Pudding

WINIFRED

"My lady, the tailors are here to take your measurements."

"Are they poking me with anything?"

"No, my lady."

"Then they can come in. I don't have anything to do now."

Prince Ferdinand had been going to great lengths to make this birthday of mine a huge event. Since he was still keeping the location of the mansion secret, the event was happening in the Prince's main manor.

"What color would the lady prefer?"

"Anything that's not blue."

"Oh, my lady, I wasn't asking you. The one who decides is your Governess. Lady Freya, the Prince has placed you in charge of Lady Winifred's wardrobe for her birthday event."

"He has, hasn't he?"

"Yes. The lady is so lucky to have you both care for her so deeply. It's rare to see people care in society nowadays."

"Is that so? Well, I certainly wouldn't think about it too deeply if I were you. If you're done with all the measurements, you can continue discussing this with the butler. My job is just to choose which one of your handiwork is best for our little princess."

"Very well, my lady."

I heard some shuffling and the room was quiet once again.

"Are you upset, Winifred?"

"Why would I be?"

"I'm just…some people say some things they don't mean, most of the time."

"Such things don't offend me, Lady Freya. Rather, how far along are you with you syllabus?"

"That…well…"

"Lady Freya, nobody has an issue with you sleeping with Lord Silver but please try to do your work while you're here. I would appreciate it greatly."

"I am doing my work! I'm just nervous."

"About?"

"Well, it so happens that I don't know a single thing about creating a syllabus, especially with all those rules and conducts. I've started with the draft and I have been sending it to the scholars to help review it. Truthfully, if it wasn't for my father, they would've discarded my work. Doing work for disabled people isn't exactly smiled upon. I have finally got something out but I'm afraid it's…"

"Expecting something to be perfect the first time is nothing less than stupid. I'm sure you're better than that, Lady Freya."

"I'm sure I can include somewhere, how to deal with a saucy child," she mumbled.

"Lady Freya, I am blind, not deaf. When the Prince comes, you have to present your completed draft. Lord Silver would also be present to review it."

"I haven't said it yet but you are stricter than my Etiquette teacher. But, your wish is my command, my lady."

I heard a knock and heard Nathan's annoying voice. He was smirking, holding something in his hand.

"Look at my two favorite ladies in the world, chatting it up."

"Saying something like that would make anyone misunderstand that we're some sort of family. That's gross."

"I see you're hideously evil today as well. Not to worry, I brought something that would absolutely delight you. It was hard to find the perfect snack but I found it. And, I took your advice even though I said I wouldn't. You were right, Winifred. It tasted amazing."

"So, why did you make?"

I had to admit, I was curious. If there was anything that made me happy, it was food. Food didn't discriminate and when it was delicious, it didn't matter if I could see. All that mattered was that no orgasm could be better than this.

"I made…pudding!"

"What pudding?"

"Strawberry banana pudding. Don't worry, Darryl tasted it and said it was delicious."

"You made Darryl taste it?! You know he would say it was delicious because it's you who cooked it! What if you made something inedible?"

"Why don't you try it first, Lady Freya?"

I waited patiently until I heard a gasp from Freya.

"It's delicious! I've never tasted a snack so scrumptious! You must try it, my lady!"

That was all I needed, really. Freya was honest to a fault. It was like she felt it was horrible to lie to me since I was blind. If it worked, it worked. Sometimes, we don't blame the system.

I opened my mouth and felt something sweet enter. She was right, it was delicious. It was like my tastebuds were exploding with sensations that could uniquely be found in sweet nectar.

"So, what do you think, Lady Winifred?"

"Eh, It's alright. A little too sweet though."

"Hmm..."

"My lady, you mustn't be too heartless. Lord Silver put his very heart into the preparation of this snack for you. Please praise him."

"Are you...giving me an etiquette class right now?"

"Err...perhaps?"

"But it isn't even time for class, Lady Freya. Or are you trying to order me around?"

"I wouldn't dare, my lady!"

Yes, I'm evil. I don't need to be reminded. Rather, has everyone forgotten that I am a villainess? We should really keep important things in mind.

"It's okay, you don't have to do that to Lady Freya. Unlike your lips, your face doesn't exactly lie. I know you enjoyed it. I'll go ask the maids to make more so we can have tea out in the garden."

"Do what you want."

Once he left, Lady Freya leaned in rather closely because I could feel her warm breath on my ears. It was very uncomfortable.

"Are you still upset with Lord Silver because of what happened that time? It was really my fault and I..."

"I do not need to know your bedroom matters, Lady Freya. And no, I am not upset with Lord Silver. I am rather pleased with his skills."

"But you always chastise him."

"I am simply offering suggestions. It is ultimately his choice to take whatever I say to heart or not."

"Still, it would be good to be nice to him."

"And then what?"

"What do you mean?"

"I have always treated Lord Silver this way. I doubt it's easy to get his feelings hurt. What would change from being nice to him?"

NATHAN

"You're being uncharacteristically soft, master."

"Am I now?"

"Pardon me for saying this but if this were anything like several centuries ago, you would've razed this empire to the ground, especially with everything they did to you."

"Perhaps you're right, Samuel. But, I have always been patient, haven't I?"

"Master?"

"What is it, Samuel?"

"What are you...writing?"

"Oh, a young lady asked for my help to put it together so I'm doing my best to help her. If I decided not to, I know a particular younger lady who would make my entire existence feel worthless. It's very painful."

"You really have changed, master."

"You do not like it?"

"Not one bit, sir."

I chuckled, looking at him. He perched on my window, staring back at me.

"Some things require patience and other things, well, they require understanding. I've been patient for several years. I could wait a little longer."

"I see. If that is what you want, master, then I shall abide by your decisions. I have come to report my findings of what you requested."

"Oh yes, the temple. Did you find it?"

"Unfortunately, I did not. All your disciples were hunted down and killed after the news of you perishing reached the mainland. The Temples of Yon were desecrated and burned down and not a single image remains to this day. Unfortunately, there was nothing left, even in your vault."

"My vault was raided? That bastard! He actually...never mind. There's no use getting angry. If my vault was raided, it's highly likely most of my belongings are with him. As long as they remain, I am not offended. Thank you, Samuel."

"Please do not use that tone with me, master. It's very creepy."

"I think you should spend some time with Winifred. It teaches one patience."

"Do you speak of the saintess?"

"Yes. Quite a lovely little lady."

"There is something strange about her, master. Her soul, her body, it all feels different. There's also the issue of her origins. She seems to be a member of the royal family but she doesn't have a spec of Oriel's magic in her."

"She's adopted, Samuel. It's something they do when..."

"I know what adoption is, master. But the current Emperor is her biological father. Yet, it is almost as if they don't share blood. Don't you think it's strange?"

"Yes, it is strange. But that arrogance is uncanny. I doubt the prince knows this. Thank you for reporting this to me, Samuel. You may return and continue your task. But if you need the company of your master, I..."

Before I finished speaking, he was gone, that little bastard. But the news he gave me, hahaha, it's too tantalizing not to hold on to it for the time being. Playing the long game felt good sometimes, especially with a spicy young lady to entertain me.