Should Have Worn The Death Trap (Ch.20)

"Your Grace, you really should wear your royal robes." Gemi lamented as Chantria headed out her quarters with only an oversized tunic pulled over her underwear.

"Whatever for? It's just breakfast Gemi." Chantria replied dismissively.

Gemi heaved a resigned sigh as she lead the way, guiding Chantria's path until they arrived at the dining hall.

The dining hall was a large, victorian styled hall with luxurious tassels hanging from the walls and a long marble table in the center that stretched on and could most likely accommodate at least fifty persons.

Chantria shook her head, every part of this palace she took in left her feeling awed by the elegant, yet regal design which somehow was still able to appear minimalistic, rather than exaggerated.

This was truly the kind of regal abode that could only belong to one of royal blood and Chantria felt she would be in awe of Saint Chantria's prestige, if only she was not already so unsettled by her life choices.

Chantria noticed Amir and two others were seated at the table, engaged in light conversation.

 Amir's quiet chuckles and the snickering from the other two had Chantria convinced they were talking about her outburst earlier.

Chantria scoffed, just what kind of husband made fun of his wife like this? 

"The Noble Saint arrives!" Gemi's loud voice announced, startling even Chantria who stood ahead of her, 

Where she had been occupied, sneaking a peak at the peaceful atmosphere in the dining hall which Chantria knew would be ruined the moment she stepped in.

Chantria passed Gemi a glare, her glare darkening at the innocent expression on the Gemi's face.

Something told Chantria that Gemi had announced her presence on purpose for fear that Chantria would chicken out of her decision to have a meal together with Amir.

All light conversation stopped, the hall falling into absolute silence. The three men rose to their feet as Chantria stepped into the hall.

Two others were noticeably absent but Chantria did not think much to it.

"Why are they standing?" Chantria whispered to Gemi as she hesitantly walked into the already awkward atmosphere.

"Formality demands all of lower rank rise to pay respect to the Noble Saint when graced with Your Grace's presence." Gemi whispered back.

Chantria shook her head at the extreme formalities, wondering exactly what dynasty this was to have so many rules.

"Your Grace." The three acknowledged with a bow as Amir quickly pulled out a chair for Chantria at the head of the table.

"Ahaha...I get to sit there?...Well sit please, don't stand on ceremony." Chantria said, chuckling nervously,

It was only then Chantria noticed the eyes of all three men were fixed on something else entirely and Chantria trailed their gazes to realize their eyes were fixed precisely on what she was wearing.

Chantria was certain the tunic was decent enough, coming down to mid thigh and she passed an uncertain glance to Amir who still held on to the head rest of her chair, wondering if she had once again done something wrong.

'I should have worn the death trap.' Chantria thought with a grimace.

Breakfast began in a rather awkward atmosphere, and Chantria kept her gaze fixed on the marble table as the food was served.

Chantria had realized that the red haired beauty was infact the 'Lord Irvine' Gemi had previously mentioned.

"I apologise if it is not to Your Grace's taste, I had already begun working on breakfast before Gemi brought news that you would be joining us." Lord Irvine said in a low tone.

From his tone, Chantria could see these men were truly cautious around her as though she would blow up at them at any moment.

A plate of fresh bread and a bowl of what Chantria guessed was chicken broth was placed before her and Chantria swore the scent was heavenly.

Chantria tried to maintain a neutral expression as the scent of the food had her mouth watering but her stomach betrayed her when it released a growl.

Chantria could feel three different pair of eyes on her and when no one began eating, she decided she was in no mood to care about their staring, 

First she would see to her hunger and she could consider her embarrassment afterwards.

'Host is an Imperial Princess now, you must learn to tame your gluttony! Don't you be diving at the food immediately it is served. It's improper etiquette!' The voice of the Harem System reprimanded in Chantria's mind.

Chantria's hands which had been inching towards the utensils froze and she slowly lowered her hands, 

Chantria could feel her stomach roiling in hunger but she forced a smile to her lips as she stared ahead, keeping a neutral expression.

Chantria began counting down from ten mentally, still ignoring the stares of the three men fixed on her.

'Ten...nine... eight...seven... six... For heavens sake! When does etiquette allow me to eat exactly?!' Chantria thought to the Harem System in frustration.

'I'm not sure...' The Harem System replied, his words appalling Chantria.

"Your Grace, if you do not start eating first... the lords cannot begin." Gemi who stood to the side whispered to Chantria.

It was only then Chantria took notice of the fact that she was not the only one who had not begun eating, no one was eating at all.

"If it is difficult for Your Grace to have breakfast with our presence, we will leave." The muscular male Chantria was yet to place a name to spoke up.

His tone sounded sour and aggrieved and he looked ready to leave the table at any moment.

'System?!' Chantria exclaimed in her mind

'Well the etiquette handbook did say gluttony was not an attractive trait...or was it some other handbook?' The Harem System replied.

'Are you going to be like this?!' Chantria thought in annoyance.

"Stay. I'm the one who showed up on short notice so I should leave if anything, but I won't be leaving... I'm starving." Chantria murmured as she picked up her spoon and dug in without hesitation.

The moment Chantria tasted the broth, her eyes widened as her head jerked up and she turned to stare at Lord Irvine.

"You cooked this?" Chantria asked in awe and Irvine nodded slowly, 

'Unbelievable!' Chantria thought in awe, and that was saying a lot considering Chantria ran two five star restaurants...it took a lot for food to impress her.

"How can it taste so good?" Chantria murmured as she gobbled down the food like a starved ghost.

The three males exchanged looks as they watched Chantria eat, before they also began eating.

"Slow down, Your Grace." Irvine chided, laughing quietly as Chantria lifted the bowl of broth to her lips.

Chantria shook her head, the taste of the food had driven away every ounce of embarrassment and self consciousness and Chantria noticed the tension at the table had eased by a whole lot.

"Amir... I don't know how this is going to sound to you but this friend of yours, can we keep him?" Chantria asked with a wide grin as she placed down her empty bowl.