My New Love That Isn’t Fated - Episode 11

As evening approached, the streetlights along the corner of the street were lit. It wasn’t long ago that the lamplighters started lighting the gas lamps, a sight that was becoming familiar. When the nightlights illuminated the streets, more people came out to enjoy their leisure time, often staying out until after midnight.

Just a short walk from the Tenegro Library, the Transietto Square and the main street were lined with restaurants, pubs, and cafes that stayed open late, always bustling with people enjoying the night.

Carriages with elegantly dressed ladies and gentlemen moved slowly along the carriageway. On Saturday nights, the Royal Theater and the smaller surrounding theaters were always packed with audiences.

For the upper class, enjoying opera, ballet, theater, or concerts on weekends had become a well-established habit.

Lilia walked alongside Owen along the cobbled path from the Tenegro Library to Transietto Square. When they stepped onto Salvaldo Avenue, leading to the square, the quiet scene in front of the library changed to a lively one. The pedestrian path, separated from the carriageway by street trees and lamps, was filled with couples walking arm-in-arm, along with other men and women walking together, heading somewhere.

Owen, with his tall, impressive build, stood out easily as they walked. Women passing by occasionally cast glances at him, while some seemed disappointed or suspicious of the sight of Lilia walking beside him.

She couldn’t help but notice that she hadn’t bothered much with her hair or clothes. She thought, maybe I should at least put on some makeup… but then again, Lilia had never spent money on herself. She wondered if, when she got paid from the library, she might try indulging in a little luxury.

“I knew the main street and square would be lively, but this is my first time actually seeing it. Owen, I’m sorry, but I don’t think I’m dressed appropriately to walk with you.” “Is there an appropriate way to dress to walk with me? You should just be yourself, Lilia. If anything, I feel bad for dragging you out while you’re probably tired from work.” “I’m not that tired. Being a librarian is fun. At the library, we’re not allowed to chat, so I spend more time with the books than with people. It’s actually quite relaxing.”

Lilia didn’t dislike talking to people. It was just that… she had too many things she couldn’t talk about. Her life, more often than not, felt dark, like the fog or rain clouds that hung over the capital. There were too many things she couldn’t casually discuss, and in the end, she didn’t know what she could talk about.

“I feel the same way. The time spent focusing on reading and getting lost in the words is calming. I told you, I’m not good at talking to people. That’s why…” “Exactly the same, Owen. …Thank you for speaking to me. Your voice and the way you speak are so gentle, which is why I want to talk to you a little more.”

“Ah… Thank you.”

Owen said this with a slightly higher-pitched voice, then stopped in front of a building with a statue of a goddess pouring water from a jug in the middle of Transietto Square. It was a glass-fronted shop, and Lilia could see inside. There were potted plants, and a sofa set, with a lily-shaped oil lamp burning, creating a cozy atmosphere.

There were a few customers inside, but there were still empty seats. The glass sign read “Night Rain Shelter.”

“Night Rain Shelter…” “It’s a quiet and nice place. Let’s go in, Lilia.”

As they entered, the bell above the door chimed lightly in the peaceful space. The café was spacious, with a piano at the back. Behind the counter, a man in a white shirt and black apron was brewing coffee with a dripper.

His thick arms held a thin-necked kettle, and he had neatly slicked-back black hair. He appeared to be in his forties, with a rugged face and a demeanor that suggested he might be a former soldier.

“Welcome. Please, take any seat you like.”

A young woman dressed like a waitress greeted them and showed them to a table. She had large eyes and plump lips, resembling the man behind the counter, leading Lilia to wonder if she was his daughter.

“Would the seat in front of the piano be okay?” “I’m fine with any seat.”

Lilia and Owen sat at the table in front of the piano. When Owen raised his hand slightly, the man behind the counter, in an unexpectedly gentle tone, said, “Welcome, it’s good to see you.”

“To think that Owen would bring a woman here. Tomorrow’s weather will definitely be clear. There’ll be a gentle, warm breeze under the blue sky, even though it’s already October and snow will be here soon,” said the woman cheerfully.

As they sat down, the waitress brought them water with lemon slices. Then, in a bright, lively tone, she said:

“…Sienna, don’t tease too much. It’s rude to Lilia.” “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean any harm. It’s just that this is so unusual. Lilia, welcome to the Night Rain Shelter Café. Our special is the Ginger Honey Blend Coffee. And the Night Rain Shelter Special is also popular. It has just the right balance of acidity and bitterness, perfect for reading at night.”

After giving her recommendation, the waitress, Sienna, went back to the counter. Lilia followed her with her eyes as she carried freshly brewed coffee to other customers.

“…I come here so often that they know my name and face. That’s Sienna, the master’s daughter.” “Ah, I thought so. She does resemble you.” “Really? You think so?” “She holds herself so straight, just like you.” “True, I suppose that’s it. I didn’t expect them to be father and daughter, but… I’ll let the master know later. He’ll be pleased.”

Owen smiled as he handed Lilia the menu.

In the pleasant atmosphere of the café, listening to his voice made Lilia feel like she had been transported far away from her usual daily life.