第１３６４堀：心を落ち着けるためには？ (Part2)
It was clear that brooding over things like this wouldn’t get me anywhere. Or perhaps, being alone only made me think about it all the more?
With that thought, we shook off our anxieties for the time being. Once classes at the school concluded, we headed with our classmates to Alfin’s cake shop.
"Wow!"
The younger ones’ eyes sparkled as they took in the sight of the bakery.
"Tell me, Fusora. Have the others never been to a place like this before?"
"We’ve seen it during field trips, but this is the first time we’ve come out together as friends."
"Even though a month has already passed since school started?"
"It’s only been a month, after all. We were told that if we don’t study the ways of Weed properly, we might end up being rude. They’ve been quite strict about that."
"That’s true, I suppose."
In our etiquette classes, we were constantly drilled on being polite and warned that causing trouble would only bring shame upon our homelands. I suppose I might have been a bit too strict, leaving them feeling like they couldn't venture out much. I’d heard that the older students, like Ardes, were out and about exploring, but the younger ones didn't have that same luxury. Perhaps it was only natural, given that this was still an unfamiliar land to them.
While I was lost in thought, Coral approached us.
"I’m Labyris, and I have a reservation."
"We’ve been expecting you. Please, this way."
Coral, the black dragon, guided us with impeccable, polite grace. It was hard to believe this was the same dragon who had once caused such trouble back at Fiora’s place; she had settled into life in Weed so seamlessly. She was even working here at Alfin’s shop, plain as day. You never can tell what will be the turning point for someone.
"Here are the menus. Please ring that bell when you’ve made your selections."
"Yes, thank you!"
The children replied with perfect manners. Coral bowed with a smile and retreated. She was genuinely kind to the children, too—a truly excellent employee.
Setting that aside, I picked up a menu to place my own order. I’d been to Alfin’s shop often enough that nothing had changed, though I suppose changing a menu on a whim is no small feat.
"By the way, Fusora, have you been here before?"
"I have. Aslin and the others showed me the way."
"I see. Did it suit your palate?"
"Yes, it’s delicious. I’m agonizing over what to choose today, too. My father has decreed that I can only have cake once every two days."
Oh, that’s strict. When I first discovered these cakes, I ate them without a second thought, never dreaming of limiting myself. ...Ah, so that’s why.
Wait, that means I need to warn the ones who are here for the first time.
"Everyone, be careful not to overdo it. You’ll have dinner at the dorms later, so don't eat too much—keep it to two or three pieces at most."
"Okay!"
My warning seemed to hit home; they replied with bright, energetic voices and peered into their menus with even greater focus.
"Dressa, isn't three pieces a bit much?"
"Is it? Well, it varies from person to person, and I think it’s a good learning experience, don't you?"
"Mm. Cake is surprisingly filling. Hiiro only needs one."
I suppose this is all part of their social education. Just as I was thinking that:
"That’s right. Just because it’s sweet doesn't mean you can eat an infinite amount of it..."
"Mmhmm, mmhmm."
At Labyris’s words, everyone who knew Alfin nodded deeply, solemnly. Even though things had calmed down recently, the terrors of the past were not easily forgotten.
"Welcome. You’re students from the school, aren't you? Please, enjoy your time in Weed. Today, I’ve got a gift for you—help yourselves to as many whole cakes as you like."
"Yay!"
"..."
I’d rather not say how many whole cakes were brought out. It goes without saying that Yuki figured it out the moment he saw us at dinner.
There are many ways to calm one’s heart, but gorging on delicious food is certainly one of them. It’s that classic trick of focusing so hard on one thing that you forget everything else. Though, I suppose if you eat an entire cake by yourself, you’re bound to be bedridden for the rest of the day.