Episode 11:
Undercover Job (part7)
“No matter how softly you speak, it’s too quiet here to not hear. I may not know much about magic, but I do know it’s not something just anyone can do.”
“People around here just brush things off. So, let’s just say that bird was a rare genius one.”
“That’s it?”
“Yes. It’s not that important, right? If the employer’s a genius, the business will thrive. Good news, isn’t it?”
But her attempt fell flat.
After all, they had only just met yesterday. Even if she was here to observe and spy, it was still only her first day working as an assistant. Asking too many questions could raise suspicion.
She couldn’t ruin the bigger mission by being impatient. Temia shut her mouth.
Still, the vague sense of disappointment wouldn’t leave her.
Was it because she had gotten greedy after a successful first step? Or was it that she was disappointed in how unexpectedly sloppy this man seemed?
Temia, having resolved to stay focused, lifted her head with determination.
But the face she had hoped to see wasn’t there.
Startled, Temia looked around. Lowell had already thrown away the ruined herbs in a corner and was now filling a new pot with fresh ones.
Noticing her gaze, he grinned and said,
“Well, what’s done is done. This time, I’ll make it something you can actually manage, Temia. Think you can handle it?”
“That was just a mistake earlier! I won’t mess up again. Don’t worry!”
“It’s hard not to, considering the last pot got completely scorched. And if it happens again, we’ve got no spare ingredients left.”
As Temia clenched her fist and spoke firmly, Lowell waved a hand in response.
“I’m not expecting much again. Like I said, I’m prepared for a certain level of mistakes.”
“But still…”
“I do expect competence, yes. But for now, let’s just say this is your probation period. The shop didn’t burn down, so that’s lucky, right?”
As Lowell finished, the corners of his mouth lifted.
Why is he acting reasonable all of a sudden?
Temia realized for the first time that he wasn’t smirking mockingly. She felt embarrassed, as if she had overreacted alone, and her face turned red again.
He’s such a strange man. His words often had a sharp edge, but he easily overlooked his own mistakes.
He acted like he’d throw me out at the first mistake, but maybe he’s unexpectedly generous to people he thinks are useful?
Shocked by her own thoughts, Temia shook her head.
Letting her guard down because of a little kindness? Absolutely not. He was not someone to treat lightly.
All of this was probably just to use her more efficiently. Didn’t he just ask her to memorize every herb in the store in a single day?
The wizard handed her a large wooden ladle and then sat at a desk in the corner, flipping through documents with deep focus.
There was no space for more conversation. Temia firmly decided to concentrate and succeed this time.
She stirred the pot carefully, focused on not making mistakes, when suddenly a voice called from behind.
“I came to check because it was so quiet… but this is too weak. Are you planning to boil this same batch all week?”
“But you said it was too hot earlier! So I turned the heat down…”
How is anyone supposed to keep up with this?! Frustrated, Temia stirred faster.
The pot began bubbling vigorously from the rapid stirring.
And at that moment, the thick liquid surged toward her. Unprepared, Temia shut her eyes tight.
“Careful. Do you want to end up injured on your first day? I didn’t plan for my assistant to disappear on day one.”
But no scalding sensation came.
Lowell had gotten up and pulled her back just in time.
W-what?
She had nearly gotten burned. But soon Temia thought maybe it would’ve been better if she had — because now, she was completely wrapped in Lowell’s arms.
“This should be my line.”
He looked down at her, stunned, as she stood nestled against him.
Her face flushed as she realized how close they were. She quickly pulled away.
“I-It wasn’t intentional. You suddenly pulled me, so…”
“I did. And you didn’t fall, so it’s fine.”
Unlike her flustered babbling, he seemed unfazed.
But when she saw his hand in front of her, her voice rose.
“Your hand! Are you okay?”
“It’s fine. Just a minor thing, it’ll fade soon. Good thing it was on low heat.”
He waved it off, but seeing the faintly reddened skin filled Temia with guilt.
Kind? That’s not like him. What a hard-to-read man.
Really, it would’ve been better if she’d been the one hurt. Being cared for like this was more painful than getting burned.
Lowell glanced into the pot and muttered,
“Extremely dramatic. What have you been doing all this time without learning basic things like this?”
“I was studying.”
Studying only to understand him — but still, it wasn’t a lie. Temia pouted a little.
She had been sick for most of her childhood, so she missed out on many experiences. But now that she was older, it felt a little embarrassing to blame that.
This is why book knowledge is never enough.
“You really are a handful.”
He snorted and took the ladle from her to stir himself.
“Looks like you’ve got a long road ahead. If you’ve got questions, ask now. I might be too busy later.”
“…How do you use magic without chanting?”
“I told you. I whispered the spell.”
“Liar.”
You’re not going to tell me anyway.
Her cheeks puffed in frustration.
“Then how about the name of this workshop? Why ‘Green Sandwich’? It’s a bit… odd.”
“Oh, that? I had to fill out a contract before I even decided on a name. I was eating a sandwich at the time.”
“I thought just calling it ‘Sandwich’ was boring, so I added something to show it was mine. Hence, ‘Green Sandwich.’”
Temia was speechless at the careless explanation.
Isn’t naming your business supposed to mean something? Especially for the owner?
“Good thing you weren’t eating something weird. Imagine if it had been… sardine pie!”
“White Sardine Pie — what a name.”
“White?”
“Your hair.”
The wizard flicked a strand of her hair as it swayed.
Temia frowned.
“I don’t even like sardine pie… no one would come if that was the shop’s name.”
“Really? You mentioning sardine pie just decided tonight’s dinner for me.”
He flashed a dangerously dazzling smile. It made Temia feel sick despite not having eaten yet.
“Who said you could decide that?”
“I did. Can someone who can’t even make proper potions cook well? I don’t eat bad food.”
“Then why sardine pie at all?!”
“Because it’s not for me — it’s your share. Don’t like it? Throw it away. That’s the kind of luxury only nobles afford, though.”
She felt trapped.
Sure, sardine pie was just another dish, but its appearance and strong flavor made it far from popular — and he definitely knew that.
Plus, he added insult by suggesting rejecting food was a noble’s behavior. Temia gritted her teeth and shouted:
“I never said I wouldn’t eat it! I’m not picky!”
And that night…
Nervously shoveling the pie into her mouth, Temia barely managed a few bites before giving up and putting her fork down.
She spent the rest of the night clutching her hungry stomach and swallowing tears.
Now he’s torturing people with food? Just wait, I’ll definitely get my revenge one day…
The second day ended in ruin again.
