Chapter 144: Breakfast
Few meticulous moments later, Maverick finally completed his morning preparations.
He was dressed in a refined azure noble robe that bore the subtle hallmarks of House Valehart without appearing ostentatious. The outer garment was woven from a smooth, high-quality fabric that flowed effortlessly with every movement, while delicate golden embroidery traced the edges of the sleeves and collar, forming elegant patterns reminiscent of the outstretched wings of a soaring knight.
Beneath it, he wore a pristine white inner garment secured neatly around his waist by a silver sash bearing the crest of House Valehart.
The attire was simple, practical and distinguished with understated sophistication, befitting a young noble attending an ordinary family gathering rather than a formal court assembly.
After adjusting his sleeves one final time before the mirror, Maverick gave a satisfied nod and strode toward the door.
As he opened it, he found the maidservant standing patiently outside exactly where he had left her.
The instant the door swung open, the maidservant promptly lowered her head and greeted respectfully.
"Young Lord." Her voice remained as composed and professional as before.
Maverick inclined his head slightly.
"My apologies for keeping you waiting."
Despite his high-born status, his voice remained courteous, dignified and unassuming, devoid of the arrogance so commonly found amongst young nobles.
Perhaps it was because of the manner in which he addressed her that the maidservant froze for the briefest heartbeat.
Only a moment later did she curtsy gracefully before replying.
"There is no need to apologize, Young Lord. It is my duty to wait until you are prepared. Had you required any further assistance, it would have been my pleasure to provide it."
Maverick regarded her for a quiet moment, finding her unwavering professionalism somewhat admirable.
Eventually, he gave a small nod. XIf you say so. Then let’s go."
"As you wish, Young Lord."
Turning gracefully upon her heels, the maidservant began leading the way through the corridor with measured, elegant steps, while Maverick followed a short distance behind in comfortable silence.
Morning had now fully embraced the estate.
Brilliant sunlight streamed through the towering crystal windows lining the corridors, bathing the polished marble floors in a warm golden radiance.
A gentle breeze drifted in through the open balconies, carrying with it the delicate fragrance of blooming flowers, while the distant sounds of sparring knights continued to echo throughout Castle Valehart.
As they walked, Maverick found himself observing his surroundings with far greater scrupulousness than he had the previous day.
Yesterday, he had been overwhelmed by the castle’s breathtaking magnificence. Today, however, his attention was drawn elsewhere; the people.
Honestly, even Maverick couldn’t explain why he found himself comparing the administrative apparatus of Castle Valehart with that of the Frozen North.
Perhaps it was simply his curiosity... Or perhaps years spent upon the frontier had conditioned him to instinctively evaluate every place he entered.
Whatever the reason, he found himself observing.
Every servant they encountered immediately ceased whatever task they had been performing before respectfully bowing.
"Good morning, Young Lord."
"Good morning, Young Lord."
"Good morning, Young Lord."
The greetings followed one after another, becoming the only melody accompanying Maverick’s footsteps through the marble corridors.
Truthfully, he found it exhausting. This was not because he was unfamiliar with such greetings.
On the contrary, even back in the Frozen North, servants and soldiers alike greeted him with similar respect.
Yet somehow, the greetings here felt painfully ceremonial and meticulously rehearsed, as though each bow had been perfected through years of rigid etiquette.
By the tenth greeting, Maverick had already abandoned the effort of acknowledging each individual with a nod.
Instead, he simply fixed his gaze ahead while allowing the maidservant to continue leading him through the seemingly endless corridors.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the maidservant came to a graceful halt and called out.
"Young Lord. We have arrived."
"Hm?" Snapping out of his thoughts, Maverick lifted his head.
Standing before them were two enormous doors fashioned from ancient whitewood. Their surfaces were adorned with intricate golden carvings depicting the countless wars, victories and heroic deeds accomplished by generations of House Valehart.
Two fully armoured knights stood vigil on either side, each holding a long ceremonial spear.
The moment they noticed Maverick’s arrival, both men bowed simultaneously.
"Young Lord Maverick."
Maverick acknowledged them with a slight nod.
Then without another word, the knights pushed the massive doors inward.
Beyond them lay the family dining hall.
Unlike the magnificent banquet hall of the previous evening, this chamber was considerably smaller and designed for private gatherings rather than grand celebrations.
Nevertheless, elegance permeated every corner. A long whitewood dining table occupied the centre, surrounded by finely crafted high-backed chairs upholstered in crimson velvet.
Crystal chandeliers suspended overhead cast a warm glow across polished marble floors, while towering windows overlooked flourishing gardens where morning sunlight filtered gently through emerald trees.
Seated at the head of the table was Valdric.
As always, the Patriarch of House Valehart radiated the quiet authority of a man who had commanded both armies and nobles for decades. Even while seated, there was an innate majesty about him that naturally drew the attention of everyone present.
Beside him sat Lady Seraphina, every bit as graceful and elegant as before.
Opposite them sat Goldric.
And next to Lady Seraphina was Cedric.
The young heir appeared impeccably composed, every movement measured and every expression carrying the effortless refinement expected of House Valehart’s future patriarch.
The instant Maverick entered, all four pairs of eyes shifted toward him.
Valdric was the first to smile.
"You’re finally here." He began gently. "I was beginning to think you intended to skip breakfast."
There wasn’t the slightest trace of reprimand within his voice, only the warmth one would expect from a welcoming elder.
Oddly enough, that warmth made Maverick feel somewhat uncomfortable.
Approaching the table, he bowed respectfully. "My apologies for keeping everyone waiting."
Valdric waved dismissively. "There’s no need for that. We’re family, after all."
He then gestured toward the vacant seat beside Goldric. "Come. Sit."
Maverick gave a slight nod before making his way toward the empty chair. Before sitting, he inclined his head respectfully toward his father.
"Father."
Goldric spared him a brief glance before giving an approving nod.
Maverick returned the gesture before allowing his attention to drift toward the breakfast spread laid across the table.
Unlike the extravagant feast of the previous evening, breakfast was considerably more restrained.
Even so, calling it simple would have been a luxury by ordinary standards.
Freshly baked buttered bread rested within elegant wicker baskets beside flaky meat pastries and golden honey cakes. Platters of roasted sausages, herb-seasoned eggs, smoked river trout and thinly sliced cured venison were arranged neatly alongside bowls filled with fresh berries, orchard fruits and creamy cheeses.
Crystal pitchers brimmed with chilled fruit nectar, fragrant herbal tea and fresh milk, while silver dishes held warm porridge sweetened with honey and sprinkled generously with crushed nuts.
Drawing a slow breath, Maverick reached for the cutlery resting neatly beside his plate. Then, without another word, he began eating.
And just like that, breakfast commenced in earnest...