Aleister tapped his foot against the floor. "What kind of cake would you recommend to a tea lover?"

"I would probably recommend—"

"Alright, great, that's the one I want."

"But, you didn't even hear the options?" Malozar asked.

"I don't want to hear them or else it will tempt me into buying all of them. So, just choose whichever one you want and bake it in whatever size you think fits it best."

Malozar nodded. "I can't say I understand why, but I can honor your request. When do you wish to pick it up? I can have it done by tonight if you so desire."

"That fast, huh?"

"Well," Malozar glanced at the interior seating, "Business hasn't been, booming."

"Damn shame, a place like this ought to gain more recognition."

"There are always difficulties," Malozar said. "However, we manage to survive thanks to how much business increases during the holidays later in the year."

"Glad to hear that at the very least," Aleister said. "However, would tomorrow midday work out instead? I need it for tomorrow."

"Not a problem," Malozar said. "Are there any, budgetary restrictions?"

"As long as it stays within ten gold or so, I'll be fine with it."

Malozar wrote down some information and looked back up. "Then, see you tomorrow midday?"

Aleister picked up the bags from the counter and waved behind as he left. Carrying the bags was quite troublesome, but he couldn't just use his extra-dimensional bag in public.

"No! That's not okay!" the women said. The only intelligible words he could comprehend from the mess she spewed out.

Aleister rolled his eyes. Huddled around each other were the guard, lady, kid, and kid's mother—still. A small crowd had also gathered, clearly enjoying the free entertainment. Maybe he should stay as well. He looked over at a passerby. "Hey, do you know what's the big deal?"

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

"That mangy ore-eater is continuing to whelp because that bird of hers doesn't have the letter attached to it anymore," the dwarf said through a hearty chuckle.

"Oh, that's it?" He couldn't feel a bit let down. "Why doesn't she just—write a new letter?"

"Why ask me? You should go tell her that!"

Eh—never mind. Why bother? He didn't want to get involved with her for no reason. Actually, a little too late for that, since that tube he stepped on should be her letter. The dimensions and clasp matched every description for such an item. But she didn't know about his existence. The women looked Elvish. Then why was it written in such an obscure script? He walked away from the scene with a faint grin. What are the chances that he obtained some sort of secret message? Maybe it involved some secrets about the underground? Looks like I'll have to investigate this matter a bit further.

"Oh, look who we have here," Aunt Lavinia said as he arrived at the manor. In a rare sight, she left her office, and instead, tended to her outside garden.

"I'm busy," Aleister said, walking past her.

"Busy evading the City Watch, I assume?"

"Uh, no?" Her comment confused him. He placed his bags on the ground. "Why would I be evading the City Watch?"

"Are you telling me you haven't broken the law recently?" she asked. She flicked a brown scroll twice. "A very serious crime."

Only one incident came to mind as he snatched the scroll from her hands. "I already told them that I didn't steal the Sacred Sanshin."

"How do you know about that?" Aunt Lavinia asked, with a shaky rattle in her voice. "And, why were you suspected anyway?"

Aleister didn't answer her as he read the contents of his supposed crime. "Are you serious? An intimidation fine? Fifty gold? This is some absolute horse shit! How do I file an appeal?"

"Don't go around threatening random civilians, and especially not nobles," Aunt Lavinia said. "I already pulled some strings and negotiated the fine down from five-hundred, so you better be grateful."

"I didn't even intimidate him." Aleister clicked his tongue. "It was just a simple joke."

"Not even gnomes would laugh at your jokes," she said, grabbing the hedge trimmer next to her. "Payment is due by the end of tomorrow."

He crumpled the paper in his hands and tossed it against the ground. That random person actually reported him and then City Watch identified it to him. He clicked his tongue again.

"You better pick that up, or else I will fine you for littering," Aunt Lavinia said.

Aleister grumbled, but picked up the paper ball and stuffed it into his bag. "Would you happen to know that person's name?"

"The informant at the City Watch office will fill you in with all the details you need."

He picked the rest of his bags and walked inside. Such a slight minor incident he didn't give a second thought to almost ruined his day. Good thing I have all these snacks.