My Engagement Got Broken, But I Don’t Remember Getting Engaged in the First Place

Chapter 68: Working to Survive

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“And so, I’m relieved of my servant duties, and will now be Lady Andrea’s companion.” Hearing Nora’s update, the two dashing young gentlemen with grayish brown hair sighed in relief.

“That’s great.” Allan made it sound like it was a good thing, but it didn’t sit quite right with Nora.

“I didn’t really mind doing menial work. In fact, I’ve learned a lot about needlework from the sewing demon.”

“This time it’s needlework? Just what on earth have you been doing in the royal castle, Nora?” Stunned, Elias plunged his knife onto the grilled chicken with herbs.

He mentioned that the quality of the herbs that arrived recently had improved and so the taste also consequently improved. To earn the praise of the distinguished marquis’ son, the restaurant food must have been that exquisite. It seemed like the number of aristocratic customers had also increased, most of which were said to be looking forward to the food as well.

“If you don’t specify the task to Nora, she’ll do everything. After all, she’s more skilled than most people.” Flora said with pink flowers in hand and sat down on an empty seat.

“Flora, that’s an exaggeration. It’s only because I’ve done all sorts of part-time jobs.”

“If you look around the royal capital, you wouldn’t find an aristocratic lady who can dig potatoes, dye, sew, carry stuff and even do carpentry.”

“You’ve even done carpentry…?” Elias looked a little taken back, and Nora hurriedly shook her head.

“No, not really. I can’t do much. I’ve just fixed a few leaks and made a few barrels.”

“An ordinary noble lady wouldn’t be able to fix leaks at all, you know?” Allan remarked, munching on fried chicken skin again today while watching the exchange between Nora and Flora.

“You’re surprisingly versatile, Nora.”

“This isn’t about being versatile; it’s the result of working to survive. I’m sure you can do it if need be, Allan.”

“That may be so.”

“Nora’s always been a bit of a celebrity in town. She can take on everything from heavy lifting to craftsmanship to household chores, and she has an excellent work ethic. And since she was said to be a baron’s daughter, I figured it’d be interesting to talk to her.” After placing the bouquet on the table, Flora immediately ordered some liquor.

She had refrained from drinking for a while, but it seemed like she decided to drink again recently.

“How nostalgic. I could continue singing in this restaurant, all thanks to you, Flora.”

“All I did was invite you after hearing you sing so beautifully while washing clothes by the well. But you earned the support of the manager and the customers by yourself. It’s all thanks to your talent, Nora.”

Flora might have said so, but she wouldn’t have been able to sing now if it weren’t for her reaching out to her first. After all, it was difficult to just walk in and sing, and if you didn’t have any connections, you’d be turned away.

“Hmm, then I’ve got to thank Flora, too.”

“Oh, right, Elias, you were able to find Nora through this restaurant.”

“That’s right. It was such a coincidence that Thor brought me here.”

“I think it’s better to say it’s fate, Elias.” Flora suggested with a serious face, and Allan eyes her curiously.

“How unexpected of you to say that, Flora.”

“Flora may look like this, but she’s a romantic at heart, Allan.”

“Oh… How surprising. So then, is that why you have those flowers?” Allan glanced at the pink bouquet beside her and Flora pursed her lips a little.

“Pardon me for being an old maid, my lord. And the flowers are for Nora. She’ll be bringing it home with her, so I brought it here for her.”

Nora took a look at the pink flowers again and realized that they were peach blossoms.

“Did it arrive today?”

“They kept sending them lately. What an avid fan.”

I feel like it started right after the founding ball was over, but seems like the frequency has increased as of late.

“What an avid fan, indeed. In the language of flowers, it means ‘I’m your captive’.”

“Peace blossoms are quite hard to procure. You need connections and money.” Elias pointed out and Flora nodded in agreement.

“My, what a good patron.”

“Are those flowers really that valuable?” Nora had thought they were rare but if even Elias were saying that, then it must mean they were much more precious than she had imagined.

“Then, can I sell jams made from the petals? …Or not, it’s ill-mannered to sell something you’ve received as a present.”

“Can you make jams? You’re so dexterous.”

“They were delicious and packed nicely! I’m sure they’d sell well.”

Elias might have praised her and Flora might have given her a seal of approval, but it didn’t mean she could sell it.

“But if it’s such an expensive gift, I can’t just use it indiscriminately.”

“Oh, you’ve tried it, Flora?”

“Yes, I have. You haven’t tried it, Elias? Nora, don’t you have any more jam?”

“I have the ingredients and could make more, but I’m not sure if it would be up to Elias’ liking.”

She didn’t make much; she made only enough to eat at home and some for Flora. Hence, she didn’t think of giving one to Elias. After all, it was rather difficult to give handmade jam to the prestigious marquis’ son, whose palate was accustomed to first-class delicacies on a daily basis.

“I’d love to try it.”

Nora steeled herself, feeling both pleased and pressured at the same time. “Then, I’ll make some using these petals and bring it to you.”

After picking up the bouquet and placing it on the chair to check the amount of petals she could use, something slipped out of it and fluttered down to the ground.