58. Festival Outing
2024.06.27.
The four of them happily enjoyed the festival. Amy and Ryan each claimed they knew the best spots and eagerly competed to guide Riena.
Max, who was following behind, looked a little awkward as he watched the two of them. With several deep sighs, it was clear he was already worried about his beloved younger sibling having a romantic interest.
Riena leaned close to him and whispered:
“Sir Carrot, don’t worry. Ryan is really a good person. You know what they say—anyone who loves plants can’t be a bad person.”
Still, Max let out another deep sigh.
“I already know that Gardener Ryan is a decent man. There are many rumors about him in the mansion. Of course, there are also many maids who like him. And Ryan treats those maids kindly…”
“Is that a problem?”
Was he worried Ryan might flirt or do something improper?
Riena swallowed her words.
“It’s not really a problem. Ryan is genuinely kind to everyone, regardless of age or gender. He’s even quite close with the knights, whom he barely interacts with. But…”
Max seemed concerned that Ryan, though kind to everyone, might inadvertently hurt Amy’s feelings with ambiguous behavior.
“Well, I think if Ryan were to have a girlfriend, he would set clear boundaries. I don’t know who that girlfriend would be, though.”
“Is that so…”
“Miss, aren’t you coming?”
While Riena and Max were deep in conversation, Amy, who had gotten ahead, called out. She ran over and grabbed Riena’s arm.
“There are so many people, you might lose us if you’re not careful. Stay close to me.”
“Okay, got it.”
Riena smiled at Max, who sighed again, and then started walking briskly.
After that, the four of them did a lot. First, they went to a famous restaurant in the capital to satisfy their hunger.
If it became known that Riena was the fiancée of the famous Duke Winkler, the crowd around her would surely become chaotic. Since Max alone might not be enough to protect her if people gathered, Riena didn’t mention that she was Kassel’s fiancée.
Because of that, they had to wait for ordinary seats instead of a special table, but it turned out to be fun in its own way.
After filling their stomachs, they began sightseeing in earnest. Riena alternated happily between the places Amy and Ryan guided her to.
They saw exotic jewelry imported from overseas, bought a toy for Noah, and even participated in games at the festival stalls.
One game involved throwing a dagger at a small target, with prizes based on how many times you hit it. Max hit all five times and won the best prize.
“No one has ever succeeded at all five before. That’s amazing.”
“I’m a bit good at throwing daggers.”
Max shrugged. The shop owner, far from being disappointed, happily handed over the prize, saying it had been fun to watch. It was a rather expensive-looking necklace.
Max hesitated briefly, then gave the necklace to Riena, who in turn passed it to Amy. Max wasn’t bothered by her action.
Time flew by as they enjoyed the festival, and eventually their feet began to ache. Amy noticed Riena’s discomfort and said:
“I think we’ve seen enough. Shall we head back, Miss?”
“Shall we? Is everyone okay with going back?”
“Of course. We’ve seen plenty.”
“I am ready to follow whatever you say, Miss.”
Thus, the four of them walked toward the carriage storage. The crowds were too thick for the carriage to enter the inner area.
As they walked, Riena stopped when she saw a display through the window of a shop. The showroom, decorated extravagantly from the outside, displayed delicious-looking chocolates.
They came in various colors and shapes, even some carved in large blocks like marble statues.
Amy, noticing Riena’s interest, explained:
“This is a dessert shop run by a famous chocolatier in the capital. Many noble ladies visit here. Since your legs must be tired, shall we go in for a little break and enjoy some sweets?”
“Tea is fine. I’m not hungry yet. But can I buy some chocolate?”
“For Lord Noah?”
“Mm…”
Riena hesitated. The first person she thought of when she saw the chocolates was actually Kassel, not Noah.
〈When I cried, my brother would secretly give me chocolate. This is a secret, but I really love chocolate.〉
She recalled a conversation from her childhood with Kassel.
‘Now that I think about it, I haven’t seen Kassel eat chocolate since we arrived in the capital.’
Not just chocolate—she rarely saw him eat desserts at all.
Since Riena’s tastes were similar to her childhood self, Kassel probably still liked chocolate.
“I think Lord Noah will really love these. Let’s go in!”
Amy, unaware of Riena’s thoughts, led her inside. The clerk greeted them.
“Welcome! How can I help you?”
Amy replied for Riena:
“We want to buy some chocolate. Something suitable for a ten-year-old.”
“For a child, I recommend chocolate with more milk so it’s less bitter. Chocolate with nuts and dried fruit is also popular.”
The clerk explained the flavors of the chocolates displayed in the glass case. Riena chose chocolates with Amy to give to Noah.
“Would you like to buy some desserts to have with tea when you return?”
“Shall we?”
They packed a few cakes and tarts, and also bought cookies for the maids.
The shop clerk, pleased by the sales, asked brightly:
“Do you need anything else?”
“No…”
“Wait, Amy.”
Riena interrupted her. The clerk smiled even wider.
“Yes! How else can I help?”
“Do you have chocolate with a richer flavor? Something suitable for someone who doesn’t like sweets.”
Riena wanted to pick chocolate suitable for Kassel, in case he didn’t prefer sweet flavors anymore.
“In that case… Are you buying it for yourself, or is it also a gift?”
“It’s a gift.”
“The recipient is a gentleman, right?”
“…Yes.”
Riena’s voice grew slightly embarrassed.
“For a gentleman… let’s see.”
The clerk, examining the chocolates, asked again:
“Does he drink alcohol?”
“I’m not sure… He doesn’t usually, but I think he can handle it.”
“Then I recommend chocolates with alcohol. They’re especially popular as gifts for loved ones.”
Amy interjected excitedly:
“Miss, are you giving this to the master?”
“No, it’s just… since we came all this way, I didn’t want to buy only for Noah…”
Amy grinned:
“If that’s the case, you should’ve said so earlier! The master is strong with alcohol! He doesn’t drink often, but once he does, all the knights present can barely keep up!”
Max joined in:
“That’s true. No one can match our lord’s tolerance.”
“Is it okay to give this as a gift?”
“Of course! He’ll be delighted!”
The clerk, seizing the opportunity, continued the sales pitch:
“Then how about this? We have a gift set with various chocolates infused with alcohol.”
“Yes, we’ll take that.”
“Excellent choice. Please wait a moment while I prepare it.”
After paying and sitting briefly, the clerk returned with a paper bag full of chocolates. She showed Riena the contents and explained everything inside.
“This is a new product released this fall, included for you to try. And…”
The clerk handed the last bag with a satisfied smile:
“We specially packaged the chocolates for the gentleman as a gift.”
Indeed, the chocolates for Kassel were extravagantly packaged. A burgundy ribbon contrasted the brown box, tied voluminously. Heart-shaped pink paper adorned the bottom.
‘This wasn’t really necessary…’
Riena worried Kassel might misunderstand, but smiled at the clerk anyway.
“Thank you. The gift packaging is lovely.”
“I’m glad you like it. Please visit us anytime.”
The festival outing ended this way. Riena returned to the mansion, distributed cookies to the maids, and gave Noah his toy and chocolates.
“Wow! Are these really for me?”
“Yes. Do you like them?”
“Very much! Thank you so much, sister!”
Afterward, Riena spent time in the garden until dinner, having tea with the three companions from the outing. They enjoyed the desserts from the shop, and sent a few to Noah and his tutor.
Having enjoyed the day to the fullest, Riena headed happily to the dining room.
