### Chapter Three: What Is He Here For?
“C-Carlos?” I was slightly taken aback.
He stood in front of me, the streetlight casting a flickering glow that illuminated only half of his scruffy face, making him look like he had just rolled out of bed. His bright blue eyes were as lively as a dull potato, and even though he was clad in a rather formal royal outfit, it did nothing to disguise his lazy demeanor.
“Little Shay, you…”
Carlos made a wild motion in the air with his finger, looking as if he were about to say something, but then he suddenly stopped and burst out laughing. “Ha! What happened to your nose?”
My nose?
Ah!
Heat crawled up my face as I quickly raised my hand to touch my nose tip.
It should be fine by now…
How did he even notice?
“Not there, a bit lower… right, there’s dried-up bl**d! No need to wipe it; it’s already dry… Hahaha.” The Bearded Swordsman chuckled like there was no tomorrow, leaning in closer with his big face, curiosity sparkling in his eyes. “What were you up to? Did someone punch you right in the face? Who’s the bold one to do that?”
“…None of your business.”
So annoying!
I shoved his face away, tilting my head slightly as I didn’t want to discuss it any further. Instead, I changed the subject. “Carlos, I’m hungry. Get me something to eat.”
“Hey, hey, are you ordering me around? Didn’t you just come back from outside? The market is just two streets away; why not go buy something yourself? What if I’m not here? Are you just planning to starve?”
“Ugh!”
I shot both my hands forward and pushed Carlos, causing him to stagger, and there he stood, wide-eyed, staring at me.
So irritated…
If I could buy it myself, why would I be nagging you?!
“It’s been a while; why has your temper gotten so fiery?”
Carlos smoothed out the wrinkles on his collar, looking at me with a furrowed brow, then suddenly a thought seemed to hit him, and his expression shifted.
“Oh~”
He clapped his hands, narrowed his eyes, and his expression turned mischievous. “Little Shay, you wouldn’t be—”
“Ah—!”
I immediately raised my voice to drown him out, not wanting him to finish that sentence.
So annoying!
What are you trying to say, you blabbermouth!
My heart burned with both embarrassment and rage; I desperately wanted to smash Carlos’ head. So I lowered my head and began searching for a rock at the side of the road… just then, my stomach betrayed me and let out a loud “grrr.”
I froze in position.
“Pfft…”
For a brief moment, the atmosphere fell into silence before Carlos suddenly chuckled.
Then he quickly realized the seriousness of the situation, and as I glared daggers at him, he rushed to compose himself: “I was just thinking… Right! What do you want to eat? I came over in such a rush today that I didn’t have time to buy you anything… how about we go together to the market? I heard you’ve been cooped up at home lately; you’re practically going moldy… how about a little fresh air?”
“…No.”
“What’s wrong?”
“…People on the street, they gather around me like I’m a monkey…”
Carlos paused, clearly realizing something.
He must have read the news! But he said nothing, just gazed at me with soft eyes, reaching out his right hand to pat my head gently, sporting a smile like a loving father.
“What do you want to eat?”
“Cheese,” I replied immediately.
Ew…
Why does he smile like that? It’s gross…
I couldn’t resist twitching my fingers a little. But after hesitating, I didn’t push away Carlos’ hand, letting him ruffle my hair, blinking thoughtfully, before counting off on my fingers to add to the list.
“Besides cheese, there’s deer meat, beef. Check how much is left at the shop and buy it all. Mmm… Spices are running low too. Must buy pepper, salt, honey, and butter. Then… some vegetables and fruits. Especially oranges and radishes; we must get those. And the rest—”
“Stop.”
Carlos whipped his hand from my head, took a step back, crossed his arms over his chest, wearing a “what can I do with you” look. “I only have two hands, so let’s just call it quits here; wait at home.”
“Oh… then the last one…”
“That’s it.”
Carlos turned to flee.
But I wouldn’t let it go, calling out to his retreating back: “Look around and see if there’s a charming man selling cakes! I still want to eat the Opera Almond Cake!”
“…I’m leaving.”
Carlos waved his hand without looking back.
Did he even hear me…
I stood there for a moment, watching him walk farther away, then raised my hand to scratch my cheek. It was only when he rounded the corner and disappeared from sight that I turned and walked towards the iron gate of the house.
Braised oranges and radishes…
What does that taste like?
As I walked through the courtyard, this question lingered in my mind.
Back home, I lit the candle and opened the ventilation window in the living room, letting the cool night breeze from the rain wash the heat away. Feeling the air was no longer stifling, I went upstairs, pushed open the bedroom door, and while slipping off my skirt, I headed towards the bathroom. As I lifted the hem to my belly, I suddenly turned back and kicked the door shut with a loud “bang,” finally feeling relieved.
After a quick rinse, I walked out n*ked from the bathroom, towel in hand, and started rummaging through the closet. I pulled out clean underwear and fished out the “super thick leak-proof cozy creation” my mother made for me, carefully putting it on. I tossed the towel on the bedside, threw on a comfortable white dress over my head, then picked up the black stockings I had tossed aside earlier. Tilting my head in thought, I tossed them casually on the bed.
I’m feeling a bit lazy; I’ll wash them tomorrow…
If my stomach hurts tomorrow, I’ll wash them the day after…
With a firm thump, I raced downstairs, gulped down a few big cups of water from the kitchen, then curled up on the sofa, hugging my knees, finding a comfortable position to wait quietly for food to return.
Carlos is so slow…
If he makes me wait ten more minutes, I’ll make him eat nothing but braised oranges and radishes tonight… until he’s stuffed and can’t even walk…
Tap-tap, tap-tap…
Suddenly, I heard a hurried sound of hooves from outside the courtyard, mingled with the snorts of a Horned Horse and the creaking of wooden wheels over the pavement.
Could it be Carlos?
The noise seemed to stop right at the gate of our place.
No way…
I leaped off the sofa, running barefoot to the window, my hands gripping the ledge as I craned my neck to look outside.
With a “click,” the iron gate swung open.
A woman in a red dress chatted briefly with the coachman, waved her hand, and strode in all alone.
Huh?
It’s Victoria…
Why is she back so early today?
I rushed to the door and pulled it open just before she could knock, looking at the cold-faced beauty with flowing golden hair who emanated an enthralling charm from within. My heart fluttered with unexpected excitement.
“Viki, what brings you here?”
“Am I not allowed to come?”
Victoria glanced at me coolly, her expression unfazed. Without stopping, she walked straight into the house, and as she passed by me, the scent of a familiar fragrance wafted into my nose.
“Do we have dinner?”
She seemed completely at home, naturally slipping off her mildly muddy high boots and switching to a pair of slippers from the low cupboard while hanging her shawl on a nearby coat rack.
“No…”
I answered instinctively.
Wait, when did her slippers show up here?
“Then let’s eat together. I had someone bring dinner; I need to talk to you about something.”
“Oh.”
Victoria headed towards the living room, and I followed her dumbfounded. After a few steps, I remembered Carlos.
“Ah! I sent Carlos to buy food…”
That slipped out without thinking as I was still pondering what urgent matter Victoria might want to discuss and whether it was okay for Carlos to join. I had yet to decide if I still wanted to make braised oranges and radishes. But then suddenly, Victoria halted, and I bumped my head into her back.
“Carlos?”
I took a step back and saw her turn around, her golden eyes narrowing slightly.
“What’s he here for?”
Her tone was less than friendly.
