[AUTHOR NOTE: I emailed patreon again on Sunday for my data after not getting any answers from them. A guy from their support team emailed me saying my patreon account is back(I shared screenshot on discord). He gave me my account back. The problem was with the woman that reviewed my account first time and also the one that reported my account(I still don't know who?). Thanks for the support guys. My friends say that people on webnovel are toxic but I have gotten much support from here and wattpad too. I gave patreon members one month gift membership because they weren't able to access it during my account ban. If I forgot someone. Message me on patreon. Have a good day guys.]
"Welcome, Theresia! It's been a long time since you've visited."
"Yes... something happened at home recently."
"Is that so?"
Aunt Flora, realizing her slip of the tongue, immediately changed the subject. She knew very well the identity of this frequent young customer, and naturally understood what 'something at home' referred to—the recent Cultist attack and her new duties.
"Let's not talk about sad things! You've come at just the right time. I received new flower seeds recently. Would you like to see the samples I've grown?"
"Really? Aunt Flora, please let me see!"
"Wait a moment, I'll go get them from the back for you now."
"Thank you."
After the shop owner left, Theresia waited, her eyes filled with anticipation. Her attention shifted to the diverse array of colorful blooms filling the shop.
After admiring them for a while, she stopped in front of a basket containing the most vibrant red flowers she had ever seen.
"Should I buy some to take back?" she murmured. "I remember Uncle saying he wanted to give Auntie some beautiful flowers, but he's been too busy with the investigation to pick them himself."
For a moment, she was conflicted.
Logically, it would be best for her Uncle to choose them personally to show his sincerity. But if he kept delaying due to work, he would surely feel regretful later.
After pondering for a long while, the conflict on Theresia's face turned into determination.
She looked around the shop, spotted the specific type of flowers her Auntie liked, and walked straight toward them.
However, just as she was carefully choosing—
"Theresia, I've brought the flower samples!" Aunt Flora called out, returning from the back room.
"Tha—"
Theresia's voice cut off abruptly.
"What's wrong?"
Flora looked at Theresia in confusion. The girl's expression had frozen, her eyes wide with panic as she stared out at the street.
Aunt Flora followed her gaze. The bustling road seemed normal—just pedestrians walking by.
But the next moment, Theresia moved with the speed of a startled cat. She dove directly under the large display table in front of the counter, hiding herself completely behind the tablecloth.
"Aunt Flora! Please!" Theresia whispered urgently from her hiding spot. "If anyone comes looking for me, help me deal with them! Don't tell them I'm here!"
"I... I understand."
Flora was bewildered, but she nodded.
A moment later, the shop bell chimed.
She quickly identified the person Theresia was hiding from.
A white-haired man she had never seen before walked straight toward the counter. His steps were confident and purposeful.
Has he already found her? she thought anxiously.
But whether he had or not, her job was to protect her favorite customer. This poor child who visited her shop so often... if she could help, she would try her best.
"Welcome~ Guest! What would you like?"
Aunt Flora put on her most enthusiastic, hospitable smile, stepping directly into his path to block his view of the table.
"Here, we not only have famous flowers from all over the world, but even extremely rare varieties too~ Oh, right! Who are you looking to give them to? Your wife? Lover? Girlfriend? Or perhaps a girl you are currently pursuing?"
She was chattering rapidly, trying to distract him and drum up business.
But to Regulus, her intent was obvious.
She was physically blocking his way forward, making it impossible for him to continue toward Theresia without shoving her aside.
Facing this situation, Regulus smiled calmly.
"For a girl I'm pursuing."
"A girl you're pursuing?" Flora blinked.
"That's right. Can you help me choose something appropriate?"
"Okay... please wait a moment."
The middle-aged woman was slightly stunned. She hadn't expected the man to actually engage with her sales pitch. She had no choice but to turn and grab a nearby vase.
However, even while preparing the flowers, her body remained positioned between Regulus and the table.
Just as she saw Regulus take a step forward, she thrust a beautiful red flower—a rare variety Regulus had never seen before—directly into his face.
"Guest! How about this one?" she exclaimed loudly. "This flower is perfect for a girl you're pursuing! The color red represents passion! It will make her clearly feel your ardent affection!"
Regulus looked at the flower that was almost up his nose and subtly stepped back a little.
Under normal circumstances, most noble customers would be angered by such rude treatment and leave in a huff.
"Very nice," Regulus said smoothly. "Please make it into a bouquet."
"...Okay. Please wait a moment."
Regulus wasn't angry, which truly surprised her.
But more importantly, he had stopped moving forward. She breathed a sigh of relief.
He must not have noticed Theresia when he came in, she thought. He really just wants to buy flowers.
She secretly glanced at the tablecloth hiding Theresia.
Indeed, she is at the age where she might have suitors...
Aunt Flora looked at Regulus again, appraising him.
His appearance was handsome, and his personality seemed patient and polite. Furthermore, he dared to pursue the Sword Saint herself. Regardless of his family background, his courage (or ignorance) was commendable.
At least his first impression is good, she decided. Maybe Theresia is just shy.
"Guest, that will be one silver coin."
"Here you go."
"Thank you for your patronage!"
She handed him the wrapped bouquet with a smile. But then, something confusing happened.
"Customer? Your flowers," she reminded him, as he made no move to take them.
Regulus smiled, his eyes twinkling with amusement.
"Shop owner, please help me deliver them to her."
"Deliver them to... her?" Flora paused, confused. "Customer, you haven't told me the address or the name of the girl."
"No need for such trouble," Regulus said, gesturing with his chin. "You just need to turn around, take two steps, and hand the flowers to the person under the table."
"Turn around... Customer, there's only me here—"
"Alright, Aunt Flora."
A resigned voice came from beneath the tablecloth.
"Since I've been exposed, there's no need to hide anymore."
Theresia crawled out from under the table, dusting off her skirt. She looked at Regulus with a mix of frustration and embarrassment.
She had been too careless. She had let her guard down for just a second to look at flowers, and he had cornered her instantly.
"Shop owner."
"Hmm...?"
"Please give them to her," Regulus instructed gently.
Aunt Flora, realizing what was happening, walked over to Theresia with the red bouquet. She felt a bit awkward being caught in the middle of their game.
She probably won't accept them, Flora thought. After all, she was hiding from him.
However, something unexpected happened.
After a moment of hesitation, Theresia actually reached out. Her fingers brushed against the petals as she accepted the bouquet—the symbol of his "ardent affection."
She held the flowers to her chest, her face slightly pink, and looked up at Regulus.
"Let's try again," she said, her voice gaining a competitive edge. "This time... if you can still find me..."
She trailed off, falling into contemplation. She didn't know what penalty she could offer for losing twice.
"No problem," Regulus replied with a confident smirk. "Hide as many times as you like. Only a small part of our hour has passed."
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