I was looking through magazines to gather information for a date, and somehow ended up planning a trip to a luxury chocolate shop…… Well, I suppose I can think of this as preparation for the date.

Speaking of, if I visit the trade city beforehand and register the location with my Teleportation Magic Tool, it’ll make things much easier on the day itself. Since I haven’t been to this place before, I’d normally have to pass through Archlesia Empire’s Royal Capital and use a teleportation gate or transfer service to get there. But this time, that won’t be an issue.

[Alright, alright, if you’re ready, let’s head out!]

[Yes, I’m in your care.]

[Then, I’ll be touching you for a moment.]

Since this trip was set up through Jutia’s introduction, she, who’s skilled in Teleportation Magic, will take me directly without needing to pass through the Royal Capital, which makes things convenient.

Jutia-san lightly touches me, and as a magic circle appears at our feet, the scenery instantly changes, and we arrived in what seems to be our destination, the building in front of us.

[Oh, oh! This is my first time in this city…… but the red brick buildings are beautiful.]

According to the magazine’s introduction, this city has streets surrounded by buildings made with red bricks, which is a famous sightseeing spot. The magazine didn’t have photos, only illustrations…… It looks just like the drawing, with a nostalgic and charming atmosphere.

[That’s right, that’s right. The whole city has this kind of vibe, and it seems like they purposely use low-intensity Illumination Magic Tools here, giving the place a nice, calming atmosphere…… Oh, right! Shall we head inside the shop?]

[Ah, yes.]

Strolling down this beautiful red-brick street seems enjoyable, but I’ll save that for the date. For now, I decided to go into the chocolate shop, which is our main purpose today.

As expected from a luxury shop, even the entrance door was incredibly elegant. When we opened the door and stepped inside, a store clerk who had been waiting near the entrance approached us and bowed deeply.

[Welcome. I apologize, but may I confirm your membership ca……]

[Oya oya? Oya oya?]

[Is something the matter?]

[……Ah, n-no, my apologies! I’m terribly sorry, but may I check your membership card? Ah, but of course, it’s fine if you don’t have one! In that case, we’ll prepare a membership card for you right away!]

The clerk had a calm and sophisticated demeanor, but the moment she saw my face, she visibly panicked and quickly mentioned that they could provide a membership card even if I didn’t have one.

Could it be that? Since Eris-san is the owner, she might have informed the staff about me…… Well, there’s also that rumor that Eden-san gave some rather strict “warnings” towards some people in Archlesia Empire, so maybe that’s influencing things too.

[I’ve got my membership card here. Also, also, I wanted to introduce Kaito here…… but I suppose that doesn’t seem necessary huh.]

[Thank you very much, Jutia-sama. Indeed, we’ve confirmed it. We’ll prepare Miyama Kaito-sama’s membership card immediately, so please enjoy your shopping.]

It seems clear she knows who I am. She even addressed me by my full name…… W- Well, in any case, it looks like there’s no issue with us entering, so I followed Jutia-san into the shop to take a look at the chocolates.

This place is incredible…… the luxury vibe is almost overwhelming. The chocolate samples are displayed like pieces of art, and the prices are insane. A single piece is 10R…… over 1,000 yen in Japanese currency. Some pieces go for tens of thousands, with gold leaf sprinkled on top, making the chocolates look like pure gold.

[It looks like you’d be fine even without my introduction.]

[No, I honestly didn’t expect the place to be like this, and I probably would have been overwhelmed by the luxury vibe without an introduction, so having you with me is a relief.]

[Is that so? In that case, in that case, I’m glad to hear it.]

If I’d come here alone, I’d definitely be intimidated. I’ve been trying to visit high-end shops more often lately, but I’m still not used to it at all.

Just having someone familiar by my side makes me feel much more at ease.

While Kaito and Jutia were browsing the store, by some coincidence, Eris was at the back of the shop, visiting for an inspection.

After a quick look around, Eris was elegantly sipping tea as she reviewed documents on sales trends over the past few months and the performance of each product. At that moment, a flustered clerk came rushing over to her.

[O- Owner!? It’s an emergency!]

[What’s the matter? Is there some sort of trouble?]

[M- Miyama Kaito-sama and Great Tree Princess Jutia-sama have arrived!]

[……………………..Eh?]

It goes without saying that it took a moment for Eris’ mind to process the situation, completely frozen in place.

<Afterword>

Serious-senpai : [Putting aside if it were in a regular chocolate shop, in a high-end shop catering to nobles, it seems like his face would be recognized……. The scenario in which the children who aren’t involved in succession disputes work as clerks is also possible…… In any case, to give both Eris and the staff that initial double blow of stomachaches, as expected of the expert.]