Chapter 7

A few days have passed since Kira Fritsche's visit.

It wasn't as if we could spend our days in peace, however. People who learned that Lord Einhardt had come to borrow books from the library swarmed in. Kira Fritsche was among them, but thankfully, she didn't bother me, perhaps because she didn't know where she might run into Lord Einhardt.

The strong perfume of the overly dressed women who came to the library seemed to have overwhelmed my tired boss, whose complexion grew paler by the day.

And as if unaware of this situation, or perhaps knowing it, Lord Einhardt hadn't come to the library for these few days.

"Still, it must have been disappointing for those who came to see Lord Einhardt."

Wendy, perhaps thinking the same thing, shook her shoulders and spoke.

I nodded and brought the teacup to my lips, sitting across from her.

In a cozy corner of a delightful café, the pleasant bustle filled the air.

Today, since the library where I work was closed, I invited Wendy for tea. Incidentally, this café is where I was served with the notice of my engagement's annulment, but the cake is innocent.

"He must have appeared gallantly to save you, right? I regret not being in the back, sorting books."

"It wasn't to save me, but it was wonderful."

I smiled wryly at Wendy's dreamy expression as she clasped her hands in front of her face and faced the cake on the table.

I had ordered a mille-feuille, with its layers of flaky pastry, custard cream, and glossy strawberries. Wendy had a chocolate cake decorated with sugar roses.

Using a fork and knife, I gently cut into the mille-feuille. The pastry made a satisfying crunch as the knife went in. When I brought the soft custard cream to my mouth, a sigh of happiness escaped me.

Wendy, too, was enjoying her chocolate cake, crumbling the sugar roses. Her cheeks relaxed in happiness, making me think that my next cake should definitely be a chocolate one.

"Poor Alicia, to have her lover barge in like that."

"Their engagement isn't progressing because I'm using my father's influence to interfere."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"The Viscount Tostmann's son said so."

"How ridiculous. The Viscount Tostmann is angry with his son and his lover and refuses to recognize the engagement, which is a rumor in society."

Wendy put down her fork and picked up her cup. The tea, generously infused with warm milk, was gently steaming.

I placed a strawberry, glistening in the light, on the custard cream and brought it to my mouth. The sweet and tangy strawberry combined with the smooth cream, making it indescribably delicious.

"I don't want to be involved anymore, and I thought they felt the same, but it seems like it's going to be troublesome, and it's giving me a headache."

"It's hard to disagree with you. I wish I could help more."

"Having you listen to me is enough."

I smiled, grateful for her understanding, and Wendy's expression softened. Her pink eyes still held a worried look.

I scooped up the pastry crumbs and cream from the plate.

Enjoying the lingering sweetness, I drank the tea without sugar or milk, which refreshed my mouth. And then... I wanted to eat more.

"Next, I'll have a chocolate cake. What about you, Wendy?"

"I'll have a cheesecake. Maybe coffee this time."

We raised our hands to call the waiter and placed our orders.

The waitress, wearing a cute frilly apron, took our order with a smile and cleared the table.

Leaning on my cheek, Wendy tilted her head, her milk tea-colored hair swaying cutely.

"Hey... if he said he wanted to start over because he broke up with his lover, what would you do?"

"No way. I can't deal with someone who treats true love lightly, someone who mocks commoners, or someone I can't trust. Basically, everything is a no-go."

"Right."

"Surely such talk isn't circulating in society?"

"It's not the Viscount Tostmann's family saying it, but it is out there."

"...It is, huh."

Wendy lightly poked the frown between my eyebrows. I shrugged, gathered my hair at the nape of my neck, and secured it with a hairpin.

The elegant gold barrette is a specialty of a village that the guild recently started trading with, and it is scheduled to be sold mainly in the capital's stores.

"The Viscount Tostmann's son betrayed the trust of the Bloom Guild, which is in favor with the royal family. Various businesses will likely be affected, and they will face even more financial difficulties. The only one who can save them is you. The Viscount Tostmann's family must be desperate to re-establish the marriage with you, and it's impossible for them to engage with a baron's daughter... that's what many people think."

I don't want to provide more gossip for society, but it can't be helped. Still, I can't help but feel exasperated.

My sigh was lost in the aroma of coffee.

Drawn by the scent, I saw a waitress with a tray approaching with a smile. As she placed the cakes and coffee on the table, my eyes were immediately fixed on the cake. I nodded in response to her "Please enjoy" and immediately picked up my fork.

The chocolate cake was indeed beautiful, with its glossy sugar decorations.

"Besides... there are rumors that other families, who want to connect with the Bloom Guild, might propose to you. You might have a lot to deal with for a while."

Wendy, looking pitiful, scooped up some cheesecake with a fork adorned with a bird.

I sighed deeply and began to break the sugar decorations with my fork. Eating is the best solution when I'm in this mood.

"I'm done with noble matches. My father understands this and will refuse all of them. If they get too persistent, maybe I'll leave the country."

"That would make me sad."

"Me too. So I want to make it a last resort. Maybe I'll just live alone forever."

No matter where I go or what I do, the title of the Bloom Guild's daughter will follow me.

While I understand that this title provides a comfortable life, it is also troublesome and lonely.

I swallowed the sigh and the bitterness in my heart with the chocolate cake, and the cake, which should have been delicious, tasted a little bitter.

"Let's find someone to fall in love with together."

"Great love, huh..."

"What about Lord Einhardt?"

"He's out of reach. Besides, he's so beautiful, it's like art. He's wonderful and makes my heart race, but..."

"I understand. I've never seen his beauty falter, even at home. You can't let your guard down either."

My heart, which had been prickly, softened with the lighter conversation.

Enjoying the now sweeter chocolate and watching Wendy pour warm milk into her cup, I laughed again.

Thank you for your support this year.

I wish you all a happy new year!