Chapter 433: Sweets Exchange!

"Mmn... Hmmm... Mmm... Hm?" ［Yuna］

She hummed quietly, she tilted her head, she shifted her eyes, and she thought ever so deeply. A young lady was thinking and pondering, her eyes brewing with a little bit of confusion and conflict, not knowing what to do.

In her hands were colors, powders, pencils, and all sorts of tools to be used to what her heart desires. Yet she still felt empty about what to do, deciding whether she should use light and innocent colors or dark and bold ones.

Before her were several other figures, eyes the color of gemstones and hair that of platinum. They were all fair and gorgeous, everyone a behold to behold in their own rights. The sunlight seeping through the windows highlighting their beauties.

"Ummm... Mistress... Can I move now?" ［Procyon］

"Stay still, Procyon, we're still not done yet." ［Yuna］

"But Mistress... It's been half an hour... I don't want to anymore..." ［Procyon］

Retorted the beautiful lady, tears now forming in the corner of her eyes, however, it was still of no use. Yuna continued on with whatever she was doing, touching up the crying dragon as she moved her hands here and there.

The other ladies looked at them with delight and curiosity, eyes sparkly as can be. One in particular was extremely happy, giggling ever so lightly and openly as she watched Procyon's face be painted with dejection. It was none other than Vega.

"Fufufu! Our Procyon is so pretty～! Mistress, can I borrow your tools after this? I also want to try prettying up Procyon." ［Vega］

"Second Sister! Don't you dare!" ［Procyon］

"Hm? Sure! I think that would help me out a lot too!" ［Yuna］

"M-Mistress?! Why are you agreeing to this?! Second Sister is definitely going to bully me again! i just know it!" ［Procyon］

"Hey! You're too harsh! I just want to pretty you up, you know?" ［Vega］

Procyon tried to plead, however, Yuna's will was absolute. It was now decided that Vega will be taking good care of her later, prettying and dressing her up as much as she wants, spending their time away in what she so calls "fun".

Veg was happy as can be and Procyon couldn't be any more different. The former now giggles as she got a new doll for herself, whilst the latter was holding back her tears as she anticipated what was looming up ahead for her.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the room, a couple other figures were in utter silence. They simply stared at the ladies playing around, confusion and bewilderment clearly visible on their faces, clearly not understanding a single thing of what's happening.

"Canopus, do you think we'll be subjected to that as well?" ［Kentaurus］

"I don't know... But I clearly hope not. Look at the Mistress' eyes. It's like a predator. Even the fierce Procyon is now crying." ［Canopus］

"Truly bizarre... It must be a very powerful technique..." ［Rigel］

Commented the other four as they watched the scene unfold. They still don't know what's happening, but they know full well they don't want to get involved in it. Just seeing Procyon crying silently like she was being bullied was more than enough

Another day has arrived and life has never been more merry. After yesterday's hearty breakfast, Grey and Yuna went all around town on a date, going around all sorts of places and experiencing all sorts of new things they could.

They didn't just go around Veltofar, but rushed away to other towns and cities as well, seeing what they have to offer and experiencing them all for themselves. It was a very happy day filled with happy and exciting memories one could never forget.

After which, they then returned home and fulfilled their promise with Liam. They all shared the afternoon snacks with one another, eating all sorts of sweets and telling all sorts of stories, simply enjoying the happy and peaceful times.

"They're still at it, huh..." ［Grey］

"Welcome back, Master." ［Arcturus］

"Yeah, I'm back... And it seems everyone's doing well...?" ［Grey］

Now, there are only 2 days left before the Labyrinth of Thunder opens. Grey and Yuna decided to spend those two remaining days having fun, and not worry about all the problems they have. To simply enjoy life as it is.

Though, it seems that Yuna is enjoying herself a little bit too much. Grey doesn't even know where to start. All she knows is that she was having fun applying make-up and dressing up the familiars... Yes, she's been prettying up the familiars the whole day.

It all started when suddenly, whilst they were lazing around in bed, the young lady remembered that the familiars could actually transform into Salferine forms. Not just any Salferine forms, but exceptionally beautiful and gorgeous ones at that.

Yuna was especially fond of the female familiars' beauty which weren't any inferior to hers. They were all so beautiful, they could instantly catch anyone's attention even if they didn't try. Beauties which would surely rock the world.

Seeing such beauty, Yuna's heart started to light ablaze. As a woman herself, there was no way she could just leave such beautiful blank canvases without doing a thing or two. She needed to move her hands and make sure they shine even brighter.

"Mistress... Is it done yet...?" ［Procyon］

"No. We're not even halfway there. Just hang on tight, Procyon." ［Yuna］

"Uuu... Master, please save me... I'm begging you..." ［Procyon］

"Sorry, Procyon... Right now, I'm just as powerless as you are. Don't worry, I'm sure it will be over sooner or later... Probably..." ［Grey］

"Master! That isn't reassuring at all, you know?!" ［Procyon］

Now, Yuna is using them all not only to see all sorts of different styles in beauty and fashion, but also to improve herself. Not only as a woman, but an alchemist as well. She has now gotten her hands on a few guinea pigs for her cosmetic products.

After all, they were all summoned with Grey and Yuna's blood. Except for a few minor differences, they look uncannily similar to her. Whatever she ends up discovering about them, she could also apply to herself.

The familiars also had different reactions to it. Vega was enthusiastic, Sirius was strangely curious and excited, Capella and Achernar were simply obedient, and of course, Procyon was totally against it, still whining up 'til now.

It was the most fun the young lady has had with make up for quite some time, and she can't wait to pick out the dresses she wants the familiars to wear. She just knows they'll all be pretty as princesses and be admired by many.

"Oh, right! Come to think of it... Aren't your clothes right now made out of mana? Wouldn't it be a problem if I had you dress up with other clothing?" ［Yuna］

"I am not sure about that as well, Mistress... But I do not think there would be any problems. We should still be fine, in anything." ［Sirius］

"Hm? But aren't they technically your scales, though? Won't you become naked dragons if I changed your clothes? You won't, right?" ［Yuna］

"We most likely would not... I suppose..." ［Sirius］

And now, they have entered yet another strange topic. After all, it was just the first couple tries since the familiars started taking Salferine forms out of nowhere, all appearing with some sort of clothing already draped on them.

Whether they were made of mana or the transformation of their scales. Neither Grey or Yuna still knows the truth, and there's only one way to find out. They simply need to take them off, change into new ones, and see what happens.

"Okay! Boys, get out of the room right now. There's something we need to see, that you shouldn't. Out you go now." ［Yuna］

"Am I getting kicked out right now? I just arrived though?" ［Grey］

"Doesn't matter. Get out of the room now, and don't come back until I call for you, okay? Ladies need privacy, you know." ［Yuna］

Before long, Grey and the others were kicked out of the room, all of them still looking puzzled about what just happened. It was as if their room had become a dressing room for celebrities, Grey still feeling conflicted about what to feel.

Thankfully, all of them also have other things to do. Polaris is now back in Eliza's side, and Canopus and Kentaurus are also unsummoning themselves to Galderia to honor the promise with the Guildmaster, bidding their goodbyes soon after.

Meanwhile, the remaining three, namely Grey, Arcturus, and Rigel, are still standing by the front of the door in silence. They soon started to walk down the corridors, their silent steps echoing ever so subtly like whispers of the wind.

"Ah! Big Brother! You're back! How is Big Sister?!" ［Liam］

"She's fine. There's just a couple things she had to do." ［Grey］

Before long, Grey was greeted by an excited child, running around the dining hall and finishing up the last of his chores. He was excited as can be, full of enthusiasm as he spoke with Grey, his little bunny ears perking up and down.

"Ohh... I want to see her again... She's always in her room..." ［Liam］

"Hahaha. That's because she's a little busy at the moment. She'll probably be done in the afternoon. So for now, why don't you play with the puppies?" ［Grey］

"Really?! Can I?!" ［Liam］

"Of course! Oh, but you should finish your chores first. Only then will I have you play with them. We don't want Aunty Norma to be angry, after all." ［Grey］

He was dejected for a little bit, but after a bit of cheering up from Grey, he was now high in cloud nine, tidying up the place and arranging the chairs and tables to their right places. He was really and extremely enthusiastic.

Before long, Liam was finished with his little chores, and as Grey promised, he had him play around with Arcturus and Rigel, soon running inside the Dining Hall with his giggles and laughter floating around the place, his bunny tail bobbing up and down.

Thankfully enough, despite having a lot of fun, Liam was still being very mindful of his surroundings, making sure he doesn't cause troubles for others. He was only 5 years old yet he was already very considerate. He was a little angel rabbit.

"Oh? That is...." ［Grey］

Just as giggles and chuckles were adrift the place, a sweet and appetizing fragrance also wafted through the air. It was coming from the kitchen, making one's stomach rumble just by smelling it. The smell of heaven just within reach.

Of course, Grey knew full well what was happening. He didn't waste any more and soon headed towards the kitchen, a bright expression of excitement and anticipation present on his face, humming silently to himself.

It wasn't long before he entered the place, three familiar faces greeting him with delight, it was Norma, Shelma, and Nord, all waiting by the oven and chatting by themselves with such glee and happiness on their faces.

"Oh, Grey, you're back already? That was quick." ［Nord］

"Well, yeah... I was actually kicked out by my fiancée. She's practicing make-up right now and doesn't want to get disturbed." ［Grey］

"I see... Well, don't get too down now. Why don't we wait for the pie to bake. It's already been some time so it shouldn't take too long." ［Nord］

Nord invited Grey and the latter quickly accepted. They soon waited for the pie to finish cooking whilst enjoying a merry chatー or at least, they were supposed to. However, Grey suddenly started taking out one ingredient after another.

There was salt, milk, vinegar, eggs, sugar, food coloring, vanilla extract, butter, milk, cocoa powder, melted chocolate, cheese, raspberries, flour, baking soda, shredded coconuts, coconut milk, buttermilk, and many more.

An array of various and wonderful ingredients were displayed atop the kitchen table, and soon enough, Grey also took out some mixing bowls, a mixer, and a couple pans of small sizes. Of course, he also wore an apron for style.

After all, Norma and the others weren't just making pie for fun. They were exchanging recipes with Grey, the former offering their famous Triple Berry Pies, whilst Grey offered to make some Red Velvet Pancakes and Coconut Cream Pancakes.

"Hm? Are you making your dishes already, Grey?" ［Shelma］

"I was thinking of doing it later, but since I'm here already, I thought I'd just do it while I have the time. It seems like the pies will take a little bit of time as well." ［Grey］

"I see... Then, can I also help out?" ［Shelma］

"Sure. Just make sure to follow along, Missus Shelma." ［Grey］

There was no time to waste. As soon as Grey took out the ingredients, Grey then started moving and Shelma followed his lead. He first separated the ingredients for the two recipes, placing the common ingredients in between.

The first dish Grey decided to make was the Red Velvet Pancakes.

First, Grey took out a mixing bowl and whisking together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, and setting it aside. He then created another mixture with milk and vinegar, letting them rest for a couple minutes.

After which, Grey then poured the milk and vinegar mixture into another mixing bowl, soon adding sugar, eggs, melted butter, a few drops of vanilla extracts, and red food coloring to spice up the looks of the dish, adding the dry mixture slowly but surely.

A little bit of butter over the preheated pan later, Grey then poured and spread the finished batter, creating circles one after another. He made sure to cook them until bubbles appeared, flipping them over the other side soon after.

Grey continued the process until several pancakes were made, humming to himself as he enjoyed the fresh velvet color. Shelma followed after him, taking her sweet time as she slowly learned of the recipe one step at a time.

"Grey, which one here is the Vanilla extract again...?" ［Shelma］

"Oh, it's this one here, Missus Shelma." ［Grey］

"This, I see... Oh my! It smells so fragrant!" ［Shelma］

For the cream cheese glaze, Grey simply took out another mixing bowl, then whisked around some cheese, butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extracts, mixing them until it reached a smooth consistency and fluffy texture.

With the glaze now done and dusted, he then chilled it with a little bit of ice magic, making it more viscous before pouring it atop the red velvet pancakes, finishing the dish with a little garnish of some fresh raspberries. Red Velvet Pancakes complete!

However, the cooking session was still far from over. With Grey now done with the Red Velvet Pancakes, he then started taking out the other ingredients. There were quite a lot of similar ingredients, only a few differences here and there.

However, this time, rather than Shelma, it would be Nord watching and learning from him. The former was still busy learning the previous one so she doesn't have the time and leeway to do so. Her husband had graciously taken her place.

"I'll be in your care, Grey," ［Nord］

"Hahaha. There's no need to be so nervous, Mister Nord. It's a really simple recipe so I'm sure you'll get it the first time." ［Grey］

"Well, I sure do hope so." ［Nord］

All kidding aside, Grey soon moved his hands once again and Nord followed after him. He first mixed flour, sugar, salt, shredded coconuts, baking powder, baking soda, and butter, mixing them together as consistently as possible.

Soon after it was time for the wet ingredients to follow, eggs, buttermilk, milk, vanilla extracts, and coconut milk, mixing them all until they became smooth. He made sure to add a bit more sugar and salt to balance the mixture for everyone's tastes.

With the batter now complete, all that was left was to cook the pancakes. Grey soon took out yet another frying pan, heated it, and poured the batter, then making sure to spread it evenly and waiting for it to cook.

"Wa... Was that really all there is to it?" ［Nord］

"Yeah. I did tell you it's a pretty easy recipe, didn't I? Even Liam should be able to perfect this with enough practice." ［Grey］

"Fufufu! With how easy it is, it should make the perfect snack." ［Norma］

The only thing left to do was wait for the pancakes to turn a golden brown color, then flipping it, and doing the same for the other side. After the pancakes were cooked, all that was left to do was sprinkle some shredded coconuts, coconut cream, and sugar.

Red Velvet Pancakes on one side and Coconut Cream Pancakes on another, with the Triple Berry Pie now also finished baking, a cacophony of sweet and fragrant scents wafted throughout the kitchen, arousing everyone's appetites.

Of course, what is cooking without a bit of taste-testing?

After all were finished, everyone then took some fining knives and some forks for themselves. They sliced the sweets of their choice, filling their little plates up and soon taking a bite of them, flavors exploding in their mouths.

There was sweetness, there was creaminess, and there was fluffiness. The Red Velvet was sweet, with a hint of cocoa, tartness, and sourness. The Coconut Cream was very sweet with a punch of coconut cream, and the Triple Berry Pie was sweet and juicy, the flavor of different berries dancing in harmony.

Everything was sweet but not too overwhelming. They were very tender and fluffy as well, caressing their mouths with delight and excitement. It felt like they were all little children again, simply enjoying their joyous lives.

"Waah～! What's this? What are you eating?" ［Liam］

And soon enough, a little rabbit came inside the kitchen, quickly peering towards the kitchen table as soon as he saw the sweets displayed atop. His eyes were sparkling and his mouth was drooling, looking as curious as can be. So adorable.

"Hahaha. Would you like to eat some, Liam?" ［Grey］

"Yeah! I want to eat! It smells sweet and looks delicious!" ［Liam］

"Hahaha. Then go and wash your hands. I'll get you a serving," ［Grey］

The little rabbit didn't waste any time. As soon as Grey instructed him, he then started running towards the kitchen sink and soon washing, bubbles forming and popping one after another, a bright smile blooming on his face.

Without further ado, Little Liam headed towards the table and Grey handed him a plate of sweets, filled with a pair of pancakes and a slice of pie. His eyes sparkled even brighter, glee painted all over his adorable face.

He took his spoon and pierced the pancakes like a mighty warrior. Soon, he braved himself, then opening his mouth as he chomped through the pancakes. Red Velvet and Cream Cheese exploding in his mouth. It was a wondrous surprise.

"Waah～! Yummy～! I want to eat more!" ［Liam］

"Now, now, don't be too greedy. Eat the ones on your plates first." ［Shelma］

"Okay～!" ［Liam］

There was nothing left to be said. As soon as Liam had a taste of the pancakes and pie, he quietly sat himself down the chairs and ate in silence. A chomp and a nom, echoing in the air repeatedly, a smile never fading away.

It was only when Liam saw the familiars, stopping his fork and looking them in the eyes. He then looked back on his plate and to the familiars once more, an obviously troubled expression painted on his face.

"Big Brother! Can the puppies eat too? I want to share!" ［Liam］

As it seems, it looks like Liam already considers the familiars his friends, and as such, he wanted them to enjoy the same sweetness he was savoring. He was not only an adorable child, but one benevolent and considerate as well.

"It's alright, Liam. I'll serve them some too. Just eat all of those yourself." ［Grey］

"Yaay～! Thank you so much, Big Brother!" ［Liam］

How could he have the heart to turn down such a cutie?

Without wasting any more time, Grey then took a couple more plates and started slicing up the and dividing the pancakes, serving Arturus and Rigel serving one of each sweets, and letting them enjoy themselves after a couple weeks of work.

They chatted, they laughed about, and they played around. Grey had brought out some of the board and card games from before, and everyone was having the time of their lives, smiling ever so happily whether they win or lose.

Soon enough, a set of footsteps echoed in the air and the stairs started to creak a little. A familiar figure had come down, a bright smile of satisfaction on her face and five little puppies following after her. It was Yuna and the familiars.

"Ahh! I knew it! I knew I smelled something sweet! So you were already done cooking the pancakes! Why didn't you call me?" ［Yuna］

"Well, you did tell me to stay out of the room, didn't you?" ［Grey］

"Ah, I did... I did say that... Still, you could have called me, you know?" ［Yuna］

"Now, now, there's no need to blame someone. Here, I already reserved some slices for you. Make sure to enjoy them." ［Grey］

And apparently, it was because the young lady had smelled something sweet all the way from their room. She was a little pouty at first after finding out she was left out, but after taking a bite of the sweets, her lips immediately broke into a smile.

"So Good～! I should have come down sooner!" ［Yuna］

She was high and happy, humming ever so merrily to herself as she took some bites and blissfully enjoyed herself. She soon took her seat beside Liam, and had a sweet and friendly chat with the little rabbit, talking about sweets with joy on their faces.

The same joy which could also be found in Vega's smiling and happy face. However, a totally different story could be said about Procyon. There were no smiles nor joy, just exhaustion and dejection as she moped on the floor.

Normally, it would be her who would be trying to cheer up Achernar who was prone to crying, however, today was the opposite. The horrors she faced whilst getting make-up and dressed up... It was something she's never faced before... She is terrified...

『It must have been difficult, Procyon. You've done well. Here, eat some sweets and make yourself feel a little better. I'm sure you'll forget it one day.』 ［Grey］

『Master... That... Mistress said we'll still continue tomorrow...』 ［Procyon］

Grey tried to cheer her up, however, all he did was make it even worse. Apparently, Yuna was still far from over, and she'll be relying on the familiars' help from now on. Just imagining the future was enough to make Procyon shiver. A poor little pupper.

『Umm... Well... Good luck... I'm sure you can make it.,. Maybe...』 ［Grey］

『... Master...』 ［Procyon］

Procyon's horrors continue.

CHAPTER 433 END