Chapter 9: Smart choice

As Seraphine and Damian stepped into the dining room, the opulence of the surroundings was evident. The room exuded a sense of elegance and grandeur, with its intricately carved wooden furniture and polished silverware. Yet, Seraphine couldn't help but notice the signs of neglect in certain areas such as a worn-out tapestry hanging and a chandelier with a few missing crystals. It was clear that the estate's financial struggles had affected its upkeep.

The dining table stretched out before them, long and imposing, adorned and sparkling glassware. Seraphine's eyes scanned the multitude of empty chairs that surrounded the table, each one a stark reminder of the absence of companionship during meal times. It saddened her to think of Damian, the young master, having to dine alone in this vast room day after day.

Lost in her thoughts, Seraphine wondered why Damian had brought her to the dining room if there was no intention of sharing a meal together. The lack of any additional place setting or prepared food left her perplexed.

Seraphine couldn't help but steal a fleeting glance at Damian as he savored his steak, the tantalizing aroma filling the room. She hoped to go unnoticed, attempting to keep her gaze steady and composed, but Damian's perceptive eyes caught her every move. A faint smile danced on his lips as he observed her.

Caught in the act, Seraphine blushed and quickly averted her eyes, feeling a mixture of embarrassment and curiosity. Her heart skipped a beat as Damian caught her gaze. She quickly tried to compose herself but it seems Damian already noticed her action from the beginning.

"I think you wonder why I brought you here, don't you?" Damian's tone was measured, his eyes searching Seraphine's for a reaction.

Seraphine nodded, her curiosity piqued. "Yes, young master," she replied, her voice tinged with anticipation. "I was indeed wondering about your intentions in bringing me to the dining room."

Damian paused for a moment, his piercing gaze locked on her. He took a sip of water, his expression unreadable. Seraphine's curiosity grew, wondering what his intentions were.

"I shall give you two choices to consider," Damian finally spoke, his voice laced with an enigmatic mix of authority and intrigue. "You can surrender your dignity, kneel beside me, and let me feed you like some animals, or you can choose to preserve your pride and endure a week of hunger."

Seraphine's heart raced, her mind whirling with a mix of defiance and uncertainty. Damian's proposal was as unpredictable as ever, his emotions and intentions shrouded in mystery. It was as if he delighted in playing these mind games, relishing the power he held over others.

After Seraphine listened to Damian's choice, a surge of frustration welled up inside her. The audacity of his proposition made her want to deliver a swift punch to his smug face.

" I just feel sad that you always eat here alone, but not anymore, you disrespectful brat! "

Seeking guidance, Seraphine turned inward to her trusted companion, Alice, for counsel. She desperately needed to decipher Damian's true motives.

"Alice, what should I do? I cannot understand this lunatic mind at all," Seraphine whispered silently, her thoughts connecting with the AI within her mind.

Alice analyzed the situation, "Based on his current emotional state, it appears he desires something intriguing from you. It is unlike his past fury and aggression when he slap you in the face. Proceed with caution and uphold your dignity, Seraphine."

With Alice's insight in mind, Seraphine mustered her courage. She refused to succumb to the manipulative whims of a volatile young master.

" Young master, if I may be allowed to choose, I would rather endure the pangs of hunger than surrender my dignity any further," Seraphine spoke, her voice clear and unwavering. She bowed respectfully, her nerves on edge, awaiting Damian's response.

A moment of contemplation passed as Damian observed Seraphine, his eyes filled with curiosity. He seemed neither angered nor displeased by her decision.

"Hmm, aren't you afraid of the consequences that may follow?" Damian inquired, genuine intrigue coloring his words. It was as if he found her resilience and self-possession fascinating.

"I sense that your anger has subsided, and instead, you seek something intriguing from me. If you were in a fit of rage as before, I would unquestionably surrender my dignity to you," Seraphine responded, her voice steady and filled with a hint of understanding.

Impressed by Seraphine's astute observation, Damian's features softened into a faint smile. He marveled at her quick wit and refusal to compromise her sense of self, even in the face of adversity. It was a refreshing change from the submissive and docile behavior he had grown accustomed to from other servants in the mansion.

"What an intriguing girl you are," Damian remarked, genuine admiration lacing his words. "You possess a keen intellect and a sense of dignity that surpasses your station. It is rare to encounter a slave with such qualities."

Seraphine sighed in relief as she realized that Damian had taken her response in stride. However, the consequence of starving for a whole week still weighed heavily on her mind. She couldn't help but feel a pang of hunger as her thoughts drifted to the challenges that lay ahead.

"It's getting quite late," Damian spoke, breaking the silence. He wiped his lips gracefully and turned his attention to a maid standing discreetly behind his chair. The maid, named Lily, appeared youthful but held an air of maturity beyond her years.

"Lily, bring her to her new room and ensure she is assigned appropriate tasks," Damian commanded. The weight of his words hung in the air, and Seraphine couldn't help but feel a mixture of anticipation and apprehension. She knew that her life was about to change significantly under Damian's reign.

"Yes, Young Master," Lily replied, bowing respectfully before approaching Seraphine. Together, they began to make their way out of the dining room. However, before they could exit, Damian's voice called them back.

"And Lily, ensure that Seraphine is prohibited from entering the kitchen for this whole week. Do you understand?" Damian's command lingered, casting a shadow of concern over Seraphine's heart. How would she survive without food for an entire week?

With a slight nod, Lily acknowledged the order, and they continued their journey through the servant's quarters. The empty rooms they passed served as a reminder of the financial hardships the estate faced, leading to the dismissal of several servants. Finally, they arrived at Seraphine's own room.

"From now on, this will be your room, Seraphine," Lily announced, opening the door to reveal a modest but clean space furnished with a table and bed. Seraphine felt a sense of gratitude for the room, appreciating the effort that had been put into making it comfortable for her.

"The physician, as promised by the Young Master, will attend to you shortly. Please wait here," Lily informed her before hesitating for a moment. From her apron, she discreetly produced a small offering—a few pieces of bread, dried meat, and water.

"Promise me you'll keep this a secret. I could be punished if the Young Master finds out," Lily whispered, placing a finger to her lips as a sign of secrecy.

Seraphine's eyes widened with gratitude as she accepted the provisions. "Thank you, Lily. Your kindness means a lot to me," she whispered back, understanding the risk Lily was taking to help her.

"Now, before the physician arrives, I will provide you with some instructions and assign your duties starting tomorrow. Are you ready?" Lily asked, her voice gentle but firm.

"Yes, I am ready," Seraphine replied, her determination shining through her words. She was prepared to face whatever challenges lay ahead, hoping to prove her worth in the future.