Chapter 9: Breakfast
I will wear Alex-sama’s shirt.
Oh my chest… Alex-sama is a gentleman, but his body is too thin… Anyways, I managed to put it on, but it’s tight on my chest.
On the other hand, the sleeves and hem are too much. The sleeves can be fixed by rolling them up several times, but the hem reaching down to my legs is not good at all. I guess I’ll tie it around my waist.
The pants are also… a bit tight on the hips, but it should be fine. I folded the hem several times, but it’s still long. I’m grateful that he left his sandals here. I can put them on and it will be done.
Let’s be careful not to trip because it’s bulky.
It’s my first time wearing commoner’s clothes, but except for the tight chest, there’s no problem. I was able to put it on by myself even though it’s my first time.
I go downstairs to the first floor carrying the remaining clothes that I didn’t wear.
There was a small basin filled with water, so I washed my face with it.
I got you something to eat. Oh…”
“Welcome back.”
I greet him.
However, my husband who holds a paper bag under his arm looks up at the sky and presses his face with his free hand.
“Well, it’s not the right size.”
“It can’t be helped. I’ll go shopping later.”
“…Please don’t go out in that appearance.”
Saying that, he hands me one of the bags held under his arm.
It was what was sandwiched between two slices of bread, with meat and vegetables. It was still warm and smelled of sauce. Now that I think about it, I didn’t eat dinner yesterday. My stomach growls as if I remembered my hunger.
“This is breakfast, and also a drink. I don’t think it will suit a noblewoman’s taste, but please forgive me.”
Two unglazed cups and a bottle. A cloudy red liquid was poured and handed to me.
“What is this?”
“It’s Piquette. It’s a wine with poor quality and weak alcohol. It’s what commoners often drink.”
The boxes containing the luggage are used as desks, and the food is arranged on them.
“Can I ask for a prayer before eating?”
“…Sorry, I don’t have the habit of praying before meals.”
“Then, let me offer a prayer?”
He nodded, so I joined my hands and lowered my head.
“Lord, I thank you for your kindness. Bless this food provided today and make it the sustenance that supports our lives. May the one who provided this food today be blessed. Amen.”
Alex-sama waited for my prayer and repeated the last words “Amen.”
“Alex-sama, is there any tableware or cutlery?”
“Huh?…It’s somewhere in the box. Just like this.”
With that, he took the whole bag of bread and bit into it.
Well, we don’t use tableware. Is it efficient or barbaric, I wonder.
I also followed suit and took a bite of the bread.
Hmm, it’s bread. I can’t even reach the filling caught in one bite.
Mmm, as I have learned etiquette to not open my mouth and to chew without showing it, it is difficult for me to eat, but there’s nothing to be done.
I hide my mouth with a bag and take a big bite.
Mmm, it’s quite tasty. The quality of the meat is not so good, but it seems that they soften it by doing it like a meatloaf. I see, I feel the ingenuity.
I take a sip of the drink. Hmm, it’s not that delicious. The taste, aroma and alcohol are like wine with a thin sediment, but it’s more like a substitute for tea than alcohol.
Alex-sama finished his meal before I even finished half of my bread.
“Sorry, I have to go to work.”
“That can’t be helped. Don’t worry about it.”
Oh, that’s quite early. Although the mornings of the commoners are early, being a researcher means that many are educated and from noble backgrounds. Whether Alex-sama works at a laboratory or is at the academy, he should have a little more leeway for the start of work.
“I don’t know my way around here, so I asked the location of the horse-drawn carriage when I came out, but I don’t know how long it will take. Also, if possible, I want to return early and do some shopping. I’ll ask if I can take a break tomorrow or later, but don’t have any expectations.”
“Thank you for your kindness.”
“Yeah. So don’t go out on your own until I come back today. Make sure no one enters if someone comes. Is that okay?”
Saying that, he puts on his jacket and heads to the entrance.
I got up, interrupting my meal.
“Understood. Have a good trip.”
“Oh.”
“Alex-sama, have a good trip.”
“Hmm? Yeah.”
“Have a good trip.”
“…I’m going.”
When I smile, he blushes a little, then leaves the house.
A step forward, or maybe half a step.
Anyway, what should I do until Alex-sama returns. I’m full, so maybe I’ll have the rest of the bread for lunch.
I don’t know when he’ll be back, but I have time.
I look at the mountain of boxes… hmm.
