“Huh?
Me too?”
Sandrone pointed at herself with her fingertip in disbelief, her eyes darting between Columbina’s face—which was full of anticipation—and the plate of pastries that had been pushed over.
“Mm-hmm.”
Columbina nodded vigorously, expertly completing the food swap before Sandrone could fully react.
“Columbina,” Sandrone said, frowning as she looked at Columbina, who clearly hadn’t caught her subtext.
“I don’t believe I’ve given you permission to touch my food yet.”
“Don’t be so stingy~” Columbina reached out and grabbed the soft bread, taking a huge bite without hesitation, her voice slightly muffled.
“We’re friends, after all.”
“Don’t flatter yourself!” Sandrone turned her head toward her, her brownish-yellow hair swaying gently with the motion.
“Who’s your friend…
And besides, have you still not learned how to use a fork properly by now?”
Her gaze fell upon the brand-new set of silver cutlery beside Columbina’s plate, a hint of helplessness in her tone.
“A fork?” Columbina glanced down, then shook her head nonchalantly.
“Too much trouble.”
No sooner had she spoken than she took another big bite of bread, a satisfied smile beaming on her face as golden sunlight filtered through the gaps in the leaves, scattering softly over Columbina’s slender frame.
“Oh, right, Sandrone, don’t just watch me eat.” As if suddenly remembering something, Columbina looked up and used her free hand to push the plate of pastries closer to Sandrone again.
“You should try what I brought too.
Mm…
I’m sure you’ll like it this time.”
“Huh?
Who’s watching you?” Sandrone retorted immediately, explaining, “I was just…
thinking about recent experimental data, that’s all.”
Sandrone slowly shifted her gaze away from Columbina and looked down at the dessert placed in front of her.
It actually looked quite special.
On an exquisite silver plate, layers of pale white whipped cream ice cream were piled up, embellished with dark brown Chocolate chips and a few unnamed berries.
Maybe take a little bite?
She picked up the silver spoon, lightly scooped up a corner of the ice cream, and placed it into her mouth.
The dense sweetness of the cream mixed with the refreshing tartness of the berries, spreading across her palate in a delicate and vivid harmony.
Where on earth did Columbina buy such delicious pastries?
She remembered that Columbina was always wandering around Zapolyarny Palace, wasn’t she?
“How does it taste?”
Sandrone’s train of thought was interrupted by Columbina’s voice.
Columbina looked over with a beaming smile.
“It didn’t disappoint you, did it?”
“Mhm.” Sandrone calmly put down her silver spoon and said in a neutral tone, “It’s not bad.”
“Wait, I can do it my—”
Before she could finish her sentence, the soft, warm cloth gently brushed across the corner of her lips.
Sandrone’s eyelashes fluttered slightly, a fleeting trace of fluster passing across her cheeks.
…
Does this person ever listen to anyone?
Besides…
there are so many people watching right next to us.
The people around the tea party table had been quietly sipping tea from the beginning, their eyes lingering on the interaction between Columbina and Sandrone, smiles unknowingly touching their lips.
The intimate way the two acted really didn’t look like that of mere female colleagues.
Even Arlecchino couldn’t help casting a slightly surprised glance at the two.
Just when did this start?
However, seeing this, she felt at ease and could leave in peace.
Gradually recovering from her embarrassment and annoyance, Sandrone stood up, her gaze sweeping over everyone as her proud demeanor resurfaced on her face.
Tartaglia, sensing Sandrone’s icy gaze, tactfully lowered his head and pretended to focus on eating his pastry.
Pretending he hadn’t seen a thing.
Only when quiet returned around the tea party table did Sandrone sit back down in her seat.
“Ahem.” Just as the atmosphere grew a bit tense, Columbina spoke up softly.
“Everyone, just drinking tea all the time is so boring.
I have a little game here, does anyone want to try it?”
Sandrone glared at her.
“Not playing.
With that tiny brain of yours, what kind of game could you possibly think of?”
“Sandrone, don’t ruin my moment~” Columbina’s voice softened slightly, carrying a hint of complaint.
“Tch.” Sandrone simply took a calm sip of tea, ignoring her.
Ever since she arrived at the tea party, she had been led around by the nose by Columbina.
Now it was high time to let her know who the true host of the tea party was.
Seeing that Sandrone was ignoring her, Columbina turned her gaze to Arlecchino.
“Sounds interesting.
Let’s hear it,” Arlecchino replied with a smile.
“Heh-heh, this is a tabletop card game popular in my hometown, called ‘Moon Hunter’.
There are fewer people at this tea party, so the rules might be tweaked a bit.
Though—if Sandrone is willing to join as well, the player count should be just about right.”
As Columbina spoke, she proudly puffed out her flat chest, conjuring a deck of cards out of thin air.
Hometown?
Could it be passed down from the moon?
That certainly piqued her interest.
“So, Columbina, could you explain the rules to us?”
“Arlecchino,” Sandrone’s tone betrayed her dissatisfaction, “you need to understand it’s ‘you all’.
Don’t include me.”
“You shouldn’t say that, Lady Sandrone.” Tartaglia, sitting nearby, seemed to have his interest piqued as well and chimed in to persuade her, “Don’t spoil everyone’s fun.”
Capitano also nodded in agreement.
“Hmm, Tartaglia is right.
As a warrior, one shouldn’t just charge blindly forward; occasionally, one should stop to appreciate the scenery along the way.”
Seeing everyone taking Columbina’s side, Sandrone unconsciously tightened her grip on her teacup.
This Columbina…
just who is the host of this tea party anyway?
Seeing that she was still sulking, an idea suddenly popped into Columbina’s little head.
She softened her voice and said slowly, “Sandrone, you’re the most important person in this game.
Without you, the game wouldn’t be complete.”
“So what?” Sandrone sneered.
“Don’t force me to beg you.” Columbina suddenly leaned in closer.
“Then beg me.” Sandrone crossed her arms; she wanted to see what Columbina could possibly do.
If her attitude was sincere enough…
it wasn’t impossible for her to agree.
Columbina parted her cherry lips and whispered, “Then, great San—”
“Mmph…”
“Hey!
Columbina, you’re definitely doing this on purpose!
Don’t say that in a setting like this!”
Having barely uttered four words, Sandrone hurriedly stood up and slapped a hand over her mouth.
This idiot is definitely doing it on purpose!
she thought through grit teeth, her cheeks burning so hot they felt like they were on fire.
Calling her by such an embarrassing title in private was one thing, but how could she say it in front of so many people?
It’s over, it’s completely over.
My face is entirely ruined now.
She knit her brows in annoyance, pressing her fingertips firmly against Columbina’s lips, yet afraid of hurting her, she unconsciously eased up her force a bit.
If this girl actually said those words out loud, she probably wouldn’t have the face to host this tea party today.
Ultimately, it was all this girl’s fault!
Sandrone glared at Columbina’s sincere, pretty face, feeling both angry and anxious in her heart, yet unable to genuinely get mad at her.
Sandrone, who was usually calm and composed, now had a bright red face.
Watching this scene unfold, everyone wore expressions of watching a good show.