Elis’s chocolate shop was every bit as stylish as I had expected. Just looking around was a treat in itself, and Kaori’s eyes lit up as she browsed the displays, clearly enjoying the atmosphere.
To my surprise, Olivia also seemed quite intrigued, studying the products with an intense, focused gaze. Ever since she had become a regular at Kaori’s shop, her palate had grown significantly more refined. Her interest in the culinary arts was clearly blossoming.
"Kaori, like I said before, don’t hold back. Please, buy whatever you like."
"Y-Yeah, thanks. But wow, look at this. Such a high price for a tiny assortment... it feels even more like a luxury boutique than I imagined. It's a bit overwhelming, though it’s fun to see things I’d never normally get a glimpse of."
"Tell me, Mizuhara Kaori—are the products here considered expensive?"
"Eh? Oh, right. Olivia, you might not be very familiar with chocolate yet. Since these are aimed at the nobility, the prices are definitely high. I’m sure the quality is incredible to match, though..."
To Olivia, the very concept of chocolate was a novelty, and she nodded thoughtfully at Kaori’s explanation. Knowing how serious she was, I suspected she would probably buy some ordinary chocolate later just to compare the flavors for herself.
As that thought crossed my mind, Elis approached, carrying an elegant silver tray. On it were bite-sized samples, each skewered to make them easy to handle.
"This is our latest creation for the month. If you would like, please help yourselves to a sample."
"Thank you. Do you release new items every month?"
"Yes. Our primary clientele is quite wealthy, and such individuals tend to crave novelty. While we keep our classic menu consistent, we always prepare rotating monthly specials. This is one of them—a refreshing piece infused with citrus fruit essences."
Elis struck me as exceptionally intelligent; she had a sharp, professional aura that suggested her sales strategies were meticulously calculated. Impressed by her explanation, I took a piece. Inside was an orange-flavored gelee with a wonderfully clean, crisp finish.
"...I see. You have used fruit juice set with a slightly tart liquid. This is my first time tasting chocolate, but is it correct to assume that because the filling provides sweetness, the sugar in the chocolate main body itself has been restrained?"
"Yes, precisely. You have an exceptionally refined palate, Pope. As you’ve noted, we utilized a bitter chocolate for this piece."
As Kaori had mentioned before, Olivia’s sense of taste was incredibly sharp. Apparently, she could distinguish between different types of miso in a soup instantly and could pick out hidden ingredients with ease.
Whether it was proof of her deepening interest in food or her natural disposition, she didn't just eat the chocolate; she seemed to be researching it as she chewed. However, I couldn't quite figure out why she kept stealing glances at me...
In a way, my guess was right—but in another, it was completely off the mark. While it was true that Olivia was tasting the chocolate with academic focus and analyzing the ingredients, her motivation wasn't purely culinary.
(Miyama Kaito-sama looked so pleased when he tasted that chocolate. I can infer that the flavor was to his liking, but it is difficult to tell yet if he prefers the bitterness of the chocolate or the use of fruit juice. If possible, I wish to prepare something tailored specifically to his tastes and invite him for tea again... Ugh, what a shallow, worldly thought! However, he did say he would enjoy another meeting if the opportunity arose. It is only proper to prepare such an occasion. I wonder if the beverages should be paired with the chocolate... I must order several books when I return to the Great Cathedral. And then, when he praises me— Ah! The stray thoughts! To expect a reward is the height of depravity... Why is my heart so full of such distractions?)
Yes, Olivia was thinking of nothing but Kaito from start to finish. Her very interest in chocolate was born from the fact that he had mentioned liking it.
She harbored a modest wish to prepare the perfect treats so she could share tea with him once more. Of course, Kaito would have happily accepted an invitation even without the snacks, but Olivia’s overly earnest nature made it difficult for her to act without a proper pretext.
For her, this situation was a godsend. She continued to glance at him, her mind racing as she tried to figure out the best way to extend an invitation.
Serious-senpai: "Olivia is completely oblivious because she’s convinced her feelings are just religious devotion, but her flags were planted ages ago. I can practically see the Kaito-loving aura overflowing from her."