Chapter 72

The next morning, the letter from Noah was filled with gratitude for the muffins.

I’m really glad I asked Marc to deliver it to the dormitory yesterday. A smile escaped me as I traced the words in the letter with my fingers.

──They were delicious. I didn’t want to share them with anyone, even when Lars tried to extort them from me, I didn’t give in.

I couldn’t help but laugh imagining their interaction.

I didn’t expect him to be so happy, so I feel a bit embarrassed.

The letter also contained words of concern for me.

I wrote that I would be starting work tomorrow, and it seems he was worried. I explained the situation and wrote that I wouldn’t go out the front, so he didn’t object.

──I’ll try to check on you as often as possible.

Even though Noah is busy with work.

But I was happy with his thoughtfulness. I won’t be a bother, and tomorrow I really won’t go out the front. I won’t go to the cafeteria either, and I won’t be alone.

I reaffirmed this to myself.

The next day, the weather was beautifully clear.

I asked Marc to take me to the library by carriage. I think I must have looked suspicious, hurrying into the building after confirming that no one was around.

I had already informed my supervisor, so I went straight to the meeting room in the staff-only area when I arrived. Since I’ll be working entirely behind the scenes today, I don’t need to change into my uniform.

There was already a pile of books on the table in the meeting room. My job is to compare them with the provided list, stamp the library’s ownership mark, and sort them by category.

If it’s a small amount, I can do this while doing other work in the library, but with this much, it’s better to focus on this task. I thought it was perfect for me since I don’t want to be out in the open today.

It’s already time to start, so I rolled up my sleeves and picked up the first book.

It’s a cookbook with recipes from a foreign country. I want to read this later, so I’ll remember it.

If I bring it to the Tairarisu Inn, I’m sure they’ll make it delicious.

I haven’t been to the Tairarisu Inn for a while.

It feels like it’s been a long time since I had lunch with Emma.

When Noah’s work settles down, I’ll definitely go. No, since everything will be over today, maybe I can go tomorrow or the day after.

Eating delicious food at the Tairarisu Inn with Noah, and then enjoying some drinks, just thinking about it makes my stomach growl.

The bell signaling noon rang, and I stretched.

I must have been in the same position for too long, as my back made small cracking sounds.

Looking around, I saw that I had finished about half of the books. At this rate, I should be able to finish all of them by the end of the day. I can put them on the shelves later, but at least this part will be done.

As I stood up, there was a knock on the meeting room door.

I was too scared to answer since I didn’t know who it was. It’s probably not the princess, but...

“Alicia, it’s me.”

“...Wendy.”

Wendy’s bright voice seemed to read my anxiety. She must have brought lunch from the cafeteria, so I approached the door and opened it wide.

Wendy was holding trays in both hands. I quickly took one, assuming it was heavy.

“I’m sorry, it must have been heavy.”

“It’s fine, don’t worry about it.”

The distance from the cafeteria to the meeting room is quite far. I felt bad, so I was about to apologize again, but Wendy shook her head.

“Lars helped me up to here. It’s fine.”

“Thank you so much.”

“You’re welcome. Come, let’s eat.”

We moved away from the books and found an empty table to eat at.

Today’s menu is chicken in tomato sauce, a salad with figs and tomatoes, round bread with cross cuts, and lemon mousse for dessert.

“Looks delicious.”

We clasped our hands and said a prayer of thanks.

Just as I was about to pick up my spoon, I remembered something. I reached for my bag, which was within arm’s reach. I could have gotten up, but I was a bit lazy.

“Here, I baked these muffins. Would you like to try them?”

“They look delicious. I’ll have one, thank you.”

I handed Wendy two wrapped muffins.

These are the ones I baked yesterday, with dried fruit. I’ve been baking muffins every day, but these were requested by my father and brother. The tea muffins were gone in no time, and they said they wanted more.

Wendy was opening the muffin wrapper. I was about to say something about eating before the meal, but she smiled mischievously.

“You have to eat what you want first.”

“Haha, you’re right.”

Indeed, if I were in her position, I would have eaten the muffins first. I was happy she liked them, and a smile escaped me.

I dipped my spoon into the chicken in tomato sauce.

The chicken was so tender it almost melted in my mouth. The tomato’s acidity and the right amount of sweetness were delicious. The crunchy texture was probably from mushrooms.

“These muffins are really delicious. Can you teach me how to make them?”

“Of course. It’s a recipe Dorothea, our housemaid, taught me.”

“Can I make them too?”

“It’s very simple. This time I used dried fruit, but you can also use tea or chocolate.”

Wendy quickly finished one muffin.

She reached for the second one... but then stopped. She was sending a lingering glance, but I was happy she liked them so much.

“By the way... do you know when the princess is leaving?”

While eating the salad, I asked a question that came to mind.

The figs were sweet and had a smooth texture. It seemed to be drizzled with orange sauce, and the refreshing aroma filled my nose. Yes, this is delicious too.

“I heard it’s around noon. I’ll let you know once I confirm she’s gone.”

“Thank you. I bet Captain Lazine had a tough time too?”

“Yes, he doesn’t give detailed accounts, but I’m sure it was tough. But the Crown Prince might be even more exhausted.”

That’s true.

Every time the princess did something, the Crown Prince was called upon. He must have been busy with his daily duties.

Wendy and I exchanged glances and both let out a wry smile.

“I hope he comes back safely.”

“Don’t say such scary things.”

Wendy’s words made me shiver for some reason. It’s not a bad feeling, but...

But there’s no way he won’t come back. So it’s probably fine.

I reassured myself and put a large piece of tomato in my mouth.