Ledia Sunset, the sales director of the Hexen Trading Company, comes from a fairly prestigious family. She had a falling out with her parents and stormed out of the house, after which she became close to me and started working at our company. This was back when my parents were still alive.
Her personal TokTok number is 91165111.
When I entered her number into my TokTok, our previous conversation appeared on the screen. I had asked her why she wasn't coming to the company.
[Ledia, are you busy?]
Her reply came immediately. As expected from the sales director.
[No, I'm not busy. Do you need something?]
[I just need a restaurant recommendation. You know a lot of good places.]
[Hmm, is it for entertaining a client? A noble? Should I handle it?]
Meeting with Duke Daira isn't really a business matter. He's a client, but it's a personal meeting.
[It's not business-related.]
[Oh, okay. I got nervous for a second, thinking it was an important client. You're too much, boss, making me anxious.]
As soon as I clarified it wasn't for business, her tone changed.
Ledia and I are almost like friends, but my relationship with her is different from my relationship with Liri. I met Ledia when we were both older, and she was a runaway teenager who was cautious around me, the employer's daughter.
Of course, now we're comfortable with each other, but there's still a subtle tension.
She can treat me however she wants, but that's just from my perspective.
[But why do you need a restaurant all of a sudden? You know plenty of places yourself.]
[I need a place suitable for nobles. Somewhere your clients liked. He's a young, wealthy wizard in his twenties with a high title. I don't know his preferences yet.]
[Wow.]
Ledia sent that one word and then went silent for a while.
Thinking she might be busy, I waited a bit. After a short time, a flurry of TokToks arrived.
[Wow, what's going on?]
[Are you dating, boss?]
[Why would you meet a young male wizard if it's not for business? You're not close with wizards.]
[Wait... Is it Euryx Daira? He bought a bunch of TokToks recently after arriving in the capital.]
[No way, are you going to become a duchess?]
...
Suddenly, my perception of Ledia changed. I wished she'd be a bit more formal with me.
Even though she's estranged from her parents, she's still from a noble family and has likely been to many good restaurants while dealing with clients. Asking her seemed like a good idea, but now I regret it a bit.
[Hey, stop exaggerating. It's just because I owe him a favor. It's purely platonic.]
Ledia's response was brief.
[Lol]
[Purely platonic, lol]
I was really tempted to lash out at her.
Fortunately, before I could get truly angry, Ledia sent another message.
[Alright, got it. Duke Daira, right? He's been staying in his territory, so I don't have much info on him. I'll narrow it down to places with a good atmosphere and positive feedback from high-ranking nobles. I'll organize them by cuisine type, so if you find out his preferences, you can choose accordingly.]
[Okay, but don't spread any rumors.]
[Oops, already did.]
[?]
[Don't worry, I only said it seems like you're dating.]
What does she mean, "don't worry," after spreading nonsense?
I could almost see Ledia's excited face through the TokTok. Being a sociable and fun-loving person, she has many friends within the company. By tomorrow, everyone in the company will have heard this baseless rumor.
I should have asked Grandpa instead.
[Alright, you can take your time sending it.]
[And I'm not dating him, so no more replies.]
Unlike the Duke, Ledia immediately stopped replying. She can be really considerate at times.
Before the day ended, Ledia sent the TokTok. It was a list of restaurants categorized by cuisine. As I looked over the list, I pondered.
How should I ask the Duke about his preferences?
I haven't heard from the Duke since yesterday. He said he'd contact me after his busy schedule, but he must still be occupied. I'll wait a bit, and when he messages first, I'll casually ask about his favorite dishes.
-
[Hello, this is Euryx Daira. Is this a good time to talk?]
[Yes, Duke! It's fine. ^^]
[I'm sorry I couldn't talk much last time due to an urgent guest.]
[No problem! As I mentioned before, I'd like to treat you to a meal. Do you have any preferred restaurants or dishes?]
[Countess, I should treat you. You must have felt uncomfortable during your last visit to my residence. I would like a chance to make up for it. ^^]
[Oh, but still.]
[I've already chosen a restaurant. This time, please let me host.]
[Alright, but next time, let me treat you!]
[Of course ^^. I should be free within three days. When would be convenient for you?]
[I'm available tomorrow evening.]
[Then I'll pick you up around five o'clock tomorrow evening.]
[No, I'll go directly to the restaurant! I'll take my carriage. No need to trouble yourself.]
[Alright, then shall we meet in front of Ninepeace at six? You know where it is, right?]
[Yes, I know the place!]
[Then I'll see you tomorrow evening. ^^]
[Thank you! Have a good night!]
[You too, Countess.]
[Thank you~ You don't need to reply anymore!]
[Alright, you don't need to reply either, Countess.]
[Okay.]
[^^]
[.]
[Countess, does the period have any special meaning?]
[No, it just means the conversation is over!]
[Oh, I see! Thanks for letting me know.]
[You're welcome! Feel free to ask if you have any other questions!]
[Thank you.]
[Thanks, Duke!]
[.]
[.]