“Elliana, what about Yiruo…”
Elliana walked out of the storage room and ran into Reya, who was waiting anxiously at the entrance of the main hall.
“It’s fine. Sister Yilena is outside. We just need to do our part.”
Elliana gave Reya a reassuring look, then quickly walked behind the counter and began making black tea with practiced ease.
The warm yellow light from above fell on Elliana’s silver-white hair, giving it a soft sheen.
She lifted the hem of her light blue dress, pinched the tea strainer with her fingertips, placed it into the teacup, and added some black tea leaves.
Boiling water slowly poured from the kettle. The tea leaves gradually unfurled in the water, dyeing it a translucent amber color.
A warm fragrance wafted from the cup.
Elliana picked up the brewed tea and walked toward the main hall.
Sunlight streamed in through the floor-to-ceiling windows, spreading warm patches of light across the floor.
By the window sat the noblewoman, lounging lazily, with the black cat quietly lying on her lap.
Its tail swayed gently.
Yilena sat across from her, chin resting on one hand. Her pink hair fell casually over her shoulders, and she wore her usual smile as she studied the woman before her.
Elliana walked over and gently placed the cup of black tea in front of the woman.
“Please enjoy.”
Her movements were graceful and proper, but the slight tremor in her voice betrayed her inner unease.
“Your shop assistant seems a bit afraid of me?”
Vanessa gave a slight nod, picked up the teacup, and brought it to her lips.
She took a small sip.
“Black tea of this quality rivals some shops in the royal capital.”
“Hmm…” She set down the cup, a hint of satisfaction flashing in her fiery red eyes. “The tea is fragrant, the aftertaste lingers, and the temperature is just right.”
Yilena rested her chin on her hand and smiled at her.
“Oh my~ To receive such high praise from a noble lady of the royal capital, our little shop assistant might get a big head~”
“People should be proud in the first place.”
The black cat, enjoying being petted, let out a soft “meow” and shifted positions to continue lounging.
The conversation between the two seemed light and casual, but neither was willing to back down.
Something was flowing silently in the air.
“Wow~” Yilena blinked. “Even if you praise my little shop assistant so enthusiastically, I won’t let her go with you~”
“Speaking of which,” Vanessa changed the subject, her tone still casual, but her fiery red eyes fixed on Yilena, “I heard that Ms. Yilena is not only the owner of this café but also a quite outstanding adventurer?”
“Someone saw Ms. Yilena taking two young girls deep into the Dark Forest.” Vanessa looked down, teasing the cat in her arms, her voice soft but probing. “They say there’s an… very ancient ruin there?”
Yilena’s smile paused for a moment.
Then she lightly tapped her head and made a playful expression.
“My, my, the noble lady’s information network is quite impressive~” She rested her cheek on her hand, her tone still light. “But right now, I’m just a café owner~ All I think about every day is how to make a bit more money and how to keep my little ones well fed~ As for adventurers or ruins or anything like that, I have no idea at all~”
Yilena waved her hand, looking innocent, as if she truly knew nothing.
Vanessa raised her head and met her gaze.
Their eyes clashed silently in the air.
Then Vanessa let out a soft laugh.
“Very well. I’ve heard for a while that there’s a café in Herlia with great flavor, and the owner is a woman as beautiful as a fairy.” She tilted her head slightly. “Now it seems she’s more like a cunning witch.”
She finished the last sip of black tea, set down the cup, and stood up.
The black cat jumped off her lap, landing steadily, and swished its tail once.
Vanessa took two shining gold coins from her waist and placed them on the table.
“The black tea was delicious.” she said, her fiery red eyes sweeping across the main hall, then landing on the door to the storage room behind the counter, and finally settling on Yilena’s face. “I’ll be visiting often.”
“You’re always welcome~” Yilena smiled even brighter. “With such an adorable little one accompanying you, Ms. Vanessa can come anytime, and we’ll take good care of you~”
Vanessa gave a slight nod and turned to walk out the door.
The black cat followed at her feet, disappearing into the sunlight outside.
Jingle—
The wind chime rang as the door gently closed.
Yilena remained seated, looking at the gold coins on the table. Her smile gradually faded.
Elliana came out from behind the counter and stood beside Reya behind her.
“That scared me. What did she really want? She kept asking about our trip to the ruins…”
“…Sister Yilena, I think we’re in trouble.”
Yilena stood up and looked out the window at the gradually receding figure.
“She might already know everything. First, bring little Yiruo out.”
***
In a quiet alley not far from the café, Vanessa stopped.
Sunlight was blocked by the high walls on both sides, leaving the alley unusually dim.
She gently stroked the black cat in her arms. The cat squinted, letting out a comfortable purr.
“Come out.” she said softly. “Stop hiding. I know you’re here.”
From the depths of the alley’s shadow, a figure slowly emerged.
He removed his disguise, revealing a young man’s face with a hint of slyness. Dressed modestly, he clearly was used to blending into crowds.
“Found it?” His tone carried a hint of excitement.
Vanessa gently stroked the black cat, her voice calm.
“The jade is in that café.”
The man’s eyes lit up. He immediately began to stretch his body as magical power surged within him.
“With the café owner? Can you deal with her?”
“My Yulia never makes a mistake.” Vanessa glanced down at the cat in her arms, a cryptic smile curling at the corner of her lips. “That jade…”
The man was silent for a few seconds, then turned to look at her.
“What do you mean? You’re not going to make a move?”
“I’d rather not provoke that witch head-on.” Vanessa let out a light laugh. “The commission I accepted was only to confirm the jade’s location. Everything after that can be left entirely to you.”
The man took a small emblem from his chest and handed it to her.
“Remember your limits. Don’t do anything unnecessary.”
“Don’t worry.” Vanessa accepted the emblem and casually tucked it into her sleeve. “I just want to enjoy the Valgis Night festival with Yulia.”
The man said nothing more. He turned and walked deep into the alley, quickly disappearing into the shadows.
The alley fell silent again.
The distant noise of the street could be heard faintly.
Vanessa stood still, stroking the black cat in her arms. Her fiery red eyes gazed at the bright sky at the alley’s entrance.
She recalled the scene in the café just now.
That jade.
That girl.
Those eyes that had secretly looked at her from the corner—filled with wariness, confusion, and a hint… of curiosity.
Vanessa reached up and gently touched her own face. A faint blush appeared.
“What an interesting little one… I really want to steal you away.”
She let out a soft laugh and ruffled the black cat’s head.
The cat meowed and licked her hand.
“Let’s go, Yulia.”
Holding the cat, she slowly walked out of the alley.
Sunlight fell upon her.
“I hope not too many unpleasant things happen between us.”