"Thank satan.." You whisper under your breath.
"Lunch will be here in around 20-40 minutes but I have a special request for the Cardinal and y/n"
The ghoul lifts up a platter with a small charcuterie board with many cheeses and meats to choose from as well as the complimentary crackers and fruit as well as two ice waters. The Cardinal walks over with a delighted look on his face and grabs the little charcuterie board and the waters from the Ghoul.
"Well then y/n.. Shall we?"
The Cardinal gestures to leave the situation that has left you both and Terzo in an awkward stance, you nod and walk with the Cardinal to one of the small tables that lay beneath the shade by the fountain. The Cardinal places the little board down on the table and the waters as well. He pulls out a chair for you, and you sit down as he walks around the small table and sits in front of you.
As you and the Cardinal sat in the serene garden, enjoying a delightful charcuterie board before lunch, you couldn't help but discuss the somewhat awkward encounter with Terzo.
The Cardinal took a sip of his refreshing drink and leaned in slightly, his voice lowered.
"Y/n, I hope you didn't feel uncomfortable with Terzo's rather... unconventional approach. He can be a bit competitive, especially when it comes to attention."
You chuckled softly, appreciating the Cardinal's concern.
"It's alright, Cardinal. I could sense a bit of sibling rivalry there, but.."
Taking a sip of your drink, you decided to share a bit more about your encounter with Terzo from the previous night.
"You know, Cardinal, last night when I crossed paths with Terzo, I couldn't help but notice something. He looked at me with such suspicion and, dare I say, a hint of jealousy in his eyes."
The Cardinal furrowed his brow, clearly intrigued.
"Jealousy, you say? That's rather unusual, even for Terzo. What happened?"
"Well all he did was look at me, it felt as if he was trying to figure out what I bring to the table here at the Ministry."
The Cardinal sighed, realizing that his brother's competitive streak had reached new heights.
"I'm sorry you had to go through that y/n. Terzo can be quite protective of his territory, so to speak. I'll have a word with him and try to make things less uncomfortable for you."
You appreciated the Cardinal's concern and reassurance, knowing that he was doing his best to navigate the complexities of his family dynamics to ensure your comfort at the Ministry.
As time goes on while you the Cardinal are enjoying the outdoors being seated at a table in the Ministry's garden, you and the Cardinal enjoyed a view that was nothing short of enchanting. The table was situated beneath the sprawling branches of a large tree, its leaves forming a nice cooling shade for the both of you through the leaves it left a gently filtered light coming through feeling warm as sunlight shines on the orange and yellow leaves.
From your vantage point past the tree, you could see a very beautiful and tended garden, bursting with vibrant colors and a symphony of magical flora. Flowers of every hue and shape reached towards the sky, while whimsical, floating creatures flitted about, adding an extra layer of enchantment to the scene.
You notice two small figures side by side walking amongst the flowers.
"Who are those people by the garden Cardinal?"
The Cardinal looks up at you and you point to the little section where the people are standing. The Cardinal squints his eyes and looks up back at you with delight.
"Oh y/n you haven't met them yet haven't you? that is Nihil and Sister Imperator, they normally take a stroll though the gardens before lunch. I'm not sure why though"
You look at the two of them walking together, and you look back up at the Cardinal as he takes a sip from his cup.
"So how come they didn't come to the dinner last night?"
The Cardinals eyes widen as he looks up at you and slowly puts his cup down and swallows.
"AH-Em.. ah.. hehe.. uh well you see y/n.. They are um.."
He looks as if he is going too burst, not knowing how to explain. Then it finally clicks.
"Oh. OH.."
The realization hit as you look at the Cardinal with wide eyes.
"I- I'm so sorry Cardinal, I hope I didn't ruin your appetite"
His eyes narrow and he gives a light chuckle.
"Hehe.. it's fine y/n, trust me, I wouldn't be surprised on what they are doing"
You both smile and couldn't help but to laugh together for a minute. The Cardinal wiping a tear from his eye he looks past your shoulder as a line of Ghouls walk out from the gate and into the garden with table cloths, plates and cutlery. You turn around as you both watch the Ghouls prepare the tables for lunch.
Secondo walks up from behind the ghouls and points out where the table is going to be placed, out of the corner of his eyes he notices you and the Cardinal watching, he gives you both a faint smile and orders one of the Ghouls to come up and clear your table.
"Are you guys finished with your charcuterie board or no?"
The Cardinal looks at you and you nod your head as you give the sweet Ghoul a smile.
"Alright, well Secondo kinda needs this table for lunch so if you both don't mind."
The Ghoul picks up the board and two cups and as they are about to walk away the Cardinal places his hand on their shoulder.
"Thank you, tell Primo I say thanks for the little snack"
The Ghoul Smiles as he walks away to the ministry.
"So y/n, would you mind if we went on another journey for a bit as the papa's prepares lunch?"
"Absolutely Cardinal"
He holds out his arm and gestures to link arms with you, he hasn't shown this much affection all day but you agree and you link arms with him and walk towards the garden, making your way to the water fountain first he wanted to show you the beautiful architecture on it. Its design was nothing short of magnificent, a masterpiece of magical craftsmanship. Water flowed gracefully from the sculpted figure at its center, creating delicate arcs that sparkled in the dappled sunlight. The fountain was adorned with intricate details, and its basin was lined with colorful autumn leaves that had fallen gently into the water.
You couldn't help but pause for a moment, mesmerized by the beauty of the fountain. The Cardinal, too, seemed captivated by the serene sight. As you continued your walk, you came across a set of stone stairs that led you deeper into the garden. On either side of the stairs, colorful flower bushes had been colourfully arranged. Breaking the silence the Cardinal opens his mouth to speak.
"Something about Secondo if you hadn't noticed y/n, is that he is very pristine about keeping the garden clean and well keeping things organized of course"
Just as you were about to reach the bottom of the stairs, you and the Cardinal suddenly bumped into Papa Nihil and Sister Imperator, both clad in their distinctive attire, stood before you. Papa Nihil's eyes crinkled, and he let out a deep, rumbling laugh.
"Well, well, what do we have here? The Cardinal and a new face in the Ministry's garden. How delightful!"
Sister Imperator regarded you with a wry smile, her gaze sharp.
"Indeed, it's not every day we cross paths with visitors in this oasis. Are you enjoying your stroll, my dear?"
You give Sister Imperator a light smile and a nod, The Cardinal bumps into conversation, always composed, greeted them respectfully.
"Papa, Sister, it's a pleasure to see you both. We were just admiring the beauty of the garden."
"Well, it is almost time for lunch, let's just hope my son made what I requested, I would love myself a grilled cheese right about now"
Papa Nihil Chuckles as both Sister Imperator and Papa walk up the stairs.
"Well aren't they very sweet"
You look up at the Cardinal smiling, he looks down back at you and smiles back.
"Yes very sweet y/n"
You both continue your walk through the garden.