The Demon and the Hero - Chapter 4- Breakfast with him

It has been two days since Riphez visited her. And just after that, there was an attack on the northern border. Since the ambush was of more than two thousand assailants, Lenora decided to go there and check on the situation.

Although she was strong, she couldn’t unleash her full power, considering she wasn’t fighting demons. She had to take care of things slowly and cautiously.

After staying there for a constant two days, she finally returned to the palace and informed everything that happened.

She was given a whole bunch of gratitude, rewards, and whatnot for her services.

Lenora didn’t mind helping out since, after the demise of the Demon Generals, she didn’t have much work left. The Duchy was managed by her father so even if Lenora doesn’t return, they won’t mind.

Early in the morning of the third day, she was returning to her mansion. En route, her nose was greeted with an appetising scent of freshly baked bread, urging her to say,

“Turn towards the bakery.”

“As you command.” The coach driver instantly changed the direction of their travel and headed towards the bakery nearby.

Lenora was not wearing her usual armor and wore a pair of white shirts and black trousers. Since her face was now known across the nation, she hid it with a fabric, just in case.

Although she generally doesn’t mind when people ask for a handshake or call out to her, right now, she is extremely tired. Not because of the battle but the meeting which followed.

Entering the bakery she found there was no one inside, and some waiters were cleaning the tables.

She made her way inside and after sitting near the counter, she asked, “Can I get a loaf of bread and blueberry jam?”

The nearby waiter smiled in embarrassment, “Miss, I don’t think the chef would-”

“I got this, Henry. You can go back to your work.” Suddenly, from the kitchen, a masked individual stepped out with a tray full of bread, blueberry jam, and some other dishes.

He approached the table, and even though only his eyes were visible from behind the veil, one could tell that he was smiling ear to ear.

Lenor was frozen at her spot as she realized that this person was none other than Riphez and this was the same bakery where he worked.

‘How can I forget…’

As the younger one put down the tray he asked, “It seems you are quite tired….yet you made time for me? I must say that I am thoroughly surprised.”

Riphez was informed about the sudden attack of some thugs that’s why he knew the lady must be busy. And just after the battle ended, she came to the bakery.

It was indeed quite a beautiful morning.

Lenora felt her throat turning heavy but hiding the truth has never been one of her traits.

“Actually…Riphez…I didn’t know you worked here…I came since I was hungry.”

Riphez turned stiff at his place as he looked at Lenora, his eyes turning slightly wide.

“I-I am…really sorry! I just-please enjoy the food, Your Grace. I didn’t-I mean…I will be back.”

Before Lenora could have said anything, Riphez turned around and walked away.

Lenora…slowly brought her raised hand back to the table before her gaze went towards the bread.

The bread was still warm and soft. The smell of the jam was still quite fresh, showing that it was recently crushed as well. She looked at the white paper towel on which was written,

‘Thank you for your hard work, Lenora.’ She didn’t know how she should feel about it as she picked up the paper towel and stared at it for a long time.

On the other hand, Riphez went inside the kitchen and was currently standing just in one place, reprimanding himself.

‘I shouldn’t have shoved my expectations on her like that…’ Riphez shouldn’t have forgotten that Lenora wasn’t just a normal girl with a lot of time on her hands. Not to talk about, it was him who was madly in love with her, not the other way around. Naturally, she would have forgotten about him.

‘Ugh…I must have made her feel bitter…’ Realising his mistake, Riphez was about to go out there and apologise to her when suddenly the ring on his finger glowed.

His eyes widened as he realized the meaning behind it, urging the demon to walk out of the kitchen and approach the table where Lenora sat.

With her face slightly red, she said, “I thought you left.”

Riphez couldn’t believe his eyes, as he asked, “You had the ring?” And on your finger no less? He held himself from adding the last bit.

Lenora coughed and looked away, “I am not good at remembering things so I just wore it…now sit down and accompany me.”

Riphez was smiling in content once again, but this time there was some slight moisture of happiness in his eyes as he sat beside her.

Lenora didn’t expect him to sit beside her—there was a seat on the other side of the counter as well—and he removed the fabric from his face as well!

She coughed again, her face now visibly red as she asked, “Is it okay to reveal your face like this?”

Riphez casually shrugged, “There isn’t a single customer and the other employees have already seen my face before.”

Lenora nodded before she glanced at the other staff…and unexpectedly, all the other waiters, regardless of gender, were taking glances at Riphez.

‘No wonder…’

She tore some bread and applied some fruit jam before placing it in her mouth.

Her eyes turned crescent just having her tastebuds relishing the warm bread and cold and tangy jam. She slowly chewed the bread, experiencing all the tastes that the food had to offer.

Once she opened her eyes, she felt someone looking at her.

She turned towards the person and asked, “What are you looking at?”

“You…” His blunt answer surprised Lenora as she coughed twice this time,

“You shouldn’t tease elders.”

“Elder? All I can see right now is a child enjoying her favourite sweet.”

Hearing his words, Lenor glared at him. However, that glare was far from threatening. There was a stark contrast between the Hero, whose mere gaze made people shiver, and the woman all flustered under Riphez’s gaze.

The lady continued to eat, albeit a little shyly, while the man had his fill while he enjoyed her reaction.

Truly, a wonderful morning.

******

A/N:- There is nothing sweeter than melting a tsundere. Ahahahahah!!