As Lucy goes to the double doors leading to the dining room. She stood to the side and opened them then stayed back, to keep them in place. As I walked in, Ruby stayed behind with Lucy to close the double doors.
As I stepped into the room I saw Lord Gunther sitting at the front of the table with Lady Rose on his left and Cynthia on his right. They seemed to be having a serious discussion about something. The air was thick with tension and mana.
Cynthia turned her head with a smile and patted the seat next to her saying.
"Looks like you're finally here, you look dashing. Come sit down, let's eat together."
Lady Rose joined in.
"Hehe. He does look adorable like a young prince. Come join us Sir Sage."
Lord Gunther replied.
"Meh. He looked better at the city gates. Like a real man. With dirt, mud and blood. Now he looks like a snobbish noble child."
"Ouch, what was that for? Ouch Rose, Cynthia please."
Lady Rose said.
"I picked that out fit. I think it makes him look dashing."
While Lord Gunther made his comment Rose didn't seem to agree with his opinion and pinched him. Cynthia didn't seem to either and also gave him a pinch.
Lady Rose then said with a murderous glare at her husband.
"Dear, your opinion is invalid, so please don't comment."
Cynthia joined in with a weird smile saying.
"Yes uncle, your opinion is wrong, so stop saying weird things."
As I took my seat and waiters brought out dishes for breakfast. I was once again reminded that Lord Gunther might be the man of the house l but he didn't have control of the house. It seemed like the rank of the house was Lady Rose then ranked second was Lady Cynthia and then ranked third was Lord Gunther. I was obviously ranked last.
At that moment I thought to myself.
'Note to self never disagree or anger, any of the ladies of noblely. Especially if Lady Rose or Cynthia is involved.'
Lord Gunther then said to change the topic.
"How was your rest boy? And how is my castle? Enjoying the place? How's the food?"
I replied with.
"I had a good night's rest, the castle is big and safe. The food is better than anything I ate so far. All the food I've eaten in the forest doesn't even come close to a single dish here prepared by the chefs. Thank you for having me."
Lord Gunther then said.
"Haha yes yes good of course my castle is safe I'm here aren't I."
Then he received another pinch from Lady Cynthia.
She then says.
"He's talking about how we had to sleep in tree branches and pits on our journey here. Of course he would say this place is safe. It's made of stone and has guards. Every hallway."
Then I replied.
"Wait what guards? I haven't seen any?"
Then they all chuckled in amusement.
Then Lady Rose spoke to clear my confusion.
"Silly child of course you haven't seen them. You don't have a core yet. And even if you did have one you would need to be stronger than them to sense them or have permission of the house to sense them. There in the shadows of the hallways, so rest easy you're safe here."
As fear ran through me I looked around, swinging my head around trying to see if I could spot anything within the shadows of the room we were dining in.
They all chuckled again.
Lady Rose said after swallowing the food in her mouth.
"Silly boy, if you were truly listening, you remember what I said ("in the hallways.") Does this room sound like a hallway to you? No, right? Since that is the case there are none here."
"Plus having people looking over your shoulder, as you eat is uncomfortable. And we don't need to worry about safety, since we have this big oaf. He may be a bit of a fool, but he's quite strong. Isn't that right dear?"
Lord Gunther nods, then smiles with a wide grin. His eyes glow with madness and looks at his wife and says.
"Of course honey, with me here anyone trying to harm both of you would soon be dead."
"Ouch, Cynthia please. Ahh yes you're safe here too, boy don't worry HAHAHAHA."
His laugh was so strong and loud it shook the room and everything within.
He was pinched again by Lady Cynthia. She then said.
"Uncle we talked about this, no laughing when eating together you shake up everything.
As I looked around I focused on eating and making light conversation with the three of them. They reminded me that even though they were nobles they still treated me like family.
As we finished the hearty breakfast Lady Rose snapped her fingers and waiters came in to collect the dirty dishes.
Lord Gunther then said.
"Now let's talk about business boy, since you're healed up and well rested, what are your plans for today and the future?"
I looked at him with a serious face and said.
"I don't know."
Lord Gunther looked at me with a serious face and incredible focus, then a moment later he paused and laughed.
"Since you don't know. Why don't I explain some options you could take? I know that you lost your memories and have nothing to your name. So first off, Rose prepared your Origin with dated history papers, now you're all set. You're a citizen from Smoke town now, part of Armstrong Marquess' noble territory."
I replied.
" Awesome, that's great! Thank you!"
Rose says with a kind smile.
"It was nothing"
Lord Gunther continued
"You have an Origin now, so this gives you free reign to leave and find a job within the territory. You could learn to craft with metals and minerals. Or become an apprentice to learn alchemy from an alchemist. You could become one of my soldiers if you would like or join the Adventures guild to explore the world with your own two feet."