Author: Yume Neiji

I finally fell asleep when I was awoken by the sudden coldness.

Groggily checking the windows, they were clearly closed. I was about to get up and inspect it further when the coldness increased once more. To be exact, the coldness came from the foot of the bed and it’s creepily spreading fast!

Nervously reaching out for the bell, I locked my gaze upon the base of the bed as ice seemed to be swirling around and forming something!

I was about to ring the bell when a beautiful woman clad in white appeared. She looked like an ice goddess! Silver hair, pristine white fairy dress and deep blue eyes! She is very mesmerising but she also holds mysterious aura at the same time.

[Oh, seems like you were waiting for me too.]

That voice! It was the cold voice I longed to here before!

[I came here to announce that I liked the offering. Bring me more of that rose styled stuff.]

“Ah?”

[You haven’t guessed my identity yet?]

Identity?  Don’t tell she is the Sun God?

The woman laughed and though her voice was tinged with coldness it was somehow such a nice melody.

[No dear, I’m not the Sun God. I am the Moon Goddess.]

Huh? I clearly did not write that!

[Of course, you haven’t written me as I created myself!]

Gasp! She could clearly read minds!

[To be exact, only your mind my dear.]

“You… so how would you turn me back home?”

[Hmmm… don’t be too hasty. As you can see I could only borrow powers from the water and wind to form my body. I still need time to digest the power from Sun God’s artifact so I could fully appear in the surface.]

What?

[To explain it, it was like this in your world too right? The moon appears at night and borrows the light from the sun. Here I could only fully create my body after absorbing enough power from Sun God’s artifact. As you know, it was your own fault that I was now reduced to this.]

“Huh? Why was it my fault?”

The self proclaimed Moon Goddess looked at me sharply. I really thought she was about to devour me!

[Do you still need to ask? You the creator of this world has only written appalling delicacies! For a decade I sacrificed eating those unpalatable stuffs! 10 years!]

Her anger caused the room to turn to frost almost instantly! I should at least be thankful that I only felt cold and I was not turned into an ice statue here. After a while, the woman seemed to have released her anger as the frosty walls turned back to normal.

“So you were saying that you brought me here just so I could cook you some sweets?”

[Yes and No. Actually, I wanted you to suffer from your own work but I did not think that you would introduce sweets yourself. You even claimed to be an enlightened.] I could clearly see mirth from her eyes.

[Never mind that, Starting from now you should offer me those delicious things. I’m even craving for one now.] She looked at me and with a raise of her hand I floated above my bed. [Let’s eat those things you have created while we talk.]

Urged and being swept up by the cold wind I had no choice but to move out of the room. I guided her towards the ice cellar. There should still be some chocolates there. While waiting for the cellar dwarf to open the door, I asked her the very thing I’m so concerned about.

“Since you have brought me here, you could turn me back right?”

The woman in question stayed silent with her brows creased. The coldness from before also seemed to be dwindling, something seems to be happening to her.

[I need to go. Bring me sweets daily. You know how I could get those…]

Right after that the coldness disappeared and the beautiful woman claiming to be the Moon Goddess was also nowhere to be found.

What was baffling was that I found myself lying on the bed! Judging from the bed sheet’s creases, I haven’t even sat up what’s more leaving the bed!

The current situation was so baffling. The memory of going towards the ice cellar was so clear but why the hell is it that I’m now in my bed?!

Don’t tell me I’m dreaming this whole time?

Previous ⚜ Table of Contents ⚜ Next

“Hershey Almonds and the young lady who was enlightened a while ago, Please come forward.” The King’s voice echoed out. He now stood majestically in front of the fountain area.

Slightly nervous, I rose from my seat and move towards the King. The heroine similarly walked in a slow and poised manner. Contrary to me who was obviously nervous, she remained calm and collected.

I guess this is a heroine’s normal temperament.

With the left leg over the right one, we both greeted the king with a formal curtsy. The king raised his hands and we both looked at him with reverence.  

“May I know this young lady’s house name?” The king politely asked as he looked amicably towards the heroine.

“Replying to your Majesty, I belong to house Truffles. Your subject is from a humble abode in the west district. My name is Caramelle Truffles your majesty.” Caramelle then made a bow once again.

“Oh… I see. I see. This young lady’s parent, please also come forward.” Right after that, two excited people were escorted down.

After the two saluted, the king then announced his decree. “From here on, you are no longer a commoner and I allocate you a land at the eastern district. House Truffles from here on would be one of this Kingdom’s vassals.”

Round of applause then echoed out as acknowledgement of the decree. Caramelle’s parents were once again guided to their new respective seats. “Moving forward, may I know what has the young lady learned about?”

“Reporting to your Majesty, I was blessed with the knowledge of engineering. I have blueprints in mind that could help the kingdom. Furthermore, I also gained the knowledge of the kitchen. I could share with you some delicacies never been heard before.”

Ah? The heroine has acquired two? I clearly wrote knowledge of engineering only!

“Ho… this is sure a miraculous thing. To inform you all, three days prior, Duke Salte also reported that his eldest daughter acquired the knowledge of the kitchen. This has also been proven. As a matter of fact to convince everyone the Duke has already prepared for it.”

Right after that, trays has been passed down. Looking at the one’s being given to Caramelle and the priest nearby, it was a piece of leaf shaped chocolate! That should explain why we had two extra carriages.

I felt a hot gaze upon me and when I looked in that direction, I found Caramelle looking at me intently. Her gaze tells me that she was truly surprised and doubt was also apparent from her face. She looked truly unconvinced and it was as if she was drilling into me that I was a fake!

What’s with this heroine’s attitude?!

“Please explain what this is Lady Almonds.” The king softly ordered.

“Ah – yes your Majesty. This one is called chocolate. After a bite you could feel a hard seed inside, that should be an almond and it is safe for eating. This chocolate is made from the mixture of cocoa powder some butter and milk. This one is a type of sweets and after trying it, you should taste its rich and high milk content.”

Gathering everyone’s interest, they began to bite into the chocolate almost simultaneously. Surprise is apparent from their expressions and they seemed to be pleased with it though they can’t have another serving as it was only good for one each.

“This should properly prove Duke Salte’s claim.” The king then looked at us. “As both of you were an enlightened, I award your house with a plaque of honour and with each of your houses having a hundred gold coins as monthly compensation. In two days, both of you could start working in the Royal Castle.”

I did mention in the novel gifting hundred gold coins as the heroine was a commoner but I never thought I will also received the same. Though I really don’t need it, I still happily accepted the decree. The loud cheer from the crowd then echoed out. Once again, we curtsied and then proceeded back to our seats.

“For my dear citizens, I hereby decree that each commoner household be awarded with five gold coins as celebration for today’s event.” As the aristocrats are not really in need of money, they were just acknowledged and the King hoped for their continuous support.

Ah finally! This long day was finally done!

Back to my room, I can’t help but twist and turn around the bed. The day I have waited for has ended yet I was still feeling troubled!

I did not hear any voice at all… I did not even see another image from the fountains water… Helpless I stared at the rooms ceiling for a while. What should I do for me to be able to go back? That voice was my only hope but I did not hear it this whole while!

I really want to go back… This place is not for me!

Previous ⚜ Table of Contents ⚜ Next

The group of the last commoner then proceeded in front of the fountain. In similar manner, their body was basked in blue light as they slowly floated up. One figure in particular floated up higher than the rest.

Aside from the heroine who else could she be?

Observing her deeply, I can’t help but contemplate as I don’t really find her that striking… Compared to Princess Lotte’s, the heroine looked attractive but that is all. For me, it was a beauty where you would feel like you’ll get used to it. Anyway, it may be because right now she has her eyes closed…

The others were already back to their feet but Caramelle – the heroine still floated up in the air. Judging that Caramelle is being enlightened at the moment, the blessing for the aristocrats commenced with their servants going in first.

It was now finally our turn when the heroine slowly descended down. Her enlightenment surely took a long time!

Facing the heroine in close proximity, my previous impression was still there but I feel like somehow there is something with her eyes. Her violet irises were striking against her brown hair. Her previous aura somehow has a tinge of mystery now that her eyes were glittering. Though she wore a common dress, her curves and fair skin was still highlighted.

Gulp.

When our eyes met, I can’t help but gulp down. Somehow her gaze tells me something and I even involuntarily shivered. What’s with the heroine’s aura? I am having goosebumps!

Caramelle was escorted back to her seat while we move towards the fountain. Laying our gifts upon the fountain, I watched closely as the offerings slowly disappeared.

Now please… Please speak out…

I have waited for a while but I could not hear it! I even felt hurried as the head priest began to speak. Forgetting the cold voice for the meantime, I moved discretely near the fountain to peer down but this time, I did not see any image. The water remained still unlike before where ripple appeared. With the Head Priest’s command, the blessing was once again commenced.

I felt that my body was slowly covered with warmth and I could even feel the sensation of slowly floating up. Looking at the others with their closed eyes, I also closed mine.

My mind right now was swirling with thoughts! What was going on? Why is it that I could no longer hear that cold voice and I did not even see some images now! I thought that once I got near the fountain once more, I could see some sort of images again.

When I finally descended, I found Milka looking at me deeply. She displayed a confused look and I could not really tell why.  Similar to everyone, I did not stay up there for long…

“What’s wrong?” I curiously asked softly.

Startled, Milka only shook her head and cutely smiled at me while linking arms with me.

“I am only curious what would be our dinner for tonight. I am currently hungry.” Milka cutely voiced out.

Minte on the other hand gently rubbed Milka’s head. “You haven’t had your lunch yet you are already thinking of dinner.” He teased.

While quietly giggling we went back to our seats. Having seated, I was once again assaulted with my dreary feeling and multiple concerns.

Why was the cold voice not speaking out?!

Previous ⚜ Table of Contents ⚜ Next

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…

Previous ⚜ Table of Contents ⚜ Next

“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.

Previous ⚜ Table of Contents ⚜ Next

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…

Previous ⚜ Table of Contents ⚜ Next