The sun had already set and the streets were getting more and more quiet as time passed. It was already past 7 o'clock, and that was the scenery Grey and Yuna experienced while going back to the Aldridge Mansion.
Because of Vanessa, not just pudding but the two were also forced to make pizza and smoothies for everyone. Thankfully, it was fairly easy and they had the help of Carlton who was well versed in culinary arts.
Grey was also thankful that Yuna was a quick learner. In just a short span of time, she had already mastered how to cook the dishes she didn't even know existed. Otherwise, everything would have been a bit harder for Grey to perform.
By the time Grey and Yuna arrived at the mansion, there were barely any people left walking in the streets. As for the people inside the mansion, they have already finished with dinner and are spending their time leisurely.
"We're ba~ck." [Grey]
"Oh, welcome back, Grey, Yuna. I heard from Art that you were summoned to the castle. Did His Majesty want something from you?" [Veronica]
"Nothing really, His Majesty just wanted to ask if they could serve pudding as a dessert at the after party. Actually, if it wasn't for Big Sis Vanessa, we could have gotten home a lot earlier." [Grey]
"Un... Big Sis Vanessa forced us to cook more and more. Though her cookies are really delicious..." [Yuna]
Replied Yuna with conflicting emotions in her heart. While she was a little exhausted from Vanessa's random demands, she was also happy to eat the cookies the latter made. Especially since she baked more kinds as Grey and Yuna were cooking.
"Well, Lady Vanessa really has that sort of personality, but by no means she is a bad person. She's just too energetic...?" [Veronica]
Veronica nodded as if she tried to convince herself with her own words. Although she was sincere when she said those words, she felt like the word "energetic" was an understatement but decided to leave it at that.
But by no means Veronica was wrong. Though it had something to do with her being a B-ranker, even when she is pregnant, she still boasts the same amount of energy as Eliza and Galvin. She's even more playful to boot!
"Speaking of Big Sis Vanessa, Missus Veronica, did you know she was a great baker? Apparently, she's one of the best in the kingdom." [Yuna]
"Oh, yes! She's a very exceptional baker! Actually, whenever there's an important celebration, like a royalty's birthday or the founding festival, His Majesty would always ask her to bake a large cake, and it tastes really amazing!" [Veronica]
"Waah~ Big Sis Vanessa is amazing..." [Yuna]
Even though they had already tasted her creations and heard it directly from the King that she was one of the best, Grey and Yuna still found it hard to believe that that was the case. They just couldn't comprehend how it came to be.
To be able to bake pastries for such important events is the best proof there was of Vanessa's skills. Not even the best chefs are given the honor to. It is more than impressive that she manages to do so even when she is also acting as a Lt. General in the military.
Well, as Galderia's adventurer's guild's motto goes, one shouldn't judge a book by its cover, especially if you're in a strange world called Merusia. A world where a noble lady was a troublemaker, a Lt. General, and a top baker at the same time.
"By the way, Missus Veronica, where are the children?" [Grey]
"Well, it seems that Art and Vin had too much fun from playing that by the time they were back here, they were already struggling to keep their eyes open. After dinner, I had them sleep in their rooms." [Veronica]
"Ah, I see... Sorry we weren't able to keep them company all day." [Grey]
"Don't worry about it, it was an important summon after all. There are just things that we can't control." [Veronica]
Veronica slightly shrugged her shoulders while saying so, heaving a brief sigh as she empathized with the two. After a short while, she stopped her gestures and walked inside the mansion with Grey and Yuna.
"Oh right, have you two had dinner yet? If you haven't eaten yet, I could ask the chefs to cook something for the two of you." [Veronica]
"We haven't had dinner yet but we're still full." [Grey]
"Un... The amount of sweets and dishes we ate was tremendous. I don't think I can eat more for the day..." [Yuna]
Yuna grumbled in a low voice while patting her stomach gently with traces of sadness on her face. She wanted to eat some more but she couldn't do so as she didn't want to have a stomach ache.
Grey was also the same. He was so full that if he ever saw another food again, he would probably be throwing up. It was not that he was sick of eating, rather, he just felt sick overall.
"That's a shame...... Ah, then wouldn't you two join me for tea? It should be good for your digestion." [Veronica]
Following Veronica' considerate suggestion, the three headed to the parlor where Veronica asked a maid to brew tea for them. Needless to say, the maid's movement in serving tea was graceful.
After saying their gratitude to the maid, the maid bowed quietly and politely then left the room soon after, leaving Veronica, Grey, and Yuna to enjoy their relaxing night time tea in private.
"Hm? Isn't this Alferia tea?" [Yuna]
Yuna asked after a familiar scent wafted through her nose, rekindling a not so distant memory, and in response, Veronica nodded lightly to her question as she had a small sip of tea.
"Oh, have you had this before already?" [Veronica]
"Un, Cedric served it to us once back in Galderia." [Yuna]
"Well, this is our favorite tea, after all. Even though it's a little pricey, we can't just have a day without it." [Veronica]
There wasn't a single sound to be heard as Veronica sipped once again from her cup. Yuna was also the same even though she hasn't been raised with noble etiquette. She just learned from watching others.
While the girls were talking carefreely about tea, a sudden realization came to Grey like a bolt of lightning from the heavens. It was something Grey and Yuna were supposed to do several days ago.
The two of them had completely forgotten to meet the tea supplier even though it was one of the main reasons why they went to the capital. Cedric even had a letter of introduction written for them yet they completely forgot.
They had already planned that we will meet the tea's supplier as soon as possible, but because of the King's request and other unexpected things, they didn't have the time to do so.
'We need to go there tomorrow!' [Grey]
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Grey declared inwardly as he drank from his cup. He only told Yuna when they were already in the bedroom and the latter agreed with him. She, too, was surprised that she forgot about it.
Following such a thought, when tomorrow arrived and the two of them had finished breakfast, Yuna and Grey then headed to where the tea's supplier was, with Veronica's instructions guiding them.
There was also one thing Grey remembered as he scanned his memories for things he promised to do. Though rather than remembering, it was more like it was brought closer to his attention. He wouldn't forget such a thing even if he tried.
The tea supplier's shop was not too far away from the noble's district. It was only a couple dozen meters away. It was a medium-sized shop with only two stories, its front windows showcasing a variety of drinks.
"Good morning, dear customers, how may I serve you?" [Employee]
The moment they entered the shop, an employee immediately greeted them politely, not minding how young they were. The employee was already accustomed to dealing with all sorts of customers.
Other than the employee, the interior of the shop itself looked amazing. It was one which gave off a luxurious and magnificent vibe, suitable for nobility, which made Grey and Yuna freeze in awe for a quick moment.
"Umm..." [Employee]
"Ah, sorry... This shop was recommended by Count Aldridge, he said this is where we will get Alferia tea leaves." [Grey]
Grey said as he handed the introduction letter Cedric gave to them, and seeing it, the eyes of the employee widened in surprise but he was able to regain his composure in less than a fraction of a second.
"I will be handing this to the president, please wait for a moment." [Employee]
After receiving the letter, the employee briefly left after bowing his head to Grey and Yuna and then headed to where the president's office was, climbing up the stairs towards the second floor.
As for Grey and Yuna, they started exploring the shop to fulfill their curiosity. Not only tea, but they found other things the shop was dealing with. There was coffee, milk, and other things people enjoyed in their pastime.
There was quite a variety of teas and coffees present on the shelves that somewhat piques Grey's curiosity. There were a lot of them he was familiar with and also a lot he only just saw for the first time.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Lord Grey, Lady Yuna, I've read the letter from His Excellency. I am Zeff, it's an honor that you chose my shop." [Zeff]
"Ah, no need for formalities, Mister Zeff. We're just here to buy a few tea leaves after all." [Grey]
"Oh, I apologize if I made you comfortable... So, Alferia tea, was it?" [Zeff]
"Yeah." [Grey]
As Grey nodded to his question, Zeff's eyes quickly swan throughout the shelves in display as he searched for a certain thing. He only stopped when his eyes landed on the small jar of Alferia tea leaves.
"Hmm... Normally, Alferia tea leaves would be 3 silvers per kilogram, but since you're Count Landevar's benefactors, I'll be taking off a bronze coin per kilogram of purchase." [Zeff]
"Ah, that would really help, but... is it really alright? One bronze coin isn't a small sum, you know." [Grey]
"Huhuhu, if it's for Count Landevar's benefactors, a mere bronze coin is nothing. And... I'd also like to build a good relationship with you two. I just have the feeling that you'll be great figures in the future." [Zeff]
"Ahahaha... Is that so...?" [Grey]
A wry laugh echoed in the store as Grey responded to Zeff's question. The latter's assessment was just too accurate. After all, that future isn't far off. It was only two weeks away, in fact.
Grey had already appraised Zeff and he possessed no abilities. It was only from his experiences as a merchant that he was able to tell he would gain something if he builds an amicable relationship with Grey and Yuna. Still, his deduction was so accurate that it was scary.
"Grey, what's this?" [Yuna]
While Zeff and Grey were transacting about tea, Yuna on the other hand continued her exploration in the shop, interrupting the two only when she found some strange looking fruits.
It was a fruit which looked like a papaya, but when you look at it closely, it would resemble something else. Something that is a must in creating a sweet that is popular all over the world back on Earth. It was cacao!
"Grey, is... there something wrong...?" [Yuna]
Yuna asked worriedly as she saw Grey stare at the strange fruits so intensely as if he had just seen a ghost. His reaction was only understandable as he had been searching for it for a long time already.
"Excuse me, Mister Zeff, where did you get these?!" [Grey]
"I-Is something wrong with these fruits, Lord Grey? I've only acquired them recently so I don't know if there's any problem with them." [Zeff]
"Ah, no... It's just that... I've been looking for them for so long, I was just surprised to see them here. Sorry for startling you." [Grey]
"Hahaha, it's alright! We've all had those moments. I've also bought a few houses on impulse a few years ago. I still don't know what to do with them, hahaha!" [Zeff]
Zeff laughed boisterously as he told the two a certain story from his past. It was leagues above Grey's recent outburst, but since they didn't want to prolong the topic any longer, Grey and Yuna just decided to stay silent.
"So... How much are you selling these for?" [Grey]
"Hmm... I actually just got these from a village not too long ago. They said that these can be a good substitute for coffee so I bought them. Since their pretty new products, I'd say..... 20 kiels per kilo." [Zeff]
A smile immediately sprouted at the back of Grey's mind as he heard the price Zeff had proposed. It was much cheaper than he thought since people still do not know of its true use.
While people in Merusia only think of it as a coffee substitute, Grey, who lived on Earth in his first life, thought very differently. With it, he can make the king of sweets which ruled over the world, chocolate!
"Grey, is that thing delicious?" [Yuna]
"Yeah, but I'll need to do some experimentation before getting it right, but I'm sure you'll like it." [Grey]
"Then I'll be looking forward to it!" [Yuna]
"I guess I'll have to do my best then." [Grey]
"Hehe, please do!" [Yuna]
With Yuna's sweet and soft giggle, the shop's atmosphere turned completely sappy and romantic. Grey and Yuna subconsciously flirted with one another that they forgot one small but important detail.
"Ahem!" [Zeff]
They had completely forgotten that it wasn't just the two of them who were still in the shop. Zeff was still there, feeling a little awkward that two youths were fruiting so adamantly in front of him.
With Zeff's fake cough, Grey and Yuna were brought back to reality and the mood of the store turned back to normal in less than a tenth of a second. It was safe to say they were extremely embarrassed.
"Umm... Mister Zeff, how much for these again...?" [Grey]
Grey asked again as he tried to hide his embarrassment. His face was slightly red, but Yuna's was even redder. Thankfully, Zeff just played along with them without making things more difficult for them.
With everything settled, Grey and Yuna bought 2 kilograms of Alferia tea and 20 kilograms of cacao beans, and other drinks they found amounting to a total of almost 7,000 kiels, with the tea taking more than 80% of the total.
Of course, there was no problem carrying them as all the things they bought were stored into Grey's "Inventory". It was a convenient ability which didn't let them have to worry about space and time.
"Thanks for everything, Mister Zeff. I'm sure they'll be delicious." [Grey]
"Hohoho, anything for my customers. There's still plenty of drinks available, just drop by if you ever need more." [Zeff]
"We'll do just that... Then, we'll be going now." [Grey]
"See you next time, Mister Zeff!" [Yuna]
"Yes, yes, I also look forward to our next meeting." [Zeff]
Courteous as one can be, Zeff bowed his head politely as Grey and Yuna exited the store. As the door creaked, the aromatic scents of teas and such slowly started to fade away as the smell of the busy streets replaced them.
Just in front of Zeff's store was a fancy cafe for sweets, next to it was a restaurant just as fancy as the cafe, and then so on and so forth. Every shop near the noble's district was a fancy one with an elegant atmosphere about them.
Seeing the multitude of shops lined up before him, Grey thought of an idea that will make his girlfriend's day better. He doesn't know if she remembers but even then, he only wants her to be happy throughout the day.
"Yuna, where do you want to go next?" [Grey]
"Eh? We aren't going back already?" [Yuna]
"Well, it's still early in the morning so I figured we have a little shopping date... Or is it that you don't want to?" [Grey]
"N-No, I-I want to! Let's have a shopping date!" [Yuna]
Yuna declared loudly after she finished shaking her head furiously. Thankfully, there weren't that many people around as they were near the noble's district, otherwise, Yuna's flustered face would be redder than it already is.
Hand in hand, Grey and Yuna walked the busy streets as they looked at the shops left and right in search of things they wanted to buy, or rather, things Grey wanted to buy for Yuna. The latter still did not know of this.
"Oh, how about that one?" [Grey]
Grey pointed at one of the shops just a couple dozen steps from them. It was a large boutique with its glass windows displaying a variety of dresses made with various styles, colors, and designs.
"A boutique...?" [Yuna]
"Yeah, I want to buy some dresses for you. We've borrowed a dress from Missus Veronica and Helen before, but for our next dates, I want you to wear something you chose for your own." [Grey]
"..." [Yuna]
Yuna didn't answer and just stayed quiet as she once again looked at the said shop with eyes filled with excitement. Excitement not because she was going to get new dresses, but because Grey said "next dates". She was a simple girl.
"Come on, let's head inside." [Grey]
"Un!" [Yuna]
Excited as one can be, Grey and Yuna headed to the boutique with smiles on their faces. Once they opened the boutique's doors, a small bell rang, filling the store with a beautiful short-lived symphony.
The inside of the boutique was even more grand than what could be seen outside. Despite how it looked from the outside, it was actually quite spacious and that space was filled with a myriad of dresses for all women. There were even some clothing fit for men.
"Dear customer, how may I serve you?" [Boutique Employee]
"Mmm... Can we take a look at what dresses you have?" [Grey]
"Would it be for the lady over there, Mister customer?" [Boutique Employee]
The boutique employee said as her eyes looked at the direction where Yuna was. The latter was exploring the boutique by herself and looking at the kinds of dresses there were like a curious child.
It wasn't only the boutique employee's eyes which were glued to Yuna. The other people present also looked at her like they would look at a beautiful art masterpiece. Yuna was just too beautiful. Well, Grey also wasn't exempted to their curious gazes.
"Ah, yes... I'd like to buy a few dresses for my girlfriend." [Grey]
"Fufu, then let me assist you to the best of my abilities. This way, dear customers, I'll show you our best pieces." [Boutique Employee]
"Alrightー Ah, Yuna~!" [Grey]
"Oh!" [Yuna]
Like a little puppy being called by its owner, Yuna immediately ran up to Grey in an adorable manner as soon as she heard her name being called, all the while still looking at the dresses on display.
"Sorry, I ended up wandering a little bit. Did I miss anything?" [Yuna]
"Nothing much... They'll just be showing us what dresses they have in store. Just choose whichever one you want." [Grey]
"I see..." [Yuna]
A little trace of nervousness present in her voice, Yuna answered Grey as she walked beside him. Though she was excited to try them, she was also a little anxious on how it would look on her.
A few moments later, they arrived at the section where new dresses were displayed, and in order to find out which dresses best suited her, Yuna was made to try all of them. She had become a doll once again which the employees and customers adored as they watched her switch from dress to dress.
All Grey could do was watch as he didn't want to intrude in the women's world. He was only asked a few questions here and there, all about how the dress fits Yuna, which he of course answered with all yeses. Yuna was beautiful no matter what dresses she wore.
In the end, they settled with three dresses. There was a blue dress with silver embroidery, a long dress colored in a gradient going from deep blue in the bottom and silver towards the top, and a light purple dress with simple outlines. Costing them a total of several thousand kiels.
They won't be receiving the dresses immediately as they will be tailored to fit Yuna's figure first. It'll only be delivered to the Aldridge mansion after they have already been altered to fit Yuna.
"We'll be sure to deliver them before the awarding ceremony." [Boutique Employee]
"Thank you, we're looking forward to it." [Grey]
The small bell rang once again as Grey and Yuna exited the boutique. Although they have spent an absurd amount of money, they weren't a least bit unhappy as it was all worth it. After all, one of those dresses was to be worn for the awarding ceremony and the party afterwards.
Grey and Yuna then continued exploring the shopping district in continuation of their shopping date. They entered a lot of shops and bought a lot of things, but just as they were about to go home, they saw a building with a familiar logo tucked into its walls and signpost.
"Oh, isn't this..." [Grey]
CHAPTER 91 END