Chapter 72
Strikes When You Let Your Guard Down (6)
“Have you been well, Bella?”
“Welcome, Miss.”
“You’ve worked hard, haven’t you? The orders have been heavier than usual these past few days, so it must have been tough.”
“Not at all. The flowers ordered from the main store have been set aside over at that booth.”
“Thank you. That’s the last of them, right?”
“Yes, Miss.”
Bella, the maid sent by the Sestain Duke family on her behalf, greeted her once more.
“Then I’ll be off.”
“Yes. Always grateful. Ah, and you can take tomorrow and the day after off if you like.”
“Understood.”
Without further reply, Bella left the shop.
Eluciana immediately moved toward the inside of the shop—the very place Bella had mentioned where the flowers had been set aside.
“Since they’ve been magically treated, the items should be fine, right?”
Because these were flower decorations for a noble’s party, they needed to be handled carefully. Using flowers treated with preservation magic was the bare minimum standard.
If a noble found fault, it could tarnish the shop’s reputation—or worse, someone could get into real trouble.
As long as the shop’s staff were commoners, no matter how unfair the situation, they couldn’t overcome social status.
If any problem arose, the flower shop would have to take full responsibility.
“I have to prepare this perfectly. Not a single flaw can show.”
Eluciana carefully inspected the flowers while reviewing the concept requested by the Count of Eragost once more.
Some time later that afternoon.
Stretching her arms above her head, Eluciana let out a satisfying yawn.
“Ugh… my whole body aches.”
Lowering her arms, she placed her right fist on her opposite shoulder and tapped it.
“Not a single spot that doesn’t hurt.”
Under her eyes, dark circles had formed from the long hours of work.
But it was all over now. The flowers for decorating the Eragost estate were more perfect than ever.
By arranging white and purple flowers together, their colors created a mystical, enchanting atmosphere.
Looking over the baskets of flowers filling the shop, Eluciana smiled contentedly.
“Now we just have to deliver them properly.”
Because of the work, she had taken the next day off. Though the Duke had pressed her to explain her assignment, she had to, but it meant she could enjoy an extra day of rest.
“And yet, to just hand this over so casually.”
Eluciana glanced at the glass bottle on the work table and snorted softly.
Its contents had already been used, leaving only the empty bottle.
‘Preservation potion.’
The potion she had used was produced directly by the Sestain Duke family and was of exceptional quality.
Moreover, it wasn’t yet available on the market, so it wasn’t something she could just buy.
Yet the Duke had handed her this precious item just because she asked for a day off.
‘This is a newly made preservation potion, with some enhancers added. Its effects are reliable, so it should help.’
Even though she had received flowers already magically treated, there was no reason for Eluciana to refuse.
Not using such a cheat given by a powerful patron would be like kicking away a blessing delivered to her feet.
Taking in the shop filled with flower baskets, Eluciana smiled warmly.
“Let’s finish early today for tomorrow.”
Maintaining her condition properly was part of being a professional. After checking the neatly arranged shop once more, she clapped her hands to dust off, and at that moment, the door suddenly swung open.
Jingle. Jingle.
“Lucy!”
Through the wide-open door, a head of luxurious golden hair swayed softly.
“Noel? What’s the matter?”
Eluciana, secretly pleased, remembered what had happened a few days ago and quickly turned her head.
‘I was so worried since you just left after offering your support.’
Whatever had happened at the House of Angels seemed completely forgotten; the Noel before her was as lighthearted as ever.
Like a playful puppy wagging its tail, Noel had already darted over to Eluciana.
“Didn’t you miss me?”
“Miss you? Not at all.”
As soon as Noel spoke, Eluciana shook her head and walked past him to go outside.
Trailing behind her, Noel pouted.
“How can you answer without even listening to me? Hey! Wait there, Lucy. Where are you going, huh?”
Eluciana, already outside, turned to face him.
“It’s time to close the shop. Can you step aside, please? Customer?”
Despite her slightly sharp tone, Noel looked up at the sky and replied as if nothing had happened.
“The sun hasn’t even set yet. Already?”
“Does it matter if the sun is out? If the owner wants to close, we close. Now come out quickly instead of lingering at the door.”
Unable to resist her insistence, Noel slipped outside and stood close to her, whispering into her ear.
“I came because I have something important to tell you.”
The warm breath made her flinch and touch her ear.
“Wh-what are you doing?”
“What do you mean? I’m talking to you.”
Eluciana had been about to scold him but closed her mouth. Seeing his innocent gaze, she realized she had overreacted.
She brushed her flushed cheeks and gently pushed him off her shoulder.
“Lucy? Are you sick? Your face is red.”
Noel moved closer again, and Eluciana shouted with her hands outstretched.
“Please, back off!”
“What? Why are you shouting at me? Am I not even allowed to worry?”
“No! Don’t! Don’t speak, don’t come near, don’t worry. Just! Don’t do anything!”
Hearing her firm words, Noel pouted. Then, a few passersby stopped and started whispering.
“Oh my, looks like that man got rejected.”
“Handsome, too. How did that happen?”
“I saw it. That woman seemed really harsh. He was just trying to worry, and she yelled at him.”
Eluciana flinched at the whispers.
Noel, looking like a rejected lover, glanced around, and sure enough, more people were watching them.
‘What am I supposed to do with this beauty?’
His golden hair and dazzling looks drew attention wherever he went.
Seizing the moment, Noel turned his head and gave a small, subtle smile—one that couldn’t be seen from the other side, making it even more charming.
“Really… nothing at all? Not even worry?”
Eluciana, incredulous, tilted her head and glared at him.
“…What exactly are you trying to gain by all this?”
“I told you. I have something important to say.”
Eluciana snorted.
“Does this seem like the behavior of someone who has something important to say?”
Noel shook his head, looking aggrieved.
“I’m just as flustered as you are, Lucy.”
“If we’re talking about flustered, I’m way worse.”
Eluciana crossed her arms and glared at him.
If this dragged on, who knew how many more people would gather? Human curiosity works like that—people get curious when they see a crowd, even if they weren’t interested at first.
Moreover, whispers continued to circulate in real time—
“Fine, okay. Let’s hear it. What is this important thing you wanted to say?”
“Well… it’s like this.”
Noel paused, licked his red lips, and gave a meaningful smile.
The next day, the day to deliver the flower arrangements to the Eragost estate arrived.
Eluciana woke up earlier than usual and headed to the fragrant garden.
A pre-arranged wagon was ready, so she could quickly load the flowers.
“Once these are loaded, we can depart.”
After handing the last flower basket to the coachman, Eluciana locked the shop door and climbed into the wagon.
At that moment—
“Lucy!”
Eluciana, halfway turned, felt a wave of dismay wash over her.
No way… he actually came this early in the morning!
Catching his breath after a long run, he smiled brightly.
“Huff… Huff… Lucy, you didn’t forget the promise we made yesterday, right?”
“……”
“Why no answer? Were you planning to leave without me?”
“…For now, let’s ride.”
Without another word, Eluciana climbed into the wagon, and Noel quickly followed behind her.
