I couldn't stop thinking through what Brock mistakenly said earlier, it has left me in deep thought and thinking. I have just been walking around inside my room thinking, not actually about the challenge, but about the orphanage. I'm already missing Francis, my closest friend at the orphanage, I was more like his guide actually, he was always looking up to me, he said he admires my calmness in tough situations, even when the sisters were scolding me or the fact I always try to keep everything in place and controlled. I remembered the times we spent together, the laughter we shared, and the adventures we had. I missed him dearly, and I couldn't wait to see him again.
As I walked around my room, lost in thought, the door suddenly opened, and a Lady in a royalty gown walked in, her eyes staring intently at me. I was taken aback, wondering who she was and what she was doing here. She was a lady in her thirties, with a stern expression, and her presence commanded attention. Her gown was made of the finest silk, and her jewelry sparkled in the light. She was a woman of power and authority, and I could sense it.
"Who are you?" I asked her, looking at her with confusion. "What is she doing here?" I thought, trying to make sense of the situation.
She gestured to someone outside, and the door was closed, leaving us alone in the room. She came forward, her eyes fixed on me, and I could sense a hint of annoyance in her voice.
"I'll pardon you today, boy," she said, her voice firm and authoritative. "Because you seem not to know me, but the next time you stand this close before me without bowing, you won't have a life to hold onto." Her words were laced with a hint of warning, and I knew I had to be careful.
Her words made me gently kneel on one knee, my heart racing with fear. I didn't know what to say, but I knew I had to speak. I looked up at her, trying to meet her gaze, but her eyes were too intense.
"What can I say, ma'am?" I said with a calm voice, trying to hide my fear. "I'm just a boy from the orphanage who knows nothing of the outside world." I spoke the truth, hoping she would understand.
She looked at me with a hint of surprise, as if she didn't expect me to speak. "You're a bold one, I'll give you that," she said, her voice a little softer. "But you need to learn your place, boy. You're not in the orphanage anymore. You're in a world where respect is earned, and disobedience is punished." Her words were laced with a hint of warning, and I knew I had to be careful.
I nodded, still on my knee, trying to process what she was saying. Who was this woman, and why was she talking to me like this? What did she want from me? I had so many questions, but I knew I had to be careful. I had to tread carefully, or I might suffer the consequences.
Two hours after the mystery woman left my room, the bell for dinner sounded, echoing through the halls and signaling that it was time to make my way to the dining room. I stood up from my bed, smoothing out my clothes, and made my way to the door. Brock was already there, waiting for me with an expressionless face. He was standing tall, his hands clasped behind his back, his eyes fixed on me.
"Ready, Young Master?" he asked, his voice firm and professional. His tone was polite, but I could sense a hint of detachment.
I nodded, and he gestured for me to follow him. As we walked to the dining room, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and nervousness. I had no idea what to expect, or who I would be dining with. The thought of meeting new people and making conversation made my stomach twist with anxiety.
As we approached the dining room, I caught a glimpse of myself in a mirror and was taken aback. I was wearing a good-looking royal prince outfit, complete with a white shirt, black pants, and a red jacket with gold trim. It was a perfect fit, and I felt like a completely different person. The clothes made me look confident and poised, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride.
"Mr. Brock, how do I look?" I asked, seeking his opinion. I wanted to know if I looked presentable, if I looked like I belonged in this new world.
Brock hesitated, his expression unreadable. "My opinion should be left to myself, Young Master," he said. "I shouldn't share my thoughts because they might be great to hear or irritating in the ear." His voice was neutral, but I could sense a hint of caution.
I chuckled, trying to lighten the mood. "Come on, Mr. Brock," I said. "I thought we're friends. I know we actually started off on the wrong path, but all that is in the past now. We're friends, remember?" I tried to reassure him, to make him feel comfortable around me.
Brock's expression didn't change, but he nodded slightly. "Okay, I think I should agree on that for now," he said. "It's a perfect fit, Young Master. Just meant for you." His voice was still neutral, but I could sense a hint of warmth.
I smiled, feeling a sense of relief. "Thanks, Mr. Brock," I said. "You're a great friend." I meant it, too. Despite his reserved nature, I felt like I could trust him.
As we approached the dining room, Brock stopped me. "Wait, Young Master," he said. "Stay right here. I'll be back." He turned and disappeared into the dining room, leaving me alone in the hallway.
I waited patiently, my heart racing with anticipation. What was Brock doing? Was he going to announce my arrival, or was there something else going on? I had so many questions, but I knew I had to wait.