118 Dinner

Jien waited patiently with his father, Runa, Mark, Emily and Anuva in the lounge while the other families were preparing for the last of the festivities. The adults had light conversations regarding the day so far and their thoughts on the dinner and dance. The main topic of conversation was in regard to which of the two, Rosalind or Olivia would be Jien's dance partner for the first dance of the evening. It was proper etiquette that the hosts would be the ones to perform the first dance. For this Lord Losler and Runa would dance, Mark and Emily would dance as teachers of the host, it was only a matter of who Jien would invite. It seemed that those close to Jien were leaning in the direction of Rosalind, but the final decision would be Jien's and Jien's alone.On the other hand, Jien was ignoring the adults in the room, having started reading a book regarding the lands that the different noble lands ruled over. He had read the book once before and learned a decent amount but this time he was spending his time to connect it with what he had learned thus far about the noble children and their parents. He was not taking the time to use Personal Library as it would both be draining and extend the amount of time it would take to read even a single page. The rereading of the book itself would help with his memory of the knowledge in the time before he would record it into his mindscape.Unlike during the sparring match the adults didn't try to take his book. Though he was the host he was currently waiting on his guests. As long as he didn't use the book to ignore the visitors after they had finished preparing everything would be fine.Luckily for all of them the wait wasn't all that long and soon the guests started to file into the lounge in much finer clothing than their prior outfits. The men wore suits of different shades, using accessories of brighter colors to accentuate, while the women wore dresses of fine fabric in varying bright colors, makeup to help accentuate their beauty and accessories that helped draw the eye. Each and every member of the families present were dressed in what would be considered clothing they could use for a royal audience. In comparison, though Jien didn't look bad by any measure his outfit was toned down. The only one more or less matching in tone was Barret, wearing a grey suit with black vest, black leather shoes and black tie. The few accessories he wore were made of silver and on his lapel much like Jien he had his family crest.Though Jien was not as exaggerated in his dress it wasn't seen as a faux pas on his part or that of his guests. Jien's outfit was indeed up to par in materials and style, he had simply chosen a more neutral color set and way to present himself. Though this was not for lack of trying on Runa's part when she was helping him choose his outfits.Once all parties were gathered once again Lord Losler led the way towards a spacious room that would be used as both their banquet hall and later on for the final dance of the evening. In the center of the large marble floored hall was a long banquet table covered with a large white tablecloth. Lining the table were a several highly varnished dark wood chairs. On the tabletop was a beautiful silver cutlery, porcelain dishes, and varying crystal glasses for varying drinks. Along the table in the center were several finely polished, silver candelabras with their candles lit. At each of the places was an elegantly written place card set against the emerald napkins that had been folded into multilayered flowers.Lining the walls were staff waiting to assist in the serving of dishes and any other needs the guests may have. All were dressed in fine suits and dresses that matched in material and style so as to not match the level of the guests but also suit the space that they were serving in. Their backs were straight, posture polite and eyes remaining calm and steady, not wandering. These were some of the most well trained and professional of the staff in Losler manor and were used to entertaining guests of high caliber when required.As the guests entered the room the staff members turned from facing the table towards the door, filing forward in a professional manner and offering to assist each family to find their seats. This was to ensure that the guests would not have awkwardly search for their seats and each of these staff members had memorized the faces of the guests, their names and their seat locations so as to make the process smooth.Soon each of the families were seated, Lord Losler at the head of the table with Jien to his left and Runa to his right. Mark sat to Jien's side while Emily sat to Runa's, this represented the hosting family and affiliated parties. After these each family sat together with the parents being closest to the hosts and followed by the children. The families of Rosalind and Olivia sat closest to the Losler family as a sign of respect and hope that Jien would potentially create ties with one of the two households in the future as was often tradition among noble families. The families with male heirs did not have a particular meaning to their seating arrangement since the noble families present had more or less the same standing.Once everyone was properly seated it was time for the dinner to begin and following that would come the dance. Lord Losler clapped his hands and the room seemed to break into a meticulous activity. A band in the corner of the room began to play soft tunes and the staff moved like meticulous clockwork to begin serving the appetizers and accompanying drinks.