20 Thoughts

a/n I'm sorry if this was late. I didn't noticed the time as I was reading through some things. Sorry!

"Go and help Rory at the kitchen, I'll be fine here." I said to Ava and Eva after they prepare the bath for me. I told them that I can do it, but the kids insist.They looked at me hesitantly before closing the bathroom door and left. I took of my upper robe and pants. Then I submerge my body to the wooden bathtub. Despite it being wood, it doesn't leak and it's really furnished and smooth inside. The warm water soothes my body and the floral scent relaxes my sense. Taking a bath after working out really makes it so relaxing.

I looked at the whole bathroom. This bathroom is the biggest in the Shen Courtyard because this is connected to the master's bedroom. There's even a small man made fountain at the side and some plants that is now on the process of revival because we weeded some grass and dead plants to restore it's beauty before this place was, I guess restricted to others. There are two windows, which is of course closes, I don't feel comfortable opening it even if I know this place is closed to others and there won't be a lot who would passedby here. It's better safe than sorry.

It hasn't even a week since I transmigrated in this world. Just mere five days and I experienced so many things. I remembered how I was back then. I even had an injury.

I looked at my right arm with its wound already healed. The bizzare thing I encountered here so far is how medicines here are really effective. Especially Effreila's medicine. That was really like a miracle. Thinking back to how deep that slash is, it should atleast took two weeks, but it only took two days.

Speaking of, I wonder if those three are going to be there too. At least as a guest from Clans or so. But another thing, the Dark Emperor, I wonder what is he like? He's young, so I'm sure he doesn't look so bad, right? I mean Reenste's Cousin looked god, Master Zuo looked good, even Hue looked good. So what more the number one in this Empire. He must really looked good right? Well, at least close to Erden. I can't even imagine if someone looks more godly than Erden. I mean come on.

Speaking of Erden, will he be there? Is he and the Emperor friends? Maybe they are, right? Well, let us not conclude things Reen.

"Let's just relax. You need and deserve this relaxation, Reen..." I said and submerge deeper to the warm water.

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"Wow... we have a lot of foods..." Eva said as she saw all the foods prepared at the table. Ava fanned himself after fixing Reenste's cutlery on the table. While Rory checked everything then sighed as he made sure everything is good. Although Rory is physically below average compared to other male servants, there are still things he can do best and that is cooking. Every Courtyards are assigned one chef to cook for the lady, but Reenste declined as he found out that Rory can cook. She reasoned out that she doesn't want anymore people in the Shen Courtyard, but mainly she wanted to have Rory something for himself and that is his talent for cooking.

"Go and wake up the three guys for lunch. I'll go and prepare Lady Reenste's gown for the banquet this evening." Rory told the two girls which they then obeyed.

Rory walked to the South part of the Courtyard. He stopped to the front of Reenste's room and knocked on the wooden door before entering.

"My lady, I am here to prepare your clothing for tonight's banquet." Rory said then waited for response, after hearing none, he assumed that the lady is still inside the bath. He entered the room then looked at the drawers.

Rory efficiently prepared Reenste's clothing despite being slightly embarrassed going through a woman's clothing. Because Rory is inexperienced on serving ladies, he got flustered and was about to be done putting the clothes to the bed when he stumbled to the floor.

"Rory?" Reenste's voice was heard as also the splash of water.

"Y-yes, my lady?" Rory immediately tried to stand up but failed and tripped again resulting for him to drop the clothe he's carrying. Reenste heard the fall again and immediately got on her robe to go in the room.

"Are you hurt? Are you preparing my clothes? You can just let me do it. I'll be here in the bath a little longer." Reenste said and helped Rory to get up. Rory looked up and saw Reenste's wet hair and water going down her body.

With Reenste's wet look in her white cotton robes, Rory blushed then he saw Reenste's worried look as she inspect him if he had any wounds.

"I-im sorry, my lady. I didn't mean to see you in this..." Rory immediately bowed down to the floor and repeatedly moved his head up and down to the ground.

"Hey.. come on, Rory. It's no big deal to me, you're just a kid so no harm done. Plus are you alright?" Reenste said and chuckled lightly.Rory remained looking at the ground.

"No.. I mean yes, my lady. I am fine. But no, girls and boys aren't supposed to be this closed when---" Reenste laughed then walked away.

"All righty.. I know. Just let my things there. I can do it myself, you and the others eat ahead, I want to bathe more." Reenste said and Rory heard a door closed which he then sighed and collapsed to the ground. If ever anyone have seen this, he would have been punished. Even if it isn't entirely his fault this can still be charge to him as saying he's peeking.

"Our lady sure is really carefree..." Rory said as if he's relieved from death as he stand up to immediately leave the room.

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The servants are busy preparing the hall in the Zenith Palace for the banquet. As this is a banquet for introducing the candidates for the Emperor's Consort and Concubines. All the influencial family and powerful clans are also attending. With Matron Esvele's supervision to the servants and maid, then Master Zuo's instructions for details and preparation, everyone is excited trying there best to prepare everything perfectly.

"Master Zuo, the Palace decoration for today, the table arrangement, and chairs is finished." Matron Esvele reported to Master Zuo. He then looked up from the scroll he's reading to the place and inspected the arrangement.

"Good. Is the food checked and prepared?" Zuo asked as he checked his list.

"Yes, Master." Matron answered. Zuo nodded and checked again his list.

"Make sure every lady arrives before time so that they are sitted on the center near the table of the Emperor." Zuo said as he scanned the list he has.

"What if someone's late?" Matron Esvele asked. Zuo looked at the old woman.

" If anyone is late, let them be sitted at the back with other families. It is there fault for being unpunctual to the event where they are introduced to the Emperor."

Master Zuo said and left to check other places. Matron Esvele then called one of her servants.

"Send messenger to every courtyards of the ladies. Inform them to be here before dusk."