woke up chapter 12

“…Thank you for your kindness.” Rodbrill replied politely and instructed a maid to do something. Ariel, escorted by Marquis Steffen, glanced back as they walked. Thankfully, Rodbrill and Etheldred followed. Phew, at least we’re eating together.

However, as soon as they arrived at the dining hall, Ariel tilted her head in confusion. Huh? Why am I sitting right next to Uncle Steffen? The seats of honor, beside the marquis, should rightfully belong to Etheldred and Rodbrill, the heir to the barony. Noticing this, Rodbrill offered the seat closer to Marquis Steffen to Etheldred.

“Rod, sit here. We have much to discuss.”

“However…” Marquis Steffen’s cold voice cut him off, and Rodbrill looked troubled. Then Etheldred spoke indifferently, “This seat is fine.”

Despite Etheldred’s apparent lack of concern, the atmosphere remained icy. Ariel rolled her eyes and feigned obliviousness. “Hmm? Ariel wants to choose her own seat.” Ugh, third-person is so cringey!! Trying to regain some composure, Ariel clasped her hands together like Puss in Boots and looked at Marquis Steffen. “Is that not allowed?” Marquis Steffen’s face broke into a wide smile, and he changed his mind. “El, sit wherever you like!”

“Yay, really? Then, Ariel will sit here! And Ethel, sit next to me!” Ariel pushed Etheldred towards the seat next to Marquis Steffen and sat down with a bright smile. “This chair is so fluffy!” Her lips twitched, threatening to spasm, but she maintained her cheerful facade. Just eat, okay? Just eat! Though she tried to convince herself, she didn’t like seeing Etheldred and Rodbrill so uncomfortable.

The marquis, looking displeased, stared at Etheldred before sighing and ringing a bell. As the clear chime echoed, maids brought in the food. White bread with an assortment of jams, fresh salad, and the steak she’d been craving for so long appeared on the table. Oh my god, meat, meat! Ariel’s heart swelled with the anticipation of eating meat, as if she’d never tasted it before in her life. How fresh and tender would the meat be from a cow that had roamed freely in a stress-free pasture? Memories of her past life flooded back, memories of drooling over food she couldn’t eat, further igniting her appetite. As a gymnast in her previous life, she’d rarely indulged in her favorite food due to weight control. When she was young, she hadn’t eaten it because she was too self-conscious. I’m finally fulfilling my unfulfilled cravings.

The sizzling steak tantalized her senses, and Ariel swallowed hard. Beside the colorful potato salad and perfectly grilled asparagus lay the cooked steak. Not scraps, but a whole steak! The sight alone filled her with awe. Ariel glanced at Marquis Steffen, waiting for him to pick up his cutlery. Catching her gaze, he smiled and gestured. “Go ahead and eat.”

“Thank you.” With a look of pure joy, Ariel sliced into the perfectly browned steak. It cut like butter, as if she were a sword master. As she lifted a piece with her fork, Marquis Steffen raised his wine glass and asked, “So, how did you two end up coming here today?”

Two? Who’s he talking about? Ethel? Rod? Ariel thought for a moment before replying, “I was playing in the village when Ethel came to get me!” The marquis likes me, so maybe this will earn Ethel some brownie points?

But her assumption was wrong. “Ethel?” Marquis Steffen frowned and then bellowed, “Etheldred Steffen! Did you sneak out of the castle?!” Ariel stared at him in bewilderment. Seriously, what’s his problem?! The marquis’s blue eyes glared at Etheldred, a completely different person from the one who had doted on Ariel moments before. His gaze was so cold it made her hands tremble just watching. Ugh, what did he even do to deserve such anger?! Is their relationship so bad that he has to make a scene like this? She glanced between Steffen and Etheldred. But Etheldred’s expression seemed almost accustomed to this treatment, and Ariel realized the negativity was one-sided. Why? What did Ethel do wrong? Ariel frowned at Marquis Steffen. She disliked parents who didn’t love their children, whether biological or adopted.

Marquis Steffen glanced at Ariel, cleared his throat, and said, “Etheldred Steffen. Reflect on your actions today and stay in your room.” Wait, is he seriously going to starve him? Ariel’s jaw dropped. Don’t they say even a dog shouldn’t be disturbed while eating? Are you less than a dog? As Etheldred quietly stood, Ariel frowned. Come on, at least show some defiance! For a moment, Etheldred’s image overlapped with that of Yumia from her past life, who hadn’t been able to defy her adoptive parents who starved her regularly. Seeing Rodbrill looking anxious between the two of them made Ariel’s blood boil. Okay, I’m saying something. Even if Uncle Steffen kicks me out because of it, I don’t care! It just means I won’t get to eat the meat. Ugh, my meat…. Ariel, wondering if she and meat were simply not meant to be, opened her mouth to speak.

But the moment Etheldred moved, a sudden weight pressed down on her back. She slumped forward onto the table. “Oof.”