Chapter 132

Chocolate, you say?

So this brown, dango-like snack is called chocolate, huh?

…

“No, thank you. But, you see, my financial situation…”

“Today we’re holding a tasting event, so it’s free of charge! Please, do try one without worry.”

Iren received the brown, dango-shaped snack known as chocolate from the woman. Though it was something she’d never seen before and seemed a little strange…

“Hmm?”

An incredibly sweet aroma fiercely stimulated her nose. Thanks to this, she naturally found herself able to put it in her mouth without any resistance.

And with just a few rolls around inside her mouth—

A brand-new world of taste unfolded, one she had never experienced before.

“……!!”

“How is it? Delicious, right?”

Iren’s pupils slightly dilated. Naturally, one hand came up to support her cheek. It was sweet—a sweetness so powerful that she didn’t even notice how girlish her gesture was.

No, to be precise, it was sweet but with a slight bitterness. And there was a hint of nuttiness, like a spoonful or two had been added. Above all, that touch of bitterness perfectly elevated the treat’s overall quality.

As she continued to savor it, it melted away surprisingly quickly. Faster than candy, it felt almost like eating cream.

“This snack…is called chocolate, you said? It’s very delicious.”

“Huh? Oh…Knight, it seems like you’ve never seen chocolate before. Are you not from the Northern Continent by any chance?”

“That’s correct. I’ve only been here for a short while.”

“I see! This is a snack called chocolate, a specialty of the northern regions! It’s extremely popular because of its sweetness. You know, Valentine’s Day is coming up soon. To prepare for that, our shop has specially made some with hazelnuts mixed in. How does it taste?”

“It was truly delicious. A top-tier pastry.”

“Hehe. Your praise gives me strength! Let me see…since you seem unfamiliar with chocolate…here! I’ll pack you a few more!”

“No…this isn’t necessary…”

“C’mon, don’t refuse. Just take them.”

With a hearty smile, the woman handed over about three well-packaged chocolates, which Iren reluctantly accepted. Honestly…now that she’d already tasted the chocolate, it was an irresistible temptation she couldn’t refuse.

Perhaps it was because she always practiced moderation in all pleasures due to her disciplined life. She had a weakness for sweets, something she preferred to keep hidden.

Iren clutched them to her chest and thought.

Hazelnuts, huh.

So the nutty flavor came from hazelnuts, did it?

No, rather…

“Excuse me, but may I ask another question?”

“Of course!”

Judging by the fact that she didn’t show even a hint of irritation despite her cheerful grin, this woman was quite professional. Even more so considering this was just a simple tasting event.

“What exactly is Valentine’s Day?”

“Oh! It’s a holiday and festival day in the northern regions. It’s a big sales day since tons of chocolate gets sold.”

“Is it a day for eating chocolate, then?”

“Well, it’s more about women giving chocolate to men they feel indebted to! When this day comes around, lots of women who want to express their feelings buy loads of chocolate, making it naturally a big sales day!”

Hmm?

Women give snacks to men they feel indebted to…?

“If you have someone to give chocolate to, please consider using our shop!”

After parting ways with the smiling female employee, Iren stood rooted to the spot, lost in thought.

“Giving gifts to men…what should I do about this…”

Iren Julieat.

Before being an exceptional general, she was first and foremost a woman who harbored feelings for someone.

At any other time, Iren would have prioritized action over thought as a warrior, yet her mind was now spinning faster than ever.

*

The door creaked open, followed by a female voice.

“A-ah…welcome back!”

Upon returning to the lodging after completing her mission, Iren was greeted by Reika.

Silin, who usually shared the room, had been temporarily dispatched to another castle. Thus, the spacious three-person room had been exclusively used by Reika alone.

Knowing Reika must have felt lonely, Iren smiled at her welcoming gesture.

“Hmm.”

Without a word, Iren handed over the chocolate tucked in her bosom.

“What is this…?”

“It’s a snack. They were handing them out earlier.”

Reika carefully unwrapped the packaging.

“Ah…this is chocolate, isn’t it?”

“Hmm? Do you know what this is?”

“Yes. It’s one kind of snack from the Northern Continent, right? I have an interest in making pastries, so I know what it looks like. Though, this is the first time I’ve actually seen one…”

Come to think of it, she was the daughter of the Nacht family. Someone in her position could easily obtain and eat as many of these treats as she wanted.

“Let’s see…Mmm…Wow, this is delicious?!”

“Isn’t it?”

“Yes! Incredible…the level of skill in the Northern Continent is no joke. Is it because it’s where the old empire’s capital was…?”

Lately, Reika had been able to speak naturally in front of Iren without stuttering. Sometimes she even felt more at ease with Iren than with Swoen, her teacher. It might have been because they were both women, or perhaps because Iren treated her kindly.

“Ah, me too…Lady Iren, would you like to share?”

“Hmm? No, I’m fine…”

Despite her reply…Iren ultimately couldn’t resist the allure of the chocolate. Accepting another piece, she popped it into her mouth.

After enjoying this brief moment of sweetness together, Iren casually brought up something that had come to mind.

“Valentine’s Day…you know about it?”

“Yeah. It’s a holiday in the Northern Continent where women give chocolate to men they feel indebted to, right?”

“Right? Sounds like a romantic day…I heard people from the Northern Continent generally give off a cold impression toward others and lack emotional expression.”

“Is that so? That’s the first I’ve heard of it, but Miss Reika seems to have a wide range of knowledge.”

At Iren’s comment, Reika chuckled sheepishly and replied.

“It’s because I was stuck at home with nothing to do but read books…so I ended up reading all sorts of things. In the end, it’s just bits and pieces I picked up along the way.”

“I see. Anyway…ahem, ahem.”

Iren covered her mouth with her hand and cleared her throat a few times before cautiously opening her mouth—or rather, attempting to open her mouth.

“…”

For some reason, voicing the plan she had in mind felt unbearably difficult.

Far more daunting than wielding a sword on the battlefield against a formidable foe.

Reika observed Iren’s hesitation for a moment before tilting her head curiously and asking.

“Are you thinking of giving chocolate to Sir Swoen?”

“Kehk!”

Gag, gag…kellok.

As if struck by indigestion, Iren began coughing, causing Reika to worry.

“A-are you alright, Lady Iren?!”

“Ahh…u-um, yes. I’m fine. Um…so, uh…”

Why…

Why is it so hard to express my honest feelings?

“I…am…”

Still, gathering as much courage as possible, she slowly nodded. Her face had turned bright red, looking every bit the part of a young girl.

“Hmm, that sounds like a good idea. I thought of Master immediately upon hearing about it.”

Master meaning Swoen, presumably. Back when she was part of the Aishias Army, he had served as her magic instructor.

“Um…so…I was wondering…how you feel about…well, asking him…”

Watching Iren stammer like her usual self, Reika reflected on how she must appear in such moments. Since Lady Iren had been patient and kind to her…she should return the favor in kind.

“I think it’s a good approach!”

“T-thank you…a good approach…hmm, still, I’m a little worried Swoen might find it bothersome…”

“Not at all! I’m sure he’d be thrilled. If I were in his place, I’d be overjoyed!”

“Hmm…”

There stood the usually fearless knight, flustered and unable to hide her embarrassment, her eyes wide like saucers. Stories of her crucial role in defending the western fortress of Falaharte Castle had reached her ears. And yet here she was, showing a side weaker than any woman when it came to this particular man.

Reika found her utterly adorable. Lady Iren was undoubtedly destined to be Sir Swoen’s first wife. Watching someone love like this…could she follow in her footsteps? Could she too share such love with her master…with Sir Swoen?

“…No.”

Now wasn’t the time for such thoughts. She needed to help Lady Iren, who had always taken such good care of her.

“That’s a fine idea…let’s go ahead and do it! Let’s present chocolate to Sir Swoen together!”

*

The next day.

“All sold out, you say…?”

“Oh dear, what a shame that you came again today…all gone. With Valentine’s Day approaching, they sold out in no time.”

When they returned to the same shop, it seemed the new hazelnut-flavored chocolates were already sold out. Iren’s disappointment was evident.

The staff cautiously suggested an alternative.

“We do have some of our regular stock left…would you like to try these instead?”

“If that’s available…”

After purchasing square-shaped chocolates from the owner, they sampled them right there with Reika.

“Mmm…something’s missing…”

“Definitely feels a bit empty…though the sweetness is pleasant.”

While still a delicious treat in its own right—

It lacked the fullness of emotion she had experienced upon first tasting it, something she regretted not being able to share with Swoen. The absence of nuttiness left it feeling somewhat hollow, but still better than nothing.

“If only I had decided right away yesterday…I could have bought them then…”

Though she briefly hesitated, she now regretted that momentary pause. With the holiday fast approaching, it was unavoidable.

“…Guess I’ll just have to make do with this.”

Iren said this with a bittersweet smile. Noticing her slightly melancholic profile, Reika spoke up without realizing.

“No…Lady Iren.”

“Hmm?”

“Let’s make it ourselves!”

Reika grabbed Iren’s hand firmly as she spoke.

“L-Leika-san…?”

Lady Iren looked into Reika’s pink eyes. There burned a passionate fire she had never seen before in the younger girl.

“Lady Iren! Let’s make chocolate together—something even better than what we tasted yesterday!”