Chapter 3 -"Manor Mingle: Opulence Unveiled"

As the morning sun graced Spencer Manor, the restaurant came to life.

A grand dining table adorned with a luxurious, gold-decorated tablecloth occupied the center of the room. Atop this opulent setting sat a decorative vase, cradling a freshly picked bouquet. Each bloom sparkled with crystal-clear dew, hinting at the recent dawn harvest.

On either side of the lavish dining table, a lineup of individuals awaited. A group of maids, led by a middle-aged woman, graced one side in their maid costumes, while the opposite side featured male servants in distinctive attire.

Seated at either end of the table were Murphy and his father, Thomas. Despite the intimate gathering of two, the table was adorned with a spread of exquisite dishes, epitomizing the opulence of a capitalist feast.

With a silver knife and fork in hand, Thomas skillfully cuts the food before him, gracefully guiding each bite to his mouth. Periodically, he wipes the corners of his mouth with a napkin, exuding the elegance befitting a nobleman.

In contrast to five years ago when Murphy was born, Thomas now channels all his energy into his career, grappling with the pain of losing his wife. Despite being in his prime, he displays signs of aging, with a sprinkle of gray hair adorning his temples, making him appear much older.

It's no wonder Murphy jokingly refers to him as the "old man" in private. Here, Thomas dines with elegance, while Murphy, on the other side, partakes in a simple meal, and the quality of the food leaves much to be desired.

Clutching the fried sausage in his hand, Murphy dismisses the need for a knife and fork, asserting that such a small sausage is better enjoyed without the formality of utensils.

Thomas observes Murphy's unconventional approach with concern, his aristocratic sensibilities clashing with his son's disregard for etiquette. Numerous furrows adorn his brow as he wrestles with this display.

Ultimately, it's the observant little maid who takes the initiative, rising to assist Murphy with his meal.

Murphy, however, is not unfamiliar with the use of knives and forks. The challenge lies in the fact that he wielded chopsticks for over 20 years in his previous life, making the transition to knives and forks a noticeable adjustment.

Luckily, the household still possessed chopsticks due to Murphy's Chinese-native mother. Upon Murphy's request, a swift switch to chopsticks ensued, allowing him to assert, "Why bother with all this? Just bring me what I want to eat."

This spared Murphy from being fed by the little maid, a gesture that, while appreciated, left him feeling like a second-class participant. Thomas, observing Murphy's adept use of chopsticks, was mildly surprised, attributing this skill to what he perceived as a racial ability—given Murphy's Chinese ancestry inherited from his mother.

Not familiar with using chopsticks, Thomas was unexpectedly overcome by a wave of sorrow at the sight of them, bringing memories of his deceased wife and thoughts of Murphy's mother.

This unexpected melancholy prompted Thomas to conclude his meal prematurely.

Shortly thereafter, a car emerged from the manor's entrance, and Murphy, accompanied by the little maid, bid farewell to Thomas at the door.

"I won't be back today. Stay home and behave," Thomas instructed Murphy. After receiving a serious nod from Murphy, Thomas got into the car and departed with satisfaction.

As Thomas's car disappeared from Murphy's view, the serious expression on Murphy's face quickly transformed into cheerfulness. He turned around, took the little maid's hand, and hurried into the manor.

"Quick, let's go back, freshen up, and then I'll take you out for some fun."

A five-year-old leading a fourteen-year-old in such a manner was an unusual and quirky sight.

"Young master, the master cautioned against letting you go out recklessly!"

"How can it be reckless? I have a plan and a purpose for going out. Don't worry about it. I won't dawdle. Just change into casual clothes quickly."

The little maid attempted to resist, but she ultimately succumbed to Murphy's persuasive tactics!

The little maid, now in a white dress, stood outside Murphy's residence, waiting for him. She whispered to herself with a hint of resentment, "I'm just a humble maid, forced by the master. Don't blame me, sir, when you return!"

Murphy didn't keep the little maid waiting for long. He emerged, looking dapper in a small suit, holding something handsome in his hand.

After emerging, Murphy first inspected the little maid's dress and nodded approvingly at her simple white attire. "Well~ that's right, today we need to keep it low-key when we go out. No need for anything too extravagant! Here~ take this."

As he spoke, Murphy tossed something into the air, and the little maid swiftly caught it. Upon inspecting the object, her face turned pale in shock.

"Master, why are we taking this thing when we go out!" The little maid's voice trembled as she spoke, clearly unsettled by the item in her hands. A closer inspection revealed it to be a dark and cold MDI0.45 pistol, a military firearm manufactured in Brazil.

Observing the little maid's fear, Murphy scratched his head in response. "It's just a pistol. You're away from home, and you're so beautiful. If you encounter any gangsters, it won't be pleasant. It's just for self-defense, you know, surprises!"

The little maid was irritated by Murphy's casual words and exclaimed, "Just a pistol! This is a dangerous weapon; it can kill people... But the master actually praised me for being beautiful!" Despite grappling with the pistol, she found herself oddly pleased by the unexpected compliment.

Observing the little maid standing with the pistol, Murphy smirked. He couldn't help but think, 'This girl is a handful. Good thing I decided to go easy today. If I had waited until the actual plan, taking her along would be a nightmare.'

With a slight adjustment to his plan, Murphy, accompanied by the armed little maid, set off. Their destination was clear: to visit the spot where Steve Rogers was injected with the serum in the "Captain America" movie.