Chapter 5: How to Avoid an Engagement(6)

It’s no use arguing with Vivian. Reluctantly, I set out with two knights in tow. Ugh, I can manage outside just fine on my own! Once again, I had to enjoy a trip with the burly escort knights flaunting their muscles.

Hmm, now that I’m out, what should I prepare as a gift? I need to choose something that Aunt Orton will like the most.

Since I’ve never met Aunt Orton before, I don’t know what she likes. This is quite frustrating.

“Hmmm, choosing a gift is difficult……”

I sat down heavily on a bench in the plaza where the fountain was clearly visible and fell into deep thought. I considered preparing a dress or accessories, but these things are highly subjective and vary greatly by taste, making it hard to choose. Isn’t there something that everyone, regardless of age or gender, would like?

“Oops!”

While I was deeply contemplating, a woman in front of me dropped her handkerchief on the ground. Oh, could this be a romantic flag? Am I going to fall in love with the man who picks up and returns the handkerchief? My heart is racing.

I thought I might get to see a heart-fluttering scene after a long time, but unfortunately, this vast plaza only had me, the escort knight next to me, and the woman who had dropped the handkerchief and was unaware of it. Oh well, I’ll just pick it up myself.

I’m a good kid! Hehe……

I sprang up from the bench, quickly picked up the handkerchief, and followed the woman.

“Excuse me?”

I gently touched the shoulder of the woman with her black hair neatly tied up. She flinched and turned around, and I couldn’t help but be surprised, my eyes wide open.

“Wow, she’s beautiful!”

Her black, glossy hair and red eyes are incredibly beautiful. Looking at her eyes, which have a calm, sunset-like red hue, naturally puts my mind at ease. What’s this, I feel so comfortable even though it’s our first meeting.

“Oh my, is something wrong?”

Upon closer inspection, she seemed to be a rather older lady. There were fine wrinkles around her eyes, but her beauty was so outstanding that it didn’t matter.

Beautiful people do not age. I had a great realization.

“I, um, you dropped this handkerchief.”

Whether they’re handsome or beautiful, seeing someone lovely makes me stiffen up. I handed the elegantly embroidered handkerchief to the lady with trembling hands. Oh, I’m so nervous.

“Oh my, when did I drop this…… Thank you, young lady.”

The lady’s face, as she accepted the handkerchief and smiled shyly, was dazzling. Oh dear, such a smile is making my heart race!

“But, do you have any issues? You’ve been looking around restlessly……”

After dropping the handkerchief, I noticed that the lady was looking around anxiously. If such a beauty is in trouble, I should help!

“Well, actually I’m looking for a cake shop called <Trier Jour>. This is my first time in this area alone……”

Oh dear, a beautiful lady alone in such a dangerous area?

Looking around, there was indeed not a single guard in sight. I felt anxious, I really understood how Vivian must have felt.

“Would you like to go with me? I happen to be going there as well!”

Of course, that was a lie. But since I couldn’t leave a lady who didn’t know the way and was alone, I decided to guide her myself. When I spoke confidently, the lady seemed a bit surprised and widened her eyes.

“Hehe, you’re such a kind young lady. Then let’s go together.”

The lady smiled gracefully, closing her eyes prettily. Despite her age, her unchanging beauty was impressive, and I began guiding her.

“What’s your name, young lady?”

“I’m Radel Karel.”

“Hmmm, so you’re the daughter of Count Karel?”

The lady pondered for a moment before smiling again. Her smile had a very friendly feeling, and I found myself staring at her absentmindedly for a moment.

“Oh, just call me Martina.”

“Yes, Lady Martina.”

Her name was as beautiful as she was. After a while of casual conversation, we quickly arrived at the cake shop.

<Trier Jourde.>

The shop was established by a retired baker who used to make desserts for the old royal family, along with his apprentices. It’s a popular place that nobles frequent, known for its guaranteed taste and appearance of the cakes.

As I entered the shop, the delicious scent of cakes filled the air. I gazed at the beautiful cakes with shining eyes.

Wow, cakes are truly the best.

Since I was here, why not buy a cake for Aunt Orton? I’m sure she would love a cake that people of all ages enjoy!

I resolved to do just that and began examining the cakes on display. Hmm, they all look delicious……

“It’s hard to choose.”

“Right? Everything here is so tasty that it’s difficult to decide.”

What should I do in this situation? Should I buy one of the recommended cakes? Today’s recommendation is chocolate cake, but for some reason, it doesn’t appeal to me.

While I was pondering, I glanced to the side to see what Lady Martina might choose.

And then……

“I’ll take all of these, please.”

Did I hear that right? It sounded like an astonishing statement. Lady Martina pointed to the cakes on the display case and said it. I was so surprised that my eyes widened, and Lady Martina added,

“Oh, and I’ll also add strawberry shortcake and strawberry Mont Blanc. My son likes them.”

Wow, adding more orders…… How much will this all cost?

Trier Jourde boasted prices far higher than the average cake shop. It was only natural that cakes would be expensive here, as it was frequented more by nobles than commoners. These cakes were worth the price of several dresses.

However, more importantly……

“You have a son?”

“Of course. I have two.”

Wow, she didn’t seem like a married woman with children at all. She looks to be in her early thirties at most…… Truly the ultimate youthful appearance!

I was so stunned by this fresh revelation that I couldn’t close my mouth for a while.

“Have you chosen everything?”

“Ah, not yet.”

“This shop’s cakes made with strawberries are delicious.”

“Um, the cakes your son likes……”

If the sons of such a beautiful lady are anything to go by, they must be very handsome. I’d like to meet them someday.

Ahem, it’s not because of any ulterior motives, just curiosity about what they might look like.

While I made excuses to myself, various strawberry cakes were already in my hands. Oh my, when did I buy these?

I must have picked and bought the cakes while half out of my mind. Anyway, having prepared a gift for Aunt Orton, it was now time to head home.

“Thank you so much for today. Thanks to you, I arrived safely.”

“It’s nothing. But about those things……”

As we were about to part ways, I was worried when I saw the numerous cakes in Matina’s hands. How was she planning to carry all that?

“Oh, the luggage? Hehe, don’t worry.”

Matina said this and then lightly set the luggage down. She clapped her hands a few times, and suddenly, several fully armed knights appeared out of thin air. Wow, that’s impressive.

“These are the hidden guards.”

“Wow, that’s amazing!”

I wish I could have guards like that. With a glimmer of hope, I looked at the two knights standing beside me.

Can’t the guards do that? Can’t they swoosh out and whoosh away like that? Can’t they?

“……We can’t.”

One of the knights, noticing my earnest gaze, shook his head while sweating. So, it seems it’s not possible. How disappointing.

“Oh, wait a moment. I’d like to give you this.”

“Yes?”

As I was about to head home, feeling disappointed, Matina called me over. She then handed me a soft object, which felt familiar in my hand.

Is this the handkerchief she dropped earlier?

“This… why?”

“Because I’m grateful for showing me around today. I’ll make it up to you later. Please visit our family’s residence next time.”

With those words, Matina gracefully departed.

Visit her family’s residence later? I don’t even know which family Matina belongs to. She needs to tell me that for me to be able to visit!

Confused, I examined the handkerchief more closely. At the edge of the handkerchief, there was an embroidery of a wolf. A wolf… I feel like I should know something about this. My memory is hazy. I should have listened more carefully when Vivian told me.

After staring at the handkerchief Matina gave me for a while, I eventually headed home.

***

“The state of this house is just terrible. I really don’t like it.”

Upon arriving at the count’s residence, Aunt Orton immediately began evaluating someone else’s home.

Perhaps because of that, Aunt Orton’s first impression, with her dazzling hat and heavy makeup, was truly the worst.

She was complaining while drinking tea in the most luxurious and elegant reception room of the count’s residence. Then, she looked me up and down as I had just entered the reception room.

“Hmph, it’s been a while, but your appearance is a mess.”

Eh? After buying the cake and arriving home, Aunt Orton, who had spent 3 hours preparing herself, described my appearance as a mess. I was so dumbfounded and shocked that I couldn’t close my mouth for a while.

My sanity returned when Vivian brought in the cakes.

“I’ve personally prepared these cakes. Please enjoy them.”

I put on a smile and spoke as kindly as possible. It’s quite a pleasant thing to have prepared something with great effort for someone. I thought Aunt Orton might show a little joy upon seeing the cakes I personally prepared, but…

“This kind of cake could have been made by a maid. You’ve gone through unnecessary trouble.”

The reality is harsh.

Aunt Orton had been complaining since earlier. I wanted to ask what kind of life she had lived to become so sensitive and irritable.

“You know why I came here today, right?”

After taking a sip of her tea, Aunt Orton began to state her purpose.

“I’ve heard you’ve been causing a lot of trouble, so I plan to take you to our house for some education. I trust you won’t have any objections.”

No! I have many objections! I was unhappy with how she proceeded with the plan without considering my opinion at all.

Education… To receive training from the notoriously strict Aunt Orton could mean death by stress. I racked my brains, trying to think of a way to refuse without offending her.

“Aunt, I want to learn and experience more at the academy. So I don’t want to suddenly quit and leave like this.”

I spoke gently, but Aunt Orton’s expression seemed off. It was a strange, slightly distorted look, not quite a frown but definitely not pleasant. I nervously fiddled with the handle of my teacup, wondering what I might have said wrong.

“You’ve changed a lot; I can no longer see you throwing tantrums and being stubborn like before. You’ve finally become somewhat noble.”

Aunt Orton said this with a haughty smile. I hoped that maybe we could have a reasonable discussion, but then she added something that made me freeze.

“If you’re polished a bit more, you’ll be perfect. I’m eager to take you to my estate.”

“Oh, no!”