DSFL | Chapter 100

~Chapter 100~ 

‘I wonder if Idette is still at the Magic Tower.’

Thankfully, I still had a favor she owed me, so that gave me a good excuse. It would’ve been awkward to ask to meet her father out of nowhere otherwise.

While lost in thought, I arrived at my destination—and was surprised.

‘This is…’

It was the café I had once visited with Ricardo, the one we had meant to come back to but never did.

“Bianca!”

Just then, I heard Leon’s voice behind me.

“Oh, Leon.”

“You didn’t wait long, did you?”

“I just got here.”

He sighed in relief at my words.

“Good. Then shall we go in?”

I nodded quietly and followed him inside.

Last time, this café was full of people. Now, it was surprisingly quiet. It was hard to believe it was the same place.

“I couldn’t just forget what happened last time—I wanted to properly thank you.”

“Oh, come on. No need for that between us.”

“Still… I always feel like I’m the one being helped by you. I wanted to return the favor.”

Then, he went ahead and ordered every dessert I glanced at.

“W-we can’t possibly eat this much!”

“It’s fine. I’ll eat plenty.”

He reassured me confidently as I panicked.

Soon after we returned to our table, a mountain of desserts arrived one after another.

To be honest, it was way too much for two people. But everything looked so pretty, it made me happy just looking at them.

‘This must be heaven…’

And since this café was famous in the capital, the taste was incredible.

I was so focused on the desserts that I forgot we were supposed to be talking. As I ate in silence, Leon gently wiped the whipped cream off my lips.

“Want to go to the art gallery later? Might be good for digestion.”

…Oh, right. There was an exhibition going on.

Emily had mentioned it in passing—noting that it was a popular date spot. She’d said, if there was someone I liked, I should definitely go with him.

“Or we can just take a walk.”

Since we’d spent so much time together, Leon already knew my preferences.

“Anything is fine.”

The things he was suggesting—an art gallery, a walk—were all typical date ideas.

‘Does this mean I’m actually dating Leon now…?’

I’d never imagined that before. Honestly, I still couldn’t picture it clearly.

But when I tried to imagine a future with him, I couldn’t see myself being unhappy.

He was kind and one of the few people who truly understood me.

Plus, Grandpa and Cedric were both in favor of it.

The only problem was…

I didn’t know what would happen to me.

I had to go back home someday.

‘What will happen to Grandpa and Cedric then…?’

As my thoughts spiraled, the whipped cream that had tasted so sweet now felt heavy in my mouth.

I scratched my cheek awkwardly and forced a smile.

“Actually, I have somewhere to be today. Can we go to the art gallery next time? Same with the walk.”

“Anytime.”

Leon was as considerate as ever, always making sure I didn’t feel pressured.

‘I can’t treat Leon like this if I don’t feel the same way.’

And besides, I had a home to return to.

“Hey, Leon…”

“Yeah?”

I worked up the courage to say something, but hurting someone with words was never easy. I quickly drank my water instead.

“Mind if I join you?”

A familiar voice interrupted—and someone sat down beside me.

“Cough!”

Ricardo offered me a handkerchief with a strangely calm face.

“My, you look quite surprised to see a familiar face.”

I couldn’t respond—I was too busy choking.

Then, with an unreadable expression, he suddenly reached out and tugged on my cheek. His eyes briefly glanced at my lips before he smirked wickedly.

“Your face is red. Guess that confirms it.”

He was clearly trying to twist the situation shamelessly in his favor.

Leon let out a short laugh.

“Must be nice to have so much free time that you crash other people’s dates.”

His flat tone carried a faint, cold edge. Alarmed, I stepped on his foot, but he just smiled to reassure me.

“We’re on a date. If you have something to say, come back another time.”

“Oh, a date, you say?”

Ricardo tilted his head mockingly.

“Huh. I thought it was some form of food torture.”

“….”

“Seems like a harsh punishment for a delicate young lady. I must’ve missed the new definition of ‘date.’”

After I finally stopped coughing, I managed to ask,

“W-why are you here?”

Ricardo’s eyes gleamed mischievously.

“I didn’t think you’d actually use the date spot I suggested. I waited patiently, you know.”

“I brought Bianca here. You don’t own this café.”

“Oh, but I do. This is my café.”

“…What?”

Leon and I both stared at him in confusion.

“I bought it. You got a problem with me visiting my own place?”

“W-when did you…?”

He hadn’t mentioned this the last time we met!

“I was going to tell you, but you never gave me the chance.”

Leon gritted his teeth and suddenly stood up.

“Wow. Looks like I’ve offended the Duke. We’ll be going now. Bianca, let’s go.”

I hesitated and stood up as well, but Ricardo folded his arms.

“After ordering this much, you’re just going to leave?”

“….”

“It’s really disappointing when customers waste the desserts our bakery worked so hard on.”

He gestured toward the mountain of sweets on the table.

“So? Are you planning just to stand there and eat while standing?”

“W-we’ll take them to go—”

“Oh dear. We don’t offer takeout here.”

Ricardo smirked.

“Unfortunately, you can’t leave until you finish it all.”

“That’s ridiculous!”

“But it’s the rule here.”

I was speechless. With my mouth still open, Ricardo placed his hand over his heart and bowed slightly.

“I’m the owner. Feel free to complain.”

What kind of café owner acts like this?!

Holding my forehead in disbelief, I heard Ricardo’s smug voice again.

“Or… would you like some help?”

“…With what?”

He tilted his head like I was being silly for asking.

“If I join you, you’ll finish faster.”

I opened my mouth but couldn’t form any words. Leon rubbed his face roughly with one hand.

“What a ridiculous excuse…”

“You seem angry. Maybe go wash your face?”

Leon’s clenched fist trembled.

“Such generosity.”

“My pleasure.”

Ricardo shrugged.

They were both smiling, but the tension between them was so thick I could hardly breathe.

I gulped down water to ease my dry throat, and Ricardo shot Leon a cold look.

“This is a date? I wouldn’t wish this on my worst enemy.”

“Well, now that the Duke is here, it certainly feels like torture.”

“Funny, because Bianca looked this frustrated before I even showed up.”

“…Did I?”

That’s strange. I was actually really happy just moments ago.

Ricardo tilted his head.

“You used to smile a lot more when you were with me.”

“…?”

“Much more.”

He looked at me with a mix of frustration and concern.

“Seeing you looking so unwell now… of course I’d be worried.”

Well, that’s because of you…!