Chapter 4: They Meet Again
“WHERE am I…?”
The rain had just let up over the hectic activity in the capital, though clouds still hung overhead, and Olivia, in her wine-red blazer, stood in a daze with a map in one hand.
“I am totally lost.”
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OLIVIA’S new life in the capital had gotten off to a fantastic start. Harrison was caring as he passionately guided her through imbuing large magic stones, a task she was struggling with due to inexperience. Her other artificer colleagues were also kind and taught her everything they knew about their own specialties. She was nearly swallowed up by the tidal wave of new information and skills, but she spent her days diving in and learning.
But at the same time, she was struggling to sleep.
It’s because of that, isn’t it…
She’d told herself she shouldn’t think about it but would find her thoughts going back to what happened in Daregas at unexpected moments. Sometimes, when she couldn’t stop the intrusive thoughts, she wouldn’t get to sleep until morning.
That’s probably why I haven’t been able to think of any new designs.
Before, new magic jewelry designs would come naturally to her, but nothing had since she’d left Daregas.
Perhaps her spirit was more worn down than initially thought.
She’d spent her days sighing, thinking she needed to do something about it, but was unable to come up with any way to get past it.
Then, her first day off came.
The employees of Gordon’s Magic Appliances received two days off after every ten days of work—and now it was her turn.
How should I spend them?
Considering her insomnia, she wanted to do something that would knock her out of her rut. She asked Rose how she spent her days off, and she said she often goes to cafés. Apparently, it was common in the capital for people to have a leisurely lunch at a café on their day off.
That’s when Olivia remembered the cousin she was amicable with boasted about doing the same in the capital. Since Olivia was there now, she decided she wanted to try doing something like the locals.
“All right, I’ll go to a café then.”
When she told Rose about her decision, she kindly recommended one popular for its incredible pancakes.
Ooh! Pancakes!
Olivia’s heart did a little dance—she loved pancakes.
She set off into town the morning of her day off, right after the rain let up, with a map in hand and well before lunch to get there before it got too crowded.
“Uh, there’s no street here… I’m not sure this is right, but I think it’s probably this direction?”
And so on, as she used her intuition to guide her until she had absolutely no idea where she was.
W-well, I need to figure out where I am at least…
Olivia walked with the crowds, staring intently at her map, but she still had no clue where she was. She looked around to find someone to ask, but they all seemed so busy she felt bad flagging them down.
What do I do?
At her wits’ end, she came to a stop, and that’s when she heard it.
“Hello.”
It was a young man’s voice from behind.
Huh? Who’s that?
She jumped at the sound and turned around to see a tall, handsome young man wearing a well-tailored brown jacket and green-tinted glasses beneath his flat cap. It was the young man who’d called her “madam.” Recognizing him, she jerked herself into a bow.
“H-hello. Thank you for showing me the way to the shop the other day. I never said thank you.”
He responded politely by tipping his cap and asked, “May I ask, why are you standing in the middle of the road?”
“Uh, well, I’m sort of lost…”
“May I see?” He leaned over to look at her map and pointed to a spot with his large hand. “We’re here now. Is this red circle where you’d like to go?”
“Yes, it is.”
“I see,” he murmured. After a moment of thinking, he told her, “I’ll show you the way.”
“Oh, but it’s not exactly nearby. I’d feel bad…” Olivia was surprised and flustered. She would feel awful having him show her the way twice when they barely even knew each other.
He softly asked, “Pardon me for prying, but where did you start today?”
“Gordon’s Magic Appliances.”
“I thought so.” He nodded and pointed to the map. “This is Gordon’s Magic Appliances here; this is where you’re trying to go, and this is where we are now. You went the exact opposite direction.”
“The opposite direction?”
“Yes. The streets here are complex. And I don’t mean to barge into your business, but I do think it may be best if I showed you the way.”
Olivia hung her head guiltily. She’d known for a while now that she had barely any sense of direction. He was probably right, and it would be best if he showed her the way.
She bobbed her head and uttered, “Well then, if you don’t mind…”
“Not at all.”
The two set off across the still-damp cobblestones, side by side, with some distance between them.
He walked slowly to match Olivia’s stride and asked, “Is the mark on your map a restaurant?”
“It’s a café called The Tabby Cat.”
“Is that the one famous for its pancakes?”
Olivia’s eyes rounded, and she looked up at the handsome young man walking beside her. “It is! You know of it?”
“Well, it is famous. Do you like pancakes?”
“I do! I love pancakes. I’ve been looking forward to trying them since last night,” she rambled excitedly, and he looked at her with amusement.
“By the way, you mentioned you set off from Gordon’s Magic Appliances. Are you working there?”
“Yes, I am.”
“That’s wonderful. Working there is proof you’re excellent at what you do. May I ask what your specialty is?”
“Magic jewelry.”
“Ah.” He nodded. “Now that you mention it, you did say you were interested in that. At the moment, bridal jewelry is gaining popularity in the capital. It may be a good idea for magic jewelry to engage with that market as well.”
Olivia was surprised at how well-informed he was despite his appearance. She’d thought of him as a kind but not very serious young man, though it seemed he was surprisingly dedicated to his work.
The two walked, chatting about work-adjacent things as blue sky began to peek through the clouds. They turned onto a lavish street, and the young man pointed to one of the buildings. “We’re here. That’s The Tabby Cat.”
Oh! It’s so fancy!
The café with its cat shop sign had cream-colored walls, a white wooden door, pots of red flowers, and the most wonderful aroma was wafting from it.
Olivia ran up, her eyes gleaming. She had a feeling the food was going to be even better than she imagined.
But her shoulders slumped when she saw the sign on the door: Tables full. Two-hour wait.
Oh… I left early too, but I got lost, and now it’s their busy time.
Her heart sank. It was her fault for getting lost, but it was still so unfortunate.
The young man watched in her silence as if in thought. “Maybe this is fate,” he murmured, then spoke louder, “I’ve started to crave pancakes as well. Would you mind if I joined you?”
“What? N-no, I don’t mind, but it’s a two-hour wait…”
He smiled at her wide-eyed look. “Just follow me.”
He went inside and exchanged words with the hostess, then a middle-aged man with a friendly smile appeared from the back and greeted, “It’s been too long, Master Dicks. How is your father?”
“He’s well, thank you. Is our room open?”
“Of course. This way, please, and your guest as well.”
Olivia followed, her mouth agape. She had no idea what she’d witnessed.
The man led them to an ornate private room with cream walls and white tables and chairs by the windows. The young man gestured for her to take a seat, then showed her the menu that was on the table.
“What would you like?” he asked.
“Uh, I…” She looked with confusion at his handsome features.
This is a special room, isn’t it? Who is this person?
“Ah,” he began quietly, seeing her confusion. “My family’s company financed this café. That’s why they let us in this special room.”
“Oh, r-right. And, may I ask who…?”
“Of course. It’s odd to dine with someone whose name you don’t know, isn’t it?” He brought a hand to his chest in a graceful motion. “Allow me to introduce myself. I am Elliot Dicks, third son of the founder of Dicks & Co.”