“…I have nothing to do.”
Ririi ran off to school, and Sieglinde to the Ministry of Magic. The house feels really quiet without them.
This used to be normal before I picked up Ririi, but this silence doesn’t feel like enough now.
It’s scary how people get used to things. I didn’t think there would come a day when I picked up Ririi and started living with Sieglinde.
I used to hate boredom when I was younger, and lived for excitement. That day when I left the capital, I didn’t intend to return. I felt comfortable in that town full of ruffians.
“…And now here I am.”
I smile as I pour coffee on this quiet morning.
Being alone was easy, but that was all. Living with Ririi made me feel like the warmth of being with someone is better than being alone.
Sieglinde said she’s the same as she was in school, but I’m sure she changed too.
People change as their environment changes.
That said…
“My food might be too plain for the daughter of a noted family.”
…Maybe it’s not good to change too much too suddenly.
I sigh when I open the refrigerator. Yesterday’s leftovers and completely dry vegetables. If someone served this in the Loyd house, the chef would lose his head.
Ririi and I are used to the rough life in Zenith, but I hesitate to serve this to Sieglinde. I wonder what she thought of today’s bacon and egg sandwich too.
“Come to think of it, she was pretty concerned with the eggs…”
After breakfast she mumbled she wouldn’t break them next time, and that she needed practice. I think it’s fine, but she’s serious and clumsy.
…That face in profile is still on my mind just a little.
“All right, I’ll make something proper tonight.”
Deciding things quickly is one of my strong suits.
I grab my wallet, put on a coat, and leave. It’s almost summer, but it’s a little chilly at this time of the day. The chill air sticks to my skin, and I’m fully awake by the time I reach the city.
Morning in the capital.
Unlike Zenith, the smell of a quiet soft life hangs in the city. An appetizing smell comes from a bakery, and all the people I walk by look happy somehow. Kids going to school, adults hurrying to work, elderly people enjoying a walk… For someone who knows the chaos of Zenith, it’s like I’m in a different world.
“Ah, welcome! I’ll give you a good deal!”
A bearded man raises his voice outside a butcher shop. I was just praising the capital, but there are people like this too. If we’re judging based on appearances, he’d fit perfectly in Zenith.
“Ou, Weiss. That’s rare, what got you out here in the morning?”
“I want to improve a bit. I’m gonna splurge today.”
“Heh, for Ririi?”
“Well, I guess.”
I don’t bring up Sieglinde. I’ll do that when we come here together. If that ever happens.
“Then take this shank meat. It’s a little expensive, but you can’t go wrong with its taste. Nobles buy it too.”
“Nobles uh…”
A word that doesn’t suit me, but doesn’t sound bad now. I have to satisfy her tongue.
I have the meat wrapped up, and head to the greengrocer next.
In front of vegetables piled up like a mountain, I see an old lady with a bent back who whispers at me.
“Oh, what are you making today?”
“Stew. I need root vegetables and herbs.”
“That’s nice, cooking for someone.”
“Why do you think that?”
“Have you ever come here to buy herbs?”
She’s right, so I can’t say anything back. I smile awkwardly without thinking as she grins. Serving smelly meat like that is what we call Zenith style. Something to mask smell would have no value there.
I feel eyes on my back as I leave the store.
As I walk through the street holding a bag, it feels brighter than usual. People’s voices, the sound of carriages, it all sounds strangely comfortable. Peaceful, quiet, a life I hadn’t felt for a long time is here.
“…I hope she likes it.”
Those words leave my mouth before I know it.
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