Chapter 193:
“An Olive Branch” Could Be an Overstatement…
“THESE COFFEE BEANS ARE delicious—I think they just might be the best.”
“I’ll make sure to keep this brand on hand, then, my lord.”
“No need. I can have someone else bring some over later.”
“Is the coffee that good?” Violette asked.
“Either way, if I enjoy it, then you definitely won’t want to drink it, Vio.”
“Yes… I’m aware of that.”
With a pout on her lips, Violette sipped her own sweet milk tea. Since she was self-aware, she wasn’t about to raise objections. Still, she had a difficult time accepting her own disposition. Part of her couldn’t shake the idea that drinking black coffee was mature. She’d tried it once as a child, mimicking an adult to prove her own adulthood.
“I hope I didn’t get carried away and buy too much food. Think we’ll have too many leftovers?”
The confections Yulan had bought along with the coffee completely covered the table’s surface. He’d not only bought every scrumptious-looking dessert in the patisserie’s glass case, he’d also purchased treats that working-class children might like, and salty snacks as well.
Yulan’s mind was weary, but his body still had pent-up energy to expel, so he’d gotten carried away with his shopping spree. But buying each and every thing that caught your eye was bound to get you in a mess. Even with Marin helping them, these were far too many treats for three people to eat.
Violette giggled. “It seems we won’t run out of snacks for quite some time.”
There were indeed far too many goodies in the mountainous pile covering the table, but the sight eased the tension her body had been holding. Although she couldn’t relax completely, it felt as though a heavy burden had lifted from her shoulders.
It was so easy to breathe.
“You should stay and have tea with us, Marin. You’ve finished preparing everything, haven’t you?”
“Yes, my lady, but—”
“Don’t mind me. Just do as you please,” Yulan interjected.
“Understood… All right, then, I’ll just have some tea as well.”
Marin set the teapot down on the table and went to get a teacup. Her things were in this room, so she’d return shortly.
“By the way, how did you do on your exams?” Yulan asked.
“I scored much lower than last time, but within the range I expected.”
“Well, it was just one hardship after another for you during the entire exam period. You truly deserve a rest now.”
“You too, Yulan. You worked a lot behind the scenes for my sake. Thank you for that.”
“I wanted to help.”
“Thanks all the same.”
“Hmm…you’re welcome? Is that what I should say now?”
The two shyly lowered their eyes and sipped their drinks. There was an indescribable sweetness in the air between them. It seemed impossible to fathom the chaos that had unfolded before them mere hours ago; they already felt completely detached from that mess. Thus, they had no feelings to spare on it.
After a minute, Marin joined their tea party, and a gentle atmosphere ensconced them as they enjoyed a peaceful chat.
“Ooh, this really takes me back!” Marin gasped over one treat. “I didn’t know they still sold these.”
“You’re familiar with those?” Violette asked.
“When I lived at the church, I was allowed one extravagance per month. I would choose a trip to the snack shop. At the time, I thought these were the height of luxury, but looking back now, I probably only thought so because you could buy so many so cheaply.”
“Maybe also partly because many shops sell them, and they’re easy to come by?” Violette suggested.
“Maybe so. Mm… I’m surprised the flavor holds up after all these years.”
“Are those sweet?”
“Well, I’d find it very strange if you liked them, my lady.”
“Yeah. My Vio likes sickeningly sweet desserts,” Yulan teased.