During the exchange of her orders, Silvie noticed that there were quite a few waitresses in the establishment besides the girl Harucis.
As Sir Daishi reconfirmed her selections, Silvie's eyes met those of one of the waitresses. She was a brunette with stern eyes, while beside her stood another, a silent, green-eyed girl with short black hair.
Both wore the same uniform as the others: a crisp, knee-length dress with a white apron neatly tied at the waist, paired with a simple blouse and practical shoes, the standard attire for the splendid cake shop's waitstaff.
"I don't understand..." Silvie muttered, her gaze remained on the brown-haired waitress and the one with short black hair.
She didn't know their names, but why did they give her something akin to a jealous look? The servant quickly dismissed the thought, telling herself that perhaps they were simply stressed from the day, or was it because she was about to contribute to the pile of dishes?
A few moments passed, and the servant found herself eating one serving after another, trying everything on the menu.
Though she indulged, her mind couldn't help but feel weary as she spent a gold crown, the very same coin that had once been used in the slave trade to purchase her.
But at this particular moment, the servant had no intention of sullying the experience with bitter memories.
She kept eating her worries away, while the other patrons watched in awe that such a small girl could consume so much.
"She's not from this world!" The patrons cheered, while some of the waitresses continued their somber, jealous expressions; they remained within the servant's blind spot.
Eventually, it was time for them to leave. Silvie felt grateful for such a pleasant experience, yet for some odd reason, her stomach still felt empty.
One could only wonder how her body even worked...
Lady Evelyn was delighted to see her in high spirits. Silvie seemed so much brighter than before.
But behind her generous smile, Lady Evelyn silently contemplated, "This world... it is unworthy of your purity," as she regarded her servant.
They considered this as their humble repast. The servant ensured the tables were tidied, even assisting the girl named Harucis in carrying some of the plates to the counter. Curiously, Harucis seemed to smile constantly, and in response, Silvie found herself smiling as well.
"She looks a lot nicer compared to the other waitresses," the servant noted.
The mistress and her servant prepared to take their leave. Yet a harrowing thought returned to Silvie as she reflected on their indulgence.
What had become of their pursuers, and were they still lurking in the shadows? Despite several moments passing, the pursuers had not made a single move toward them, even though they had every opportunity, an observation that left Silvie confused.
She positioned herself close to Lady Evelyn, concentrating on predicting her mistress's next move.
"Daishi, I have a performance to attend to. Do wait for me," As Lady Evelyn's words fell, Sir Daishi's face turned serious. Around them, the patrons buried themselves in papers or trivial distractions, deliberately avoiding any noise that might trespass on the private dialogue.
The servant came to a sudden conclusion: everyone here might be under her mistress, and she hadn't noticed until now that perhaps there was more to her mistress than met the eye.
"It seems you've attracted some rather persistent stalkers lately," the store owner remarked.
Silvie, however, was left confused. How did this gentleman know they were being followed?
"Do you require assistance with that, Lady Evelyn?" The offer carried an ominous undertone as Daishi wiped a clear glass spotless with a napkin, while the servant's eyes roamed around the establishment in interest.
"There's no need for that; I have something pleasant planned," Lady Evelyn said, though Sir Daishi still harbored one concern regarding the servant.
It was a fair assessment by the gentleman that Silvie should stay here for the time being, as it was dangerous for her to be outside.
"But Lady Evelyn, won't you be at risk too?" the servant asked, concerned. The mistress was but one maiden, though there was a chance she was always shadowed by her own men.
Lady Evelyn simply laughed under her breath at their words, finding humor in the otherwise peculiar situation.
"This is the last time I'll say it: my plans stand as they are," she said in a commanding tone, and the entire establishment listened; even the waitresses seemed to be part of it.
Daishi could only nod in approval. "I see, then so be it, Lady Evelyn..." Then the mistress's eyes landed on her servant. "Come along. Don't leave my side," she ordered.
Silvie merely obeyed. "As you wish, my lady."
"Daishi, do not forget to wait for me..." Lady Evelyn said, turning her back toward the door to exit the establishment.
Sir Daishi smiled in amusement at Lady Evelyn's familiar demeanor. "Certainly, my lady. Farewell, and to you as well, Lady Silvie."
Silvie smiled in return, appreciating the gentleman for the pancakes he had made and for his gentle words. Being called a lady had a nice ring to it.
"It was a pleasure to meet you, Sir Daishi."
"Likewise," Sir Daishi replied in kind.
The door's chime rang, and the same dull air of Gravenhurst greeted the maidens once again.
The scent of syrup and butter faded behind them, replaced by the poor air quality of the Gravenhurst District.
"Lady Evelyn, you never change, always the same woman: elegant on the surface, yet finding pleasure in life-threatening schemes."
"I hope this experience doesn't scar you, Lady Silvie..." Daishi muttered to himself as he continued working in the pastry shop.
Lady Evelyn walked ahead while Silvie followed closely, glancing one last time at the golden-lit lanterns of 'Splendid Cake' before the bleakness swallowed them from view.
Still, the matter of the stalkers remained in the back of her mind; Even Sir Daishi's words had left a mental note of concern.
"Where are we heading, Lady Evelyn?" Silvie asked.
Lady Evelyn's only instruction was to keep following, though Silvie's heart carried a hint of worry.
Even so, she couldn't quite read Lady Evelyn's intentions. She suspected they were heading to her home, but if that were the case, why were they walking? Lady Evelyn hadn't called for any kind of transport. Still, Silvie chose to trust her; she would just have to wait and see.
A short amount of time passed, and Lady Evelyn had not said a word, walking from street to street, corner to corner, until...
"Hold on..."
"Lady Evelyn, why are we in an alleyway?!"
As they were in an alley within Grey Street, multiple scenarios popped into Silvie's mind. It was perplexing and dangerous to be in such a vulnerable spot, especially when they were being followed.
"What is Lady Evelyn thinking?!"
Silvie grew anxious. If they were confronted, what could they possibly do in such a narrow space?
"My Lady?" she called out to her mistress, who abruptly halted her steps.
"This is the most intimate place I could provide. Don't be shy, show yourselves," the lady of velvet declared, not a single hint of fear in her voice. She then leaned toward her servant and whispered, "Whatever happens, never leave my side." Her soft breath tickled Silvie's ear.
"I understand, My Lady. I'll do as you say," Silvie obliged. As Lady Evelyn leaned away, her eyes were shining like burning violet stars.
Yet the servant could only envy this particular characteristic of her mistress; she wasn't sure whether she should be astonished or concerned, as Evelyn's confidence never wavered, even in the face of danger.
"Good girl," Lady Evelyn teased, before turning her attention to the emerging shadowy figures, leaving Silvie speechless.
"Huh..."
"Good... girl?!"
And there they were, right in front of them, three figures wearing dark robes. To Silvie's horror, another two stood behind.
They were surrounded from all angles.
Chapter End...