Chapter 474
This year, the Pastry Club has transformed into a mere gathering in name only.
Of course, it was already twisted enough since the year before, with the Foot Volleyball Club and Chess Club blending in, but this year was something else entirely.
“Seems like we could spar right now, no problem.”
“I want to mix swords before graduation. How often do you get the chance to duel with royalty in your lifetime?”
Listening to Erich and Rutis whispering to each other, I let out a small sigh. Ever since Ainter chose the path of the sword as one of the founding members, the seasoned veterans Erich and Rutis have been spending way more time outdoors than in the pastry club. Now that a royal newbie has appeared, it’s like they’re looking at the pastry club with disdain.
With Erich wandering outside and leaving the club behind, Lyne was stuck preparing for the club fair, which left only Rizie, Trixie, Lather, and Tannian in the club room.
Even when the members were all complete, the Pastry Club was barely holding its own. Now, with nearly half of us outside, it’s no longer a pastry haven but basically a break room.
“Well, the only final content for the seasoned group is chatting.”
Objectively speaking, it’s not surprising. Gathering in the club room and having fun wasn’t a new thing; spending three years with the same members must be exhausting.
If there had been students among the newbies wanting to join the Pastry Club, the circumstances might have been different. Or if someone from the debate club Tannian formed last year had been promoted to the Pastry Club, then that would have changed things. A new person joining a stagnant group usually brings some vitality.
Unfortunately, this year, there were no new recruits at all. Not a single one.
“I thought about pulling a few people into the Pastry Club, but everyone turned me down.”
It wasn’t as if I was trying to control the influx of new members like last year. Just as Tannian said, I had hoped to bring in a few, but they turned me down. Even the wizards from the debate club who wanted to meet Trixie more often and learn a bit more refused.
That was unexpected. The ones who came all the way to the Imperial Academy just for Trixie now turned her down.
“Last year everyone was in a frenzy, but it seems a year of cooling down has brought them back to their senses. It wouldn’t do to disturb the mood of a teacher, would it?”
Still, Tannian’s explanation was somewhat understandable.
The Pastry Club is where royalty, foreign princes, and the next Messiah reside, and it’s also where I and my lovers hang out. It’s a group that now feels too risky to welcome anyone else. Sara has her childhood friend buff, so she’s an exception.
Anyway, even if someone managed to overcome that awkwardness and joined the Pastry Club, from Trixie’s perspective, it would be like an uninvited guest crashing in on her cozy space with her future husband. As long as they don’t come in giving her grief, it’d be a blessing.
That’s why the Pastry Club has simply become just a club. When it’s club time, we habitually gather and spend time doing our own things.
“Oppa! Guys! Let’s take a break before continuing!”
In the middle of this, Rizie—who had effectively become the club president—opened the window and shouted. It seems the cookies were done.
“Let’s head in. A proper break counts as training too.”
“Ah, yes.”
Waving at Rizie, I turned toward the building.
No matter how twisted the club is, our essence is cookies. You can’t escape your roots.
Given that our club’s cornerstone is cookies, we decided to stick with the bakery concept for this year’s club fair.
One difference from last year? Trixie’s special elixir cookies were decided not to be sold for the sake of scarcity.
“This time, we’ll prepare normally. No need to go overboard just because it’s a fair.”
Even Rizie, who typically had shining eyes, seemed somewhat lukewarm with her suggestion.
“Anyway, regardless of how we do it, we’ll still end up in first place.”
That felt like the cold reality had finally dawned on her.
For a moment, I nearly burst out laughing. Honestly, I always thought that even if we sold just flour instead of cookies or bread, the Pastry Club would still take home the win, but I didn’t expect Rizie to also come around to that idea.
‘Seems like she’s made peace with the world.’
I chuckled, feeling bittersweet. The ever-enthusiastic kid, who was always full of passion and laughter, has evolved over the last three years.
And honestly, the reason for this evolution is completely understandable. As a baroness, having interacted with royalty and dignitaries, she snagged high-ranking friends, and witnessed her Pastry Club transform into a versatile play club. It’s fascinating that despite all that, she still overflows with enthusiasm.
Most importantly, Rizie’s heart has drifted from the Academy. It’s not that she’s bored or disappointed, but her heart has definitely strayed.
‘What can I do if her heart is set on the capital?’
From last winter break to the start of the school term, Rizie stayed in my mansion in the capital. The third father-in-law residing at Baron Aitini didn’t show any sign of displeasure that Rizie was living at my place. It’s as if he already considers us married.
And I’m sure Rizie feels the same. When it comes to our relationship, it’s almost like common-law marriage. We’re just holding back from having the wedding right after the other because we don’t want our guests getting tired out.
So, I could casually watch over Rizie, one of my future wives, as she witnessed Mar, who became my official wife, having a child. In that moment, would anything like the Academy or the fair even catch her attention? She’d likely want to live in the mansion as my wife, not just as an Academy student.
“Hey, Oppa. Is it necessary to graduate from the Academy?”
“Yeah. Dad must have a diploma, but Mom should at least have one.”
“Ah.”
Could it be that we ended up having such a conversation just before school started?
Of course, Rizie was joking, but I ended up making an explosive statement myself. But still, even as a joke, her saying that shows how she really feels.
“Well, it should be fine to just make it like usual. Our skills aren’t lacking, after all.”
Anyway, Erich nodded in agreement with Rizie’s suggestion. For the club members, simplifying the fair would be welcome news.
…Hmm.
“Speaking of which.”
Seeing Erich’s calm expression made me want to poke at him, so I casually mentioned.
“I heard Zenobia’s coming from the Imperial Council this year too. If we keep the fair simple, we’ll have plenty of time to take a stroll together.”
“Huh?”
At those words, Erich stiffened up.
With Sara already overwhelmed, the thought of Zenobia coming too must have left him in a fluster.
“Right, she said she would come.”
And naturally, Sara, standing next to Erich, crossed her arms and beamed.
“If she comes, let’s go together, the three of us. Since she’s busy, we won’t get another chance to hang out with her like this.”
“Uh, yeah. Let’s do that.”
Seeing Erich with that awkward smile put me at ease.
I genuinely believe that this year or next, we’ll often hear good news.
After club time wraps up, it’ll be about dinner, but thanks to Trixie’s teleportation, we’d get to eat dinner at the mansion.
And due to various circumstances, only Mar, Trixie, and I would be having dinner at the mansion. Out of six lovers, four of them are outside; how sad is that?
“Did she really say that?”
“I was doubting my own ears. Last year, she moved around with such passion that it was jaw-dropping.”
Even if our bodies can’t be together, I believe our spirits always are. The ‘we’ll win anyway’ utterance from Rizie at the dinner table became the topic of conversation.
Mar’s wide eyes, looking surprised, and Trixie, recalling the moment in vivid detail, broke into small giggles. It seems even they found it amusing that the pure pink capybara spouted something so tainted by the world.
“Well, many people would be disappointed. The pastries we sold last year were impressive even in my eyes.”
“Can’t be helped. What we sell is up to the seller’s discretion.”
“Right, that’s true.”
Mar let out a chuckle at Trixie’s response while tearing off a piece of bread from the table and popping it into her mouth.
That bread was made by Rizie. Thanks to some storage magic, freshly produced bread has been gracing our table every day.
“Honestly, I’m a bit disappointed too. I was expecting something more elaborate since it’s the last fair.”
“Yeah, but I’ll just have to settle for cookies made right on the spot.”
“Right, cookies made fresh are a delicacy… huh?”
Trixie, who had been casually responding, trailed off and tilted her head. It was as if she was sensing something off.
And sensing something off was mutual, so I shot a look at Mar.
‘Eating something fresh?’
Something felt odd. It sounded like she was planning to attend the fair and buy herself something.
As I gave her a questioning look, Mar smiled again and spoke up.
“The fair is open to outsiders, so I’ll be attending too—”
“No way.”
I firmly shook my head at that. Where does a pregnant woman think she’s going? A pregnant lady should stay home and be taken care of!
Besides, the fair would be a crowded event. If Mar went and got exhausted or something happened, I might genuinely cry.
“I’ll bring you whatever you need! I can use magic to ensure it stays warm.”
So, I sincerely tried to dissuade her. I wasn’t lacking money or skill; getting something my wife wanted was the least I could handle.
“I want to feel the atmosphere directly. Not from a host’s perspective, but as a guest.”
But I was left speechless at the idea of wanting to enjoy it as a guest.
It made sense considering Mar had been a member of the student council, leading things throughout her three years. After all those trials, it’s entirely understandable she would want to enjoy it as a guest upon her graduation.
But there’s no need to make it this year. After we have our first child…
…
‘Will next year be okay?’
I seriously pondered. What guarantees do I have that Mar won’t still be pregnant next year?
I imagine next year the little one will be snoozing in Mar’s arms. The following year, it’ll be a summer baby, and the year after that, a cherry blossom baby.
“Is it okay?”
I couldn’t bring myself to say no to Mar, who smiled brightly.
Saying that she couldn’t go simply because she was pregnant also implies she couldn’t go because of me.
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