Author: Yume Neiji

Today is finally d-day!

Facing the mirror, I looked at my reflection wearing the pastel colored fairy dress. Gripping my palms, I calmed myself and called for Jane.

She came in and greeted me with a relaxed smile now. “Everything is ready miss.”

“Hmmm… Let’s proceed outside now.”

When I went out, a total of 12 carriages have been lined up, ready to set out. Since all of us will be going to the palace, even the servants dressed beautifully. With the Duke and Duchess in the first carriage, we the children, entered the second one.

The rest then followed suit and a grand procession towards the Royal Castle was made. I could not help but feel excited and nervous at the same time.

I really hope, Sun God would answer me. Please let me hear that cold voice once more.

Arriving at the Castle gate, carriages were formally lined up. Our house seemed to have came last as we are at the end of the line. Long queue of beautifully marked carriages were truly a sight to behold. On the left side of the castle wall, the commoners with excitement visible on their faces were also on celebratory mode as they held their offerings.

Thanksgiving Day not only heal the sick, but it also help each person attain a healthy body. Above all, there is a chance that one could become an enlightened. I have purposely written that this time, only the heroine would be declared as one…

I truly hope I will not necessarily bring trouble upon myself with that slip of tongue.

When our carriage finally arrived at Sun God’s Temple, I can’t help but marvel at the sight of the Temple itself. It was now practically glowing in golden lights!

Entering the temple, most of the commoners were already seated, they occupied the central area near the Temple’s entrance while the royalties and aristocrat’s seats where near the fountain area – with the right side as the former’s area. The crescent shaped temple is now almost fully occupied.

I say, the Temple looked like it was just built according to the total population. No one needs to fear of not being able to sit down. Everyone has its own designated and comfortable seats.

When I looked at the fountain, a golden egg like form was floating above the fountain. A faint bluish smoke seemed to swirl around it. That should be Sun God’s artifact that I have not seen before. Hmmm, so it could only be seen during Thanksgiving day…

“Thank you everyone for coming! We would now commence Sun God’s Blessing as we begin our Thanksgiving Day.” An elderly bearded man clad in red cleric uniform spoke out. His pointy golden headdress clearly tells his rank.

He should be the Head priest as aside from him, everyone else has a mask formed from their forehead till their upper lip. With their hoods and mask, it was truly impossible to discern their real features. The only difference was that twenty of them were in red cleric vest and has golden mask, the rest was in their white uniform and silver masks.

Few youthful men clad in white cleric uniform climb up the commoner’s platform. With the guidance of the young priests, they urged the commoners at the center most aisle to proceed near the fountain first. One meter area from the fountain could at least contain 40 people at a time so with the commoners going first, we would wait until our turn come.

When the group has neared the fountain, they slowly laid down their gifts. I was once again fascinated as a portal like glittery opening showed up at the very area where the gifts were placed. The gifts then disappeared without a trace.

“Bow your heads and we will now start the blessing.” The head priest spoke out and the rest of the priest formed into circular formation around the group of people. The red robed ones, stayed behind the fountain and with the lift of their right hands the blessing began.

I watched as the first batch was basked in a light blue hue. Little by little, their bodies were covered by bubble like thing and they slowly floated up. They remained for about three minute time floating and the bubble seemed to thin out as their bodies slowly descended. They were then guided back to their seats. The next batch in turn were guided down and the process repeated.

This process was continually done until it was now the time for the last row of commoners. It was now time for the heroine to appear.

I tried to find her figure in the crowd of forty people but I can’t really see her – nobody seemed to shine in particular…

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“Ghirar, how did the investigation go?” A middle aged man in his white cleric uniform asked the youth who just returned.

“Greetings Elders.” Ghirar first saluted. “The mysterious disappearance of the artifact still has no lead. We tried looking for its traces but it was to no avail…”

The crowd inside the room began to release a long sigh. They have at least twenty high priests with Ghirar the youngest amongst them. Even with the tracking skill of the most skilled Priest, they still could not contain any lead on the artifacts whereabouts.

“Could this be a sign from Sun God himself?” One of the elders voiced out.

The others were stunned but they quickly shook their heads. If a disaster was really to come, the Head Priest should be having an oracle by now.

Looking up at the Head Priest continuously inscribing something they could not even fathom, they began to fiddle on their own beards instead. The room once again resumed its silence that only sighs and continuous inscribing sound could be heard.

The atmosphere inside the Sun God’s Temple for the past three days has been so tense and gloomy. With the case of the missing God’s artifact, the priests were feeling helpless and worried.

Without Sun God’s artifact, they have been worrying tirelessly as the artifact was the key to cast large scale magic. If it was not returned, they would be having problem as the magical essence from the fountain’s water could even be drained if it was used in tomorrow’s event!

“Head Priest! Head Priest!” an excited voice echoed out as he draws near the High Priest’s quarter. The few elder were about to reprimand the man shouting so excitedly when his next words stunned them. “The God’s artifact has returned!!!” The merry face of a young priest greeted them right after he opened the door.

Hearing the news, the head priest who was previously so serious with his work make past the young priest leaving a gush of wind in the passing. The other High priest then followed suit and walked in their fastest speed. Ghirar and the middle aged man nodded to each other and followed behind. The young man who happened to bring the news hurriedly ran after them and excitement was obviously vivid in his face.

When they arrived at the fountain area, many priest where already gathered and a slight fog was covering on top of the water fountain. It finally cleared out after the head priest drew near and seeing that the sunstone was really floating atop the fountain, they could not contain their joy. Sun God’s relic was finally back! Tomorrow’s blessing would finally be done with ease.

“Carry on the preparations for tomorrow. Don’t forget to send notice to the royalties.” The head priest then head back to his study.

The crowd were rejuvenated that the following task were made swiftly. The previous solemn temple now has the vibe of overflowing energy. They may not know the hidden mystery behind the disappearance of the artifact but it was not their concern anymore. 

So long as the things were back to normal, they would not delve on it any further. To them, even the artifacts existence was a mystery and they believe that Sun God left that artifact itself for them to put it in good use.

Besides, there was no record where one could fully control and contain the power of Sun God’s artifact, so it being used in bad deeds would surely not be possible.

God is truly merciful and all knowing.

Tomorrow’s Thanksgiving Day would be a success for sure.

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Today is the busiest day so far and it now marked my fourth day in this world – making me anxious! I wanted to go back as soon as possible and tracking the culprit has been cut off midway!

The cold voice clearly spoke when I presented sweets to Milka before. Since it was the case, I really thought it was Milka – a Hallow who was used as a medium.

But looking at Milka who was busy choosing dress from the newly bought collection of the tailor, I really can’t help but doubt her more. Right now, this little girl’s real identity is unfathomable and I could not really tell if she was the real deal or she was really just a medium. It was so weird that the cold voice did not even appear after I presented chocolates. Even the cake was no good as the little girl displayed concern for the prince instead!

Shaking my head, I cleared out my thoughts. This is not a time to dwindle around in confusion.  I picked out a fairy medieval styled high waist maxi dress. It was pastel colored and very suitable for tomorrow’s event.

Tomorrow would be Sun God’s Thanksgiving and it became a tradition that each household offer gifts to the temple during the celebration. In my case, I should offer some dried and roasted almonds with some sweets as an offering.

I plan to make it myself so that Sun God could somehow hear my plea and return me back – I really hope that I’m right thinking Sun God as culprit… If he really is, sincere prayer and offerings could probably suffice.

After ordering Jane to bring the dress back to my room, I proceeded to the busy kitchen and asked for a spare place to cook. Thankfully, they still obliged and gave me a place to do my cooking. In careful steps, I roasted some almonds. After this, I would make a mini chocolate cake and some muffins with raisins too. There are still meringue cookies so with the muffins that should be fine enough as my snack for tomorrow.

I have written that the ceremony would take half a day as all citizens would be blessed during the celebration so bringing some snacks is a must. Moreover, tomorrow would mark the start of this story’s main plot.

Thankfully before lunch time, I was able to complete the chocolate cake and almonds. The cellar dwarf could only give a small chunk of ice for bringing out and when he showed me a portion, it looked like dry ice from the modern time.

I hope this gift would be fine.

“Hershey, we have already bought a building in the town center.” Duchess Pepper informed me when we were seated at the dining.

“We planned to name it under you and you could start to manage your own business.” The Duke added

“No D-Father, it would be better if the store is under the Du-Mother’s name. This way her name as the Duchess could also be known.” Looking at Duchess Pepper’s uneasy gaze, I continued. “Don’t worry M-Mother, I would help you in managing the business but we should do it under your name.”

“Hershey do have a point. You could think about this Pepper.” The duke then encouraged Pepper and the later was finally convinced.

We ended the lunch with settling down the registry under the Duchess Name. The Duchess then asked for my help with other procedures. Following the Duchess in the study, we tried to formulate for a unique name and packaging as the priority.

Recipe would be fine as I only need to give it to Cook Bronze and the others. For the boxes, we could just paint things on the normally circulated boxes and we could use parchment papers for those purchased individually.

“I think we could just use our insignia for the logo of the products. But I could not really think of a good name for the store.” Duchess Pepper started once we were seated inside the study. “Previously we have thought of naming the store as ‘Hershey’s’ but since you don’t want it under your name I now have trouble thinking of a replacement.

“Hmmm… I really think Salte and Pepper would be better.” The Duchess blushed but she firmly shook her head. I honestly think it is much appealing than Hershey’s but since we would be selling sweets it was indeed sort of out of place.

Sweets…  Sweet café. Nah too common.

Ah!

I borrowed a quill pen and a piece of paper and drawn what popped in my mind. Since we will be selling sweets, why not just say it as ‘Sweetness Loop’ – with the infinity symbol under the Sweetness word.

“My… That is a wonderful name!” Duchess Pepper who I did not notice was now standing at my back praising what I have drawn.

Seeing her happy expression, I too was now fully satisfied with this name. “We could use it as our shop’s name and brand. On the other hand we could use our insignia as our unique mark. It should be engraved in every table, door handle and chairs! Ah, will we renovate the shop? It would be better if we used glass walls in front of the shop and also place our insignia there.”

The duchess once again looked at me in awe and quickly went back to her seat as she swiftly wrote the words I have said.

“We could also make a theme for our shop. Let’s separate the shop into two areas. The second floor would be for the VIP’s while the lower area is for all. Let’s have at least 5 rooms in the upper floor with different styles and ambiances. Those aristocrats could then reserve a room in case they would like to dine in. Let’s also place a separate booth for VIP’s in case they only need to buy some sweets and has no intention to eat inside.

For the lower floor, let’s renovate the side closed to the walls meant for couple’s or group of four so couples and groups with as much as four persons could talk in their hearts content. The central part would be for larger group or fewer individuals. For the central part, the tables should be movable so that if a large group came, we could move the tables closer to each other but in regular basis we could set it up as two persons per table. With this style, we could also assign personnel’s appropriately.”

“I really like your suggestions, we will implement all this, and don’t worry about the workers, I already contacted a few trustworthy ones. Do you have suggestions for the interior paint? Currently, it was in white shade.”

“Hmmm… we should use pastel pink. As for the couches on the side we could use red ones to set in the mood for couples. For the middle we could use peach colored ones.”

The duchess was ecstatic with my opinions and she has agreed with it instantly. She gripped my hands in happiness as she was truly pleased that finally, we could have this kind of conversation.

With this, Sweetness Loop will have a good start!

This will also be my farewell gift to you and your family Hershey…

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The lunch ended up in success and the guests where all praises for the food and they even stated their jealousy that we could eat such delicacy in daily basis.

Since it was now past lunch, the duke and duchess excused themselves and I am left with the guest. Minte wanted to walk back to their rooms with Milka but the little girl was so reluctant to leave the dining area.

Thinking of a nice escape, I stopped Minte from going back his room and pulled everyone to the courtyard. Since the garden was decorated with a nice flower shade, it would be nice to stay there and talk.

When I stepped outside, I finally realized that I am still wearing my bedroom slippers! Thankfully the dress was long enough so my feet were not seen but the hotness of the pathway was seeping thru!

The previous slow pace was change into a quick one as I, the guide has moved towards the garden in quick steps. Finally reaching the garden, I sighed in relief as I could finally relax my feet!

“So when did you know you were an enlightened?” Ghirar asked as he stood before the arched trellis.

“Ah, that… it was when I woke up the next morning after you casted Sun God’s Blessing.” I was still sweating from the suffering my feet has endured so I just replied without thinking. I finally noticed that the royalties gaze seemed too weird. There gazes were not really in bad way but I could see traces of doubt…

“So you knew that I will be casting the blessing before?” Ghirar followed up.

“Ah yes…” Now I realized that I made a wrong answer again.

“Did you meet Brother Ghirar before?” Princess Lotte’s voice contained a hint of jealousy.

Oh no. This Princess was in jealous mode.

 I also wanted to hit my head as I forgot the most important thing! How could I forget that Ghirar was only known to the royalties and the priests has mask when they casts the blessing during the Thanksgiving Day!

“Haha… I… I only guessed…”

“Anyway that didn’t matter right? What’s important is that Big Sis is an enlightened.” Minte spoke seeing my dilemma.

Muwaah brother! I felt that Minte right now is a valiant big brother instead of my younger sibling.

“You are right.” The crown prince seconded as he flashed his smile.

The tense atmosphere finally toned down even a little. I could still see that Princess Lotte and Ghirar were unconvinced as their expression says so. I don’t have other excuse to say though…

Luckily I saw Jane and a few maids coming our way. To change topic, I once again offered them dessert. Jane and Ron with maids in tow has arrived in the garden and brought out a plate of caramelized fruits and some hot drinks. It was an option of hot cocoa or tea and beautifully baked raisin loaf breads.

“You haven’t tried this a while ago, it’s hot cocoa and fruits dipped in caramelized sugar. The breads were also made soft so you could give it a try.”

“What are these black things?” Princess Lotte asked curiously as she hold a piece of loaf bread.

“Those are dried grapes.”

“Oh, this is such a novel food.” With a bite, Princess Lotte expressed how pleased she was. “I would like the recipe for these so I could taste them whenever I want.”

“Of course Princess…”

“Father mentioned about going into business with your recipes right Big Sis?” Minte gently spoke as he sipped some hot cocoa.

“Oh… so are you planning to sell your recipe?”

 “Ah? Hahaha of course Princess Lotte you don’t need to buy it as we are friends.” I beamed but I gently added that I could only share the way how to make the basics of chocolate and cakes. The royal chefs should be good enough so they could innovate from there.

“By the way Princess why are you  here?” I asked politely.

“Hmmm… you never wrote any letter in past three days and Big Brother Ghirar would like to confirm the case regarding your enlightenment as it was already known to the royalties.”

“Ah? What letter?” I asked curiously

“We were supposed to write an update on our offering …” Joy spoke for the first time.

“Haha… I totally forgot. I was so excited with my new knowledge you see…” I sheepishly answered.

Thankfully they were convinced as they nodded their heads. We spent the afternoon talking about the coming Sun God’s Blessing as it was only two days from now. The three men on the other hand quietly sip their tea and only nodded their heads time to time.

Prince Aero in particular never uttered a single word since he came. Milka tried to speak with him but he only stared at the little girl, prompting Minte to take Milka inside the mansion.

When the visitors were about to go, I did not forget to order the maids to give them meringue cookies. But right after giving the goods, I had the urge to take it back. It was placed in the parchment paper cups we tried previously…

The one with Prince Aero in particular has my very own doodle on it – a heart with cupid’s arrow on it!

 My goodness that looked like a confession gift!

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With a forced I smile, I greeted them and seated at the vacant seat in front of Pepper. Now that the royalties are here, they sat at the left and right side of the Duke. With Prince Aero and Princess Lotte at the left side and Crown Prince Lewis at the Duke’s right.

Ghirar sat in front of Princess Lotte and beside him sat the Duchess with Minte and Milka in her side. Seated right beside the Princess, I really don’t know if I should feel glad about it.

The food was sumptuous as usual and the variety of greens and juicy meat in front should have make me drool by now but the nervousness I am currently feeling made it hard for me to eat at my heart’s content!

“We heard, you have introduced variety of desserts by now…” Princess Lotte finally started the conversation in the quiet dining.

“Hahaha yes… thankfully I learned about it…” I replied nervously as I reached for the glass of water.

“So you were really an enlightened.” Ghirar added up nonchalantly as he looked at me intently.

“Hahahaha… yes I guess so…”

Thankfully Cook Bronze and the others brought out the desserts. Rose shaped chocolates were placed on top of the round chocolate cake. Though it was pretty simple, it much less gathered everybody’s attention.

Relieved that the attention clearly on me a while back was now diverted to the round cake, I finally relaxed and explained the dessert.

“This is called cake, a chocolate flavoured one. The rose shaped chocolate on top can be eaten separately and it was added in so it could give a twist to this round cake.”

Cook Bronze also brought in the previously shaped chocolates. The leaf and shell shaped one attracted their attention more.

“This leaf and shell shaped chocolate has almond inside.”

I did not need to urged them to taste it as Princess Lotte already picked one. I also took a few of every chocolate shapes for Almond Joy as she just stared at the ones in front of us.

“Try it, you will probably like it.” I urged Almond Joy.

“It’s delicious!” I even felt my body shook as Princess Lotte tagged my arms. The duke was then very pleased and the previously tense atmosphere turned merry.

The desserts should have been served sooner!

With the Crown Prince in lead, he sliced a part from the chocolate cake. We all look at him in anticipation and his eyes showed his surprise.

“The bread is soft and the sweetness was just right.” He commented. “The chef was very skilled.”

Cook Bronze on the side made a fist pump in delight but he still answered humbly that he was just a cook and that he just followed my recipe.

Right! How could I forget about Milka.

When I looked at the little kid, I was so surprised that instead of eating, she was looking at Prince Aero with her shining eyes. She looked like a love struck teen!

Oi, Oi… Even a young kid was attracted to Prince Aero’s charm!

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My heart has been beating wildly as I feel troubled about that cold voice… I arrived in front of the saucepan deeply puzzled and in a loss.

Did I really just miss it?

A hand suddenly grabbed my right arm. Shocked, I looked at Chef Bronze puzzlingly. He then pointed out the saucepan in fire. Thankfully he saved me or I could have burn my hands…

Breathe in, Breathe out.

Calming myself, I once again asked them to create another set of chocolates but this time with fillings in it.

This time, I’ll know for sure. I looked at Milka’s departing back as they were now going out of the kitchen. I asked Cook Bronze to roast the almond seeds while the other cook assistants make another batch of chocolate.

It was rather easy for the chocolate to harden so this should be ready before dinner come. This time I will look at Milka attentively.

Sure enough, Cook Bronze did not disappoint as the roasted almonds were now in beautiful brown shade. I tried one and it was roasted well. It was fine even if eating it alone.

Jane and the other maid who I asked to buy some shape moulder also arrived and we could apply proper shape to the second batch of chocolate now. They were able to buy a variety and I have chosen the shell, rose and leaf shaped moulders. Remembering the cake recipe I had just finished writing, I asked Jane to take it from the drawer. I should give it to Cook Bronze later for him to study.

“We could place roasted almonds on this leaf and shell shaped moulders, while the rose shaped one should be pure chocolate.”

They all agreed to my idea and we began to pour the newly made chocolate mixture into the moulds. Now I could only wait before dinner. I stayed at the dining area and waited until the family has seated. Right after we finished eating dinner, the housekeeper then served the chilled chocolates.

“You may try it guys, the rose shaped one is pure chocolate while the leaf and shell shaped ones have some almond inside.”

I watched closely as Milka tasted each chocolate but I could not hear the cold voice!

What happened? I clearly thought Milka was the medium…

With invisible tears, I can’t help but lament.

This time it is a sleepless night!

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“Young Lady… Young Lady…”

I could hear Jane’s voice but I was still so sleepy… I think drowsiness finally came into me after I have painstakingly written few more set of recipes. For optimism, I concluded that it may be because that chocolate type was not to her liking so she never spoke out.

“Young Lady… Young Lady…” This time urgency was apparent to Jane’s voice and she began to lightly shake me.

Groggily, I opened my eyes then Jane’s next word poured cold water on me – instantly waking me up. Turns out it was now near lunch time and Princess Lotte has arrived two hours ago. Almond Joy also came and they were now in the dining area being entertained by the duke and duchess.

What’s with the sudden visit?!

I am now panicking that I even urged Jane to tell a lie – informing the group that I happened to catch a small cold so I just woke up.

Rushing to the bathroom, I only proceeded to make a quick half bathe, just to make sure that my face and hair were clean enough. In swift motion, I changed into the pink wench Victorian Renaissance style off shoulder dress hanged in the drawer.

In quick steps, I arrived in the dining only to find that the number of visitors was totally different from what Jane has reported! The said visitors were not only Princess Lotte and Almond Joy but the three main eye candy of this world were also present!

Looking at Jane who has her head bowed down, I guess her real task was to urge me to arrive here in haste. The knowledge that I am afraid of Princess Lotte was not unknown to the family so maybe that’s why Jane only mentioned Almond Joy and the princess.

Looking at the current situation, I still can’t help but feel perplexed. Why would they all gather here?

Just what day is it that they graced their presence here?!

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The soft knock stopped me from writing. Looking at the four sheets filled with recipe, I was glad I have at least finished writing them.

Jane came into view and I handed her the Chocolate recipe. “The cooks were done preparing for lunch?”

“Yes Young Lady, Cook Bronze added to inform you as well that you could instruct them freely.”

“Good, you proceed to the kitchen first and bring that recipe. I’ll follow after finishing this one.”

Jane nodded in accent and quietly left the room. I am currently writing a chocolate cake recipe and since I am already half way through, it would be better to finish this first.

When I went to the kitchen, Cook Bronze hands were trembling as he held the recipe. His eyes were even sparkling. I guess anyone would be amazed to see such unknown recipe.

“Let’s prepare the ingredients first.” I spoke to gather their attention. The assistant cooks then swiftly moved and gathered all the ingredients needed.

“Alright, you could follow each procedure written and ask me in case you want some clarifications.”

They nodded at my words and started the work. Since there was only an hour left before lunch time, with the recipe in hand they could at least finish the job without me monitoring them.

As the saucepan of water is being heated up, the others mix the cocoa powder and butter into thick paste. Looking at them thrilled while working, I can’t help but anticipate the chocolate they made. They always say that the cook’s emotions were added to a food’s taste. When the water was heated up, the cocoa mixture was then poured in while Cook Bronze stirs it carefully.

We were waiting for it to simmer when the Duke and Duchess called for me to have lunch. “You don’t have any questions about the recipe right?” I asked just to make sure.

“Yes Young Lady, the recipe was thoroughly written so it was easy to understand and follow.” Cook Bronze answered with a smile.

“Alright, I’ll leave the rest to you guys. By the way about the cooling part…”

“Don’t worry Young Lady, the ice cellar has plenty of space.” Cook Bronze assured and I smiled at them as I moved towards the dining area.

The family were already seated and they were chatting merrily as they wait for me. I took the left seat as usual and Milka was seated on my right.

“I heard you are introducing yet another dessert.” Duchess Pepper asked.

“Yes Mother, but it was not entirely a dessert, you could eat it as much as you want any time.”

Their faces were delighted and we began the meal while chatting for the possible desserts with chocolate on it.

“Since you know a lot, I think we should consider selling them. The King even encouraged me to start with this business in our letter exchanges.”

Who would say no to extra money?  

With a humble smile I nodded and the Duke and Duchess then began talking about the things to prepare excitedly. I also added that we should think of a unique wrapper for the products so more would be encourage trying our products.

After the hearty lunch, I proceeded to the kitchen with Minte and Milka in tow.

“Young Lady!” Cook Bronze excitedly welcomed me. “We finished the process already but since we don’t have some fancy moulds yet, we only made it into a simple rectangular shape and drawn some bar lines as you have instructed in the recipe.”

“That would be fine, appearance is not our main concern yet. Do you remember the paper like thing with smooth side? I would like to try something with it.”

“Oh that?, Wait for a while Young Lady.” Cook Bronze then came back with the peach colored parchment paper. When I saw this in the store I was truly surprised that parchment papers were already available in this world.

Since there was still an hour left before we could proceed to the ice cellar, I wanted to try creating paper wraps using the parchment paper. With a handless tea cup as the mold, I turned it upside down and I firmly pressed the cut out square parchment paper around it. Estimating it is now good enough, I then I lifted the paper. Surprisingly, the finished product was a cutely formed cup.

“We could try using this as container” Since it was peach colored I had the inspiration of putting cupid hearts on it. With the quill pen I doodled while waiting. Seeing my enjoyment, Minte and Milka tried making one too.

We have finished at least six cutely designed parchment wrappers when one of Cook Bronze attendant informed us that we could now proceed to the ice cellar. He also talked merrily as he guided as towards the ice cellar.

The ice cellar was surprisingly a room with arched opening. The first thing I thought was that I am in a snow field area. The entire room was filled in white except for the central area where black shelves were layered neatly. It was sure cold and the magical thing was that we really don’t need to enter further as a dwarf like figure appeared and Cook Bronze talked with him.

He then ran back to us bearing a small box. When Cook Bronze opened it, four rectangular shaped chocolates where neatly placed inside and it was already hard.

We went out of the ice cellar and when I asked for a knife to cut one of the bars, Cook Bronze did the job right ahead. The chocolate was cold and when I put it in my mouth its rich and high milk content overflowed, the combination was amazing. Since I preferred dark chocolates, this is a little too sweet for me.

“You try it guys. This was made perfectly. Good Job.”

Cook Bronze’s happiness seemed to overflow as he tries the chocolate. “This chocolate is surely good.” He even licked his lips as he spoke.

Now, I am waiting for the voice to echo out once more.

Milka and Minte simultaneously tasted the chocolate and their eyes displayed their delight. Milka’s cheek in particular bulged as she placed few more bars in her small mouth.

Hmmm… That should surely be the case as this was the first time you taste it.

My pride rose as I looked at her charmed expression but there seems to be something wrong…

Ah – the voice!

That cold voice never spoke and Milka was just enjoying the chocolate!

Surely… Hahaha I just missed the voice didn’t I?

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Hah.

I sighed in relief when the coldness was totally gone. The group was then reverted back but they did not mind a clean dessert plate… It was as if the newly introduced dessert was totally forgotten.

When I went to my room, I can’t help but associate the mysterious woman to the kid, I mean Milka. But with this in conclusion, I truly felt happy. Judging from her reaction, she wanted sweets and if I could satisfy her with that, I could surely return.

Tomorrow I’ll introduce the best sweet ever!

I guess I don’t really need two weeks! I could settle this in four days!

With this in mind, I have slept with my sweetest smile.

*******

The morning came with my mind fully refreshed. It was still six in the morning but I’m truly pumped up on testing my hypothesis.

After I have freshened up, I asked Jane to guide me towards Milka’s room only to be surprised to meet the little girl in the balcony. She woke up earlier than I do.

“Good Morning! Did you have a good sleep?”

Milka looked at me and smiled. “Thank you for being good…”

Cough. I felt embarrassed as the little girl seemed to have guessed that I was not that welcoming yesterday.

“Do you like to have some meringue biscuit or perhaps some hot cocoa?” I asked to change the topic.

Milka then blinked excitedly as she showed her excitement. Hand in hand, we went to the dining in tow. We bumped into Minte on the way but seeing that the Duke and Duchess were not in the dining yet, we changed our direction.

Minte on the other hand decided to come with us to the kitchen.

Seeing Cook Bronze fully energetic, I asked him to prepare the ingredients needed. In a swift motion, he presented everything I asked. While the small saucepan was placed in a low heat, I then poured at least three spoonful of cocoa powder. I also added three pinches of salt and about a quarter cup of goat milk. While whisking it together, I slowly added sugar following my own estimation, since goat milk here is fresh and sweet I only added two sugar cubes. Seeing that the cocoa and sugar cubes was totally dissolved I then lifted the saucepan from the fire.

This should at least be sufficient for the four of us. Pouring the hot cocoa into four small cups, I urged the group to taste it. “If it is not yet sweet for you, you could still add sugar as it is still hot anyway.”

Anticipating for the mysterious voice to appear once more, I watched as the cup touched Milka’s lips. I am overjoyed as the cold voice once again echoed out.

[Add more sugar here.]

I happily obliged as I added two more sugar cubes into Milka’s cup. After the mysterious woman finished the cup of hot cocoa, the group returned to normal and Milka seemed to be full too.

The mysterious woman has sweet tooth. Surely with chocolate, I could clearly subdue her in no time.

Similarly, Cook Bronze began to prepare another batch of hot cocoa for the Duke and Duchess to taste. After enjoying breakfast with the family, I went back to the kitchen to inform them that I would like their help for creating our new dessert and we could start right after they finished preparing for our lunch.

Filled with excitement, I went back to my room to write some sweet recipes.

For now I should compile everything I knew how to make.

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After seeing that the ingredients I bought were already settled properly, I can’t help but anticipate making some sweets.

Looking at the time, it was only a few hours before dinner time so meringue cookies would be the easiest one to make now. Gathering the cooks, I began to explain the process of making meringue. As usual, Cook Bronze seemed to realize my intention right before I finish the whole recipe.

With enthusiasm, they began to separate egg whites and its yolk. Since this is a trial for them we tried only one egg for each. Looking at them rhythmically beating the egg whites is truly amazing. It looked like they were experts themselves. Of course I only instruct as I can’t do the job without mixer…

When the egg whites turn frothy, they carefully added a pinch of salt and the cream of tartar known here as tartar salt. They started beating the egg whites again until soft peaks form. With my instruction, they then added a spoonful of sugar and repeated the process of beating until the sugar was dissolved and stiff peaks form.

Happily scooping a little from Cook Bronze bowl, I tasted a well made meringue. I then demonstrated how to form a beautifully shaped meringue cookie. After carefully layering it in the baking plate, I asked them to watch it every 15 minutes as I am not so sure how to use this brick oven. It would be nice if there is the things here were already modern.

After leaving the kitchen, I found that Minte has already brought the little girl to the library. I guess Minte wanted a younger sibling so he was so good at that girl, but in reality it was too doubtful to accept some unknown kid into ones home…

Knock! Knock!

After announcing my presence, I entered the library and found a merry Duke and Duchess. Pepper was even affectionately rubbing the little girl’s hair.

What happened? What’s with this situation?

“Big sis!” Minte stood up and guided me to sit down. “Father and Mother decided to adopt her. She will now be called Milka as she has a snow white skin.”

“Ah?? She could be a hallow you know?”I can’t help but blurt out.

“…”  The people in the room then guffawed.

“What are you talking about? What hallows?” The Duke asked in between laughing.

“Huh???” What? They are not aware of Hallows existence?

“Anyway from now on, you will be having a younger sister – Milka.” The duke looked at the young girl lovingly then his gaze turned to me. “I heard you are instructing the kitchen to make some cookies?”

“Ah yes… it was a meringue cookie made from egg whites…” I answered absentmindedly as I am still at loss why they were not aware of a Hallows existence!

The duke then excitedly declared that it was now time for us to go the dining. I even walked into the dining looking at the back of the three people before me in shock. They really accepted the kid without any second thought and this scene seemed that they have been getting along for a long time! On the way, I asked the maids if they knew about Hallows but they too were unsure of what Hallow is…

I don’t know why, but everyone seemed to be not aware of Hallows existence… Was it because I truly never focused on Hallows existence themselves but on Ghirar only?

Ai, let’s just enjoy the meringue cookies, hopefully they made it properly. When dinner came, the dessert served were still the caramelized fruits with the new addition of meringue cookies. The meringue cookies where in pure white color and it surely melts when it enters the mouth!

[Hmmm… this is a fine sweet. I guess you have started to fulfil your debt]

I almost choked on the meringue I have eaten. The cold voice once again echoed out!

Where is she?

I looked around yet I could not find her!

I was even so scared to see that the people in the dining area have turned into statues! I gulped as I could only watch as the big dessert plate is being eaten clean…

Is she a glutton?

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