UFSM 28

Chapter 28 – “I’m here to pay for the cake.”

He kissed the back of my hand, then slowly stepped back with a soft smile. I couldn’t hide the look of awkwardness on my face.

This is just… too much.

“For a cake, this seems a bit excessive.”

“Not at all, my lady.”

I gestured toward the stack of boxes beside the duchy’s front gate, still taken aback, but he only laughed, waving his hands.

“In fact, I was sent on an urgent errand by my master that day to get that cake. It’s such a popular item, I was nervous the whole way there. Ha ha.”

“Oh, so you were running an errand.”

“If I hadn’t met you that day, I wouldn’t have been able to return to my master. To exaggerate a bit, you’re a savior, my lady.”

He bowed again, saying I had saved his life. I quickly waved my hand, insisting it wasn’t like that.

Despite the joking tone, I could tell it had been a genuinely serious situation.

“The person who wanted the Orléans cake was absolutely delighted. Things turned out well because of it, and so my master sent these gifts to express his gratitude.”

“I’m glad to hear things worked out. Happy I could help.”

“Your kindness is just as beautiful as your appearance. Honestly, this still doesn’t feel like enough.”

“Well, since you’ve come all this way, I’ll gratefully accept them.”

I had been about to refuse the gifts—they were just too many—but changed my mind upon hearing that I had helped resolve an important matter.

I suppose it’s only natural to reciprocate for something that mattered so much.

Even if it was just a cake, when it’s desperately needed, its value skyrockets.

“And perhaps we should continue this conversation inside? Let’s go to the reception room.”

“Yes, of course. I actually have something specific for you as well, Duchess.”

“For me? What is it…?”

“I’ll give it to you once we’re in the reception room. Haha.”

As we walked, he kept thanking me—over and over again—for saving him, for my help, for the cake. And I kept repeating that it was fine, that I just happened to be there, and that I didn’t even need the cake that badly.

Once we were seated on the sofas in the reception room, a maid entered and served tea and refreshments. At last, the flurry of gratitude subsided.

“This tea has a wonderful aroma.”

“I’m glad you like it.”

“I mean it. I’ve never tasted tea like this before—it has a heavy scent, but leaves a refreshing aftertaste. What kind of tea is it?”

“It’s an Eastern tea called Roxan. A friend of mine is fond of Eastern teas, so I bought it as a gift and picked some up for myself too.”

“Roxan, huh. Never heard of it. Eastern teas aren’t too popular among nobles, after all.”

“Would you like another cup?”

“If you don’t mind… I’d love another.”

“Lora, could you bring another—oh, come to think of it, I never got your name.”

Only then did I realize we’d come all the way to the reception room without even exchanging names.

He seemed to notice too, letting out a sheepish laugh.

“Ah—how rude of me not to introduce myself sooner. My apologies, Duchess.”

“No worries. I was just a bit startled earlier and forgot to ask.”

“Just call me Sai.”

“It’s a pleasure, Sai. I’m Belladonna Dylan.”

No family name? So perhaps he’s a commoner?

But his demeanor and clothing aren’t what I’d expect from one. He handles himself like someone accustomed to dealing with nobles—and he mentioned a master, so perhaps he’s a retainer of some aristocrat?

Is he deliberately hiding something?

Sai reached into his coat and pulled out a small box, setting it confidently on the table.

“And this is a personal gift from me.”

“Pardon? Oh my…”

“It was such good fortune that you happened to be there that day. This is something I prepared separately from my master. I sincerely hope you’ll accept it.”

“I’ll take a look first.”

With his right hand, he pushed the small box toward me. It was wrapped in white ribbon over orange paper. I lifted it with my left hand and untied the ribbon with my right.

Inside was a gemstone—no bigger than a thumbnail—shimmering in soft blue and violet hues.

It was encased in a golden setting with a pin affixed on the back.

“A brooch.”

“Yes. I chose it because it reminded me of your eyes.”

It seemed a bit extravagant, honestly.

And the delicate, intricate craftsmanship told me even at a glance that it had been made by a skilled artisan.

“This seems a bit too much… especially after all the other gifts for a cake.”

“Not at all! You needn’t feel burdened in the slightest.”

“Still…”

“If you’re truly uncomfortable, then… please think of it as a sample from our shop. If you wear it, it might help spread the word about us. Would that make it easier to accept?”

Seeing that he had no intention of taking it back—he’d even clasped his hands behind his back—I decided to accept it.

“Well then, if anyone asks about the brooch, I’ll be sure to mention your shop. What’s it called?”

“Thank you so much, my lady. It’s a bit embarrassing—it’s not a big shop, so you’ve probably never heard of it…”

“That’s fine. Even I, someone who doesn’t know much about jewelry, can see how beautiful this is. Don’t be shy.”

“Thank you kindly. The shop is called Parome.”

“Parome?”

I knew that name.

It was a jewelry shop. But at this point in time, it was still a small, relatively unknown store.

Parome only rose to fame after a massive gem mine was discovered in the Harom region. The person who secured the rights before anyone else was none other than the owner of Parome.

The mine produced high-grade gemstones in abundance. Parome refined those stones into beautifully designed pieces that quickly became popular among royalty, nobles, and wealthy merchants.

Its fame eventually spread beyond the empire, turning Parome into the largest and most prestigious jeweler in the region.

Everyone speculated about the mysterious owner of Parome, who never appeared in public and always sent a proxy instead.

Not even by the time I died was their identity ever revealed.

I hadn’t expected to encounter someone from that shop here and now.

Back in these early days, Parome was just a small boutique tucked into a corner of Bayron Street, its reputation spread quietly among noblewomen who appreciated fine craftsmanship.

“Where exactly is your shop?”

“It’s on Bayron Street, in the alley across from Prong’s fruit store.”

Of course—it was the same one.

Some high-ranking nobles had tried to approach the owner back then, but even before gaining fame, Parome had refused all offers.

That was why I had excluded Parome from my plans, despite knowing its future.

It was simply too inaccessible.

I had once considered trying to acquire the Harom mine myself, but that wasn’t realistic. Its exact location was unknown, and the landowner was someone reclusive and untraceable.

There were only rumors that they sold the mine to the Parome owner and vanished.

No one knew what terms were exchanged between them.

And now, by sheer chance, I had someone from that Parome sitting in front of me—overflowing with gratitude.

A heaven-sent opportunity.

“I’ve actually been quite interested in jewelry lately. This brooch and gem are simply stunning.”

“Is that so? We may be small, but we put great care into each piece. I assure you, the quality holds up against any large shop.”

“Yes, I can tell how much thought went into this. Someone with a real love for jewelry must have made it.”

“Oh, absolutely. They’re not famous, but immensely talented.”

He beamed at the compliment, visibly pleased.

I had the maid refill his cup with more Roxan tea and continued praising his craftsmanship. The atmosphere grew increasingly friendly and warm.

When the conversation hit a lull and I could tell he was feeling comfortable with me, I casually tossed out a line, as if it were no big deal:

“Come to think of it, I’ll be passing through Bayron Street soon…”

“Ah, will you? May I ask why?”

“Oh, just a personal matter.”

“Well, if you’re in the area, we would be honored if you stopped by the shop. I’ll make sure you’re well taken care of.”

He smiled brightly, and I hesitated just long enough to appear thoughtful before returning the smile.

“Then perhaps I will.”

It’s that Parome. I’ll make up an errand if I have to.

Doing my best to suppress my excitement, I called out to the maid behind me.

“Lora, bring two fresh tins of the Roxan tea.”

“Yes, my lady.”

“Oh, please, my lady! I couldn’t possibly accept—”

“I noticed you enjoyed it earlier. Take one for yourself, and give the other to your master. Consider it a small thank-you for all these gifts.”

“I’m deeply grateful, Duchess.”

“Oh, it’s nothing, really.”

Compared to what you’ve just given me.

A completely unexpected windfall.

“I’ve returned, master.”

“Did you deliver it to the Duchess?”

“Yes, sir. She was a little surprised at first, but she accepted it in the end.”

“Of course.”

“I gave only my first name, yet she still treated me with the utmost courtesy. I could tell she was a kind soul from the moment she gave up that cake. Truly an angel.”

“She’s not just a gentle soul. She’s raising the Duke’s children despite having no blood ties to them. Don’t let her demeanor fool you.”

He chuckled, recalling how she had stood her ground in court when the nobility tried to cast suspicion on her regarding the Duke’s disappearance.

But as Sai continued to ramble, his master’s face hardened, as if doused in cold water.

“She has a gentle nature but a strong heart. After meeting her today, I think she’s even more—”

“Sai. If your report is finished, leave.”

Looking irritated, the man gestured for him to go. Sai obediently placed a small tin on the desk.

The master gave him a glance, clearly waiting for an explanation.

“This is Eastern tea the Duchess gifted you. She said it was a small return for the many gifts we brought her. It’s called Roxan—I think you’ll like it.”

“I sent you to pay, not to bring something back.”

“I tried to refuse, but she was insistent. I suppose beautiful people have beautiful hearts. Anyway, sir, just try a cup. The scent is—”

His master sighed and raised a hand to cut off Sai’s babbling before it got out of control.

“Fine. Brew me a cup.”

“Yes, sir!”

Still grinning, Sai picked up the tea tin and headed for the door—only to jump at the sight of someone standing there.

“Whoa! What are you doing here?”

“Reporting in. Obviously.”

“You look like death. Come find me after—you’ve got to try this new tea.”

“…Sure.”

Thud.

The exhausted-looking man brushed past Sai and shut the door behind him.