novelraw Chapter 300
Chapter 300
Reina stayed after school and began making sweets for the Valentinus Festival.There were several candidates for what kind of sweets to make... but the strongest contender was cake.
"A decorated cake with lots of cream would be nice... but something too flashy might feel too heavy."
"It might make the recipient feel pressured... I think something easier to accept would be better."
"But if it's too plain, the feelings won't come through. It's a tough balance."
Inside the cooking room, about ten girls wearing aprons were hard at work making sweets.
They say love makes girls beautiful, and indeed, the sight of them working hard for the men they liked was heartwarming.
"Hmm... is this maybe a bit too sweet? Reina-sama, would you mind tasting it for me?"
"Yes, of course."
At her friend's request, Reina tasted the cream.
She scooped some cream with her finger, licked it, and tilted her head slightly with a "Hmm."
"This might have a bit too much sugar."
"But... wouldn't more sugar make people happier?"
"True, some nobles prefer dishes packed with sugar and spices. It's a symbol of luxury. But if it's a bit less sweet, it's less cloying and easier to eat more of it."
"I see... you're right. I'll tone it down a bit."
Taking Reina's advice, the girl remade the cream.
"Reina-sama, you're making a cake, right? How are you going to flavor it?"
"I'm planning to make it a chocolate cake."
"Chocolate... that's amazing, isn't it super rare?"
Reina's answer made her friends' expressions turn to surprise.
In the Kingdom of Saintcl, chocolate was a rare commodity.
It couldn't be produced domestically and was entirely reliant on imports, which were limited in quantity.
Only royalty and a few high-ranking nobles could afford to eat it.
"Did you get it through a connection at the Grand Shrine?"
"No... I have a personal route to acquire it."
"I see... as expected of Saint Reina. I'm so envious."
"If you'd like, please use some too. There's plenty, so don't hesitate."
Reina offered cacao beans, the raw ingredient for chocolate.
They had been brought from a foreign land by the Holy Spirits who protected Reina.
They weren't stolen. Since they were offerings made by people in a foreign land to the goddess, Reina, as the goddess's apostle, had the right to use them freely.
"As is, they're too bitter to eat, but if you crush them and mix in sugar and milk, they'll taste just right. Of course, I'll teach you the proportions too."
"Reina-sama... thank you so much!"
"I'm really happy!"
The girls' faces lit up at Reina's generosity.
However... Reina raised her index finger and gave a firm warning.
"Just so you know, people who aren't used to it might feel strange after eating this. Please save it for when you're alone with your beloved."
"Wait, does that mean..."
"Ah... I see, that's what you meant."
The girls quickly caught on to what Reina was implying.
One innocent girl pulled her hand back just before reaching for the chocolate.
"By the way, um... Reina-sama, are you planning to use it for that purpose too...?"
"No... unfortunately, chocolate doesn't work on that person."
Reina placed her hand on her cheek and let out a big sigh.
"I've had him try it before, but it had absolutely no effect. Well, he did say it tasted good, so I guess that's fine..."
"I-I see... so you've already had him eat it."
"A-as expected of Reina-sama... you're so bold."
For those not used to it, chocolate acted like an aphrodisiac.
It was curious what kind of outcome Reina had hoped for by having him eat the chocolate, but her friends didn't press her for details.
None of them were prepared to peer into the dark depths of the Saint's heart.
"I-I'm not sure if I'll use it... but I'll take some, thank you."
"That person is so passive... maybe this could help make it happen..."
"Depending on how it goes, it might lead to premarital relations... but well, he's my fiancé, so it's fine, right?"
The girls, who had seemed so sweet moments ago, now accepted the chocolate with a suspicious air about them.