Black Clover | The Lost Clover

Chapter 3: Strange Visitors

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Emilia slowly sat up, stretching her arms as she yawned. It had been several days after her meeting with Asta and Yuno. She was already looking forward to seeing them again, especially Yuno. She couldn't shake her thoughts about him for some reason—his calm demeanor, golden eyes, tousled jet-black hair, and potent wind magic had left a lasting impression. She was eager to know him better and hoped for another chance at their next meeting.

Rubbing the sleep from her eyes, Emilia glanced out the window. "Yuck, such ugly weather today," she remarked, seeing the gloomy clouds overhead.

After completing her morning routine, she headed downstairs. Katherine was at the counter, pensively examining the green gem.

"Morning, Mom," Emilia greeted as she joined her. What's on your mind? Are you finally thinking about selling the gemstone?"

Katherine nodded, "Yup, it seems no one's coming to claim it, so I figured I'd get it appraised before going to my collector. He's currently in the capitol on business, so while he's away, I want to get an idea of its value so I can haggle better," she explained, then added with a smile, "I made breakfast, by the way. It's on the kitchen table."

Just then, the shop bell rang, heralding the arrival of Pete and William.

"Mornin', Emilia!" William chirped, happily waving. His father followed with greetings for both ladies.

"Hey, you guys. I'm going to eat breakfast, then I'll join you," Emilia said before heading to the kitchen.

A stack of pot potato pancakes awaited her, with syrup ready on the side. With her stomach growling, Emilia quickly drenched the pancakes in syrup and devoured them.

After washing her dishes, she returned to the front just in time to see Katherine preparing to leave. "The appraiser lives in Sosshi village, so it'll take me about an hour to get there and back. In the meantime, Emilia's in charge until I get back," she says to Pete before making a swift exit.

Pete looked slightly disheartened at the decision. Emilia noticed this and gave him a reassuring smile. "It's just because I've got more experience with the shop."

"Right, I figured as much," Pete said, rubbing the back of his neck. He then gave her a thumbs-up and grinned. "Alright, boss lady, show me how it's done!"

The morning rush at the shop began as villagers streamed in to stock up on pot potatoes, a hot item in the store. Strategically, the potatoes were placed at the back of the store, compelling customers to navigate through other aisles first. Many grabbed additional items off the shelves as they made their way to the potatoes. By the time the crowd thinned, the supply of pot potatoes had been completely depleted

"Sorry, everyone, we're out of pot potatoes for today!" Emilia announced to the remaining customers, who left with disappointed murmurs.

Pete looks at the empty boxes on the display shelf. "So what should we do about the pot potatoes now that we're out? Do we have to wait to get more?" Pete asks, eyeing the empty boxes on the display shelf.

"No. We don't have to wait. If we run out, we can simply get more from Mr. Potsdam. I'll head out real quick to grab some. I won't be long," she says, stepping out from behind the counter and heading toward the door.

"Can I come with you? I can help you carry them!" William offers eagerly.

"I'll manage; I'll just use my magic to carry them back," Emilia responds gently.