Raphael Earhart
— Yes, we actually have three more converters in stock, so you're in luck! — the consultant assured us.
— Really? Oh, that's great! — The girl clapped her hands cheerfully and turned toward me with a radiant smile.
— Yeah… — I replied slowly, still not quite out of my daze.
So, she was right—the converters were actually in stock. While it was a relief to know I wouldn't have to make the capsules manually, the shock from this girl's straightforwardness hadn't quite faded. Something about her was just… different. So much energy and confidence… She didn't hesitate at all, just grabbed my hand and pulled me along as if it were the most normal thing in the world. Maybe I'm just not used to this kind of person?
Sure, there's Aurora, Erin, Alice, and Harumi, people I could talk to openly. But none of them acted with this kind of boldness. It was like this girl came from a completely different world—a bright ray of light breaking through the clouds. And strangely enough… I didn't mind.
— So, bring us one each: one for me and one for this kind young man, — she said with a friendly gesture toward me.
— Of course, right away, — the consultant replied, and quickly headed for the stockroom.
After paying, we walked out of the shop, and she turned to me, as animated as ever.
— Well, now that we've got what we needed, how about going to a café? — she suggested happily, clapping her hands.
— Well… — I hesitated, feeling a bit thrown off by the offer.
I was conflicted—not only about continuing the conversation but even more about the idea of going to a café with her. Her forwardness, though friendly, was a bit jarring. I couldn't tell what kind of impression she was trying to make. A girl inviting someone out without even knowing their name or any details—honestly, it seemed a little strange. Probably anyone else would find it at least a bit… unusual.
— Oh, come on, don't say no! — she continued, a playful seriousness in her tone. — Think of it as a little thank-you gift for helping you get your purchase so quickly.
— But I would've bought the converter anyway, wouldn't I?
— Yes, but I sped up the process. Surely I deserve a reward for that, don't I?
Her logic was ridiculous, leaving me almost speechless.
— All right, — I finally agreed, deciding to accept but with one condition. — We'll go to a café if you answer one question for me.
— Deal. What's the question? — She tilted her head to the side, pressing a fingertip to her lips thoughtfully.
— What's your name and how old are you?
— That's two questions—you're cheating! — She laughed, clearly enjoying the moment. — But fine, I'll ask you one, too. Sound fair?
I couldn't tell if she was genuinely carefree or just acting.
— Fine, — I sighed in agreement.
— Perfect! So, what would you like to ask?
She leaned in close, leaving only a few inches between our faces. I could feel her breath on my skin—a soft, nearly imperceptible touch that somehow shrank the space around us. I didn't pull back, allowing the distance to remain.
— What's your name, and how old are you?
— You do know it's impolite to ask a young lady her age, right?
— So, it's fine to ask an older one?
— Hey! Don't twist my words!
Inwardly, I smiled at her reaction. She really was like a beam of sunlight—almost painfully bright. It felt like if I looked at her for a second longer, I'd genuinely go blind. Like an inviting flame, she filled the space around her, making her the only focus in sight.
Without even realizing it, I'd slipped into informal language. Her carefree energy seemed to have a magnetic effect, letting everyone around her fall into her rhythm.
— Well, you agreed to answer, so… please?
— All right, all right… — She relented with a slight pout. — I'm seventeen, and my name is Alea Elvston.
— Got it. So, you're seven years older than me.
— Oh, then I guess you'd make a good little brother! Can I call you bro? Pretty please?
— Uh, please don't. I already have enough siblings.
But her next words hit me like a bolt of lightning.
— Oh, I see… then maybe you'd prefer a more romantic connection? — She winked at me with a sly grin.
A chill ran through me—and it wasn't from Alea's words. No, the cause was right beside us: Erin, who stood frozen, tense as a bowstring, glaring at Alea with an intensity that suggested she was ready to incinerate her on the spot. Her threats were nearly tangible. I knew Erin well, and if given the chance, she probably wouldn't hesitate to "deal with" this innocent girl
— Please, stop joking around, — I murmured, trying to change the topic. — Didn't you say you had a question to ask me?
— Oh, that's right! What's your name?
— That's a complicated question…
I wasn't in a hurry to reveal my identity to strangers. Even though I'd taken off the mask—after all, we were in the tower, where a sense of formality and importance reigned—no one had approached me or asked any questions. People here were too busy to pay attention to a kid from a prominent family.
And yet, the fact that Alea was asking for my name clearly showed she had no clue who I was. On one hand, it was reassuring that she interacted with me without any preconceived notions or undue respect. But on the other, I couldn't help but wonder—what would happen once she did find out?
— Hey, you promised to answer! You even made me reveal my age! Be a gentleman and tell me about yourself, too!
— Well, it's a little… — I began, looking for a way out of answering.
— No-no, you have to tell me, or I won't let it go!
Damn, she's so persistent!
— All right, all right… It's Raphael Earhart. My name is Raphael Earhart, — I admitted, my voice lower than it should have been.
— Ah, got it! Nice to meet you, Raphael, — Alea replied easily, extending her hand for a handshake, as if it were nothing special.
I froze. Well, she truly didn't show a hint of surprise or respect. Normally, when people found out who I was, they either immediately started fawning over me or looked at me with contempt hidden behind polite faces. Alea, on the other hand, didn't seem to care.
After a moment's hesitation, I shook her hand with a faint smile.
— Likewise.
— Hehe, by the way, Raphael, — Alea added just as we released the handshake, — that fake smile of yours doesn't suit you at all! Now, let's go! I know a great café nearby.
— Wh-what? — I stammered, caught off guard as she read my thoughts like an open book.
Before I could even ask a single question, I watched Alea stride ahead, waving her hand for us to follow. Erin, Harumi, and I stood in mild shock, exchanging glances. Could my smile really look that insincere? No way. Even in my family, this trick always worked, and nobody ever guessed what I was hiding behind the politeness. Yet this girl, whom I'd known less than half an hour, managed to see something that even those closest to me missed. How?
— Erin, let's go, — I said, pushing the stray thoughts aside.
— Right…
We followed after Alea without asking any more questions. Honestly, I doubted she'd answer even if we asked.
After about seven minutes, we arrived at a narrow alley, where a cozy little café was tucked away among the old buildings. Through the archway, a path paved with neat stones led into a small courtyard with several tables shaded by parasols that glistened in the sunlight. The place had a warmth to it—humble on the outside, yet inviting.
Inside, the café opened into a room with oak tables and wide benches. Soft cushions made the seating cozy, taking away the hard edges. The tables by the windows were especially pleasant, with small alcoves filled with pillows, making it possible to lean comfortably against the glass.
— Good afternoon! A table for three? — a waitress greeted us in a white shirt and black trousers, with a notepad tucked into her apron.
— Yes, we don't have a reservation, will that be all right? — Alea asked with a slight smile.
— Of course, don't worry; right this way.
She led us to a table by the window. I took a seat so Erin was on my right and Alea across from me. Before I had time to settle in, Harumi leaped from Erin's shoulder onto my lap, then comfortably nestled by the window. Stretching with satisfaction, she sprawled out in a relaxed pose, grabbing our attention.
Absentmindedly, I scratched behind her ear, and Harumi purred in delight.
— What an unusual creature, — Alea said, eyeing the little fox with interest.
— Yeah… Her name's Harumi.
— Got it. May I pet her too?
I glanced at Harumi, waiting for her agreement.
"I don't mind," her voice sounded in my mind.
— I think she'd be okay with it, — I replied, passing along Harumi's answer.
— Thank you!
Alea gently reached out and ran her hand along Harumi's back, gliding it across the fox's soft fur. Harumi melted under her touch, her eyes closing in complete relaxation. Watching Alea's gentle, attentive strokes made me smile without realizing it. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a warm smile appear on Erin's face as well, which, for some reason, felt reassuring.
— So, what should we order? — I asked, turning my attention to Alea.
— Hmm, let's take a look, — she mused.
The three of us picked up our menus and began scanning the options, each of us pointing out dishes that looked especially appetizing.