Chapter 335 : Sanctuary (2)
Mister Sewell looks at me after reminding Allan. He then smiles apologetically. "Apologies, I didn't intend to make you see that." He shakes his head. "I'm glad you are here, Dame Csille. Welcome to my sanctuary. Let's come inside. I'm sure you love it more there."
He then opens the door and gestures his hand inside. "After you." "Thank you." I smile politely at him before I enter the house, and my eyes widen when I see how beautiful the house is. It's not what I am expecting. I was expecting to see expensive furniture or grand design, but everything is simple. If I used a term from the real world, it would be described as minimalist. "I know this isn't what you expected, but I opt for something that is cozy rather than grand. That's why everything in here is simple. I hope you don't mind, though." I hear Mister Saintillevé say behind me.
I look back at him and shake my head. "No, I don't mind. In fact, I actually love what you did with the design of the house. My eyes were so used to expensive and grand things that this feels so refreshing for me. Your house is beautiful, by the way." Upstodatee from n(0)/ve/lbIn/.(co/m
"Thank you for the compliment. Please follow me. We can talk to somewhere more private."
Mister Saintillevé didn't wait for my response. He had just started walking, so I had no other choice but to follow him. While walking, I was making sure to look around, and the more I looked, the more I loved the place. The outside is not the only thing beautiful in here. Even the inside of the house is beautiful. I would love to live in a place like this. If I returned to the real world and got a chance to be a famous writer, I would definitely build a house like this. Simple but cozy. That's why I made sure I remembered every detail in here. We stop in front of a sliding door connected to a terrace. In front of the terrace is a green backyard. On the ride side, there is a sakura tree, and on the left side, there is a manmade pond. The pond was surrounded by big rocks. It keeps the water from leaking. There are koi fishes swimming freely at the pond, and they look so beautiful. You wouldn't get tired of watching them swim because of their beautiful color and the way their fins and tails move in the water. It looks like they are offering a dance to a goddess. It's so entrancing. I look in awe at the surrounding. I didn't expect to see something like this when I left the Foundation. I heard footsteps behind me, and I'm sure it's Mister Saintillevé. "I hope you like the view. This is my favorite spot in this house because of its beauty. Do you like it?"
I look at him and nod my head vigorously. "I just don't like it. I love it. I have never seen something like this. It's so beautiful. Even the sakura tree is so beautiful."
"I'm glad you like it. I was worried that you wouldn't like the idea of staying here. After all, you're still an unmarried lady." I felt my body tense up when I heard what he said. Although I know he wouldn't do anything to me or even feel something to me, I still couldn't help but guard myself. He is still a man. But I still try to make it too obvious, or else I might offend him.
And it seems like he didn't notice my uneasiness, probably because his eyes are looking in front. He then shakes his head. "I invited you here because I was worried someone might see you with me, and I don't want to involve you with my family issue with the Astalieus. So, you can be assured that I don't have other motives for bringing you here."
I look at him and nod my head. I know because I also write about you. "Don't worry, Mister Saintillevé. I am not thinking that way. I know it's your only way of protecting the both of us from trouble. So, I appreciate that."
He nods his head. He looks relieved with my answer. He then gestures his hand towards the wooden chair. "Please sit, Dame Csille. Do you want some tea? So you can relax a bit. You look tensed, Dame Csille." He didn't sound offended by how guarded I was. Instead, he sounds like he wants to ease all away my uneasiness.
I know there is nothing I should be nervous about, but it's probably because I know his identity. I couldn't help but feel guarded around him. I heave a sigh and show him an awkward smile before I sit on the wooden chair. While Mister Saintillevé sits on the wooden chair in front of me. There is only a small table separating us. On the table, there is a teapot and teacups.
That is his favor he wants to ask? And here I thought he would lay out his plans already. I feel relieved. Although I already know what will happen in the future, I am still not prepared for that. I still need more time to prepare myself.
I nod my head. "If that is what you want, I'll gladly oblige."
Mister Sewell nods his head in satisfaction. Then we continue sipping our teas while enjoying the beautiful view in front. A moment after, the maids called us for our lunch, and I was shocked by how much food they had prepared for us. I look at the dishes on the table. "Apologies if this is the only thing I can prepare for you. I only have a few maids with me, and I don't want to overwork them. If you don't like any dish on the table, please tell me, so I can do a thing about it." He said apologetically. I look back at him.
Is he serious? He's saying sorry for preparing this? Is he kidding me? This looks like a feast already. I didn't even expect we could finish this all, and he's telling me he wasn't prepared? What would the table look like if he was prepared? A full banquet? "Mister Sewell, you're being polite. Not prepared? This looks like a small banquet already. I don't even think we could finish them all. So, how can I complain?" I look at the dishes on the table. "The dishes look delicious, and I bet it really does. I should be apologizing for troubling all of you."
Mister Sewell pulls a chair and looks at me. "You don't need to apologize. I was the one who invited you here, and as the host, it is only my responsibility to do this. I just hope you will enjoy your meal here." He then gestured his hand towards the chair he had just pulled. "Please."
I bow my head at him as a sign of thank you before I take a seat. After making sure that I am all settled, he then sits on the chair in front of me. The moment he sits, two maids immediately pour water and wine into our cups. I thank the maid before I look at Mister Sewell. "I will definitely enjoy the meal. How can I not? The dishes look delicious."
"That's great. I was worried you wouldn't like it. I guess what I heard about you is true."
I frown. What does he hear about me? "May I know what do you hear about me? I hope it isn't bad." Mister Sewell smile and shakes his head. "I think no one will badmouth you, Dame Csille. How can they? When all they can see about you are your good traits? And for your question, everyone is saying you're a kind and humble person. You always made sure that you acknowledged everyone's effort. It's the reason why everyone loves you."
I look at Mister Sewell, dumbfounded with what I just learned. I didn't know that this was how people see me now. I used to be known as the mean and the cruel daughter of the Lauretré Family, but I didn't expect that people would see the changes in me. Too bad Prince Fraser will never see that.
I just smile at Mister Sewell and continue eating my lunch. The two of us eat our lunch in silence. Although from time to time, he would ask me a random questions about myself or about the Foundation and such. However, he never once mentioned the Astalieus, the Lauretré Family, or their plan, which I didn't expect. Although I have written what will happen, I was still expecting he would give Csille a little hint, but I guess I was wrong. I was finishing my pasta when Mister Sewell waved his hand to one of the maids. The maid them get out of the dining area, and a few moments after, she came back with a pushcart. It is those carts they use in restaurants or hotels to hold the plates.
She then put a plate on the table, and my eyes widened when I realized what was on the plate. It's a Prinsesstårta! My mouth immediately waters when I see it. It's been months since I last tasted it. That's why I couldn't help but crave.
Mister Sewell probably noticed the way I look at the Prinsesstårta. He chuckled a little. "I used to react that way every time my parents brought Prinsesstårta for me when I was young. So, I understand how you react." He then cut the cake and put a piece on it on a plate before pushing it towards me. "Here, I'm glad I prepared something you like."
I thank him before I take a spoonful of Prinsesstårta and eat it. I closed my eyes when the flavors of the cake exploded in my mouth. It really tastes delicious. This is probably one of the things I will miss if I return to the real world. If I would ever return to the real world.