There were always studies prepared for him and his younger sister, all of them with the goal of filling young minds with more knowledge. While Valentino never complained and learned to enjoy it, his sister would sometimes slack off and put the knowledge she read about into action. Sometimes she’s succeed, sometimes she’d fail, but no matter what happened, she always had fun. That afternoon was no different, and her tracks led to the open window through which she had escaped.
A knock on the door had his attention, and his gaze focused on the maid walking in. A slight shake of the tray, a show of nervousness more than her incapability to perform such a simple act, and the sweet voice carried the reason of her coming.
Valentino closed the book and pushed it aside, his velvety voice welcoming and kind as Baby 5 approached to set the tea down. ❝ Here is alright, Baby 5. I was planning to go outside later. ❞ When she was ready to turn around and leave he stopped her, hand motioning to the second cup of tea and the empty chair opposite of him. ❝ Tea is always best when drunk in company, and my sister won’t be joining me any time soon. Take a seat. ❞
A thing he had learnt long ago was to make sure to gather information discreetly, carefully. Be it his own family or not. While plenty had been hidden from him and his sister when they were younger, and many things his Father and Mother never mentioned, there were other members of Donquixote Family he could ask, many who shared joys and sorrows with his Father before he took the throne. Baby 5 was one of those sources. Still, just as she was a source, she could tell on his younger sibling if one of his parents asked her about it, and she would reply, as a servant should. Corners of his lips pulled into a smile, voice just as kind as it was a warning.
❝ I hope you don’t mind keeping my sister’s absence between us. I assure you she’s safe. ❞
WHILE Baby 5 wanted to believe she was far from a negligent servant, she could still find herself making mistakes. It was something she had always been surprised not to be called out for, but nevertheless the young maid couldn’t let the leniency of those above her to be taken lightly. Her hands quietly clutched onto the teapot as she silently nodded.
❝ That would be my pleasure, Young Master. ❞ She smiled lightly as she raised the teapot. ❝ Today’s brew is black tea with rose petals from the gardens, as well as a hint of cocoa for some extra flavor. I hope the flavour suits your taste. ❞
Baby 5 pulled her hair to the side and poured the tea onto the cups. The delicate scent of the roses invaded her nose, accompanied by the strength of black tea. It wasn’t an uncommon mix in Dressrosa to provide, roses were after all a popular flower among the resident of the city. However, no matter how many years would pass, Baby 5 had yet to get used to the aroma without feeling bittersweet memories. Her eyes wandered over the tea leaves in the cup and returned her attention once again to the duty.
After leaving the teapot aside, the maid quietly sat down in front of the man, trying to not seem tense. When had the last time she had enjoyed a moment with any of those two siblings been? Day after day, she had lately been out on missions, it had been a while since they had shared much more than small talk.
❝ Ah, so the Young Mistress is out today ? So that’s why I didn’t see her around today...❞ Her hands reached out to the cup in front of her, tapping it lightly with her nails. ❝ I’ll make sure to not let anyone else know but I think your father would be deeply upset with me if I didn’t at least let him know something... ❞
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