Reincarnated as Napoleon II-Chapter 72: Le Bon Marche Part 2

"Yes," Elisabeth said.

She took her fork and cut into the cake. The cream clung to the sponge as she lifted it. She hesitated for a second, then took a bite.

Her eyes widened.

"Oh," she said softly.

Napoleon II watched her reaction and smiled. "Good?"

She nodded while chewing, then laughed under her breath. "Very."

She took another bite, slower this time, savoring it. The strawberries were cold and fresh. The cake was light. The cream melted quickly on her tongue.

"This is dangerous," she said. "I could finish this too fast."

"That’s your choice," he replied. "No one’s rushing us."

He picked up his fork and tasted his own slice.

Elisabeth leaned forward slightly over the table, clearly invested now. She scraped a bit of cream from the edge of her plate and ate it without thinking, then caught herself and smiled, a little embarrassed.

"Sorry," she said.

"There’s nothing to apologize for," Napoleon II said. "That’s what it’s for."

She relaxed at that and continued eating normally. Around them, cups clinked and voices stayed low. A couple nearby laughed quietly. Someone pulled out a chair. Nothing felt hurried.

After a few bites, Elisabeth reached for her cup.

Napoleon II lifted the teapot and poured for her. Steam curled up between them.

She took a sip.

"That’s warm," she said. "And strong."

"Tea from Qing," he said. "Imported."

She nodded, taking another sip. "I like it. But I’m going to need water soon."

"Wait," Napoleon II flicked his finger, calling the waiter.

The waiter appeared at once.

"Water," Napoleon II said. "Please."

"Of course, sir."

He was gone just as quickly.

Elisabeth set her cup down and returned to the cake. Smaller bites now. Careful ones. She seemed content to let it last.

Napoleon II finished his slice a moment later and leaned back slightly, watching the room instead of her. People came and went. Plates were cleared. New ones replaced them. No one lingered too long. No one rushed.

The waiter returned with two clear glasses and set it gently on the table.

"Thank you," she said.

She grabbed her glass and then sipped the water. Napoleon II did the same, and it felt refreshingly cold.

Then he looked at Elisabeth. "Perhaps one cake is not enough for you? Won’t you like to try different flavors? There’s also a menu I saw on the counter. I’m craving apple strudel."

Elisabeth froze mid-sip.

She lowered the glass slowly and looked at him. "Is... is that okay?"

"To order more?" he asked.

She nodded. "I’ve already had one. I don’t want to seem greedy."

Napoleon II tilted his head slightly. "You’re not taking it from anyone."

"That’s not what I meant."

"I know," he said. "And it’s fine."

She hesitated, then glanced back at the display through the glass wall. Cakes were still being replaced as fast as they were taken. Plates kept coming out. No one looked concerned about scarcity.

"You can eat how many you want," he continued. "That’s the point of places like this."

Elisabeth smiled, small at first. "Then... maybe one more."

"Strawberry again?" he asked.

She shook her head. "Something different. I want to compare."

"Good," he said. "Then I’ll have the apple strudel."

He raised a hand slightly. The waiter noticed and approached.

"Yes, sir?"

"One more slice," Napoleon II said. "Something different. And an apple strudel, with a cream please."

The waiter nodded and turned away.

Elisabeth watched the waiter leave, then looked back at Napoleon II.

"With cream?" she asked.

He shrugged. "If I’m having it, I might as well have it properly."

"It’s strange," she said. "Eating like this. Sitting among everyone."

"Strange in what way?"

"It feels normal," she replied. "Too normal."

He glanced around the room. No one was paying them any attention. A family argued quietly over a menu. A clerk laughed at something said off-table. Cups moved. Chairs scraped softly against the floor.

"That’s why I wanted this," he said.

The waiter returned a moment later. A new plate was set in front of Elisabeth. Different cake this time. Darker layers. Less cream. More fruit. The apple strudel followed, placed before Napoleon II, a small dish of cream beside it.

Elisabeth didn’t hesitate. She cut into the new slice and took a bite.

Her expression shifted again. Not surprise this time. Consideration.

"This one’s heavier," she said. "But I like it."

Napoleon II cut into the strudel. The pastry cracked lightly under his fork. Steam rose, faint but visible. He dipped a corner into the cream and tasted it.

"Good," he said simply.

They ate in silence for a while.

At some point, Elisabeth leaned back in her chair.

"I think I’m full," she said, satisfied.

"That didn’t take long," he replied.

She smiled. "That’s because I enjoyed it."

"Okay, I’ll pay the bill and then have our water refilled. Then we get out of here and explore other places."

"Sounds like a plan," Elisabeth smiled.

Napoleon II stood and went to the counter, he paid another 15 francs.

When he returned, the waiter was already refilling their glasses. Cold water again. 𝑓𝘳𝑒𝑒𝓌𝘦𝘣𝘯ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝑚

Elisabeth took a sip and set it down, resting her palms on the table.

Napoleon II drank his glass of water until it’s gone.

"So, shall we proceed to the next store?"

Elisabeth nodded. "Yes."

She stood and pulled her coat back into place, careful not to brush the table. Napoleon II waited for her to step clear, then pushed his chair in with his foot and followed.

They moved toward the counter together.

"Thank you," Elisabeth said to the nearest clerk, a small bow of her head. "Everything was very good."

The clerk smiled, practiced and warm. "We’re glad you enjoyed it. Please come again."

Napoleon II gave a brief nod. "You have a fine establishment."

They passed through the glass door and back into the corridor.

Elisabeth took a breath, then another, as if resetting herself.

"I feel lighter," she said. "Not just full. Lighter."

"Me too."

He offered his arm again, and she took it.