Evolving My Undead Legion In A Game-Like World - Chapter 425 Beast Taming [1]
Chapter 425: Chapter 425 Beast Taming [1]
“I like anything,” Michael said honestly, “so long as it doesn’t taste like medicine.”
Arianne’s lips curved into a small smile.
“That is a reasonable standard,” she said lightly. She reached for a slender spoon and stirred the pot once, watching the steam curl up in a delicate plume.
Then, almost as though the question had been inevitable, Michael tipped his head a fraction to the side.
“And you?” he asked, his voice pitched just enough to carry a thread of curiosity. “Do you like preparing tea yourself?”
His gaze flicked briefly to the polished service and the measured, practiced way she handled each piece.
Michael couldn’t quite shake the sense that her making tea herself—rather than having the maid do it—felt like something significant. Some gesture he wasn’t sure he deserved.
Arianne stilled, her fingers resting lightly atop the porcelain lid. Her lashes lowered for a moment as though she were considering how honest she wanted to be.
“Most of the time,” she admitted, “the servants do it. That’s simply…custom.”
“But sometimes I prefer to do it myself,” she went on calmly. “When I’m in a good mood.”
She let that sit between them a heartbeat longer before the corner of her mouth lifted, soft and self-aware.
“And today, it seems I am.”
Michael didn’t look away. He let himself smile back.
Suddenly, the sound of a knock interrupted.
Arianne turned her head slightly, her expression smoothing back to the composed graciousness she wore so effortlessly.
“Enter,” she called gently.
The door eased open and a maid stepped through, her hands folded neatly over the front of her apron. She dipped into a respectful curtsy before speaking.
“My lady,” she said, her voice pitched soft and deferential, “the steward asked me to inform you that the creature prepared for you by the Duke has arrived.”
“Really?” Arianne questioned with delight.
“Yes, my lady,” the maid confirmed. “The steward wished to know if you have any further orders.”
For a moment, Arianne looked faintly thoughtful, as if deciding whether to interrupt their tea to inspect it immediately. Then she gave a small, serene nod.
“Have them place it in the garden,” she said. “Tell the handlers I will be there soon.”
The maid dipped her head once more. “At once, my lady.”
She turned and slipped back out, the door closing behind her with a muted click that left the room quiet again.
Arianne watched the door for a breath before her gaze returned to Michael, her eyes bright with something that looked a little like anticipation.
“It seems,” she said lightly, “that you will have the opportunity to watch me attempt a taming sooner than I expected.”
Michael felt the corner of his mouth curve. He inclined his head in a gesture that was half courteous and half genuine amusement.
“I would be honored to witness it,” he replied, his voice even. “It isn’t every day one has the chance to watch a princess tame a monster.”
Arianne’s expression warmed, a small spark of pleased amusement flashing in her eyes.
“I’m glad you think so.” She rested her fingertips briefly against the edge of the table before she continued, her tone turning thoughtful. “After I’ve finished—assuming everything goes as it should…”
She paused, her lashes lowering for a moment as if she were weighing how it would sound.
“…I’ll escort you to my father’s collection.”
Michael’s brows rose slightly, but he didn’t interrupt.
“There are many creatures kept in the Duke’s private menagerie,” Arianne went on, her voice steady but tinged with a note of quiet excitement. “Since you seem so interested in beast taming, perhaps you’d like to see them for yourself. And if you feel inclined…”
Her gaze lifted to meet his again, level and inviting.
“…you could attempt it as well.”
Michael regarded her across the polished table, struck for a moment by how easy Arianne was making it for him.
He let out a quiet breath, his tone low and sincere when he answered.
“I would like that very much.”
They lingered a while longer, the tea cooling between them as their conversation drifted between harmless things subjects.
It wasn’t a long talk.
Arianne set her empty teacup down with a soft clink and looked across the table.
“Well,” she said, her voice still carrying that calm warmth, “I think it would be a shame to keep them waiting much longer.”
She turned her head slightly and lifted a hand and rang her bell.
Almost immediately, the door opened again and two maids stepped through, each dipping into a quick curtsy.
“Please help tidy this,” Arianne instructed the first, her tone gentle.
Her gaze shifted to the second maid.
“And this…” She laid her palm lightly atop the small wooden box of chocolates Michael had given her, her fingers resting there for a heartbeat before she lifted them away. “Take it to my room. Place it on the low cabinet near the window.”
“Yes, my lady,” both maids chorused softly.
While they moved to obey, Arianne rose smoothly from her chair. Her gown whispered across the polished floor as she looked down at Michael, her expression bright but composed.
“Shall we?” she asked.
Michael stood and inclined his head.
“Please lead the way, Lady Arianne,” he said simply, all the while appreciating how far he’d come in adopting the mannerisms of this world—though he had to admit they tended to slip when he was back in Aurora, leaving him feeling awkward more often than not.
He wondered what else he’d have to deal with in the future with dual identities.
Arianne gave a small, approving nod, and together they stepped out into the corridor. The air in the hall felt pleasantly cool against the faint warmth of the afternoon.
Michael and Arianne walked side by side down the wide passage, passing tall arched windows spilling pale light across the tiled floor. For a time, neither of them spoke. It was not an awkward silence, but rather one that felt unhurried—like both of them were content to let the moment breathe.
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