> Ellie PoV

Me and Kira enter the guild building.

We received a message saying there’s a letter for us from the capital.

It must be their response about our Flight Badge request.

They’re slow!

It’s been more than three weeks since we sent it!

Ah, but a round trip to there takes two weeks now so maybe it’s okay?

We took the letter from Clara.

Kira opened it immediately and read it.

“Seems they want to meet us in person for an interview. Says we’re a bit suspicious. How rude! Well, a Baron’s word doesn’t hold much weight in the capital so it’s not unexpected.” (Kira)

Looks like we’ll need to go on another trip.

Let’s do this one leisurely!

Maybe we can bring the kids...

“So Ellie is going to the capital?!” (Clara)

“Seems so.” (Ellie)

“I… see…” (Clara)

For some reason Clara suddenly gets depressed.

Ah I see, she might feel lonely since her idol (me) isn’t here.

No good, I must cheer her up somehow.

She is always happy when I ask her for advice, so let’s do that!

“By the way Clara, do you know any good places that serve sweets?” (Ellie)

I’ve been wanting to have a small family outing recently.

Kids love sweet things, so this is a good chance.

“Ah! That’s right!” (Clara)

She instantly brightened up as expected.

“There’s this new place that’s really good!” (Clara)

* * *

The sign above says “Vestiges of the Empire.”

It’s a bit pompous, but Clara recommended it so I expect good things.

We walk into the cake shop, the whole family showed up to see it.

Kelly too, for some reason.

I thought she would just go to the bar, but apparently even she’s curious.

But this shop is way too crowded!

I heard it just opened recently, but it’s already so successful.

This is probably a good thing.

We somehow find a table and take our seats.

Sitting on these large cushioned benches rather than wooden chairs is a bit different.

It’s pretty great since I can sit right next to Kira.

I lean on her slightly, putting my head on Kira’s shoulder.

Kira instantly reveals a huge smile and puts a hand on my head.

*Scrich scritch*

As expected, Kira’s way too skillful with her hand.

*Purrrrrr*

I tried to hold my voice in since it’s a bit embarrassing in public, but purring came out instead!

What sort of conspiracy is this!?

*Scritch scritch*

*Purrrrrr*

Well, Kira finds it cute so I will accept it.

“Ugh, I haven’t even ordered anything and I’m already getting a toothache…” (Kelly)

“Mommy’s ears look so soft! I want to touch them again!” (Sophie)

“Not now sis, don’t interrupt Mom’s turn!” (Lara)

“Okay…” (Sophie)

Lately I’ve been letting Sophie and Lara touch my ears.

Somehow, instinctively, it feels wrong.

Like submitting to someone much younger than me, a hard to describe feeling.

They’re not as skilled as Kira, though.

But these are our precious daughters, I cannot deny them such simple happiness.

Therefore, I put up with the slight discomfort.

It’s a sacrifice that’s easy to make.

Since I’m the mom.

Although I need to be wary of their combination M-word attacks in the future.

They’ve been getting really good at that sort of thing.

“Hello everyone! I’d like to welcome you to our cake shop!” (Waitress)

The waitress shows up, she’s a cheerful-looking girl.

Her uniform is a long dark-blue maid-like dress.

I say maid-like because it’s similar, but also different.

The skirt is shorter, not even going past her knees.

It’s also super-frilly.

“Here is the menu! I’ll be back shortly to take your order!” (Waitress)

The high-tension waitress leaves and goes to service another table.

We all look through the menu.

Listed inside are a wide range of cakes with interesting descriptions.

Since there’s no pictures so it’s hard to tell what they look like beforehand.

At least their names are fun!

A few minutes later the waitress came back.

“So have you all decided yet?” (Waitress)

“I wanted to try the whiskey cake I heard about, can you bring me one of them?” (Kelly)

“Of course, one Drowning Mariner it is!” (Waitress)

“Chocolate Apocalypse for me, please.” (Kira)

“Strawberry of Despair.” (Ellie)

“Chocolate Apocalypse for me too!” (Lara)

“Visa- Vissi- This one please!” (Sophie)

Sophie holds up the menu while pointing at one of the entries.

Nano’s teaching her, but she still can’t read very well.

Incidentally, Lara already knew how to read when we met.

“Visceral Vanilla? Okay! I’ll bring them out shortly!” (Waitress)

After writing down our order she disappeared again in a flash.

She’s extra motivated to work in this shop, she thinks highly of her boss.

It’s not a bad thing, but isn’t she going to cause an accident if she runs like that?

The waitress comes back almost instantly this time, already carrying five pieces of cake on small plates.

As intelligence (Clara) reported, they look cute.

I put a piece of my strawberry shortcake into my mouth.

*Nom*

…

…

…

Huh?

I think I blacked out.

“Noooooo!” (Ellie)

My cake was so good I finished it an instant!

I should have savored it!

Somehow I screamed out in despair!

Ah, but it was called Strawberry of Despair, wasn’t it?

I see, I see, what a fitting name!

I want another one, but something tells me the same thing will happen.

Sophie has also already demolished her cake.

She ate it so vigorously it made a mess of her face and dress.

Her face in particular has a blank expression of disbelief.

Visceral Vanilla, also a worthy opponent!

Kelly has barely eaten half her Drowning Mariner but she’s already under the table!

To knock out this veteran drunkard, just how strong is that thing!?

Wait, what about the Chocolate Apocalypse?

Lara and Kira are both crying!

“It’s chocolate, the whole world is chocolate. The air, the sea, the land…” (Kira)

“It’s like I’m breathing chocolate… it’s so good I can’t even see anything but chocolate!” (Lara)

Ah, I see.

Truly an annihilation of one’s senses!

The waitress comes back a little later.

“I see you all enjoyed your cake! I hope you don’t mind, but the boss has some words for you girls.

He’s a bit loud and rough with his words, but he means well, so please don’t get angry okay?” (Waitress)

She leans in and whispers the last part with a small smile.

Someone steps out from behind her, this must be boss.

He’s a tall purple guy in an apron with horns poking out from a white chef’s hat.

I, THE GREAT AND MIGHTY ZUBLOS, HEREBY DECLARE YOUR PITIABLE ATTITUDE TOWARDS ONE’S CREATIONS HAS BEEN WITNESSED AND JUDGED AS SATISFACTORY

Wow, this guy is really loud.

Somehow, I really want to throw something at his face.

But since the waitress kindly asked beforehand, I will not mind it.

“He means he’s really glad you enjoyed his cake and was deeply moved.” (Waitress)

The waitress interprets his long words.

IN LIGHT OF THIS PUNY CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS MY GREAT SELF, YOUR UNWORTHY OFFERING OF COIN IS DEEMED UNNECESSARY

“He means it’s on the house as thanks.” (Waitress)

It seems I’m the only one who has recovered enough to respond.

Therefore, I must show my gratitude.

Since I'm the wife.

Also mom.

“We appreciate it Zublos. We certainly enjoyed your amazing cakes!” (Ellie)

WORDS OF PRAISE ARE AS MEANINGLESS AS YOUR FUTILE LIVES

TREMBLE IN FEAR FOR I HAVE HEARD THEM

After accepting my thanks (I think) he went back into the kitchen.

He shouted something about “THE END IS COMING” along the way.

Must be a new cake, I’ll be looking forward to it!