Anaïs, looking flustered, recited the lines of the shopkeeper.
“She’s a noble lady who visits our coffee house biweekly, and unfortunately, all the desserts she usually buys are out of stock…”
Trailing off with a look full of blame towards Max, he responded with a wry smile.
“Oh dear.”
“Having come all this way, it would be a pity for her to leave empty-handed…”
“That’s unfortunate. Anyway, where are the desserts I ordered? I’d like to pay for them if they’re ready.”
Max nonchalantly pulled out money, acting as if it was none of his concern.
Not following the script again! That wasn’t the right order! As Anaïs was about to express her frustration, Max surprised her with an ad-lib.
“I’ll gift all of them to this lady.”
“……!”
“All the packaged desserts, load them onto this beautiful lady’s carriage.”
Caught off guard by Max’s deviation from the script, Anaïs quickly regained her composure and resumed her role as Roxane.
“It’s really not necessary. You don’t have to…”
“Please, don’t refuse. Accept them.”
“Then, I’ll pay for them.”
“I know who you are, Lady Bastian. And I’m aware that you have more than enough money for desserts.”
“…….”
“People say that sugar is a blessing from the gods. But Lady Bastian,”
Max took a step closer. His large figure cast a shadow over Anaïs.
“I’ve seen a blessing greater than this today. So I’m saying that these are no longer needed.”
Max extended his hand to Anaïs, who, almost mesmerized, placed her hand on his.
Anaïs stared blankly as her hand slowly moved toward Max’s lips. The warmth of his lips lingered on the back of her hand.
A gentle touch.
His lips left a soft warmth on her hand as he pulled away. Staring into his unwavering blue eyes made her face flush.
“…….”
She felt somewhat breathless.
‘What’s going on? Why is he so good at this!’
If he’s this good, then why…?
“Lady Brienne. How’s that? I think we’re done with the rehearsal.”
Anaïs, who had quickly withdrawn her hand from Max, fanned herself with the script she held.
“Yes. I think… that’s enough.”
Certainly. More than enough.
Max donned his outerwear with a satisfied expression. He looked like a prisoner who had just been released after a long incarceration.
Anaïs, trailing behind him, said apologetically, “I won’t be able to go with you tomorrow because of salon work.”
“……?”
“I was planning to observe and cheer you on from a nearby location, but I’m sorry. That’s actually why I suggested the rehearsal today.”
“No, there’s no need to be sorry. Not at all.”
“Really? Even so…”
“Of course, the salon comes first. Doesn’t it?”
He seemed genuinely unconcerned about the apology. Max’s face was brighter than ever, looking as if he had been freed from a slaughterhouse and was now smiling widely.
“Why are you suddenly in such a good mood?”
Anaïs tilted her head, unable to follow his mood, and then exclaimed, “Ah, you’re already in a good mood thinking about tomorrow?”
“…….”
Heh heh heh.
Max clenched his teeth as he watched Anaïs squint her eyes and smile smugly. Seeing her misinterpretations, whether at the tea party or now, made his head ache. He couldn’t stand being cast into her cringeworthy imaginings. And since he couldn’t correct her, he was left to endure it.
“Anyway,”
With a forced, friendly smile, he patted Anaïs on the back.
“Don’t worry about anything. Just relax and do your job.”
Anaïs, who had been swaying under his touch, straightened up with newfound resolve.
‘Why does he keep emphasizing this? Why does it make me uneasy…’
Anaïs watched Max walk ahead with a half-closed gaze for a while, then shook her head to shake off her worries.
Oh well, it’s nothing to worry about.
****
On the day of the operation.
Anaïs had ended up coming to Maison Plenay. Her face looked pale as she gazed at the blue facade of the most famous coffee house in Barbier. It was no wonder, as she had to endure a barrage of the butler’s nagging to get here.
She understood the butler’s concern, though.
Today was the day she was supposed to visit the salon to view new paintings. Therefore, she had to accompany them.
The art dealer Anderson-Briens Salon primarily deals with opens a sale in Barbier only twice a year and stays for just a week.
Today was the opening day of the sale, and missing the first day meant missing out on all the good paintings, so the butler’s admonitions were entirely correct.
‘But what can I do?’
The situation was special.
Max’s marriage depended on Anaïs. For now, Prince Max came before the salon. It was a decision she had made after a night of agonizing.
Heh heh. He probably doesn’t even know I’m here.
The prince is not alone.
I’m loyal like this.
I’ve come running for my comrades.
I’ll be watching, so don’t be nervous and do well
Anaïs, who was preparing to appear in front of him to boost his courage, soon changed her mind.
‘Isn’t there a high chance he’ll make a mistake because of embarrassment?’
Thinking about his performance during practice, it seemed quite likely.
‘Instead, I’ll compliment him after everything is over.’
Resolved, Anaïs chose an empty seat at Maison Plenay. It was next to a large Benjamin tree that fit well with the high ceilings of the coffee house.
When a server came over to ask if she had company, Anaïs ordered coffee and spread out the newspaper she had brought, showing only her eyes. As a few pieces of biscuits and coffee were placed on the table, she noticed Max’s carriage through the large glass window.
People recognized Max as he got out of the carriage and whispered among themselves. Despite the gossip, Max’s appearance today was impeccable.
Walking with his long legs, he entered the coffee house and approached the showcase to choose his desserts.
“From here to here. Everything inside as well.”
The already startled staff began sweating profusely upon hearing Max’s order. It seemed the pressure of not keeping him waiting was making them flustered, and they started to fumble around. Max was directed to wait for a moment, and he turned toward the hall.
Rustle!
“……”
Anaïs, who had barely managed to cover herself with the newspaper, sighed in relief. She had almost made eye contact with him.
But is there really a need for me to hide so much?
As Anaïs pondered this, Max fortunately settled into a position where he was fairly visible to her.
She carefully poked two holes in the middle of the newspaper. Her light green eyes peeked through the gaps. The server poured water for Max and reiterated that he would need to wait a little longer. Time passed, and then—
Ding.
The sound of clicking heels made her eyes involuntarily shift.
A woman with rich brown hair, loosely braided, entered Maison Plenay. With every movement, her dress, made of layers of satin, shimmered like mother-of-pearl. The dress was as ethereal as she was.
‘That person… Roxane de Bastian!’
It felt as if the very air had changed.
The sound of teacups being dropped could be heard here and there. Anaïs glanced around and couldn’t help but flinch. A gentleman sitting not far away was so engrossed in Roxane’s presence that he was oblivious to coffee spilling on his trousers.
It felt as if sunlight only shone upon Roxane de Bastian. During her time away from Barbié, Roxane’s appearance had become even more refined, exuding an air of holiness and nobility as if all glory followed in her wake.
Anaïs watched Max with only her eyes. He appeared disinterested in the commotion caused by the guest and simply sipped his water.
Soon after, a few words of discomfort reached her ears.
She saw Roxane and her companion looking distressed. They must have realized that there were no desserts available for them today.
