Shards

Chapter 18 - Escapade Part 1

Ghost cringed inwardly. That was not how a real noble is suppose to talk and act. She was failing at etiquette again. Proper decorum discourages fishing for compliments. One should always be humble and not ask for praise.

Key smiled indulgently thoroughly enjoying himself. It was very entertaining to see the Five acting all gentle and docile. The situation must really be testing his patience and perseverance thought the Three. So far, Ghost had proven his reputation of enduring any situation, no matter how bad. He wondered idly how long Ghost would last in this one.

"Much better Lady but Ghost still beats you."

Ghost narrowed his eyes. Don't provoke her. I'm so not doing this for another week! he muttered under his breath knowing full well that the Three was Listening.

We are doing this for her sake. She almost got it all down pat. She just needs a little more practice.

I'm warning you ...

Just a little longer Ghost. You can do it, I know you can. I'm rooting for you. Key smiled serenely as his disgruntled partner.

Lady Shuang pouted. "How so?" she asked, forgetting her manners and waving her chopsticks in the air. "How is he still better than me?"

"Well, for one thing, he doesn't talk with half chewed food in his mouth."

Hastily she swallowed. "I don't have food in my mouth."

"Now you don't. You did a moment ago when you addressed me," he replied. "Also, Ghost doesn't wave his chopsticks around at the table."

"I did not!" She turned to the other Shard. "Ghost ..."

Ghost licked his lips and set down his chopsticks neatly on the porcelain chopstick rest with a click. He bobbed his head cutting her off.

"Please excuse me, Lady Shuang. Thank you for the delicious meal."

Abruptly he got up and strode out the chambers. "You talk to her. I'll check the perimeter and come back," he muttered under his breath so that only Key would hear.

"O'kay."

"Maybe ... his attitude needs a little fixing ..." said Key aloud for Shuang's benefit as he watched Ghost's back disappear out the doors.

Lady Shuang giggled. "So I'm better than him now?"

"Not really," hedged Key. "Show me at the next meal and then you can go up against me."

"What do you mean?"

Key smiled slyly. "My manners and etiquette are much better than Ghost's. I bet you can't beat me!"

"What?!!"

"Well, I don't shout for no reason ..."

"I did not!"

"I rest my case," Key replied smugly.

The maids hid smiles behind long sleeves and lowered heads as their lady took the mischievous Shard's bait and started bickering with him. Their arguments have become the norm recently, Key skilfully drawing out the lady's argument and making her voice out her opinions on various topics. It made her think and present her points logically based on facts rather than emotions. That was the only way she was allowed to win.

Sometimes Ghost would assist her training by undoing her carefully thought out arguments by stating a point or two. It made her rethink and reaffirm her arguments or in several instances, make her realize issues she had overlooked. It opened her mind and expanded her way of thinking. With the two around, she learned how to think before acting or speaking, be more aware that her actions and words could affect those around her. It also made her more confident on the whole.