落とし穴外伝：幸せの過多にもご注意を (Part2)
"I, too, have a girl who holds me dear. There was a time she tripped and hurt herself on her way home from school. It seems she had been heading to the shopkeeper's store, and she was carried here on an adult's back. At first, I was bristling with hostility, wondering what that woman had done to her, but the cause was simply that she had stumbled on her own. The reason? She had been rushing to see me. I instinctively thanked the woman who had helped her. I said, 'Thank you.' And she replied, 'Please, don't worry about it.' Even though I was, in fact, quite worried."
"Ah, I understand."
One is not such a fool as to fail to offer thanks when someone has helped their child. If one possesses even a shred of conscience, those words spill out instinctively.
"Well, if you are worried, it would make me happy if you bought a cake at the shopkeeper's place as a token of gratitude. Christmas, after all, begins with cake."
"I see. They do say cake is synonymous with Christmas."
"Indeed. We even have cakes specifically for the season. And more than anything, when you aren't sure what to give someone, it’s a perfect way to sound them out. Cake is perishable, you see. It’s hard to refuse. Besides, it’s rare to find a child who dislikes sweet treats."
"That is true."
Sweet treats. Even in the capital of the Highn Empire where I once lived, only the wealthy could afford such luxuries. I find Weed—where such things are easily obtained—truly remarkable, and cakes, which elevate confectionery to the realm of art, are beloved by adults and children alike. Because of this, one doesn't need to overthink it like a formal gift, and I found the strategy of using it to uncover what the children truly desired to be quite clever.
"In that case, as this is a matter of fate, I shall visit the shop."
"Is that so? Then, let me guide you."
Coral-dono began to lead the way to the shop with a cheerful air. He was so gentle that I found myself doubting he was truly a dragon, and I could see why Yuki felt there was no issue in it. Well, if it had ended there, it would have been a pleasant story.
"My, so you’re buying Christmas cakes for those children? Then, first we must investigate their preferences in cake."
"Their preferences?"
"Indeed. Even among cakes, there are many varieties. Those made with fresh cream, those coated in chocolate, crepe-style, Mont Blanc-style... well, there are many."
It seems there are a great many types of cake, and children have their own likes and dislikes. That is only natural, of course, but it defied my own assumption that children would simply eat any cake with delight.
"First, it would be best to bring cakes that you yourself like, Senal-san. Three varieties should suffice."
"That’s true. I have some prototypes on hand, so shall I bring them, Shopkeeper?"
"Yes. Let us have you eat plenty and discover Senal-san's preferences first."
The conversation seemed to be progressing on its own, but I could tell it stemmed from good intentions, so...
"I appreciate the kindness, but I do not have the funds to pay for so many samples..."
As I gently declined, explaining that I lacked the financial leeway to sample so many cakes, they replied:
"It is quite alright. It is the first time we are serving sweets. The first Christmas. We would not dream of taking money from you for creating such precious memories. We strive for the sake of the children."
"That’s right. Those smiles are not something that can be bought with money. I have heard of the circumstances you and the children are in. I wouldn't dream of charging for something like this. It is a good opportunity to hone our cake-making skills, isn't it, Shopkeeper?"
"Indeed. Consider it a favor to us, as it serves as a trial run for our prototypes."
"...If you insist to that extent, then I shall accept."
That I said those words was my undoing...
"Senal-sama, I was shocked to hear you were carried in as an emergency patient... but that mouth, those clothes... the scent of cream and sugar..."
"...Rurua, don't say it. It's coming up."
As I tried to suppress the nausea and stop Rurua,...
"Ah, ah... so the victim this year was Senal, huh. Alright, I’d better send out a warning."
Hairen began contacting someone.
Ah, that was the day I learned through my own body that even cake and sweets should be enjoyed in moderation. Incidentally, it seems the cakes were delivered to the children and were well-received, which is the only saving grace... *thud.*
Subtitle (True Title): Beware of Excessive Sugar
He hasn't changed at all... (shudder)