simple transformation rendered a marked enhancement to her countenance, infusing a subtle radiance into her previously fading complexion. With an air of warmth and familiarity, she enveloped Rosalie in a genuine embrace, a gesture that only served to heighten the latter’s puzzlement.

"Good morning, Your Highness!"

After the initial perplexity had dissipated, Rosalie responded to the princess’s affectionate hug with a slightly awkward yet sincere embrace, her hand offering a gentle pat on the princess’s back.

"I did mention before, please address me as Angelica. Formalities seem quite superfluous among friends, and the subject of etiquette has certainly lost its allure for me."

Angelica’s lips took on a playful pout, while Lady Ashter, in a somewhat forced manner, conjured an awkward smile as she endeavored to adhere to this wish.

"I apologize, I shall certainly make a point of referring to you by your name from now on. What brings you here so early in the morning?"

Angelica clasped her friend’s hand and led her with an assured stride toward the mansion’s exit, presenting the urgency of an experienced guide.

"Allow me to clarify, my intention was to ’kidnap’ you, if you will. The plan entails a delightful joint breakfast at the Central Capital. A table has been reserved for us at the Wind Chambers! Anticipate a truly remarkable meal this morning!"

Angelica’s choice of the term ’anticipate’ was indeed fitting. The "Wind Chambers" was more than just a restaurant; it was the embodiment of the Capital’s epitome of opulence and renown, being under the ownership of the prestigious Amado family themselves. The duke’s astuteness manifested in the assemblage of the Empire’s most adept and celebrated culinary artists, culminating in a menu of unparalleled sophistication and expense. Such a culinary repertoire proved irresistibly alluring to the nobility, ensnaring them within the restaurant’s enchanting ambiance.

The prospect of experiencing such exclusivity was such that the queue for securing a table stretched to such lengths that one had to secure reservations an entire year ahead, a situation occasionally mired in the unfortunate fate of elder nobles who passed before their turn could dawn.

In "Acme Fever," this was the very establishment Damien selected for Evangelina in the wake of their initial encounter. This distinguished locale bore witness to his pivotal proposal, and of course, the duke did not have to wait in line.

Conversely, the Ashter family harbored distant thoughts of ever gracing the premises of such a dining establishment, their financial footing perpetually wavering. Yet, such constraints found no resonance in the realm of the Imperial Princess. Rosalie’s impending foray into unraveling the enigma enshrouding this illustrious restaurant marked a realization that likely aligned with the aspirations of the original Rosalie, the attainment of her cherished dream.

"Allow me a moment, Angelica."

Despite her eagerness to venture forth, Rosalie managed to suppress her enthusiasm, pausing to lay her hand gently upon her friend’s, thereby bringing their departure to a temporary halt.

"I must inform His Grace of my departure. Furthermore, I deem it necessary to bring along Sir Logan, my designated personal knight, for an added layer of security, one that safeguards both of us."

The princess’s eyes widened, still somewhat taken aback by the abrupt pause. However, her response was a soft chuckle preceding an affirmative nod.

"Well, well, observing your attachment, one might presume that not a solitary step shall be taken sans your betrothed! Your unwavering affection stirs a twinge of envy in me. Nevertheless, your worries are baseless. Pen a note for Damien, if you please. As for protection, it just so happens that I am accompanied by not a mere one but six personal knights, all of whom are, incidentally, answerable to the Grand Duke himself. The compromise of our safety seems an unlikely prospect."

Angelica’s interjection was reasonable enough. After all, it was worth acknowledging that Rosalie’s imminent departure, while arriving sooner than predicted, remained within the realm of expectations. Furthermore, it was an indisputable fact that the Princess’s assembled knights held affiliation within the very army overseen by Damien, thereby establishing a sturdy assurance of the ladies’ security as a foremost priority.

"Very well, then. A written note it is."

***

As the golden fountain pen touched the white surface of the paper, the girl’s thoughts stirred onto a more sentimental course. Inadvertently, this internal shift echoed within her restless heart, which had grown acquainted with such twinges.

’It would have been nice if I could take both Aurora and Logan with me today. They both work so hard, a nice meal in a fancy place would have been great for them.’

Even as her hand continued to meticulously trace ebony lines across the white sheet, her consciousness embarked on a parallel journey, intricately absorbed in orchestrating the contours of her forthcoming endeavors.

’Angelica might find it inappropriate if I were to still insist on bringing them with us. The rules of the high society sure are cruel.’

A sigh, tinged with disappointment, effortlessly escaped the girl’s lips. Concluding the note destined for Damien, she entrusted it to the care of one of the attending maids. Thereafter, she directed her steps back to the princess who had been awaiting her presence patiently, seated in the luxurious embrace of a plush armchair.

"Alright, let us depart on our friendly morning outing, Angelica."

***

Nestled within the heart of the Imperial capital, Wind Chambers, an opulent and exceedingly exclusive restaurant stood as a resplendent oasis. Its interior exuded an air of timeless elegance, adorned with intricate chandeliers that cast a soft, golden glow upon the lavish furnishings. As morning’s tender light filtered through the ornate windows, the noblemen gathered at linen-clad tables, immersed in lively conversations that resonated with both prestige and joy.

Attired in sumptuous attire, the patrons reveled in gastronomic delights meticulously crafted by well-renowned chefs. Each sip of the morning tea and morsel of delicacy formed an orchestra of indulgence, echoing in the symphony of privilege and refinement.

As Rosalie attempted to absorb the magic atmosphere of such unfathomable luxury, fixing her glowing gray eyes on the couples and families enjoying their meals, she felt her heart filling with a strong sense of resolve.

’It is a must that Aurora experiences this magical haven at least once. Perhaps by reserving our spot now, I can ensure this before my departure...’

In the midst of her silent musings, a tall and notably handsome waiter approached the two ladies. His polite demeanor carried a subtle aura of assistance, guiding them to the table that had been specifically reserved for them. Located alongside a wide window, it provided an ideal vantage point to partake in the cozy ambiance.

As Lady Ashter’s eyes fell upon the arrangement of their designated table, a remarkable blend of eagerness and astonishment sparked within her gaze. What awaited them was not merely a routine morning meal, but rather, an authentic feast of considerable grandeur.

The princess seemed to have ordered everything that was on the restaurant’s morning menu as the table was nearly crumbling under the weight of the countless dishes. A medley of light salads and succulent meats, alongside sweet pastries and robust sandwiches, punctuated by various desserts that spanned the boundaries of imagination. Complementing these delectables were offerings of water, juices, and fragrant teas – an opulent feast, reminiscent of regal banquets, though possibly burdened by its abundance.

Although Rosalie was starving, she tried to remain reserved so as to not reveal herself in an unseemly light. Yet, her stomach, an inconvenient traitor, betrayed her intentions with an audible rumble, attracting the attention of the girl’s companion.

A chuckle escaped the princess as she addressed Rosalie, her tone a blend of warmth and reassurance.

"Let us eat, Rosalie! I realize I’ve disrupted your customary morning routine, so do enjoy yourself. After all, our presence here is for this very purpose – to relish the cuisine and company."

Angelica offered her friend a sincere smile, a silent prompt for Rosalie to proceed and partake in the feast before them. Energized by an unforeseen enthusiasm, Lady Ashter deftly secured a knife and fork, her unwavering attention fixed upon a particularly tempting portion of chicken.

With the delicate succulence of the meat making contact with her palate, an involuntary smile curved Rosalie’s plump lips. In that fleeting moment, her countenance transformed into an image of genuine satisfaction and joy – a spectacle that, for those fortunate enough to witness, held a charm of its own.

Among those fortunate witnesses stood Princess Angelica. A brief chuckle escaped her lips as she marveled at her friend’s unfeigned happiness, which was effortlessly kindled by the mere indulgence in food. Observing Rosalie’s candid reaction, Angelica found herself appreciating the depth of such modest pleasures. And when Rosalie, embarrassed by her own behavior, covered her mouth with her hand, the princess shook her head, and said in a warm and reassuring voice,

"Rosalie, that mirthful and sincere child I so treasured and recall fondly still resides within you. I truly missed it."

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