The Prince Does Not Spend Money

“One Americano and one of the seasonal tarts, please.”

I nervously glanced at Iori sitting at the counter. The master was attending to her.

“Would you prefer the drink after the meal?”

“No, it’s fine to have it with the order.”

Nothing suspicious in her order, of course. 

Suddenly, Iori looked around. 

Surely, she’s not looking for me, right…?!

“Yes ma’am?”

“…Was it just my imagination after all?”

Wait, what did she just mutter? And that sigh? 

“Oh, nothing. I was just looking at the lovely interior. And of course, the master is lovely too.”

“Oh please~ I’ll throw in some ice cream as a bonus!”

The master seemed completely absorbed in Iori’s (handsome) world.

After that, there was nothing particularly suspicious.

Just an elegant break time. It felt like a scene from a sparkling drama, with handsome men enjoying tea time.

Everyone seemed captivated by Iori.

“She’s really wonderful~”

Manager, please don’t climb onto my back… Ah, you’re heavy…

And then, after finishing her meal, Iori headed towards the register.

“I’ll come again.”

“We’ll be waiting for you~”

That’s it for the bill. Nothing else to do.

…Come to think of it, I haven’t seen Iori much outside. Surprisingly quiet out there. I always thought she’d be more lively, running around with her friends.

As I was getting ready to leave, taking off my apron, it happened.

“I shouldn’t have used this ten thousand yen.”

I heard a voice, so I peeked again.

Iori took out a ten-thousand-yen bill and put it back in her wallet.

…Could it be that it’s the ten thousand yen she took from me?

“Why shouldn’t you use it?”

…

The manager’s too good at these kinds of setups.

For a moment, I thought I saw Iori’s serious face, but it quickly returned to her usual smile.

“This is important money that I shouldn’t spend.”

“Important money?”

“Yes. I won’t use it… Hmm, it’s like a charm. But let’s keep it a secret from here.”

With a finger to her lips and a shy smile, Iori further captivated the manager.

With nothing else out of the ordinary, Iori left the shop.

“Shuu-chan, you have a great little sister. She’s handsome and kind.”

“Yeah…”

While watching the cheerful manager chatting with other staff, I pondered.

…She won’t use the money she took from me? It’s like a charm? Then why did she take it in the first place?

The mysteries only seemed to grow.