3 — Let’s Get Ready

3 — Let’s Get Ready

That’s right. My pride was annihilated by a chocolate tart. But Mr. Fisalis just made it sound sooo good! An innocent maiden with a sweet tooth like myself stood no chance against its sugary allure! Even if it was just bait to get me to go on a date with him...

“But haven’t you been busy lately? Wouldn’t you rather relax at home tomorrow? We can go and eat sweets some other time, or I could go with Mimosa. You really don’t need to go out of your way just for me on your day off.” Not knowing when to give up, I continued trying to get out of our second date.

“That tart is only offered for a limited time. We can only eat it now. I was just thinking I’d like to try it myself, and I’d really like it if you went with me.” The smile he gave me really was lovely, but the pressure that accompanied it was merciless. There was no ignoring the stress he put on ‘with me,’ either. It wasn’t the first time I had thought this, but everyone in the manor (Mr. Fisalis included) really had a powerful smile game.

“Alright...” I folded like a lawn chair.

—

No sooner had I gone back to my room with Dahlia and Mimosa after dinner than Mimosa ran full speed into my dressing room and started going through my dresses with a discerning eye.

“Mi-Mimosa?” Her face said ‘happy’, but the aura she was giving off did not make me want to approach her, so I peeked in quietly around the doorway.

“Just thinking about what you’re going to wear tomorrow. Master requested something ‘like what the girls around town would wear, but that doesn’t detract from her wifely sweetness,’” she said, her hands never slowing in their search for just the right dress.

When did he put in a request like that?! He sure knows how to play to Mimosa’s strengths, though, if how excited she gets at the chance to dress me up is any indication.

“Huh? Can’t I just wear one of my normal, comfy outfits?” I asked her. I didn’t think the occasion really called for me getting all dressed up. I figured I could just wear something like what I normally changed into when Mr. Fisalis came home, or even something like the outfits I wore when he had a day off. I had about three outfits I really liked and rotated between them, but apparently none of them would do.

Mimosa shook her head, turned to me, and said, “ You can’t wear your regular clothes! Not that they aren’t absolutely adorable, but you need something with more oomph for a date! But something that isn’t too out of the ordinary for you either!” she said with much enthusiasm, but very little clarity. What exactly was ‘oomph’?

“I-I do? I’m usually so plain, though. Won’t it look weird if I’m dressed up? I really can’t wear some of my normal clothes?” If she wants me to go with an ‘I woke up like this’ look, shouldn’t I just... go how I actually woke up looking?

“What? You really have no idea of your own hidden charm, do you, Madam?” she said with an exaggerated sigh at my protestations. I guess that’s what she really meant when she was shaking her head earlier.

“In that case, why can’t I wear my normal clothes?”

“Shush, this is what you normally wear. Just you leave everything to me, Madam.”

“...Fine. You know I won’t argue now that you asked.”

“Exactly! We’re going to make you look great tomorrow!” she exclaimed, clenching her fist, a fire in her eyes.

Okay, but you still haven’t told me what ‘oomph’ is. And I still don’t understand why I have to put in so much effort. I looked back at Mimosa, feeling a little uncertain.

“It will all work out if you leave it to Mimosa,” Dahlia said as she patted my back. That’s not why I look confused, Dahlia.

“Really, though. My regular clothes should be more than fine... Oh, that reminds me. Could I have more of that medicine?” I looked to her, suddenly remembering the little paper sachets she gave me last time.

Yes, that wonderful digestive aid! Dahlia had me take some just before I’d left on my last date, and thanks to the extra dose I had taken along with me, I was able to stop my usual gastrointestinal terrorism before it even started.

I shouldn’t have any problems if I use it again this time! We’ve probably run out of that medicine from the Royal Medicinal Herb Garden, but I’m sure some herbs from our own garden, carefully tended by Bellis, should do the trick.

“I can certainly give you some more, but I don’t think you’ll need it this time,” Dahlia responded with a little snicker.

“Bwuh?!” That was the first time I’d ever seen Dahlia laugh like that, and I couldn’t hold back the stupid sound that I made. It seemed like she knew something I didn’t.

“Hee hee hee, I am quite looking forward to tomorrow,” she tittered, her smile growing, while all I could do was stare back in stunned shock.

Thinking back on her smile, I was reminded of my first date. Her smile that time hadn’t radiated the same optimism, but had instead looked a tad concerned. To the untrained eye, nothing about her seemed out of the ordinary, but she had secretly slipped me the extra sachet of medicine.

This time, however, something was different. Even Mimosa was going all out—but then again, it was literally her job to make me look pretty. If I remember correctly, last time Mr. Fisalis had told her to “pretty me up even more than usual,” but this time he had asked her to make me a “lovely girl about town.” It didn’t seem like she had any intention of telling me exactly what she had discussed with him, but based on how she was grinning, she didn’t seem worried. Somehow, that grin made me worry, though.

Last time, Mr. Fisalis insisted that “regular young ladies like these things” like it was common sense, but recently he’s totally changed his trajectory and learned what I actually like. So he knows that much about me, at least! I guess it doesn’t seem like I’ll hate this date as much as the last one. I really did go out of my way to try to get out of it, though. Still, Mr. Fisalis is an actual celebrity around town, which means things might not go as I envision, so I’m going to lower my expectations just in case, I thought to myself, trying to be realistic while still remaining optimistic.

Alright! Come hell or high water, I’ll make sure he takes me to that cafe! I won’t stop talking about it until he does!

I’m waitin’ for that cafe! Gonna eat some fancy chocolate tarts! I was cheering myself on inside, when:

“Well now, Madam, you must be tired after today. Why don’t you take a bath and hurry to bed?” Dahlia prompted me, looking—and snickering—at me all the while like I was nuts.

Ugh, she’s totally babying me. Then again, I am the youngest one in the house. That, and Dahlia’s almost old enough to be my mother.

“Alriiight,” I obediently replied, leaving Mimosa to gleefully rummage through my clothes in the dressing room as I got ready for bed.

—

After a completely ordinary breakfast, I was dragged back to my room by a very exuberant Mimosa and her Spa Squad and before I could even get my bearings, I had been dressed for the day. I even got a quick spa treatment—‘just a little something to get you ready before your big day,’ she’d called it!

This seems like more than ‘a little something.’ Mimosa? Are you listening?

It was highly unlikely she’d heard what I was only thinking, but either way, I was buffed and polished to a nice shine by her ever-passionate Spa Squad.

My outfit for the day was a plain dress in a subdued shade of dusty rose. The skirt was a bit long, giving it a mature look, but the white collar and short sleeves kept it from looking too matronly.

“I’m not going to do anything with your hair today; we’ll leave it down. I think your natural glossy hair is a much more beautiful tiara than any style or accessory!” Mimosa said as she combed my strawberry blonde locks even more carefully than usual.

Back when I had lived at my parents’ house, taking care of my hair had been a real pain in the neck (literally—so much yanking!) since we hadn’t had the extra time or means to devote to personal grooming. The treatment I got at the manor was a real game changer. Mimosa took care of my hair and skin properly, and since I ate better, I guess the vitamins spread throughout my body, making my skin and hair more radiant and smooth.

“There, perfect! You look like nothing less than a stunning, well-to-do lady!” Mimosa said as I looked at myself in the mirror.

“Woooah! What a transformation!” I looked beautiful, but not like a pageant queen or something; not glamorous, but I was far from mediocre now!

“I know, right? Ugh, you’re so cute, I can’t take it! You’re going to drive all the guys wild! Not that Master would ever let some stranger run off with you, though!” she said absentmindedly, while I, meanwhile, cringed at the thought. She really says the craziest things sometimes...

“Ye-Yeah.”

“You really are that cute. Oop, let’s not keep Master waiting any longer,” she said with a strained smile when Dahlia motioned towards the clock. I left Mimosa in my room to gush over fond memories of brushing my hair and headed to the salon, where Mr. Fisalis was waiting.

When I got there, it seemed like he was all ready to go, reading some paper. He was wearing a white shirt and gray, slim-fitting trousers. He also had on a navy jacket with gold stitching and buttons. The ensemble was simple, but he looked very good in it. I was kind of jealous. It also happened that he was wearing the pieces we had bought on our last outing.

Come to think of it, I suggested a black shirt, too (if only to distract him), and I’ve seen him wearing that one as well, so maybe that means he actually likes them.

“Wow! You look great today, too!” The displeased look on his face vanished in a flash when he saw me and was replaced by a brilliant smile. Standing up quickly, he handed the paper he was reading to Rohtas and strode over to me. I still hadn’t wrapped my mind around how dang long his legs were. “Shall we be on our way?” he asked as he offered me his arm.

I often think about how effortlessly cool he looked escorting me like that. It’s like it just comes naturally to him.

I, on the other hand, found myself feeling somewhat intimidated by his flawless smile.

Oh no. I don’t know if I can walk with him down the street when he looks this good. I look like a total wannabe compared to him. People will throw rocks at me! It’s too late to change my mind, but I don’t think I want to do this anymore.

Numb and in shock at my sudden loss of confidence, I was startled when Mr. Fisalis nimbly took my hand and wrapped it around his arm himself. There was no escape now... eh, no. I mean, I was very flustered at having to make him resort to that.

“Have a wonderful time!” all the servants said in unison from the doorway as they saw us off.

Off I went out the door Rohtas kindly held open, my arm linked through Mr. Fisalis’. I wondered if we’d take the carriage again, even though it was not too far to the center of town, but the carriage was neither waiting at the carriage porch nor anywhere else.

Don’t tell me we’re going on horseback?! Please, no more horses... I panicked, but when I looked up at Mr. Fisalis, he seemed to read my thoughts.

“Oh, we’re not taking the carriage today. Or going on horseback. We have plenty of time and we’d be walking around anyway, so I figured, why not just walk all the way there?” he said with a smile.

That was not the answer I was expecting. It looked like the day was going to go completely differently than I thought!

4 — Out and About

I was on my way into town, walking down the street with Mr. Fisalis. I felt like a proper lady of status promenading with a fine gentleman. And thanks to Mimosa’s skills with a makeup brush and her eye for color, I was able to convince myself that I didn’t look like an absolute potato standing next to Mr. Fisalis. I had nearly lost my nerve before we’d left, but I’d somehow managed to recover in time.

Not in any hurry, we strolled along leisurely, Mr. Fisalis synchronizing his footsteps with mine; then out of nowhere, a question flashed across my mind.

Is it even proper form for a man of his status to be walking alone in public? Not only is he an aristocrat, he’s a prominent figure in the military as well—a VIP, you could say. He has a security escort with him even when he goes to work. Can someone like that really just wander around town with his wife in broad daylight? Even if he is a knight, wouldn’t he be out of luck if we were spotted by a bunch of bad guys? I never particularly cared for traveling in that gaudy carriage, so it seems he’s ceded to my opinion on that today, but I can’t let him put himself at risk just to make me happy.

What a conundrum. I’ve got to do something.

An idea hit me, and you had better believe I dove in head first.

I know! I’ll be his bodyguard! That always seemed like a cool job! I’ve just gotta keep on the lookout. I’ll watch the streets like a hawk.

Bad guys always strike from behind, right? Oh, that guy looks suspicious. Oh no— Now everyone out here looks suspicious!

Mr. Fisalis noticed I was suddenly looking rather panicked.

“What’s the matter? Are you tired already?” He stopped and gazed at me.

Arrrgh, am I what?! We literally just left. We’re still in front of the Fisalis property. Not to mention I spend all day every day cleaning the whole house and have survived multiple dance lessons with Rohtas, I’m plenty fit, what are you implying you had best not underestimate me WHEEZE WHEEZE—

...It’s neither the time nor the place to get this worked up. Chill yo butt, girl. We should know by now how much of an airhead... ahem, a caring man he is.

“No, not at all. I was just wondering if it’s safe to be out like this without a guard or something...” I said, letting him in on what I’d been thinking. I didn’t mention that I had taken it upon myself to be his new bodyguard.

“Ohhh, that’s what’s bothering you? If that’s all it is, there’s nothing for you to worry about. I won’t let anything happen to you!” he assured me.

That’s... not what I was getting at. It’s not me I’m worried about. I’m not important like you.

“Er, I didn’t mean me. I was talking about you!”

“Me? I’ll be fine. Like I said, you have nothing to fear. I just want you to have fun,” he replied, brimming with confidence.

I guess I should have expected an ‘I can take care of myself’ attitude from a knight! Worst comes to worst, then, maybe I should just consider running away!

We arrived in the center of town while I was mulling over whether I was really cut out to be a bodyguard. The area was mainly businesses, and you could expect big crowds on a daily basis. The streets were regularly patrolled by knights, so it was pretty safe. It seemed like the whole town was out that day, rich and poor.

I came here nearly every day when I still lived with my parents. We barely had any servants, so we had little choice but to do the shopping ourselves. I’m pretty sure this is my first time back here since I moved into the Fisalis manor.

My usual stomping ground used to be this little marché! I’m an old pro now, so leave any bartering to me! Oh, wait, we’re not going there.

We had come to the high street area on our last outing, too, but since we hadn’t taken the carriage, I was actually able to enjoy the scenery this time.

I bet ‘window shopping’ isn’t even a word in his vocabulary. It’s so fun, though.

Or so I had thought.

“Think of something else?”

“Huh?”

“Oh, you just looked like you were staring off into space. Are you tired?”

“What? No, I already told you I wasn’t! It hasn’t even been that long since we left! I was just thinking about how cute that shop over there is.”

“You want to go in?”

“Oh, not really. I just like window shopping and admiring the storefronts.”

“Ah, okay. Well, I don’t have any plans for the day, so do you want to just roam around and see what everyone’s selling?”

“I’d love that!”

And with that, to my surprise, we started walking window to window, admiring what the shops had to offer through the glass. After some time, I stopped in front of a florist. They were selling a variety of lovely flowers, the sort with no names just like the ones that used to grow in my parents’ garden.

This place wasn’t here six months ago.

It was such a cute shop that, even if I didn’t buy anything, I just had to check it out, especially since I had never been in there before. Among all the florists with more striking blooms, I got the impression that this one was different; it was simple and seemed more welcoming. The person working inside—maybe the shopkeeper—was a young woman about my age.

“What a lovely store you have! Is it alright if I look around for a minute?”

“Sure, let’s take a peek,” Mr. Fisalis agreed, stopping for a moment in front of the store to look at the flowers through the window. He held the door open for me and we went inside.

It seemed that the flowers were all wildflowers. Perhaps it was because they didn’t so much as have names, but the prices were very reasonable. I wasn’t sure they would be appropriate to use in public areas of the manor, but they would go great with the rustic style of my room. I considered taking some home, but...

I didn’t bring my wallet! I didn’t even have any spare change with me! How could I have left without it?! I couldn’t believe I would forget something as basic as a wallet.

Mr. Fisalis must have seen the look of confusion wash over my face as it dawned on me what I had done, but he caught on quickly and asked with a smile, “So you like these? Which ones do you want?”

When did he acquire these telepathic powers? I mean, he’s not wrong. Erm... which ones would suit me best? These light pink ones, the red ones... And then I snapped back to my senses.

Is it right of me to make him waste his money on some little flowers? No!

“Ah, no, no. It’s fine. I just think they’re pretty, is all,” I replied, trying to show some restraint.

“Then why don’t we take some back for the house?”

The man was always in the mood to buy things!

“But I didn’t bring my wallet or anything.”

“If I buy them, then you won’t need your wallet, right?”

We had bickered before, he and I, but this time, something about him felt different.

“Why don’t we buy these seedlings, and we can plant them in the garden? They’ll brighten it up, and we’ll be able to enjoy them for many seasons to come. That way we’ll get our money’s worth,” he proposed. It came as such a surprise to me that I did a double take.

What was that? ‘Get our money’s worth’? I didn’t think that phrase was in his vocabulary, either!

I blinked in shock. He seemingly took my silence for agreement and grinned before turning to the shopkeeper.

“I was wondering if you had this, that and, oh, that seedling in stock?”

I looked at the seedlings he pointed out—they were all so lovely—and began to figure out which ones he was going to buy.

“Oh, er... yes, we do!” the woman called, having returned to reality with a nigh audible crack after getting lost in Mr. Fisalis’s eyes.

“Alright then, I’d like five of each sent to the Fisalis estate,” he said, getting down to business without further delay.

“Yes, sir.”

And before I knew it, we had our receipt and were being told to “come back again!”

“M-Mr. Fisalis!”

“What?”

I had objected to him wasting money on me, but with just a flash of that gorgeous smile, my anger completely evaporated. It was probably his first time buying something from a humble street corner shop, so I guess he was enjoying himself. No, I’m sure he was—his smile said it all.

There was no point protesting now that he had already bought the seedlings; plus, the satisfied look that bloomed across his face was worth so much more than a few plants. So I stopped worrying about it and hopped off the doorstep onto the sidewalk, ready to head to the next destination. He made me really happy, actually, buying those flowers for me.

“Thank you,” I told him honestly.

“Not at all. Say, I know of this bakery that just opened. Their bread is delicious, but I hear they’re best known for their sandwiches. The line gets really long at lunchtime, so let’s get there early,” he said, taking the lead.

I didn’t know where he’d heard of it, but sure enough, there was a lovely little bakery complete with terrace seating waiting for us when we got there. It was brand new, just as he said, but since I had been out of the loop for half a year, I hadn’t heard about it yet. We were a little early for lunch, but decided to eat there anyway.

We were seated right away, presumably because we had made it in before the lunch rush. But then I saw that the place was already quite full, both inside and on the terrace.

We were right to come early. And, wow, the food here must really be something if there’s this many guys here! I feel like these kinds of places are usually more popular with women.

“I’ll just get whatever, but you can have anything you’d like,” he said, looking over the menu as he motioned to a waiter.

The sandwiches that arrived a little while later looked A-MA-ZING. We had some made on croissants, pain de mie, as well baguettes. What excited me the most, though, was that they were undeniably ‘commoner food’! Before me were not dishes crafted with the most exquisite ingredients available, but exceedingly ordinary sandwiches with rustic ingredients that were sure to not stir up any trouble in my stomach! Mr. Fisalis smiled when he saw how happy I looked.

“Everything looks so tasty!”

“It sure does. Let’s dig in.”

“Thank you for treating me!”

Those simple sandwiches were like little pieces of heaven to me. I wondered, though, how they had the same appeal to Mr. Fisalis’ refined palette, but when I peeked up from my plate, my eyes met his.

“This is delicious!” he exclaimed. “It’s not at all what Cartham makes, but it’s still really good,” he noted softly. Looks like it got his seal of approval.

All in all, he wolfed down around eighty percent of what we ordered, with twenty percent for me. And not only did I feel totally fine at the end, but everything was absolutely delicious! I couldn’t have been happier.

—

“Oh, here it is! That confectioner who uses that famous chocolate I was telling you about,” Mr. Fisalis said. When I looked where he was pointing, I saw a shop with apple green walls. As he led me over by my hand, I could smell a sweet aroma wafting around the perimeter of the shop. The scent alone made my heart go pitter-patter in anticipation.

The store name was spelled out in gold lettering on a white background; all together, the business appeared very chic. You could see the rainbow of treats arranged neatly in the glass case even from out on the street.

“Oh, goodness! What a wonderful confectioner’s shop! I bet everything is delicious!”

We hadn’t even gone inside yet, and it was already everything a girl could ever dream of: sweet aromas and enticing cakes and cookies just out of reach. But it’s not like I let him lure me here!

At first glance, it looked pretty crowded inside, even though there was no line outside. Even our servants knew both this shop and the bakery quite well and had warned us beforehand about their busiest hours, so today must have been our lucky day!

“I wonder if we can go in after the crowd thins a bit. Let’s find out,” said Mr. Fisalis before he opened the door and went inside in search of an employee. I followed behind him.

“Do you have any tables for two?” he asked an employee who passed by.

“For two? Er, yes, looks we do. Right this way,” the lady replied with a smile as she turned to lead us over to the empty table she’d spotted.

“We made it! Looks like we got here just in time.”

“I know, look how busy it is,” Mr. Fisalis responded happily.

The lady showed us to a table adjacent to a window through which we had a good view of the flower beds in the park. A lucky day indeed! What a great seat.

When I happened to glance out the window, I noticed a line had formed outside the shop. There were even people we’d seen at the bakery in line. It seemed like we weren’t the only ones who thought that a sandwich and some dessert made for a nice date. Gosh, that line really formed out of nowhere! Today’s so lucky, maybe I ought to buy some lottery tickets!

When a waiter came to take our order, as I’d expected Mr. Fisalis asked for the eat-in-only chocolate tart and a tea that would pair well with it. Within minutes, a tart covered in finely-grated, fluffy chocolate, and two cups of steaming, fragrant tea were brought to our table. I understood then why the tart could not be eaten outside of the store: there was no way that chocolate wouldn’t melt into a puddle after too long.

Even just cutting myself a slice of the tart, moving carefully so as to avoid blowing away the chocolate shavings, felt like Nirvana. I’ve never been more grateful to have married rich! ...Wait, what? I think I’m getting a little overwhelmed by the sight of that tart and the scent of that tea before me!

As I looked out at the flowers in the park, through the steam billowing up from my cup, I met the gaze of a pretty woman sitting with a man at the table across from us. She radiated a sense of calm, and the slender, bespectacled man with her looked intelligent. I wondered if they were a couple. Her eyes widened slightly in surprise when our gazes met, but she collected herself quickly and smiled back at me. She had impressive bordeaux-hued eyes. Her voluminous golden hair was loosely pulled back into a braid that fell down her... Wait a sec. I know that hair.

“...Doesn’t she work with Mr. Fisalis...?” I mumbled, unsure myself. Despite my soft voice, Mr. Fisalis’ sharp ears heard what I said.

“Huh? Does who work with me?” he mumbled back, following my gaze. “Hm, could it be? Chamomile!” he yelled in surprise no sooner than his eyes had settled on her blonde hair. Judging by his reaction, my sense of deja vu hadn’t been wrong.

“Oh, Commander! How unusual, seeing you here,” she replied with an amused smile, swapping her composed demeanor for one of languid skepticism. It was obvious she was questioning his motivations.

“What do you mean ‘unusual’? ...Oh. Figures.”

“Figures?”

Mr. Fisalis mumbled something and nervously looked away from her. I could only blink mutely, unable to hear what he had said, but also found myself looking anywhere but at her.

...She wasn’t the only one of Mr. Fisalis’s subordinates in the shop that day.

“I’m on a date with my hubby, here...”

“Me, too.”

“Oh, what do you know—same here.”

“My, what a coincidence✰”

“Ha ha...”

All three members of the Bombshell Trio from Mr. Fisalis’ special division were there. Their apparent surprise seemed fishy, but they really did seem to have their husbands with them.

Yes, it wasn’t just the ladies there that day. When I took a good look around, I first noticed Corydalis, and then all the other men from the unit.

“We all just wanted to try the eat-in-only desserts they serve here, but when we heard how crowded it gets, we thought ‘why not make a reservation for the lot of us.’ Then we figured, if we were going to do that, we might as well guard the commander and his wife on their date, too, right?”

“We didn’t need you to guard us.”

“Oh, don’t be like that.”

“Tsk, but why today, of all days? You could’ve made the reservation any other day.”

“No, actually. We all simultaneously came to an agreement that we might as well do it today, since Mr. Important would be here.”

“Who’s ‘Mr. Important’?”

“You!” Corydalis explained in sheer delight to Mr. Fisalis, whose face only grew more and more sour.

All the knights had been sitting stiffly in the chairs and keeping an awkwardly formal distance between one another, but once they noticed us, they suddenly crowded together, making everything feel like one big party.

“Now that you’re here, Madam, please, help yourself!”

“No, really, have whatever you want! What looks good to you? Let us know!”

“It’s just that we rarely ever all get together like this. What do you think of here as an alternative venue for a tea party? They have a huge selection of teas here, so we could totally have a tea party here, too! You know, they even serve alcohol that goes well with sweets. Maybe you’d prefer that?”

“Oh, wow! Thank you so much, everyone! But I’ll pass on the alcohol!” I was completely walled in by beautiful women, yet again. Before me lay a spread of all the available sweets at the shop; around me, a selection of some of the prettiest women I knew. I was positively tickled pink! Er, I mean... I certainly didn’t mean to hog all of their attention. Mr. Fisalis was standing right beside me, but they didn’t so much as look at him.

Oh well, I really couldn’t complain.