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Chapter 29
Fortunately, as soon as we stepped outside the restaurant, we quickly spotted Sebastien. He was the only boy so enthusiastically promoting the shop with such a loud voice.
“Can I go say hi to him for a moment? He helped us at the shop earlier, and thanks to him, we got to eat something delicious.”
“Just until the carriage comes. And tell him thanks from me too.”
I nodded and bounced across the street to him.
As I got closer, his smile gradually faded, and by the time I reached him, he had reverted to his usual prickly expression.
“What is it?”
Now he was the Sebastien I knew.
“And you—what are you doing here? That laugh just now… hehe? Heheh? You actually know how to laugh like that?”
When we first met, he had snapped at me even after I helped him. The second time we met, his grumbling tone made me want to punch him.
Sebastien turned his head, avoiding my eyes.
“…You said to live honestly.”
“Huh?”
“To make a living, you have to do what you can. Somewhere right now, someone’s—”
“Don’t you plan on being an actor?”
Enough. I already understood what he was trying to say.
Come to think of it, even the Sebastien in the future knew how to smile charmingly whenever needed.
Though his smiles were usually reserved for mocking, teasing, or currying favor with noble clients in business.
Clearly, that skill hadn’t appeared overnight.
“That’s a thing actors do. Only tall, handsome, and well-off people can pull it off.”
“And what about you?”
Out of disbelief, I blurted it out before thinking. If I could record this on a phonograph and play it ten years later, I would.
“Ah, forget it! Looking pretty in the back alleys is just a nuisance anyway…”
Still, he seemed far less guarded than before. Could it be that he was vulnerable to compliments?
“You’re far better than people who are ugly and don’t work honestly, or those who rely only on their looks while being cowardly. That’s what I think.”
“……”
Sebastien’s eyes narrowed, and he stared at me silently for a long moment. Then, with a sharp sound, he turned his head away, avoiding my gaze.
Huh? Why is your neck red, Sebastien?
“Did you scrape it? Why is your neck so red?”
“What does it matter if someone’s neck is red or blue?!”
“Now your ears are red too. You’re not hurt, right?”
“Be quiet!”
Phew… he’s scary. If I tease him again, he’ll probably explode.
“Thank you.”
“…For what?”
“For living honestly and not doing anything bad.”
“How idle must nobles be to thank someone for such trivial things?”
“Oh my, haven’t you seen my mother?”
Sebastien’s mouth fell open in disbelief, his eyes rolling as if he couldn’t process it.
“Anyway… thanks to you, we ate well. Mother liked the restaurant too.”
“That’s natural. Better not introduce a mediocre place and get scolded.”
Someone might question why he felt responsible just for customer service, but that thoroughness would later be what placed Sebastien in his position.
Knowing this, I said sincerely:
“You’re definitely going to succeed. Maybe one day, you’ll even own that shop.”
“If you’re going to talk nonsense, go away. Don’t you see I’m busy?”
“Come on, there aren’t even people on the street right now. By the way, how does it feel to work honestly?”
Sebastien waved his hand at me, pursed his lips, and after a long sigh, answered hesitantly:
“Well… the only good thing is that I don’t have to worry about being cheated out of money.”
Good. I’d worried he might be exploited as a child worker without labor laws here—but that didn’t seem to be the case.
“Right. Who would dare cheat you?”
…Different reason, but at least not exploitation. That was a relief.
“You haven’t eaten lunch yet, have you?”
“That’s something nobles like you do. People like me can manage all day on a single loaf of bread.”
“Then eat this.”
I offered him the cake I’d saved earlier. Sebastien glanced at the handkerchief and the dessert on top, looked around to make sure no one was watching, and quickly shoved it carelessly into his pocket.
“If you’re giving it, give money instead. My hands get sticky…”
He never thanks properly, but now I knew his prickly response was really just embarrassment.
“By the way, what’s your name?”
“My name?”
Of course, I knew Sebastien’s name—even the real name he didn’t know himself. But he’d never told me directly. This was already our third meeting—time for introductions, right?
“…Sebastien Belluor. Just call me Seb.”
“Why?”
“Sebastien’s too fancy! I’m not a noble or anything…”
“I think it suits you. Like a prince from a storybook.”
“Don’t compare it to something a noble would think…”
Ugh. That mouth of his.
“Then I’ll call you Sebastien. You know my name, right? Adelaide Valencienne de Charmoize. Everyone just calls me Adele.”
“Adelaide Valencienne… geez, why’s your name so long?”
Sebastien frowned, muttering it several times as if trying to memorize it.
“Adele? Still more to say?”
Mother called me from across the street. The carriage had arrived. It was time to go.
“Adele!”
Just as I was about to turn, Sebastien stopped me.
I looked back to see him frozen in place, his nose twitching, lips fumbling, and lower lip biting nervously.
Even he didn’t know why he was so startled after calling me.
“Why?”
“Well… the back alleys of Luargo and Nantes are getting unsafe lately. Don’t wander around; stay holed up in the mansion.”
Concerned or cursing…?
“Since the Loire Central Station opened, low-quality scoundrels have been coming from all over. Nantes will likely follow soon.”
For a moment, something flickered in Sebastien’s eyes—a flash sharper than fire, briefer than light.
“Especially Nantes—it’s a port city. If idiots who only know how to use force collide with sailors, who knows what could happen.”
“…Are you worried about me?”
“Crazy? No. I’m warning you not to come here again.”
Sebastien knew well enough that I wouldn’t walk all the way here by myself. His concern was unnecessary, yet surprisingly genuine.
“Thanks for worrying. You take care too… oh, I really have to go now.”
It was fun teasing Sebastien and watching his reactions, but I couldn’t keep Mother waiting any longer.
Behind me, Sebastien grumbled angrily, but I couldn’t hear a word.
“You idiot! You should’ve taken the handkerchief! I’ll sell it if you don’t!”
Ah, the handkerchief!
This was already the second time. No choice.
“Sell it and buy something delicious with it!”
