Stopping in front of a small and charming cafe, we all disembark from the carriage. A wooden sign hangs off a nearby apple tree that reads Le Pommier.

Somehow I don’t think it suits the brooding image of a certain bat-prince or matches the high-class elegance of a certain noblewoman… Well, whatever. I’m just overjoyed they didn’t bring us to some weird place like I was expecting.

“My…! What a… quaint place you’ve decided upon.” is all Margot can manage to say.

“Isn’t it absolutely adorable?” Leila giggles. “I’ve been a regular here for the past year.”

Ah, of course it was Leila that chose this restaurant.

Entering the shop, a small bell attached to the door rings out. The aroma of warm cinnamon and apple spice lodges into the depths of my senses. Leila and I practically fling ourselves onto the display case filled with cakes and other desserts.

“So this is what the divine First must look like!”

“Mhm! I had the exact same thought when I first came here, Aeriea!”

From the corner of my eye, I see Margot and Sigyn twitch before stepping towards the glass case.

“A-Ah y-yeah! That apple crepe looks… cute…!”

“M-Mmm…! That apple mille feuille looks… sweet.”

…Get out of here you desserts-loving imposters! You don't need to act as if you like everything Leila likes!

Nott mutters under his breath. “This is why you’re so…”

“What! I dare you to finish that sentence, Nott!”

He scrunches his nose disgustedly but eventually breaks eye contact, acting as if he were paying attention to the menu instead. “What are you getting, Sól?”

Yeah, that’s right! Look away you coward!

Sól is staring at the desserts with an unexpectedly dumb expression on his face. His eyes widen and his mouth hangs slightly open.

“...Not you too Sól.” Nott glares at me. “Influencing my brother with such gluttony.”

I curse your next meal! Get food poisoning and be relegated to Thrice, you dumb prince!

When we decide upon what we want, one of the staff members comes out to take our orders. Joyously tapping my fingers on the table, I eagerly await my croissant sandwich with apple-jam and maple-smoked ham, spiced-apple tea, and apple blossom torte.

Ah! It’s here! It’s here!

“Fufu. You really do enjoy food, Lady Aeriea.”

“Mmph-hmm!” I nod my contentedness to Astrid, my mouth already filled with the torte.

“Eating the dessert first!” Vali is snorting into his apple bundt cake, so I quickly steal a bite while he’s busy laughing.

“Ah hey!”

“That’s what you get for not properly protecting your assets.”

“Hmn, Aeriea is correct. You should never let your guard down, as a high-ranking Kindred, remember to not display such weakness agai- Hey!”

I grab a forkful of Hel’s apple pork chop. Everyone bursts into laughter.

By the time I’m through my meal, I finally notice everyone is easily chatting and enjoying their food.

What a nice atmosphere. I smile to myself.