Four Years On

The war in the border region was still ongoing. Chaos began when the enemy troops managed to penetrate into the interior. So many things were put on hold during these four years. Nivea and Martha were also at war here. Fighting against their anxiety and longing for their loved ones.

"Good morning mom, dad."

"Good morning, my dear.", replied duchess Elvira.

"I hear your bakery is getting busy, Nivea?"

"That's right dad! It's starting to show since I put sponge cake on my menu."

"Ah, are those who come, buying more sponge cakes?"

"Not really mom. I think... so far the sales of bread and sponge cake are evenly matched."

"We're happy that your shop is always busy, Nivea. But, doesn't adding one more menu item mean you'll be exhausted?

"Ah, that's no problem, Mom! I can always handle it. I have workers that I can count on."

Nivea put her long hair in a ponytail. Today, she chose a pink dress to wear. After concluding her morning conversation, Nivea hurried to her bakery. Still with Seri and... Mr. Willy.

Her bakery is on the rise, and has even become the talk of the town. In between her busy schedule, the girl still had a gap to think about the person she had always waited for to return.

"Don't daydream too much, miss!"

"Hmm? What? I'm not daydreaming, Seri. Just... observing the situation out there."

"Alright! You know what, miss? You look younger with that hairdo."

"Really? Do I... still look like... seventeen?"

"Hmm! Of course, miss! So you should... not shave it again like before."

"Ah, you know what? It's so convenient when you have short hair. You also... don't take so long to style it."

"Ah, I see. "

Time had sped up today. Despite feeling quite tired after making bread and several kinds of sponge cakes, Nivea was still in good spirits at the order desk to serve every customer who came in.

"Good afternoon, Miss Nivea!", greeted a woman who appeared to be wearing a gray fur hat.

Nivea, who was standing behind the display case, immediately shifted when she heard the greeting, and hurriedly bowed politely in return.

"Ah, good afternoon, duchess Valerie! Would you like your usual cheese sponge cake, ma'am?"

"That's right! Give me two slices and... a bottle of lemonade."

"Very well! Please take a seat madam, I will bring your order."

"Ah, alright. Thank you.", as she stepped gracefully towards one of the tables she had chosen.

After a few minutes, Nivea was seen carrying a wooden tray towards duchess Valerie's table.

"Please, madam."

"Ah, Miss Nivea! Sit down, let's chat for a while."

Nivea smiled kindly as she took a seat in front of her.

"You know what? This sponge cake is really good. With cheese topping like this, I really like it. You are very talented, Miss Nivea.", as she began to cut the sponge cake on her plate.

"Thank you for your compliments, ma'am. I am very grateful if... my cakes can be liked by many people."

"Who taught you to make bread and cakes, miss?"

"No one, ma'am. I just learned it from a recipe book. And of course... I'm keen on practicing it."

"Ah, that's interesting, Miss! I... would like to ask about... Does duke Eduardo have any other news about the... war in the border region?"

Nivea gasped, in an instant Matias' image flashed through her mind.

"Border? No, ma'am! I think... The news my father received from His Majesty, the king, is the same as the news received by duke Sergio. "

"Ah, I see. I wondered if... your father knew the news from another source. Do you know? I miss my son very much. I hope Daniel returns soon."

Nivea simply looked down, biting her own lip.

Seeing that facial expression, duchess Valerie continued her sentence, "The same goes for Matias. I hope they get back together. I understand how... you feel, miss."

Duchess Valerie seemed to feel guilty, regretting that she had brought this up to Nivea. After finishing her cake and apologizing, she left.

But the girl was still pensive, resting her chin on the ordering table. She wondered if Matias would come suddenly, from behind the door in front of her. Nivea sighed. She came to her senses and moved to the cupboard, retrieving her bottle of lemonade and a glass.

She poured the lemonade into her glass, which she drank.

Before long, Nivea has returned to her focus of serving the customers who come and go.

Meanwhile, elsewhere.

Martha busies herself with flower arranging. Three years ago, the girl decided to open her own flower stall. She rented a small building not far from the city center.

Because her flower arrangements are so beautiful and attractive, many people have ordered flower arrangements from her. The orders, which came from all walks of life in the city, gave her a new lease of life.

Even though sometimes, in the silence of the night, Martha still often sheds her tears as a form of her longing for Daniel.

"Martha!", she turned around when she heard someone pushing the door of her stall.

"Hi Catherine! Come in!"

The girl in the green dress carrying a handbag stepped up to Martha. Observing what her friend's hands were doing.

"Sit down!"

"Ah, you're very meticulous with your arrangements, Martha."

"Yes! I had to do it very carefully."

"Do you have an order for it?"

"Of course Catherine! It's an order from someone who lives near the suburbs. Mr. Luigi will deliver it later this afternoon."

"Ah, I see. By the way Martha, are you free tomorrow?"

"Of course! The shop is only open until noon tomorrow. What's up Catherine?"

"Would you like to come with me to pick grapes?"

"Grapes? What... are you talking about... at the government's vineyard?"

"Right! How about it, do you want to?"

"Ah, that's fine too!"

"Hmm... Then, let me pick you up here. Let's go by my carriage instead."

"Alright! After I close the shop, we can leave right away."

"Yes, Martha! Too bad there's no brother there."

Martha's hands stopped for a moment from arranging flowers. She looked up at Catherine.

"Why are you looking at me like that, Martha?"

"Ah! No... it's nothing. Would you like a drink Catherine? I have a small kitchen here."

"Ah, no need Martha! Thank you for your offer. Oh yes, is Miss Nivea's... bakery not far from here?"

"That's right Catherine, you should look around this area more often. There are many new stalls around here. Would you like to pay a visit to Miss Nivea's bakery?"

"Hmm! Almost everyone talks about her sponge cake which... they say it's delicious and... soft."

"Ah, that's true Catherine! You can also order lemonade or chamomile tea, or... green tea."

"Alright Martha! I'm leaving now. Don't forget about... tomorrow."

"Sure! Thanks for stopping by, Catherine!"