As we chatted along the way, we eventually reached the chocolate specialty store that Fia-sensei claimed was the absolute top of the line. To be honest, I had assumed that even a shop catering to the nobility would be roughly the size of a standard confectionery.
What stood before us, however, was a massive, glossy black building that practically screamed "high-end." I would have easily believed it was some ultra-luxury fashion boutique... Wait, what? It was about four times the size of any bakery I’d ever seen. Was this massive place really nothing but a chocolate shop?!
"...This is, uh, even more intense than I expected."
"Y-Yeah. I’d only heard the name before, so this is my first time seeing it in person... It’s so big I’d believe it if someone told me it was a merchant guild's headquarters."
"It takes some serious courage just to walk in there. If I were alone, I definitely would have turned back."
"Ahaha, I know the feeling. Well, let’s just try going in for now."
I gave a hesitant nod, and together we pushed open the heavy doors. Stepping inside, the first thing I saw was an expansive floor covered in thick, plush carpets. Wait, is it okay to walk on these with shoes? I won't get yelled at, will I?
There was a security guard stationed right by the entrance, and I could see displays scattered throughout the room that looked more like jewelry cases than food counters. The entire place felt like it handled diamonds rather than cocoa.
As I stood there, overwhelmed by the sheer opulence of the place, an elderly gentleman in a tailcoat—looking every bit the professional butler—approached us with a smooth, practiced gait and offered an elegant bow.
"Welcome to our establishment. My sincerest apologies for the intrusion, but might I see your membership card?"
"Eh? A m-membership card? Um, sorry, I don't have one."
"I see. In that case, do you have a referral from a current member?"
"Ah, no, I don't have a referral either..."
This was bad. It was even more exclusive than I’d feared. Based on this exchange, it was clearly a membership-only establishment. I had completely picked the wrong place.
As I began to worry, the gentleman lowered his head with an apologetic expression.
"I am terribly sorry, especially since you have gone through the trouble of visiting us. Due to the nature of our products, we are unable to facilitate mass production, and thus we must limit our clientele. I am afraid we cannot serve customers who do not possess a membership card or a referral from an existing member."
"I understand. I'm sorry, I came here without knowing the rules."
"Not at all. I apologize for our inability to meet your expectations."
Because he was so polite about turning us away, I actually felt like the one who should be apologizing. Since it clearly wasn't going to work out, I decided we should just find another shop.
"We should probably head somewhere else."
"Yeah, it can't be helped. Let's find another one. Kaito, you pick the next spot from the map."
As I agreed with Fia-sensei and turned to leave, I caught a faint whisper from behind me.
"...Miyama?"
"Eh?"
I reflexively looked back to find the elderly gentleman staring at me with a look of pure shock.
"P-Please forgive my impertinence... but might I ask your full name?"
"Ah, yes. It's Kaito Miyama."
"I see! My deepest, most sincere apologies! Please, please, come inside."
"Huh? Wait, what? But I don't have a membership card..."
"I shall have them issued for you immediately. If I may be so bold, might I also ask for your companion's name?"
"Um, it's Fia."
"Miyama Kaito-sama and Fia-sama. I shall arrange for cards to be issued to you both at once. It is the greatest honor to host you at our establishment today. Please, enjoy your shopping to your heart's content."
"...I-I see. Thank you."
We were ushered further into the shop by the gentleman, who was now bowing even lower and acting far more deferential than before. I leaned in to whisper to Fia-sensei.
"...Um, what just happened?"
"I'm just guessing, but since this place caters to the nobility, they must have heard stories about you. You're quite famous among the aristocrats, Kaito."
"A-Ah... I see, so that's it..."
Right, he probably recognized the name from some noble customer... But that level of shock and subservience was unsettling. Just what kind of rumors are the nobles spreading about me?
I felt a wave of genuine anxiety. After all, I’d heard that people were talking about "the angel who threatened most of the nobles at the Six Kings Festival." If that was the case, I might be seen as a total monster.
Ugh, I'm stuck between wanting to know and being terrified of the truth... For now, I'll just focus on the fact that we actually got into the shop.
Serious-senpai: "...What did you actually do, you terrifying God?"
Machina: "Don't worry. Right after the Six Kings Festival, it was only 'most' of them, but by now, I've covered 'every last one of the nobility.'"
Serious-senpai: "You mean you kept threatening them even after the festival ended?!"
Machina: "Threatening? Of course not. I simply 'convinced them to swear loyalty to my beloved child.' My child is supreme, so it's only natural, right? Besides, I kept my promise to Kuromueina—not a single person was killed!"
Serious-senpai: "............Kaito definitely shouldn't find out. If he does, he's going to live on stomach medicine for the rest of his life."