THE DARK SIDE OF THE PARTY
“…I know you may not be able to forgive me, but I’ve turned over a new leaf. I hope we can be friends from now on.”
As the skies turned red outside, Lilly gave a short bow to Syr and Lyu. These two girls had invited her here—The Benevolent Mistress—to celebrate Bell going up a level. The man of the hour was not due until later, and the three girls were waiting for him to arrive.
Seeing the two waitresses again reminded Lilly of the uproar she had caused when she was caught stealing. It wasn’t easy to stomach the feelings that dredged up, but out of respect for Bell’s relationship with these two, she decided to come clean and lay her heart bare.
“So let me see if I’m understanding this correctly,” said Syr, grinning. “You’re saying your love for Bell has made you change your ways, is that it?”
“S-something like that,” muttered Lilly, turning red.
Syr clasped her hands together. “That’s wonderful! Bell must love you, too! I’m sure you must be like a little sister to him!”
“Guh!”
Lilly doubled over like she’d been punched in the gut. Meanwhile, Syr just kept grinning. It wasn’t so much a jab as it was a straight punch. Sure, Lilly understood that forgiveness wasn’t an easy thing to earn, but to think such a sweet-faced young girl could deal such devastating damage…
“…Heh. Heh-heh-heh-heh. I must thank you, too, Ms. Syr, for always making Mr. Bell your wonderful lunches. I don’t know what you put in them, but they must be delicious indeed because when I see him eating them, he’s always crying and shaking with emotion!”
“Khuh!”
Lilly’s comeback hit like an invisible uppercut to Syr’s chin.
“Syr, get a hold of yourself!” said Lyu, attempting to keep the peace. “And Ms. Erde, could I ask you not to be so hard on Syr? Her creations may qualify as strange new forms of cooking no one has ever tasted before, but she has improved leaps and bounds compared to when she first began!”
This unexpected blow came from out of nowhere and nearly flattened Syr, leaving the refined city girl down for the count. Lyu didn’t seem to realize what she’d done, and Lilly wasn’t sure which of the two waitresses she should consider more fearsome.
After a short silence, Syr staggered to her feet as Lyu continued, saying, “In any case, this is meant to be a night of celebration. Let’s put aside our differences and come together in support of Mr. Cranell’s efforts.”
“Y-yeah…” Syr agreed.
“…That’s how it should be,” said Lilly, nodding.
And so, until Bell arrived, Lilly put down her barbs and got to know the other two girls a little better.
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