GameDev Reincarnated into His Own Creation

Vol 2 - Chapter 14.2: Binding

"Don't worry, Hileya," Vel said, standing from the bed. "Come sit with me."

He walked toward the nearby table where two chairs were set up, a tea set arranged neatly on its polished surface. The ceramic pot still steamed slightly, suggesting it had been prepared shortly before his arrival.

Hileya hesitated, confusion evident in her posture. This clearly wasn't how these encounters typically progressed in her limited understanding. Nevertheless, she rose from the bed and followed him to the table, her movements uncertain.

Vel settled into one of the elegant wooden chairs, gesturing for Hileya to take the seat opposite him. She sat with perfect posture, hands folded neatly in her lap, but her eyes betrayed her confusion at this unexpected turn of events.

"So," Vel began, pouring tea into two delicate porcelain cups, "what did you do before... this?"

The steam rose between them as he slid one cup toward her. Hileya hesitated, as if unsure whether answering honestly was permitted.

"I'm in training as a lady's maid here in the manor," she replied, her voice measured and even. "My parents also work for Lady Halen—father in the stables and mother in the kitchens."

Vel nodded, encouraging her to continue as he sipped his tea.

"I've been here since I was eight," she added, her fingers tracing the rim of her untouched cup. "Lady Halen said I carry a natural grace that puts guests at ease. That's why she thought I would be suitable for... special assignments."

The way she relayed her story felt practiced, each word carefully chosen and delivered with a rehearsed cadence. Yet nothing about it struck Vel as obviously false.

"And tonight is your first such... assignment?" Vel asked gently.

Hileya nodded, finally taking a small sip of her tea. "Yes. I've been preparing for months. There were lessons on conversation, deportment, how to make guests feel comfortable and..." Her voice trailed off, a flush spreading across her cheeks.

"I'm afraid I've failed in my duties," she whispered, staring into her cup. "Lady Halen will be displeased."

"You haven't failed," Vel said firmly, surprising himself with how strongly he felt about this. "I feel perfectly at ease talking with you like this. Perhaps this is exactly the kind of comfort I needed tonight."

Her eyes flickered up to meet his, genuine surprise visible in their depths.

"Really? But I was told..."

"Not everyone wants the same things," Vel interrupted gently. "Sometimes good company and conversation are more valuable than anything else."

Hileya's posture relaxed slightly, the first genuine reaction he'd seen from her all evening.

"I've never thought of it that way," she admitted, taking another sip of tea. "I was so focused on doing everything exactly as I was instructed that I didn't consider there might be alternatives."

Vel smiled, finding unexpected comfort in this honest exchange. "The best connections between people often happen when we set aside our expectations and just be present with each other."

Vel watched the genuine smile transform Hileya's face. It was like witnessing a flower bloom—subtle but beautiful in its authenticity. He realized how rare such moments must be for someone constantly performing a role.

"Lady Halen doesn't need to know what happened here tonight," Vel said, setting his cup down. "But if she really does ask, just tell her it was my request to spend the evening talking."