Chapter 22

It seems the snowstorm had calmed down by morning. When I woke up, the sky was so clear and the snow so white that it hurt my eyes. The sky was cloudless, and the blue of the sky and the white of the snowfield were beautiful, but not easy on the eyes.

Thanks to my father, brother, and Mark's hard work shoveling, the path from the front door to the gate was clear, and I was able to go to work without any trouble.

They apparently planned to use the snow to make large snow sculptures in the guild office and the garden... but I wondered where they got the energy. Both my father and brother had the gleam of a child in their eyes.

When I got to work, my superior, who was already working, said I shouldn’t have pushed myself. I laughed and replied that if I couldn’t make it, I wouldn’t have come... but it turned out he had been staying overnight. He said that if I couldn’t come to work, it would be a problem.

This superior, who always looks tired, apparently finds his work at the library fulfilling. He had a good smile, despite my shock.

The snow around the library had been cleared by the knights, who said it was good training.

The snow around the palace had been cleared, but the town was still to be done. The innkeeper, who had come to return books, mentioned that the ground was bad and it was difficult to go out.

No wonder there were fewer visitors today. People from the city had come to return books before the due date, and the imperial officials had come to look for materials.

Despite the few visitors, it was noisy outside. Perhaps people were enjoying the unusual amount of snow, which felt somewhat unreal.

It was such a strange morning.

"You don’t seem to be in high spirits. Is your ex-fiancé still doing something?"

A worried voice reached my ears.

Surprised by the sudden question, I jumped.

Sitting in front of me was Wendy, and this was the exclusive cafeteria for those who worked at the palace.

Realizing this, the noise around me returned. It seemed I had been a bit dazed.

"Didn’t he storm into the library before? And then the baron’s daughter came too... I thought you might still be troubled by him."

While drinking the corn chowder, Wendy spoke. Her voice and expression showed concern for me.

Feeling grateful for her concern, I shook my head.

"No, I haven’t met him directly since then. You know, he’s under house arrest, right? But... he keeps sending me letters and flowers."

"Even though he’s under house arrest? The viscount, who was reprimanded by your grandfather, is rumored to have been told to stay away from the Bloom family."

"Yes, but it seems there are people in the viscount’s family who are helping him. I’m sorry, but I’ve been sending the flowers and letters back. I think the viscount knows about this, but..."

Wendy sighed deeply and tore a small piece of bread.

I also picked up the bread, which had beautiful crossed cuts on the surface. When I tore it, I felt a crisp sensation at my fingertips.

When I put it in my mouth, it was soft inside with a hint of cheese flavor, which seemed to be mixed into the dough.

"He doesn’t know how to give up, how embarrassing. But... then why is Alicia so down?"

"Down?"

"Yes, she doesn’t seem to be in high spirits."

I blinked at the comment.

Indeed, I had felt gloomy last night, and it was sad and painful... but was I still carrying that feeling today?

"Is it because Lord Einhardt is not here?"

Her unexpected words almost made me choke on the bread.

I picked up the goblet of water, washed down the bread, and glared at her, but Wendy’s smile didn’t waver.

"You almost choked because of your strange words."

"You’re flustered. Isn’t it different?"

"It’s different. I’m fine and as usual..."

At my words, Wendy sighed. It was a deep, somewhat exaggerated sigh, which made me frown.

"As usual? There’s no way. Today is Alicia’s favorite cream croquettes, but you’re not eating at all."

I looked down at my plate.

Crab cream croquettes, warm vegetables, and mushroom salad, and corn chowder. Indeed, they were all my favorites, and it was suspicious that I hadn’t touched them much.

They were all delicious.

When I cut the cream croquette with a knife, the large crab pieces coated in white sauce were revealed. The crispy texture and smooth white sauce went well together, and I usually finish them in one go... but I had only taken one bite.

The various types of mushrooms, which were golden brown, looked delicious and would surely go well with the wilted vegetables. The chowder was smooth, and even the croutons on top were beautiful, but I realized they had sunk.

"...My chest feels tight, and I can’t eat. But I will eat."

"Which is it?"

I wouldn’t leave any food. I could eat it if I took my time. But Wendy smiled wryly.

"But... does that mean... you’re in love?"

Wendy leaned forward and lowered her voice. The freckles on her cheeks flushed, and her pink eyes sparkled.

"Yes... this must be love."

There was no point in lying about my feelings.

Affirming the feelings I had clearly realized, something in my chest slowly melted.

"Everyone in love must carry this pain."

"Painful, but more wonderful. Everything seems to shine."

Wendy nodded several times and then winked mischievously.

It was so cute that my expression softened without realizing it.

"Are you in love too, Wendy?"

"Yes. But first... Alicia, tell me your story. While you eat properly, of course."

I couldn’t say no to that. I nodded and picked up my fork and knife.

I cut the croquette into bite-sized pieces. When I put it in my mouth, the crab flavor filled my nose. It was delicious, but the briny scent reminded me of shellfish steamed in ouzo. The loneliness I felt was swallowed along with the croquette.

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