A New Scratch
I stopped by Carmen's room with some snacks to cheer her up after training.
But even after knocking, there was no response from inside.
It was already late. Where could she have gone?
Just as I was about to leave, I heard a familiar laugh nearby.
Haha. Hello, Captain.
I almost mistook you for a shady intruder and attack you.
Shady...? Me?
Haha. What brings you here at this hour?
The real question is, where have you been?
I took a nice bath in warm water.
I went out for a light stroll and ended up sweating a bit.
But as luck would have it, the water system in my room broke down, so I stopped by the inn.
A walk at night?
Yes, a night stroll. I couldn't sleep, so I walked through the park for a bit—
...Huh? You passed by the park and didn't see me?
...Haha. We must've just missed each other.
So, what brought you to my room tonight?
Don't tell me... were you trying to peek through the door?
Too bad. Haha. If the water hadn't gone out...
You might've caught me changing clothes—
N-No way!
Flustered already? I'm just teasing.
Your reactions are so good, it's hard not to mess with you.
But what's in that basket?
Oh, this?
I handed her the basket I brought.
Carmen peeked inside and reacted with genuine surprise.
Isn't this...?
Is this the seasonal limited tart from Cafe Strega?
They always sold out too quickly for me to buy them.
Haha. Did you get this for me? I'm touched.
You haven't been tailing me after training, have you?
Now that's going too far.
Haha. It didn't work this time. A shame.
But how did you manage to get one? They're gone by morning.
I got lucky.
The stroll just so happened to work up an appetite. Perfect timing.
Thank you for your gift.
Carmen hugged the basket to her chest like she was protecting it.
Seeing how much she liked it, I thought I might get her more sometime.
But...
...Who brings a sword and shield on a night walk?
...
...Haha. Well, you see...
As the Deputy Master of the Knights, I must always remain vigilant—
Wait, that cut on your arm... It's recent, isn't it?
...
Oh my, look at the time.
Come now. We need to be well rested for our training session tomorrow.
You should head back and rest, Captain.
Haha. Sleep well.
I'll see you at the training grounds tomorrow!
Carmen vanished into her room before I could say a word, clearly flustered.
She's clearly hiding something.
I might need to look into this when I get the chance.
