I'm not too bothered with doing this. it's not like I'm trying to impress anyone... but Xiao Ling is and she's shaking like a leaf in a hurricane as she approaches the first lord.
"You okay?"
I murmur softly, barely audible above the chatter.
"N-no...Yue Mei I'm scared what if I mess up and embarrass myself?"
My gaze softens.
"I… I just want to do a good job. I don't want to be a nuisance or get punished"
i nod.
"remember, you are here for young master Zenri Li okay?"
Xiao Ling visibly relaxes at my words, taking a deep breath to steady herself.
"You're right"
she murmurs, her grip on the glass tightening.
"I am here for Young Master Zenri Li. I need to focus on my duties."
She straightens her shoulders and offers a small, grateful smile.
"Thank you, Yue Mei."
She takes another deep breath and steps forward, her movements becoming more confident with each step. She approaches the first lord with a graceful bow, presenting the glass of alcohol with both hands and a polite smile.
I watch her, a sense of quiet satisfaction washing over me. Perhaps this isn't so bad after all, knowing i could offer her some comfort.
I walk over to the first lord my expression neutral.I bow my head and then bend over and pour him a glass.The lord, a stern-faced man with a meticulously groomed beard, accepts the glass with a curt nod. He doesn't meet my gaze, barely acknowledging my presence. Typical of a noble man. It's no wonder I dislike them so much.He takes a sip of the alcohol, his expression unchanging.
"Adequate."
he states simply, before turning his attention back to his companion. I remain bowed, holding the bottle steady until he's finished, then silently step back, ready to serve the next lord. The interaction is brief and impersonal. I glance over at Xiao Ling, who is now serving a different lord with a slightly more confident demeanor. that's good.
After a while, i reach the final person. i don't look at his face. I'm pretty bored but i need to stay composed. I approach the final lord, maintaining your neutral expression. I pour his drink without looking up, my movements precise and efficient.
A familiar scent drifts towards me – tea and... Mint? Huh, Somewhat fancy. Just like...
I almost drop the bottle before holding onto tightly again almost as quickly. I pour him a glass before stepping back and blowing my head. I guess my trauma from my past life has rubbed off on me. His scent and precenses disturbes me.
Asahi Xia's hazel eyes meet mine for a fleeting moment, and I feel a strange pull, a disconcerting familiarity that sends a shiver down my spine.
He observes my slight tremor.
"Are you unwell?"
He asks, his voice soft, not like how I remember it. This tone is warm.
He doesn't reach for the glass, simply studying me. The silence stretches, thick with unspoken emotions and unsettling memories. I need to play it cool.I calm down a bit before looking back up at him
"i apologise for the slip up. I could have hurt you. I am well thank you"
Zenri Li who has been sitting next to Asahi, watching smiles. He probably finds this whole situation amusing. How I wish I could punch him in the face a few times. But I guess I'll have to pretend my pillow is him and punch that instead when I get back to my room later.
Asahi's gaze softens slightly.
"An apology is unnecessary. Accidents happen."
He finally reaches for the glass, taking a slow, deliberate sip.
He sets the glass down gently, his expression thoughtful.
"you are free to go now servant girl."
Says Zenri Li in a mocking tone. I want to stab him now.
"excuse me"
I bow my head and turn away.