Chapter 61: Late Night (Part 2)
Carlos’s antics were far from over, and boy, am I mad!
I should chop off his little bird with Captain Gray’s sword and feed it to the goat cheese! Otherwise, he’ll never understand what it means to provoke the wrath of a real man… Huh?
Victoria pulled me along to the sidewalk on the right side of the street, then let go of my hand and squatted in front of a white cloth covered with various trinkets. I casually glanced over and saw an array of handmade crafts: carved fawns from ebony, a holy cross symbolizing the church, beautifully bound books… and all sorts of meticulously crafted little things.
I was instantly captivated by these fascinating items.
They all look so good!
…Carlos, let him rot.
Good riddance to that loser! I squatted down next to Victoria, mirroring her pose, bursting with excitement as I gazed at the dazzling little crafts. Then I noticed Victoria picked up a shiny bracelet, and my eyes went right to it—it was mesmerizing!
It looked like a beautifully crafted hand bracelet made of luminous beads, rich greens, deep reds, creamy whites… an array of translucent gems sparkled under the lights—though I instantly recognized that they were just pretty stones.
“Praise the deity! Beautiful ladies, what do you wish for?”
The stall was run by a toothless grandmother with white hair, wearing a somewhat dirty gray skirt with a noticeable hole at the hem, but that didn’t seem to affect her cheerful smile.
“Isn’t that bracelet gorgeous? I picked each pebble by the river, polished them smooth with sandpaper and strung them together… I made them all myself. Do you like them?”
The old lady said, picking up another bracelet made of similarly colored pebbles and extending it toward me, insistently saying, “Look, take a look if you like…”
I hurriedly accepted the bracelet, holding it up to examine it closely, and the more I looked, the more I liked it.
Pure craftsmanship—it looked so heartfelt… But how did she make the holes in the pebbles?
I can’t believe there’s any automated tool involved. For an old lady her age, it must be quite a challenge.
“Both of these bracelets have been blessed by kind nuns, and I believe whoever wears them will always be safe and happy,” the grandma said.
“Grandma, it’s quite late. Aren’t you closing up?” Victoria asked softly while trying on the bracelet.
“Hehe, the street is so lively! What’s the hurry for this old woman to pack up and go home? While my eyes are still good, I want to make beautiful crafts and find them a nice new home… I’m getting old, and this is all I can do. Gotta save some coins for my grandson working outside the city—he’s about to reach the marrying age!”
The old lady spoke with a tremor in her voice, her face full of wrinkles when she smiled, yet it somehow felt warm and comforting.
“If he can find a beautiful person like you two, I can d*e in peace!”
“Grandma, with such great skills, you must be in good health!”
I brushed dust off one of the pebbles, puffing at it to make it sparkle even more.
“I’ll live a long, long time! Waiting for my grandson to have kids, and when they grow up, I’ll save money for them to marry!”
“Hahaha!” The old lady squinted with joy, her lips curling into a big smile, “Oh, you sure know how to talk! I’ll take your blessing!”
At that moment, lost in thought, Victoria suddenly turned back to me.
“I want this one.” She said to me.
Her face was tinged with a hint of , her bright eyes sparkling with energy. Even though her voice remained calm, it suddenly felt like she was a pretty little girl asking for a gift from an adult.
“Okay.”
I nodded gently, unable to hide my smile.
Then I heard her say, “Two.”
Before I could react, she turned and looked at the old lady: “How much?”
“If you like it, just one silver coin for each! The other one I’ll gift you—I can’t bear to take much from such lovely girls… You’re like a breath of fresh air to this old woman!”
I pulled two silver coins from my pouch, took her rough, crackled hand, and lightly placed them in her palm.
“If I don’t make a proper payment, the blessing might not be effective.”
“Good child.” The old lady accepted the coins, bowed her head to me, “You’re all good girls, and good girls will surely find happiness…”
After leaving the stall, Victoria and I continued along the street. She wore the bracelet on her wrist, and when we passed a lamp post, she lifted her wrist to admire it in the firelight, looking quite pleased.
On my left wrist was another bracelet—identical to hers.
The pebbles felt cool against my skin. The smooth, polished stones were more comfortable to wear than the white bracelet Pasifal gave me, and I loved that sensation.
“Fresh oysters—”
“Candy apples! Stir-fried almonds! Come take a look—”
The street vendors were shouting, their voices mingling in the buzzing night.
Victoria devoured two fish, and I tugged her to buy a small bag of roasted almonds. While munching, I casually inquired things like “Do you like venison pies?”, “Why do you always eat cabbage? Like a rabbit,” and “Did you always have that expressionless face as a child?” Most of my comments were ignored by Victoria.
Actually, I found chatting with Victoria to be quite the task. She was unlike most people; she wouldn’t talk about what she ate today, what she wants tomorrow, or gossip about the neighborhood’s silly antics. She was proud and quite removed, with thoughts far beyond those of ordinary folks.
So, our best interactions were occasional exchanges mixed with long silences.
Though silent, it wasn’t awkward at all.
It felt like a soothing stillness amid the chaos—comfortable silence with nothing needing to be said.
Unfortunately, such stillness didn’t last long.
As I finished the almonds, tossed the paper bag away, and started searching for more food with my wandering eyes, a sharp gasp broke the tranquility.
“Oh my gosh!”
Followed by a slightly flamboyant voice, calling us out.
“Beautiful ladies! Over there, lovely ladies—”
I frowned.
Which annoying guy is trying to hit on us now…?
Instinctively turning toward the voice, I spotted a skinny man, neatly dressed but simple, standing on tiptoe behind a makeshift stall made of wooden frames and canvas, waving energetically at me.
The moment I saw him, my eyes lit up.
…A vendor!
I quickly grabbed Victoria’s hand, pulling her toward him: “Let’s go there!”
“Is he an acquaintance?” Victoria seemed to recognize the man, her expression puzzled.
“Good food.”
I replied without looking back.
We made our way through the crowd to the stall, where the man’s face lit up with delight upon seeing me: “Beautiful Miss, we meet again! You look as charming as always~ Oh my, I can’t believe I’m seeing two beautiful stars tonight… this must be a blessing from the gods~”
He bowed gracefully toward me, his words dripping with enthusiasm.
I could already smell the cake, and my mouth couldn’t help but curl up; I pointed at him, trying to greet him, yet what came out was, “Hello again, Opera Almond Cake!”
“Oh ho, Miss is quite amusing~ I’m not a cake, though…”
He giggled, covering his mouth, his demeanor quite cheeky.
“So, today you brought a friend… or maybe a sister? Care for some cake?”
I nodded eagerly: “Yes!”
I remembered the cake he made before was delicious, nearly as good as Captain Gray’s. Since I didn’t keep much food at home before heading to the academy, this was perfect for breakfast tomorrow.
Anyway, Victoria wouldn’t eat these sweets… whatever I buy is all mine.
So, I added, “Wrap it up for me.”
“Sure! How many do you want?”
“How many do you have left?”
“Well, it might not be much…”
He turned, shaking his shoulders as he yelled to someone behind him: “Dear, how many almond cakes do we have left for the nice customers today?”
Huh?
That “dear” piqued my curiosity.
Is the boss working with his partner today…?
I couldn’t help but peek behind him, only to hear a gravelly voice from the stall: “We sold a lot today. There’s just a little over two pounds left, is that enough?”
??!!
My breath hitched. My smile momentarily froze as I stared at the back of a bulky figure, the smile on my face slightly stiffening.
“Miss, as you heard, there aren’t many cakes left. Will you purchase them all again? Or…”
The thin man shrugged, flicking his collar with a flourish, looking a tad apologetic toward me.
“Uh, I’ll take them all…”
I scratched my cheek, suddenly feeling awkward.
He indeed called out “dear” to that strong-looking guy inside.
Did I mishear?
This boss…
I thought he was just a bit flamboyant, but to think he really loves men…
…What would Victoria think about this?
Suddenly, I found myself concerned about her thoughts, and I stole a glance at her. Victoria’s expression was still as calm as water, appearing a little absent-minded, with no other reaction, leaving me guessing what was going through her mind.
Noticing my gaze, she turned her bright golden eyes toward me: “What are you looking at?”
“Nothing…”
I quickly shifted my gaze back to the thin vendor, who was now facing away, calling to his partner behind him: “Arthur, pack the rest up for me!”
No more “dear” this time… Was that just an instinctive slip?
I suddenly felt a bit of that uncomfortable feeling of snooping into someone else’s secret, fidgeting with my feet while glancing up at the night sky. The skinny vendor seemed to notice my unease; he hesitated for a moment before revealing a bittersweet smile.
“Oh dear, I let that slip, didn’t I?”
He looked at me, a hint of laughter in his eyes.
“Miss, if you have any reservations about our… relationship, I can’t change your mind, but please, even if you look down on us, do not spread it around too much, alright?”
His tone had lost its previous warmth, becoming a polite request.
Uh…
I really hadn’t thought that deeply. He must have misunderstood something…
I quickly waved my hands: “I’m not—”
“It’s alright, Miss. After so many years, I’ve gotten used to being seen differently, and I understand your feelings. I just hope… hope you won’t have any ill thoughts about the delicious cakes. Regardless, food is innocent.”
“Not at all. You misunderstood, I’m just a bit curious… I won’t tell anyone.”
His gaze softened a bit. I tilted my head, pondering, then spoke: Love is free, and feelings are sacred. No one should look down on you.
After my short speech, I saw a spark of light in the thin vendor’s eyes.
“Miss, do you really feel that way?”
“Yeah.”
Of course, I do.
As a time traveler… I guess? Regardless, I still hold memories from my past life. I remember a dear friend who was quite kind-hearted and happened to love men.
“Then I really must thank you for your open-mindedness…”
It was as if he sensed sincerity in my eyes. The thin vendor raised his dainty fingers, and his thin lips curved into a smile, suddenly reminding me of my friend.
“Praise you, my lady! You’re truly an angel sent by the gods to this world, possessing not just beauty but a pure heart as well. I’m liking you more and more. To express my gratitude, the two pounds of cake will be a gift!”
“No need, it’s really nothing…”
I hurriedly shook my head, but the man’s demeanor remained firm.
“No, please, you must accept it.”
“Really, no—”
“Please accept it, Peilo.” Victoria suddenly interjected.
The vendor glanced at her, his smile widening: “Thank you, thank you for understanding… To meet two lovely ladies is my honor. A small cake is merely a token of sincerity…”
While we were talking, the stout man had quietly packed the cake in a paper bag, stepping out from the stall and giving me a sturdy smile.
“The cake is all ready.”
“Arthur, let me introduce you~”
The thin vendor took the wrapped paper bag, glancing lovingly at Arthur.
“This lady is the one I told you about—the one who bought all the cakes on your birthday, so that’s why I could surprise you… I think she’s a charming little sprite~”
“It’s you, Miss.” Arthur scratched his head, “I thank you… um, I’m not really good with words, but I really appreciate it.”
“Dummy.”
The thin vendor teased, then handed the cakes over to me.
“Please take it~”
I accepted the cake, feeling a bit hesitant: “Is this… okay?”
“I think it’s too little… Miss, you seem young, so perhaps you don’t quite grasp the significance of what you said earlier…”
“We’re not from the Royal City, and we have no family. We’ve wandered to many places. But that’s not what we wanted; it’s just that our love… tends to be seen as a deformity or something ominous…”
“Because of this, I once almost got burned by the mayor, and another time, someone nearly threw me in jail… So, you can’t know the weight of your words.”
The thin vendor smiled while the stout man silently began packing up the stall.
It suddenly struck me that this place was unlike my previous life.
A love like theirs didn’t seem to exist in an accepted way in this world… and most people here were not open-minded or reasonable.
“Oh dear, I’ve said too much out of excitement when meeting such a good-hearted lady! You mustn’t find me bothersome~”
“I won’t.”
I tightly hugged the cake, feeling its warmth through the paper bag, smiling and shaking my head.
“How are you two doing now?”
“Thank you for your concern, Miss.” The vendor bowed again, “As you can see, we’re doing very well. I rely on the skills passed down by my mother to sell cakes on this street. As for my partner, he deals in small goods on the other side of the street. Although we occasionally face odd looks, luckily everyone is rather kind, and life is generally pleasant. Recently, we even secured a small plot of land on Curie Street—very satisfying!”
“Ethanbel is a free country, and the Royal City is our sanctuary. Thanks to Queen Elizabeth, if it wasn’t for her decision to abolish the previous laws… We wouldn’t be allowed to stay here, right?”
I paused in surprise.
“She’s our benefactor, unlike those nobles I’ve met before…”
I barely registered the latter part of what he said, my brain stalling.
Did he just say Queen Elizabeth…? Isn’t that Victoria?!
Victoria… abolished the laws against homosexuality?
Surely that’s what he meant, right?
I couldn’t help but glance at the gorgeous profile beside me.
And just then, for the first time, Victoria avoided my gaze.
What…
Why is she…?!
“Miss…”
“…Miss?”
I suddenly realized: “Oh!”
“I’m saying, if you wouldn’t mind, I’d love for you to come visit our home someday~”
The vendor looked at me, his smile as warm and sweet as his partner’s behind him.
“Sure.” I gently nodded at them.
“Well then, we shall take our leave! Wishing you both a pleasant night~”
The streets were bustling with people.
Among them, the same-s*x couple continued to fade into the distance.
“Victoria…”
“Hmm?”
“Why didn’t you say anything just now?”
“Nothing to say.”
“Oh…”
An odd atmosphere settled in.
Suddenly, I lost the desire to continue strolling. I figured Victoria felt the same. It wasn’t long before we made our way back to Longdoll Street.
As we approached the entrance of Mansion No. 2, I couldn’t help but ask her: “Did you abolish that law?”
“Yes.” Victoria replied coolly.
“Why?”
“Didn’t like it.”
“Oh…”
A brutally simple answer.
“Ah. Home already… so quick.” I said to her.
“Hmm.”
The tone of her response remained cool.
“I didn’t even give you a proper gift.”
“Didn’t you already?”
Victoria raised her wrist, showing off the shiny bracelet.
I pouted: “That doesn’t count.”
“I think it’s lovely.”
“But—”
“I think it’s lovely.”
She reiterated, her expression earnest: “I like it very much. More than all the gifts I received today. Peilo, you made me see so many genuine smiles today; those were their true smiles. To me, that’s the best gift of all.”
Click, click…
The iron gate of Mansion No. 2 was opened by a maid.
Victoria reached out to pat my head: “Head back. Get some rest early.”
“Hmm…”
After taking a few steps, I turned back again.
“Oh! I forgot to say… Happy birthday, Victoria.”
Under the hazy moonlight, the golden-haired woman smiled sweetly.
“What an odd birthday wish!”
“From, Silvya’s, special blessing!”
