"Hey, did you hear? They say the clerk here might be the one behind those robberies lately."
"I know! The Security Force was here questioning them yesterday, weren't they? Apparently, they hired someone with a criminal record."
"The owner seems like that sort, too. I suppose people who've done bad things just can't help repeating their mistakes."
"How frightening... I hope the Security Force catches the culprit soon."
Melt, who had headed to the cafe with En for her afternoon shift, scowled at the women gossiping outside the entrance. It was the sort of neighborhood chatter you could find anywhere, but doing it right in front of the shop felt like a deliberate attempt to drive away customers. Worried, Melt glanced at En to see how she was taking it; as expected, she seemed deeply bothered by the conversation.
Her expression was tense, and her steps had come to a faltering halt.
Melt moved to speak, wanting to reassure her that the rumors reflected poorly on the shop and the Master as well, not just her. But En quietly shook her head, her gaze turning firm.
"I’m okay, Melt. People will have their suspicions... but I can say with my head held high that I haven’t done a thing."
There were people like those women, or like Rommelo, who firmly believed that En was the culprit simply because of her past. However, En had taken Melt’s previous words to heart—that there were people by her side who believed in her as she worked toward her redemption. Having resolved to believe in herself, she seemed to have found the strength to withstand a bit of public outcry.
While relieved by her friend’s resilience, Melt still hoped the case would be resolved quickly to clear En’s name. Together, they stepped inside the shop.
"Good morning, Master."
"Hey, morning. Are you doing better now?"
"Yes. Since I haven't done anything wrong, I have no reason to mope."
When the Master, who had been worried about her since the previous day, asked after her, En answered with a smile.
Though she seemed to be pushing herself slightly, the Master nodded, satisfied that she was maintaining a positive outlook. He watched En head toward the changing room before turning to Melt.
"Thank you, Melt. For looking out for her."
"You don't need to thank me. We're friends, so it's only natural!"
"Having a friend like you must be a huge source of strength for her. I’m not her age, and I’m a man. As an adult, I can point her in the right direction, but I can’t support her the way a peer can... I’m truly grateful."
With a trace of kindness softening his stern features, the Master bowed his head to Melt.
Melt smiled, sensing how much he truly cared for En. Just then, En returned, now dressed in her uniform.
"I'm ready. What should I start with?"
"Whoa, that was fast. Well, we don't have many customers today, so just stand by for now. I’m going to serve Melt some coffee, so why don't you two have a chat?"
Perhaps because the news of the Security Force’s investigation had spread, the shop was empty despite it being Lunch Time. The Master spoke cheerfully to keep En from dwelling on the lack of business, then disappeared into the kitchen to prepare the coffee.
Melt maintained the upbeat atmosphere, inviting En to join her at a nearby table.
"The incident is definitely affecting things," Melt noted. "I really hope the Security Force solves the case soon so the customers come back."
"Yeah..."
En's expression clouded over, clearly still feeling responsible for the drop in business.
As Melt searched for a way to cheer her up, the Master reappeared with two cups of coffee, his voice booming to break the heavy mood.
"Sorry to keep you waiting. The milk and sugar are on the table."
"Oh, thank you very much!"
"Even one for me... I'm sorry, Master."
"Don't worry about it. It’s not like we have any other customers to serve right now."
En bowed her head apologetically, touched that he had prepared a cup for her as well. The Master took a deep breath to steady himself, and then, looking as though he had reached a final decision, he spoke up.
"Hey, En... do you have a minute?"
"Y-yes. What is it?"
Tensed by his sudden gravity, En straightened her posture. Because he was naturally formidable-looking, the Master’s intimidating presence seemed to increase by thirty percent when he turned serious. He looked En straight in the eye and asked his question.
"Regarding those friends of yours who came by yesterday... is there any chance they're involved in these robberies?"