落とし穴５９堀：男にはつらい日 (Part2)

"And so, after a bit of trial and error—using store-bought sponge cake as a base and layering it with cream, fruits, and almonds—I managed to whip something up. It’s a bit of a shortcut, but it’s done.

As for the ones that looked like failures, I had my two resident sweets-lovers take care of them, just as planned.

'Alright. That should do it.'

'I’m surprised we actually pulled it off.'

'It works out as long as you follow the recipe.'

With the help of Taiki and Eoid, I managed to finish the cakes for my eighteen wives and one maid. I didn't make a whole cake for each person—that would be impossible to finish. I mean, who could eat a whole cake? That’s not human. Well, I suppose a certain food-taster I know could probably polish off two, but that’s a man’s perspective for you. Because…

'For starters, it’s so sweet it’s almost choking me.'

'I agree…'

'I’m pretty much tapped out after one piece, so I think we did a great job.'

Yeah. I’m with Taiki; one slice is my limit. I hear about those 'all-you-can-eat' cake buffets, but that’s just not for me.

'Well, anyway, it’s done. Thanks for today. Go ahead and treat your wives to these.'

'Understood. I’m sure Amanda will be happy.'

'Airi will be pleased too. Thanks, Yuki.'

With that, we parted ways. I handed over the cakes meant for my own household and headed back to Weed.

'Oh, welcome back. What brings you here today? You said you didn't need an escort since Taiki and Popuri were with you, so I was a little worried.'

'Papa!'

Seraria greeted me, holding our daughter, Sakura, in her arms.

'Yeah. You know it’s that time of year for returning the favor for Valentine’s Day, right?'

'...? Ah, was it called White Day in Japan?'

'That’s the one. So, I made these cakes as a return gift. I made enough for everyone to have some.'

When I showed her the cakes, Seraria’s eyes went wide with surprise, but she quickly broke into a smile.

'Hehe. It would be rude to say you’re not a professional chef at this point, wouldn't it? Honestly, you never cease to surprise me. In a good way, of course.'

'Yummy, yummy!'

'That’s right. It looks delicious, doesn't it? Let’s call everyone over and eat.'

'Yay!'

I gently patted Sakura’s head. A little taste shouldn't hurt. Getting sticky is just part of being a kid at this age, so it can't be helped.

'Alright, I’m going to drop these off and then return to my main body.'

'I see. Using a doppelganger to bake sweets—I never would have guessed. You did it to keep it a surprise from us, didn't you?'

'I wanted to see the look of surprise and joy on all your faces.'

'Hehe, I really love that about you.'

'Thanks.'

Now, once I set these down, I need to gather everyone. I hope they’re as happy as Seraria is. It’s tough—a day that requires a man to do things he’s not used to—but if it makes the people I care about happy, then days like this aren't so bad. Though, for those without a partner, I imagine it’s a pretty miserable day.

Come to think of it, Alfin was with Steve earlier, wasn't she? Why was he so reluctant?

'Hey, Steve, these sweets are delicious.'

'…I suppose they are.'

'Mom, Steve looks like he’s struggling with the sweetness. Me too…'

'Why? Steve, Grado, there’s no way the scent of such delicious sweets could be a burden. Come on, say ahh.'

'Ah, I’m being called away! Grado, I leave it to you!'

'D-don't run away!!'

'Come on, hurry up.'

I mean, there are 'sweets-loving men' these days, but it’s not like we can eat an infinite amount. I don't think I could ever replicate the way some people devour those cake buffets. It’s rare to feel full just by watching, but that experience really does fill you up.

How about you guys? Are you the type who has a 'separate stomach' for sweets and can eat a ton?"