One by one, we climbed into the carriage, and our attendants thoughtfully pced our spoils from the adventure—books, pastries, and bags—inside.

  As we settled into the carriage, the tension of the past hour seemed to melt away, repced by the quiet excitement of enjoying our treats and new books.

  I gnced out the window as the lively bustle of Montercarlo Street faded into the distance. With a deep breath, I couldn’t help but reflect on how, despite the rush and unexpected obstacles, the day had turned out even better than I’d hoped.

  We arrived at Bourdelle Manor, where Daryl and an attendant were already waiting. The two knights disembarked first, with Sir Cane opening the door for us. Our attendants quickly followed, stepping out one by one and taking charge of the items we’d purchased, unloading them from the carriage. I was the st to step out.

  "Did you enjoy your trip, young misses?" Daryl asked.

  "Yup, it was an adventure!" I answered cheerfully. Cece and Eri nodded in agreement.

  "I'm gd to hear that you all had such a memorable time," Daryl responded.

  Just then, Eri let out a wide yawn.

  "Ah, it seems Lady Eri is already sleepy!" Sir Cane remarked, with Sir Preston adding, "All the walking must have worn her out."

  "No, it's because I woke up early today," Eri expined, still yawning.

  I raised a brow. “You woke up early but still managed to be te?”

  Cece ughed loudly, while the others tried to stifle their chuckles. Eri shot me an annoyed look. "I wake up early, but moving fast is a different story, okay?" she retorted.

  "Alright, alright," I said, raising my hands in mock surrender, still smiling.

  Eri crossed her arms, still looking slightly put out. "You don't know how hard it is to get everything ready in the morning," she muttered, though there was a hint of a smile on her lips.

  I couldn't help but grin at her response. "I get it, Eri. But you’ve got to admit, it was pretty funny."

  "Only because you’re so quick to point it out," she shot back, her tiredness momentarily forgotten as she gred pyfully at me.

  Cece, still chuckling, joined in. "Honestly, though, Eri, it’s impressive how much you manage to get done even when you’re running behind."

  "See?" I said, gesturing to Cece. "At least someone understands."

  Eri shook her head, finally giving in to the teasing but still pouting. "Fine, fine. I'll just have to wake up even earlier next time."

  To be fair, Eri had to prepare ahead of time every day for her csses, as she traveled from her County. Though she used a portal, its location in our marquisate was at the edge of the noble district, requiring a two-hour carriage ride to Bourdelle Manor.

  “Hah, then I look forward to that!” I said, but inwardly, both my attendants and I prayed it would never happen. Who knew what Eri would have us do if she ever won?

  As we walked toward the entrance of the manor, the familiar sounds of the estate seemed to calm the pyful banter between us. Daryl led the way inside, and our attendants followed, still carefully managing the items we’d bought during our adventure.

  "Shall we head to the drawing room for some tea?" Daryl suggested as we entered the manor.

  "That sounds perfect," I said, feeling content after a successful day.

  We settled into the comfortable chairs in the drawing room, each of us eager to unwind after the eventful trip. The warmth of the manor, combined with the soft clink of teacups, made everything feel serene and welcoming.

  Eri’s and my attendants went over to collect our study materials that we’d be taking with us, as our day wasn’t quite finished yet. Once they were done, we made our way outside to where our carriages were waiting. Cece and Daryl escorted us.

  “Return home safely and don’t forget to study for tomorrow’s lesson! See you!!” Cece happily called as we boarded our carriage.

  I shouted out of my window, “Eri, try to get more sleep and spend less time with your pets! Bye! Bye Cece, Bye Mr. Daryl, See you tomorrow!” I waved at them happily.

  Eri, utterly exhausted, weakly raised her hand in acknowledgment before boarding her carriage. Cherry, also weary from the day and carrying their belongings, followed close behind. She was accompanied by another manor attendant, who assisted in loading Eri’s bag of pet supplies into the carriage.

  Once we were finally settled inside the carriage, I let out a quiet sigh and gnced at the things I’d brought: two new books and six neatly packed boxes of sweets. One of those boxes was strictly mine—no sharing involved. Another was for my family, even though they barely touch sweets. The rest were for the attendants at my estate. Whenever I visit Sweet Anomaly, I make sure to bring something back for them—it’s a small habit, but one I enjoy.

  As I mentally checked off the list, a sudden realization struck me—Eri never paid for the sweets! She was supposed to cover the cost as my reward for winning today’s who-gets-to-arrive-earlier competition. That girl! She slipped away during the chaos without a word, clever little thing.

  Hmm... If she manages to show up early tomorrow, I’ll just deduct what she owes me from whatever prize she’s after. But if I win again—oh, if I win—she’s buying me that strawberry cake, the one that’s only sold in her territory and nowhere else.

  Every time I ask her to get it for me, she pulls out some excuse. Unless it’s something she’s completely obsessed with, she’ll never go out of her way. But this time? This time she will get me that cake.

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