A server, adorned in a cute maid outfit, bows apologetically to Rosa and Lilia, who are just about to eat their parfait.
They both tilt their heads in confusion, trying to figure out what is going on.
"I, as one of the servers and the owner of this establishment, humbly apologize for our staff's behavior earlier, meowsters."
Her manner is calm and professional despite the theatrical attire.
"I-it's all right, really. We were at fault too for laughing at her."
Lilia nervously rubs the back of her head.
"We also apologize if we bothered other customers. Right, Rosa?"
She glances at Rosa, who still has her spoon in her mouth.
Rosa nods vigorously, making the utensil bounce up and down.
The maid adjusts her glasses before stepping forward.
"Even so, let us still apologize, meowsters."
She tilts her head with a smile.
"From now on, your orders will be discounted by twenty percent. So enjoy your meal~"
Rosa's head snaps toward her the instant she hears the words.
"Really!? Thanks! Heard that, Rosa? That means…"
But Lilia finds Rosa already staring intently at the menu.
"How fast!"
Rosa's eyes dart across the page.
She was going to let Lilia treat her to just the parfait, but the discount changes everything.
If she orders with care and calculation, she can get a few extra sweets and still make her installment payment for the month.
"Eclair, crepes, custard… there's also strawberry shortcake… hmmm… which one should I pick?"
She mutters it under her breath, too low for anyone to hear.
She has to play her cards right.
"One chocolate eclair, pretzels with honey cream, strawberry shortcake, and a tea, please."
"Hey, hey, hey, are you sure you're okay?" Lilia raises an eyebrow. "You were holding back at the clothing store earlier. You sure you can afford them?"
"It…" Rosa pauses, running the numbers in her head again.
"It is. All within the budget, so don't worry." She nods calmly, eyes sparkling with confidence.
"Understood, meowsters." The maid bows with a smile, jotting down the order.
"Then, please wait for a moment. I'll let Hend— I mean, Sebastian deliver your order." She takes her leave.
As they wait, Lilia sneaks glances at Rosa, her expression conflicted.
"Hey, uh… Rosa? I'm just checking in, but… you're actually alright, right? Financially, I mean?" Her voice is hesitant.
She swallows another spoonful of parfait, as if trying to eat her worry away.
Rosa looks down, trailing a finger along the edge of her parfait glass.
"I'm fine… really. Don't worry, Lilia. This time, I calculated properly. I won't be as reckless as last time."
That's right — last time, she had no choice but to borrow from Lilia. She paid her back, but the memory still leaves a bitter aftertaste.
She steels her resolve, nodding more firmly.
"This time, it won't happen again. I've even set aside an emergency fund, so if my tools break again, I'll be ready. I won't repeat the same mistake."
Seeing her determination, Lilia sighs with a warm smile. "Then I guess there's nothing to worry about. Still… it's okay to lean on me from time to time, you know?"
"That's… not something I want to do often…" Rosa gives a faint smile, still staring at her glass as she scoops another spoonful of parfait.
"I mean… I've already taken enough. Too much, if I dare say."
The image of her sister slips into her thoughts again. If it were her sister, she wouldn't struggle this much. If it were her, she wouldn't need to borrow from anyone. If it were her, the shop would be bustling with customers already. If it were her…
Rosa slides the spoon into her mouth. The sweetness of the parfait washes the thoughts away.
"Rosa… I don't know what or how you see my help — or even Ms. Lorelei's. But let me tell you this: I'm offering because I want to. Besides, we're friends, aren't we?"
Rosa blinks, surprised by the steadiness in Lilia's voice — a firmness she rarely hears, softened just enough to feel like a quiet promise. Her chest tightens, a warmth spreading beneath her usual reserve.
She wants to say thank you, but the words catch in her throat. This is something she has to face alone.
"I'll… think about tha—"
A shadow falls across the table.
"Your order, Lady Rosa."
The voice is deep as a ravine, smooth as silk. A plate of eclair slides into view. Rosa blinks up… directly into Sebastian's face, far too close.
"Ha… Haaaaa…" Rosa's face flares crimson, her soul seeming to float away as she stares blankly up at the neatly arranged timber of the ceiling.
Lilia's grin returns. "Now, now, don't tease our Rosa too much, will you?"
"Apologies. Lady Rosa's response is unusual, so my curiosity can't help but be piqued." Sebastian bows to Lilia after placing the rest of Rosa's order.
"Oh, right, Mr. Hendrik—" Lilia calls out as the butler starts to leave.
"It's Sebastian."
Lilia sighs in annoyance.
"Then… Sebastian…" She lowers her voice, overemphasizing his name. "I can't help but be curious — what on earth are you and Ms. Akira doing in a place like this?"
Sebastian touches his gloved fingers to his chin, gazing at the ceiling as if the answer might be written there.
"Hmm… that would require a lot of explanation, so I shall refrain."
He looks back at Lilia with a gentle smile.
"If I had to put it plainly… let's just say the church is in dire need of further funding."
Lilia tilts her head as she scoops another spoonful of parfait. "Why not roam around and collect alms like usual?"
Sebastian catches the eye of a customer at another table.
"It seems I'm required elsewhere, so I shall take my leave." He bows to both of them. "Enjoy your meals."
"He dodged it…" Lilia mutters, shoveling more parfait into her mouth as she watches the butler glide away.
She turns to Rosa, who is still staring blankly at the ceiling, swaying gently side to side.
Lilia flips her spoon in her hand, pressing the flat side to Rosa's cheek. "Heeey, Rosa, your orders are here… If you don't eat them, don't mind if I do, okay?"
"Ah! Choco Kraufen!" Rosa's gaze snaps down as she shields her plate like an angry kitten.
"There are none here. Also, I was joking — partly." Lilia chuckles at Rosa's unusual antics.
Rosa digs into her sweets while Lilia finishes her parfait.
Every so often, Lilia makes a mock grab for Rosa's food, only for it to be blocked by Rosa's pouty glare.
Around them, customers chatter, utensils clink, footsteps cross the floor, and the "spells" of the maids echo through the café. Sunlight slants lower, bathing the room in a warm glow.
Rosa drains the last drop of her tea and sets the cup down with a soft clink.
"Shall we?" Lilia stands, stretching before heading toward the counter.
"I wonder what kinds of sweets they're selling~" Rosa follows, already lost in a daydream of festival stalls and imaginary bites of candied fruit.
"Sweets again?" Lilia raises an eyebrow, then sighs. "Just make sure you're prepared. Not just financially."
"Of course I am! Why do you think I brought my—"
Her fingers brush nothing but fabric.
The warmth in her voice falters, her stomach giving a slow, sinking twist. She freezes, eyes widening as if she's just stepped into ice water. Empty.
Lilia stops, noticing the flicker of panic on Rosa's face. "What's wrong?"
"It's not here! Oh no… oh no…" Rosa's fingers dart frantically through every corner of her pockets.
Rosa is certain she brought her pouch — or so she thought. Her mind spirals as she rewinds the day's events. When did she last see it?
Her expression freezes. Sweat beads along her forehead as she tries to steady her quickening breaths.
Relying on Lilia again is the last thing she wants. And almost all of her coins for the month are in there.
What if I don't find it? What if I miss this month's installment? What if—
A gentle hand rubs her back, cutting through the thoughts. She looks up to see Lilia's reassuring smile.
"I won't tease you about this, alright?" Lilia steps to the counter, pouch in hand.
Guilt twists in Rosa's stomach as she watches her friend pay the maid on her behalf yet again.
They leave the café. Rosa stares down at the cobblestones while Lilia, clearly satisfied, licks her lips.
"Aaaah, that parfait was delicious. Don't you think so, Rosa?"
"Sorry…" Rosa answers weakly, unable to meet her gaze.
Lilia sighs. "There's no use crying over spilled milk, you know? What's happened has happened."
"Umh…" Rosa's voice dips even lower.
Lilia taps her chin, eyes on the sky. "Hmmm…"
Then she smiles and pats Rosa's shoulder. "By the way, I expect you to pay me back, okay? When you get your coins, treat me at the festival and we're even. How does that sound?"
Rosa's eyes brighten, her lips curling as relief washes over her.
"I–I guess it can't be helped! I'll treat you fully at the festival, okay?" She averts her gaze, crossing her arms as a soft blush and prideful smile bloom across her face.
"Ah, but I have to find my pouch first! I'll have a harder time past sundown, so I need to be quick!" Rosa picks up her pace.
"Hey, wait! I'll help too, okay?" Lilia jogs to match her.
"Let's review… Where have we been?" Rosa closes her eyes, replaying the day in her head.
"Let's see… There's Lorelei's place — that's when you got the coins. I saw you put them in your pouch, so we can skip any places before that." Lilia pinches her chin in thought.
Rosa nods firmly.
"Then we went back to your home, and you changed clothes since you said there's a festi—"
"That's it!" Rosa cuts in, voice bright with realization.
"The pocket of my previous clothes!" She points at Lilia, face lighting up even more.
"Then I guess we have nothing to worry about, since it's not going anywhere." Lilia shrugs smugly, then sighs in relief.
They walk in peace under the orange glow of the afternoon sun, heading toward Rosa's house.
"Sssst, you — lovebirds."
The whisper is soft but close, curling into their ears and stopping them mid-step.
Its owner is a cloaked figure. From beneath the hood, two long ears protrude — unmistakably elven.
"Care for a glimpse of your future?" the elf asks with a warm smile, raising a crystal ball that glitters in the fading light.