Dream Life Vol 3 Chapter 33.3: “Behind The Scenes: First Part”

~Eleanor’s Perspective~

　While we were a little stunned, Sir Zacharias immediately began to talk about the next thing.

“Next, your movements, yes, your posture is important. Please pay attention to each and every movement…” (Zack)

　Again, I thought, just the basics. But because of what had just happened, everyone was listening intently.

“A beautiful, straight posture and refined movements when serving guests will make them feel more satisfied. Even the slightest timid or restless behavior is very unseemly…” (Zack)

　I wonder why Sir Zacharias spoke so passionately. I wondered if he had experienced this somewhere. He explained it with such real-life examples that I wondered if he had experienced it somewhere.

“…For example, when the person who is serving you shows hesitation, there is a suspicion that there is something wrong with the food. Even if it is a small thing, it can affect the taste of the food. On the other hand, if the food is served with confidence, the guests will feel at ease. Many people do not understand this. It is truly lamentable…” (Zack)

　Sir Zacharias also smiled a little, perhaps realizing that he was getting a little heated. Behind us we could hear the giggles of the elf and the tiger-beastfolk.

“…well, enough talk, let’s actually do it.” (Zack)

　Master Zacharias took a tray and placed five glasses on it. Then, with slow but steady steps, he stood beside Barbara again.

　His upper body is tilted as if bowing, but his back is straight. He placed the glass on the right side of Barbara’s head, and then slid it across the cloth, pressing down on the base of the glass.

“Please, enjoy your meal.” (Zack)

　No matter how many times I see this, I think the same thing. I wonder if he really is a rough adventurer. He even has the air of a veteran attendant who’s been serving for decades.

　As I was thinking this, he immediately asked us all to stand.

“Now then, everyone, please stand in the position that you think is most appropriate. Yes, I thought you were about to start serving… His Excellency Governor will be giving his greetings, and as soon as he is done, you will be serving the drinks. Imagine handing it out…” (Zack)

　I stood up straight when he said that, but I didn’t know if that was the right thing to do. I had never thought about it that much before.

　Ms. Barbara and the head waiter, Mr. Fergus, are also confused.

　First, Ms. Barbara held a tray and stood in front of Sir Zacharias.

“As expected of Lady Harding. You have a beautiful figure. But… would you please allow me to touch your arm, for a moment?” (Zack)

　Ms. Barbara was confused by the sudden words but nodded, “Yes.”

　Sir Zacharias said, “Excuse me,” and gently placed his hand on Ms. Barbara’s arm that was holding the tray and her left arm. He pulled her left arm slightly and she was moved to stand slightly diagonally. Although Ms. Barbara turned bright red, she obediently followed.

　Just by doing so, her back was straightened, and her feminine curves seemed to be slightly emphasized. Her arms were also neatly placed in front of the apron, and it was amazing how something so small could make such a difference.

“This is perfect. All the maids, please follow Lady Harding’s example.” (Zack)

　Ms. Barbara, although turning bright red was maintaining her posture, commanded, “Now, you may all begin.”

　Sir Zacharias began to check on the waiters, giving them detailed instructions such as, “Please keep your back straight,” or “Your shoulders are too high. Relax,” and other detailed instructions.

　I, too, mastered the basic standing posture in about five minutes. But I felt that this posture was unexpectedly tiring, or was it just my imagination?

　After Sir Zacharias’ confirmation, we moved on to the next stage.

　I thought it would finally be how to serve alcohol, but this time it wasn’t the same. Next was how to handle the glass.

“Next, we will talk about the glasses. Always clean and polish glasses before using them. Especially for glasses of sparkling wine…” (Zack)

　This, too, seemed obvious. Again, as we looked puzzled, Sir Zacharias gave a small nod and explained the reason to us.

“The reason is. If there is even the slightest bit of cloudiness or dust, it will not produce beautiful bubbles. …It is also better to see this once than to talk about it. Mr. Fergus, can I have a sparkling wine, please.” (Zack)

　The head waiter immediately brought a large metal vessel. It was a glistening goblet with legs about five or sixty centimeters in diameter and shining silver. In it were five glass bottles with large ice cubes.

　I wondered if they were made of silver, but later I was told that they were made of a special iron coated with a silver-like metal. The castle also has a wine cooler, but it is more like a wooden tub and not as beautiful.

　I was told that this wine cooler was also prepared by Sir Zacharias. For a moment, I wondered how many things he had brought with him.

　Sir Zacharias took out a bottle from the wine cooler.

　The bottle had a narrow neck and was corked with a wooden stopper, which was tightly secured with a wire.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to show you how to open it. Loosen this wire like this… cover the stopper with this napkin, and slowly turn it to open it… Finally, put all your strength into it. Open the cap while slowly releasing the gas inside…” (Zack)

　It’s a very picturesque way to open the bottle. The black shirt, unbuttoned at the collar, showcasing sexiness.

　I could hear people around me saying, “That’s nice.” I didn’t know who said it, but it might have been Ms. Barbara.

　I heard a quiet hissing sound, and when he removed the napkin, the cork was neatly opened. I had never seen a stopper in this shape before, but strangely enough, the shape of the bottle where it was in was greatly expanded. I wondered how it was possible to make a cork like that, but that’s not the point now. With that in mind, I watched Sir Zacharias’s hand.

“Now, let’s actually pour it into the glass. Tilt the glass and pour it gently…” (Zack)

　Holding the bottle in one hand, he gently pours it into the angled glass. A sweet, fresh aroma wafts through the air. After pouring, he spins the bottle around to drain off the drops and gently and elegantly wipes the mouth with a napkin.

　The five waiters under the head waiter and the fifteen senior maids under the head maid surround Sir Zacharias, staring into the glass. In the clear, pale golden liquid, tiny bubbles rise endlessly from the bottom of the glass. I couldn’t help but say out loud, “It’s beautiful,” but I was not the only one to express my admiration in the same way.

“A polished glass produces beautiful fine bubbles like this. If there is any oil left behind…” (Zack)

　With that said, je took some butter from a nearby jar and put a little bit on the inside of the glass.

“This is an extreme example, but something like this happens.” (Zack)

　As he poured the wine into the glass, a small dot of butter stain produced bubbles that were larger than the bubbles in the rest of the glass. It doesn’t look that different to me, but when I compare them, the cleaned and polished one is more beautiful.

“This slightest speck of dirt doesn’t produce the most beautiful bubbles. The appearance of sparkling wine is also an important factor. It is very tedious, but please polish it with a clean cloth just before serving.” (Zack)

　We agreed with his explanation. It really was a beautiful drink. It was very understandable that they were concerned not only about the glass, but also about the hand that served it.

　Sir Zacharias looked satisfied that everyone was satisfied. But for some reason, he seemed to me like an elderly teacher watching over a child who was having trouble remembering things.

　Come to think of it, Sir Zacharias must have said that he would only explain the main points first. But I didn’t think this was the only one.

　Because there is no doubt that there is more to come.

A/N: For some reason, the chapter became unnecessarily long… I’m not sure if the next chapter will be part two…