The grand dining hall of the Asteria estate was a symphony of hushed elegance. A long mahogany table gleamed under the soft light of enchanted chandeliers, laden with an array of delectable dishes—roasted meats, vibrant salads, and crystal bowls brimming with fresh, glistening fruits from the family orchards. Through the towering arched windows, the moonlit gardens stretched, a tranquil vista. Seated at the head were the matriarchs: Lady Asteria and Lady Ember, the mothers of Lyra and Seraphina. Lady Asteria, with her distinguished white hair, radiated an aura of noble grace, while Lady Ember, with her fiery red hair, possessed eyes that sparkled with shrewd intelligence. Both were figures of immense influence, pillars of a family that served as one of the Empress's most trusted hands. Their daughters, Lyra and Seraphina, had inherited Lyra's mother's white hair and Seraphina's mother's piercing red eyes, a clear testament to their combined powerful lineage.
"So, my darlings," Lady Asteria began, her voice a smooth, cultured tone, as she gracefully carved a succulent roast. "Have you found any… stimulating diversions on your journey back? Or perhaps, at the academy, Lyra? Seraphina, you've been rather quiet about your latest *acquaintances*." It was a casual inquiry, the usual polite probing into their daughters' "toys" and fleeting attachments. Their relationship with their powerful daughters was one of mutual respect, built on understanding their ambitious, often detached, natures.
Lyra, typically composed, giggled. Seraphina, usually reserved, actually smiled. Both expressions were utterly unfamiliar to their mothers, who exchanged subtle, astonished glances. "Mothers, we have found something far more than a 'diversion'," Lyra declared, her eyes sparkling.
Just then, the double doors silently opened, and Rose entered, pushing a small service cart laden with desserts. Her rosy hair, freckled cheeks, and soft, regordeta figure seemed to glow under the mothers' surprised gazes. Lyra and Seraphina, with an almost frantic eagerness that startled their usually stoic mothers, immediately gestured. "Rose! Here, dear, come sit with us!"
Rose blushed crimson, her piglet ears briefly flickering at Lyra's excited tone. "My ladies, I... I am only here to serve. I wouldn't presume—"
But before she could finish, Lyra had pulled out a chair directly between her and Seraphina. "Nonsense! You're dining with us, Rose." And with a shared, almost predatory grin, both sisters latched onto Rose's face. Lyra, with a soft, affectionate sound, gently licked Rose's cheek, while Seraphina followed suit, both pressing their faces against hers, their white and red hair a stark contrast to Rose's pink.
"Mothers," Seraphina announced, her voice filled with a rare, open adoration, as her hand possessively wrapped around Rose's waist. "This is Rose. And she makes us incredibly happy."
Lady Asteria and Lady Ember stared, utterly dumbfounded. They had witnessed their daughters' "romances"—cold, dominant, and always fleeting. Never had they seen such genuine delight, such unguarded affection. Never had their daughters, so discerning and proud, voluntarily shown such devotion, especially not to a maid, and one who was, by aristocratic standards, rather plain.
"Indeed," Lyra added, pulling Rose closer and pressing a tender, lingering kiss directly onto Rose's lips. Rose, shy and without experience, still responded with an innocent eagerness, her own lips parting to accept the kiss, her face a vivid shade of red. Seraphina then claimed her own kiss, deep and possessive, her hand tracing the curve of Rose's back. The mothers watched, speechless, as their powerful daughters, who had never truly wanted anyone, openly adored this unassuming girl.
"My ladies," Rose began, her voice soft but earnest, looking at the two powerful matriarchs. "It is truly an honor to serve Lady Lyra and Lady Seraphina. They are both so kind, and so important. I... I look forward to competing with all the other students in the academy, to show how useful I can be to them!" Rose, in her innocent kindness, genuinely thought they meant academic games or friendly contests, her pure thoughts incapable of grasping the cutthroat world of aristocratic rivalry for affection. She beamed, completely unaware of the double meaning of her words.
Lady Asteria cleared her throat, recovering her composure. Her eyes, shrewd and assessing, took in Rose's pure-hearted confusion. "Rose, dear," she said, her voice unexpectedly gentle, a smile tugging at her lips. "You must indeed be careful at the academy. Our daughters have many… admirers. You will have quite the competition." There was a knowing glint in her eye, recognizing the profound change in her daughters. Lady Ember nodded, a slow, appreciative smile spreading across her face. "Yes, child. Protect your heart, and theirs. They've found something truly special in you, a rare bloom indeed. And we support their choices, always, regardless of status. But be cautious."
Rose, still missing the true meaning, simply nodded earnestly. "Oh, yes! I shall try my very best to be the most useful! I will work hard and make them proud!" Her unwavering innocence and genuine desire to please were utterly endearing. Lyra and Seraphina, melting at her purity, embraced her tightly, showering her face with adoration. They loved her innocence, her simplicity, her complete lack of cunning.
"She is a revelation," Lady Ember whispered to Lady Asteria, her eyes fixed on her daughters and Rose, who was now being showered with kisses. "I've never seen such unguarded affection from them. All their 'toys' were simply that. This is... different."
"Indeed," Lady Asteria murmured, a profound sense of wonder in her voice. "It reminds me of our own youths, doesn't it? That first, overwhelming love." She looked at her daughters, then at Rose, completely enthralled between them. "If they truly love this Rose, we will support them wholeheartedly. But, remember," she raised her voice slightly for her daughters to hear, a touch of matriarchal wisdom, "this must be kept a secret for now. When Rose is safe, when the time is right, we can make it official. The world will be quite surprised to learn that the formidable Asteria daughters have chosen such a humble, yet utterly captivating, regordeta, beautiful Rose."
Lyra and Seraphina, their faces buried in Rose's soft hair, simply hummed in agreement, already lost in their sweet addiction. They were Lyra, the brilliant student leader, and Seraphina, the royal confidante, yet all their power and influence now bent to one purpose: cherishing their unique, beloved Rose. The dinner continued, an unusual tableau of powerful aristocratic women, now utterly charmed and utterly devoted to the timid, regordeta, and miraculously beautiful maid who had stolen their proud hearts.
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