Chapter 49

11 seconds, 10 seconds… the customers inside the shop all stood up and rushed out. I looked around the now-empty café. Through the white chiffon curtains, I could see the kicked-out customers standing outside and murmuring.

Tessarion pointed to the deepest corner of the shop.

“Sit over there.”

But the place was empty now—why sit in the corner? The main character should sit in the center where the lights shine best!

I ignored Tessarion and escorted Verieta to the seat in the center. I pulled out a chair for her, let her sit first, then took the opposite chair with a cheerful smile toward Tessarion.

But he didn’t move.

“If the knight prefers that seat, then I’ll take this one.”

“Huh?”

I quickly sat in the seat he wanted. Since there were only two chairs at the small round tea table, if he didn’t sit, he’d be the one missing out.

The nervous waiter, sweating nervously, came over and handed the menu to Verieta.

She looked surprised and gave a little “Oh!” sound with round lips.

“Roy, you’re pretty cool.”

She probably meant: “Aren’t you scared of being rude to the Duke?”

Of course, just thinking about being alone with him tonight made my heart race and hands clammy. But I had claimed I’d live boldly—so now I had to prove it.

He needed to see the consequences of his own actions.

---

“Don’t avoid eye contact. Eyes show your true feelings.”

I remembered what Tessarion had told me. I clenched my shaking jaw and looked straight at Verieta.

“Huh? Uh, th-thank you. You look really beautiful today too, Miss.”

“I’m glad you noticed how much effort I put in.”

Verieta replied with a lovely smile.

Ugh, she’s so pretty!

A dramatic dolphin inside my chest did a triple jump.

“Everything looks so delicious. I heard northern desserts made with nuts are famous. Roy, could you recommend something?”

“Praline? How about Mont Hoché? It’s filled with chestnut cream and topped with crushed pralines and chocolate.”

Mont Hoché… I only got to eat it once during my 10th life, and that was at a party in Claremont Castle. It’s the signature dessert of La Belle Chocolatière, and I remember the noble ladies and kids at the banquet praising it.

Thinking back, I explained those desserts one by one, just like those noblewomen had. When I looked up from the menu, I met Verieta’s pale green eyes staring right at me.

She smiled softly, warmly.

Ahhh, my heart!

My neck and face went hot.

“Shall we order now?”

Verieta raised her hand to call the waiter.

As she did, Tessarion, who’d been watching us the whole time, dragged a chair and placed it right between us. Then he snatched the menu from Verieta’s hands and opened it.

“……”

“……”

Verieta and I both frowned and glared at him. The spot was already tight, and his long legs made it worse. His wide-brimmed hat was so big, I had to move my chair back to avoid getting poked.

“Excuse me, Sir Knight? That’s very rude to the lady. Also, it’s basic manners to remove your hat indoors.”

“I’m clearly a jerk. You can see that.”

Tessarion actually admitted he’s a jerk?

“No alcohol.”

“Why not? Desserts soaked in honey wine are the sweetest and most moist…”

“We don’t have time. Just Mont Hoché and black tea. Send the rest to Claremont Castle.”

He handed the menu back to the waiter. I scowled at him for ordering whatever he wanted. Verieta, somehow still graceful and patient, addressed her rude fiancé:

“Sir Knight, if you’re busy, you can leave.”

“What if Roy gets hurt while I’m gone? You think he’s not being watched? You’d be surprised how many rats are after him.”

Tessarion growled at Verieta. I blinked, pointing at myself.

“Huh? Me?”

Between us, Verieta looks rich, and Tessarion is definitely the most suspicious-looking one…

Someone’s after me?

I had heard that unmarried young northern nobles were looking to force eligible bachelors like me into marriage. Is that what this is about?

I glanced around.

Behind the chiffon curtain, I saw a royal knight hiding behind the perfume shop stall. Outside, some noble ladies and young couples were peeking in. Even a beggar crouched in a corner seemed to be looking at us.

Gulp.

A cold, eerie feeling ran down my spine. It reminded me of the blood-red eyes of the beast that stared at me in Shinerwen.

…Just my imagination, right?

No way a beast would show up in broad daylight.

The frightened waiter, hands shaking, brought over a tea set and a three-tier tray full of Mont Hoché.

“E-e-enjoy your tea!”

He didn’t even explain the desserts before running off and hiding in the kitchen.

Verieta poured tea and spoke calmly.

“Don’t worry, Roy. If anything bad happens, I’ll protect you.”

“Huh? N-no, I—uh, the knight will protect you! Haha, and we brought several shadows with us, so no worries. Everyone relax and enjoy…”

Before I could finish, a loud crash rang from outside.

BOOM!

“Ahhh! Aaaaah!”

Screams echoed from the street. I jumped and turned, but Tessarion pulled me close, wrapping an arm around my shoulder.

I tried to look at what was happening, but Tessarion blocked my view.

He turned sharply to Verieta, showing his sharp teeth like a wolf. His eyes, beneath the hat, were icy cold.

“What are you doing? Something’s clearly happening.”

Verieta slammed the teapot down and glared at him.

“Didn’t you say confidently that you’d protect us? Should I take care of it myself?”

“…Tch.”

She stood up with her cane. I panicked and tried to stop her.

“Miss, you’re still hurt. Let me check outside. D-Don’t worry, I’ll go. Sir Knight, please look after her.”

But Verieta smiled gently and tapped my shoulder.

“It’s okay, Roy. I’ll handle it quietly.”

“Yeah, right.”

Tessarion scoffed. Verieta scrunched her nose and glared back.

“Leon, you’ll regret underestimating a support mage.”

“Then go out and show me your skills.”

The sweet, kind angelic look on Verieta’s face turned icy cold. Tessarion’s teasing expression hardened.

Seeing the tension between them, I quickly tried to stop it.

“N-no! I’ll—”

But Verieta pressed my shoulder down and whispered in my ear:

“It won’t take long. Sit, Roy.”

W-What?

My ears turned red as I watched her limp toward the door. I couldn’t believe what I just heard.

…Her deep, calm voice whispered in my ear—it felt unfamiliar, yet reassuring.

Ding.

The doorbell chimed as the front door opened. Snapping out of it, I pointed toward the exit.

“W-wait! Duke! P-princess—she’s going out alone! I’ll go with her!”

I rushed to follow her, but Tessarion stopped me.

“Stay here.”

He grabbed my arm tight so I couldn’t pull away. I tried to drag him with me, but he yanked me into his chest in one swift motion. I struggled, pushing at his shoulder.

“Duke! The Princess is in danger! Your Grace!”