"Mnn～! Grey and Yuna's sweets really are the best!" ［Vanessa］
A short and sweet squeal echoed in the air, a large smile blooming ever so brightly. A flood of sweetness exploded in the lady's mouth, her expressions blooming more and more radiant with the passing of time, sweets really are the best.
And it may be due to exhaustion from raising Antoinette for three whole weeks, but both Vanessa and Ranzel have been wolfing down sweets one after another. A whole mountain of cups and plates have formed atop the white table.
"Dear, have a taste of this as well." ［Ranzel］
"Okay～!" ［Vanessa］
Additionally, as the two were a married couple, the atmosphere in the room was sickeningly sweet. They didn't even care that Grey and Yuna were there, flirting so openly as they fed desserts to one another.
"Mmn～! So good! I could eat these all day!" ［Vanessa］
"Right? It's got a smooth and creamy texture as well. I think this would be famous with the other nobles." ［Ranzel］
"Oh! That's it! Why don't you open a confectionery, Grey, Yuna?" ［Vanessa］
And one way or another, they arrived at the topic of opening a shop which sells all kinds of sweets and treats. Grey and Yuna's hands stopped moving as they were both put into deep thought.
It wasn't the first time they were asked to open a shop of some kind. In fact, not just a confectionery, but a restaurant and a magic tools shop were also suggested by many of their acquaintances, but with their lives already as it is, they don't see much need of doing so. They aren't in dire need of money, after all.
Though Grey has experienced being an office worker before, he isn't really one who specializes in running a business. And especially so with Yuna who grew up in a small and hidden village back in the forest. It was not their fort.
"Hmm... We don't really have any thoughts on doing that for now... I don't think we're ready for that kind of business yet." ［Grey］
"Well, It's just a suggestion. There's no need to hurry things." ［Ranzel］
"Fufufu! Ranzel's right, but oh! Please tell us when you do decide to, okay? We'll be the first to drop by!" ［Vanessa］
"Hahaha. Sure, we'll make sure to invite you." ［Grey］
The future was still far and uncertain, but there was no harm in making little promises. Everyone continued enjoying their time together, eating the sweets Grey and Yuna brought until there was little left atop the table.
And as it was still time early in the afternoon, somewhere along the line, the chefs brought in a delightful meal for everyone to enjoy, wonderful dishes brought in one after another. The time for eating has yet to finish.
It was just as one would expect from the chefs of a noble household. Each and every single one of the dishes prepared was top-tier in display, smell, taste, and texture. It all just melts in their mouths, flavors exploding all over.
"Oh, right... Before I forget... I actually have something to give you, Big Sis Vanessa, Mister Ranzel..." ［Grey］
Just as they almost finished their late lunch, a sudden thought popped up on Grey's mind and his spoon and fork soon stopped moving. He then wiped his hands clean and grabbed a small object from his "Inventory".
It was a small and delicate object, a crystal clear leans on the front and a number of buttons all over it. Of course, it was none other than the camera, and it was not the same from before. Now, it was an improved version with zoom, night mode, and flash adjustment feature. The second edition!
"Waah～! So this is the camera Her Majesty was talking about! It looks so amazing! Hey, hey, can I have a try?" ［Vanessa］
"Dear, umm... Dear, please calm down a little... In the first place, do you even know how to use it?" ［Ranzel］
"Ah, right..." ［Vanessa］
Vanessa's excitement was quelled, but her eyes continued to sparkle bright, looking at Grey and Yuna's direction with intent and enthusiasm. The two didn't even need to ask. Her eyes were enough to tell them what she wanted.
Before long, Grey and Yuna taught Vanessa about the different buttons in the camera and how to use it, the latter nodding ever so attentively, as she followed suit after the two's little demonstration.
And the lesson wasn't just in theory, but practice as well. A number of clicks, shutters, and flashes resounding in the air as photos were taken one after another, Vanessa acting like an excited little child who just got a new toy.
Of course, as one would expect from a new mother, the first series of photos she took was that of their sleeping little angel. Her eyes sparkled even brighter than the sun as she admired gleefully the photograph she had taken.
"Dear...! Dear...! Look at Anne! She's so cute...!" ［Vanessa］
"Ohh～! It really captures little Anne's cuteness. This is amazing!" ［Ranzel］
"Right～?! With this, we can preserve all kinds of wonderful memories!" ［Vanessa］
It hasn't even been a couple minutes, and Vanessa was once again off to taking a myriad of pictures of her sleeping daughter. Thankfully, the flash was not very bright and Antoinette continued to sleep peacefully.
"Grey, Yuna, can we really have this? This seems quite valuable... Are you sure you don't want any compensation?" ［Ranzel］
"Yeah, it's alright. It's a gift, after all." ［Grey］
"Un! Just seeing you have fun is more than enough!" ［Yuna］
Grey and Yuna reassured the man, but the latter continued to dwell on the price, thinking ever so deeply. After all, no matter where he looked at it, the camera was a very valuable magic tool, far more valuable than any jewels or accessories.
And Ranzel was right. Just from the materials alone and the complexity of the runes used to make the camera, it could fetch at least several hundred thousand kiels. If it were to be placed in an auction, it could easily be sold at several millions, the price of a large mansion. It was very expensive.
But for the two, such an expense was nothing. After all, Grey also got to improve his smithing and enchanting skills with it. As for the materials, they have plenty sitting in his "Inventory", gathering dust in the corner. They were just fun little projects.
It's not like Ranzel and Vanessa were the only ones they had given a camera to. As promised, they also gave one to the Royal Family just this morning as well and are planning to give more out in the future.
"Haah... Then, we'll accept this with grace. If you ever need something, please don't hesitate to tell us. We'll help out to the best of our abilities." ［Ranzel］
"Hahaha. We'll be relying on you then." ［Grey］
In the end, though a little hesitant, Ranzel happily accepted Grey and Yuna's "little" gift and didn't voice out any objections anymore. Not that Grey and Yuna are going to budge either. It was the only way.
Vanessa, on the other hand, was still taking pictures all over the place, from their sweet little angel all the way to whatever things she could find, even using the zoom feature to capture images from afar. She was just too excited.
"Oh? It wouldn't click anymore?" ［Vanessa］
And unsurprisingly, with the amount of photos she took, she quickly exhausted the hundred-photo film Grey had initially installed in the camera. She was actually quite frightening to be honest.
"Grey, Yuna, I know I said I would accept it, but... I think we have to change the terms for the photo paper films..." ［Ranzel］
"About that... How about a gold coin per film?" ［Grey］
"Oh, you have established a price already?" ［Ranzel］
"Well, it's a long story..." ［Grey］
It isn't a long story at all. It was just that Grey didn't want to recount the shenanigans a certain King made which led to them discussing a price. Just remembering how he exhausted three whole films in a couple minutes was enough to give him a headache.
Well, not that Vanessa is any different. Thankfully, there was Ranzel and Kurt to stop her from wasting the films every time she wanted to. With them, the films should last much longer... probably...
"Still, this camera sure is good at capturing views, huh... Look! I even got a good picture of the gardens!" ［Vanessa］
"Oh, you're right... This would be amazing when we go on trips.." ［Ranzel］
"Un! We can capture all kinds of views with it! We can even make an album out of them! Grey and I had many of them!" ［Yuna］
"Good views, mmn... Like the sea, perhaps?" ［Vanessa］
"Un! Like the seaー" ［Yuna］
None of them saw it coming. It was all too sudden, neither Grey nor Yuna able to prepare themselves from Vanessa's words. Before they knew it, they had already fallen to Vanessa's sudden trap.
There was still a smile on Vanessa's face, but it was nothing like the one from before. Rather than a warm and radiant smile, it was a dark and tightening one which sent chills down their spines. Trouble was drawing near.
"Speaking of which, Grey, Yuna... I heard something quite interesting from His Majesty the other day. Would you like to hear it?" ［Vanessa］
"Y-Yes...?" ［Grey］
"You see, His Majesty mentioned an outing on the sea several days ago. There were lots of people invited as well! His Majesty said it was really fun!" ［Vanessa］
Vanessa was smiling brightly and chatting cheerfully but neither Grey nor Yuna could feel any warmth from either. Rather, they could only feel doom looming closer with each and every passing second.
"His Majesty said the view was very beautiful and the food was also delicious! But as I was listening to His Majesty's stories, it made me wonder... Have you perhaps forgotten to invite us, Grey, Yuna?" ［Vanessa］
It was over. Vanessa was still smiling as she asked, but her words were as sharp as daggers, eyes threatening and intimidating as one can be. Not even Ranzel could say a single word, only able to wish them good luck. He, too, had already been punished.
"I'm not really angry, per se... It's just that, you should have told me beforehand, you know? I was heartbroken, you know?" ［Vanessa］
""S-Sorry..."" ［Grey and Yuna］
"Hm? An apology should be expressed with actions, rather than words, no? And a sweet treat would do～!" ［Vanessa］
They've been had, and big time, at that.
Vanessa was not angry at all, but she was still a little sulky. Unfortunately for Grey and Yuna, their realization came far too late. They could only nod in silence as they promised to make a new dessert especially for Vanessa.
"Hey, Dear, isn't that too much? They've already brought us a lot of gifts. Can't you let them off just this once?" ［Ranzel］
"Dear, this is this, and that is that! They're completely different matters!" ［Vanessa］
Though her words weren't entirely wrong, Ranzel was still a little dumbfounded by his wife's way of reasoning, unable to voice out a single word to retort. Reasonable and unreasonable at the same time. That is who Vanessa is.
Well, not that Grey and Yuna hate that part of her. Rather, it was that part of her that got them close with one another. She may be a littleー Err... Pretty troublesome, but she is still one of their precious people. A request or two was no big deal.
"Fufufu. Looks like we have no other choice." ［Yuna］
"Haah... You can say that again..." ［Grey］
There was no time to waste. As there was a sound-dampening barrier on the room, there was no need to head to the kitchen, Grey simply took out their portable kitchen, tables, stoves, utensils, and many more appearing out of thin air.
Of course, all sorts of ingredients popped out one after another too. The typical flour, egg, salt, sugar, cream, and all basic ingredients one would need to make sweets. It was a varied assortment of all tastes and colors.
"Ohh～! I did hear from His Highness that Grey and Yuna have a portable kitchen... So this is what it looks like... It's amazing!" ［Vanessa］
And as they prepared their little kitchen, they heard yet another off-putting comment. Both Grey and Yuna swore deep in their hearts to punish the King and Julius for not keeping their mouths shut. Just an itsy-bitsy punishment, nothing too serious... Yep, nothing too serious...
'Oh, I almost forgot.' ［Grey］
Obviously, Grey didn't forget to put up a cooling barrier and strengthened the sound-dampening barrier. The kitchen can be too hot and noisy, after all. They can't be having that with a little baby around.
"Then, Big Sis Vanessa, Mister Ranzel, we're starting now～!" ［Yuna］
"Okay～!" ［Vanessa］
"Good luck, you two." ［Ranzel］
Everything now prepared, the kitchen's orchestra started to play once again. Eggs were cracked and beaten, flames started to roar and dance, and ingredients were mixed one after another. It was a sight everyone was oh so familiar with.
And what might Grey and Yuna be cooking?
It is none other than one of the most popular german desserts there is, Beinenstich! A multi-layered yeast cake filled with vanilla custard and cream, and topped with honey-glazed sliced almonds. A crunchy and creamy treat.
First was the making of the dough. Grey combined the flour, butter, salt, sugar, yeast, eggs, and water, mixing and kneading the mixture until a smooth and supple texture. He then placed it in an oiled bowl and let it rise with magic.
Grey folded and cut it, expelling any and all excess gas before rolling it into balls, patting and stretching it until a pie circle was made. Finally, he then placed it into cake pans, letting it rest and relax for several minutes.
As Grey prepared the dough, Yuna prepared the topping. She first melted the butter over medium heat, adding sugar, honey, and cream until the mixture came to a boil, finally adding the sliced almonds until a light golden color shined in the kitchen. Then placing on the dough.
"Big Sis Vanessa, are you still following?" ［Yuna］
"Yes～! Ah! But I might ask questions later though. Is that okay?" ［Vanessa］
"Un! That's fine." ［Yuna］
Of course, they weren't simply just cooking. As Vanessa was also a baker herself, they were also doing demonstrations for her to follow if she ever wants to make one for themselves to enjoy. Her eyes were sharp as her sword as she took notes.
Having preheated the oven, the bienenstich until the edges turned to golden brown and the topping started to bubble. And with the use of magic, what would usually take half an hour was easily done in a couple minutes, soon cooling it down.
And with a quick flip, the sweet and golden almond topping was revealed. A quick few slices later, and a number of layers were made, placing the sweet vanilla custard and cream filling in the middle of each layer.
To top things off, honey was then run through the top of the cake. A sweet supple syrup ran through the beautiful masterpiece as Yuna slowly and carefully sliced the cake into eighth beautiful and fluffy slices.
"And... We're doー" ［Yuna］
"Waah～! So cute! Dear, look! It's so cute!" ［Vanessa］
Yuna couldn't even finish her words. As soon as she was done with the final touches, Vanessa quickly rushed towards the fluffy little thing, her eyes sparkling like crystal clear diamonds lit under the night sky. She was excited as one can be.
Vanessa was squealing and clapping cheerfully, snapping a number of photos of the bienenstich as she admired it from all angles. It was still a new film but she already wasted almost a dozen photo papers, quick as lightning.
"Waah～! It's so cuteー Ah!" ［Vanessa］
Thankfully, Ranzel was there to put a stop to her antics. As she was distracted with the sweet little treat before her, he quickly grabbed the camera before Vanessa could even get a tight grip, storing it in his storage ring.
"Hey! I was still taking photos!" ［Vanessa］
"Dear, if you waste any more films, we won't have enough for Anne's photos. Would you really like that to happen?" ［Ranzel］
"Uuu... But... Uuu... Fine..." ［Vanessa］
It was as simple as that. Just a few convincing words from her husband and Vanessa quickly gave up, a little trace of hesitation in her eyes. After all, she may love desserts but her daughter was much more important. Anne was the cutest.
And as Vanessa was having a little inner battle, Grey and Yuna prepared the plates and forks, designing the servings with a couple drops of cream and honey-glazed almonds by the sides. Presentation is an important taste, after all.
"Big Sis Vanessa, don't be too down. Here, have a taste." ［Yuna］
"Mmn... Okay..." ［Vanessa］
A single bite yet a drastic change. The Vanessa who was previously sulking had her lips arch into a bright smile as soon as a sweet and creamy flavor burst forth inside her mouth, flooding her tongue with a hint of crunchiness with each bite.
"Mmn～! Delicious! Have a taste too, dear!" ［Vanessa］
She was now brimming with energy and excitement, slicing a small slice and feeding it to her husband. The latter, on the receiving end, was painted with a bit of surprise and delight, happily savoring his bite.
"Oh, it really is. And the almonds are also a nice touch." ［Ranzel］
"Right～? I wonder what kind of toppings I could put on top... Would fruits and cream work on it?" ［Vanessa］
"Hmm... We haven't really tried... But I don't think it's a bad idea." ［Grey］
And as it was a gathering of people who loved sweets, as they enjoyed their slices, they thought of a couple ways to improve the current dessert. Vanessa with her years of experience was especially enthusiastic, asking Grey and Yuna what kinds of ingredients they got in hand.
They had a variety of fruits, nuts, and berries, different types of syrups and cream, all sorts of condiments, and a lot more. If they were going to make a lot of varieties, there would be no shortage of ingredients. All that's left is to experiment.
"Okay! Let's test it out!" ［Vanessa］
And experiment they did. With Vanessa on the lead Grey and Yuna created all sorts of design and combinations, creating what they think would taste best. And as one would expect, a mountain of bienenstich was created one after another.
There was one topped with butter, one with sweet jam as filling, one with a strawberry topping, and one with a hint of lemon. All were lined up on the kitchen table, filling the place with life and colors, a delightful and appetite-arousing fragrance in the air.
"Oh! This one's super good! It's very soft and fluffy but still firm enough to hold its shape. Did you make this, Yuna?" ［Vanessa］
"Un! But is it not too sweet?" ［Yuna］
"Mmn... I think it's just right." ［Vanessa］
"I think so too, but Yuna... Don't you think there's too much honey?" ［Grey］
"Hehehe! I might have spilled a little more than usual." ［Yuna］
Of course, with baking comes tasting as well. One after another, everyone sliced their trial products and reviewed whether they could pass or not. Though there were many that suited their taste, some were just too sweet, mushy, and straight up inedible.
"Uuu... Uuu... Uuu..." ［Antoinette］
"Don't worry, I'll take care of Anne." ［Ranzel］
"Thank you, Dear." ［Vanessa］
The little angel had woken up once again, but there was no need to fret. Ranzel was to the rescue, scooping out their little angel to his arms and patting her ever so gently just like Vanessa did, soothing her feebly and softly.
Time passed some more, and more and more piles of beinenstich were taken out from the oven, piling up over the white table, each one different from the other. In fact, there were so many, it probably reached several dozen varieties already.
"Grey, I'll taste this one, okay?" ［Vanessa］
"Hm? Sure." ［Grey］
But not everything was merry and happy. Oblivious to what was before her, Vanessa, with a bright and blooming smile on her face, sliced a little slice of the beinenstich before her, feeding to herself with a wide bite.
"Ah, wait! Big Sis Vanessa, that'sー!!" ［Grey］
Remembering which beinenstich Vanessa was talking about, Grey tried to stop the former from having a taste. Unfortunately, he was already far too late. Vanessa had already had a taste of it, sharp flavors exploding in her mouth... Literally...
"Salty!!" ［Vanessa］
No, calling it salty would be an understatement. It felt like a rain of salt was violating her tongue, rampaging wildly. And it wasn't just salty, it was also bitter and spicy, the opposite of a dessert. Tears soon formed on the corner of Vanessa's eyes as she washed off the deathly taste.
After all, it was not one meant to be tasted. It was Grey's marvelous creation which he will use for his and Yuna's revenge against the King and Julius. Yet never in his wildest imagination did he think Vanessa would be the first victim.
"Grey... You're horrible..." ［Vanessa］
"S... Sorry... Please have some ice cream. It should wash off the taste." ［Grey］
"Ugh... Thanks..." ［Vanessa］
For the first time in forever, Grey had finally won against Vanessa. However, it was a way he never expected, even in his wildest imagination...
"Uuu... It's still lingering..." ［Vanessa］
... It was quite the bizarre sight to behold, to say the least.
CHAPTER 254 END