In the Great Hall
You step in. The sound of your boots echoes on the marble floor, contrasting with Daniela's almost silent steps. At the end of the hall, on her magnificent throne, Lady Alcina Dimitrescu was sitting sipping from her golden cup. Bela and Cassandra stood on the left and right sides, their eyes instantly shining sharply when they saw you.
"How dare you come back here, rat," hissed Cassandra, her hand already touching the handle of her sickle.
"Shut up, Cassandra," Lady Dimitrescu commanded in her calm but authoritative baritone voice. He put down his cup and stared at the wooden chest you brought. "My daughter brought her husband back... and apparently, they brought offerings."
Daniela took a step forward, her chin lifted high. "We have come to see you, Mother. And my husband wants to show his respect with something better than just ordinary human blood."
Me : *walked over to the lady, and gave a box full of high-quality best wine* *and gave fresh meat to her sister*
You step forward calmly on the cold marble floor, your every step echoing in the vast hall. You didn't show any fear, a change in attitude that made Bela and Cassandra squint in astonishment.
You put the wooden chest in front of Lady Dimitrescu. With a respectful but steady gesture, you open the lid, revealing rows of high-quality wine bottles with gold labels that glitter under the light of a chandelier.
"For you, Lady Alcina," you said calmly. "The best alcohol the modern world has to offer."
Lady Dimitrescu leaned over her giant body, picking up one of the bottles with her long fingers. He looked at the label for a moment, then pulled out the stopper. The very old and rich aroma of the wine immediately waflies. He took a small sip, letting the liquid touch his tongue.
"Hm... brave, sharp, and classy," he murmured, a faint smile appearing on his crimson lips. "Much better than the garbage that those illegal traders usually bring."
Meanwhile, you turn towards Bela and Cassandra, holding out a package of prime cut quality fresh meat that is still bright red.
Cassandra snorted at first, but when the smell of the fresh meat came in, she couldn't hide her interest. He picked up a piece with his finger, watching it like a child getting a new toy. "It is not the blood of the servant who is afraid... It's pure and rich," he hissed, starting to feel satisfied.
Bela looks at you with a softer look. "It seems that city life doesn't make you forget how to please your family."
Daniela approached and stood beside you, wrapping her arms around yours proudly. "I told you, Mom. He knows how to appreciate us."
Lady Dimitrescu laughed lowly, a voice that filled the hall. "Alright, human. You have proven that you are not just a 'toy'. You have persistence and good taste. Tonight, you won't be a meal... You'll be a guest at this dinner table."
An Odd Family Dinner
That night, for the first time in the history of Dimitrescu Castle, a human being sat in a chair of honor beside the Lady. The normally tense atmosphere now feels more like... Strange but quiet family gathering.
As the banquet was taking place, Lady Dimitrescu suddenly put down her glass and looked at you.
"Tell me, my son-in-law," he said in a probing but non-threatening tone. "After everything that happened, what are your future plans for this youngest daughter of mine? Are you going to keep hiding it in that villa, or do you have bigger ambitions?"
Me : Can I stay 1 night mother? With daniela.. *I smile*
Your very relaxed and daring request made Bela choke on her wine, while Cassandra looked at you as if you had just defied death in the most polite way. However, your calm and confident smile seems to be the right key.
Lady Dimitrescu leaned her back against the throne, staring at you for quite a long time. The room became silent, only the rustling sound of firewood in the fireplace could be heard. Then, a low and authoritative laugh escaped his lips.
"Staying overnight?" Lady Alcina smiled faintly, an expression rarely shown to humans. "You have incredible guts, my son-in-law. Most of the people who come in here have only one wish: to get out as quickly as possible. And you... You actually want to book a room."
He glanced at Daniela whose eyes lit up with hope. Daniela clasped your hands under the table, as if to give her extra strength.
"Alright," Lady Dimitrescu gestured with her majestic hand. "Since you have brought a satisfactory offering and taken good care of my daughter, you may use the guest room in the east wing. But remember..." He leaned his body, his aura again felt heavy and majestic. "... Don't let me hear a noisy noise from your room. This castle has ears on every wall."
Daniela immediately stood up with joy. "Thank you, Mom! Come on, baby, I'll show you a side of the castle that you've never seen without fear of being hunted."