Chapter 123
Zelda and Tablo (2)
***
“I’ll escort you.”
“Huh? Escort me?”
“Escort, yes. You didn’t notice? That carriage has been following you ever since you left the dessert shop. I think someone might be trying to kidnap you.”
Zelda’s eyes widened in shock as she looked toward where the carriage had disappeared.
“Really? Why would anyone want to kidnap me?”
Well… I don’t actually know. I just said that to make her feel safe. Whether someone was really trying to kidnap her or not, there’s no catching up to a carriage that’s already gone.
Tablo, watching Zelda’s frightened expression, kept his serious demeanor.
“I don’t know that either. But I can’t just let you go. You’re no ordinary person—you’re the sister of the Duchess—and if anything happens, I’d have to answer to Ruan and the Duchess.”
Zelda’s eyes widened with a mixture of fear and caution, scanning her surroundings.
Could it be that they’re after her because of Mere’s shop?
Seeing her nervous, almost like a startled rabbit, Tablo suppressed the faint smile creeping onto his lips and, concerned, said,
“Zelda, just in case the carriage comes back, I’ll escort you until you get in safely.”
Zelda glanced at the bundles Tablo was holding. For anyone else, a high-ranking noble carrying such luggage would only draw attention.
A marquis carrying a commoner’s packages… tomorrow’s newspaper headline, perhaps.
The carriage had already disappeared, so it probably won’t return.
Zelda approached and pointed at her belongings in Tablo’s hands.
“Thank you, but it’s okay. I can manage myself. If you just return my packages, I’ll be very grateful.”
A firm refusal.
Today, it was the second time.
Really… Does this woman dislike me that much? Or is it because I’m a noble?
But she gets along with Ruan and the Duchess. She seemed fine with Cassel last time… Could she be avoiding only me?
Tablo deliberately replied curtly.
“No.”
“What? Why not?” Zelda’s frustration bubbled up.
“Because I got hurt saving you. If someone risks injury by helping another, shouldn’t they be compensated?”
“Hurt? Where?”
Wait, she fell while I pulled her back—how is he claiming injury?
Tablo held up his left palm toward Zelda.
“Can’t you see this wound? I was injured saving you just now.”
Ha… a “wound”? He’s joking, right?
Zelda gritted her teeth, suppressing the urge to scoff, and stared at the tiny cut—less than a centimeter—on his palm.
“You’re not serious, are you?”
“Yes. Do you take this wound lightly, Zelda? If it gets infected, I might have to… use a knife on it.”
Unbelievable. And he expects compensation for this? No wonder I dislike nobles.
Zelda, trying to remain calm, asked,
“So… what exactly do you want?”
“My request?”
“Yes. If it’s reasonable, I’ll consider it.”
“Then let’s have a meal together.”
“Huh?”
“It’s almost evening anyway. You should eat before going back, right? So come, let’s have dinner together.”
Zelda hesitated briefly. Judging by Tablo’s personality, refusing now would only lead to more hassle later.
She nodded.
“All right. Let’s eat. But first, I need to finish my work.”
“Shall we go?” Tablo extended his hand. Zelda entered the shop selling tea sets.
“Are you carrying all of this?”
After buying all the tea sets and retrieving the mobile magical device from Ruan’s trade company, they entered a restaurant. Tablo, with a worried look, asked Zelda,
“I usually carry this much, too. Oh, Marquis, I suppose you’re not used to seeing anything but delicate noble ladies.”
“I’m just concerned—no need to mock.” Zelda’s serious tone made Tablo pause briefly.
“Sorry, I was joking. Since I sell tea in Phenomenon village, I have a lot of items to carry. Especially today, I bought tea and teapots, so it’s quite a load, but it’s fine; the carriage will carry it anyway.”
Tablo gave a faint, inscrutable smile.
“Accepted. Now, what would you like to eat? Choose whatever you want.”
“Isn’t this meal supposed to be mine as thanks for saving me?”
Tablo smiled softly and spoke in a gentle tone,
“I’ve never once been treated by a woman before in my life.”
Huh? Is he bragging about his wealth?
Zelda shook her head.
“Wow, impressive. You’ve never let a woman treat you before? Well, Marquis, consider this your first experience being treated by a woman. Now, pick what you want—I’m paying today.”
Zelda’s firm tone made Tablo look slightly regretful.
“My first time, huh? Quite a few firsts with Zelda, including that play we did together last time.”
“Shall we order? I need to eat quickly and go down after.”
“Ah, yes… of course.” Tablo placed the orders, and Zelda did the same.
The meal turned out better than expected.
Tablo’s stories entertained her, and Zelda responded attentively, matching his rhythm.
Once finished, Zelda quickly paid, gathered her things, and left the restaurant.
“Zelda, thank you. I’m learning much from this experience. Being treated by a lady… next time, I’ll…” Tablo was about to promise to treat next time, but Zelda, inspecting her bundles, thanked him again.
“Thank you so much for today. For saving me and for carrying my luggage.”
“No need. I was just doing my duty.”
“Well, then I’ll be going.”
“When will you be coming up again?”
“Me? I haven’t decided. Well, I’ll be off then.”
Carrying her bundles, Zelda wobbled toward the carriage.
Tablo, without thinking, stepped forward to take some of the luggage from her.
“What are you doing?”
“I’ll load it onto the carriage.”
“No, Marquis, that’s not necessary.”
Ignoring her protests, Tablo stuffed the bundles into the carriage and bowed politely, then walked away as if nothing had happened.
“What the… that guy. Ugh, if he loads my luggage like this, is he trying to fight me? Seriously, he’s impossible!”
***
By mid-February, spring had quietly begun to arrive in the Omakurt Empire.
The harsh cold had given way to warm breezes.
“Ruan, look. Flowers have already bloomed in the garden, even though it’s still cold.”
“Indeed. Perhaps the temperature is slightly higher here, being in the garden.”
“For the first time in a while, it feels like I’m truly enjoying tea.”
Merican sipped the tea, savoring it as Zelda had taught her.
Ruan followed suit.
“This tea is wonderful. The aroma is strong, with a deep flavor.”
“Right? I learned from Zelda. It takes a little longer to brew this way, but the taste is far superior.”
Ruan drank another sip, then asked,
“Madam, is running the shop manageable?”
“Yes. It’s only been a short while, so it’s busy now, but it will settle down. I only make fifty sandwiches a day, so it’s not too difficult.”
“You may find managing the shop harder than expected.”
Ruan’s remark made Merican look at him curiously.
“What do you mean by ‘hard’?”
She had worried there might be no customers. But since the rumor that the Duchess herself was running the shop spread, all fifty sandwiches sold out within ten minutes of opening at ten o’clock.
Elena’s cookies also sold instantly.
“I mean, the Marquis family won’t leave your shop alone.”
Merican smiled knowingly.
“I had a feeling. Even while tidying the shop, Paulo kept watching the shop all day, like a guardian. Alongside James, too.”
“Don’t act rashly, but always stay cautious. I cannot follow you every day, so I’ve arranged someone to introduce today—Yani.”
From behind a tree in the garden, a tall, sturdy woman with short red hair silently approached.
“This person?”
“Pleasure to meet you. I am Yani, madam.”
Despite being female, Yani moved with elegant, commanding poise. Merican blushed slightly, impressed by her presence.
“Ah, yes. Yani, nice to meet you.”
“Madam, starting tomorrow, Yani will serve as your personal escort.”
