'Huh?
Phoebe came here for...
Cat's Eye?
And it was Cat's Eye who asked to meet her?
Wait, why?
Hold on, isn't the leading lady of the day supposed to be me?
What exactly is that guy Cat's Eye thinking?
Between them...
Weren't they supposed to be just friends?
Then why arrange a meeting now?
Could it be...
Something really did happen between them?
Just think about it: an innocent, devout young woman with golden hair, and a distinguished, charming gentleman.
Because of their life-and-death experience in the ocean's abyss, Phoebe might have mistaken her feelings for something more, in psychology, that's called the Suspension Bridge Effect.
And so, on some restless night, the young woman couldn't contain her fluttering heart, and in a daze, accepted everything he...
That must be it, right?!'
Carlotta's fingertips trembled slightly, and she unconsciously took half a step back.
Phoebe blinked, perplexed by the shifting expressions on her face.
'Why does Miss Carlotta's expression suddenly look so strange?
Is there something on me?'
Despite her confusion, Phoebe didn't ask. Instead, she retrieved a carefully wrapped package of pastries from her shoulder bag and gently offered it.
"Ah, that's right, Miss Carlotta. These are some pastries I made myself."
"It's my first attempt, so the flavor might not be perfect yet..." The young woman lowered her head slightly, a touch of shyness in her tone. "I hope you won't mind."
"Pastries?" Carlotta was momentarily taken aback as she accepted the still-warm paper package. Suddenly, a realization seemed to dawn. "Wait! so you came here specifically to give this to Cat's Eye?"
"Cat's Eye...?" Phoebe looked momentarily confused by the unfamiliar name before understanding dawned. "You mean Mr. Ray? Yes... these pastries are indeed for him."
When the young woman uttered that name, her usually serene smile took on a special nuance, like sugar frosting delicately dusted over candied fruit.
The fruit was already sweet, but this touch made the sweetness linger even longer.
Unconsciously, she lowered her gaze, her fingers twisting a strand of golden hair. A faint blush colored her fair cheeks.
"Back in the Riccioli Islands... I owe Mr. Ray so much. I've been wanting to thank him properly but didn't know how."
"So, I thought making some pastries for him myself..."
"I just don't know if he'll like them?"
Carlotta took in the young woman's shy, hesitant demeanor entirely.
As an art investor in Ragunna, she had seen countless paintings and countless people, honing her ability to read hearts from the subtlest details.
And now her internal alarm bells were blaring.
Based on years of experience, she could almost certainly conclude:
This young woman named Phoebe before her was absolutely, undeniably falling in love!
And the object of her affection was her boyfriend!
Even if it is just a facade.
"Phoebe, Second Young Miss. You've already met?"
At that moment, Ray approached them with a warm, easy smile.
The young woman, whose heart had just been fluttering with budding affection, felt her blush deepen at the sight of him.
"Mr. Ray." Her violet eyes held a flicker of fluster, though her tone remained appropriately composed. "These are some pastries I made myself. Even though... even though it's my first try... I hope you'll like them."
"Phoebe's very first attempt? Then I must savor them properly." Ray chuckled softly as he accepted the exquisitely wrapped package. He untied the ribbon and leaned in to inhale the aroma of the delicate, traditional Ragunna pastries inside the box. "Mmm, they smell wonderful."
"That smells amazing!" A flash of golden light, and Anby leaped out from the Tacet Mark, eyeing the pastries eagerly. "Anby wants some too!"
"Don't worry, of course there's a portion for Anby." Phoebe's eyes curved into crescents as she produced a smaller, specially prepared bag of treats.
"Thank you, Miss Phoebe!" Anby happily accepted it and immediately began munching away.
Ray picked up a pastry and took a bite. The delicate sweetness of cream and the fragrant aroma of honey melted on his tongue. It was perfectly sweet, not cloying at all instead offering a gentle comfort that seemed to dissolve the weariness of the past few days.
"It's delicious, Phoebe."
"R-Really?" The young woman's violet eyes brightened slightly, still tinged with uncertainty. "Since it's my first try... I was worried it might not suit your taste."
"Of course it does!" Ray gave her a bright, genuine smile. "As long as it's made with Phoebe's care, I will definitely treasure it."
"Ah, I..." His straightforward response made the tips of Phoebe's ears turn pink. She hurriedly lowered her gaze, her fingers unconsciously twisting the hem of her skirt. "As long as Mr. Ray likes it... that's wonderful."
Ray nodded contentedly. "Next time you try a new recipe, Phoebe, you must let me taste it too."
"And Anby!" the little creature chimed in, mouth still full but raising a paw nonetheless.
Seeing her heartfelt gift so cherished, a perfect smile bloomed on Phoebe's face. She replied softly, "Mhmm, next time I'll definitely try making some other desserts!"
Outside this circle of cheerful chatter, Carlotta stood quietly, like a shadow forgotten in the wake of sunlight, silently watching the warm scene unfold.
So it turns out joys and sorrows aren't shared between people; she only found their noise grating.
'What is this?
I'm the one who's become the outsider?
Could it be... I shouldn't even be here?'
"Well... I should head back to the Order now. Goodbye, Mr. Ray, Anby." Phoebe waved lightly, then turned to Carlotta beside her. "Goodbye to you too, Miss Carlotta."
"Take care on your way back."
Ray watched the young woman's figure recede into the distance, only letting out a soft sigh when that flash of gold was completely swallowed by the bustling crowd.
'What a good kid.
It's just a pity...
She's with the Order.
I hope Phoebe never learns about the darkness hidden beneath the Order's light.'
"Second Young Miss, shall we—"
Ray had just turned around when his words were cut short by a pair of deeply resentful eyes.
Carlotta was lightly biting her lower lip, a complex whirl of emotions swirling in her gaze, tightening Ray's heart.
"Second Young Miss?" he ventured cautiously.
"You seemed to be having quite a good time just now." Her voice carried a sour note she couldn't quite hide.
"Well, it was Phoebe's kind gesture, and... it really did taste good." Ray took a pastry from the paper box and gently offered it to her lips. "Want to try a piece?"
The sudden closeness made Carlotta pause for a moment, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. She turned her face slightly, her fingers unconsciously twisting a strand of hair by her ear. Then, rising slightly on her toes, she carefully took a small bite from his hand.
"How is it? Not bad, right?"
Carlotta shot him a glance before turning to walk ahead. "Hmph, time to go."
Still...
The pastry was indeed quite good.
Perhaps what pleased her even more was the way that sweetness was shared.
Meanwhile, a crimson bloom born from distant shores quietly unfurled in a hidden corner, witnessing it all, yet remaining silent.