"Why me?"
Ayanokouji Kiyotaka is not having a good time.
It's not like he knows what a good time is, it's rather...
Let us rephrase this.
If you went to bed one day and woke up in another world where there were not only giant naked monsters but also...
Location: Eveline's Bakery, Wall Sina Year: 844, Winter Time: Early Afternoon
Eveline tugged at my tie for what felt like the hundredth time. Her red hair was pulled back into a ponytail today, which I guessed was supposed to make her look professional. It didn't stop her from acting like this.
"Hold still," she murmured. "If we're sending you to represent the bakery, you can't look like you just crawled out of the oven."
I adjusted my waistcoat, suppressing the urge to strangle the redhead. "What are you scheming this time, Miss Eveline?"
She giggled, a sound that was equal parts playful and devilish. "Scheming? Oh, please. I just think you should look your best. All those noble ladies at the gala are going to eat you up. Quite literally, I hope."
"..."
"..."
"...That was the plan anyway, minus the eating part, because I don't intend to lounge."
"Oh, lighten up." She smirked, tugging the tie just a bit tighter before stepping back. "You never know. You might meet someone who'll take a real interest in your... pastries."
"Very subtle. Are you sure you're not a pervert?"
She shrugged, still smiling like she'd won something.
Typical.
As she fussed with the last adjustment, I found my mind wandering.
I'd lived in Wall Sina long enough to understand its unspoken rules. Being a resident meant nothing compared to the nobles who controlled everything. They looked down on us, even those of us who worked hard to earn a respectable living. A simple baker like me had no place in their world, and I was fine with that.
"Done." Eveline's voice snapped me out of my thoughts. She stepped back, hands on her hips, and gave me an approving nod. "Looking sharp. I'll grab your coat."
She turned on her heel, but not before throwing one last comment over her shoulder. "Oh, and that Sannes guy? Awkward little shit, wasn't he? Could barely look me in the eye when he dropped off the suit."
"Maybe because you're scary. Though, you shouldn't talk about the Military Police like that."
She waved me off without turning around. "Yeah, yeah, so what if I chucked a rolling pin at him for scaring the shit outta me? What are they gonna do? Arrest me for calling them awkward?"
