The Legend of the Reclusive Princess Zuicho of the Rikan Empire ~She Escapes From The Palace Everyday and Works as a Capable Government Official.~ - Chapter 14

“The only place in this town that supplies sugar is that spice shop. Unless someone is bringing it in from far away by themselves.”

Saya faced the sharp, judging gaze directly and gave a small smile before bowing politely.

“I’m sorry to bother you when you’re busy. Are you the owner?”

“Yeah, I am. …Is that all you wanted to ask?”

His blunt tone felt very much like a craftsman’s attitude, but Saya continued speaking with a friendly smile.

“You make beautiful sweets. Just looking at them makes me happy.”

“Thanks, even if you’re just being polite. …So? I’ll answer anything except for the recipe.”

At those words, one of the staff members looked nervous, but the owner simply jerked his chin, not caring at all.

Saya gave a small, apologetic smile and lowered her head.

“No, that was all I wanted to ask. Sorry for the trouble.”

“…I see. …If you’re leaving, take this with you.”

“Eh? Owner!?”

Ignoring the surprised staff, the owner wrapped something in paper and handed it to Saya.

“It’s for promotion. If you like it, come back again.”

“Are you sure…?”

“It’s not for sale. I give it out however I want.”

“Then thank you very much. …Oh, it’s a baked sweet! It looks delicious…”

The bag was full of a sweet smell. Inside were simple, round cookies, just the right size to eat in one bite, with the shop’s brand stamped on them.

(Oh. These are the same cookies His Majesty gave me this morning…)

She found the coincidence amusing and carefully put the bag away. The cookies were just her type. She had hoped to eat them again slowly, so this was very lucky.

The owner approached the back door with a sense of completion.  She had meant this as part of her job, but she ended up just enjoying shopping.

Trying to stop herself from smiling too much, she thanked the staff member who lifted the curtain for her.

She stepped out, ready to leave the shop—

“—About the sugar supply… That spice shop handles it all in this area. I’ve never heard of anyone getting sugar elsewhere.”

“…?”

Saya stopped walking at the owner’s words.

“Lately, some noble has been buying a huge amount. It’s gotten so busy that they’re short on workers to carry the sugar… or that’s what I’ve heard.”

“Thank you very much.”

After that, the owner started working again like he had just been talking to himself.

Saya gave a small smile, thanked him again, and finally walked out onto the main street.

(Buying in bulk… that must cost a fortune. Well, I guess the next stop is that spice shop…)

She left the quiet store behind and returned to the noisy, lively streets.

*****

Meanwhile…

“Thank you very much!”

After seeing off the customer and lowering the curtain, the staff member looked back at the owner with a puzzled face.

“Owner, did you know that person?”

“Not at all. Anyone who judges people only by how they look is a third-rate shopkeeper. …Did you see his hands?”

“Huh? …No, I didn’t…”

“They were smooth and clean. Not a single crack and his long hair was well taken care off. He also made eye contact when he spoke… His clothes were simple, but he’s definitely not just a regular townsfolk with a bit of money.”

The staff still looked doubtful.

“Really…? Well, he was an attractive man, but his hair was the same pale gold color as ours.”

“His eyes were pitch black.”

“Oh—well, some commoners have dark eyes too…”

“At most, they’re dark brown. Anyway, if people like him come in occasionally. Don’t treat them lightly.”

A noble shopping alone without a servant…? The staff member tilted his head, still unsure.

“By the way, weren’t we selling that new cookie yesterday? Are we using it for promotion now?”

“…That cookie was made by request yesterday. This one was the last. …They’ll order more next time.”

Leaving the confused staff behind, the satisfied owner returned to the kitchen to start making his next creation.