Chapter 116

Chapter 88 Narration

A very kind girl… right?

I remember what the lady told me. When I was young, I was quite mischievous and often ran off somewhere without notice, returning with my hair all messy… But now, it seems different from what I imagined. She didn’t go anywhere to cause trouble.

Turning back, I looked at the pretty face of the shop attendant, her expression filled with caution and hesitation, as if she was worried that her words might add to my worries, but she couldn’t help but say them anyway. This made me find her very cute.

“But later… I don’t know when it started, but she never came back again… At first, I thought she was too busy… I know there are many rules in noble circles, and many things I don’t understand. I even worried that her family found out about her work here, and forbade her from associating with us, maybe even confining her… Then, several months passed, and I didn’t see her again.”

At this point, the shop attendant’s gaze dimmed.

“…But she really loved Osumiru cakes. I thought about bringing some over, feeling a bit scared, but I still went… When I reached my castle, I found out she had already gone missing.”

“I don’t know what happened… She didn’t tell me anything, and suddenly disappeared… Could she have been kidnapped by bad people? She lived in such a big castle; surely her family had a lot of wealth. And she was so innocent, definitely a target for bad people. I warned her… What if… It’s been three years since I last saw her. Such a good person, why did she have to go through something like that… I haven’t even delivered the cake yet…”

The girl’s voice trembled uncontrollably towards the end, her slightly reddened eyes telling me that she must have had a deep emotional connection with Peylo.

But such precious memories, I no longer remember them.

Then she laughed.

“Sorry for talking so much, I couldn’t help it. You look just like her… Do you… want an Osumiru cake?”

Looking at her sincere face, I nodded.

“Yes.”

“Okay, please wait a moment.”

The shop attendant turned and took a tray of Osumiru cakes from the counter, dumping them into a brown paper bag without weighing them, and handed it to me directly.

“Is this enough?”

“Yes, how many gold coins?”

“Gold coins…” The girl smiled a little at my question, “This is a gift for you, no need to pay.”

I frowned.

“It needs to be paid. Weigh it.”

The shop attendant shook her head gently, firmly.

“No… Consider it a thank-you for listening to me. Don’t worry, Grandpa won’t scold me.”

I tilted my head in thought.

“…Alright then.”

Reaching out to take the brown paper bag, I turned to leave, but couldn’t help but glance around the shop.

In the warm atmosphere, the rich aroma of cream filled the air.

There were a few people sitting on the rows of chairs, not exactly customers, dressed simply, even somewhat shabbily, their travel-worn appearance completely out of place in the refined environment. And almost none of them bought anything, they were just sitting there resting.

But the shop attendant didn’t chase them away, perhaps understanding that those who could only sit alone in this shop today probably had some sad stories.

Suddenly, the shop became noisy.

I seemed to see a petite and delicate figure.

The shadow, holding a plate, darted back and forth among the crowd, hastily weaving between tables and the counter. The hem of her white dress fluttered gently with each step. Her ponytail, tied high atop her head, was tucked neatly under a black-checkered beret, though a few stray strands peeked out mischievously.

“Hello, this is your dessert, please enjoy…”

“…Do you want to take a pound of buttermilk? Alright, please wait a moment…”

The girl looked rather clumsy, clearly having no experience in serving others. A few times, she nearly dropped the cake on the plate due to her haste, but the guests did not scold her. It seemed everyone knew who she was, just watching her with warm, kind smiles on their faces.

After running around a few times, the girl seemed somewhat tired and hid in a corner to wipe the sweat from her forehead. Before she could even smooth out the strands of hair sticking up on her forehead, someone called for her again.

“Miss Peyalo, I want some water, please help me.”

“And here! Miss Peyalo…”

“I’m coming, I’m coming…”

“Miss Peyalo, are you tired?”

The girl stopped and shook her head, giving a sweet smile to the person who asked.

“Not at all.”

Then she quickly ran off again.

Her figure faded away in the distance, as if a dream vanished into thin air.

The corners of my mouth curled up. The previous frustration had long since dissipated.

It’s good, I used to be like that.

When I reached the door, I took out a gold coin from the pouch at my waist and placed it casually on the table nearby.

“I didn’t help today.”

So, she understands she should pay, right?

A little while later, the voice of the young lady behind me sounded somewhat excited.

“You… You really are Miss Peyalo… Wait!”

I stopped and turned to look at her trembling eyes.

“I’m leaving now.”

“You… Where have you been these past three years… I… I cried many times in secret, crying over and over…”

I tilted my head.

“I’m fine. I’m going to the Order City.”

“…Will you come back? Come back here…”

“Yes, my home is here… See you.”

I waved my hand at her, stepped out of the shop, crossed the street, and returned to the carriage.

“Why so late?” Carlos drooped his eyelids, looking listless. He was just making small talk.

I bit my nail and thought for a moment.

“Dealing with a relationship dispute.” Then I slapped Carlos on the face, “But this doesn’t concern you.”

I didn’t hit hard, so Carlos obviously didn’t feel any pain. He rubbed his cheek.

“At least you didn’t use the word ‘butt’ again.”

“It’s none of your business.”

“…”

The wheels of the carriage started turning again.

I saw the shop lady run out, standing by the roadside, jumping and waving at me.

“Be careful on the road—!”

Her figure swayed in the raging snowstorm, blurred and uncertain.

In the city of winter, within this world’s miracle, there are many people who care about me and love me.

Even if among them are faces I can no longer remember, even if memories fade with the wind, even if I am no longer myself.

In the near future, perhaps I will meet them again, or maybe I never will, but I know they are still living well here, enjoying a peaceful life.

Such tranquility, no one can destroy it.

This is my home.

Whether it’s the abyss or war, whatever happens, I will never allow the situation of the small village to happen again.