Dream Life Vol 3 Chapter 34.1: “Behind The Scenes: Middle Part”

A/N: There are three connected chapters, First, Middle, and Second part.

T/N: The chapters are interesting, but my body can’t translate and work at the same time. Why do we have to work to live. Or at least give me like a reading, translation, and editing speed and performance boost.

~Eleanor’s Perspective~

　7:00 p.m., July 18, 3017 Tria calendar.

　I, Eleanor Macefield, am a maid working at Welburn Castle.

　I am currently learning how to serve from Sir Zacharias Lockhart in preparation for the feast to be held the day after tomorrow for Lady Rosalind and Master Roderick Lockhart.

　Sir Zacharias opened a bottle of sparkling wine, poured it into a glass, and when he noticed our fascination with the beautiful liquid, he smiled and said,

“Let’s have a little bit of it, everyone. You won’t know until you try it. Is that all right with you, Lady Harding?” (Zack)

　Sir Zacharias was said this by Lady Barbara.

　And with a sweet smile that would make you fall in love with him, and he only looked at Lady Barbara.

　Lady Barbara, who usually has a sharp expression, had a momentary look of confusion, but she quickly regained her composure.

“Yes, of course I don’t mind… Please, just call me Barbara.” (Barbara)

　I couldn’t believe my eyes and ears.

　Looking around, it seemed I was not the only one who thought so. Everyone here was slack-jawed.

　I couldn’t believe that the serious Lady Barbara had that kind of expression on her face and even made someone call her by her first name.

　But then I quickly reconsidered.

　I realized that the Sir Zacharias here was a Casanova of rare beauties, the all-around and all-range “Harem Prince”. [T/N: LOL]

　Even Barbara Harding, who is known behind her back as the “Maid of Steel,” was easily defeated. I think we all remembered the title of Sir Zacharias and were convinced of it.

　While we were stunned, Sir Zacharias continued his explanation without hesitation.

“Now, I will pour, but please watch carefully. I’ll have you all do it next.” (Zack)

　After looking at us, he glanced at the waiters. But it was only for a moment. Then he immediately started pouring wine into his glass.

　Despite the fluent handiwork, I felt the waiters’ expressions harden. Because they would be asked to do the same thing to themselves afterwards.

　In order to hand the poured sparkling wine to Lady Barbara, Sir Zacharias held the thin leg of the glass and placed the glass on the table fluidly. From a straight-backed posture, it was as if he was bowing. “If you please,” he said, and smiled at Lady Barbara.

　Is he really a savage adventurer? For the recent moment that day, that question was on my mind.

　A glass was placed in front of me as well. A sweet voice said, “Now you,” but my hands inevitably trembled in front of the expensive glass. The glass in front of me was incredibly thin and crystal clear, as if it were made of diamonds or crystals.

　Slowly, I picked up the glass and brought it closer to my mouth. A continuous stream of bubbles popped, and the refreshing yet sweet aroma rose one after another. A fine mist of mist, like that of squeezed citrus fruits, hit my face, making me wonder if this was really liquor.

　The thought became even stronger when I put my mouth on it. The white wine used at the castle is of very high quality, and when I first tasted it, I was surprised that such a delicious wine existed, but this bubbly wine was even better.

　I don’t know how to describe it, but it was slightly sweet, yet not unpleasant. It was different from ales and beers in the way it flowed smoothly down my throat. It tastes really elegant.

　The word “delicious” naturally came out of my mouth.

　But my happy moment ended quickly. Only a small amount was poured for tasting.

　Everyone was satisfied with the taste and naturally had smiles on their faces. However, that expression soon becomes tensed.

“Okay, everyone! We’re going to start practicing now. All the waiters, please start by opening the bottle. Excuse me, but all the maids, please wait a little while longer.” (Zack)

　From that point on, I felt that Sir Zacharias’s mood changed drastically.

　He became serious and stern, just like the knights instructing the young squires, as he instructed the waiters.

“Hold the cork firmly with your right hand. When you turn it, do not let it shake. If you shake it, the bubbles will rise all at once, and the moment you open it, it will overflow.” (Zack)

　While instructing one person, if another person’s method was even slightly wrong, a voice that sounded like a reprimand would immediately fly.

“Your back is bent! Like an old farmer washing dishes! As I explained earlier, beautiful postures… These are the basics of serving! …There! No noise when opening! The more noise you make, the rougher the bubbles will be…!” (Zack)

　He was checking the movements of all the waiters to the point where I thought he had eyes in the back of his head.

“Be careful not to place the glass making any noise! Slide them over the cross so you can place them neatly…” (Zack)

　The instruction went on for about ten minutes.

　During this time, I could see the eyes of the waiters gradually becoming teary. At first I felt sorry for them, but then I remembered that it was our turn and my cheeks began to twitch.

　Master Zacharias pointed to a large, empty, magnum bottle that he had prepared,

“Now each of you practice pouring water into the empty bottle! Never let the wine drip on the cloth! Then continue until it is satisfactory!” (Zack)

　When he said that, he turned his attention to us.

　At that moment, the target changed from the waiters to us.

　It seemed that way to me. That’s all I could think.

　But unlike when he explained to the waiters, Sir Zacharias explained gently and carefully. He is indeed called the “harem prince,” so perhaps he is kind to women.

　I thought so for a moment, but when I looked closer, I saw that his eyes were serious. I pulled myself together once more.

“Now, let me explain what I do when someone asks for spirits. First, if they seem to be a strong drinker, you’ll serve it straight up without ice or water…” (Zack)

　We listen intently and remember what is said.

“Now, here’s how to make the on-the-rocks style of spirits with ice. This is very easy. Just pour the right amount of spirits into a glass with ice…” (Zack)

　I wondered for a moment why pouring into a glass with ice is called “on the rocks” style. And I didn’t think Sir Zacharias’s explanation was very simple.

“…put the ice in the glass like this, and then pour the spirits over it. Immediately turn it slowly… and gently make two turns with this spoon. If you turn it too much, it will become watery, so don’t turn it too much. …Also, be careful not to make too much noise, because if the ice hits the glass, it will chip the ice…” (Zack)

　Sir Zacharias lifted the ice with tongs like charcoal scissors and gently placed it in the tilted glass. As he did so, there was a whisper of a clink as the ice hits the glass, but it was almost imperceptible.

　Then, a “measuring cup,” a silver tool shaped like an hourglass, was used to measure tea was now being used for spirits and quickly poured over the ice. Quickly, the measuring cup is replaced by a spoon with a twisted handle, which is turned in exactly two turns. At that moment, hardly a sound was made except for the sound of the ice spinning.

“…It’s now complete. When we serve it, we first place this coaster and then place the glass on it. The glass will have condensation…” (Zack)

　He placed a thin, soft wooden board on the table and put a glass on it. The square coaster was branded with the emblem of a rising, the Lockhart family crest. It seemed to be made of the same material as the stopper of the bottle, which was also made by Sir Zacharias.

“Now, everyone, please try doing what I did.” (Zack)

　Sir Zacharias said and passed out the on-the-rocks glasses in front of us maids.

　I was quite nervous at the time, because several glasses worth of platinum coins were placed in front of me.

　Everyone seemed unable to move even when a glass was placed in front of them. I too gulped in front of that beautiful thing that I didn’t want to touch.

　I don’t think anyone noticed, but maybe other people were holding their breath too.

　I gathered my courage and fearfully picked up the glass. It was much heavier than I had imagined, and this glass was also incredibly clear.

　I put a round, nicely shaped ice in it. I lifted the ice with tongs, but it was difficult to get a good grip on the ice because it was so round. Even when I managed to grab it, I was hesitant to put it in the glass. I was afraid I would slip and break it.

　Luckily, I was able to put it in the glass. When I put it in, the tongs hit the glass and I heard a metallic click. For a moment, I wondered if it was chipped, but it was fine.

　I was relieved and had the time to think, “That’s a beautiful sound.”

　But that moment of relief quickly disappeared.

　From a little distance away, I heard a small scream, followed by a shattering sound.

　At that moment, the air in the serving room froze at once. It was midsummer, but it felt as if the freezing cold air of a harsh winter had entered the room.

　Everyone wanted to look in the direction of the sound, but they were too afraid of the outcome to do so. We were all frozen, none of us could move.

“I’m sorry……” (Voice)