Chapter 48 The Suspicious Young Lady in Waiting
Sure, I wonder what Luka's really planning... but honestly ── Yuruyana's business finally starting to take off?
That's a good thing.
Maybe he won't have to crash at my place anymore.
And if his rent payments stop coming in, I'll have to push myself even harder.
"If only we could turn cooling units into a regular product... I wonder if people would actually buy them."
"Of course they would! Even if building them into houses is too much, something for cafes or diners ── a place where folks can sit, sip warm drinks ── if it's cool inside, that'd be perfect."
Yuruyana added that it could even be a hit at grocery stores and factories.
"I see..."
Maybe I should just experiment ── talk to Hannah and Ms. Kanae, get their honest feedback on how it feels.
To do that, I'll have to review grandfather's schematics before summer ends.
"Ideally, I'd skip using Beast cores altogether... Since ours is mounted on the ceiling, it'd mean full-on construction. First step: go with tabletop models. Small enough to move, but big enough to bring into a shopfront..."
Lost in my notes, I was swiftly brought back to reality by the cheerful chime of the doorbell.
"Welcome!"
When I instinctively looked up, there was a girl in a dress, wearing a wide-brimmed hat and glasses, slowly folding her parasol while glancing around the shop.
Behind her, a woman with perfectly done makeup quietly closed the door.
The girl, despite the heat, was wearing a mask.
Her glossy, golden hair was tied neatly at the nape.
"H-hello..."
Judging by her gestures and voice, she looks about Mako's age.
But both of them probably think they're pretending to be a middle-class mother and daughter or sisters.
Still, from their tailored clothes and mannerisms, it's obvious they're nobles ── and their attendants.
"Wow, it really is cooler here."
If she knows that this place's temperature's lower than elsewhere, maybe she's connected to Ms. Helmine.
Still, she seemed keen to hide that she's been consulting Yuruyana.
Would she really tell anyone so easily?
"Are you here for medicine or cosmetics, maybe?"
Well, maybe you're here to get some secret medicine from our resident pharmacist again.
I was about to call for Yuruyana, who's working on Ms. Elza's medicine in the back,
"Oh, um... Are you Tsukumo Kreis?"
The girl shook her head in a fluster, my name escaping her lips.
"That's right, but..."
I wonder if she's a friend of Luka's, not Ms. Helmine.
But if she were sending relatives or acquaintances my way, she would've said something when we met the other day.
And it's not like he changes lovers on a schedule.
He'll chat up anyone, but his type is older.
Besides, Luka wouldn't tell a girl he's courting about me.
'Mention the captain and you get dumped,' he said.
What's the connection here?
"The top graduate of the Arcane Art Academy, [Maga Ex Machina]?"
Being called by that unpleasant nickname out of the blue, I almost furrowed my brows in surprise.
Good thing I trained that poker face.
"That was over 5 years ago... What can I do for you?"
Completely clueless about the noble lady's purpose, I rushed ahead.
As I regretted my too-casual approach, the two of them exchanged a puzzled glance.
"Um..."
If it were Yuruyana, he'd engage in some casual chatter, subtly fish for the customer's information, and become buddy-buddy before you know it.
Guess customer service just isn't my forte.
Should I call for Yuruyana now?
Better add a bell for calling him soon, so I don't have to shout to the back.
Anyway, it wouldn't do to cause any more rudeness and be seen as disrespectful, so I'll apologize first.
"My apologies. I'm not well-versed in noble etiquette, being from a place like this."
Ms. Helmine was always known to be Luka's acquaintance, and she was so open that it wasn't a problem.
A noble lady, born into a world where everyone is as pleasant as butterflies and flowers, has probably never been abruptly asked, "What do you want?" by some uncharming man before.
And then,
"Huh, how did you figure it out? I haven't even said a word yet."
"Damn it..."
I instinctively cover my mouth, panic rising.
We were supposed to be disguised as commoners, but I might've blown it with that slip.
Seeing us stall, the attendant woman steps forward, taking the lead.
"My apologies for barging in so suddenly and asking something so rude. As expected, you seem to see through everything. Truly impressive──I've heard your sharp eyes served you well in the military."
She knows about my past in the army.
Who is this girl, really?
The tense silence is broken as the room's door swings open, like a breath of fresh air to disperse the heavy mood.
"Tsukumo, what do you think for lunch──, ah, I'm so sorry!"
"Wait, don't go back inside──"
The moment they spot the guest, Yuruyana's voice jumps to a bright, polite tone, genuinely apologetic as he swiftly pulls his back.
Somehow, the plea reaches his──my eyes flash with silent SOS──he slides smoothly up beside us with that effortless sales smile.
"Dear guest, it's probably hot outside. Would you like something cool? We have some very good tea."
"Then... I think I'll have some."
"I'll bring it right away. Tsukumo, chairs."
"Yeah, yeah."
"Sincerest apologies for the trouble. Please, make yourselves at home──if I'm bothering you in any way."
He chuckles lightheartedly, giving my back a casual tap──yet beneath that, a sharp sting lingers.
In a flurry, I spring to my feet, breathe deep in the storage room, and gather my composure.
"Alright then, I'll be just a moment. Feel free to browse the shop──nothing's off-limits."
Yuruyana, always thinking ahead, has howdied up a cute counter chair──far nicer than the rough dining stools we'd been using.
"Here you go."
"Thanks."
Sitting across each other at the counter, the elegant pair settle quietly, poised but relaxed.
Yuruyana returns promptly, carefully arranging coasters and setting down the chilled tea from the fridge.
The attendant takes a sip first──perhaps testing it──and nods.
Then, the girl slides her mask aside, and takes her turn.
As I watch, something clicks──I realize her eyes behind the glasses are wide with surprise.
"Huh, even when it's cold, the aroma's so lovely."
"It's specifically tea leaves that pair well with cold tea, purchased from a shop we're quite fond of."
"Indeed it is. My first time trying it, and it's absolutely delicious."
I had a cup this morning myself.
It's a new product that just arrived the day before yesterday, and it's Mr. Junce's summer recommendation.
"It hails from the mountainous region beyond the western mountains, so it's not commonly enjoyed in the capital."
"Huh, I really like this taste!"
"As it happens, we also sell it in our shop. Would you like to take one home?"
"You're quite the business-savvy one. Since it's an offer, I'll take it."
True to his professional nature, the atmosphere instantly warmed up.
But just as I thought we could finally have a proper conversation,
"Hm? Guest, you resemble Her Highness Princess Ellen, don't you think?"
Upon hearing Yuruyana's words after he removed his mask, the girl nearly spat out her tea in surprise.
Please bookmark this series and rate ☆☆☆☆☆ on here!