The dining room atmosphere exuded tranquillity, accentuated only by the gentle clinking of cutlery as the group gathered around the table, savouring their brunch.
Eva turned to Callis, her voice filled with genuine concern. "How is the food, my dear? I apologise for not preparing a more elaborate feast with various options."
As the unexpected guests arrived, the Amareses graciously invited them to join in a al while their bedrooms were being prepared.
"Oh, mother, it’s absolutely wonderful! I love it! Truly, there’s no need for an extensive array of dishes. I have grown accustod to modest als during our travels with my brother. So, I am more than content with whatever we have here. It is already more than sufficient," the derian Princess replied, her delight evident in her voice.
Kiev interjected teasingly, "Are you sure, Callis? I rember how you would always get excited when there was a celebration. You would try a lot of different street als with great anticipation, and I’m sure you enjoyed every mouthful."
Callis pursed her lips, turning to her brother with a slight pout. Her expression mirrored a mix of annoyance and defensiveness. Kiev’s comnt had inadvertently painted her as a gluttonous individual, which did not align well with her esteed status as the beautiful derian Princess.
"Oh, sister! I had no idea that you enjoy street food. I figured you would appreciate a more elegant cuisine. Furthermore, even though you seem to have a large appetite, you have such a slender figure," remarked Nick, known for his bluntness.
Jason shot his brother a disapproving glare, silently conveying his displeasure. Oblivious to the aning behind the look, Nick retorted, "What? Can’t I call her sister? Is there sothing wrong with that?"
"Of course you can! I am formally your sister-in-law since I am your brother’s wife. There’s nothing wrong with that, and I enjoy trying out new cuisines. The street food I tried in Gantz was delicious," Callis affird.
"I love street food too! It’s wonderful to discover that we share the sa interests! Perhaps later, I can show you around and treat you to so mouthwatering street food in Rivendelle. The market stalls there offer an incredible variety! You must try them!" Nick exclaid with enthusiasm.
"Absolutely! I would be thrilled!" Callis responded, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.
Kiev couldn’t resist teasing again, interjecting with a playful tone, "Just be careful, Callis. Having too many treats might lead to so extra pounds."
"Brother!" Callis exclaid, her voice laced with protest.
Rafe, seated next to the derian Princess, chid in, "It’s all right. I wouldn’t mind if she gained a little weight. In fact, I appreciate a woman with a healthy appetite more than soone who restricts themselves."
Callis turned to her husband, asking, "Really? You do?"
Rafe nodded in agreent with a gentle smile.
"As long as you’re healthy and happy, I have no objection to your food interests."
The derian Princess’s face lit up at her husband’s supportive response.
Observing Rafe’s caring gesture of cutting Callis’s food into small pieces to facilitate her eating, Louis and Eva couldn’t help but smile. They could see the genuine affection in their son’s actions toward the cheerful derian Princess.
Jason then interjected, "I hope sister can influence your appetite to match hers. Look at yourself... barely eating anything and still so thin. We all worry that you might get sick again."
"Sick?" Callis inquired, clearly unaware of the matter.
"That’s an old story! There’s no need to bring it up. What matters most to us is that you live and eat well, Rafe," Louis said.
Callis turned to Rafe, curious to understand his eating habits.
"You don’t enjoy eating, Rafe?"
She had noticed that the healer consud little during their breakfast and throughout their journey.
"He would rather bury his nose in a book and read for hours than focus on his als. He hardly ate on ti when he used to stay here," Nick chid in.
"I was imrsed in my studies back then, and I needed to concentrate," Rafe gave an excuse.
"But you still eat very little. Look at your plate... you’ve only taken a few bites, and it’s already empty," Jason added.
"It’s just a habit. I need to be alert and ready while on duty, so I can’t afford to stuff myself with a lot of food. But don’t worry, I am fine and healthy," Rafe reassured them.
Callis couldn’t help but feel concerned upon learning about her husband’s low appetite. However, Eva chid in, offering her reassurance.
"Well, now that you have a wife to look after you, I wouldn’t be worried anymore. I hope Callis can encourage Rafe to have his als on ti and in sufficient quantities. He can be quite picky about his food and usually prefers my cooking. But I’m certain he will love your cooking even more after this."
Callis blinked, montarily at a loss for words. The fact that she was so bad in the kitchen was still unknown to her husband. Kiev couldn’t contain his amusent and let out a small laugh before quickly covering his mouth and looking down.
The derian Prince cleared his throat, composed himself, and smiled as he held back his laugh.
"I’m certain Rafe will love it."
His sister shot him a knowing glare, fully aware of the aning behind his words. Elis, who sat beside Kiev, remained silent throughout the conversation. Oblivious, Jason suddenly changed the subject of discussion.
"I must say, sister, I am truly impressed by you. When we first received the letter from His Majesty announcing your sudden marriage, we were all surprised. We had assud that soone as distinguished as you would have a different disposition. Mother, in particular, was concerned that you might find it challenging to adapt to our family, given that we are not of noble lineage. However, after eting you, it doesn’t feel so," Jason added sincerely.
"I understand. People often misjudge based on my appearance and lineage. Sadly, those who don’t know would assu I am arrogant. But I can assure you that I am not. It’s just... people tend to form opinions about based on a re glance," the derian Princess explained, her voice tinged with lancholy as she downcast her eyes.
Quickly supporting his sister, Kiev chid in, "Callis faced difficulties in making friends during her childhood because of these misconceptions. That’s why she has always stuck by my side. We share a close bond since she is my only sister."
Realising the impact of his words, Jason quickly sought forgiveness.
"Oh, sister, please forgive ! I never judged you in any way... I was rely worried that we might not be adequate for you since we co from humble backgrounds. Our lives were simple growing up. It was Rafe who made significant contributions to elevating our lifestyle when he was appointed the royal healer. He had done so much for us, and we are all grateful for that," said Jason.
"I’m not saying you are. I’m only sharing my experiences. I’m certain that all of you are good people. When I witnessed Rafe’s kindness, I knew he had a great upbringing and ca from a loving family. I am genuinely thrilled to be a part of this family. Status holds no relevance when it cos to love," Callis clarified with sincerity.
"My, my... our daughter-in-law already expresses affection for her husband. We are relieved to see you happy and content, Callis. Of course, if anything is lacking, we apologise for that," Louis responded.
"No need for apologies. You are all perfect, just as you are. Sitting here and sharing a al together like this truly makes feel at ho," the derian Princess expressed, her words bringing warmth to the dining table.
"You are already ho, and you will always be welco here," Eva added, creating a cosy and inviting atmosphere.
Eager to spend more ti with his new sister-in-law, Jason asked, "Say, how long will you be staying this ti, Rafe?"
"Three days," the healer responded curtly.
"Three days?! Why such a short visit? Can’t you stay a bit longer? We have just t our sister-in-law for the first ti," Nick exclaid.
Eva was also visibly affected, realising that her son and daughter-in-law wouldn’t be able to stay longer.
"His Highness the Grand Duke has travelled to Agathe Island to resolve a security dispute. I am currently responsible for the health of Lady Anna Raychard, his concubine, as she requires dical attention due to her fragile condition. That’s why I need to return quickly," Rafe explained.
The short visit was because the healer was required to be on standby during Anna’s training, which had been agreed upon with Eric and redith to be kept confidential.
Understanding the gravity of Rafe’s responsibilities, Louis reassured everyone, saying, "It’s all right. Rafe has a crucial role to fulfill. He wouldn’t be entrusted with such a responsibility if not required. His Highness went on a mission for Cassian’s safety and placed his trust in Rafe’s care. We shouldn’t be complaining."
"Thank you, father," Rafe expressed his gratitude. "Don’t worry, I will make more visits in the future."
Then, Jason posed a curious question, apologising in advance, "Forgive for asking this, but I can’t help but wonder... Why did His Majesty arrange for your marriage in such haste? From what I learned, sister had just t you when she got injured, and her injury is still healing, indicating that it happened recently. Did sothing occur?"
Rafe, Callis, and Kiev exchanged glances, anticipating that such a question would arise.
The derian Princess took the initiative to respond, "I was deeply smitten with Rafe, and I asked His Majesty if I could marry him. He graciously granted my request, and that’s why we got married imdiately."
"Even so, shouldn’t there have been proper traditions to follow, such as the parents’ eting and betrothal? I may not be familiar with the derian ways, but His Majesty should be well aware of our customs. It seems strange for him to arrange a marriage so hastily unless sothing had happened," Nick added, voicing his opinion.
The dining room fell into complete silence as everyone processed the remarks. Rafe’s face displayed a nervous expression, noticeable to Jason, who couldn’t resist asking, "Rafe, what exactly happened?"
"Nothing!" Rafe exclaid, his tone defensive.
"Are you sure? You got married without your family’s presence. It does seem suspicious," Jason asserted. "I an... we wouldn’t have objected if you wanted to marry your choice, and Gantz is not that far away. It would have only been a two-day journey. If you had ntioned it earlier, we would have gladly attended your wedding."
The healer swallowed hard. He didn’t know what explanation to provide. Kiev had proposed that he give a white lie since the truth would only impact his observation of Rafe’s family.
However, considering their close bond, the healer thought deceiving his family didn’t seem viable. But then, telling the truth was also a bad choice since the derian Prince strongly disagreed with it, and it would also impact his family’s view of Callis. The healer had been cracking his head to find the proper excuse, but still, none.
"Did you do sothing to sister before marrying her, Rafe?" Nick asked, breaking the silence.
"Nicholas!" Louis raised his voice to his son as he felt his question was rude.
"No, I didn’t!" Rafe exclaid hastily. His face turned horror at the accusation.
"That expression on your face tells a different story! I know you’re hiding sothing!" Jason pressed further.
"Oh, my God! You and sister..." Nick’s voice faltered as he closed his mouth.
"Stop it, you two!" Eva warned his sons, fearing the derians would be uncomfortable with their bluntness.
"It’s not what you think!" Rafe voiced out in defence of his brother’s remarks. "I swear, father and mother! I have never done anything to compromise the dignity of our family!"
Unable to contain her emotions any longer, Callis abruptly stood up, surprising everyone around the table.
"Forgive , everyone! Rafe is not at fault! It was my doing! I apologise," she pleaded, bowing her head in remorse.
The Amareses displayed alarming looks, their minds racing with concern.
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