Behind the statue, Cassandra was scribbling notes like a mad scientist. Princess Sara's cheeks had gone pink again. Lannete muttered something that sounded suspiciously like "disgraceful" under her breath.
I adjusted my tie back into place with a scowl.
This is ridiculous. Absolutely ridiculous.
But as I glanced down at the now-empty flyer stack, a grim realization settled in:
…But it's working.
...Damnit.
A few minutes later, the chubby boy returned—this time with an entire entourage of hungry-looking friends in tow.
"Brother, I'm back!" he announced proudly, extending his hand like a merchant collecting payment.
My lips twitched. "One can only eat one sample..." I began sternly, then sighed. "But since you actually brought customers, I'll give you another one. This is the last time."
The boy's face lit up like I'd just handed him a treasure chest. "THANK YOU, BROTHER!"
His group descended upon the samples like a pack of starved wolves, demolishing the remaining tarts with frightening efficiency. They even had the audacity to pull out their own drinks from somewhere, washing down Cassandra's delicate pastries with academy-brand juice boxes.
As they left with satisfied smiles and full stomachs, I stared at the empty sample box.
At least they're honest about being here for the food.
Then—
"Ummm, can you do that again?"
I didn't even turn around. "...No."
"Why not?"
"Because," I said coldly, finally pivoting to face Cassandra, who had abandoned her hiding spot and was now making a teasing smile, "you've already seen it twice, Boss."
Princess Sara peeked out from behind Lannete, her expression a mix of curiosity and embarrassment. Lannete's sharp gaze flicked between me and the growing crowd, her stance protective but not aggressive.
Cassandra clasped her hands together. "But it's working! Look at all these flyers we've distributed!"
I glanced at the empty stack. Then at the growing crowd of giggling students lurking nearby. Then at my stupid, traitorous necktie.
"...Tch." I crossed my arms. "I'm gonna resign then."
"Resignation denied~" Cassandra sang, producing another stack of flyers from nowhere. "We have a grand opening to prepare for!"
Princess Sara finally spoke up, her voice oddly determined: "And... and you have to be there! A-As the manager."
Lannete's sword made an ominous shing noise as she adjusted it.
I looked between the three of them—Cassandra's scheming grin, the princess's flushed but stubborn expression, Lannete's murderous aura—and realized with dawning horror:
I've been outmaneuvered.
Fine. But I'm not gonna give up that easily.
If they wanted a proper promotion, they'd get one—my way.
I turned to the students and raised my voice, clear and professional:
"Attention! Our shop's grand opening today will be hosted by Lady Cassandra, the brilliant businessmind behind this venture, and Princess Sara, our esteemed sponsor!"
The reaction was immediate but more orderly than I anticipated. Students murmured excitedly, some stepping forward to ask questions, others exchanging glances of interest. A few even bowed slightly in the princess's direction, showing proper respect.
Lannete shifted closer to the princess, her watchful eyes scanning the crowd—not because they were unruly, but because it was her duty. Cassandra, meanwhile, lit up like a lantern, engaging students with practiced charm, handing out flyers with flair.
Ten minutes later, the last flyer was gone, the crowd dispersed with promises to attend, and the plaza settled back into calm.
"Excellent work everyone! Let's prepare to return to town," she announced before turning to me with purposeful eyes. "Oh, before we go - we should stop by your room to collect those... documents we left earlier." She gestured subtly toward the academy buildings. "Princess, Lannete, please go ahead to the carriage. We'll join you shortly."
Princess Sara nodded obediently while Lannete's eyes narrowed slightly. After a moment's hesitation, the knight escorted the princess toward our waiting transport.
The moment they were out of earshot, Cassandra's cheerful expression shifted into something more serious. "Actually... there's another reason we came to your room so early." She lowered her voice. "The prince sent word last night that he would arrive this morning with his guards to 'escort' his sister back himself. I refused of course and told them we would leave on our own."
My thoughts immediately connected the dots.
Is that why you came so early in the morning?
Cassandra continued, her voice barely above a whisper. "But I suspected he might still come to town personally to check if we truly left. So we decided to come here instead and delay our return until I received a message from my subordinates that he'd left."
A smile crept onto her face. "The marketing campaign was actually an idea I had while coming here - might as well make good use of our time."
Incredible. I couldn't help but mentally applaud her. Turning even a political inconvenience into a business opportunity - she's truly a genius.
As if on cue, Cassandra produced a small letter from her sleeve. "And it seems our wait is over - he has already left town. We can return now."
She turned toward the carriage with renewed energy, and I followed, shaking my head in quiet admiration. As we rejoined the others, I caught Lannete's questioning look but simply nodded reassuringly.
The carriage wheels began turning, carrying us back to town.
Twenty minutes later, the carriage rolled to a stop in front of the Knowledge Emporium, its freshly painted sign gleaming in the afternoon light. The entrance had been decorated with ribbons and a banner announcing the grand opening, giving it an air of cheerful anticipation.
As we stepped inside, the familiar scent washed over me. The interior was just as we'd left it—polished wooden shelves, neatly arranged books, and a cozy seating area where customers could read or enjoy Cassandra's specialty drinks.
Behind the counter stood the twin sisters, Mira and Lira, their matching red braids swaying as they turned in unison. I also got to know them yesterday when I came to talk with Cassandra. And I can't still tell them apart.
"Oh, the Boss is back!" they chimed, their voices harmonizing perfectly.
At one of the tables near the window, a young man with messy brown hair sat feeding a small blue bird from his palm. At the twins' announcement, his head snapped up—and his eyes widened the moment they landed on us.
His hands trembled slightly, crumbs from the birdseed scattering onto the table. Without a word, he scooped up the bird, tucked it into the folds of his coat, and bolted for the stairs, vanishing to the upper floors before any of us could react.
I blinked.
"...Wait."
Could it be…?
"Was that… my mysterious colleague?" I muttered, more to myself than anyone else.