Chapter 14: Lord’s Estate (2)

“I brought some clothes with me, but they might not fit you that well,” Shirley said, a little regretfully. She pulled out a white top gilded with frills and a pair of fancy black pants.

Michael blinked incredulously.

Those are girls clothes…

As someone who had attended plenty of dinner party’s as the son of a City Lord, noble fashion was something that he was familiar with.

“They’re… for me?” he asked, resisting the urge to pull his face..

As if realizing his reservation, Shirley looked regretful. “I’m sorry Michael, we didn’t have time to visit the tailor so you’ll have to make do with some clothes from the young miss.”

Sensing her sincerity and realizing that he indeed could not meet the Lord of the house in his dirty and tattered clothes, Michael begrudgingly agreed to wear the outfit.

“Wonderful!”

Once it was decided, Shirley went ahead and helped him out of the bath before carefully toweling him down. She was swift and completed the task with practiced ease before helping him into his clothes.

Then it came time to brush his now clean blond hair. In addition to wearing girls clothes, he was now being pampered like one, making him uncomfortable.

Once finished, the maid stood back and evaluated his new look from head to toe, “The pants look a little short, but overall, you look super cute!” Shirley exclaimed, sending him a wink.

Hearing himself being called cute, Michael felt his eyebrow twitch with annoyance.

She could have used any other adjective… he complained bitterly.

But their conversation was interrupted by a low grumble from Michael’s stomach, a sound that caused Shirley’s expression to falter.

“Oh, goodness me. I almost forgot about dinner!” She exclaimed, shooting to her feet, “Come, the food should be served in a few minutes.”

Michael lurched forward as Shirley grabbed his hand, rushing towards the door.

The scenery flew past him as they exited the room and rushed down the hallway. He barely had enough time to get his bearings, let alone view the inside of the mansion.

It was only when they had taken a few more turns that Shirley finally stopped in place and turned to him. She bent down on one knee, getting down to Michael’s level.

“Now, you need to be on your best behavior okay? If all things go well, Lord Winterborne might allow you to extend your stay… permanently.” She said, placing her hands on either side of his shoulders.

Huh? Stay here permanently? But why would he do something like that for me? I don’t even know the guy.

Instantly, alarm bells rang in Michael’s mind. No one was this charitable, not without an ulterior motive, especially when it came to the noble circles.

His eyes narrowed subconsciously and his guard rose.

If his conditions are outrageous, I’ll just stick to my original plan of sleeping on the street and getting work in the Town, Michael reasoned.

“Thank you, Shirley.” He said, bowing his head slightly in respect.

Despite not knowing him, she had shown a sincere care and affection, going above and beyond. Compared to the maids he had back in his old home, she was miles better.

Shirley smiled warmly, fixing up his collar affectionately before standing to her feet. “I’ll come fetch you after dinner,” she said, placing a hand behind his back and moving him towards the closed door.

“Remember, be on your best behavior.”

With that, she opened the door and stepped through, holding it open for him.

“My Lord, Lady, young miss,” She said, addressing the room, “Young master Michael Ellis has arrived.”

Michael’s eyes moved to the long table in the center of the room with far too many seats than those present. At the head of the table was a man who seemed to be in his early thirties, his cool blue hair combed over to one side, his face was symmetrical and refined.

On the seat to his left was one of the most beautiful women he’d ever seen in his life. She had long wavy blond hair that cascaded down her back, soft and red lips that shimmered in the lantern light, two blue gems shining from her eyes.

Across from the woman was a child around Michael’s age, her blue hair not dissimilar to the man’s was tied and braided into pigtails. This paired with her milky white skin gave off a regal, yet cute aesthetic.

“I, Michael Ellis greet the Lord of the Estate.” Michael said, performing a bow that was completely in line with the etiquette of someone in his position.

Lord Winterborne’s expression turned into one of surprise, clearly not expecting the boy to know noble etiquette. He flashed the maid Shirley a questioning gaze, but it was clear from her own expression that she was just as surprised.

The Lord cleared his throat and composed himself, “Michael, it’s wonderful to meet you. Please take a seat, I’d very much like to hear your story.” He stated, gesturing to the seat beside the girl Michael’s age.

Michael said his thanks and did as he was told. Along the way, he made eye contact with the young miss who rolled her eyes before ignoring him entirely.

One of the butler’s moved forward and pulled the chair back, allowing him to be seated.

Once in place, Michael bowed his head slightly, acknowledging the Lady of the house. Judging by the smile on her rosy lips, she seemed pleased by his manners.

Lord Winterborne clapped his hands together, “Serve the food, I’m sure our guest is rather hungry.” He stated.

Not even a few moments after making the announcement, the butler’s and maids in the area began moving with purpose. The door on the opposite side of the room burst open as the servants carried expensive looking silver platters from the kitchen directly to the dining room.

They placed it down expertly, revealing a swathe of luxurious dishes ranging from hearty soup to roast pheasants and vegetables. As the amazing smells drifted into his nostrils, Michael felt his mouth begin to salivate and his stomach stir once more.

Thankfully the clamor around the room drowned out the noise, otherwise it might have appeared quite rude to the Lord.

Once the food had been served, the young doll-like young miss leaned over and began to place some food on her plate before picking up her knife and fork.

Michael raised his eyebrow, his gaze moving to the lord and lady. However, both of them seemed to ignore their daughter, their attention solely on him.

“Tell me Michael, what happened for you to be in such a state when we found you?” Lord Winterborne asked, his cool blue eyes watching him with interest.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep