Chapter 26 - Rendezvous
Yesterday, cloth for the canopy was delivered from the Courier Guild to the Green Tower.
Dahlia carefully inspected each piece, which was meant to be used as waterproof fabric.
Afterward, she measured out the powdered blue slime and other chemicals, preparing the solvent. To match the warming temperature, she added just a little more water.
Then, she repeatedly spread the waterproof fabric, applied the solution, and cast fixation magic.
Having finished a few sheets, she was about to take a break from the intense sweat when Tobias arrived.
The question he asked was puzzling.
She had never seen an amber brooch belonging to Emilia.
As she explained, Dahlia was genuinely grateful for Marcella’s suggestion to consult a notary public. She hadn’t expected it to come up at this point.
Her frustration boiled over due to his rudeness and lack of an apology, prompting her to say, "The used bed will be my wedding gift to you."
It might have been tactless, but considering everything that had happened, she figured it could be forgiven—probably.
Afterward, she worked late into the night, making sure the fixative was properly applied so she could leave the next day without issue.
The next morning, she woke up a little later, dipped her breakfast bread into milk, and ate it slowly.
Once fully awake, she took the time to get ready, making sure her makeup was perfect.
Thinking about visiting a magical tool shop for nobles, she chose a hyacinth-blue ensemble paired with a dark blue long skirt.
The skirt had a slit for ease of movement, and lace was sewn neatly under the slit for extra security when getting in and out of a carriage.
She tied her hair up with a simple black barrette, packed her wallet, handkerchief, notepad, and makeup supplies into her bag, and finished her preparations.
It might have been a little too early to be ready.
It was still a while until noon, but she wondered what the weather would be like today. When she opened the window to check, she saw a tall man in a black hooded cloak already standing in front of the tower. Even with the cloak, his height made him stand out.
Dahlia hurriedly ran down the stairs.
"Good morning. We were supposed to meet around noon, right?"
She wondered if she had misheard. Uncertainty crept in as she double-checked.
"Sorry. I thought since it was far from the royal castle, I should leave early, but I ended up walking too fast."
You're like a child on a school trip! Dahlia thought, inwardly making various sarcastic remarks. Are you walking with physical enhancement like it's a race? And stop looking like a dog who knows it's going to be scolded! As she grumbled internally, she opened the gate.
"Please wait by the entrance. I'll be ready soon."
"I arrived too early on my own, so there’s no need to rush. Also, this is the coat I borrowed. Really, thank you."
"No, I'm just happy to help."
She accepted her father’s black coat and went back to the second floor. After grabbing her bag and checking the fire, she quickly headed back to the entrance.
"Shall we visit magic tool shops in the northern district and then have a meal afterward? Is your schedule clear?"
"Yes, I've finished the work I needed to do for now, so it's fine."
They took the stagecoach that passed near the tower, heading to the center of town. To reach the northern noble district from there, Volf had arranged for a carriage.
Each time they got in or out of the carriage, Volf would offer his hand to escort her.
She had told him it wasn’t necessary, but he explained that it had always been this way, and naturally, she accepted. It seemed that being a nobleman wasn’t an easy task.
She remembered how her father had re-read an etiquette book the morning before a noble banquet.
She was sure that, at that time, he must have been just as nervous as she felt now, stomach in knots.
・・・・・・・
As the sunlight grew more intense, the color of the cobblestone road shifted from brown to gray. This was the sign they had entered the noble district of the northern area.
Surprisingly, although it was called the noble district, commoners could freely come and go, and many shops were open to everyone. However, only those with a reasonably full wallet could afford to shop there.
In the capital, being a noble didn’t mean one could behave tyrannically.
For example, if a commoner was run over by a carriage, the coachman would be held accountable, and compensation would be given. It was unthinkable that someone would be simply slashed down without question.
That said, abusing or exploiting one’s status still happened, and when things went awry, commoners were often at a disadvantage.
"Finally, we’ve arrived..."
Volf stepped out of the carriage, removed his black hood, and stretched out.
Today, he wore a simple white shirt and what looked like nearly black navy trousers, paired with glossy black leather wholecut shoes.
Though these clothes seemed plain and ordinary, when Volf wore them, they looked like they belonged on a model.
It was often said that clothes make a person look beautiful, but Dahlia couldn’t help but wonder how it worked in reverse.
"With this heat, the cloak is starting to feel unbearable, isn't it?"
The capital’s summers could get quite hot. Wearing a black cloak outdoors, it was only a matter of time before one inevitably got heatstroke.
"Yeah, I was thinking of switching to glasses soon. They don’t help much though."
The way he phrased it as "not much help" to hide his striking looks made Dahlia feel sympathy for his hidden struggles.
As they walked and talked, the gaze of every woman they passed seemed to focus on Volf.
Then, they would glance at Dahlia, raise an eyebrow in confusion, or sometimes even chuckle to themselves. The worst ones would whisper as they passed by, probably commenting on how out of place she seemed next to him.
They likely meant to suggest that she didn’t match him, but it wasn’t the most pleasant thing to experience.
"Sorry... I should have kept the cloak on until we were in front of the shop."
"It’s no trouble."
Dahlia interrupted the young man before he could finish speaking.
After all, they weren’t lovers or engaged, so there was no need to worry about such things. And frankly, she was far more concerned about him collapsing from heatstroke.
"With this heat, it looks like this summer is going to be an early one."
"Yeah, it’s already this bright."
Wolf blinked several times.
"Are your eyes still not fully healed?"
"No, I think they’re fine now. It's just that I often wear a hood when I go outside, so I tend to feel the brightness more."
Even as he said that, his eyes still squinted in a way that made it clear it was still bothering him.
Since the hood cast a shadow over his face, the difference in brightness when he stepped into the light must have been stark. Dahlia couldn’t help but feel a little concerned.
"Shall we go to the 'Silver Branch' and the 'Goddess’s Right Eye' magical tool shops?"
"Yes. I’m looking forward to seeing what magical tools they have."
The first shop, Silver Branch, was one Dahlia had visited with her father before.
It had not only everyday magical tools but also more refined tools suited to the nobility.
The second shop, Goddess’s Right Eye, she only knew by name but had never been to.
It was located near the royal castle in the northern district, and it was a high-end magical tool shop that only those already familiar with it or with an introduction letter could enter.
Volf folded up his hood and held his right palm out toward Dahlia.
"Well, this shop caters to nobles. So, Lady Dahlia, may I escort you?"
"Understood. I apologize for the trouble, and I appreciate your help."
Their polite exchange felt a bit awkward.
When Dahlia looked at the young man, it seemed like he felt the same. He had a subtle, almost uncomfortable expression on his face, like something was itching.
"...It’s for the magical tools and magic swords, so let’s do our best."
"...Right, let’s do our best."
With Volf guiding her, Dahlia stepped through the door of the Silver Branch magical tool shop.
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