After leaving Rofilia’s office, Sefina did not return directly to the villa. Instead, she walked straight through the Academy District and blended into the bustling afternoon crowds of the royal capital city.
Her destination was a familiar clothing store.
The shop was situated on a street that wasn’t particularly flashy, yet enjoyed a steady stream of customers. Compared to her last visit, business seemed to be booming even more.
Looking through the display window, Sefina could see many more customers inside than before. Most were young girls out shopping during the Magic Festival holidays, including quite a few students from Oselenka.
Sefina pushed open the shop door, and a crisp “ding-ling” rang out from the hanging bell.
She didn’t immediately draw any attention. Instead, she acted like an ordinary customer, her gaze calmly sweeping across the interior.
The shop’s decor still maintained its exquisite style, and Sefina’s eyes soon landed on the areas where the crowds were gathered.
Somewhat surprisingly, compared to the elegant and complex traditional Western-style gowns, more girls were drawn to a series of new-style skirts hanging in prominent positions.
These were short skirts featuring various plaid or solid-color designs, paired with adorable leather shoes of a similar style.
All of these seemed to have originated from the sketches Sefina had previously given to Lisika.
In the middle of the group of girls, busy as a butterfly darting between flowers, was Lisika, sporting her pair of cat ears.
She was holding a red-and-black plaid short skirt, enthusiastically pitching it to several hesitant students.
“Please take a look, ladies, meow! The cut of this skirt is the latest design; it makes your legs look incredibly long! It’s a perfect match with our compact Mary Jane shoes, meow!”
At that moment, the corner of Lisika’s eye seemed to catch the familiar petite figure at the entrance.
The smile on her face remained unchanged, but a flash of realization instantly flickered in her eyes. She quickly shouted toward the back of the shop.
“Flovi — ! Come over and help take care of these customers, meow!”
Before long, Flovi, wearing a standard maid dress, walked over looking somewhat dazed. She was still holding a feather duster she hadn’t had time to put down.
“Eh? Take… take care of customers? Me?”
Flovi’s naturally airheaded personality was clearly not well-suited for situations that required active salesmanship, and she appeared quite at a loss.
‘No choice. The Boss is here, and there’s serious business to attend to. I’ll just have to let Flovi take over for a bit.’
The thought flashed through Lisika’s mind. While the customers’ attention was distracted, she immediately turned around and naturally approached Sefina, subtly grabbing her by the wrist.
“Would this customer like to see the new arrivals or inquire about custom designs, meow?”
Lisika spoke the polite formalities, but she applied a bit of pressure with her hand, leading Sefina quickly through the display area filled with hangers and toward the entrance leading to the Underground Chamber.
Once they were finally away from outsiders, Lisika’s true nature was revealed. Like a kitten seeing its owner, she excitedly tried to pounce on Sefina, her eyes shining as she stared at the wooden box Sefina was carrying.
“Boss, meow! You’ve finally come! Is this…?”
Sefina had anticipated this. She extended one finger, precisely pressing it against Lisika’s forehead as she tried to lean in, keeping her at a safe distance.
“Take care of the customers outside first. We’ll eat later.”
Lisika pouted her lips aggrievedly but still nodded obediently. “Oh… okay, meow.”
To have delicious food right in front of her eyes and not be able to enjoy it immediately was practically torture!
***
About thirty minutes later, the last customer left the shop with a new skirt and closed the door.
Lisika briskly locked the door and flipped the “Open” sign to “Closed.”
By this time, the wooden dining table in the middle of the Underground Chamber had been set with utensils.
The wooden box Sefina brought was opened, and an enticing aroma instantly filled the air — deep-red, glossy Braised Pork Ribs in a rich sauce, and a sea bass with snow-white meat and a fresh, fragrant scent.
There was also a large bowl.
It was filled with various cut fruits mixed with a thick, milky-white liquid.
“This is…?”
The gazes of Lisika, Flovi, and Nona were all drawn to the peculiar dish simultaneously.
“Fruit Medley,” Sefina explained concisely, then signaled for everyone to sit down and eat.
Lisika couldn’t wait and was the first to pick up a piece of fish. It was tender and juicy, and the aroma made her squint her cat-like eyes in happiness.
“Mm! Your cooking is still as amazing as ever, Boss, meow!”
Nona, on the other hand, curiously scooped a spoonful of the Fruit Medley.
It contained apple chunks, juicy berries, sweet and crunchy pears, and several types of fruit unique to this season, all soaked in a milky-white beverage made of milk and a small amount of honey.
She carefully put it into her mouth. The cool, smooth texture, the fresh sweet-and-sour taste of the fruit, and the rich sweetness of the milk sauce blended perfectly. It was an unprecedented taste experience.
“Hmm? This… is quite strange, but it’s delicious.” Nona’s eyes widened slightly as she gave her positive review.
Flovi also took a small bite of the Fruit Medley. A hint of joy appeared on her normally expressionless face, and she whispered softly.
“Sweet, cool. I like it.”
The four of them enjoyed the lunch quietly and contentedly. Midway through the meal, while carefully removing the fine bones from the sea bass, Lisika couldn’t help but ask.
“Boss, you came over so suddenly today. Do you have some arrangements for us? Meow.”
Sefina elegantly wiped the corner of her mouth with a napkin, nodded, and spoke in a low voice.
“Yes. I mainly came to pick up the tools I asked Nona to prepare. Also, Lisika, I need your help to investigate a few things.”
“Is it still about clues regarding that Seventh Seat, meow?” Lisika swallowed her food, her expression turning more serious.
“Yes.” Sefina nodded slightly. “Regarding the Seventh Seat, I have another theory. Although the probability is low, I can’t overlook any possibility. I need to verify it.”
“Understood. I’ll listen to your detailed instructions after we finish eating,” Lisika agreed readily.
Next to her, Nona also nodded and spoke concisely. “Alright, Boss. The items are ready; they’re in the workshop.”
At that moment, Flovi, who had been eating quietly, tilted her head slightly. Her silver hair slid across her cheek as her eyes looked toward Sefina with a hint of natural innocence.
“Master… is there anything Flovi needs to do?”
Sefina looked at her and also nodded, her tone gentle but firm.
“Yes, there is one thing that must be done by you. In a moment, I will go to your room.”
Hearing this, Lisika and Nona exchanged a knowing glance, then tacitly lowered their heads to continue eating without asking further questions.
Even Flovi herself seemed to understand something. She gave a soft “Mm” and nodded obediently.
Clearly, they all knew exactly what was going to happen next.
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