Delicious Sweet Milk Baguette - Chapter 13
It was late at night, and Klimt’s presence was clearly inappropriate for the outdoors. Roa guided him inside.
The initial surprise at the unexpected visit gives way to a thrill at seeing a familiar face, like receiving an unexpected gift.
“Klimt, what happened?”
Curious about what had occurred while she was away, Roa decided to settle in and prepare for a long story. Clearing some clothes from the bed to make space, she prepared a spot for Klimt to sit.
As the soft blanket enveloped him, his tension eased.
“After we said goodbye, I immediately closed the shop.”
“Huh? Why’s that?”
“The goal of opening the shop had already been achieved, so there was no reason to continue. Besides, you said I’d always be welcome in the capital…”
“But starting over in the capital would mean beginning from scratch.”
“That doesn’t bother me at all. I can set up another shop anywhere, but there is only one Roa.”
To Klimt, making bread was merely a means to reach Roa. Therefore, closing the shop was just a natural step. However, Roa couldn’t help but feel it was a waste, given Klimt’s skill and the reputation he had built. A shop of such quality…
“The cost of living in the capital is probably much higher than in Calantus…”
“I’ve already saved up enough funds. I could buy a few houses in the capital right away.”
Seeing Klimt’s nonchalant smile despite her worried expression, Roa was reminded of her own remaining funds…. If he heads the finances to buy a few houses in the capital.
‘I shouldn’t be worrying about Klimt’s finances.’
Though Roa was classified as a high-paid worker due to her position at the palace, her independence from her family meant there were limits to the properties she could afford. She owned a modest house in the inner city and a villa outside, so Klimt’s financial situation would far surpass her own.
“Roa.”
“Yes?”
“The gown is all wet.”
“Ah… oh dear…”
Klimt gently adjusted Roa’s gown, which had slipped down from her shoulders. His touch against her soft skin felt almost too warm. Feeling an odd sense of unease, Roa shook her head slightly and pointed to the large rolling pin Klimt was still holding.
“I’ve been wondering… what’s with the rolling pin?”
“Well…”
Klimt hesitated for a moment before answering. His expression was a mix of apology and embarrassment, making Roa curious.
“I was going to break down the door.”
“The door? You mean the front door?”
“I arrived in the capital a week ago. I came to the address you gave me and knocked every day without a response…”
“So, you were going to break the door?”
“I was worried if you had given me the wrong address or if something bad had happened… if you hadn’t answered today, I was going to break it down to check.”
Wait, so to summarize: while she was away on a night shift, Klimt followed her to the capital and was about to break down her door out of frustration?
While it made sense for someone who had been searching for her for years to be so persistent, it was an extreme measure. If Roa hadn’t returned home today, Klimt would likely have been treated as a thief and taken away by the guards.
“Klimt, you do know breaking and entering is a crime, right…?”
“I was so afraid I might never see you again… I’m sorry, Roa.”
Despite Klimt’s firm tone, Roa’s mind was filled with the image of him embracing her tightly as soon as they met. His trembling hands and the anxiety he carried in his wide embrace spoke volumes.
Was he that eager to see her? Roa looked up at Klimt, who was apologizing with his head down.
“I’ve been extremely busy with urgent matters at the palace. I only just returned home after being holed up in the lab.”
“So I’ve interrupted Roa’s rest?”
“No, seeing Klimt again like this is wonderful.”
As Roa faced Klimt, her worried gaze met his. Seeing her smile reassuringly, Klimt seemed to come up with an idea and spoke up with renewed enthusiasm.
“May I help you relieve your fatigue? Or rather, please let me do it.”
“How?”
“Leave it to me. As you know, I have a knack for this sort of thing, and you’ll be satisfied.”
What exactly was he planning? It was true that fatigue had accumulated, and Klimt’s skills were indeed impressive. The mention of his ‘knack’ naturally reminded Roa of his talent with kneading.
With a hint of anticipation, Roa nodded, and Klimt gently guided her into a prone position.
“Ugh…”
“Does it hurt?”
“No… it feels strange.”
“We need to start by easing the tension here.”
Klimt applied gentle pressure to her shoulder area with measured strength. His fingers, cupped and applying a scratching-like motion, pressed firmly.
Although it was purely a massage without any ulterior motives, the ticklish sensation made Roa’s heart race uncontrollably.
