Chapter 2025: At the New Stores ②
Before long, the ordered items were brought to the table, and upon seeing them, Kuromeina’s eyes sparkled. The Decorated Baby Castella – Symphonian Style she ordered had its upper half coated in chocolate, beautifully adorned with crushed nuts and small pieces of dried fruit, all drizzled with what seemed to be a fruit sauce.
To make them even easier to eat, each baby castella was designed with a colorful skewer inserted into it, allowing her to pick them up and enjoy them conveniently.
[……I- I see! So they made it this way huh…… It has a luxurious design, yet it’s also thoughtfully easy to eat. The plate has a depression…… Ohh, they’re using a custom plate so the baby castellas won’t roll around! The attention to detail is really impressive. There are eight baby castellas, and four types of fruit sauce…… Upon closer inspection, each decoration with dried fruit and chocolate is finely adjusted!]
[……………………]
Ein quietly watched Kuromeina, who was observing the decorated baby castella with sparkling eyes and pa.s.sionately commenting on its appearance.
Ein, having had similar experiences, believed it would be best not to interrupt Kuromueina while she was so engrossed in the thing she loved, so she sipped on the tea she had ordered.
[Well then, let’s try one of these———– Hmmm! Delish! This seems to have berry sauce. The sweet and sour berry sauce pairs perfectly with the bitter chocolate, and the texture of the nuts and dried fruits is delightful. Plus, the gentle sweetness of the baby castella balances everything perfectly. This is amazing; it has a high level of quality. The baby castella is intentionally small to complement the decoration, and the attention to detail and craftsmanship make it a luxurious dessert! Unn, I would definitely give it a 10 out of 10……]
The quality of the decorated baby castella seemed sufficient to satisfy Kuromeina, who was clearly in a good mood as she enjoyed each piece and expressed her thoughts about them.
Since she rated it a 10 out of 10, Ein figured she would likely include this store in the next update of her eating tour guide. As she contemplated this, she called out to Kuromeina, who had just finished her baby castella.
[How was it, Kuromu-sama?]
[Unn, they were delicious. It’s a shame we could only order one plate…… I mean, with this level of quality, I’m really curious about the Archlesia Empire and Hydra Kingdom styles as well…… but…… Ein, what was the reservation situation like?]
[As far as I know, the earliest one can get a reservation is four months from now.]
[Uwahh…… I knew it. I’m too late…… Ugh.]
Since Nifty’s stores were cafes aiming for super high quality, Kuromeina initially thought it would be fine to visit whenever. However, now that she discovered their high-quality baby castellas, her perspective had changed significantly.
For Kuromeina at this moment, the baby castella available at Archlesia Empire and Hydra Kingdom stores had become something she was very interested in…… However, her plan to wait until things calmed down had backfired, leaving her completely behind in the reservation race.
[……If Kuromu-sama were to talk to them, wouldn’t there be people who would turn over their spots?]
[No, Ein, that wouldn’t be right. Sure, I think there are quite a few who would be willing to give up their reservation if I asked, but those people are also looking forward to going to Nifty’s cafe, so I can’t just take that from them. As one of the Six Kings, even if I’m just asking, there’s a chance it could be interpreted as a command, so I need to be careful about making questions like that.]
[I see, my apologies for overstepping.]
[No, don’t worry about it. You were just considering my feelings, and I actually appreciate that. Besides, I have other ways to manage even without asking someone for their reservation, and I plan to explore a few options on that front, so there’s no need to worry.]
Kuromeina spoke with a gentle smile, exuding a sense of calm confidence, and Ein nodded with admiration. As expected of her King, Kuromueina…… she likely had methods and special connections that she hadn’t even thought of. Reflecting that she indeed wasn’t in the position to worry about her, Ein changed the subject and continued to enjoy tea and sweets while chatting pleasantly with Kuromeina.
And then, the night of the same day. Such a Kuromueina, who had spoken calmly and confidently to Ein during the day……
[Kaito-kun! Please!! I know it sounds unfair, and I fully understand it’s against the rules, but I just can’t wait for a few months…… s- so please…… help me out here……]
[Eh? Unn? What are you talking about?]
—————–Without any shame or pride, she clung to Kaito in tears.
Serious-senpai : [……Well. I guess that much is obvious…… asking him is the quickest way to go about this.]
? ? ? : [Even though it’s just practically in name, Nifty’s leader is Kaito-san after all……]