Chapter 57

Previously, when I invited Al to "come with a friend," he replied, "I'll come with an acquaintance."

Indeed, he seems to be older than me, and it doesn't seem like he falls into the category of a friend. The well-mannered, handsome man, judging by his appearance, seems to be a commoner.

He is very tall and slender, with a grace that doesn't seem typical of a commoner.

"Please take a seat here."

I encouraged him to sit down and handed him the menu.

Across from Al, who was complaining about being hungry, the man was looking at the menu with curiosity, perhaps not someone who often eats out.

"You look really sloppy, you know."

"Well, I'm just happy."

I smiled, thinking that Al, who is usually so aloof, actually brought someone here. Despite his usual complaints, he's quite a tsundere.

After taking their orders, I decided to ask the man, who was quietly looking around the store.

"Um, what is your relationship with Al?"

"Friend."

"Huh?"

"Well, Al has friends too! That's great!"

"Stop it! You make me sound pitiful!"

Al, who was pouting, became even angrier when Evan quietly offered him a toy for children.

I actually enjoy watching the playful banter between Evan and Al. It's even more charming because they are both handsome.

"Has Al said anything rude to you? I was told the other day that I have no eye for men and should seriously consider my future."

"…Really? He said that?"

"Hey! Don't say unnecessary things!"

Al, who seemed unusually flustered, was desperately trying to defend himself to the man. Perhaps he said something he shouldn't have.

While this was happening, the doorbell rang again, but there was no sign of anyone entering.

Peeking through the slightly open door, I saw three children outside.

"Hello, did you come to eat?"

"Yes, can we really eat without paying?"

"Of course! Feel free to have anything, including dessert."

At my words, the children's faces brightened.

From their appearance, it was clear they didn't have much to spare. I immediately said, "Welcome," and led them to the children's corner in the store.

We have a small table space for children to use at any time, even during busy hours.

To keep them entertained while the food is being prepared, we also have books and toys. The children were shyly picking up various items, and their cuteness made me smile.

After asking what they wanted to eat, I returned to the kitchen and started cooking, leaving the dining area to Evan and the staff. Although I can't do this every day, I wanted to serve them something I made with my own hands at first.

Yana is in charge of the kitchen, and with her help, we hurriedly prepared the food. Like Evan, she does more than just her maid duties, and I am truly grateful. I need to make sure to give her a proper salary for the sake of her younger brothers.

I carried three plates for the children, a bit nervously. They were engrossed in their toys, and their cuteness made me smile again.

"Here you go, eat as much as you like."

"Wow...! It looks delicious!"

"There's also seconds, so let me know if you want more."

I tried to make the plates look cute, like the children's meals you see in family restaurants, and I was happy to see them so excited.

"Hey, is the order ready?"

"Yes, right away!"

After confirming that the children had started eating, I quickly returned to work, sweating in the busy store.

Customers kept coming, and before I knew it, the store was full. Honestly, I didn't expect so many people to come, and I realized we were underprepared. It was a close call to handle this many people.

Miliel is a large, developing city, and there are already quite a few restaurants. So, it was a bit surprising that so many customers came just because it was a new store.

"Here is your change."

"Thank you. The food was delicious."

Among them, the man who had finished his meal looked around the store and then at the children eating.

"You really are letting the children eat."

"Yes, that's why I opened this store."

The man only said, "I see," and smiled softly.

"You're quite remarkable for someone so young. Not many people can do what you're doing."

"N-no, not really..."

"I also want to do something for the children, but taking action is difficult. However, if coming here to eat can help them even a little, I'll come as often as I can."

The man said that this success is probably because many people, not just me, feel the same way.

"Thank you. Please keep up the good work."

"Thank you very much!"

I quickly bowed to the man as he left, saying he would come again. When I turned around, I met Evan.

"Miss, did you eat something bitter? Your face is all wrinkled."

"…W-well, if I don't, I might cry."

Perhaps because I was holding back tears and biting my lip, Evan laughed at me. But I was so happy that I felt like I might cry if I relaxed.

"I'll go clean up that table, so Miss, please take the orders. They should be ready by now."

"O-okay!"

Evan, who can apparently handle such tasks, gave me instructions briskly.

"–Understood, please wait a moment."

After taking the orders and passing them to the kitchen, I returned to the dining area and was pulled by my apron.