"These two are..."
Carmela tried hard to maintain an air of elegance, but the tension in her voice had become obvious:
"Your... servants?"
"They are my family."
Ron introduced them simply, deliberately choosing a more intimate wording:
"Ailan assists with my research work, while Dale helps with some day-to-day matters."
"We are always ready to serve the master."
Ailan responded promptly, nodding gracefully to Carmela:
"After all, catering to the master's needs is the entire meaning of our lives."
Dale naturally walked to Ron's side and began to straighten nonexistent creases on his collar.
"The master worked hard last night, and indeed deserves a hearty breakfast."
Carmela's sense of defeat reached its peak.
The charms and enticement she had so carefully prepared appeared so contrived and fake in the face of such familial warmth.
What frustrated her even more was that the man before her was evolving beyond the realm of humanity.
