Chapter 72: FANCY PRISON
"I feel like I just got my soul ripped out.“ Xinmei muttered beside me
I chuckled. "Dramatic much?"
She shot me a look. "Excuse me for valuing my connection to the outside world."
I glanced at Evangeline, who was watching the last student joining back the group.
"Well," she finally said, clasping her hands together again, "now that that’s settled, let’s have lunch, shall we? I bet you're all hungry" she turned around and we all followed her lead, making our way into the dining hall.
—
The long, well illuminated dining hall looked like something straight out of a period drama. Massive chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting a brighter warm glow over the large wooden tables that stretched across the room. Floor-to-ceiling windows lined one side, the heavy drapes partially drawn back, letting in soft natural light.
The scent of roasted meat, baked bread, and something subtly spiced filled the air. Whatever they were serving, it smelled good. Maybe Xinmei was right.
I sat near the end of one of the tables, across from her, who was still mumbling under her breath about how she should’ve just hidden her phone in her bra.
Blanche and Frankie took the seats a few spaces down, deep in conversation along with other students. I wonder if they got worried when I fainted. Would've asked Xinmei if she wouldn't make a fuss out of it and ask me questions.
Once everyone was seated, Evangeline stood at the head of the table, her gloved hands resting lightly on the chair in front of her.
"Before we begin," she said softy, "why don't we go over the house rules."
we could hear some quiet groans around the table.
"First," she continued, "as I mentioned earlier, the east wing and the main castle are off-limits. Do not attempt to enter these areas. If I catch anyone snooping around where they shouldn’t be, I will personally escort you out of Eden myself."
I didn’t doubt that for a second.
"Second," she went on, "curfew is 10 PM sharp. You are expected to be in your rooms by then. If you need anything, speak to me or one of my staff before that time."
That rule earned a few whispers, mostly from the students who probably planned to sneak out.
"And third," she said, smiling, "Do not harrass the servants, I've heard a lot about your school, and the bratty kids that goes there. This is Eden and we treat the servants as we would like to be treated. They have as much right to punish you and I have. Fourthly, please refrain from vandalizing the property. Try not to get lost, and if you do ask whichever person you see to direct you back. I think that's all. So enjoy your stay here, whatever you want and need will be given. This is an experience not many get to have. You are guests in a place with history far beyond your years, so please respect it.”
She let the words hang in the air for a moment to sink in before finally clapping her hands together.
"Now then, let's eat."
Plates of food were passed around, and soon, the room was filled with the sounds of clinking silverware and murmurs.
Xinmei took a bite of something that looked like roasted lamb and groaned. "Okay, I take back everything bad I said. This food is worth the phone sacrifice."
After lunch, Evangeline stood once more at the head of the long table, brushing nonexistent dust off her gloves. “Now that we’ve filled our stomachs, I think it’s only right that we acquaint you with your surroundings,” she said. “Since you’ll be staying here, it’s best you know your way around. Please follow me.”
There was a collective shuffle as students pushed back their chairs, some stretching, others murmuring among themselves.
Xinmei nudged me. “A whole tour just for the west wing? This place must be massive.”
A girl beside me replied her instead, “You just noticed?”
Evangeline led us out of the dining hall, her heels tapping rhythmically against the marble floors. The corridors were grand—too grand. Towering ceilings with beautiful molding, chandeliers that looked older than any of my great-grandparents, and long, carpets that muffled our footsteps. If I didn’t know better, I’d think we’d stepped into a time machine and landed in some old European estate.
“It's called the west wing because it's located in the west for those who don't know” she began, walking at a leisurely pace as we followed. “It is designated for guests, meaning everything here is accessible to you.”
She gestured to the first set of large double doors on our right. “This is the common lounge. You may relax here, read, or play the piano if you know how.” She pushed the doors open, revealing a lavish room filled with antique furniture. Velvet sofas, a grand piano by the arched window, bookshelves stacked high, and even a small fireplace. A few students wandered in to take a closer look, one running their fingers over the spines of the books.
She allowed them a brief moment before continuing.
We moved down the hall, passing doors she described as smaller lounges and a tea room—a tea room, seriously?—until we reached another set of doors. “This is the game room. If you wish to entertain yourselves, this should suffice, and make up for your phones.”
Inside, there was a pool table, shelves filled with board games, a dartboard, and even an old-fashioned chess set placed near a small seating area. The boys in the group seemed particularly interested, nudging each other and making silent bets about who’d win at pool.
She shut the door behind us and kept walking.
At the next stop, she gestured to an open archway that led to a brightly lit space. “The indoor garden. A personal favorite of mine,” she said, stepping aside so we could peek in.
It was breathtaking. A massive glass ceiling let in the dimming sunlight, casting a soft, golden glow over the greenery. Large potted plants, climbing vines curling around wooden trellises, and a small fountain in the center, the water trickling softly.
“This place doesn’t even feel real,” Xinmei whispered beside me.
I nodded, scanning the garden. “They take care of it well.”
Evangeline clapped her hands lightly. “Moving on.”
She led us up a grand staircase. At the top, she turned left.
“This hallway leads to your rooms,” she said. “All of you are on the second floor, and the staff quarters are at the end of the hall. If you require anything, someone will always be available to assist.”
We passed a few more closed doors before stopping at one. She opened it, revealing a warmly lit space with long wooden tables.
“The study hall,” she announced. “For those who still wish to engage in productive learning, we have books, writing materials, and even a few laptops should you need them.”
I caught Blanche eyeing the shelves with mild interest. Figured. She wasn’t one to slack off on academics.
As we moved further, Evangeline paused in front of a smaller door. “And finally, the infirmary. Should you feel unwell, please report here, and we will ensure you receive the necessary care.”
At that, I exchanged a glance with Xinmei.
We?
Something about the way she said it was creepy, and I'd like to think I was the one overthinking.
With that, Evangeline turned to face us fully. “We also have a cinema, but I won't show you that because the movies available are my kind of movies and Ms Li will have my head is she finds one of you in there. It's locked —just letting you know— in case one of you nuisances finds it and tries to sneak in. Also wine cellar for the adults and the indoor pool is upstairs, try not to drown” She continued. “That concludes the tour of the west wing. I trust you will all abide by the house rules and stay within these designated areas. Any questions?”
A boy at the back raised his hand. “So, uh… no gym?”
Evangeline chuckled lightly. “This is not a resort, darling. If you wish to exercise, there is a clearing behind the west wing where you can run to your heart’s content.” She paused. “Is that all?”
There were a few grumbles, but no one protested further.
“Good.” She clasped her hands together. “Then I suggest you all return to your rooms and get some rest, dinner and dessert will be brought up soon.”
And just like that, the tour was over, and everyone began to disperse, Xinmei leaned toward me and grabbed my arm as we walked to out room, whispering, “What do you think?”
I exhaled. “I think we’re in a very fancy prison with a lady who's obsessed with cosplaying.”