CH 4.04

“Theo, don’t you want to go on a date?”

Gardening is usually done during the day, but Theobalt does it mostly at night.

He has so many other things to do during the day that he can only tend to the garden in his spare time in the evening. While I waited for Maynard’s hearty meal, I followed Theobalt’s trail.

Theobalt, who was standing in front of the white rose tree with a large pair of scissors, turned to me and handed me the branch with the most beautiful rose.

“It will brighten your surroundings if you put it in your bedroom.”

“Oh, my. Thank you very much. But, are you truly uninterested in dating?”

“What kind of date would this old man go on at this age? I’d rather just prune here.”

Theobalt smiled softly and cut off the remaining branches. He looked fantastic in his butler’s tailcoat. If Theobalt says he doesn’t like it, I can’t do anything, but it’s a shame. It was an excellent opportunity to deflate Peridot’s ego.

But I can’t force it. If, despite my best efforts, I am unable to persuade him, then let’s end our exciting date plan neatly.

While stroking the rose petals, which were as soft as a baby’s buttocks, I softly added a word.

“She worked as a nanny for a noble family.”

“Pardon?”

“I wanted to introduce you to a grandma. Tabby is her name, and she owns a tea shop.”

Halt. Theobalt’s gloved hands came to rest. I pretended to sigh and stepped back halfway.

“She is a very elegant and fiery grandmother. However, there’s nothing I can do if Theo doesn’t like it.”

Theobalt’s shoulders flinched this time. Why is he reacting in this manner? Does he know Grandma?

I held my breath as I awaited Theobalt’s response.

“Wait… Miss. Did you just say  ‘Tabby’? And she owns a tea house?”

“Yes. Are you interested?”

“……..”

I’m wondering if he’s reminiscing about something. As I looked at Theobalt, an affectionate longing spread across his wrinkled face. His calm expression was suddenly stained with a warm, sunset-like feeling. Something that feels like it could warm you up just by putting your hands on it…

“…… Yes, a long time ago. We’ve known each other for quite some time. If she is the person I believe she is.”

After some time, Theobalt responded in a hazy voice, as if awakening from a dream. I took advantage of the situation and yelled quickly.

“Great! Then let’s go tomorrow together. You must act quickly because a villain is attempting to steal that tea house.”

“All right.”

I wish you well. I was going to make it happen for some very impure intentions, but now I feel a little bit of cheering.

If it is something from a long time ago, how long ago?

20 years ago? 30 years ago?

I don’t know Theobalt’s exact age, but he’s probably in his 70s or close to it. I don’t know how ‘long ago’ was long ago by the standards of the elderly. But that expression appeared to be for his first love.

I felt a little better after that, so I laughed quietly.

‘I should tell Lacius about it.’

They said that Lacius was away for three days due to intensive training for the Knights of Rentus. He’ll be back tomorrow, so I have to inform him of what happened. Aside from that, I had a lot of plans to share with him.

* * *

When I opened the window wide late in the morning, I saw a long-tailed tit fluttering over the garden grass. It was so adorable that I watched it in my pyjamas and only stretched out after it disappeared. A hot croissant and two macarons were already on the table in front of the sofa. Along with savory milk and orange juice.

Juliet knew what time I get up and brought it to me.

“Juliet, come here.”

“Yes?”

“Now, say Ahh.”

“Ahhh.”

“Well done. Now eat!”

“…..!”

I grabbed a raspberry cream macaron and shoved it into Juliet’s mouth. Juliet’s pupils, which had grown to the size of a lamp were so cute. 

“It’s so tasty, master!”

“Is that so? Then eat this as well.”

“Eh? But it’s yours—!”

“And I’m giving it to you.”

Juliet’s cheeks were puffing up as she ate her macaroons. I can’t help but also give her the blueberry macarons with a happy face. I’m not the type to eat a big breakfast anyway, so a croissant and milk sufficed.

I was ready to go out after finishing my meal and getting dressed.

My red hair was tied in half and held in place with a pretty pin. The milky white dress was unadorned, but being able to wear it meant being wealthy. Because white dress is much more difficult to manage.

Then, while wearing my new ring and carrying a fan, I heard Juliet, who had been gone for a while, shouting and coming up the stairs.

“Master!”

I flung open the door, curious as to why she was so excited. Then I noticed Juliet, holding a bonnet and smiling brightly.

“I think this new bonnet will look good on you today!”

“It’s lovely. I hadn’t seen it before, did madame just give it to you?

“Hehe, yes. I heard the new bonnet would be finished today, so I went to look for it.”

It is a life in which something new appears every time I wake up.

I drew the bonnet’s blue ribbon under my chin, tied it, and spun around in front of the mirror.

It was wonderful to see the skirt spread out and then fall.

“It suits you.”

It was then. A low, sweet voice wrapped itself around my ears. There was no need to inquire as to who it was.

“Lashin!”

I ran excitedly toward Lacius, and he grabbed my waist and lifted me for a spin.

I had no idea why I was running, but I liked doing things without thinking first, so I burst into laughter and… 

“I missed you!”