Chapter 33: A Day's Date

"The tram is here. Let's get on."

Vilnia Randell pulled Mel's hand.

“It might be a little crowded in a moment. Don't let go of me, okay?”

A faint smell of engine oil filled the steam tram, mixed with the passengers' perfume.

The carriage swayed slightly with the undulations of the tracks, and the sound of metal gears meshing echoed in the carriage.

Vilnia Randell held Mel's hand and led her through the crowded carriage to a relatively empty corner.

Mel was protected behind Vilnia Randell, who used her body to shield her from the jostling of other passengers.

"Did you go to Saint Margaret's Church?"

Vilnia Randell suddenly spoke, her voice so soft it was almost drowned out by the noise in the carriage.

Mel's body stiffened slightly.

She then pretended to be calm and said: "How did you know?"

"You have the smell of sandalwood from the church on you."

Vilnia Randell leaned in close to Mel, gently sniffed, and then said.

"I smelled it before when I went to church. That's the smell of holy incense.”

"I... I went to the church to listen to prayers."

Mel lightly bit her lower lip, then said.

"But I remember you said you didn't believe in any deities."

Vilnia Randell gave Mel a meaningful glance.

"People can always change...."

Mel chuckled lightly, changing the subject.

"Oh right, that dessert shop you mentioned, what are they known for?"

"The most famous thing is the red velvet cake," Vilnia Randell glanced at Mel, then smiled and cooperated with her in changing the subject.

"But I recommend their caramel pudding. The raspberry cake you like is also worth a try—it's my treat today."

"That's not right. I have my own—"

Before she could finish, the tram suddenly shook violently on a turn.

Vilnia Randell immediately reached out and held Mel's shoulder.

The distance between them instantly closed.

The faint scent of roses on Vilnia Randell lingered at the tip of Mel's nose.

"Be careful," Vilnia Randell said softly, her palm gently rubbing Mel's shoulder.

"This road was only recently repaired. The road conditions aren't very stable yet."

Mel nodded, using the posture to examine Vilnia Randell.

The girl's delicate collarbones were faintly visible at her neckline.

Her pair of coffee-colored eyes were looking at both sides, but it was unclear what she was thinking.

“Clack clack—”

The tram continued to move forward.

The sound of the wheels hitting the tracks was a steady rhythm.

Vilnia Randell consistently maintained the posture of protecting Mel, her fingers occasionally and gently rubbing Mel's shoulder, bringing a faint tingling sensation.

Mel suddenly felt her cheeks getting hot.

She didn't know if it was because of the stuffy heat in the carriage or for some other reason.

"Oh right, I have my own money."

Mel suddenly remembered, resuming the topic that had just been interrupted.

"You should save your money," Vilnia Randell said with a light chuckle.

"You and big sister Veronica live together, so you should spend your money on appropriate things. My parents are both in business, so we don't lack this bit of money—besides, it's just a treat for a friend. What's the big deal?”

"But...."

Just as Mel was about to speak, the carriage suddenly shook violently again.

Vilnia Randell immediately tightened her arms, holding Mel securely in her embrace.

Their bodies were pressed tightly together.

Mel could even feel the soft touch of the other person's chest.

"The road conditions on this stretch aren't very good,” Vilnia Randell said softly, her warm breath brushing against Mel's ear.

"I should have known to take a carriage."

Mel's heart rate suddenly sped up.

She could clearly smell the faint scent of roses on Vilnia Randell.

The scent seemed to be more intense than before, with a hint of an enchanting charm.

Gradually, the tram slowly decelerated and stopped in front of a platform.

The entire trip took about five or six minutes.

But to Mel, it felt as if fifty or sixty minutes had passed.

"We're here. Let's get off."

Vilnia Randell said.

The two of them walked side-by-side off the tram, facing a bustling street.

The bustling commercial district was full of life.

Various shop signs attracted the eyes of passersby.

The air was filled with the aroma of bread and desserts, mixed with the fragrance of a street-side flower shop, forming the unique atmosphere of this street.

Vilnia Randell gently took Mel's hand.

"Let's go this way,” she said softly.

“The dessert shop is just around the corner up ahead.”

The two of them slowly walked along the sidewalk on the right side of the road.

Mel could feel the warmth of Vilnia Randell's palm transferring through her skin.

Her heart rate was still a little fast.

The intimate contact on the tram just now seemed to be continuing.

"This is it," Vilnia Randell said, leading Mel to stop in front of a shop with exquisite decor.

"Marianne's Dessert Garden. The owner of this shop studied in the East, and she perfectly blended Eastern and Western desserts together.”

The shop's window displayed all kinds of exquisite cakes and pastries.

Each one was a feast for the eyes, like a work of art.

The sweet aroma of butter and frosting filled the air, mixed with the rich fragrance of coffee, whetting the appetite.

"My favorite is this one," Vilnia Randell pointed to a mousse cake decorated with gold leaf in the window.

"A perfect blend of almond and chocolate. It melts in your mouth but isn't too sweet.”

Her fingers were still intertwined with Mel's, as if this intimate gesture was the most natural thing in the world.

Occasionally, passersby would cast curious glances, but Vilnia Randell seemed completely unfazed.

"Oh right," Vilnia Randell suddenly turned around and looked directly into Mel's eyes.

"Did you know? Desserts aren't just food; they can also convey emotions. For example...”

She extended her other hand and gently brushed Mel's cheek, her movements as soft as if she were stroking a fragile petal.

"When I want to express something that's difficult to say, a carefully chosen dessert is often more effective than a thousand words.”

Mel felt her cheeks getting hot again.

There was an indescribable emotion in Vilnia Randell's eyes.

Her pair of coffee-colored eyes seemed to be able to see through people's hearts.

"Ah, your face is so red,” Vilnia Randell said, reaching out to gently touch Mel's cheek.

“Was it too crowded on the tram just now?”

"I... let's go inside first.”

Mel stammered.

Seeing this, Vilnia Randell smiled faintly.

"Mmm, I'll do whatever you say.”

“Ding-a-ling—”

The wind chime on the shop door was blown by the breeze, making a crisp sound.

As the shop door was pushed open, the rich aroma of desserts rushed out.

The interior was decorated mainly in white and light pink.

Retro oil paintings hung on the walls, and flowers were placed in the corners.

Several female waitresses were wearing lace-trimmed uniforms, serving exquisite desserts to the customers.

"Let's sit over there,” Vilnia Randell said, pointing to an elegant booth by the window.

"The lighting there is the best, and... it's more private.”

When she said the last few words, her voice was deliberately lowered, carrying a hint of ambiguity.

Mel felt her heart rate start to speed up again, but she still obediently followed Vilnia Randell to that spot.

The entire way, Vilnia Randell never let go of Mel's hand.

Her thumb occasionally and gently rubbed the palm of Mel's hand.

That faint sensation made Mel feel a tingling numbness, as if tiny electric currents were running across the surface of her skin.

"What... what does private mean?"

Mel couldn't help but ask.

"Ah, sorry. I used the wrong words.”

Vilnia Randell laughed.

"This is my favorite spot. The sunlight is just right, and you can see the scenery on the street.”

Vilnia Randell said, pulling out a chair for Mel.

"And, no one will come to disturb us.”

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