This place seemed to be the factory and workshop of Posette Peperon Dessert Shop.

“Yes, then that’s it.”

However, Lucia, who had no way of knowing this, turned away without any intention of clearing up the old man’s ill mood.
He knew he wasn’t very articulate, so it would be difficult to clear up the misunderstanding of this grumpy old man.

As Lucia turned away after saying goodbye, it was Nia who was surprised by her firm action.

‘What the heck! Nia didn’t say goodbye…!’

Whether she noticed the child grumbling as she was being led away, Ivana rushed over and blocked their path.

“Nia, mom, wait!”

Ivana whispered to Nia.

Then, having heard her words, Nia seemed to catch on, let go of Lucia’s hand, and approached the old man.

And then, looking up with hesitant eyes,

“……Pozette peppercorn cookies taste so good, give me cookies, please!”

At that, the sternfaced old man seemed stunned, his face turned blank.

And then, one corner of his formerly stern mouth subtly lifted.

“Hm, hm. So, you like my cookies, huh? Fine. Follow me.”

As Nia followed the leading old man, Ivana pulled on Lucia’s sleeve and whispered.

“Nia, mom! Our Hadojin is really popular with the kids, so let’s praise them a little? Then mom will secretly give you a snack!”

Thus Ivana, despite her young age, wore a sly smile.

Lucia, who was watching that, thought to herself,

‘…Did I choose the wrong friend?’

.

.

.

“Ho ho, who’s this?”

“Ah, this is my granddaughter’s friend and her mother. She kept nagging for snacks, so I had no choice but to let them in. Hmm.”

“Oh, is that so? Then let’s eat! Our taste tester friend, you look so pretty! Come in, come in!”

As they started touring small workshops connected to the yard as if being introduced to them, the elderly artisans, upon seeing Lucia and Nia, greeted them skillfully despite their busy schedule.

And mother and daughter, while responding to the greetings, couldn’t take their eyes off the artisans’ dazzling skills.

The effortless piping of cream, the magical sugar artistry, and the rhythmic stretching and cutting of candy.

Even swordmaster Lucia was captivated by their skilled actions, honed over a lifetime.

Passing those marvelous workshops, they finally reached a full display, and she was impressed once again.

“……Oh!”

A display case that seemed like a whole territory, including castles, small houses, forests, flowing water, and livestock.

It looked like an entire territory had been transformed into sweets for display.

Though it seemed intentionally made for show, it even made her, who’s not expressive, utter admiration as it went beyond mere snacks to the realm of art.

And around the display were this month’s new snacks.

The old man pointed at them, speaking to Nia.

“Well, pick some.”

Though he sounded indifferent, he was already holding two boxes and wrapping paper.

Presumably, he was preparing for a picnic tomorrow, beyond what they’d eat today.

However, despite his active demeanor, Nia stood there rigidly, saying nothing.

“What are you doing, Nia? Choose. This green crumblecovered forest brownie is really delicious?”

That was a brownie?

What Ivana pointed out was a vividly colored, uniquely shaped brownie unlike anything they’d ever seen.

But despite this intriguing sight, Nia stood frozen.

Seeing this, she realized that the child had not made a single sound since arriving here.

Even she had been so fascinated by this place that she had neglected to notice the child’s reaction.

Quickly going over to the child to check,

“……!”

The child was clutching her trembling hands tightly, her eyes widening.

Seeing this reaction, Ivana and the following artisans also tilted their heads.

“What’s the matter? Why? Nia, you’re weird. You eat really fast at snack time. Is it because it’s in front of mom?”

“What? Mom doesn’t give you snacks?”
Ivan’s grandfather’s thunderous voice filled the space, freezing the air in an instant.

Faces as if they had seen a devil.

As she met those piercing gazes, Lucia was reminded of what had happened at the clothing store.

“…No, it’s fine.”

It was a hurried excuse from Lucia, who disliked even a momentary misunderstanding and was about to turn away.

But the skeptical eyes remained as they continued to glare at the child, who still blushed as she stammered.

Caught in an awkward situation, Lucia quickly sat down in front of the child and spoke.

“Choose. Anything is fine.”

“…Nia. Really can choose? Really?”

Finally coming to her senses at Lucia’s urgent words, the child hesitantly murmured with her still cloudy eyes.

Nia had been shocked by the dream landscape she had seen for the first time in her life all the way until she got here.

To think she could even take evidence from such a dream, and multiple ones at that.

It was a temptation so enormous that it scared her to think of what kind of punishment would come later.

Then, the surveillance became even more intense, and the sounds of kitchen utensils moving violently began to ring out like threats.

‘…I don’t care how much, just hurry up, please…’

Once again pushed into the role of a harsh mother, Lucia began to sweat on her back for the first time in a while.

The Black Knights’ exclusive training ground, always filled with rough breathing and shouts.

Today, it was neatly arranged, and elaborate banners fluttered in the wind on the walls.

Below them, the members wearing heavy full plates were busy helping each other move amidst the lavishly decorated horses; today was the day.

The day of a picnic for the young chicks.

Berle, the deputy commander of the Black Knights, was bustling around with a tattered notebook in hand, checking and rechecking this unexpected event.

And into his busy gaze entered the commander and some distinguished men around him.

“Why is His Highness sticking so close to the Commander? Is there something he dislikes…?”

Just as in his soliloquy, Airen had spent every day in the Black Knights’ training ground with Lucia since becoming the administrator.

But Berle, seemingly oblivious to such matters, began to scold the members again as if about to tear up his checklist.

Lucia, who had been quietly observing the actions of Berle and the members,

Her expression remained unchanged despite the laughing Crown Prince’s words beside her.

“Commander! Commander!”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“Charl talks a lot about Nia.”

“Is that so.”

Airen the Crown Prince, not discouraged by her indifferent response, continued speaking.

“So, listen. As the administrator, it’s time to welcome them, and since Charl is a friend, you might be joining in the greeting. Is that okay?”

“Feel free to do so.”

Despite her indifferent words, a smile burst on the face of the observant Airen.

And he began to think of the plans he had prepared for today.