Chapter 38
I hastily corrected my crude exclamation and offered the desserts to the Logs, but they all declined.
“We’re fine, thank you.”
“Whaaat, why? Are you watching your figures?”
“No, it’s not that, but…”
“Ah, come on, just try a bite. This is the kind of taste that should be shared widely.”
Feeling guilty about eating delicious things while others just watched, I forcefully stuffed a piece of salt bread into Log 1’s mouth. Log 1 eventually couldn’t resist and began chewing.
“…Tastes good, right?”
“Mmph— I thought it would be too sweet and heavy, but it’s surprisingly good.”
“Told you. Have some more. This one is sweet, and this one is more savory…”
“Ah, then I’ll try…”
The Logs had an unexpectedly endearing side. They seemed embarrassed at first to eat such delicate desserts but once they had a bite, their expressions softened. With deep voices, they even murmured, “Wow…”
Their fork handling was a bit clumsy, like uncles digging into a meat stew, but snacks always win in the end.
As they enjoyed the sweets, their faces became more relaxed.
“Miss Rose, what is this called?”
“Oh, that’s a…”
There’s a reason why people casually say ‘let’s have a meal together.’ Sharing delicious food is an effective way to bond.
Seeing them enjoy the food made me feel content.
We were having such a harmonious time, sharing and enjoying our snacks when suddenly a dark shadow loomed over us…
“…What are you all doing.”
A menacing voice struck the back of my head.
“…”
“…”
No need to explain whose voice that was.
The three Logs instantly stood up and bowed towards me, or rather, towards the person standing behind me.
Creak, creak.
As I turned around like a malfunctioning robot, I saw Claude glaring at me, as if ready to tear me apart.
“Eek…”
“To think that while you were supposed to be watching, you’d dare to fraternize with my attendants?”
If there was a competition for slicing people with a gaze, Claude would undoubtedly win first place, hands down.
The veins near his temples bulged, looking ready to cause a scene in the peaceful, quaint dessert café.
“Stand up.”
His voice was as sharp as a blade.
Trembling, I barely managed to stand up.
“Come here.”
“…”
I knew I should go quickly to avoid angering him further.
My instincts, like a small animal in front of a predator, screamed that approaching Claude now would be disastrous.
Frozen in place, I couldn’t move, and Claude’s eyebrows twitched in irritation.
“I said, come here.”
His words, gritted through clenched teeth, made me flinch, but I remained rooted to the spot. Eventually, unable to hold back, Claude reached out his hand toward me.
Terrified of what his hand might do this time, I instinctively closed my eyes tight.
It was then.
When I felt Claude’s hand grab the scruff of neck and pull me away towards the opposite direction.
I was helplessly dragged along, but when I regained my senses, I was shielded by a large, black back…
…It was Log 1.
“What is this…”
His voice was like a slab of ice.
Hidden behind Log 1’s back, I couldn’t see Claude’s expression, but my whole body trembled at his tone.
I hadn’t been with Claude long, but I already knew how to gauge his anger just by his voice.
Right now, he was furious.
“What’s going on here…”
Log 1 spoke in a tense but calm voice.
“I offered to buy the refreshments, Lord Claude. It’s my fault.”
“…”
“She’s a non-ability civilian. Rough handling might… hurt her.”
I was too stunned to do anything but stare at the back of his head.
I was the one who complained about Claude not buying us bread and forcefully fed them.
Yet, Log 1 was taking all the blame upon himself.
“…So it’s all your fault, is it?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Are you prepared for the consequences?”
“…Yes, sir.”
“Hah.”
Claude chuckled, as if amused.
Although I couldn’t see him, it was obvious.
He was already unwilling to let us off easy, and now with Log 1’s defiance, it seemed like he was done for.
“Alright, then…”
“What’s alright about this!”
Enough was enough.
I pushed Log 1 aside and stepped forward, shouting back.
Discussion
1 CommentReactions
Aelthia