Chapter 44 Family Breakfast

The dining room of the mansion was also quite a lavish one as one would expect. The dining table was quite long and made out of elven black wood that was polished properly, it looked clean, glossy, and rich while its legs were carved with fancy designs.

The room in general was like a large dining hall but it wasn't quite large enough to be called a hall. But it wasn't any less grand than a banquet hall either.

Adorned with a beautiful chandelier that sparkled in the sunlight, artistic and uniquely crafted candle stands, lamps, art pieces—you name it.

It was fair to say that the prestige of a Duke was in no way lacking. The White Family wasn't so feared and respected for nothing after all; they were loaded with money, strength, and status.

Ethan stepped inside the dining room and saw everyone present sitting at the table as the chef one by one presented the dishes.

Ethan was in a bluish-white attire and his hair was neatly kept in a ponytail.

"Forgive me for being late," Ethan said as he took the empty chair at the right side of the table between Naenna and Anicia.

Anicia smiled sweetly at him and said, "Good Morning!"

"Yes, and good morning to you as well," Ethan replied also with a slight smile. He was in a good mood and did not shy away from expressing it so.

"You seem to be in a good mood today, Eth," Naenna asked curiously.

"Yes, I will go for city seeing today. I'm rather excited about the prospect." Ethan replied as his gaze subtly went through everyone on the table observing them.

The table was a rectangular one with two main seats on both ends, one for the head of the family and the other one for an elder; in this case, Ethan's Grandfather.

On the left side of the table, Lady Catelyn who was Ethan's grandmother was gossiping with Aisha about the recent illicit affairs of Noblewomen coming from the capital.

Beside them were Alier and Luceryc. Alier was mostly silent with a smiling face and Luceryc was just playing with the cutlery in front of him. He was basically in his own little world.

While Albaer was talking with butler Albert with a satisfied expression on his face. They seemed to be discussing some sort of good news.

The chefs were done putting the food on the table and left after bowing to everyone from distance.

For breakfast, there was cake, an egg dish, bread, meat, tea for the kids, and red wine for the adults along with fruits and soft snacks such as cookies.

Ethan who was observing everyone jolted when Naenna suddenly jumped and spoke excitedly, "I will come with you too!" Said Naenna with sparkling eyes.

"No!" Answered Ethan calmly.

"But whyyy?" Naenna exclaimed.

"Uhh, don't you have lessons today? Mother will not be pleased." Ethan gave out an excuse. He wanted to go out alone if possible.

"Right... What a pity..." Naenna sulked helplessly with a downcast gaze.

Earlene who was sitting beside Naenna sighed and looked at her with sympathy and comforting eyes as she started a conversation telling how tedious and lifeless her etiquette and embroidery lessons were a few years ago.

Anicia looked at Ethan who seemed to be lost in thoughts as she dawdled with her fingers seemingly hesitating to speak up. "Umm... Can I come?" Anicia asked timidly.

"You? Why?" Ethan blurted getting out of his trance.

"Well... I have been very bored lately. It would be a good change in pace to go downtown Adenberd." She explained and looked at Ethan with pleading big puppy dog eyes.

Ethan pondered for a while and sighed inwardly, "Fine, but are you sure though?" He asked just to make sure once again.

"Yes!" Anicia said without any hesitation and sighed with relief.

'Wow... She must be pretty bored. Makes sense I guess.' Ethan thought as he averted his gaze and observed Alier who was just minding his own business with Luceryc trying to tell him something.

'Ting Ting'

Suddenly the sound of glass tink rang instantly capturing everyones attention towards its source, which was Albaer.

Albert nodded to Albaer and stepped back behind him with a perfect typical butler posture and a solemn look while Albaer had a blissful smile on his face as he looked at everyone.

"Today is a great day because I just received word that Shirin has been admitted into the King's Sword after completing his training. And he is the youngest man to have joined it in history!" Albaer announced and raised his wine glass.

The room instantly broke into surprised and happy gasps. "Wonderful! Both my Grandsons have now earned their names in the kingdom! Well done!" Old gramps bragged. His face elevated with happiness as he cheered proudly.

What does an old man want afterall? All he wants is that his legacy to be passed down in prominent hands after retirement and so forth.

The former Duke was happy that the White Family was flourishing with young talents.

Aisha also expressed her happiness as she congratulated Albaer and told him how much she missed Shirin, she even teared up a bit—Albaer comforted her as always.

While Old Lady White simply nodded silently with a proud expression on her face as if she had already expected her grandson to do well in the first place and it was the most natural thing ever.

As everyone was celebrating and cheering, Ethan once again noticed a very tiny hint of killing intent coming from Alier. Although he too was smiling happily but his fists were clenched tightly under the table.

Ethan knew why this was the case. It wasn't supposed to go like this from Alier's perspective. Ethan was supposed to stay a retard, Shirin far away in the capital, and his son Luceryc as the Heir.

But everything had turned haywire for him, Ethan could feel the water boiling in the pressure cooker which was on the very verge of explosion.

'Hmm...' Ethan thought inwardly in amusement and then he also smiled and laughed perfectly fitting in the cheerful atmosphere acting as if he cared when in reality he didn't feel anything from the good news.

And so just like this, the special breakfast together with everyone began merrily with laughter and happiness as well as resentment and hatred.