A day somewhere that Hans Schmidt would not even dare to imagine existing.

It is the middle of the afternoon.

The place is surrounded with lush green trees and all sorts of plants that grow around them. Different kinds of sounds can be heard throughout. From the chirping of the birds, cry of different animals and the gushing of the wind that passes through the leaves of the humongous trees.

The trees stretches to the sky from the ground, estimated to be 15 meters each, letting only some portion of the sunlight to pass through. Creating a scenery of raining rays from the sun.

A lone figure is seen silently hiding from the bushes while waiting in lie for something that close resembles a wild boar.

*swoosh!*

A wide net suddenly expanded from the ground where the animal walked on and captured the unknowing prey. With a loud cry, it flailed around as it attempts to break free from the net to no avail. The trap was perfectly set to capture it with its size, strength, and weight considered.

“Hmph…”

The figure went for the struggling animal and stabbed it right where its heart is located ending its life. The blood flowed from the carcass as it was carried and put inside a large leather bag.

“I guess this will do for today.”

Standing up from place is followed by the figure’s smooth, black hair tied into a ponytail that flows straightly like an unending river as it shines from the few sunlight that passes through the trees. She flips her front hair leftwards which now flows downward evenly just above her eyes while fixing the moon shaped clip that fixes her right bangs to the side.

“Phew…”

Heaving a sigh of relief after a long day in the forest, she wiped the unsheathed dagger, removing the blood of the animal and returned it to its scabbard. She then pats her leather-made chest cover and pants to remove some of the dust which accumulated from hiding in the bushes.

“Ceres! Are you done~?”

Just not far from the site, a woman’s voice was heard calling the young woman, who is called Ceres.

“Anya. Yes. I just placed the body of [Horned Boar] in that bag.”

Ceres saw Anya pattering towards her while holding a leather bag containing a bunch of herb overflowing from it.

Her long, fluffy, and wavy hair danced along the wind as she stopped to take a breath after a short jog. She held her hand to her ample chest as it moves upward and downward from her heavy breathing.

“I see! Phew~ I’m also done collecting herbs. Let’s all bring them back to the cart!”

She wiped her forehead with the back of her hands causing her hair to be disheveled.

“*sigh*”

“Hm~?”

Ceres reached for Anya’s hair to arrange it neatly and pats it gently before withdrawing her hand.

“Fufu~ Thank you~ It’s like you’re a big sister.”

“What big sister… You’re three years older. I’m only turning 21 this year.”

“Gee! It’s like you’re saying I’m an old lady already!”

“I’m not.”

“Ceeereees!”

The two young woman who are called Ceres and Anya went with their usual banter as they walked their way to the cart which was parked just by the opening of the forest.

*thud*

And with a loud thud, the bag containing the body of the Horned Boar was place in the cart altogether with the other hunted animals.

“See you next time, [Traveler’s Forest]~”

Anya paid her respects towards the forest they just went out from.

“Is there really a need to do that?”

“Geez, Ceres… If you pay your respect toward the forest, you don’t know maybe it will give us a lot more the next time!”

“Maybe?”

“Don’t mind the small details! Let’s go~!”

Anya bubbly raised her right hand to the air as signal for the start of their departure followed by the motion of her bountiful chest.

“Right, right…”

Ceres whipped the roped that is connected to the horse from the cart. The horse began to walk and went their way back to the town.

[Floresia Town]. A town located in the far south of [Estelanta Kingdom] that will take a month by foot and around two weeks to travel by horse.

It is one of the neighboring town near the Traveler’s Forest which is the known for safest possible route for travelers, hence its name. It is known for its beautiful scenery and relaxing atmosphere. Surrounded by different kinds of flowers that are found from almost everywhere in the continent. It is said that a witch who loved flowers came to the village a long time ago and casted her original spell as thanks to the residents and made it how the way it is right now.

At the north-central part of the town is a circular plaza with a fountain in the middle. It branches to four ways, to north, east, south, with the west as its exit and lead towards the Traveler’s Forest.

It consists of a river bank that crosses the southern part of the town crossing from west to east that flows from the huge lake in the Traveler’s Forest which flows to nearby towns as well. Along the river are the houses and buildings made from bricks and wood that even now gives off a medieval atmosphere. The pavement are arranged with crafted cobblestones that stretches from the gate to the inner part of the town.

Different kinds of people are also seen happily walking alongside the pavement. There are those buying from the stalls and markets. Others are resting on a bench beside the relatively huge fountain in the plaza. Children playing while their mothers are watching them peacefully. From the [Beast-Eared] race, [Elves], [Dwarves] and [Humans], all sorts of colors are harmoniously going here and there inside the town.

It has now became a tourist spot for those who are on their way to Estelanta Kindom. It is a perfect stop for those who are exhausted from their travels. Inns, restaurants, bakeries, pubs, armory, public market, and all sorts of department can be found in the town as well.

One of those is the [Lunaria Café], located just by the east street of the town from the plaza. One of the famous establishments that had its roots way back after the end of the [Cursed Age] which is around two centuries ago. The number of renovations it had before today is apparent from the outside. It is designed with reddish-brown slate roof tiles and bricks for the wall supported by wooden pillars with four corners.

*clang clang*

“We’re back~”

The sun has already started to set when they arrived, but there are still more things to do before calling it a day for them.

The moment they entered the door, there they found a person cleaning. The person’s frilly skirt waved from left to right while wiping off the tables.

“Oh, welcome back! How was your day in the forest?”

Turning their back from the table to face the two women, the one that welcomed them greeted them with an angelic smile befitting of their race.

“It went well, look~!”

“Wow. So many!”

Along with the elated gesture of the person while holding their fists near their chest, their elongated and pointy ears slightly perked expressing their delight.

“Ehe~ Sofie~ you really are cute as always…~”

Anya placed both his hands on the person, called Sofie, and pinched it softly. It’s a gesture that can be said the usual every time Ceres and Anya come back from their hunt.

“I said, it is Sofiel…! How many times should I tell you…?”

Teary eyed, he protested his name to be corrected while flailing his arms around. Sofiel closed his eyes while his cheeks are being massaged teasingly by Anya.

“But look how cute you are~”

“Ermm… But I am still a boy…”

Yes. While being biologically male, Sofiel’ facial features are that of a cute girl.

Elves are a different race from Humans and lives usually in an abundant forest but a number of them venture to Human settlements with various personal reasons. They are also known for their unparalleled beauty and some of them cannot even be distinguished whether they are a boy or a girl.

“But that waitress dress fit you perfectly~”

“… I like cute things, that’s why. But I’m still a boy at heart! So stop calling me Sofie! But I admit it sounds cute though…”

“I understand… Then I’ll call you Sofie~”

“Were you even listening?? Geez!”

“Anya. Stop fooling around. We have to prepare for tomorrow.”

“I am sorry, Chef Ceres!!”

“Oh my, we got scolded by Ceres~”

Noticing the sharp glare, that if left alone could kill someone, Sofiel immediately bowed his head deeply as a form of apology. If one would look closely, Sofiel can even be seen slightly trembling from his shoulders.

Sofiel have been working ever since the last owner of Lunaria. He was doing well with the last owner and feels indebt to her that is why even though he is considerably scared of Ceres, he still stayed to work with them.

“I got it already. If you’re done there, you can go home.”

“I-I-I understand!”

“Really… Ceres… You should relax your shoulders a little more.”

Anya softly sighed while bringing the herbs she gathered during the day to the kitchen. She is already used to Ceres’ strict personality to the point where it does not even reach her.

“A waste of time is a waste of time.”

“*sigh*”

Anya winked at the direction of Sofiel while signaling she can leave it to her. Sofiel then in return bowed and went his way to the changing room.

“Say, Ceres. Do you hate me?”

“Wha- what are you talking about all of a sudden?”

“Just answer.”

Ceres was a little bit surprised because of Anya’s change in tone. She stopped her hands from chopping the ingredients and lowered her head.

“I don’t.”

“Then do you love me?”

“…”

“Hmmm?”

“I-I do.”

Ceres answered as soft as it was almost a whisper in which one will not hear it unless they strain their ears. Her face became flushed up to her ears and hot that her head almost emitted steam.

“I see~! Thank you~ I love you too~”

“…~!!”

Out of embarrassment, Ceres hid her face with both her hands from the sudden words of Anya.

“Then… Do you hate your job?”

“N-No…”

“What about Lunaria?”

“That would be impossible!”

“…”

Anya was not at least surprised by the abrupt voice of Ceres. Even with the continuous questions she asks Ceres, she already knew the answer from the start, or at least that is what she wanted to believe.

“Aunt Anastasia took in even someone like me. This place is where she brought me up together with you. I would not dare hate this place…”

“Ceres…”

“… This place is one of my treasures…”

Anya reached out to Ceres’ hair and patted her head with a smile on her face as of that of an older sister to her little sister.

“Mom used to say that I should study cooking more since I would definitely take up the ownership of this place.”

“…”

“But what I thought that time was, ‘Ceres would be perfect to be Lunaria’s owner.’”

“Even now I still can’t believe the reason you did that…”

“But even now I still think so.”

…

..

.

“Moooom!”

“What is it, Anya? Oh together with Ceres? Is there something wrong?”

“You see, you see! I want Ceres to be the next owner!”

“A-Anya?? What are you saying?? This is different from what we talked about! Madam Anastasia, it’s not! I wouldn’t dare to do that!”

Anastasia smiled and patted her daughter’s head.

“And why do you think so, Anya?”

“Anya!”

Ceres was fuming as she was confused by the sudden declaration of her best friend which is different from what they have talked about.

Anya said to Ceres that she should just leave everything to her and that she will make Ceres more happy to make up for the time she was not. But unknown to Ceres, Anya was already thinking ahead of her future, with her happiness also in account.

“Because whenever I see Ceres cook, I like her smile the most then! She should do what she loved the most!”

“… Anya…”

“Said my cute daughter, Ceres. What do you think?”

Anastasia smiled gently at Ceres along with the question.

“…”

…

..

.

“Fufu~ I remember you running out of the house then because you couldn’t take it~”

“That was entirely you fault. *sigh*”

“Eeeeh~? I don’t think so~”

Anya’s smile almost produced light because of its brightness as she continued to converse with her beloved little sister. They may be unrelated by blood, but for Anya, she is already a family and a sister; an irreplaceable person in her life.

*chop* *chop* *chop*

The night has fallen and only the sound of the chopping board and the boiling water can be heard throughout the café. The night in Floresia Town is usually quiet and almost only the cry of the insects can be heard. It is calm and nobody would dare to disrupt that peace.

“I mean it, even now.”

“Hm? What is?”

“That I love the smile you have every time you cook. That’s why I want to let the others too how you love cooking.”

“Anya…”

“Well, everything’s done and all so, want to take a bath together~? Like before~?”

“O-okay.”

“Yippee~! A bath with Ceres~”

They placed everything that should freeze overnight inside the refrigerator which is powered by ice magic and cleaned the kitchen before proceeding upstairs where their living quarter is. But unbeknownst to them that they have forgotten something important.

…

“I did not get to go out in time…”

Sofiel, who could not find the right timing to go out, was still inside the changing room.

…

..

.

“Welcome! A seat for two, I presume?”

“Yes, please.”

“Then this way.”

Another busy day for the staff of Lunaria when all of a sudden…

*clang*

“I can’t take it!! Why are you always like that?! Have I ever done something to you?!”

One of the cook thrown the stainless bowl on the floor without any restraint. Her face is already painted with red expressing her anger and veins almost popping from her head.

“I’m only pointing your mistakes. If you can’t even figure that out, perhaps I was mistaken about your capabilities.”

“That does it! I quit! I’ll never come back here!”

“No one’s even holding you here. If you want to go, then go.”

“Then I gladly will!”

“Hmph.”

The store’s atmosphere suddenly plummeted where it seems cold air have flowed inside at the blink of an eye.

“W-We’re sorry for the inconvenience. As an apology, everything will be on the house. So please, enjoy your meal.”

Anya flashed a smile to all the costumers inside the store and without a moment of delay the now cold atmosphere turned warm and fluffy. It is one in the secret menu in Lunaria Café in which if by chance someone saw Anya’s smile, would equal the happiness they will feel for the whole day.

“Ahh… I feel cozy just looking at Anya’s smile…”

“Yeah… She’s so cute… So this happiness…”

*glare*

“Hiii!!”

“What’s that…? Did you feel that??”

“It came from the kitchen… right…?”

“Ceres! Sofie? Watch the store for the moment!”

“Yes, l-leave it to me!”

Sofiel bowed and continued to serve the costumers. Anya pulled on Ceres’ hands and brought her upstairs.

“Well? What happened there?”

“She kept making mistakes so I told her off.”

Ceres is now sitting on the floor while looking proudly looking at Anya.

“’So I told her off.’ Or not! Why did you do that?? We’re already even short on people and now another one left!”

“But-“

“No buts!”

Hearing Anya bursting out in anger, which is a rare case even with just the two of them, Ceres flinched in her place.

Anya’s personality is one of the reason why she is rarely seen angry. But whenever it comes to Lunaria and her little sister, Ceres, it becomes a different matter.

There was once a time during their childhood, where Ceres accidentally hurt herself from the knife but still continued to help in the kitchen. Anya got so mad and locked Ceres inside her room the whole day to prevent her from hurting herself again. It took some time and pleading to ease her anger, and also a handmade cookies from Ceres herself.

“She didn’t do what I told her, and… kept making mistakes because of that…”

“And then??”

“I didn’t like it…”

One can almost see Ceres’ figure started to shrink.

“That’s not how you solve anything… *sigh*”

“… ange…”

“Hm?”

“It would change the taste of Madam Anastasia’s food, so I didn’t like it!”

“Ceres…”

“I would never forgive anyone if even just by little, would they cause this store to close down.”

A sudden constricting sensation surfaced inside Anya after hearing Ceres’ reason but it was not unpleasant at all. Moreover, it was a warm sensation. She felt greatly happy because even with Ceres’ reasoning, she knew that Ceres’ really loves Lunaria.

“Phew… Ceres. I understand your distrust of others… I know. But there are more than one ways to resolve the issue, am I wrong?”

“… No.”

“*sigh* If you understand that then, I’ll let it go. I’ll apologize to Fiana later. Let’s go back before more costumers come~ Here~”

Anya reached her hands and pulled Ceres from her postion.

“… Anya.”

Ceres whispered softly while rubbing her left arm. She always rubs her arm whenever she contemplates about something.

“Hmm?”

“… I’m sorry.”

“Fufu~ I think you’re saying it to the wrong person, but oh well. Apology accepted~ I’ll tell that to Fiana too.”

“… Mm.”

…

..

.

“Good work everyone~! Well it’s just Ceres and Sofie now.”

“Ahahaha…”

“Hmph.”

It’s now evening and Lunaria is in its closing time. Sofiel and Anya began wiping the tables and remove all the left dishes on it, while Ceres is cleaning the kitchen.

“*sigh* If this goes on, this shop won’t last.”

*shatter!*

“N-No way…”

Ceres was wiping the dishes that was just washed and after she heard Anya, it accidentally slipped of her hands due to her surprise. While sweating profusely, she looked at Anya for confirmation.

“Why are YOU surprised, Ceres?”

“… Uuu.”

“U-Uhm…”

Sofiel raised his hands while still wiping the tables.

“Sofie~?”

He stopped his hands and brought them near his chest.

“I wouldn’t quit whatever happens so don’t worry!”

“… Sofie…”

All of a sudden, Anya’s mood turned positive in an instant with stars and sparkles popping out from her.

“Sofie~! I’m so happy~!”

“Uwaa~ S-stoooop!”

Anya threw herself to Sofiel and hugged him. His face was buried in Anya’s ample bosom because of their height difference.

“Thank you!”

“I-I got! I-I got it already! I can’t b-breathe! L-Let go…”

“Hmph.”

Ceres flipped the sign hanged on the door to “close” and return to what she was doing. And with that, another day in Lunaria café has come to an end.

…

..

.

Chapter 3 End