How the Useless Me Became the Beloved of the Devilish Duke Knight - Chapter 19
Chapter 19 : Breaks and snacks.
The table in the guest room was being set up for afternoon tea. Elma, who was watching the maid skillfully set things up, suddenly realized. She was supposed to be the one serving, not being served.
“Um, let-let me do it…!”
“This is our job for today. Right, Georgie?”
“If the young master brought someone along, they are a guest of ours. In fact, given the rough invitation the young master extended, we must ensure they are satisfied.”
When both the maid and the butler say that, Elma had no choice but to sit quietly. Eugreek laughed softly.
“Elma, I already told you, right ? No one will hurt you here. You can rest assured and let yourself be well taken care of.”
“Yes, that’s right. Since everyone here is old except for the young master, it’s good to have an exciting day like this every once in a while. Come on, enjoy your meal.”
Elma froze. The reason was that she didn’t know which of the many dishes laid out before her to start with
Besides the three-tiered plates, there were scones with jam, cream, honey, a small soup likely considered an appetizer, and chocolates… How colorful and delicious it all looks!
‘This might be more luxurious than our dinner… or at the very least, it’s definitely better than lunch…’
She knows that it’s a tradition among nobles to have a light snack with tea in the afternoon, between lunch and dinner. She’s also followed this practice by serving snacks to her father and sister.
However, this was her first time experiencing real afternoon tea, and the idea of ??her being the one eating it was out of the question for Elma.
When she nervously looked at Eugreek, she noticed he used his napkin with ease and he had already started on his drink before eating. Even so, it still seemed difficult to drink.
When she finally looked away from the intense staring she had been doing, she noticed that the two servers were also watching her.
Oh no, she needed to do something about the food that had been served. Elma quickly used her napkin and brought the cup to her mouth.
“….!”
“Is this your first time trying herbal tea? This is called Calmaia.It has a relaxing effect.”
As Elma’s eyes widened at the different flavor from what she was used to, the maid explained it to her in that way.
The tea was much lighter in color compared to the usual tea she was used to, appearing almost yellow. It had a slight bitterness and a pleasant aroma.
While Elma stared blankly at the herbal tea in her hands, the maid and butler straightened up and faced their master.
“Young master, what should we do?”
“I want to have a proper conversation with Elma. Could you please step back until I call for you again?”
“Understood.”
“When would you like the tea to be refilled?”
“You don’t have to bring it until I ask you to.”
When she heard that, the maid quickly covered her mouth with her hand. With her eyes sparkling, she stared at Elma with intense eyes, then looked at Eugreek again.
“Young master. So, this person is really?”
“Niisa.”
“?My apologies. Your Excellency, honored guest. Please take your time and enjoy your meal.”
However, when the butler reprimands her, she immediately switches between personal and professional life, bows and leaves the room.
“Georgie, don’t go reporting this.”
“It depends on the situation. Well then.”
“Hey?”
Eugreek tried to speak to the butler right before he left, but once the door was closed, he let out a sigh.
“It looks like I’d better prepare myself for tomorrow.”
“….”
Elma, who was left behind, looked nervously at Eugeeek. When she noticed him about to lift the cloth, she hurriedly reached for the cup.
As she tried to cover up the silence with tea, he let out a big sigh.
“I wonder when was the last time I ate with someone like this! What would you like to eat? Actually, what are your favorites, Elma?”
“O-…ohh, don’t worry about it…! More importantly, um, am I really allowed to eat this…?”
“I’d rather you eat–no, I’m not saying that now is a bad time. But still, it seems to me that it wouldn’t hurt to eat a little more.”
It had been a faint feeling, but this man really seems intent on making Elma gain weight no matter what.
It’s not as if she’s slim by choice, but being told bluntly to put on weight… She can’t quite describe this uncomfortable feeling.
“Elma? Don’t you want to eat?”
“Um… I don’t know the proper etiquette…”
“Oh. Since it’s just the two of us, you don’t need to worry about it.”
“I–I am worried about it…!”
“Really? Then why don’t you try to imitate me?”
Eugreek picked up the cutlery with a familiar gesture and started with the appetizers. Elma hesitantly picked up a knife and fork.
‘I’m used to serving food to Father and Carolyn, but eating it in such a formal manner… ugh, my hands are shaking…!’
As a result, her hands sometimes made clattering noises, but Eugreek’s eyes were gentle.
Today, Elma learned that not being scolded can actually be quite difficult.
As soon as she managed to get the first dish into her mouth, her eyes grew wide in surprise.
It was a simple dish, probably just a piece of fish with some vegetables on the side. Yet, why does it have such a melting texture on the tongue ?
She could feel her body reacting in surprise. She now understands why people use the expression ‘so delicious it could make your cheeks fall off’.
“Is it delicious?”
When Eugreek asked her, she found herself nodding repeatedly in silence.
He then reached for the soup cup. Elma nervously imitated him, timidly bringing the soup to her lips, then closed her eyes tightly. The gentle flavor enveloped her, seeping from her throat through her entire body.
“….”
Before she knew it, Elma had been mindlessly chasing the food on her plate. Eugreek waited until she finished eating, then reached for the next dish as if to guide her. Elma then tried her best to imitate him, silently expressing her excitement with each bite.
“You really…are so cute…”
Eugreek squinted his eyes and couldn’t help but let the words slip out. Meanwhile, Elma was fully immersed in the array of delicious food, which made his smile grow even wider as he watched her.
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Translated by : Cutae30