Stella had no desire to meet the man who had introduced himself as the owner of the Red Bat Inn again. However, by some coincidence, Ian Blake was waiting at the cafe the man took her to.

At first, Daelan thought they were the man’s companions, but that wasn’t the case. It was Daelan’s first time entering a cafe. The cafe, filled with quaint decorations, was bustling with elegantly dressed ladies and stylish young men.

Daelan, looking at them, briefly considered bringing Brind together, but he quickly shook his head.

‘Why am I suddenly thinking of Brind?’

Yet, in Daelan’s mind, Brind was already sitting here, drinking tea, and smiling brightly.

Unaware of Daelan’s thoughts, the man led them to a different table rather than where Ian was seated.

“This cafe has delicious milk tea and strawberry cake. I brought a very skilled chef with me.”

“This is your place, sir?”

“I’m involved in various things. Oh, I forgot to introduce myself. I am Pamerlo, the father of that wretched guy from earlier, and the owner of the Pine Top. I’m the wealthiest in this area. Though I’m just a commoner and a mere merchant, I have deep connections with the nobles, and hardly anyone dares to treat me disrespectfully.”

“I’m Daelan. And this is my younger sister, Rudina.”
Daelan recalled the false name Stella Princess had given to Jack and responded. Introducing himself as a bloodstain seemed to be the safest option.

Stella quickly appreciated Daelan’s prompt response.

“I heard you’re selling carrots.”

That was the tea he had heard about regarding the carrots that had stirred up the market for the past few days.

He had initially thought carrots weren’t worth much, but after tasting the carrots that his employees had procured, his perspective had completely changed.

This can make money. I must grab this opportunity.

Pamerlo intended to buy all the carrots they had, regardless of the quantity.

“Yes, that’s correct.”

Daelan answered confidently, sensing that Princess Stella didn’t seem eager to discuss interest or stories.

“Did you purchase the vending rights from the Moonlight Guild, am I right?”

“Yes.”

While answering, Daelan couldn’t help but wonder how this person knew everything.

“By any chance, do you have a special connection with the owner of the Moonlight Guild?”

Pamerlo’s face, which had been wearing a friendly smile the entire time, slightly stiffened when he mentioned the Moonlight Guild. Stella, who had been observing him closely, didn’t miss the subtle change in his expression.

Little did Daelan know that the experiences of constantly being vigilant and adjusting to his mother’s intoxicated moods in his early years would come in handy in situations like these.

“No, nothing of the sort.”
Although Daelan received Mila’s introduction, he casually brushed it off. If he had said he came upon the recommendation of an acquaintance, the old man might have pried into the matter.

Upon hearing Daelan’s response, Pamerlo laughed heartily and said, “Then, starting tomorrow, how about purchasing the vending rights from our Pine Top? My son has some business to attend to, so I’ll give you the best spot at a discounted price.”

Daelan felt tempted, but glancing at the princess’s expression, he thought it best not to answer hastily, so he bit his tongue.

Pamerlo, who had been looking kindly at Daelan, smoothly shifted his gaze to Stella. “It seems your younger sibling holds the decision-making power.”

The old man, perhaps due to his life experiences, was astute and quick-witted.

Stella, seeming to consider for a moment, stood up from her seat and calmly replied, “We appreciate the kindness, but we prefer things as they are. Goodbye.”

As Stella finished her response, Daelan, who had been sitting, abruptly stood up. With a bewildered expression, he briefly looked at Pamerlo, then hurriedly followed Stella.

“It seems even Pamerlo can fail.”

Ian’s voice was heard at that moment. Pamerlo, watching the two departing figures, looked bewildered, and upon hearing Ian’s unexpected voice, his expression changed. Though he only slightly narrowed his eyes, the benevolence vanished, replaced by an ice-cold demeanor.

“Why are you here?”
Pamerlo, sitting across from Ian as he pleased, shouted loudly. It was a scream so loud that it could make one’s ears ring, but Ian just grinned, taking a teacup that Stella hadn’t touched and brought it to his lips. The lukewarm and slightly sweet milk tea lingered in his mouth and smoothly went down.

“Milk tea is undoubtedly the best here.”

“Why are you here, though?”

Pamerlo asked again with piercing eyes.

“With my own legs, what’s the problem if I go wherever I want? Besides, I’ve already paid for the tea.”

Ian pointed to the table he had been sitting at a moment ago.

“By the way, you’re still the same. Your face turns red when you see me. Anyone would think I have a crush on you, right?”

“Hey! Stop that!”

“But what can I do? I’m not into men, especially old ones.”

Ian, as if disgusted even just by thinking about it, pursed his lips and lowered the teacup onto the table.