Chapter 73: I Tried Going to Eat Sweets with Faina.
《Serios’s Perspective》
As I walk through the town of the Aegrid Territory, the lively sounds of the market and the voices of people naturally reach my ears.
Every time I witness how much the territory has developed in these past few years, I feel a little proud. When heavy taxes were imposed, the slums spread, and the entire town was a filthy sight.
But, about four years have passed since I was reincarnated, the slums have mostly disappeared, shops have developed, and adventurers and traveling merchants have started visiting frequently.
Furthermore, with the improvement of roads and townscapes, the number of shops has increased, and the population of the territory is also growing.
A culture that was unthinkable before has taken root. Among them, the biggest trend is the Sweet Shop I developed.
At first, while searching for sweets other than the Pancakes I came up with to “feed” Liese, Maria, and Faina, I found adzuki beans, and I was also able to find rice plants.
Because this is a frontier region more suited for agriculture than the Royal Capital, various ventures I undertook are finally starting to bear fruit.
“Anmitsu, Japanese Dango, udon… To think things like these would become popular in this world.”
Muttering this, feeling a bit incredulous myself, I turned my gaze to Faina walking beside me.
She is in her usual Maid Outfit, wearing a coat over it. I had left my official duties to Claris and had come out with Faina for some shopping that also served as an inspection.
Faina was walking beside me, casting sharp glances at our surroundings.
“Lord Serios, why did you bring me along? Aren’t you busy with your duties today?”
Faina asked in a serious tone. Her expression was stiff, and her eyes, peering into my face, held a hint of confusion.
“Faina, you don’t get out of the mansion much, do you? I thought I’d let you have a break once in a while. Claris is so serious it’s hard to invite her, and I wanted to eat some sweets while we’re out shopping. So, you’re coming with me, Faina.”
“M-Me… sir?”
Faina’s eyes widened slightly. It was a rare moment where she, who rarely ever smiled, openly showed her emotions.
“Yeah, it’s fine once in a while, isn’t it? Or do you dislike eating sweets with me?”
When I said that jokingly, Faina hurriedly shook her head.
“N-Not at all! If Lord Serios wishes it, I will accompany you anytime!”
A laugh escaped me at her desperate demeanor.
“I see. Well then, let’s go. I know just the place.”
And so, we headed to the Sweet Shop in the center of town.
Passing under the noren curtain, a sweet aroma wafted through the shop. Several tables were placed in the small interior, and it was already bustling with many customers.
When we entered, the shop owner called out cheerfully.
“Lord Serios! Thank you for your patronage again today!”
“Ah, I’m with Faina today. Bring us some sweets.”
“Certainly! Please wait a moment!”
Watching the owner return to the kitchen, I sat down facing Faina.
Faina seemed a little bewildered by the lively surroundings, but she quickly straightened her posture and faced me.
“Lord Serios, has it been a while since you’ve come to a place like this?”
“That’s right. I checked on it after returning from the academy, but I haven’t been able to come often, only a few times. The sweets at this shop are quite popular, you know. Besides… I wanted Faina to try them too.”
When I said that, Faina showed a slightly surprised expression.
“For me… sir?”
“You like sweets, don’t you, Faina?”
“You’ve been paying attention to me too, then.”
“Of course, I do. You always work hard as a Maid, so isn’t it okay to spoil yourself once in a while? Eat a lot.”
At those words, Faina lowered her gaze for a moment. I could see her cheeks were faintly tinged with red.
“Thank you, Lord Serios.”
Presently, the shop owner brought over a colorful array of sweets.
Anmitsu, Japanese Dango, and Shiratamako Zenzai. These were all Japanese-style sweets I had proposed, but I never thought they’d become so popular in this world.
“Go on, don’t hold back. Eat up.”
When I urged her, Faina hesitated for a moment, then gently picked up the spoon for the Anmitsu. And, the moment she took a bite.
“Ah…”
Faina’s expression softened gently. In that instant, her usual serious and composed self seemed like a different person.
“It’s delicious… very…”
Her face, as she held the sweet in her mouth, looked as if it embodied Happiness itself.
“Is it that good?”
“Yes… The sweetness is just right, and this flavor spreading in my mouth… It’s my first time experiencing it.”
Her cheeks were faintly flushed, and a smile so captivating I couldn’t help but stare appeared on her face. The moment I saw that expression, something welled up in my chest.
(She’s like a completely different person from the usual Faina… So she can make expressions like this too.)
Watching her enjoy the sweets so happily, my own expression naturally softened.
“There’s something savory too. It’s udon, want some?”
“Yes! Thank you, Lord Serios! Alternating between sweet and savory, I just can’t stop!”
Faina replied enthusiastically, reaching for one sweet after another. She looked so innocent and endearing, it was hard to imagine from her usual demeanor.
And so, for a while, we spent a relaxing time enjoying the sweets.
The time I spent with Faina, who always works so hard, was leisurely, comfortable, and calming.
Even in a harsh place like the frontier, such small moments of Happiness exist.
I realized that this moment, where I could feel that, had also become something special for me.