Chapter 261

S31 4. Manners

“Mommy, is it okay if we eat with Grandma Diana? What if she’s not happy and throws us out?” Emily whispered with furrowed brows. Her small steps seemed hesitant.

Louis tilted his head forward, looking at his sister who was blocked by Kara’s body. “Don’t be afraid, Emily. Just focus on our mission. We have to be sweet and good kids.”

“I know about that too. It’s just….” Emily glanced back at Kara. Her grip tightened. “I think I can’t stop crying if Grandma ignores me again.”

Kara also pouted. While stroking the back of Emily’s hand, she whispered, “I’m sorry you have to face this difficult situation. But if you make it through, you will get a very good reward.”

“Affection from Grandma Diana?” Emily’s small voice sounded sweet.

Kara nodded. While occasionally sharing her gaze with Louis, she sighed softly, “And maybe… exclusive riding lesson. You know that your great-grandmother was good at riding, right?”

The twins nodded. Their eyes were bright again.

“Yes, Abigail told us about it. I can imagine Grandma riding a horse with a sword like a brave princess.” Emily gave a small jump.

“And I’m the knight! When I’m already good at horse riding, I’ll ask Grandma to a duel,” Louis nodded firmly.

Emily sneered. “You’re no match for Grandma, Louis. You’re still too small. You can’t even ride a horse yourself.”

Hearing his sister giggling, Louis put on a sullen face. “Mommy, Emily insulted me again. In fact, I’m trying my best not to call her short.

Otherwise, she would have cried a river.”

Kara laughed a little. In her heart, she was relieved that the twins could joke around again.

Unfortunately, as soon as they entered the kitchen, the toddlers became tense again. Their freedom had been seized by the old woman sitting at the dining table.

“Hi, Twins,” Abigail greeted cheerfully, “come on, have a seat. I’ve prepared a special place for you.”

The dining table was rectangular. Diana and Jeremy occupied the chairs at each end. Abigail sat in the chair closest to Diana, in the same row as Philip and Barbara. Meanwhile, Frank occupied a long bench, on the side near Jeremy.

“Thank you, Abi. I’ll sit here.” Louis walked stiffly and climbed onto the bench. He deliberately took a position further away from Diana, right next to his father.

Emily followed behind him. She had some difficulty climbing, perhaps because she was nervous. Kara quickly helped her then sat near

Diana.

Diana took a deep breath. Her eyes glanced at Abigail. “Why is our dining room so crowded?”

The silence was getting tense. Abigail was at a loss for words. She wasn’t used to dealing with an angry Diana.

“We rent all the rooms in this inn, Grandma,” Philip interrupted. “Isn’t it natural for Abi to serve her guests some food?”

While Abigail breathed a sigh of relief, Diana’s chin lifted. She seemed to have difficulty breathing if she didn’t straighten her neck.

“But who allowed you to eat at the same table with me?”

Before the problem escalated, Abigail grabbed Diana’s hand.

“Grandma, please don’t be like that. They’ve already paid for the lodging costs, and I’ve also cooked this much,” she whispered, more

like a grin.

Diana was pensive. Her eyes slowly shifted towards the round face that was blinking up at her.

“Sorry, Grandma. Please don’t kick us out. We promise we won’t be naughty. We promise we will eat neatly.” Emily nodded slowly.

Louis also sat up straight. “Yeah, please let us eat with you, Grandma. We won’t talk much.”

Diana’s eyes were the same as the twins’ eyes. Teary. However, after one blink, she glanced at Kara cynically.

“What are you waiting for? Hurry up, prepare a plate for me.”

Kara blinked rapidly. Her mouth opened, but instead Abigail’s voice came through.

“I’ve prepared your plate, Grandma. Right in front of you.”

“I want this woman to prepare it. She and her family dare to visit my place. Of course she has to get some manners. Even though I am the host, I am already old. Does she expect an old woman to serve her?”

Everyone glanced at each other. Their brows furrowed, but neither dared to move until Kara rose from her position.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to offend you. Please wait a moment.”

Abigail pointed to the top shelf. “Please take that one. Maybe Grandma wants to use her new plate. She really likes it.”

Kara switched the plates very carefully. But a second later, Diana raised her forefinger. “You don’t expect me to eat with my hands, do

you?”

Kara’s eyebrows arched higher. However, her common sense still worked. Quick as lightning, she took a knife and fork for Diana.

“And my food?”

“Wait a moment.”

Kara deftly arranged the food on the old woman’s plate. Frank’s face fell at the sight. Her hands were clenched under the table, ready to act if Diana crossed the line.

Suddenly, Abigail’s hand reached out. Before she could touch the spoon, Diana held her.

“No, you just sit still. Today, let this woman be in charge.”

“But-”

“You,” Diana looked at Kara sharply, “a housewife should be used to setting the dinner table, right?”

Kara blinked with a deadpan expression. However, seeing that the other plates were still empty, she rushed to distribute the food.

“Let me help you,” Frank stood up and started handing out knives and

forks.

“Are you a housewife?” Diana raised an eyebrow at Frank. “Sit down. Let your wife do it.”

“I don’t mind helping my wife.” Frank put down Jeremy’s plate which Kara had filled with food. His speech sounded like a grunt.

Diana’s breath started to rumble. Her chest felt hot knowing that a Harper was defending his wife.

“This is my house. My rules apply. Sit down!”

Philip and Abigail were stunned to hear Diana’s voice. In their entire

lives, that was the first time they thought the old woman was unfriendly.

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Meanwhile, Kara stroked Frank’s arm. Her eyes radiated patience, hoping for understanding. “I’m fine, Frank. This is a small task for me.”

Frank snorted and sat back down. While supporting his forehead with both hands, he tried to calm his emotions.

“Good,” Diana said when Kara finished her task, “now let’s eat.”

No one made a sound. The twins had to say their prayers in silence.

“Emily,” Louis leaned towards his sister, “did Grandma pray earlier? I didn’t get to see her.”

Emily shook her head faintly then raised her index finger to her lips. ” Don’t be noisy, Louis. Grandma will get angry.”

Louis’ shoulders moved down. He didn’t like atmospheres that were

too tense and quiet.

“Mommy, can I add more?” Louis handed her his empty plate.

Kara welcomed him happily. However, Diana snorted in a sudden.

“I’ve been suspicious since I saw the food on your children’s plates. It turns out that you don’t know what portions your children are eating?”