However, Carlos was still a child barely above an adult's waist. He didn't have the stamina to run too much, especially since he was pulling a person behind him; even though the said person purposely made herself run at his pace so he wasn't actually pulling her.

Servants who were bustling in the halls gaped at the strange sight and moved themselves to avoid bumping into the pair.

Soon, Carlos was panting, his face red and full of perspiration. He stopped in front of a pair of large double doors. Smiling brightly, he raised his head towards Fei.

"Hehe. The reason I looked all over for you is because of what's behind this door." His childish voice imposed a mysterious fortuneteller during a reading of the future.

His eyes glistened.

Carlos struggled to push open the large, heavy doors. When he finally did manage to open the doors, Fei was stunned by the sight beyond them.

The light of glittering chandeliers was blinding. Grand windows opened to the beautiful scenery of the courtyard. Rows of plates filled with aromatic delicacies filled up a grand furnished table covered with a white cloth. This sight alone would be able to satisfy a famished man.

Carlos glanced at Fei in anticipation. Whenever his friends came and stayed for dinner, they had always been shocked and full of delight at the almost fairytale-like scene. However, he was bound to be disappointed.

Fei showed no particular reaction on her face, despite whatever she thought on the inside. She only bowed to the scrutinizing middleaged man who sat at the beginning of the table and his companion.

"Carlos! What took you so long?" The pretty blond girl with green eyes that Fei saw earlier in the day exclaimed, her eyebrows furrowed up. "We were waiting for you."

"I brought Fei!" He was all smiles, proud of his achievement.

The blond girl glanced at her father, who seemed slightly disapproved, before saying coldly, "Why did you bring it? It's not as if it has any use here. It's just a servant." It's not as if you ever cared about me so much... she muttered under her breath.

Carlos immediately panicked, his eyes teary. "I- I didn't know that it would be troublesome... I only thought that maybe Fei would be hungry... S-Sowy..." Under the hard stare of his sister, he lost and ultimately burst into tears.

The middle-aged man frowned indiscernibly at this interaction, and he said nonchalantly, "It doesn't matter, Clare. Carlos, know not to cry at every insignificant thing; you're already a man." He then directed his gaze at Fei. "(Fei, go stand by the wall behind Carlos. You can eat in the kitchen after this hour. A person will guide you,)" he said softly.

Fei nodded and stood behind her young master. She closed her eyes to carefully ponder over what exactly was her duty. She can't recall ever learning to fight, so she wasn't sure if she could do this job well.

Carlos glanced suspiciously at his father. By this time, he had calmed himself and had also finished berating himself for his shameful behavior unfitting of his status. "Daddy, what were you speaking about with Fei? How come I don't understand a thing?"

His father chuckled warmly, and replied, "You'll understand once you grow older and learn more."

Carlos pouted. He hated that his daddy always said this verse whenever he asked him a question. He needed to grow up quickly! He awkwardly sat down in the empty seat.

The butler, Marcus, stepped forward and poured a cup of wine in Mr. Rochester's glass, before he began introducing the dishes that were on the table in a soft voice. There were quite a few exotic foods that he presented, each being very healthy and having a very special way of preparation. There was no cake, however, even though it was the young master's birthday. Everyone in the room besides Fei knew that the old master wanted his son to mature quickly and did not treat him like a child.

As he ate his delicacies, Carlos absentmindedly listened while his family conversed on some political status quo that he didn't understand. Occasionally, he glanced back at Fei, whose eyes were still closed as if deep in thought.

Fei is so pretty, truly just like a doll! Carlos thought wistfully. He thought of dressing her up in all sorts of cute clothing that he had seen on his sister's doll collection. Clare doesn't really play with those dolls anymore, so it should be okay for him to take some and get them tailored for Fei. But Daddy might not like it... Well, it's fine. Carlos secretly pumped up his fist, adding this goal to his ever-extending list of what he wanted to do after growing up.

Meanwhile, Fei silently waited for the hour to pass. She was a little anticipating what type of food would await her.

----------

"You filthy seductress! Do you think we don't know the means that you used to enter this house?" A maid with an unmemorable face cursed as she glared at Fei.

"Thank goodness the master still has a conscience and treats you like a servant. A commoner such as you have no right to enter the house of nobles. Even us, the servants, have a noble lineage of serving the upper-class and nobles." Another servant sneered.

However, these words that seemed to provoke and hurtful were treated as air by Fei. She didn't even understand what these people were saying! She continued munching on the piece of whole grains bread given to her. In her hands was a bowl of porridge that contained some pieces of meat and vegetables.

All of the servants lived in the basement and ate in the kitchen(also in the basement). Servants can only eat after the masters have eaten. However, servants weren't all treated the same way. More important positions, such as the housekeeper, head maid, valets, and butler had better food and living spaces. These people ate the leftovers of the masters, but regular servants did not have the privilege normally. Regular servants ate bland food that the chef prepared with minimal resources using the worst ingredients found, as to leave the best for the masters. This didn't mean the food didn't taste good or were rotten. It just meant that the food wasn't as luxurious or chef's kiss as the food Fei saw during Carlos' dinner. In fact, an average servant's palate is pretty good. Life, in general, is pretty good. After all, servants were not overworked, had basic rights, and had food as well.

However, it was another matter entirely when all of the servants are turned against you. In fact, you would only need to offend the higher-ups of the servant hierarchy to live much more miserably than your peers, especially the chef or head maid.