Jingle——!!
The wind chime on the door suddenly rang out.
“Huh?” Reya looked up. “A customer?”
She set down her fork and stood, walking toward the entrance.
The door creaked open a crack.
A small, pitch-black figure slipped inside without a sound.
Reya moved closer and realized it was a black cat.
Its fur was pure black, without a single patch of color, glistening like silk in the sunlight.
Its eyes were a translucent green, like two fine emeralds, slowly scanning everything in the room.
“Wow—!” Reya’s eyes lit up as she crouched down, holding out her hands. “Little kitty! So cute!”
The black cat glanced at her, didn’t dodge, and let itself be picked up.
“Good kitty, good kitty~” Reya cradled the cat in her arms, rubbing her cheek against its head. “Where did you come from~ little one? Are you lost?”
Yiruo heard the commotion and instinctively turned her head.
Then she froze.
‘That cat… looks so familiar.’
‘That pure black coat, and those emerald eyes…’
‘I’ve seen it somewhere before.’
Before Yiruo could think further, the door sounded again.
This time, it was footsteps.
“Yulia, are you in there?”
The black cat wriggled out of Reya’s arms, landed lightly on the floor, and licked its paw.
Yiruo followed the voice toward the door.
Sunlight poured in from outside, outlining a bright silhouette on the figure.
It was a woman.
Tall, elegant, with an air of refinement.
Her long black hair was perfectly arranged, a few loose strands hanging beside her face. She wore a small black hat with a pure white flower adorning the brim.
She was dressed in a modified black mermaid dress, hugging her slender curves, tightening at the waist and elegantly flaring at the ankles like a fish tail.
Her gaze swept past Reya, paused on Elliana, then lingered on Yiruo for a moment.
The black cat on the floor leaped lightly into her arms.
She turned slightly, her skirt lifting gently, revealing a slim ankle.
“Sorry, my little one disturbed your meal.”
Reya waved her hands. “No, no! Guests are always welcome! Would you like to order something to eat?”
The woman gently stroked the cat in her arms.
“My name is Vanessa.” She smiled faintly. “I heard the black tea here is good.”
***
In the storage room.
The door was closed, cutting off the noise outside.
This was where they came every day to change clothes.
Though originally just a storage room, the space was spacious enough. Shelves were packed with coffee beans, bread dough, and various ingredients.
The cabinet against the wall held the shop’s work uniforms.
Elliana stood in front of the cabinet, taking out the day’s uniform and shoes.
It was a common café style—a light blue dress, simple and elegant.
She took off her nightgown, put on the dress, tied a white ribbon around her collar, and then fastened a black apron. She adjusted herself in front of the mirror.
The girl in the mirror had clothes that fit her figure, the hem just reaching her knees, and the apron was embroidered with tiny white patterns at the edges.
She then took a pair of white stockings from the cabinet, sat on a small stool, and gently lifted one leg.
The stocking slid up her calf, smoothly adhering, stopping just below the knee.
She tugged lightly to make the fabric fit better, then switched to the other foot.
Sunlight streamed in through the small window, casting a soft glow on her legs.
Finally, she slipped her stockinged feet into round-toe leather shoes and stood up.
Knock, knock.
A knock sounded.
Elliana paused.
‘Who is it?’
A familiar voice came from outside, tinged with tension.
“It’s me… Yiruo.”
Elliana was slightly startled, then walked over and opened the door.
“What’s wrong?” She stepped aside. “Did Sister Yilena send you? Did something happen?”
Yiruo stood outside holding Rabi, looking up at her with unease in her eyes.
She entered the storage room and sat on the small stool just vacated.
“Did you see that cat just now?”
Elliana nodded. “The black cat? Is it the guest’s?”
Yiruo was silent for a moment, then slowly spoke, recounting her feeling.
“I think… it’s too much of a coincidence.” Her voice was low. “Last night, in the alley, the one staring at me… was it.”
Elliana’s pupils contracted slightly.
“Are you sure?”
Yiruo nodded.
“It kept staring at me, like it was confirming something… and then it left.”
The storage room was quiet for a few seconds.
Elliana reached out and gently placed her hand on Yiruo’s head.
“Mmph…”
Yiruo instinctively squinted, her head unconsciously nuzzling into her palm.
The next moment, she suddenly realized and blushed.
“W-why did you suddenly pat my head… I’m not a child.”
Elliana’s lips curled slightly, but her tone was serious.
“Thank you for telling me this, little Yiruo.”
Yiruo lowered her head, a little embarrassed.
“I think… we can talk about things like this with each other now.”
She spoke softly.
“You’re family who came back with Sister Yilena, so your safety is more important than anything.”
She paused, then added.
“Someone showing up at this time—whether they’re after you or not—we have to be careful.”
Elliana took a key from the cabinet and handed it to Yiruo.
“Stay here for now. Sister Yilena is outside, so nothing will happen. Wait until we call you to come out.”
Yiruo nodded.
“Whoever bullies Master, I’ll hit them!” Rabi jumped onto her shoulder, waving its little hand.
Elliana gently patted its head, reassured by the little one’s strength.
Knock, knock.
Another knock.
“Elliana!” Reya’s voice came from outside. “The customer ordered a cup of black tea!”
“Got it.”
Elliana answered, then looked down at Yiruo.
“Wait for me.”
Then she turned, opened the door, and walked out.