章節 38: Fateful meeting (3)
Raphael Earhart
— This pastry pairs perfectly with this coffee, — Alea said, smiling and pointing to the menu.
— Really? Then I'll take your advice.
— Glad to hear it, — her smile widened, and I caught a glimpse of confidence in her expression.
Alea clearly frequented this cafe and knew the menu inside and out. She gave Erin and me suggestions for desserts and drinks, and honestly, I just decided to trust her taste. She seemed to really know her way around this. Erin, it seemed, had come to the same conclusion and ordered the same as us.
A few minutes after we placed our orders, I decided to ask the question that had been lingering in my mind.
— Alea, can I ask you something?
— Go ahead, — she replied, her gaze curious but relaxed.
— Who are you?
For a moment, a flicker of surprise crossed her face, quickly replaced by a knowing smile. From the very start, Alea managed to project both a mischievous and mature aura. Despite the initial shock of her forwardness, speaking with her was oddly pleasant. It was as if nothing could throw her off balance, not even a direct question like mine.
— Take a guess, — she offered playfully, winking.
— Well, I hardly know anything about you. How would I even start guessing?
— If you guess right, you'll get a reward.
— And if I'm wrong? — I asked, a bit wary.
Alea paused, not at all troubled by the idea of a "penalty." She looked at me thoughtfully, clearly coming up with something.
— Then you'll have to grant me one wish. Don't worry, nothing illegal, — she added with an innocent expression.
— ...Alright, deal, — I replied reluctantly.
I wasn't exactly thrilled to be on the hook for a favor to someone whose name and age were all I knew, but since she promised it wouldn't be illegal, I figured I could handle it. Alea didn't seem like the type to use the opportunity to humiliate someone.
— Okay, well, to start, you're clearly not a commoner, — I said aloud. — The fact that we met in the Mage Tower suggests you're at least involved with the sciences, or that you have the money to be here. Could you be an investor?
Alea rested her chin on her hands, watching me with interest.
— Why science, though? — she smirked, squinting.
— The converter you bought. They're mainly used in alchemy or science, especially for making pills and potions. Investors usually go for military equipment. Of course, there are exceptions, but... by the way, you don't seem like the spoiled daughter of some rich tycoon.
— Oh, well, thank you, — she laughed, though I realized she wasn't mocking me.
It wasn't meant as a compliment or criticism, just an observation. The central Mage Tower was one of the most exclusive locations in the country, second in grandeur only to the Earhart family's estate and castle. People who had access to the tower typically had significant resources and often carried an air of entitlement, but Alea lacked any of that.
— So, I'm guessing you're indeed connected to science or magic. Otherwise, you wouldn't have access to the tower, — I concluded with a slight smile.
For a moment, I considered other options. From what I knew, elders and Circle Knights also had access to the tower, but it was unlikely to encounter them in such a place. Besides, Alea didn't radiate the strength or presence that would suggest a connection to knights. If she had a mana level, it was unremarkable.
Actually, to be honest, I'd never even seen Circle Knights myself, even as an Honored Knight. I'd only heard rumors of their abilities and incredible power. But Harumi, it seemed, picked up on my thoughts and immediately asked a question:
— You were an Honored Knight, Raphael. So why have you never seen a Circle Knight?
— Because their identities are always kept hidden. All I know are rumors about the monstrous power these people wield. I still don't understand what role they play within the family.
— Then why aim for that level at all if you don't even know what it entails? Don't you think it's foolish to chase after a goal you don't even understand?
Harumi's logic was sound enough to make me pause, but now wasn't the time to let doubts take over. The goals I'd set for myself were too high for me to allow hesitation.
— Yes, it would be foolish to merely dream of the unattainable, — I replied to Harumi mentally. — But I know that access to the most crucial family information is granted to Circle Knights. That's all I need to know. I understand that their level isn't something you can reach in a couple of weeks or months. But when I become stronger and more influential, they'll cross my path in due time.
I decided it was pointless to torture myself with endless reflections. No matter how much I wanted to know everything, the answers wouldn't just fall from the sky—and no one, absolutely no one, would reveal them to me on a whim. I'd simply keep moving forward until those answers came to me on their own.
— So, who do you think I am? — Alea's voice cut through my thoughts.
She looked at me with unhidden curiosity, like she genuinely expected me to guess right.
— Hmm, I'd say... maybe you're a healer? Either an alchemist or... maybe a surgeon? — I ventured, searching her face for hints.
— I see… — she stretched out the words with a mischievous grin, stoking my curiosity even more.
— So... am I right?
— Sorry, but no, — Alea replied with a cheerful laugh, her amusement a stark contrast to my growing bewilderment.
— Ha… well, who are you then?
— That's a secret. But don't worry, you'll find out soon enough, — she added with that playful glint in her eyes.
"Find out soon?" What's that supposed to mean?
Just then, our server returned with our order — three coffees and an array of desserts. She set everything on the table, wished us a pleasant meal, and quickly stepped away, leaving us to enjoy the treats.
I decided to let Alea's words slide. If she was right and I'd find out on my own, there was no point in racking my brain over it. Trying to guess would get me nowhere, and if she wanted to keep things mysterious, I'd let her.
I scooped a small piece of strawberry cake onto my spoon and took a bite. The sweetness and faint tartness from the fresh strawberry bits filled my mouth, while the soft cream added a layer of delightful smoothness. I couldn't help but close my eyes, savoring the taste.
Following Alea's example, I took a sip of my coffee with milk and whipped cream—what she'd called a "latte," if I remembered correctly. The warmth of the drink and the lightness of the whipped cream blended perfectly with the cake, and I had to admit that Alea really did know her desserts.
Nodding to myself, I made a mental note that her recommendations could indeed be trusted. For a while, the three of us just enjoyed the quiet pleasure of our food. Eventually, the conversation drifted between Alea and Erin. They talked about different hairstyles and fashion trends, and though Erin didn't usually show much interest in such topics, I could tell she was engaged. I felt a bit of surprise — it was rare for Erin to chat so openly about things that interested her, like any other girl.
Mostly, it was Alea doing the talking, with Erin listening intently and occasionally chiming in. I'd never have guessed that these topics could capture her attention. But then again, Erin was a girl, just like anyone else, and it made sense. Now and then, I'd join in when they asked for my opinion on clothes, but for the most part, I sat back and observed.
By the time we finished, I felt almost at peace. We left the cafe and walked down the main road toward the central plaza. I slipped my mask back on to avoid attracting unwanted attention; after all, there were probably more than a few curious onlookers among the crowd.
— So, where are you headed now? — Alea asked suddenly, breaking the silence.
— I think we'll head home, — I answered, glancing at my watch.
It was already around eight in the evening, and the sky was taking on the warm hues of dusk. A gentle summer breeze brushed my face, playing with the loose strands of my hair.
I didn't want to linger in the city longer than necessary. As night approached, I felt a rising unease; it didn't feel right leaving the residence unattended, especially with the Patriarch there. And besides, today's events had been more than enough excitement.
— Got it. Then, let me walk you home, — Alea nodded, a light, almost caring smile on her face.
— No need. We're grateful for the good company, so let's just part ways here.
— Ah, fine...
There was a hint of disappointment in her voice, but she seemed to accept it. Harumi, who'd been lounging on her arm all this time, hopped down, stretched lazily, and leapt onto my shoulder, settling down with a tired expression.
— Oh, by the way, Raphael… — Alea spoke up suddenly, as if remembering something important.
— Yes?
— Make it to the finals in the upcoming tournament… That's my wish. If you do, I promise there'll be a reward.
— What?.. — Her words caught me off guard, lingering in the air.
— Well then, see you! — Alea waved brightly, then turned and dashed off, disappearing into the crowd.
I stood there, rooted in place, staring after her. She was already gone, as if she'd never been there at all. Not only did she know about my participation in the tournament, but she seemed to hold certain expectations of me. Just who was she?
— That was... unexpected, — Erin said, breaking the silence and snapping me back to reality.
— Yeah, no kidding. She's like a walking ball of mysteries and surprises.
With one last heavy sigh, I glanced in the direction Alea had vanished, then turned and headed toward the family residence.
Today had drained me more than I'd expected.
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