[Elmer]

“Young Master El, it is done. Let’s cook again the next time you come over.”

“Thanks.”

I thanked the cook-san who a.s.sisted me on the last minute.

I fiddled with the bundle on my hand while I walked in the hallway.

“Take this.”

When I went out of the room, I was secretly given cookies. The apprentice made me take them stealthily. Since the beginning, that person always got shouted at. Well, there’s no difference even now since the higher-ranked cook-san still shout at him.

Piett-san’s cooking method, which was swinging a knife around, was deemed too dangerous so I was thought by the Vice Head Chef instead with uncomplicated dishes. But unfortunately, the lessons will end today.

The time is nearing. I spent more time than I thought so I walked quicker towards the entrance hall.

The long hallway is really a problem at this time. I can’t arrive at my destination immediately.

“Sorry for making you wait.”

I found Matthias giving instructions to people around him while being surrounded by several luggage. I ran down the stairway.

Matthias noticed me appeared.

“Is it already fine?”

“Yu–ugh!”

I was going to say ‘yup’ but a crushed voice came out from my throat instead. Suddenly, my body was squashed.

“El-chan, do you really have to go?”

“That’s right.”

Matthias answered in my stead since I can’t talk from being forcefully embraced by Lucsher-san.

“Maybe I should go, too…?”

“You musn’t, Madam. There’s still work to do so please accomplish it properly.”

Richard-san took the opportunity to peel me off Lucsher-san when her strength weakened.

“When will Cashbar man up? Matthias, since you’re going that way, please ask that of him.”

“I aready said this but, that is Elder Brother’s responsibility.”

I see. Matthias is going to live away from his mother again. I thought I shouldn’t get in the way of this parent and child’s private time so I left Matthias’ side.

That reminds me, will Leont come with us? It’s likely that he’ll stay since Richard-san and Shuri-san are here. If that’s the case, I’m slightly sad.

Half the time I spent here is calm and the other is lively. I think I also got accustomed to Leont since we got along well.

“Edna-san!”

It’s Leont’s voice.

“What is it?”

I looked at Edna-san who’s busy doing the arrangements in the entrance hall and I saw the annoyance that was Leont approaching her.

“Edna-san! Let’s build a happy family together! I love you! Please stay here and marry me!”

The servants nearby who were startled with that sudden proposal dropped the luggage they’re carrying.

“Denied. I’ll follow El-sama throughout my lifetime.”

While saying so, Edna-san picked up the luggage which fell nearby with one hand.

“If that’s the case, then I’ll also go to the Imperial Capital. I’ll follow El-boy throughout his life, too!”

When he finished declaring that in a loud voice that everyone can hear, Edna-san wasn’t there any longer. She went to pile up the luggage. Except for the person who just saw that scene, everyone continued working indifferently.

“And so then~ El-boy, please take care of me!”

Leont grasp my hands and the feelings I had from a while ago disappeared somewhere.

As expected, just having Matthias is fine. He’s more than enough.

“Shall we go?”

The preparations have finished and I nodded to Matthias’ words. At the same time, the large doors opened.

“Have a good trip.”

What was waiting for us are the faces I’ve seen before. They stood in a row until the gate.

I took a deep breath and stepped my feet forward outside of the mansion.

“We’re off!”

Though it is the same scene as the time I came here, it’s entirely different. The one who changed, it was me.

A carriage is parked at the end of the long, straight road. Attached on it is a cloth where the West Vern House’s crest is drawn, a deep red bird spreading its wings.

I heard a rustling sound in my pocket before I embarked on the carriage. They’re the cookies from a while ago.

I’ll eat them inside the carriage.

“I’ll enjoy them thoroughly~”

I may seem like a child who is going on an excursion, but it’s because the West Vern House’s deluxe cookies are really delicious.

I imagined them and I let out a smile unintentionally, but stiffened my face immediately when I suspected that someone might notice.

However, I think Matthias who’s sitting next to me, definitely noticed. The evidence is that I can feel him intently looking at me.

“… I won’t show you.”

Even if you show me those eyes full of want, I have no intention of giving you even a piece. It would be bad if it gets stolen, so I’ll check it first. Matthias doesn’t appear like he’s into sweets, but could it be that he actually has a sweet tooth?

It’s amusing so I’ll play around with him for a bit.

“I’ll show it to you, then.”

I’ll show it to him but I won’t let him eat! I don’t have much so I must eat it carefully. This is a reward for the person who did their best. I soaked in the sense of superiority a little and unintentionally let out a chuckle.

Yet, Matthias just gazed at me so I gradually became uneasy.

Are you angry?

Or could it be that he discovered me when I sneakily ate a piece a while ago?

It may be too late, but I licked my lips in an attempt to destroy the evidence.

Still, Matthias continued looking at me.

Maybe he’s angry.

This guy, just how much does he like cookies?