Chapter 15: Motive (1)

Michael ignored the pangs of hunger coming from his stomach and addressed the Lord. Noble etiquette determined that it was unbecoming to eat before the host, which was why he’d been surprised that the young miss had so brazenly dug into her food.

“My Lord…” he started, letting out a small sigh. “My small village was destroyed by beasts. If it wasn’t for my mother sacrificing herself, I wouldn’t have been able to escape.”

Michael had come up with this story, choosing to mix some truth in his lies. He wasn’t sure of the strength of Lord Winterborne, but since status usually came with power, the man was likely to be strong.

It would put him in a difficult position if he was caught lying to someone who had shown him such hospitality already.

The Lady of the house gasped softly, her hand shooting up to her mouth in shock. Lord Winterborne too seemed affected, his youthful face pulling into a frown.

“I’m sorry to hear that young Michael, these past few days must have been really hard on you.” He replied somberly.

Michael nodded, not refuting his words. His eyes imperceptibly moved to the food that was still steaming, feeling his stomach twist in hunger.

“Still, it must have been tough in your village,” the Lady added, showing him concern. “You’re basically skin and bones, even if you haven’t eaten lately, you shouldn’t be this skinny.”

“Yes, she’s right,” the Lord agreed, “why haven’t you begun eating yet? You must be starving after surviving in the wilderness for a few days by yourself.”

Michael gave the two a pained look, “It’s rude… to eat before the Lord.” He managed to squeeze out, holding his protesting stomach.

“Eh?”

Both the Lord and his wife jolted in surprise, looking at each other in shock. Their gazes soon moved to the young miss who was already on her second plate of food, wholly uninterested in their new guest.

Lord Winterborne was stunned for a few moments before he let out a booming laughter, shocking everyone present. Even his daughter stopped what she was doing and stared at him with surprise.

“How wonderful… You are truly someone who knows respect and propriety, unlike my daughter here.” The man said, flashing him a grin.

The Lord’s smile was radiant, enhancing his already handsome and refined features. But behind his eyes, Michael could sense something more, an emotion that he couldn’t exactly pinpoint.

He should have his guard up, but for some reason Michael didn’t feel threatened at all by the man.

Then without a word, he grabbed his fork and stuck it into the leg of one of the roasted pheasants, putting it on his plate. After cutting off a tiny piece, he placed it in his mouth and chewed.

After that single bite, he put down his cutlery and retrieved a napkin, dabbing at his lips. He then sent Michael a look, as if inviting him to finally dig into the meal they’d provided.

Michael didn’t need to be told twice. He carefully placed a few things on his plate, prioritizing the soups and bread over the meat, knowing he wasn’t able to stomach anything heartier right now.

After almost a week of no food, his teeth had begun to feel loose and he risked overeating with such a spread of food available in front of him.

He took his time, breaking of some bread and soaking it in the soup before bringing small pieces into his mouth. The flavor of the soup was rich and aromatic, filling his senses profoundly.

He closed his eyes, savoring the sensation.

I’ll never let myself get to this point again… he vowed inwardly.

Michael felt many sets of eyes on him, causing a jolt of panic to run through his body. His eyes opened, only to see the young miss staring daggers at him, as if he’d insulted her somehow.

Did I do something wrong? He thought, his gaze moving to the Lord and Lady.

However, he saw the both of them smiling warmly as they watched from their side of the table. Only now did Michael feel a sense of relief.

He ignored the child around his age and returned to his bowl of soup and bread, finishing it slowly.

A little while later, Michael wiped his mouth on one of the napkins and thanked the Lord and Lady for their hospitality graciously.

“Michael dear, are you sure you’ve eaten enough? There is still plenty of food, please don’t hold back for our sake.” The Lady said, her concern evident.

“Thank you my Lady, but I am full. If I eat anymore, I’m afraid that I might get sick.”

“Stop showing off,” a childish voice came from beside him, dripping with venom. “You can’t possibly be full after so little food.”

Michael blinked incredulously. He wasn’t sure what had prompted this outburst from the young miss, but he knew better than to argue, especially in the presence of her parents.

“I’m sorry young miss, my stomach has shrunk quite a lot after spending two weeks in the wilderness. If I eat too much now, I don’t think I’d be able to keep it down.” Michael replied respectfully, showing his poise.

“Two weeks!? You survived alone in the western woods for two weeks?” Lady Winterborne shrieked in horror.

Even the Lord turned serious, his eyes shining as he seemingly reevaluated Michael.

“So what if he survived in the forest? Isn’t it normal for a wild dog to survive out there?” The young girl said scathingly. Her voice was grating to the ears, causing the entire room to turn silent.

Michael watched as all eyes turned on the girl, the maids, butlers and the Lady. But it was the Lord’s fierce gaze that caused her to shrink back into her chair.

“Melody, the one you called a wild dog has shown greater poise and manners in this one dinner than you have for the past few years,” he said, his tone frosty.

The tension in the atmosphere thickened after his words, making even Michael feel uncomfortable. He wanted to speak up and try to defuse the situation, but doing so might cause the Lord to be offended.

Also, part of him was enjoying the pompous girl being put in her place.

“It is clear that I have been far too lenient on you of late,” he concluded. “Leave, use the rest of the night to come up with an apology befitting of your status as a Winterborne.”

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