Afterward, Cynthia toured Alamos Town with Alice and Tonio. Tonio explained its history, while Alice gave a simple introduction to the town's distinctive features. With them, she learned more about Alamos Town than she could have with other guides, making it a very meaningful time for Cynthia.
Night.
"That was a nice restaurant."
After dinner, the three of them strolled through the streets.
They had made a circuit of Alamos Town, and before they knew it, the sun had set. At Cynthia's suggestion, the three had decided to have dinner together before heading home.
"Sorry, I never expected you to treat us."
Cynthia had paid for Alice's and Tonio's dinners as well. By the time the two tried to pay, she had already settled the bill. Although they offered to pay her back, Cynthia firmly refused.
"It's fine. Thanks to you two, I had a wonderful day. Thank you."
"But..."
"It was very precious time for me, so don't worry about it. Besides, this guide work isn't an official job, so you aren't getting paid for it, right? It's almost an afterthought, but consider it a guide's fee."
"Then I'll pay you back. I wasn't a guide."
"You too, Tonio. All the knowledge you've gathered through your research was very helpful. It was indispensable to understanding this town from a historical perspective. So thank you for sharing it."
Alice and Tonio exchanged a glance.
Whatever reason they gave, Cynthia wouldn't accept their money. The two laughed in surrender and turned to face her.
"All right, I give up. Thank you for dinner."
"Yes, you're welcome."
Cynthia smiled happily and tucked her beautiful blond hair behind her ear. Just then, the red ring on her right ring finger caught Alice's eye.
A ring?
As she wondered whether to ask about the