The dinner began in the same quiet, polite way as always. The long table was set with silver dishes, crystal glasses, and candles burning steadily in the center. The servants moved around silently, their footsteps soft against the floor, pouring wine and serving plates of steaming food.
Lydia sat with her chin slightly raised, her robe-like evening dress glinting faintly under the light. She picked up her fork and took a small bite, glancing around as if searching for something.
Then she turned to Irina with a soft, almost innocent smile.
"Godmother, I don't see Damir."
Irina looked up from her plate, a little surprised by the sudden question.
"Ah… he went to town," she replied calmly.
"To town?" Lydia's voice held a note of curiosity. "Why?"
Irina's lips curved into a faint smile. "We are thinking of staying in Svetlana for a while, so he is setting up a house for us."
Lydia's face instantly lit up with excitement, her voice rising slightly in delight.
