The Cold Flame

Part 6

Divya sat cross-legged on the polished floor, a notebook balanced on her lap, while Takemaru perched nearby with a serious look that somehow made him seem like a mix of tutor and drill sergeant.

"Alright, Lady Divya," he began, tapping his fingers together, "first lesson: know who to speak to—and who to avoid. The brothers. Especially Renzou and Masaki. Avoid confrontation at all costs. Keep your words polite, keep your expressions neutral... and whatever you do, don't argue."

Divya scribbled furiously. "Neutral expression, polite words, no arguing. Got it."

"Good," Takemaru said, nodding approvingly. "If one of them threatens you—literally or figuratively—you do not scowl, you do not pout, you do not panic. You laugh. Even if you're dying inside."

Divya raised an eyebrow. "Laugh... at threats?"

"Yes," he said, his fluffy brow furrowing. "Think of it as a pressure valve. They're testing you. If you show fear, they'll push harder."

Divya paused, tapping her pencil against the notebook. "So... I'm basically supposed to stand there, smile, and look pretty while potentially being verbally attacked?"

Takemaru chuckled. "Exactly. You're like... noble camouflage. Handsome young master's accessory, with the added bonus of being untouchable. Speaking only when spoken to—except to greet them, of course. Simple 'Hello' is acceptable."

Divya blinked but nodded. "I can do that. I'm... good at reading a room. I know when to be quiet."

"Excellent!" Takemaru beamed. "Lesson two: always stay by Ayato's side. Hold his arm if you must. He is your anchor. Should you become separated, make it your goal to find him immediately. No wandering. Banquets are breeding grounds for chaos."

Divya scribbled again. "Right... stay by Ayato, find him if separated. Got it."

Takemaru leaned closer, lowering his voice conspiratorially. "And finally, the tea, the table, the manners. Bowing, utensils, sipping, small talk. You've done this before, but let's review. Remember—precision, elegance, composure. Fail here, and your first impression is ruined. We can't have that."

Divya groaned lightly. "I thought the hardest part was surviving the brothers, not the cutlery."

Takemaru's eyes twinkled. "Ah, you underestimate the power of a perfectly placed napkin fold. Watch carefully."

He demonstrated each movement—how to hold a cup, how to sip without slurping, how to lightly place a napkin on one's lap, and how to engage in polite conversation without overstepping boundaries. Divya followed along, mimicking his motions with care.

"You're... surprisingly good," Takemaru admitted, hiding a grin. "Most would fumble by now. You're fast on the uptake. That will help you when you're expected to be silent and radiant."

Divya smiled, trying not to beam too much. "I guess I just... pay attention when it matters."

"Precisely. Attention is key. Remember, all eyes will be on you and young master—particularly his brothers. Any mistake, any flinch, any hesitation... and it could become a story they tell for decades."

Divya paused, then nodded firmly. "Understood. I'll be ready. I'll do it right. I'll survive this banquet."

Takemaru clapped once, gently, as if to punctuate her determination. "Good. Very good. I have no doubt you'll impress... or at least, survive without bruising anyone's ego."

She gave him a small, proud smile, looking down at her neat handwriting in her notebook. "I think I did pretty well."

"Pretty well?" Takemaru chuckled. "My dear, you did better than pretty well. You're ready for the real test."