Chapter 35

For the second one, I decided on chocolate cake again. Then, I added plenty of milk to my coffee.

Noah chose cheesecake. It seems he prefers coffee.

I took a bite of the chocolate cake. Hmm, it’s delicious no matter how many times I eat it. This time, I scattered some candy roses on top. Despite the strong bitterness of the chocolate, it’s probably calculated to pair well with the candy.

“By the way, the author of ‘Labyrinth’ has released a new work.”

“Already? Didn’t they just release one recently?”

“Yes, but the new one is in the library. My boss said the author is very energetic and can’t stop writing.”

“Wow, that’s impressive. I’ll go borrow it soon.”

This is the first time talking about books with Noah, so it feels a bit strange. The two of us, so different, seem to overlap somehow.

Noah put a small piece of cheesecake on his fork and offered it to my mouth.

... Sharing? It’s kind of embarrassing, but the cheesecake does look tempting. Still, the embarrassment wins out.

“What are you blushing for?”

“It’s obvious, isn’t it?”

“No one’s watching.”

“That’s not the point.”

“Do you not want it? It’s really delicious, you know.”

Noah’s lips curved into a playful smile. Even when I glared at him, he didn’t flinch.

The fork shook impatiently, and I sighed dramatically before taking the cake from the fork.

The aroma of cheese wafted up. The smoothness must be thanks to the whipped cream. The cookie crust was crispy, and everything came together perfectly. It’s delicious.

“Delicious. I wish I had tried the cheesecake earlier.”

“...I’m glad.”

I thought he would tease me more, but Noah quietly sipped his coffee. Maybe...

“Hey, are you blushing?”

“I thought I was fine, but it feels a bit embarrassing.”

“Stop it. If you’re embarrassed, I’ll be embarrassed too.”

“Ha, your face is red.”

“Shut up.”

I know my face is flushed. I grumbled and decided to focus on eating the cake.

“About the books, if you have any other recommendations, I’d like to borrow a few. Can you help me choose?”

“Of course. When will you read them?”

“At night, before bed. There’s a big bookshelf in the dorm, but I’ve read all the interesting ones.”

“Wait, you live in the dorm?”

“Yeah. Everyone starts in the dorm. Many leave when they get married or inherit a title, though.”

The knight’s dorm is near the palace. I didn’t know that Noah, or rather, Einhardt, lived there.

If that’s the case, the other day, when he dropped me off at home, it must have been quite a detour.

“I plan to buy a house eventually.”

“Really? Our store also sells furniture.”

“Really versatile. Don’t worry, I’ll help you choose.”

Worry?

I didn’t know how to respond, so I drank my coffee. With plenty of milk, it had a pleasant bitterness and was easy to drink.

After finishing the cheesecake, Noah quietly placed his fork on the plate. His lips curved into a gentle smile as he enjoyed his coffee.

“Hey, when are you coming to the Tea House again? Would you like to come with me?”

Eating delicious things with Noah is fun. I thought and invited him. Noah leaned forward, putting his cup back on the saucer.

“When’s good for you?”

“I’m fine anytime...”

“How about in two days? I’ll take you home again.”

“It’ll be a detour. I’ll have a carriage pick me up from home.”

“I want to be with you.”

His straightforward words made me cover my face with both hands.

If we weren’t in a shop, or if I had had some alcohol, I might have been flailing my legs.

“Ha, just tell your family not to send a carriage. I’ll make sure to take you home on time.”

“...Okay.”

I took deep breaths and peeked at Noah through my fingers. His purple eyes, hidden by his bangs, must be gently narrowed.

“By the way, do Emma and the others know about you?”

“No, I haven’t told them. But the master might have noticed. He’s pretty sharp.”

“Indeed.”

The master might know everything. He has this mysterious omnipotent feeling.

But that’s right, Emma probably doesn’t know. That’s why she asked me about my relationship with Einhardt, right in front of him.

“Emma asked me before, didn’t she? About Einhardt. How did you feel then?”

It might be a bit mean, but I’ve been embarrassed enough. We’re even. I leaned on the table and asked teasingly.

Noah’s shoulders twitched in surprise, and he covered his mouth with one hand.

With that, his already hidden expression became even more unreadable.

“That... I was flustered. But I wanted to know what you thought of me.”

His voice was lower than usual because of his hand.

Hearing that voice, my chest tightened. I wanted to move his hair and see his face.

“But it was still unfair. Not showing your face and just trying to know my feelings, that’s not right. Praise me for stopping.”

Noah put his hand down and smiled as usual, his tone unchanged.

“But, I’m probably just as unfair.”

I’m aware that I like Noah but don’t respond to his feelings.

I’m even more unfair because I’m not taking a step forward due to my insecurity.

“It’s okay, a little unfairness is fine for you.”

“Huh, what’s that supposed to mean?”

“I think it’s cute, even that part.”

“...Oh, you’re at it again.”

The noise around us seemed distant.

Only Noah’s voice reached my ears.

Giving up on hiding my flushed face, I decided to finish the chocolate cake. The bitterness and sweetness were indistinguishable, all because of Noah.

After that, we talked about various things until the sun set.

We talked about taking leisurely walks in spring, visiting bookstores next time, and our jobs.

It was a bit sad that the time passed so quickly, but we held hands again on the way back.

I hoped Noah felt a bit sad too. Looking up, the sky was at dusk, with the sun setting and a thin moon floating in the sky.