DTRAF 33

~Chapter 33~

The café “Fin Brown” was even more crowded than I imagined.
It was truly one of the hottest places in the city.

Thankfully, Eric and Sophia took seats on the terrace, so we were able to sit right behind them.

“…I ordered quite a lot… but I’m not sure if it’s okay to spend so much with My Lady’s money.”

While Richard went to order, I listened carefully to Sophia’s words from behind.

When I glanced, it was only two cups of tea and four slices of cake—yet she already regretted it.

Clearly, she hadn’t spent a single coin until now.

“You need to eat as much as you want in a place like this, or else you won’t even manage to spend a single gold coin.”

“That’s true… but it feels wrong to splurge with My Lady’s money.”

“No need to think too much. My Lady ordered you to spend it, so just spend it.”

“You’re right…”

Good job, Eric!
It was a relief that Eric firmly reassured Sophia when she hesitated.

If only they could do something more romantic together, that would be perfect.

Coming to a café alone together was progress—but I wasn’t satisfied with just that.

“Isn’t it too sunny to sit here?”

“Oh, you’re back?”

Richard returned with a tray, setting down the drinks and cakes before sitting across from me.

“You brought them yourself?”

“They were ready, so I waited and carried them over.”

“I see.”

As always, he never flaunted his status as a prince. I admired him again for that.

“Oh-ho.”

“I asked them to put ice in the coffee, just as you requested. The staff worried the flavor might fade.”

“No, it’s perfect. Thank you.”

I praised him and took a bite of the lemon cheesecake I had ordered.

“Mmm—. This cake is amazing.”

It was better than I expected. Maybe Western desserts really were on another level.

“Try it. Now I see why so many people come here.”

I pushed my cake toward the middle so Richard could taste too.

But my eyes were on the untouched carrot cake in front of him.

It must be delicious too, but I couldn’t take the first bite before him.

“If you want some, go ahead. I don’t really enjoy cake anyway.”

Noticing my longing gaze, Richard slid the carrot cake toward me.

“Oh, but I said I’d buy it for you… then I’ll just try one bite.”

‘This is insane.’

The carrot cake was heavenly—soft texture, faint carrot scent, and the perfect sweetness.
It was the best carrot cake I’d ever had.

“That good?”

Richard smiled faintly at my constant exclamations.

I might look like I was exaggerating, but it was truly divine!

“If you don’t eat this, you’ll regret it. You have to try.”

“I’ll taste it slowly. In the meantime, check on your knight. It looks like they’re wrapping up.”

“Already?”

I had been so distracted by the cake that I forgot about Eric and Sophia.

Quickly, I focused on their conversation again.

“How much did we spend, Sir Eric?”

“Not even ten silver coins.”

“I didn’t realize spending two gold coins would be so hard. We’re too full to eat more…”

Sophia sounded troubled.

Ah, if only they thought of watching a play or an opera!
That money was meant for things like that, not just simple food.

For reference: 100 silver coins = 1 gold coin. They hadn’t even spent 5% of what I gave them.

“This isn’t money commoners like us can spend in a day.”

“But if we don’t use it all, My Lady might be disappointed.”

“…Then let’s split the money and go separately.”

“That’s a good idea! I also want to pick a gift for My Lady.”

“What?!”

That wasn’t the point!
I gave them the money so they’d stick together, not to separate!

‘What do I do? Is there no good idea?’

Feeling desperate, I acted.

“Ah!”

Holding a glass of iced coffee, I deliberately bumped into Sophia just as she stood up.

The coffee spilled all over her clothes.

“I’m so sorry! Are you okay?”

“Yes, I’m fine.”

“Thank goodness it wasn’t hot.”

Thanks to the voice-changing herb Richard gave me earlier, they didn’t realize it was me.

‘Each leaf lasts about three hours, right?’

I thought about when to chew another.

Meanwhile, Eric rushed over to check Sophia’s condition.

“Since I dirtied your clothes, let me pay. Please come with me to the clothing shop nearby.”

I had no better plan, but at least this way they’d stay together.

But Sophia quickly shook her hands.

“You don’t need to. I wasn’t paying attention either.”

“No, I insist. I can’t stand owing anyone.”

“But…”

“If you walk around like this, it’ll be uncomfortable. Please, just stop by. Your lover can come too.”

Richard suddenly joined in and slyly pointed at Eric.

‘Wow. He’s actually helping me this time!’

I was touched by Richard’s quick thinking.

But then Eric frowned.

“We’re not in that kind of relationship.”

Eric! You like Sophia, don’t you?
I expected denial, but not such a cold one.

If Sophia’s affection dropped, it would be bad—her score wasn’t high to begin with!

“Either way, it’s better to go together. Surely you won’t let two young ladies walk the streets alone?”

“…And you’re not coming?”

“I have urgent business. I’ll join later. The clothing shop is straight ahead on the left. Whether your plan with that stiff knight works out or not, good luck.”

“…You’re right. I’ll go with her.”

“Oh my, thank you.”

I seized the chance to pull Eric along.

But I still wondered: what urgent business did Richard have?

As Eric and Sophia packed up, I leaned closer to Richard.

“Did you see something suspicious?”

“No. Don’t worry. I’ll finish quickly and catch up. Do your best with your plan.”

“Alright. Thanks for telling me.”

Richard supported me until the very end.

I didn’t know why, but since he helped, I had to succeed.

With that thought, I prepared to push Eric and Sophia’s affection much higher.