"Mnn～! Grey and Yuna's sweets really are the best!" ［Vanessa］

  A short and sweet squeal echoed in the air, a rge smile blooming ever shtly. A flood of sweetness exploded in the dy'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 Antoie for three whole weeks, but both Vanessa and Ranzel have been wolfing dows oer another. A whole mountain of cups and ptes 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 siingly sweet. They didn't even care that Grey and Yuhere, 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 feery, Grey, Yuna?" ［Vanessa］

  And one way or ahey 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 faot just a feery, 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 mueed 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 vilge ba 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 o 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 uain, but there was no harm in making little promises. Everyone tinued 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 iernoon, somewhere along the lihe chefs brought in a delightful meal for everyoo enjoy, wonderful dishes brought ier ahe time for eating has yet to finish.

  It was just as one would expect from the chefs of a noble household. Ead every single one of the dishes prepared was top-tier in dispy, smell, taste, aure. It all just melts in their mouths, fvors exploding all over.

  "ht... Before I fet... I actually have something to give you, Big Sis Vanessa, Mister Ranzel..." ［Grey］

  Just as they almost fiheir te lunch, a sudden thought popped up on Grey's mind and his spoon and fork soon stopped moving. He then wiped his hands and grabbed a small object from his "Iory".

  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 her than the camera, and it was not the same from before. Now, it was an improved version with zoom, night mode, and fsh adjustmeure. The sed edition!

  "Waah～! So this is the camera Her Majesty was talking about! It looks so amazing! Hey, hey, I have a try?" ［Vanessa］

  "Dear, umm... Dear, please calm down a little... In the first pce, do you even know how to use it?" ［Ranzel］

  "Ah, right..." ［Vanessa］

  Vanessa's excitement was quelled, but her eyes tio sparkle bright, looking at Grey and Yuna's dire with i ahusiasm. The two didn't eveo 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 tter 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 fshes resounding in the air as photos were takeer another, Vanessa ag like aed little child who just got a oy.

  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 ess. This is amazing!" ［Ranzel］

  "Right～?! With this, reserve 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 fsh was not very bright and Antoie tio sleep peacefully.

  "Grey, Yuna, we really have this? This seems quite valuable... Are you sure you don't want any pensation?" ［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 tter tio 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 plexity of the runes used to make the camera, it could fetch at least several huhousand kiels. If it were to be pced in an au, it could easily be sold at several millions, the price of a rge mansion. It was very expensive.

  But for the two, su expense was nothing. After all, Grey also got to improve his smithing and enting skills with it. As for the materials, they have plenty sitting in his "Iory", gathering dust in the er. They were just fun little projects.

  It's not like Ranzel and Vanessa were the only ohey had given a camera to. As promised, they also gave oo the Royal Family just this m as well and are pnning to give more out iure.

  "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 objes anymore. Not that Grey and Yuna are going to budge either. It was the only way.

  Vanessa, oher hand, was still taking pictures all over the pce, 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 cliymore?" ［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 ho.

  "Grey, Yuna, I know I said I would accept it, but... I think we have to ge the terms for the photo paper films..." ［Ranzel］

  "About that... How about a gold 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 ret 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 wao. With them, the films should st 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 capture all kinds of views with it! We 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 ing. It was all too suddeher Grey nor Yuna able to prepare themselves from Vanessa's words. Before they k, 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 spirouble was drawing near.

  "Speaking of which, Grey, Yuna... I heard something quite iing 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 her Grey nor Yuna could feel any warmth from either. Rather, they could only feel doom looming closer with ead every passing sed.

  "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 fotten 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 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 as, 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 frey and Yuna, their realization came far too te. 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. 't you let them off just this once?" ［Ranzel］

  "Dear, this is this, and that is that! They're pletely different matters!" ［Vanessa］

  Though her words wereirely wrong, Ranzel was still a little dumbfounded by his wife's way of reasoning, uo voice out a single word to retort. Reasonable and unreaso 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 say that again..." ［Grey］

  There was no time to waste. As there was a sound-dampening barrier on the room, there was o head to the kit, Grey simply took out their portable kit, tables, stoves, utensils, and many more appearing out of thin air.

  Of course, all sorts of ingredients popped out oer aoo. The typical flg, salt, sugar, cream, and all basigredients one would o make sweets. It was a varied assortment of all tastes and colors.

  "Ohh～! I did hear from His Highhat Grey and Yuna have a portable kit... So this is what it looks like... It's amazing!" ［Vanessa］

  And as they prepared their little kit, they heard yet another off-putting ent. 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 fot.' ［Grey］

  Obviously, Grey didn't fet to put up a cooling barrier and strengthehe sound-dampening barrier. The kit be too hot and noisy, after all. They '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 kit's orchestra started to py once again. Eggs were cracked aen, fmes started to roar and dance, and ingredients were mixed oer another. It was a sight everyone was oh so familiar with.

  And what might Grey and Yuna be cooking?

  It is her than one of the most perman desserts there is, Beiich! A multi-yered yeast cake filled with vanil custard and cream, and topped with honey-gzed sliced almonds. A chy and creamy treat.

  First was the making of the dough. Grey bihe flour, butter, salt, sugar, yeast, eggs, and water, mixing and kneading the mixture until a smooth and supple texture. He the in an oiled bowl a rise with magic.

  Grey folded and cut it, expelling any and all excess gas before rolling it into balls, patting and stretg it until a pie circle was made. Finally, he the into cake pans, letting it rest and rex 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 i. Then pg on the dough.

  "Big Sis Vanessa, are you still following?" ［Yuna］

  "Yes～! Ah! But I might ask questiohough. 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 bieitil the edges turo 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 ter, and a number of yers were made, pg the sweet vanil custard and cream filling in the middle of each yer.

  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 ih 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 doh the final touches, Vanessa quickly rushed towards the fluffy little thing, her eyes sparkling like crystal clear diamonds lit uhe night sky. She was excited as one be.

  Vanessa was squealing and g cheerfully, snapping a number of photos of the bieich 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 eve a tight grip, st it in his ste 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 ving 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 ptes and forks, designing the servings with a couple drops of cream and honey-gzed 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 sie yet a drastic ge. The Vanessa who reviously sulking had her lips arto a bright smile as soon as a sweet and creamy fvor burst forth inside her mouth, floodioh a hint of ess with each bite.

  "Mmn～! Delicious! Have a taste too, dear!" ［Vanessa］

  She was now brimming with energy aement, slig a small slid feeding it to her husband. The tter, on the receiving end, ainted with a bit of surprise and delight, happily sav his bite.

  "Oh, it really is. And the almonds are also a ouch." ［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 eheir 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 ents, and a lot more. If they were going to make a lot of varieties, there would be no she 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 binations, creating what they think would taste best. And as one would expect, a mountain of bieich was created oer another.

  There was oopped with butter, oh sweet jam as filling, oh a strawberry topping, and oh a hint of lemon. All were lined up o table, filling the pce with life and colors, a delightful and appetite-arousing fragran 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 es tasting as well. Oer 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..." ［Antoie］

  "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 o fret. Ranzel was to the rescue, scooping out their little ao 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 beiich were taken out from the oven, piling up over the white table, eae 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 beiich before her, feeding to herself with a wide bite.

  "Ah, wait! Big Sis Vanessa, that'sー!!" ［Grey］

  Remembering which beiich Vanessa was talking about, Grey tried to stop the former from having a taste. Unfortunately, he was already far too te. Vanessa had already had a taste of it, sharp fvors exploding in her mouth... Literally...

  "Salty!!" ［Vanessa］

  No, calling it salty would be an uatement. It felt like a rain of salt was viotiongue, rampaging wildly. And it wasn't just salty, it was also bitter and spicy, the opposite of a dessert. Tears soon formed on the er of Vanessa's eyes as she washed off the deathly taste.

  After all, it was not o 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