The criminals, who had been subdued with almost no resistance due to the overwhelming difference in power, were bound with rope and thrown into carriages prepared by the Duke’s guards.
“Elnet, we will now take our leave.”
“Ah, thank you for your hard work.”
After confirming that the criminals had been loaded into the carriages, a person who appeared to be the captain of the Royal Guard bowed to Elnet and withdrew.
“Elnet, please leave the rest to us.”
“Understood. I’m counting on you.”
After exchanging greetings with Elnet, the Duke’s guards split into two groups: one to transport the criminals and the other to investigate the ransacked shop.
“It’s probably not a good idea to talk here, so why don’t we move somewhere else?”
“That sounds good.”
“I’ll come with you too.”
Deciding it was best to leave the scene, which had become unmanageable due to the commotion and onlookers, and based on Rachel’s suggestion, Kent and his companions, along with Elnet who had joined them, decided to relocate.
“Mike! Customers are here, please prepare some tea.”
“Welcome back, Master. It’s our day off today, did they come by mistake? Huh? … This isn’t a tea shop, nya.”
Guided by Rachel, everyone moved to Marie’s Bakery No. 2, which was close to the scene. Mike, the shop-attached fairy of the second branch, was suddenly tasked with work and, despite his displeased expression, reluctantly began preparations as it was an order.
Seated in the dining space were Kent and Emily, who had been caught up in the kidnapping, along with Bobby and Prim. Also present were Rachel, who had been relaying a message from Kent, Caro, who had been acting together with them, Marie and Catherine. Elnet, who had commanded the rescue operation, was also seated.
“I tried to contact everyone, but some were busy and couldn’t get away, or I couldn’t reach them, so I think everyone who could be here is here,” Rachel said, looking around.
“This shop is a trendy place for aristocrats, right? Is it okay to just barge in?” Bobby asked nervously.
“It’s okay, you can relax. It might be best to introduce everyone first. This is my friend Bobby, and the one who’s been taking charge is Rachel… you already know her. She’s actually the manager of this shop,” Kent said, starting with Bobby’s introduction.
“Huh? Wasn’t she in the year below us? It’s amazing to be a manager at your age.”
“…Um, I’m actually the manager of the school cafeteria,” Prim said, as if to counter Bobby.
“Ah, that’s right. Sorry, sorry,” Bobby replied.
“And this is the owner, Marie, and next to her is her daughter, Catherine,” Kent continued. Marie and Catherine bowed politely.
“And this is Elnet.”
“Nice to meet you. I’m meeting Bobby for the first time, but it’s been a while since I’ve seen Prim.”
“Yes, it has been a long time, Elnet-sama.”
“Oh? Prim, you have a connection with Elnet?” Caro asked with a puzzled look, having overheard their exchange.
“Yes, when I was little, my father took me to a party…” Elnet began.
“That’s right. I was still a young lady then. We talked a bit, and I remember introducing my sister Josette, who was the same age,” Elnet recalled.
“Yes, I became quite close with Josette-sama after that,” Prim replied.
Elnet and Prim were reminiscing about the past.
“If you’re Josette-san’s older sister… are you from the Duke’s family?” Bobby asked timidly.
“I’ve left home, so you don’t need to be so formal,” Elnet replied softly.
“I’m sorry to have kept you waiting, nya. I’ve prepared tea and some sweets to go with it,” Mike said, bringing the refreshments.
“Thank you. By the way, where are Lola and the others?” Rachel asked.
“They’re all out shopping or on their part-time jobs today, as it’s our day off, nya.”
“Oh, really. It’s a holiday, so they don’t have to work.”
Rachel said to Mike, who had brought the tea.
“I’ve entrusted HR matters of this shop to Rachel, so I don’t get involved,” Marie said, looking concerned as she spoke to Rachel. “I know the wages here are higher than other places, but are there people who really struggle if they don’t work?”
“Don’t worry, Marie-san. The people who are on part-time jobs are weirdos who just like to work. The wages they get at their part-time jobs don’t compare to what they get here at all,” Rachel replied.
“Speaking of which, these sweets are new to me. They’re thin and have an unusual shape,” Prim said, looking curiously at the offered sweets.
“Ah! These are the potato chips I was planning to sneak later!” Rachel protested.
“Oh dear, you’ve been found out, nya,” Mike said, showing no remorse.
“You make a nice pair,” Kent said happily, watching them.
“They’re a bit oily, but these are quite delicious,” Prim said, munching on a potato chip.
“It’s a new flavor, but I could eat these endlessly,” Bobby added.
“Well then, I’d like to get to the main topic. Is that alright?” Elnet said, cutting into the conversation after the introductions and when the mood had lightened. Everyone waited for Elnet’s next words, expecting a serious discussion.
“First, regarding Kent and his companions… no, it seems the target this time was Prim. I can’t make a definitive statement yet, but it appears a certain trading company is involved. If I mention this, Prim might have some idea,” Elnet stated.
“So it was their doing after all,” Prim said.
“I believe we’ll find out the truth by questioning the apprehended individuals, but there’s a possibility of a scapegoat situation. To prevent that, we will proceed with our investigation carefully. It may take time, but we will secure evidence of the culprits and ensure they are appropriately punished,” Elnet promised.
Prim seemed to have an idea who the culprits might be. Elnet promised to carefully investigate and uncover the truth.
“Kent, I’m sorry for dragging you into all this.”
“No, you don’t need to worry about it. Just make sure Prim gets home safely.”
“Leave it to me.”
“Well then, Prim, see you later.”
“Yes, thank you for everything.”
Bobby and Prim decided to head back first. After saying their goodbyes to everyone, they left the shop.
“Thank you for everything today. You really helped me out.”
“Older brother, this is a debt you owe me.”
“Yeah, yeah, I know. One debt.”
Kent thanked Rachel, who had been the most helpful in this incident.
“Well, one thing I’ve realized is how amazing this smartphone is. I truly appreciate its convenience after this incident,” Elnet remarked.
“Indeed. It’s convenient to be able to contact the outside so quickly,” Marie agreed.
“The kidnappers probably never expected someone to be able to contact the outside so easily. Mobile phones are certainly convenient,” Rachel added.
“Well, that’s also because Emily can act as a relay station,” Kent said.
“It’s not that much,” Emily replied bashfully.
“But I was so surprised that Emily could go outside! Now we can go out together,” Catherine said to Emily.
“Yes, I’m looking forward to it,” Emily replied.
“I’m truly surprised, nya. We shop-attached fairies can also go outside the shop, nya.”
“Speaking of which, is it okay for Emily and Mike to be in the same place?” Kent asked, observing Emily and Mike conversing normally.
“Don’t fairies repel each other?”
“Ah, yes. This Mike here is in the position of Al’s familiar. So, since they are not in a hostile relationship with Al, it applies to his familiars as well,” Emily explained.
“Is that so?”
“That’s how it is, nya,” Mike replied.
“Well then, shall we head home?” Kent said.
“Let’s.”
After some pleasantries and their tea time had concluded, Kent and his companions decided to leave the shop.
“Well then, Mike, please take care of the cleanup.”
“Ugh, fine, nya,” Mike replied reluctantly to Rachel’s request.
