Machina Arcanis: Two Worlds Collided-Chapter 256. A Quiet Night inside Vale Castle

256. A Quiet Night inside Vale Castle

The maid glided ahead of them, hands clasped demurely before her apron. Her movements were light as a feather, her steps soft and gentle. No doubt she had been trained extensively; every motion was calculated, every word measured.

"Master Zetius, would you like to check the dining hall first?"

"Please do." Zetius strode up beside her. "So, what’s your name?" He asked with a smile.

"It is not a name worth remembering, Master Zetius," she replied, her voice soft.

Zetius couldn't help but notice the slave circlet glinting against the corridor's soft lighting. Clearly, the House of Vale remained strictly traditional.

"I’m Cubie! Tell us your name right now!" Cubie floated to the maid’s other side, effectively boxing her in.

"O~okay, Lady Cubie," the maid stuttered, eyes darting between them. She straightened her white apron nervously. "It’s Alice. Alice Warren."

"Pleasure to meet you, Alice!" Zetius smiled, showing teeth, his visage radiating a bright warmth.

Although he wore a ragged arc coat and carried the lingering scent of burnt chemicals and dried sweat, Alice thought he was the most beautiful man she had ever seen. She couldn't deny it; he resembled a prince charming from the storybooks.

Eventually, they reached the dining hall. Figures drifted in and out of the accessway, royal coats and arc gear draping their shoulders. These men and women were the backbone of the siege, the frontline of defence.

"It’s busy even at this hour!" Cubie mimicked a pair of binoculars with her hands, peering into the room.

"Here we are, Masters. I shall wait here until you have finished dining." Alice stepped aside against the wall and bowed deep.

"You’re not coming with us?" Zetius asked, raising a brow.

"I am not permitted inside the dining hall. This area is strictly for esteemed guests such as yourselves. Please, enjoy your meal. I will await your return."

"Ow, that’s lame..." Cubie groaned, shoulders slouching.

"Rules are rules, I guess." Zetius cupped his chin in thought. "What about takeaway? Can we do that?"

"Yes, takeaways are permitted, though not preferred, as the food will not be at its optimal consumption time," Alice recited as though citing a guidebook. The girl shrank away slightly; she was too thin for her own good, perhaps even malnourished.

"Alright, be right back." Zetius grabbed Cubie’s wrist and strode inside.

Heads turned as Zetius navigated the busy walkway. A waiter led them to a table for two; there were barely any empty seats in the vast space. However, the atmosphere was heavy. The usual boisterous noise of a mess hall was absent, replaced by a low, serious murmur and the clatter of cutlery against porcelain.

"What’s with the feast?" Cubie tapped her lips, confused by the contrast between the lavish food and the sombre mood. "Where is the music? A techo disco!"

"It’s their tradition. A Silent Supper during a siege," Zetius explained, taking his seat with the help of the usher. "No music, no cheer. Just sustenance for the upcoming battle."

"Today’s special is the Lamb Cutlets, our in-house Pommes Purée, and Rich Beef Bourguignon. Otherwise, please feel free to browse the menu." The waiter gestured to the table before taking a step back and spinning elegantly away.

"What’s Purée? What’s Bourguignon?" Cubie tilted her head.

"Don’t ask me. A cream of some sort? I don’t know." Zetius grabbed the hardcover menu and scanned it. "That’s something Lunarius Willhelm would know. He’s something of a food critic."

"Excuse my intrusion." A long-eared elven mage stood at their table, a pointed hat held against his chest. "The Pommes Purée is a version of mashed potato, and the Bourguignon is a stew." He fidgeted with his boots nervously.

"Oh, I see. Thanks!" Cubie narrowed her eyes. "Wait! It’s you from the south gate!"

"Ahaha!" A nervous laugh escaped the elf. "Yes, it is! I just wanted to thank you for saving us. We Britanians never forget a debt. Especially to a great one such as yourself." He grasped his chest in respect.

"What a coincidence!" Zetius remarked, extending a hand.

"Exactly... “ The elf shook his hand. “There are rumours floating that you were the one holding back the line during our evac."

"You heard right!" Cubie wiggled her index finger. "Zetius did all that without breaking a sweat—"

Cough! Cough!

Zetius coughed loudly into his fist. "Hence the prying eyes earlier, I see," he murmured to himself.

"Rumours travel at the speed of sound," the elf chuckled. "Well, thanks again... Please enjoy your evening. I’ll take my leave now." He tipped his hat.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

"Thanks!" Cubie beamed, kicking her feet in glee. "We’re heroes!"

"It appears so... I need a good rest tonight to restore my mana." Zetius curled and uncurled his fingers experimentally.

"Zetius, look! They got honey-dew pancakes!" Cubie squealed, her voice high-pitched as she pointed at the colourful drawing.

"Food first." Zetius rested his cheek on his knuckles, casually flipping through pages.

"Zetius, what do you plan to get?"

With a scheme forming in his mind, Zetius managed a crooked smile. "You don’t mind takeaway, right?"

A good quarter of an hour passed. A waiter pushed a cart full of silver platters covered with insulated lids out from the accessway. Zetius and Cubie followed closely behind, wearing delighted smiles.

"Master, you decided to bring the food out after all?" Alice approached, taking the cart from the waiter. The two staff members exchanged a brief nod before the waiter departed back into the dining hall.

"Let’s get to our room," Zetius urged. "Is it this way? Or that way?" He pointed vaguely; the layout looked all the same to him.

"You sound exuberant, Master." Alice exhaled sharply. "Follow me this way." She led them to the lift.

It wasn't long until they reached their destination. It was clear that Nyrethein, despite their squabbles, had picked the most scenic room for them. The suite featured a wide-open balcony with intricate metalwork rails. The scent of lavender hit them immediately. It was a fragrance ensured to provide the best sleep experience for guests.

The accommodation came with two bedrooms featuring king-sized beds, handmade cotton blankets, and amber lamps. All the lights in the city seemed to share this distinct, warm colour.

"Let’s dine outside! The air is fresh and nice, don’t you think?" Cubie asked, spinning around on the balcony. The distant city lights filtered through the soft curtains. She had already forgotten about the war outside. He couldn't blame her, it was too easy to lose oneself in the luxury and comfort here.

"Let’s!" Zetius nodded and lifted the platters.

"Master, you don’t have to—"

"Don’t worry, don’t worry. Let’s just say I’m not from around here." Zetius grinned.

With the combined help of the three, they had the balcony dining table set in no time. Steam and mouth-watering aromas drifted out the moment they lifted the lids.

"Pancakes!" Cubie forked the bouncy texture and served it onto her plate.

"Please enjoy." Alice wore a service smile, though a glint in her eyes betrayed her — she had never seen such lavish and hearty portions before. She drew her lips into a thin line, restraining herself from swallowing audibly.

Meanwhile, Zetius set another plate. "Here’s for you, Alice."

"I don’t understand." Alice stumbled back. 𝒻𝑟𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝑛𝘰𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝘤𝘰𝘮

"Dine with us!" Cubie smiled with her blue teeth.

The maid shook her head vigorously. "It would not be proper—"

Zetius took her wrist gently and led her to a chair. "As I said, I’m not from around here. And no one has to know." He winked.

Heat rose in her cheeks. She looked over the mashed potatoes, the smoky cutlets, and the stew. All of it looked too appetising to refuse.

"Here, try this! I’ve heard it’s today’s special!" Zetius served a piece onto her plate.

"Thank you," she whispered. She took a small bite. "It’s very delicious, Master!"

"Right?" He chuckled.

"It’s the first time someone has actually invited me to dinner," Alice said, her bright smile suddenly faltering. "I’m just a lowly slave... An expendable asset."

"Don’t think that." Zetius pointed at her circlet. "That does not define you as a person. All lives are equal. We are all capable of goodness, and thus, we are entitled to happiness."

"You truly believe so, Master?"

"I do, wholeheartedly."

His words struck her deeply, reaffirming a buried belief. A genuine smile adorned her face.

"I can second that!" Cubie beamed after swallowing. "There’s an apothecary shop in Lilybend. Cintia, Cindia, and May are my friends, and they were slaves."

"Were?" Alice lifted her brows, finding it intriguing.

"Zetius liberated them from their evil master!" Cubie boasted.

"I wonder where they are now," Zetius added, popping a piece of meat into his mouth.

"Of course, they are in Poranthis, somewhere!" Cubie nodded confidently.

"Master Zetius, you truly have the heavenly virtue of a prince!" Alice exclaimed, eyes sparking with hope.

"A what?" Cubie giggled through her hands.

"A prince charming!" Alice beamed.

Cubie burst out laughing, clasping her stomach.

"Isn’t that what you are?" Alice asked, tilting her head.

Zetius stopped mid-chew, brushing his brow with his thumb. "Hehe... I’m not a prince. Sorry to burst your bubble."

"Oh... my apologies." Alice’s gaze fell to her plate. "That’s... disappointing..."

"Disappointing? Ahahaha!" Cubie laughed harder, banging the table. The plates jumped.

"I didn’t mean it like that!" Alice blurted, face turning red. "I just thought... More like, it’s my wishful thinking..." She corrected herself. "The world would be a better place if a person like you sat on a throne of power."

"Me?" Zetius pointed at his chest, eyes wide in incredulity. "I never thought about ruling, actually... I consider myself a protector."

"Isn’t that what makes a great ruler? One who never abuses power to hoard it for himself, but uses it to protect the weak—regardless of their station."

She might have appeared to be a generic maid, but she was something more. Passion and hope burned in her eyes, a progressive mind contained only by her birthright and societal rules.

"You are right..." Zetius closed his eyes.

Still, the idea of him as a ruler was truly amusing; politics was where he lacked the most skill. In theory, Aurelia would have made a greater leader than he ever could. She inspired people in a way he never had.

His eyes fell to the table, two fingers brushing his jawline in deep contemplation.

What if I can create a better world for everyone? Then perhaps I can get rid of this societal system that I despise? Rhok had stepped up to become the Platinum Knight of Umbral and eventually succeeded in crippling the remaining Dunkelheit forces. Despite everything, I couldn’t disregard the fact that he achieved his goal.

A realisation hit him. His lips parted, then closed again.

Is it always like this in the world? The power to change is the power to lead.

"My apologies, Master!" Alice’s voice interrupted his train of thought. "I didn’t mean to intrude or overstep!" She bowed her head deeply.

"No, no!" Zetius interjected sharply. "Your words made me realise something. There’s more to fighting for this world than swords and arcanes on a battlefield."

Alice’s face filled with regret. "Still, I need to apologise." She raised her palm, reluctant to reach out.

"It’s fine, truly." He beamed at her. His fingers brushed her trembling hands, a gentle stroke to console the girl. "Thanks, Alice. Let’s enjoy our meal before it gets cold."

It was a quiet night, but the hopeful glimpse in Alice’s eyes stirred something in Zetius’s mind to shift forever.