"It's ready!"
A slightly high-pitched voice broke the tense atmosphere, jolting everyone from their thoughts. The group exhaled in unison, calming themselves and settling back into their seats.
Alya, lost in thought, stole glances at Leor, concern evident in her eyes. Vane, on the other hand, kept his piercing gaze fixed on Johan. His stare was sharp, almost murderous, as though he were mentally dissecting the man into pieces. Yet, when Barbara approached with their food, Vane's face softened into a polite smile.
"These rolls are on the house. I know Master Leor likes them," Barbara said kindly, setting down four Swiss rolls alongside their original order.
"Thank you… I love them," Leor replied with a forced smile.
Barbara smiled warmly at Leor before returning to the kitchen, leaving them alone.
Leor felt as though a longsword had pierced his heart. His thoughts spiraled into an existential crisis as he tried to make sense of everything.
"Johan Von Adlerhof… Is that correct?" Vane asked, his piercing gaze never leaving Johan.
"Yes," Johan replied sharply, mustering as much confidence as he could.
"There are many good universities in the Aurelian Empire. Why not go there? And how did you even meet Leor in the first place? He's just an average student… It all sounds a little too convenient."
Johan's eyes narrowed, his composure hardening. Finally getting into the character. "I think you've got the wrong idea. I don't care what you think or say, because… sir, I believe we're equals here. Perhaps you should offer me some respect before interrogating me!"
"You…" Vane started, his voice laced with suspicion. He paused briefly before adopting a more polite tone. "I'm not accusing you of anything—yet. You're just… suspicious." Taking a deep breath, he asked calmly "Alright, first just tell me, how exactly did you two meet now?" 'I can't be too straightforward; let's gather some information first.'
"Hm…" Johan cast a quick glance at Leor, but his friend remained silent, too troubled to intervene. 'Thanks, I guess' Realizing he was on his own, Johan answered, his voice measured and calm despite the tension. "We met a month ago, just outside the academy. I asked for directions, and he kindly helped me."
After a brief pause, he added, "I liked his behavior. We talked for a bit and quickly became friends."
Vane's lips curled into a cold, calculating smile. "I see. That makes sense. But tell me, where were you headed at the time? Wouldn't it have been easier to take a carriage? You could've gotten directions from the driver and reached your destination without any trouble. Surely you brought servants with you—they could've arranged everything beforehand too."
Beneath his composed exterior, Johan was panicking, a bead of sweat forming on his temple. "I get what you're implying, but… uh…" Johan coughed awkwardly, stalling for time. Then, with calculated calmness, he said, "The first thing I wanted to do here was visit the popular brothel I heard rumors of. I felt too embarrassed to ask a carriage driver about something like that. Asking a fellow student, someone close to my own age, just felt… more comfortable. As for my destination, it was the Imperial Gardens. You're not going to ask me for my house address next, are you? Ha ha ha." Johan forced a laugh, desperate to shift the conversation. 'That's the only place I know the name of. Please, just drop this.'
"A special man you are. The first thing you do in a completely foreign place is look for a brothel." Vane chuckled playing along, though his gaze grew sharper.
Alya growing tired of their bickering, intertwined "Let's eat before food gets too cold."
Thankfully for Johan, the interrogation ended there. Of course, Vane didn't believe a single word of Johan's explanation.
Alya gently held Leor's right hand, motioning him to eat too. Her soft, warm touch seemed to soothe the storm of confusion in Leor's mind—ever so slightly.
The rest of the meal passed in uneasy silence. When they finished, Vane pushed back his chair and brushed crumbs from his lap. Alya stood with him, glancing at Leor one last time, her expression unreadable.
Click. Vane flipped open his pocket watch and checked the time.
"Leor, I arranged for the carriage to pick us up around now. We should leave," he announced.
"Yes, we should," Alya said softly, her tone warm but tinged with reluctance. Placing a hand on Leor's shoulder, she added, "Take care, okay? And don't forget to visit the church."
Leor nodded distractedly, barely acknowledging her words. His mind was elsewhere, clouded and distant.
Johan, however, maintained his sharp composure, the faintest smirk playing on his lips as if he had already won whatever invisible game was being played at the table.
"Leor," Vane said, his voice calm yet authoritative. "Write me a lightning telegram if you need anything. Understood?"
"Hm." Leor nodded, finally managing a quiet, "Thank you." to both of them.
Vane smiled back. Alya, lingering a moment longer, added, "Don't worry about it. And also I'll try those tactics you mentioned—first with my servants, then with Father. Thanks to you too!"
After settling the bill—six silver pounds, a ridiculous amount to spend on a meal for most but a mere tip to nobles—they stepped out of the bakery.
Leor watched them leave the small hut-like bakery. His feeling of confusion increased with the increasing silence. 'I have no memory of saying that… even if I have intrusive thoughts, I will never say them out loud. then why…What's wrong with me today… ?'
Outside, Vane and Alya waited for the Lorianne family carriage. Both stood quietly, thinking about today's strange events.
Alya had other things on her mind, 'I need to be prepared, Even if I have to leave everything behind, Abandon everyone… I will do that, without hesitation. I have a dream, a dream to be someone I don't hate. Marrying him… would just make me hate myself more, I would rather die. Leor don't lose hope please…'
Vane's voice broke her reverie. "Alya, I have to go somewhere. You should wait for the carriage and head back safely."
As she turned to Vane. Vane was already running off in the direction of the Bakery.
"Huh? Wait, what the hell… where are you going? Didn't you have a meeting or something at church?"
"I'll take care of it, don't worry. Go back home safely, and good luck with your father." Vane waved once at Alya before disappearing from her sight completely.
Back in the bakery, Johan exhaled sharply, his shoulders relaxing as the tension drained from his body. "We should leave now too, No?" he said, glancing at the dazed Leor with a note of urgency.
"Hm, you're right… We are supposed to have a banquet tonight. No need for the arrogant act then, just act like my friend." Standing up with his straight, Leor said in a thoughtful tone. 'I have to act now, going to church sounds good, I will go there first thing in the morning. I wonder if the banquet will still happen, the terrorist… police must have the area completely sealed by now."
"Alright, Are you feeling alright now though?" Johan asked in a slightly concerned voice.
Leor nodded lightly. "Hm," he murmured, offering no further explanation.
The two of them exited the bakery, walking towards the 63rd Square. The bustling square was a hub where most public carriages gathered to pick up passengers. While one might occasionally spot a carriage along the way, those were often already full, making the square the most reliable option.
To be continued......
Authors Note: I am glad if someone read this novel this far, a real person. That feels good, the dopamine rush AHH. Anyway, I love milfs. Around 30-35, they should have a slim waist as well. Everything else should be on the bigger side. Why am I saying this, well no one really reads it so why not I am a bit high too.
TYATE Extras: Lorraine, one of the great royal family is the biggest producer and Exporter of clothing. From military uniforms to wedding dresses, they're the biggest player in the entire industry. From hundreds of textile industries to thousands of 'Lorraine's ' stores worldwide. They're the most luxurious clothing brand, Only the wealthiest could afford their regular clothing. Hanging out with fashion enthusiast Vane, Leor was also influenced by it, becoming one of the biggest fashion nerds in existence.