Chapter 50: Getting Stuff Done (1)

She'd need a proper break after this. But for now, I had to focus on the present—planning for the future could wait.

The next step was handling delivery. The most natural option was for Iori to go herself; as the baker, she knew best how to transport and handle her creations properly.

"Iori, you should handle the delivery. Bring your son along. If he has a girlfriend, maybe ask her to help too."

It was a brilliant suggestion—if I did say so myself. Not only would it reassure her, but it would also save me money.

"You're right, but my son… well, he's a horrible student. If he misses a day, I'm worried he'll fall even further behind."

"Does he have a girlfriend?"

"Yes, but why does that—"

I cut her off. "Is she a good student?"

"Eh? From what I hear, yes."

"Then she can help him study."

"That feels… quite irresponsible."

"Haha~, well, it's not like you're making him skip for no reason. It's for your family."

"Looking at it like that… you're right!"

I nodded in satisfaction, my eyes practically brimming with tears of joy. With the delivery settled, all that was left was renting a vehicle. We were already halfway done with preparations. Now, we just had to make everything, which…

"Iori, you do have enough time to bake everything, right?"

She hesitated before nodding.

"I'll just stay up all night and finish it."

Yeah, no. That's a terrible idea. Her quality will drop. I'll have to help with the prep. Maybe Mahiru would lend a hand too?

"I'm not letting you do that—for a variety of reasons," I said firmly. "I can help prep, shape, or get everything ready. And I can ask my girlfriend if she'll assist with the rest."

"No, no, no! You've already done too much!" She seemed flustered by how much I was helping, but I wasn't about to give her a choice.

"Look, it's no big deal. At this point, this whole thing reflects on both of us."

"W-What do you mean?"

"Sorry, but that's a secret."

"Okay…" Her expression wavered, like she was torn between gratitude and guilt.

I gave her one more reassuring smile before pulling out my phone and texting Mahiru.

She's in class, so I—

Ding~

[Mahiru: Absolutely! 🐱]

Heh, of course she responds instantly.

[Me: Thanks, Love <3]

[Mahiru: 🥰]

"Iori, I got you some extra help. My girlfriend isn't a professional, but I'm sure she's done stuff at home."

"Thank you so much!" Iori bowed. It was… awkward. She bowed so low it made me uneasy, but maybe that was just a cultural thing.

"If you really want to thank me, let's make sure this is a success!" I clenched my fist with passion. I could already see my 20% bonus before me.

After sorting everything out, I stalled her for an hour before finally showing her the materials in the back. She was flabbergasted, but I told her that I had a friend expedite the shipping.

Technically, that wasn't a lie. The system took my money to deliver the materials—they didn't just come from nowhere.

Although, the way it operates might make it seem like they appeared out of thin air—but don't be fooled.

Anyway.

Mahiru was on her way, and I had already prepped a bunch of berries, icing, and other toppings for this damn order. I thought I could take my time, but I actually had to make the icing from scratch.

I also learned why Iori even got this order in the first place. She made something for an official's son's birthday—a product no other bakery had. It was so good that the official wanted to impress our allies the same way he had been!

At least, that's what Iori said—though even she seemed surprised. But to me, it made sense. When you have talent, opportunities naturally follow.

"BOO!"

A female voice came out of nowhere.

"AHMG!?"

"Hehehehe~"

The familiar laughter was all I needed to know who it was.

"Jeez, Mahiru, you scared the shit out of me!"

I nearly dropped this chocolate peanut butter icing. My arms already hurt, so if I had to make another one…

The whole process of mixing and processing by hand was brutal. I let Iori use all the tech that made this process easier since she was the baker, but I kind of regretted it.

Okay, Amane… you sound like a little bitch. Suck it up and move on.

"Language!"

My wonderful blonde beauty stomped on my foot, but I was wearing stronger shoes, so I didn't feel it. Of course, I didn't let her know that—if she figured it out, she'd go for my shin next!

"Yeah yeah~" I turned to her with a smile, but she looked a little flushed.

"Did you run here, love?"

"Y-You said you needed help."

"Hahaha~, you didn't have to rush that hard. I don't need you passing out on me!"

I put the icing bucket down and went to a cooler in the front, which had a bunch of different drinks. Grabbing a water, I opened it and handed it to my lovely Mahiru.

"You didn't pay…" Mahiru looked distraught.

"Are you serious?"

I looked over at Iori, who had just finished locking the door. Even she couldn't believe what she heard.

"It's fine, Miss. I think I can cover the cost of a water bottle. Hehe~"

Thankfully, Iori had relaxed, and everything was flowing smoothly. Her son would be helping us later, so we'd have four people. I didn't know about his girlfriend, though. If she came, we'd have five which would be a big help.