Chapter 638: A Sinful Man

There was still time before lunch. Believing we would need far more cacao fruit from now on, we headed to the compounding room. Naturally, we intended to make plant nutrient solution. I would create an entire cacao plantation in the blink of an eye.

“Thank you for your hard work today. Have there been any problems?”

“Thank you, Professor Julius. We have finished all the Rapid Growth No. 2 you requested.”

“That’s a great help. It brings us another step closer to producing Holy Droplets.”

That afternoon, we would apply the Rapid Growth No. 2 along with the plant nutrient solution. Everything was ready for us to grow Holy Clover. The only question was how long we would have to wait for it to appear.

Thankfully, House Heine now possessed the Green Spirit’s blessing. I secretly hoped that its beneficial influence would allow us to harvest a respectable amount of Holy Clover.

“Professor Julius, you look rather happy. You’ve done ever since you entered the compounding room. Did something happen?”

“Ahaha… I tasted a sweet called chocolate a short while ago.”

“Chocolate? I’ve never heard of such a sweet.”

We made the plant nutrient solution while I told everyone about chocolate. They all seemed fascinated. Naturally, I promised to let them taste it too.

They had made the Rapid Growth No. 2 for me and always helped with the trading company’s work, after all.

Although House Heine paid their wages, I sometimes had them work for my own convenience. I needed to show them my gratitude.

By the time we finished the plant nutrient solution, it was nearly lunchtime. First, I wanted to see how the dessert was coming along, so I hurried to the kitchen.

“Sorry to disturb you while you’re busy. How does it look, Head Chef?”

“Like this.”

“Kyuu! Kyuu!”

“Mira, no!”

I caught Mira firmly as they attempted to launch themself forwards. I wouldn’t let them escape, though I understood their feelings.

Before us stood the chocolate-coloured Sachertorte I had requested. It was beautiful. The head chef’s skill was extraordinary. How had he reproduced it so perfectly from my explanation alone?

“It looks delicious.”

“Lady Fabienne, you’re drooling…”

“Oh!”

I wiped Lady Fabienne’s bright-red face with my handkerchief. Once someone understood the splendour of chocolate, that reaction was inevitable. It couldn’t be helped.

This boded well for the rest of the family’s response. I only hoped Brother Alex and Sister-in-law Daniela would be eating here too.

When we entered the dining room for lunch, Brother Alex and Sister-in-law Daniela were already there. Wonderful. Apparently, they would be dining at the estate today.

“Did something happen, Julius?”

“You can tell?”

“Of course. All four of you’re grinning.”

Since I knew we would soon be relying heavily upon Brother Alex and Sister-in-law Daniela, I immediately told them about the chocolate.

However, perhaps our explanation failed to convey what it was like, because their response was underwhelming.

“Is it truly delicious enough to make all four of you so desperate?”

“If it were that remarkable, I would have expected it to be widespread already.”

The two of them tilted their heads, but they would only remain sceptical a little longer. I was certain they would like it too.

Before long, the entire family had gathered and lunch began.

The day had started with the tremendous event of the Green Spirit’s arrival, but life appeared to have returned to its peaceful routine. Father and Mother had both regained their usual expressions.

“For today’s dessert, we have prepared a sweet called chocolate using a recipe taught to us by Lord Julius. I’m certain you’ll enjoy it.”

I had wondered why the head chef had made the unusual decision to appear in person. He delivered that announcement, bowed and returned to the kitchen.

…He had tasted the Sachertorte in advance, hadn’t he? And after discovering how delicious it was, he had been unable to keep silent. Sachertorte, you sinful man.

“Julius, it seems you have taught the head chef how to make yet another outrageous thing.”

“Judging from his manner, could it be something even better than dried fruit?”

“I can’t wait to taste a dessert made with chocolate!”

“Kyuu!”

Our parents sounded exasperated, while Rosalia and Mira rejoiced innocently. Mira, you saw it with us earlier, didn’t you? They truly were guileless. At present, they possessed none of a holy dragon’s dignity whatsoever. Was that really all right?

Lunch approached its end, and the Sachertorte was carried in for dessert. It was still whole; apparently, it would be cut and served before us.

Everyone’s eyes settled upon the cake, which was a little smaller than our usual ones.

“This is a cake called Sachertorte, made using chocolate. It contains a generous quantity of chocolate, so you should be able to appreciate its flavour fully.”

As the cook explained, he sliced and served it. Rosalia and Mira looked dissatisfied with the small portions, but eating too much would be unhealthy. I believed this size was appropriate.

The cake was placed before everyone. I would need to feed Mira first. Otherwise, they would either grab it with their paws or bury their face directly in the slice.

“Here you are, Mira.”

“Kyuu! Kyuuu!”

Mira cried out in delight after a single bite. Watching them from the corner of her eye, Rosalia brought the cake to her own mouth. Everyone else began eating as well. Ah, Rosalia’s eyes had widened, and the hand carrying her fork gradually slowed.

Apparently, she had realised that eating quickly would make the cake disappear too soon. She had grown capable of such forethought. Rosalia’s level as a young lady was indeed increasing.

“It’s delicious, Brother Julius! I love it!”

“Hmm. This is excellent. It melts smoothly in the mouth. I’ve never tasted a sweet like it.”

“It really is wonderful. It has an elegant sweetness and such a lovely aroma.”

Rosalia and our parents had evidently taken a liking to it. I was more concerned about Brother Alex and Sister-in-law Daniela, who had yet to react.

Yes—their eyes looked ready to leap from their sockets as they stared at the Sachertorte. Their hands had stopped completely. Apparently, the shock was too great for them to conceal.