97 Lady of the Village (1/2)

Entering the Manor, the four were introduced into extravagant interior design, filled with many of the porcelain display that emphasized the luxurious lifestyle that the Walcot family have been living into.

A candle chandelier graced forth above that overlooks the part of the manor at where the group is currently at, making up the incredible lighting of the place that indeed did its intended purpose of brightening up the inside.

'Neat.' Gray thought as he could not help but be slightly amazed at the grand sight that was marveled upon him. Of course, it's his first time visiting a noble's proper home, so his line of thinking is understandable. His concrete reaction, however, stated the opposite, merely sporting a not so affected look that resonates a demeanor of calmness and would try not to make a big deal too much out of it, given that he too is a noble and will be having the same benefits such as this in the future if time permitted him.

Besides, he's seen even grander in the modern days back when he visited a mansion of his rich friend from college during his past life. So, yes, he's seen better, but that does not mean that he does not appreciate the architectural splendor of what a Manor during a fantasy medieval period has to offer.

Anyways, the four were led into a small brief tour around the Manor by Stephania and her maid until they reached into the guest rooms, where they'll be staying for the night.

”These are the rooms where you'll be staying,” Stephania said to the gang as the door of two rooms conveniently faced parallel towards one another in a corridor. ”In the meantime, I'll be giving you four an ample time of rest. The bath area is at the corner on the left. We'll meet at the dining hall where one of my servants will fetch you at around 7:00 pm if that's okay with you all that is.”

”That would be wonderful.” Gray smiled gratefully. ”We all thank you for the hospitality, my lady.”

”It's my pleasure.” Stephania returned the gesture with a smile as well. ”Well, if there's nothing else, I'll now leave the four of you to your devices. If there's anything you need, you may approach Helena, my maid over here, or simply one of the servants.”

”Will do.” Gray nodded with appreciation as he saw Stephania and the maid Helena bowing before taking their respectful leave.

Not much planning is needed in deciding the room arrangements as there's only one logical outcome in all of this. The men, Gray and Isamu will be taking one room, while the women, Selena and Lily will be taking the other one.

”The bath area.” They all heard Lily said as her eyes sparkled with excitement. ”It's been three days since we get to have a proper one.”

”Alright.” Gray saw no reason to deny it. As a matter of fact, their hygiene during the past few days has left little to be desired, so it's a much-needed necessity that they must undertake. That and they don't want to be rude to Stephania in being smelly guests that would potentially ruin his reputation, especially with him being a noble.

As such, the gang decided, well… the women decided that they should go first, with Lily being the lead, followed by Selena, Gray, and Isamu. The cat-folk was the last one obviously. With all that fur on his entire body, no doubt that bath time for Isamu will surely be something that would consider being a chore and will take much longer.

”Uh… can't you just lick yourself or something?” Gray questioned Isamu regarding his hygienic matter.

”What do you take me for, a mere housecat?” Isamu deliberately stared at the elf in a deadpan look. ”If I would choose between a proper nice relaxing bath with soap and licking my own furry ass, then you know damn well I'll choose the former. Our race has already evolved way past such primitive practices.”

”Hahaha, I was just kidding around.” Gray chuckled in response to the cat-folk's reaction. ”Although imagining you licking yourself is indeed fucking hilarious, hahaha!!”

Isamu shook his head with a smirk at his elven friend's jest.

Speaking of Selena's case, yes, despite being a Sentinel, she also has a desire to rid that undesirable stench going on within her own body and is meticulous about her hygiene. In short, the Sentinel, well in her particular circumstance of being a self-aware entity born out of a soul, is also much capable of taking a nice bath of her own and none will ever deny her such privilege.

With all their plans now set to stone, the four proceeded to enter their rooms for some rest before eventually making their own turns at the bath area for some relaxation time.

***

After taking their respective personal necessities, Gray and the others were indeed fetched by a servant and were led into the dining hall where they'll be taking their dinner with Stephania.

To not insult the noble lady at this fine evening, the gang opted to wear formal attire to make themselves comfortable.

As fitted to their station, the Count of Chadena generously included sets of noble clothing as a parting gift inside the carriage that they rode to fit their stations worthy as a nobility.

Gray wore fine clothing that consisted of a blue brocade long-sleeved jacket with a belt that covered his \u003cPeacekeeper's Tunic\u003e underneath. He also has long black pants and brown boots to compliment his new look.

Isamu wore a brown variant of the elf's jacket, with the scanty difference of being longer. His lower garment consisted of long blue pants and black boots.

Selena is seen with a nice-looking long-sleeved violet dress with a pair of white sandals that emphasized her slender feet. No doubt, her child-like charm has been accentuated that many indeed would consider cute despite her clear lack of emotions that she always possessed.

In Lily's case, she always has an extra spare of her usual outfit. As such, she is dressed in the same robes and clothing that her companions have grown accustomed to. Add to the fact that her attire is also fitted on these kinds of occasions, so there's certainly no problem here.

The servant guided the quartet to the dining area of the Manor where a long table is filled decoratively with various kinds of high-class food that are only accessible by the nobility. No doubt Gray and his companions felt their hunger skyrocketing abruptly upon seeing the delicious meal that is served, since its been days since they ate proper food that is leaps and bound in quality compared to the supplies of meager food that were provided to them for the trip.

Of course, they did not display their cravings as social etiquette dictated otherwise.

Stephania is witnessed on her sit as she was at the center end of the table where she greeted the four happily and gestured all of them to take a seat close to her. The gang complied as they abide by the Lady's kind bidding.

”It's so nice that you four can join me on this wonderful evening.” Stephania initiated the conversation as she saw the quartet taking their respective seats.

”All the same to us, my lady.” Gray smiled in response. ”We sincerely thank you for this kind invitation.”