BXBX NOVEL Chapter 14: Chapter 1, Episode 14
Chapter 14: Chapter 1, Episode 14
Translated by KaiesV
Edited by KaiesV
I thought that distance is really important.
The itchiness and uncomfortableness I had felt earlier was gone. The atmosphere between Ryniel-sama and I is back to the same one we always have, and it is easy to talk to him. I think that Ryniel-sama in escort mode is wonderful, but for me, the normal Ryniel-sama is just right. The distance between us two is a little closer than usual, but this is within the acceptable range.
The first thing we did was to visit our destination, a shop.
「A bakery?」
「Yes, I need to talk to the baker.」
Ryniel-sama probably didn’t expect to be brought to a bakery to buy souvenirs. His eyes widened in surprise.
「This bakery is very popular downtown. They carry everything from bread that is usually eaten as a staple for meals to small baked goods. It’s very tasty, and both Myra-sama and I are big fans of it!」
Bread and pastries often overlap in ingredients, and it is only natural that if the ingredients for making bread are available, pastries can be baked as well. A few years ago, this bakery began selling baked goods, which became popular. The baked goods are popular among the children at the orphanage.
「It’s worth remembering, this store.」
「That’s why we have to endorse it.」
「Yes. As for the rest, there’s Myra-sama’s favorite jewelry store, may I take you there later? Although they are for the common people, they are also bought by aristocrats because of their innovative designs that cannot be bought in the aristocratic districts.」
Except for the aristocrats who don’t want to set foot in the common district, but if you’re splitting hairs about that, you’re just going to miss the social trends.
「That’s something to look forward to.」
I knew that I could not miss these two restaurants if I wanted Ryniel-sama to be satisfied with them. I was relieved to hear that Ryniel-sama agreed to go to these two restaurants.
When I opened the door of the store, a bell rang.
「Hello.」
As soon as I entered the store, the gentle aroma of bread wafted through the air, and the well-dressed woman displaying the bread looked at me and gave me a big smile.
「Oyaa, if isn’t Lady Marsha.」
「It’s been a while.」
This is Miranda, the proprietress of this shop.
「What’s the matter with you today, you’ve got a very handsome man with you.」
This one? And I wave my hand in front of my face as Miranda gives me a thumbs up.
「That can’t be true. He’s my colleague. He’s running an errand for me.」
「Oh, well, that’s boring, isn’t it? I thought I was finally going to hear some good news, huh?」
Miranda-san looks at me and Ryniel-sama meaningfully, but I won’t let myself down.
「Ryniel-sama, this is the proprietress of the restaurant, Miranda-san.」
I look up at Ryniel-sama and introduces Miranda-san.
「It is an honor to meet you, madam. My name is Ryniel Abrams.」
「Oh, no, I’m too shy to be a madam. I’m just Miranda. I’m glad you call me that, but you must be a nobleman if you are a colleague of this lady. Am I being rude?」
「Not at all. I will gladly call you Miranda.」
「So be it. But you know what, after saying it myself, it tickles me to hear such a manly man call me by name.」
“I’m going to be ten years younger,” Miranda said, shaking her shoulders exaggeratedly.
「What are the new products this time?」
「It’s steamed walnut and raisin pastry. Would you like to try some?」
「Is it alright?」
「It’s a thank you for bringing such a handsome guy.」
Miranda cracked one eye, laughed, and then went to the back to get the pastry.
「Ryniel-sama was cool and got it. Thank you.」
「You’re welcome. I’m glad to see this face put to good use.」
I laughed because it was like Ryniel-sama not to be modest there. Am I small-minded enough to think that it would be more sarcastic to have that look on my face and be told『no such thing?』
When I smile, Ryniel-sama smiles back at me, which makes me smile even more. It is the first time for me to see such a mischievous Ryniel-sama, which makes me laugh even more.
「Well, well, well, you are very close. Are you really on good terms?」
Miranda-san came back from the back with a grin and made fun of me, but I could only shake my head.
「He is too good for me. And is that it?」
Bite-sized pastries arranged on a plate held by Miranda-san. A toothpick is also neatly attached. I am sure she prepared it considering that we are nobles.
「You’re more interested in eating than men. You’re not sexy as ever.」
「That’s how tempting Miranda’s pastries are!」
「I wish that were the case.」
Miranda looked at me and Ryniel-sama alternately, cowered her shoulders, and then held out her plate as if to say,『Here you go.』
「Itadakimasu.」
With a refusal and took a piece of pastry with a toothpick and put it in my mouth. Ryniel-sama took a piece of pastry and put it in his mouth as well.
「Ah, it’s delicious. Very moist and gentle on the palate.」
「The dough itself is not that sweet. The sweetness of the dried grapes is just right. The texture of the walnuts accentuates the taste and keeps it from getting boring.」
「It would go well with either a snack or a meal.」
「Yes, it is. Even those who have a slight sweet tooth will be able to eat it.」
When we say “souvenirs for the orphanage,” it’s not only the children who eat them. The staff and those of us who accompany them also eat them. As for Myra-sama, she and the children look forward to the act of eating the same food, although of course only after they have been poisoned.
Hmm-hmm, I chewed and exchanged opinions with Ryniel-sama.
「How big was it before you cut it?」
「Look, they’re lined up right there.」
The one at the place she pointed to is about the size of my fist.
「That’s not a problem in terms of size.」
「That’s true.」
「Miranda-san. Could you deliver these to the orphanage as usual? We have about this many.」
Then I handed her a piece of paper with a number written on it, and Miranda looked it over and nodded.
「I’ll take care of it. Thanks again.」
「I look forward to working with you again.」
I gave her the money for the pastries, and with it I bought baked goods for myself, for home, and for Myra-sama. I know it’s a lot of work, but I’ll leave them with Ryniel-sama and have them delivered. If you ask Marie to give it to me, it will reach Myra-sama by the proper means. I wouldn’t be foolish enough to ask her to give it to me directly. Sometimes it is safer to hand them over in person, but you never know how things will turn out at the royal court.