Picking up the water ladle, Finihiya poured water down.
She rinsed away the thick white foam from Fiora’s hair.
Taking a clean towel from the bath rack, she carefully dried Fiora’s damp hair.
Standing before the bath mirror, Fiora wore an expression full of astonishment and disbelief, her bright hazel eyes shining brilliantly.
“Lady Finihiya, my hair has become so beautiful!”
“Really~”
A gentle, faint smile appeared on Finihiya’s delicate cheeks.
Overall, this simple shampoo had achieved the effect she expected.
It could effectively clean the hair and also had a moisturizing effect.
The sunlight gradually grew stronger, glimmering as it streamed through the gaps in the leaves.
Along the garden path, Danila slowly walked toward the distant pavilion, carrying a tray with a teapot and sweets.
On both sides, the azalea branches and leaves, trimmed by servants, were covered in white spider webs.
The sound of cicadas was deafening.
(Setting sail with the moon boat to distant lands)
(If only I could catch the moon)
(I would use crayons to draw the grandeur of the Milky Way)
A clear, bell-like song floated from the pavilion.
When Danila noticed it was Lady Finihiya singing, a trace of surprise appeared on her face.
Judging from that soft, gentle profile, it seemed this was her first time seeing Lady Finihiya in such a good mood.
Though Lady Finihiya usually smiled kindly and gently, it was the first time in months that Danila had seen her so happy as to hum a song softly.
Stepping up the pavilion stairs.
A few pale blue birds resting by Lady Finihiya suddenly took flight, as if Danila’s unexpected visit had broken the original peace and tranquility here.
She asked.
“Lady Finihiya.”
Called softly, Lady Finihiya slowly lifted her head, then tilted it slightly with a smile.
“Miss Danila.”
Placing the tray down gently, Danila arranged the teapot and desserts on the table in order.
Drawn in by Lady Finihiya’s mood, she couldn’t help but glance over, then smiled softly and asked, “Lady Finihiya, you seem quite happy today. Did something good happen?”
“…That’s right.”
Lady Finihiya’s smiling face was as soft as summer green grass.
“Miss Danila, do you know which major merchant guilds are famous in this city?”
“Merchant guilds?” The sudden question made Danila’s voice fill with doubt.
She pondered seriously, “There are three well-known merchant guilds in Yabadawi City: the Belgrade Association, Castelli Emerald Chamber of Commerce, and the Silver Dragon Trade Union.”
“Which of these three guilds is stronger overall?”
Though Lady Finihiya’s interest in such matters seemed odd to Danila, she answered truthfully.
“That would be the Belgrade Association and the Castelli Emerald Chamber of Commerce. The Silver Dragon Trade Union is smaller in scale and different in business from the other two, so its reputation and strength aren’t as great as theirs.”
“Is that so.”
Noticing Lady Finihiya’s brow furrowed in deep thought, Danila tactfully continued the conversation. “I’m quite knowledgeable about the merchant guilds.
If you need anything, Lady Finihiya, please feel free to ask me.”
“Thank you~” Finihiya nodded politely, then, in a tone of curiosity, continued, “If I wanted to collaborate, Miss Danila, which do you think would be better, the Belgrade Association or the Castelli Emerald Chamber of Commerce?”
Collaborate?
Hearing this, Danila recalled the history of these two guilds.
“Between the two, the Belgrade Association has a better reputation. There are often unpleasant rumors about the Castelli Emerald Chamber of Commerce.”
“I see.” Finihiya said, “Then, Miss Danila, could you help me contact the Belgrade Association? I have something I’d like to discuss with them.”
“Of course.”
“Thank you for your trouble, Miss Danila.”
Upon hearing this, Danila smiled softly.
“Lady Finihiya, please don’t mention it.”
Danila was very efficient.
***
Early the next morning, Finihiya received word about the Belgrade Association from Danila.
Considering various inconvenient factors, such as her status, Danila did not tell the president of the Belgrade Association directly that the person wishing to meet was a Saintess from the Holy Nation.
The identity used for the meeting was that of an ordinary noble’s daughter.
Thinking she needed to prepare well before the meeting, Finihiya postponed the appointment by several days.
“Finihiya.”
The hot summer breeze fluttered past, making one think of the broad leaves in the southern lands swaying two or three times.
Hearing Darlian’s soft call, Finihiya pushed aside her wandering thoughts and shifted her gaze to Darlian, who was sitting beside her.
On the stone table in the pavilion sat a stone vase.
Cranberry flowers spilled from the vase, swaying elegantly.
Darlian propped her cheek with one hand, her body slightly turned as she looked over.
“What is it?”
“Finihiya, do you know how to make cake?”
“I can, a little.”
Finihiya never liked to speak too boastfully—even if she was confident about such things, unless she was encouraging others, she remained modest.
“Could you teach me?”
“…I suppose I could.” At this, Finihiya tilted her head in puzzlement. “But if you want to learn to make cake, wouldn’t it be better to ask your Court Chefs?”
“That wouldn’t be meaningful.”
Meaningful?
What meaning?
Puzzled by Darlian’s answer, the confusion in her eyes deepened.
“All right, let’s go to the kitchen.”
Her right hand was suddenly pulled by Darlian, and she stumbled forward.
Glancing at the books left on the table, Finihiya hurriedly said, “My books…”
“It’s fine, they won’t go anywhere.”
Three o’clock in the afternoon.
Sunlight slanted in softly, illuminating the spacious kitchen.
Since it was still early, only she and Darlian were in the empty kitchen.
Standing at the long counter, to avoid staining her clothes, Finihiya picked up a clean apron and carefully tied it.
“Why did you suddenly want to learn to bake a cake?”
“It just came to me. I thought it might be fun.”
Darlian’s voice was quite calm.
For this sudden whim of Darlian’s, Finihiya felt a little helpless.
Come to think of it…
Not long ago, Darlian had also suddenly run to the kitchen, wanting to try making something.
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Since Danila is familiar with mercantile ventures, maybe Finihiya should have just told her plans directly instead of being so cagey…
Anyway, not sure why the demon queen’s name changed this chapter. ┐(´ー｀)┌