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"Young master, would you like to have breakfast here or in the dining room?" Ethan thought for a second as eating here would be much more peaceful but he just could not hide in his room for forever.
"I will go to the dining room." He could see the surprise in the eyes of the old man who hid it soon and nodded his head.
"I understand, then please follow me." patting his clothes, he stood up. He was still unsure of these new kinds of clothes. He had never worn such fancy clothes in his life.
He felt his hands getting sweaty as he followed the man and soon stopped when the old man stepped aside and bowed his head.
His eyes met the cold eyes of his father who was looking displeased by his presence. Eli, who was still looking pale, raised her head and smiled at Ethan but this time Ethan did not feel the warmth he had felt before, in fact, his heart got colder.
"I hope i am not disturbing the family breakfast." he smiled but there was no humor on his face.
"Why would you say that? Aren't you part of the family too? We have not asked you to come because we were not sure if you were ready or not." Evan stood up from his seat and patted him for him to take.
"That was why you didn't even come to meet me even once. I would have thought that I was just ruining a happy family." stunned by his cold reply and hostile look, Evan turned silent for a second when Leo stood up and held her hands.
"You are talking like it has been ages since you have come. Do you think we all are free to entertain you all the time?" The look in his eyes was frosty that made Ethan rigid.
He felt hurt further. So he was not even important that they would take out a minute from their work and greet him when thy claim that he was part of the family.
"No! I could see that you are busy till midnight.`` His eyes passed Eli whose body turned rigid for a second and she lowered her head and picked up the spoon again.
"Oh! What is this weird atmosphere about? Are you here to have a meal with us or blame us for our heartlessness? If everything is new for you, then it is difficult for us to digest that you are our eldest brother and Eli.. relationship can not be made in a second.
So stop creating a fuss and sit here." Eve gave a stern look to all of them and pointed at each of them and then at their seats.
"If you are here to claim your seat. Then take it and keep your silence. But if you are here to be a part of the family then you better be a but humble and talk nicely with everyone.'' The duke stood up and gave him a cold glance as he spoke and then left the room without having his meal.
"Father!" Evan tried to stop but the man did not listen. It was worse than the time she had come here.
She would understand the insecurities of the man since everything happened abruptly but it did not mean that they would feel more emotional towards him than Eli. even she never tried to take the place Leo had in their hearts as it would be in vain.
"So, Ethan, what do you do?" talking on lighter topics would be better to form a bonding than asking about rights and authorities.
She smiled at him as she passed him a sandwich and pie not sure what he would like to eat.
"I was a house caretaker. Though you all may think that the work is not worth it. But it was a fulfilling task and I have made good friends there." though he did not want to, his voice turned defensive when he raised his head as he was sure that they would look down upon him.
He felt more frustrated when he stared at the number of spoons and forks in front of him.
Now he understood why Adele was forcing him to learn how to eat at least.
"Why would we think like that? You know I used to work as a music teacher. And let me tell you a secret. I will still prefer to do it rather than being a noble lady and sit all day in her room thinking about politics and social event.'' With an exaggerated look of frustration on her face she pointed at the spoon and then picked it up to drink her soup when Ethan lowered his head hurriedly but still picked up the same spoon and started having his soup bringing a smile to her face.
"No one had asked you to engage in social activities if you did not want that.
If you want to spend time with kids, you can always go to an orphanage with the envoys of our duchy who are there for monthly charity and if you want to play instruments, there is a music room in the palace.
Do not try to act pitiful. Tch! Drama queen." Was that the way they talk to each other too? He raised his head as he looked at the girl again who passed the comment.
She was the one who had scolded him too. What was her name, Evelyn, right? She is the second daughter of the duke and the only one that was not swapped.
Come to think of it Evan was swapped too from Leo, this cold snow king.
In that case, am I not the only true heir of the duke. Why was I treated badly then.
"By the way, we are going to have a ball at the marriage reception of Leo and Evan, your youngest sister. I am appointing a trainer for you who will guide you about our manners and etiquettes."
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