Chapter 108
Doshen had never seen Serene Baker truly happy at any of the gatherings she occasionally attended.
She had often wondered if she was really a cherished daughter, and it seemed her intuition hadn’t been wrong.
‘And with what Lord Tristan mentioned yesterday…’
Yesterday, she had also learned from Tristan that Serene Baker was a victim of abuse.
She had no intention of venting her anger on someone undeserving.
After informing Tristan of their guest’s arrival, Doshen headed down to the kitchen.
“We have a guest. And it’s none other than Serene Baker, who holds sway over high society.”
However, the kitchen staff reacted more to the word ‘guest’ than to the name ‘Serene’.
“A guest, you say?”
“A guest?”
All the busy heads in the kitchen lifted in unison.
“Yes, a guest, just as you all have hoped for.”
The head chef and his assistants lit up and began moving with renewed energy.
Though they had never regretted dedicating their lives to the Bayarden estate, they’d always felt it was a pity their carefully crafted dishes weren’t served to others.
When Maya had arrived, they had been thrilled, and now, there was yet another guest!
‘A wonderful opportunity!’
They felt an urge to serve a flawless meal as the perfect hosts.
They grilled fish, arranged colorful fruits and vegetables to brighten the table, and made sure each dish looked as beautiful as it tasted.
A smile bloomed across everyone’s face.
Later, Doshen brought tea and some simple refreshments to Maya and Serene, who were seated in the drawing room.
“Dinner is being prepared, but would this suffice for now?”
“Yes, this will be fine.”
“Are you sure? Perhaps it would be better to start with some soup?”
Although Serene declined, Maya was not so easily swayed. After hearing that growling stomach earlier, she wasn’t about to believe Serene’s ‘I’m fine’.
“Doshen, since I’m hungry, let’s order two bowls of soup. I can certainly handle one by myself.”
“Shall I escort you both to the dining hall?”
“Yes, please.”
“I’ll be back shortly.”
Serene watched Maya and Doshen in astonishment.
This was the first time her words had been dismissed so directly.
‘Unless… is she really planning to eat two bowls herself?’
Recalling how Maya had effortlessly carried her all the way here, it didn’t seem entirely impossible.
“No, I’ll only have one bowl. The other one is for you.”
“Don’t get used to saying you’re fine when you’re not, Serene Baker.”
“That’s a noble’s virtue. And besides, it’s not as if one can always express every thought or opinion, Grand Duchess. A person needs restraint.”
At this, Maya shook her head.
“I don’t understand why expressing your own thoughts would be considered bad.”
Maya’s gentle tone carried a firm message.
“If you keep saying everything’s fine, eventually you won’t be able to tell what truly is fine and what isn’t.”
Because that’s what had happened to her.
Serene was at a loss for words, taken aback by how accurately Maya understood her condition.
“And if it’s already too late?” Serene asked hesitantly.
“Then you just start working on it now. Like I did.”
Maya’s bright smile made Serene feel as though everything would somehow be all right, despite the lack of any real solutions.
Meeting Maya on the terrace may well have been a final gift from a god who pitied her.
‘Yes, I’ll try to change.’
On her own, she would have struggled, but with Maya by her side, it felt possible.
Serene followed Maya to the dining hall. The warm soup was smooth and delicious, even better than the soup at the Baker estate.
More than that, it felt good to be at ease and to finally express her feelings.
A small crack appeared in the hard mask Serene always wore.
“It’s delicious.”
As she enjoyed the meal, the door opened. Serene quickly stood along with Maya.
“Serene Baker, greeting His Highness the Grand Duke.”
“Tristan, I’ve returned.”
Tristan looked at Serene and Maya standing side by side, suppressing a sigh.
To be honest, Serene was unsure if the person before her was truly the same man she had met before.
The Grand Duke she remembered had been tall but still youthful in appearance, with a boyish look.
But now, the man before her was different.
He was a beautiful flower, in full bloom.
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