Chapter 25

Zara's stew was incredibly delicious. It was so good that it could be served in a restaurant, and I was surprised.

"Thank you. It was really delicious."

"I'm glad you liked it."

We washed the dishes together and made tea. For the tea snacks, we had meringues. These were pink-tinted sweets that melted in your mouth the moment you put them in. They were incredibly feminine.

We took a deep breath with the delicious tea and snacks. The weather was nice, my stomach was full, and I felt happy. I decided to buy the tea and meringues from the store Zara recommended. I also needed to buy emergency biscuits.

Zara seemed to be spending a relaxed day today. It was a good day off.

"But I was surprised to hear that you had a mountain cat."

"That's a kitten my mother picked up when I was eight. It's incredibly sensitive to the cold, so I had no choice but to bring it to the capital."

"I see."

Incidentally, in this country, there is a 'Phantom Beast Protection Treaty.' The only first-class phantom beasts that are prohibited from being kept and touched are dragons. Second-class protected phantom beasts include holy wolves, unicorns, gargoyles, love eggplants, and griffins, among others. These can only be kept and touched by people with licenses. Third-class beasts, which can be kept by anyone with permission from the local government, include the mountain cat Zara keeps, as well as fire lizards, tiger cats, and snow foxes. Of course, creatures classified as phantom beasts are different from ordinary pets. To prevent them from harming humans, a proper contract must be established.

"That kitten's food costs a lot."

"That must be tough. How much does it eat?"

"About a bottle of honey a day."

"It doesn't eat meat, then."

Indeed, a phantom beast. In the northern country, it's said that they primarily live on a flower called the 'Snow Flower,' which blooms even in winter. A gentle, non-carnivorous cat is just too cute.

"It doesn't leave the fireplace in winter, and sometimes it's even cold in the summer. It hates walking, is bad at scratching, and I have to feed it with a spoon. It's a very high-maintenance pet."

"What do you do when you go on expeditions?"

"I leave it at a friend of the captain's house."

"I see."

Apparently, there are a few households in the capital that keep mountain cats. However, hunting them is prohibited, and only a few breeders with the government's permission can sell them. Due to the high cost of keeping them and the care they require, they are rarely kept in ordinary households in the capital.

"So, the captain's friend must be a noble, then."

"Yes."

Apparently, in exchange for taking care of the mountain cat during expeditions, if they get along well, they might breed, but it hasn't been going well.

"The mountain cat at the other house was raised like a prince, and the compatibility as a mate is a bit off."

"From what I've heard, Blanche also has a bit of a ladylike temperament, doesn't she?"

"That might be true."

It's like the child doesn't understand the parent's feelings. They have a good relationship as playmates, so she feels comfortable leaving it there.

"By the way, Blanche's bib... I mean, apron, did you make that, Zara?"

"Yes! Isn't it cute?"

"Yes, it is. You're very skilled with your hands."

"I make my own clothes too."

"Wow, that's impressive."

Apparently, in the region where Zara grew up, during the deep snow season, they couldn't do any work outside, so they mastered indoor crafts as a source of income. This included weaving, woodworking, sewing, and making shoes from animal hides.

"Each household has a family business, and we learn from a young age."

Only the eldest child inherits the family business, and the others might become apprentices in other households.

"I used to wander around various craftsmen's houses and learned weaving, sewing, cooking, and many other things."

"What was your family's business, Zara?"

"We were axe makers. We supply to weapon shops in the capital."

"Wow."

I think it's enviable that there were so many paths available. I realized that my village was a closed-off place.

"Oh, right. I have other textiles to show you."

"Really?"

Zara led me to the sewing room, where there were mannequins, sewing machines, and tables for drawing designs, all set up professionally.

"Wow, wow~"

"I'm sorry, it's a bit cluttered."

"No, it's wonderful!"

It was a room filled with a girl's dreams. The shelves were packed with colorful fabrics, and the small boxes contained lace and threads, making me excited just to look at them.

"It's like a shop."

"I can't help but buy fabric when I go to a fabric store. It's a bit of an addiction."

"I understand completely."

When a fabric merchant comes, it's common for women to buy fabric they don't even plan to use.

Zara and I were engrossed in looking at the fabrics. I started thinking about buying beautiful fabric and making clothes.

"Then, let's go fabric shopping together next time."

"Sure, I'd love to!"

I had a new thing to look forward to. I needed to work hard to be able to buy nice fabrics and lace.

After that, Zara accompanied me shopping. We bought emergency snacks, and she helped me choose a dress at a clothing store. Finally, we went to the caramel nut pie place we had talked about before.

The shop was very crowded with noble ladies and housewives. There was a long line, and servants were waiting in line on behalf of their masters.

"Mel, what do you want to do?"

"Let's wait in line."

Since we came all this way, I wanted to try it even if we had to wait.

"Only if it's not a bother for Zara."

"No, it's fine. I wanted to try it too."

"Then, let's go for it."

We waited in line for an hour before finally getting into the shop.

There were partitions between the tables, creating a cozy atmosphere. This might be one of the reasons for its popularity.

The server brought the menu, and I was surprised when I opened it. There were over twenty different pastries.

"I want a pie, and some fried potatoes too."

"Agreed."

The fact that they had savory dishes was a plus.

We ordered tea, caramel nut pie, and fried potatoes.

While waiting for the food, I gazed at the entrance.

Only women were coming in.

"It's only women here."

"Yes, usually I just look from outside."

The sweet smell of caramel wafted outside. It must have been hard to pass by without stopping.

We sipped the tea the server brought and sighed in relief. Zara also looked relieved. I felt bad for dragging her around shopping, but she shook her head, saying it was fine.

"I've been dealing with relationship issues lately, so this is a nice break."

Zara sighed deeply.

Come to think of it, the reason she returned to the knight squad was because a customer was pursuing her. She had asked a female friend to pretend to be her girlfriend to turn down the advances, but then she was pursued by a woman, which was causing her trouble.

"I never thought I would be treated as a potential romantic partner just because of my appearance."

"Hmm."

"I just wanted to have a friendship with women..."

It seemed she wanted to have a friendship with women but found it difficult. Adult relationships are hard to understand. Even though she talks in a feminine way, once you get used to it, she only looks like a man, and her female friends started to see her as a potential romantic partner.

She looked melancholy and muttered, "Is a friendship between a man and a woman impossible?"

I made a somewhat bold proposal to Zara.

"Actually, I want to be friends with you."

"Oh, Mel, you're already a friend—"

"Here you are."

The long-awaited caramel nut pie arrived. I leaned forward, captivated by the pie.

"Wow, it looks delicious."

"Indeed, it does."

The surface of the pie was caramelized and shiny. It was about the size of a fist. When I cut into it with a knife, it made a satisfying crunch, and the bottom made a crackling sound.

"It seems to have nuts at the base."

I cut a small piece and took a bite. The surface was crispy with caramel, and the crust was flaky. The rich butter flavor was irresistible. The inside was filled with custard cream. The nuts were roasted beforehand, giving them a nutty flavor, and a hint of salt brought out the overall taste.

"Ah, I'm so happy."

"Me too, really."

After the sweetness of the pie, I ate the fried potatoes sprinkled with herbs. The salty snack after the sweet treat was incredibly delicious.

I finished it in no time.

The caramel nut pie was worth waiting in line for. I suggested inviting Urgas and Gar next time, and Zara looked a bit sad. She might not like large, noisy groups. I felt bad asking her directly, so I thought I'd ask Deputy Captain Berry next time.