Still starstruck by what she was seeing Athena stood there rooted to the spot as the aroma from the plants massage her nostrils.
All of this belongs to Allec? She thought to herself. She knew that the investors had a lot to do with their living conditions and even more so, once they get over to the college.
But even with that information, never in her wildest dreams did she believe that they would actually stay true to their words. She was promised a lot during her time through the trials, that never came to past, to her it was just stories designed to string the fool along.
She reflected on the gruesome procedures that she had to undertake and the excruciating pain she had to endure, day upon day in order to finally bring her to this point.
But now it seems like there was finally a light at the end of the tunnel. For the first time in a long time she had rediscovered a long last emotion. That was tucked away behind that walls of trauma and despair.
It was hope, she realized that Allec, someone who she met only for a brief moment was able to inspire her to dream and hope again.
Thank you Athena for visiting master Allec, he's currently in recovery. You are welcome to wait in the guest area until he is able to see you. That is if you have the time of course.
Athena looked at the man Infront of her for a while, reluctantly she nodded and then slowly began to answer, yes that is fine.
I will wait. Still deep in thought she continued, the finals will be by the end of this week. Will he be able to recover in time ?
Oh yes, master Allec has made an incredible recovery from the battle at the trials. So you can rest easy, just sit here and enjoy the ambiance and you can treat yourself to anything in the kitchen. It's a buffet style lay out beyond that door.
It was prepared for the young master so he could get the proper nutrition for his preparations. I'm sure there is enough for you both.
Athena averted her eyes to the glass double door, that served as the entrance of the kitchen.
Subconsciously after the words were spoken the scent began to escape from behind the doors and let her to the entrance. As she reached out to the handle of the firm glass doors, an automated voice echoed.
Identifying guest. Athena, a guest of master Allec. Please enter and enjoy your stay.
Athena slowly walk towards the center of the room and with every step her eyes wondered to another mouthwatering presentation of food. The aroma assaulted her nose, as she struggled to keep the saliva from escaping from the side of her mouth. It have been almost a week since she was able to have a proper meal.
Her accommodation was nice, but never offered the kind of services that Allec received and for sure she never had designated servants to prepare this delicacy she was seeing Infront of her.
To one side, a towering arrangement of cheeses called out to her, each wedge and wheel a testament to artisanal craftsmanship of the chef. Accompanying these were clusters of plump grapes, their deep purple hue glistening, and a selection of crisp crackers, invited her to indulge.
At the far end of the table, a cascade of desserts awaited, a sweet symphony that promised to delight.
A chocolate torte, rich and decadent, was adorned with a dusting of cocoa powder and delicate chocolate shavings. Beside it, a fruit tart, its golden crust cradling a vibrant array of berries, that ranges from strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries to other unknown things she has never seen.
Her eyes continued to hover over a bowl of whipped cream, light and airy, stood ready to crown each slice. At last she could not resist the allure any longer and began to scurry across the room for a plate, so that she could enjoy this slice of paradise, while dining in hell.
The time elapsed quickly, and before she knew it the AI was alerting her that there were three persons entering the room. She looked to the direction of the door eagerly awaiting the person, that inspired her visit.
Welcome Allec, Hector & Isabella.
Said the AI.
Our guest have been waiting for over 5 hours, which far exceeds the recommended time that anyone should be left unattended. Thank you for the fact check, Hector exclaimed.
Your welcome the AI replied.
Lady Athena, master Allec is now ready to see you.
Hi, Allec said, as he stepped from behind the two servants.
He looked in her direction and in that moment she had the opportunity for the first time to see him fully healed and at his best.
Athena staired intensely at him. Starstruck even, because he looked nothing like the person that she met at the Royale.
Allec stood with an air of quiet confidence, his stature slightly smaller than his competitors, giving him a presence that belied his age. His dark hair, tousled yet neatly kept, framed a face that bore the subtle hints of maturity. High cheekbones and a strong jawline hinted at the boy he would one day become, while his expressive brown eyes sparkled with a mix of curiosity and wisdom beyond his years.
He carried a few freckles across the bridge of his nose, adding a youthful charm to his otherwise serious demeanor.
He walked over to her and then signaled to his two servants, with the thumbs up gesture they bowed and exited the room.
Sorry for the wait, It took a lot longer than I expected Allec said. The recovery process worked surprisingly fast, I still can't believe that it was able to heal all the damage that I suffered through the battle. But enough about me, he said.
How are you doing ?
Athena casually moved her hair behind her ears and smiled as she glanced over her shoulder at him, as they continued their walk towards the end of the dining room.
How am I doing? she said aloud.
Where do I start ?
she chuckled and continued walking towards a door that was also at the end of the dining area.