CHAPTER 2
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A week had passed since Sven had started work at Tockerbrot.
After the bakery closed, Sven briskly tidied up inside the shop.
“Master, I brought in the sign from out front. Later, I’ll clean the display trays and baskets.”
Again today there had been plenty of customers, but there were still several pieces of bread left on the display shelves.
“We had so many customers today, yet we still didn’t sell all the bread.”
“Yeah, but that’s bound to happen.”
Sven looked distressed so Lud explained.
“There is a balance between supply and demand. In order to have a selection that will satisfy all our customers, we have to increase the supply so there will be unsold items left at the end of the day. But it’s the perfect amount to use as a gift. Sorry Sven, but can you cram all the leftover bread into a bag for me?”
“Hm? Certainly, Master.”
Lud brought in a large carrying case and put the leftover bread inside.
“I’m going to head out for a bit. You’re pretty tired right? You can go ahead and—”
Before Lud could finish, Sven drew close to him as though she was biting off the rest of his sentence.
“I will accompany you! I would journey to the ends of the earth and back with you, Master!”
A spontaneous cold sweat broke out on Lud’s back.
“I mean, I’m just going up the hill right there … Do you want to come, too?”
“Yes!”
Lud had a truck he used to carry wheat, and while he loaded the bread, Sven sat down in the passenger’s seat.
“Going on a drive with Master … My heart can’t handle it!”
It was difficult to call the truck romantic, but Sven’s eyes were full of sparkles.
Lud felt a little guilty at how excited Sven was about a routine trip.
Sven was leaning forward in the passenger’s seat and muttering something.
“Hold on, you. If you stall out or blow a tire, I will tear you to pieces, one bolt at a time!”
It was as if she was intimidating the truck.
“What are you doing?” Lud asked.
“Oh, nothing, nothing at all, I’m just talking to myself.”
Sven sat upright in a panicked fluster.
The truck was very battered and on the verge of breaking down, but today it was driving very obediently, almost as if someone had grabbed the engine by its collar and forced it to listen and behave.
They made their way up the hill that overlooked Organbaelz to the small church at the top. The church was very simple and looked desolate and dilapidated.
“Truck ran well today. I guess it’s still got some good days left in it.”
“Ummm, Master? Why exactly … What is our business in coming here?”
“Hm … Alms, I suppose?”
“What?”
Lud considered how best to explain, when a woman emerged from the church.
“Oh, it’s you, Mr. Lud.”
“Good evening, Marlene.”
Marlene was a sister of the church. Lud greeted her with the friendliest face he could make.
As Jacob had told him, a smiling face was very important in communication, and since then, he had made as much effort as possible to have a smile on his face.
It didn’t always work …
“Has something happened? Your expression is quite frightening.” Marlene looked worried.
Lud realized how much farther he had to go when he saw the look Marlene gave him.
“Um … Master? Who is this person?”
“Mr. Lud, who is this young girl?”
Sven and Marlene spoke at the same time.
But while Marlene just looked inquisitive, there was an almost imperceptible note of animosity and caution in Sven’s voice.
“Sven, this is Marlene, she’s a sister at this church. Marlene, Sven is helping out as a waitress at the bakery.”
“So, this must be the waitress that everyone in town has been talking about.”
Sven looked puzzled.
“Yes, you’re the very cute girl who is working at Tockerbrot, right?”
It seemed that the stories about Sven had spread as far as the church on the outskirts of town.
“Cute … I’m …”
Sven had felt a little suspicious of Marlene but she suddenly changed her mind and shook Marlene’s hand with both of hers.
“You’re a good person!”
“Huh? U-uhm … Thank you.”
Inviting the two of them into the church, Marlene smiled but was perplexed at Sven’s abrupt change in attitude. It was as if a switch had been flicked as Sven decided Marlene was a friend rather than a foe.
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