Volume 4 Chapter 2 To The Christmas Eve Festival Market
I changed into my going-out clothes.
I wore a white blouse with a black ribbon, tights, and a red skirt with lots of fluffy lace underneath.
I put on a navy coat over my cardigan.
I checked my reflection in the mirror and nodded once.
When I went back to Mr. Lucian, he was playing in the restaurant on the first floor, stretching Eir-Eir, trying to pet Ms. Famine but getting swatted, and petting my dad who was sitting on his lap.
"Lydia. I want your dad to come with us, but he says no."
Mr. Lucian said this with a worried look as I got closer.
"I don't like cold places."
"Well, your dad is old..."
"I'm not old. I'm cute. A cute dog."
"You are a cute dog, but you don't like the cold. Should we get Mr. Leavis to make you some clothes next time?"
"I want a ribbon. To put on my ears."
"Dad, you're a boy, right...?"
"Who decided that boys can't wear ribbons? Cute things are for everyone, Lydia. A cute me can wear a ribbon too."
"...tatin."
"...pudding."
Eir-Eir and Ms. Famine looked at each other, tilting their heads with funny expressions.
"Kids. I'm the cutest one here."
"Tarte Tatin."
"Pumpkin pudding."
Eir-Eir and Ms. Famine were playfully hitting my dad's fluffy body.
Lately, everyone has been getting along well.
"Since it's a special Christmas festival, aren't you coming with us, Dad?"
"I'm here watching the magic stone stove. As a guard dog."
"...as a guard dog."
Dad curled up in front of the magic stone stove, so I asked him to be the guard dog. I put Eir-Eir in my coat pocket, wrapped Ms. Famine around my neck, and went outside with Mr. Lucian.
Mr. Lucian seemed a bit sad because he liked dogs.
He probably wanted to carry one while walking.
Even though my dad is a handsome adult man, I wondered if that was okay, but I headed to the Christmas market with Mr. Lucian.
On the street, there were snowmen made by kids from the piled-up snow.
One of the snowmen looked like a pretty big Eir-Eir.
It's round, so it's probably easy to make.
Recently, Eir-Eir has become popular in town as a "lucky round rice cake."
Many people come to the restaurant just to see Eir-Eir.
"Lydia, you've become really cute lately. You were already cute, but did your clothes change?"
"Ah, um, thank you. I used to wear only black clothes. I changed to cuter outfits recently."
"Your clothes are cute, but you're cute too. You look even more radiant now."
"Mr. Lucian, you're really good at giving compliments... That's why people say you're a flirt..."
"I've been careful about that lately. My words seemed a bit shallow. I only say this to you, and I always try to make sure my words to you are true."
"...y-yes."
"I've been tricking you for a long time. ...Lydia, be careful on the snowy path. Should we hold hands so you don't slip?"
"Y-yes..."
I still feel a bit shy.
Maybe it's because Mr. Lucian's vibe has changed a little.
Before, it felt like his words were just sliding off the surface.
I thought he was a shallow flirt who said the same things to everyone.
But now, I can tell that his blue eyes looking straight at me, his sweet voice, and his sweet words are not lies.
We're friends, but it makes me uneasy.
To calm my heart, I exhaled and placed my hand on Mr. Lucian's.
His hand was big and hard. It felt rough with bones.
It was the hand of someone who has fought a lot.
--Mr. Lucian, our reliable knight captain who protects us.
"...heh."
"What's wrong?"
Being next to Mr. Lucian makes me feel really safe. Mr. Lucian is strong and famous. He has always protected me. I feel like I've been able to live in this town without any problems because of him.
"I haven't done anything."
"Even so, because Mr. Lucian comes to my restaurant, I think that's why I can live like this."
Arsubania isn't very safe.
When I opened my shop here, I could have easily been kidnapped or attacked.
Mx. Margaret was there with me, but Mr. Lucian was always by my side too, so even with everything going on, I felt really peaceful.
"Thank you for everything, Mr. Lucian."
"I've been helped by you too. Thank you, Lydia."
Mr. Lucian looked a bit surprised at first, then he smiled.
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