“I know it’s sudden, but if it’s not to your liking, I’d rather ensure that I can make the proper adjustments now. No extra charge, of course. I want to ensure the food meets your expectations for such an important occasion.”
I looked up at the man, my gaze earnest.
If I supplied the food for their gathering a week from now, it would provide the crown prince with an opening to reach out to them.
In the novel, the crown prince had visited the Sunflower Summit after they’d already made contact with the anti-imperialist faction, so he returned with them already firmly on his enemies’ side.
The man nodded in response with a satisfied grin.
“You’re incredibly professional. I truly appreciate it. I’ll see you tomorrow then.”
With those words, the man exited the shop. Shortly after, Bike scurried up to me, standing beside me eagerly.
“If it’s about the Sunflower Summit, then this is quite a significant matter. Miss, let’s seize this opportunity to showcase our talents!”
“It’s my talent, isn’t it…?”
“Let’s seek their investment while we have their attention!”
“I’m the one being invested in, though…”
He glanced at the crown prince, his expression complex as he tried to shield himself from Bike’s enthusiasm with a spoon held up. The prince’s expression showed a myriad of emotions.
“I’m going to step out for a moment.”
“Alright.”
Unable to organize his thoughts, he left the bakery. Since deliveries were already taken care of, I figured it wouldn’t hurt if he took a short break.
David crossed his arms, his gaze following the crown prince out the door.
“Something feels off today, doesn’t it?”
“Why’s that?”
“Didn’t you sense it?”
“…what?”
David may have been a knight, but he wasn’t always so attentive.
I swallowed nervously.
“Did you see…Joseph.”
“What’s wrong with Joseph?”
“He went outside in his apron.”
“What?”
“I suppose he liked it after all.”
David shook his head, thinking that Joseph had gone insane. He’d just said that they were embarrassing.
“Wow! Irene! You’re so adorable! Just positively lovely!”
Right on cue, Rosie entered with a bouquet of flowers. It was a pleasant sight to behold.
I thought she might have some insight into the Sunflower Summit.
“Lady Rosie… Isn’t it wonderful that we’re wearing the same aprons as Irene?”
“As per usual, Irene looks effortlessly beautiful in anything she wears!”
“Heh heh… Thank you, Rosie. Shall we go in for a cup of tea.”
“Yes! Sounds delightful!”
I led Rosie into the kitchen and handed her a cup of fragrant jasmine tea.
“How’s your tea class going?”
“Fantastic! It’s even more intriguing than I anticipated. We just started learning about the different flowers. Aunt Susan even introduced me to a kind teacher.”
“Yes, that’s a relief. When is Mrs. Susan departing?”
“Within the week. My father is expected to arrive in a week’s time.”
“Oh…. Where did you say you were headed?”
“You know, there are some matters in the capital that need tending to. Just tying up loose ends.”
“Yes… oh, I just came from a meeting with a representative from the Sunflower Summit.”
Rosie’s eyes widened at my words.
“The Sunflower Summit! I’ve heard of it. The owner of the Summit occasionally visits my father.”
“Yes, they placed an order.”
“Congratulations! The Sunflower Summit, huh! Quite the prestigious event.”
“Yes. Do you know anything about their preferences? They requested a dessert. I’m having trouble deciding.”
“Well…”
Rosie pondered for a moment before speaking.
“It’s an old family recipe.”
“What?”
“An heirloom recipe. I’ve heard it originated from the royal family.”
“The royal family… Do they frequent the Sunflower Summit?”
“I’m not privy to the details, but… My father mentioned it.”
“What does that mean?”
“They don’t play by the rules.”
Their intentions began to unravel.
Perhaps an encounter with the Summit would present the crown prince with a significant mission, putting him to the test.
She would undoubtedly want the crown prince to align himself with her faction.
‘You must arrange for them to meet before making any further decisions… and if that occurs… you may be better prepared for war sooner than anticipated…’
“Thank you, Rosie. You’ve been a tremendous help.”
“What else can I do?”
“Ah, Joseph stepped out just now.”
“It’s alright. I saw him yesterday.”
“…yesterday?”
Rosie smiled awkwardly, covering her mouth with her hand as if she felt guilty.
“Yes. I have something to discuss briefly. It’s not much!”
She hurriedly rose from her seat, fidgeting.
I grabbed Rosie by the wrist.
Rosie looked at me with a puzzled expression as I stared at her with wide eyes.
“Come on, it’s not a big deal!”
“Is this about your father, Rosie?”
She covered her mouth, looking surprised. It was evident the crown prince had inquired.
He must have been contemplating how to execute his plan. Rosie released her wrist from my grasp and nodded briefly, as if to indicate she was okay.
“I told you not to tell him…”
“It’s fine. Joseph was just curious about something. He doesn’t really need to know, though.”
“That’s why I dislike Joseph!”
Rosie furrowed her brow, catching me off guard with her passionate reaction.
“I just want to confide in you, Irene!”
She promptly rose from her seat, my head spinning as I pondered how to soothe her.
But the more pressing matter was the Sunflower Summit, so I prepared to leave immediately.
Heading to the capital to prepare a dessert for the Sunflower Summit seemed like the best course of action.
I asked Bike to accompany me. He seemed eager to venture to the capital, where a wider array of ingredients awaited.
Bike was thrilled by my proposal.
David and the crown prince wanted to join us, but circumstances prevented them from doing so.
“There are plenty of acquaintances for me in the capital, Miss! Follow my lead!”
It took two hours by horseback to reach the capital from the village of Seiren. Fortunately, Bike assured me he knew how to handle a horse. We borrowed one from a nearby stable and set off together.
“Is this your first time visiting the capital?”
“Yes, I’ve only heard tales about it.”
The capital city depicted in the novel was nearly akin to Seoul, bustling with activity and teeming with people.
As we drew closer to the capital, the throngs of people multiplied.
The people bustled about, either engrossed in their own affairs or marveling at something.
“As expected, folks in the capital are rather self-absorbed.”
“What do you mean?”
“Watch out for the people at the Summit as well. They’re always out for his own gain. Stay on your toes.”
“Is that so?”
“I’m sure there are plenty scheming around the palace. Be cautious not to fall into their trap, Miss!”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
“Leave it all to me; I could navigate the capital blindfolded.”
Bike repeated his warnings countless times as we journeyed to the capital.
I wondered why he was chattering so incessantly, but upon our arrival, Bike mentioned he wanted to meet someone he knew.
In other words, he was leaving me to my own devices.
“But I can’t just abandon you here, Miss.”
With an embarrassed expression, he clutched me by the collar.
“Who are you meeting?”
“A formidable foe. How will you get by? Are you planning to charm anyone who comes by in my absence?.”
I had a rough idea of who he intended to meet, yet I couldn’t shake the nerves that gripped me.
“You’re not planning to ditch me, are you?”
“Where would I leave you behind? Trust me, Miss!”
Judging by his expression, he didn’t seem inclined to run off.
We agreed to reconvene in two hours after conducting our business at the fountain.
I made sure to slip him some money before parting ways.
“Bike. You know I consider you like a little brother, right? Have fun today.”
“Miss… Got it! Thank you!”
“I’ll whip up a sandwich for dinner when we get home!”
He hadn’t forgotten to leave behind with me a smokescreen, just in case I so desperately needed to flee.
After seeing him off, I sought directions from the locals and made my way toward the market in the capital.
The market in Seiren was a straightforward affair, a straight line of stalls and shops.
However, the capital’s market sprawled out like the branches of a tree, making it easy to lose one’s way.
Nevertheless, having grown up navigating the intricate streets of Seoul, I was adept at memorizing my surroundings to avoid getting lost.
“Do you happen to sell red beans?”
“You mean wheat? Or legumes?”
I had come in search of red beans. Unfortunately, they were nowhere to be found in the Seiren market.
Rosie’s mention of the dessert she desired, one with the sweetness of red bean paste, lingered in my mind.
I resolved to recreate the sensation of biting into a delicate bun, wrapped in thin dough.
To achieve that, I needed to procure some red beans and grow them as soon as possible.
As I matured, I found myself drawn to deeper, more nuanced flavors rather than overly sweet ones.
‘I should purchase a lightweight bag while I’m here…’
In this world, there are very few people who know how to manipulate mana. There may not even be one or two sorcerers in one country.
Instead, there were quite a variety of magic items made from mana stones, and they were easily obtainable when you came to the capital.
A lightweight bag imbued with mana was the ideal tool for carrying heavy loads.
David and Joseph had struggled without one thus far.
With such a bag, we could fulfill delivery orders even farther and faster afield than before.
‘Isn’t this the place…’
Despite my efforts to memorize my surroundings, I found myself wandering aimlessly, unable to locate a stall that would sell me red beans, seeds, or a magic shop to buy a bag.
I gestured roughly toward the merchants, feeling somewhat reluctant to ask for directions.
‘As expected, they’re unapproachable…’
Whereas the villagers of Seiren would readily assist me and be on their way, the denizens of the capital were exceedingly reticent.
“Hey, this is a steal. I’m practically giving it away.”
Such were the voices of the milk and butter vendors lining the street.
The aroma of fresh butter wafted through the air, enticing passersby.
The butter, whether freshly churned or slightly aged, appeared to be of excellent quality.
One vendor was hawking butter to a customer for a mere pittance.
But the price was exorbitant, and the butter had a slightly yellowish hue compared to the others.
“Though the product is quite expensive, it adds a delightful richness to any dish.”
“…looks like it’s been sitting out for two days.”
The vendor shot me a glare.
“What’s wrong with it?”
“The color changes with prolonged exposure to air.”
“No, it’s because the cows are from a different breed! The country of origin…”
“Everyone knows that cows in this country are all the same…”
The vendor’s face flushed crimson.
Eventually, I decided to bite my tongue and walk away.
“If you’re not purchasing anything, kindly leave.”
“Alright… Do you happen to know where I can find red beans?”
“…Go that way.”
The direction the vendor indicated led to an alley I had yet to explore.
With a nod of thanks, I departed in search of the elusive red beans.
‘Looks like I took a wrong turn…’
Entering the unfamiliar alleyway, I found myself surrounded by makeshift stalls manned by hooded figures. Unable to discern their faces, I felt a pang of unease.
I quickened my pace, eager to extricate myself from this unfamiliar territory.
Suddenly, someone seized my wrist, halting my progress.
“Miss, feeling a bit stifled, are we? Try this.”
“Oh, no thank you. I’m fine.”
A middle-aged woman cloaked in a deep hood offered me a long stick, its scent reminiscent of dried grass. It seemed she was peddling some sort of narcotic.
“How about this? With just one pill, you’ll enjoy pleasant dreams all day long.”
My suspicions were confirmed.
It became clear why everyone appeared impoverished—such substances were likely their only means of escape.
“I’ve got to go. Thank you.”
I attempted to extricate myself from their midst, only to find hungry eyes following my every move.
A man crept up behind me, his hands encircling my waist possessively.
A shiver ran down my spine at the realization that, just as Bike had warned, I could be robbed and abandoned.
“I’ve been searching for you. Where have you been?”
Suddenly, someone draped an arm around my shoulders, shielding me from the prying eyes of the onlookers.
Though I tried to catch a glimpse of his face, he too wore a hood, obscuring his features.
“…there’s a line.”
At his words, the merchants dispersed, evidently deferring to his authority.
With a gentle touch, he guided me along a narrow, winding path, my heart pounding in my chest.
As we turned a corner, the familiar sight of the main street came into view. Gasping for breath, I felt a wave of relief wash over me.
“It’s dangerous to wander alone in those parts.”
“Thank you. You saved me.”
Placing a hand over my racing heart, I felt the sweat beading on my forehead.
“Where were you going?”
“Oh…”
“I think I need to sit down for a moment.”
Unable to form a coherent response, I allowed him to lead me away from the bustling market.
*･゜ﾟ･*:.｡..｡.:*･:.｡..｡.:･*:.｡. .｡.:*･゜ﾟ･*
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