“HELLO there, Amelia. Looks like you sold lots today, too.”
Amelia was startled by Luke calling out to her as she left the shop. She observed him for a moment—he held himself with his usual attitude. Just like she’d thought, the kiss on her hand was a greeting between nobles. It didn’t hold any special meeting.
Slightly reassured, Amelia settled down on the bench next to the fountain.
Luke reported, “There’s a rumor going around town that a girl with silver hair, who’s as cute as a fairy, is selling tasty confections.”
Amelia was so shaken that she froze in place. She was delighted that her strawberry daifuku had gained the interest of rumors, but she had trouble processing the other part. “You mean that my hair stands out?” She frowned. “Maybe I should cut it after all…”
“Like I said, it’s out of the question for you to cut it. Your hair is incredibly beautiful. Not to mention that even if you have a short haircut, it doesn’t change the fact that you’re cute, so the rumors would stay that way.”
Judging from the reaction of the city, Amelia’s physical appearance wasn’t bad. That in itself was a happy discovery.
Still, he was clearly exaggerating. She couldn’t help but pity him. Noblemen certainly had it rough—they had to kiss hands and flatter others while laying it on thick.
Amelia took out a relatively large handkerchief from her bag, which she’d used to wrap her strawberry daifuku. She put it over her head to cover her hair and tied the corners beneath her chin. It was, in essence, a makeshift headscarf. “I can hide my hair with this, and it’s not cute either, right?”
“Ah, uh.” Luke paused. “That’s not exactly the problem, but… Oh well, whatever. More importantly, how’s it going with your fiancé?”
Amelia couldn’t make sense of his question that came out of nowhere, but maybe he was curious since he’d been nice enough to accompany her when she bought envelopes and writing paper last time.
“It’s the same old.” She shrugged. “No replies, no reaction, no nothing.”
“…I see.”
Hearing that subdued reply, Amelia gave Luke a hard stare on reflex. She’d understand disappointment—he’d gone out of his way to accompany her on her shopping, so it’d be natural for him to hope for some kind of change. She’d also understand if he got angry, thinking that her fiancé was a heartless man, or if he was appalled at Amelia, who still wasn’t going to give up after all these attempts.
However, Luke’s voice and expression didn’t fit any of those scenarios. If she had to describe it…he seemed to be smiling slyly to himself as if everything had gone according to his plan.
He noticed her bewildered gaze, and, with a benign smile this time, he placed a paper bag on Amelia’s hand.
She blinked. “What’s this?”
“Bread. You looked like you were fond of it, so if it’s all right with you, I hope you’ll enjoy it.”
“Ah, got it.” Though baffled by the sudden present, she still voiced her gratitude. “Thanks.”
Luke’s smile widened. “Let’s see each other again, Amelia.”
🍓🍓🍓
✦ ✦ ✦
THE next day, she attempted to make strawberry-flavored churros since having only one item in her inventory was a little desolate. This new dessert, as it turned out, had a favorable reception as well. There were similar confections in this world, yes, but the long stick shape was novel to everyone, which was part of the reason for its popularity.
She didn’t need to be as particular about the appearance of churros compared to strawberry daifuku, meaning that she wasn’t as tired after making them, which was another advantage. Thanks to having more stock to sell, her total sales increased as well.
However, Amelia’s expression was clouded.
Just as she left the vicinity of the store, Luke appeared out of nowhere and called out to her. “I heard you’re selling new sweets? It’s already a hot topic in town. Well, I suppose it’s only natural since anyone would be interested in a cute girl selling tasty desserts.”
Amelia frowned. “I hid my hair, but I’m still standing out?”
Today, she covered her head with a larger piece of cloth than yesterday, even tying the knot just underneath her nose—basically, she was pulling off the good old Japanese burglar fashion style. She’d also tied up her hair into a bun, so the customers could only see her bangs at most. Accordingly, she was surprised by Luke’s report.
“Like I said, it isn’t just your hair that’s the issue,” Luke replied. “I can’t say I approve of the way you’re wearing that cloth, but you’re still cute like this, Amelia.”
“I see. That means this headscarf style isn’t good enough as a measure.” She nodded. “Got it, I’ll give it a think.”
“That aside, are there any updates about your fiancé?”
Judging by that question, Luke must still be curious about what happened after the day they went shopping. If possible, she wanted to delight him with good news, but she couldn’t exactly twist the truth.
She sighed. “There’s been no change. He’s super cold to me. No reaction, no nothing.”
“…Yeah. Seems like it.”
Though he’d been the one who’d asked, Amelia noted that he looked as if he’d known the answer even before she opened her mouth. Why in the world did he ask me then?
She changed the topic. “The way I cover my head aside, my sweets business is going smoothly. I might be able to become independent as a strawberry confectionery shop at this rate.”
“Strawberry confectionery shop?” Luke repeated incredulously. “Hold on, Amelia, your goal is to earn money and meet your fiancé, right?”
That much was true, but she had a long way to go before she could earn enough for a dress. It might even be faster if she took the leap and started her own store.
As Amelia fell into contemplative silence, Luke placed a paper bag in her hand.
She blinked. “What’s this?”
“Meat pies. You can summon things to do with strawberries, but that doesn’t apply to meat, right?”
“I mean, yeah, but… Why’re you doing this?”
There were these meat pies, then the bread from yesterday. Amelia was baffled. Why in the world was Luke giving food to her? She was grateful, of course, but she couldn’t make any sense of his actions.
Amelia stared at the paper bag while tilting her head, puzzled.
The next moment, Luke chuckled. “Well then, Amelia. See you again tomorrow.”
“But I’m not coming to the city tomorrow.”
She’d been manifesting strawberry daifuku without rest for the past few days, and exhaustion had been building up little by little. Even Helt had warned her about it, so she’d planned on resting at her leisure in the Fifth Palace tomorrow.
Amelia couldn’t tell if Luke had been listening to her or not, but he narrowed his eyes. Mirth danced in his golden orbs. “Yeah, that’s why I said that. Plus, I’ve gathered evidence to some extent.” After a meaningful pause, he continued, “Let’s see each other again tomorrow, Amelia.”
She didn’t know what was going on, but she watched Luke, who waved and left the area. In an attempt to calm her chaotic heart, she opened the paper bag and shoved her face into it. The delectable aroma of meat pies enveloped her.
“For now, I should focus on coming up with a way to wear a headscarf that’ll hide my hair and won’t stand out,” she muttered to herself.
Helt would probably meet her when she approached the royal court, so she figured she could ask him for a bit of advice.
Fishing out one meat pie and nibbling at it, Amelia made her way home.