My Dear Husband, Let's Keep It Business-Like! ~Countess Anastasia, Raised in The Downtown, Won't Give Up Her Way~ - Episode 28

“Wh-what?…”

Marie is dejectedly standing in front of a shop with a “closed” sign.

The bakery recommended by the baker was closed.

Knowing that Marie had been looking forward to it since morning, I couldn’t find the words to say.

“Hey, Marcus. Don’t you think there are too many closed shops in this town?”

When I turned to look at Marcus, for some reason, Marcus also looked visibly downcast.

“I was planning to buy a souvenir for Dahlia -chan, but…”

Oof! Let’s pretend I didn’t hear that!

“Oh, you? What’s wrong?”

Seeing Marie dejected in front of the closed cake shop, a kind-looking lady spoke to her.

“The cake shop… is closed. I was really looking forward to eating their tarte Tatin since this morning, and I’m so disappointed, so disappointed, ugh…”

“Oh dear, that’s too bad. The owner here went out for a picnic with his girlfriend today because the weather is nice…”

“……to?? ”

Hmm? Even though nothing difficult was said, my brain couldn’t understand what you meant?

A picnic because the weather is nice? Not on a regular day off or anything?

“Well, it’s not Tarte Tatin, but there’s a place up ahead that serves delicious apple pie.”

The lady kindly provided such information.

“Apple pie!! Let’s go, Miss Anna! I’m already in the mood for apples. Not just any fresh raw apples, but those slow-cooked, gooey, warm apples!”

While laughing at Marie, who insists on being a “Huns,” we thank the lady and part ways.

After walking for a few minutes on the path I was told about, a pleasant buttery aroma wafted from the direction I was heading.

“I found it! Hurry, hurry, let’s go in!”

Marie, who is hopping in front of the shop, looks like just an ordinary town girl from any angle. No one would ever guess that she is actually the daughter of a baron and the exclusive maid of an countess.

As expected of a pro, Marie! You’re perfectly meeting your master’s requests as a maid! …Wait, is that a compliment?

When you open the shop door, you are enveloped not only by the smell of butter but also by the aroma of sweet cooked apples and cinnamon.

Whew… it smells nice!

It was a specialty store for apple pies, selling individual-sized pies rather than whole ones. There was no dining space inside the store.

We quickly bought one apple pie each and left the store. The grandmother at the counter waved goodbye with a smile.

From the paper bag containing the freshly baked apple pie, a warm and pleasant aroma wafts through the air.

“Since we’re here, I want to enjoy it while it’s still hot! Marcus, is there anywhere we can sit?”

“Well, there is a park nearby, so let’s go there.”

The place I was shown to was a beautiful park with a wide lawn and a fountain, and there were benches and pavilions set up here and there.

We sit in the chairs of the Higashiya over there.

“Well then, let’s dig in right away! Itadakimasu!”

When you take a bite of the apple pie, the crispy texture of the pie and the aroma of butter fill your mouth. Delicious.

When you take another bite, the filling comes out, and the sweet, gooey warmth of the apples combined with the scent of cinnamon is just perfect.

Mmm! Delicious!! With the warm weather and a tasty apple pie, it’s the best!

As I was savoring the apple pie, I suddenly noticed the bag I had left on the bench.

“Marcus, is that someone’s lost item? Shouldn’t we take it somewhere?”

Marcus, after being told by me to check the bench, said this.

“Oh, they’re probably leaving their stuff there to save the spot.”

“Eh!? Aren’t you going to take it?”

Leaving your belongings far away from yourself is unthinkable. It’s behavior that you can’t complain about even if a thief takes them.

“The count’s territory has good public order, you see. There are no residents struggling to make a living, and there’s no reason to take someone else’s belongings.”

“Eh? Aren’t you being a bit too defenseless? If you go to the royal capital like that, you’ll get robbed of everything.”

Marie, having finished eating the apple pie, also exclaims in surprise.

Being stripped bare is a bit of an exaggeration, but my belongings will probably disappear.

Upon closer inspection, there are not only abandoned items on that bench but also at the nearby Higashi residence.

A town without the calls of street vendors, closed shops, abandoned luggage, and prosperous citizens…

Kyaa, ahaha… I can hear the joyful voices of the villagers playing in the park.

There are quite a few children, of course, but also a considerable number of adults. Moreover, there are many young people who should be in their prime working years.

This is… I might be starting to see it! The issues with the count’s territory!

“Marcus! When you get home, there’s something I want to check with you. Do you have time?”

“Yes, um, please go easy on me…”

At this rate, Marcus must have noticed too.

“By the way, Marcus, aren’t you going to eat? Apple pie.”

Noticing the apple pie that Marcus is holding so carefully, Marie jumps in.

Marie, that’s a souvenir for Dahlia. Leave it be.

“I thought I would enjoy it at home, in between my duties. Ha, ha…”

“That sounds good too. Oh! Can I go buy another apple pie?”

“Hehe, you really like it, don’t you? Are you going to have a snack when you get home, Marie?”

“I’m going to get it as a souvenir for Baker!”

Marie and Baker get along well because they are close in age and share a love for food.

“When I find something delicious, I tell the baker about it or have them try it. Then the baker makes a slightly modified version of it and serves it again!”

Now, now, Marie, don’t talk about Baker as if he’s some kind of magical tool.