Chapter 32: The Three Roses

Chapter 32: The Three Roses

The bakery is called Three Roses and not The Three Roses. I dont know why I need to point that out, but it seems fairly important. Or maybe its my brain trying to distract me from what my eyes are trying to shove in my crocodile brain.

I know, I know.

They are hot.

You know it, I know it, everyone knows it.

I mean, given the roses reference, I would have been disappointed if it had been otherwise.

What I did not expect was to find three pairs of sharp eyes looking at me like a lamb in an eagles nest.

And not in a sexual way.

I mean, in my head, this is slightly sexual. Im just not sure about them feeling the same way.

So, Luciani, Happy Bakery wants to buy your expertise. We know for sure that if that old hag wants to buy you out, you must be pretty valuable.

That was Amelia, the oldest sister. Judging by the looksI have no idea how old she is.

Lucinda told me they are all under thirty, but Amelia should be up there, close to the third decade.

Her eyes have a very weird purplish color. I havent paid particular attention to other Elves, but I thought their features were similar to those of humans, save for the pointy ears.

I gather that Lucinda has already explained that we would make you a partner if, and only if, your recipes proved to be original among Elves. Lucindas already made a point of telling us that we would notarize such an act and try to carry it out with utmost seriousness to make sure you are not swindled.

I turn to Lucinda.

This is already too much, I cringe, cant you just take care of it? Im really not in the mood.

Its true.

Im not in the mood to talk or charm the three beauties. After hearing Lucinda talk smack about homeless people, Im feeling sad. And, together with sadness, my tiredness has resurfaced. I just want to go and take a nap. Ill probably go over to Happy Bakery and tell them Ill sign whatever.

Amelia, please, the youngest sister intercepts her older sibling before she can resume. He looks tired, and he is clearly not interested in your terms and technicalities. Mr. Luciani, would you mind if I gave you a tour of the facility?

The youngest sister was probably around my age, almost as tall as me damn Elves and with blonde hair that had shades of pink.

Before we do

We have to be ready to restock on the go. We never know how much we will need for the day, and we prefer making things fresh. So, people here level fast. Almost no one is below level 10, she puffs out her chest proudly.

Sadly, I have no idea how high level 10 is. Being level 1 myself, it could be very high. Or maybe very low.

Again, no idea.

This is lovely, I say while watching a male Elf make some sort of cheese cupcakes and fill the inside with juicy meat. But whats the catch? I already know about Clodias character, and I worked with them for a few days. They seem like nice people. I dont care about the money or the terms. What can you offer me that Clodia cant?

Im not interested in working with these people since I dont know them. I really liked the environment at Happy Bakery. But I do want to ask why they think I would come here.

I still wonder whos Clodias sworn enemy here. Or her past lover, maybe. Something tells me that Amelia fits the bill.

My sisters, she sticks her fore thumb toward the door, now behind us, are two pricks. So, thats definitely a caveat.

Great sell, I laugh.

But, Im a great [Baker] and [Cook]. I love the profession, and I just want to make the best recipes. If you accepted, we could work together and mix my elven heritage with yours.

Believe it or not, even though the last remark could sound like an innuendo, shes actually looking at me with clear, serious eyes.

I yawn so hard my eyes tear up a little.

Oof, sorry about that. Listen, Camilla, I think we might have more to discuss. But why dont we catch something to eat together whenever works best for you? Your treat, because I still havent got much money. You people are treating me like a golden goose, but Im more like a homeless person right now. In fact, Clodias paying for my lodgings at the moment.

If you need, I could give you a place to sleep in half an hour.

Meh, dont worry. Worse comes to worst, Ill go bunk up with Stan.

Stan the homeless? she smiles.

Yep, I nod.

Oh, what a lovely guy. If you go to his street, would you mind bringing him a cupcake? she goes for a small bag made of leaves goddamn ecological Elves and puts three cheese cupcakes in it from the tray the Elf is working on the side.

Sure thing, I nod.

She chats me up a bit and brings me back to the office, where Lucinda has been waiting with the two older sisters.

The three women look at us with a little poison in their eyes.