Chapter 84

"Here it is! The pancakes at this shop are super delicious!"

As she walked at the front with quick steps, Isha's voice was filled with excitement.

"They stack the pancakes, which are baked fluffy using a special method, and whip smooth cream on top. Then they drizzle sweet honey syrup over it and add strawberries on top, making it a truly exquisite pancake! Hehehe♪"

She seemed to be looking forward to it so much that she was even humming a tune.

Watching the happy Isha, I suddenly felt a strong urge to eat too.

"I'm looking forward to it too!"

Even Ren, who had never eaten pancakes before, was shining with excitement.

Led by Isha, we arrived at a cafe located a little off the main street.

"Wow, there's a long line."

"Yes, it looks like it will take quite a while to get in."

Indeed, there was a long queue at the cafe.

The sign at the end of the line read "120 minutes wait."

"Hmm, I want to eat the pancakes, but waiting for two hours is tough."

"Mmm, it's usually not this crowded..."

Isha pouted, looking disappointed.

"What should we do? ...Are you all okay with waiting in line?"

"Since we've come this far, I want to eat them."

When I turned to the others, they all nodded in agreement.

"I'll follow Lord Lloyd. Personally, I'm also curious about the recipe."

"There are so many people willing to wait this long. I'm really looking forward to it!"

"That's great. With so many girls, we can chat and the two hours will pass quickly."

"Oink!"

It seemed everyone agreed, so we decided to join the line.

"...Huh?"

Suddenly, I noticed that the people around us were glancing at us.

What was going on? They seemed to be whispering to each other.

"Hey, isn't that Lord Lloyd?"

"Really!? The second prince's right-hand man, the one who tames beasts, forges magic swords, and recently quelled a rebellion and was given a territory, Lord Lloyd!?"

"It must be him! I've seen that maid before! ...Hey, shouldn't we let them go ahead in line?"

"Yes, he's surely someone who will lead the nation of Salroom. It wouldn't be good to draw attention to him."

The people in line were muttering.

Then, they started to leave with forced smiles.

"Oh, I remember, I have something to do."

"Yes, yes, that's right. I'll go shopping first."

"Ah! I also have something to do...""Me too""Me too."

Like a wave receding, the people in line disappeared.

What was going on?

"Well, everyone's gone. ...Does that mean we're at the front of the line now...?"

"Sure, why not? I'm hungry, let's go in."

I don't know what happened, but it was good that we didn't waste time.

The staff were surprised when the line suddenly disappeared, but thanks to that, we got in quickly.

The bell chimed as we were welcomed inside.

The interior was wooden, with tasteful decorations here and there, creating a stylish atmosphere.

"Nice place, huh?"

"Yes, I'm looking forward to the pancakes. Where should we sit... Saria!?"

Isha's gaze fell on Saria, who was already eating pancakes.

"Mmm, what are you doing here, Saria?"

"...Please don't talk with your mouth full, Saria."

Isha sighed, seeing Saria's cheeks puffed up like a squirrel.

After mumbling something, Saria gulped down her coffee in one go and wiped her mouth with a napkin.

"---Phew. So, what brings you here, Isha? And Lloyd and the others are here too?"

"Actually..."

Isha explained the situation.

Saria listened, nodding occasionally.

"---I see, monsters in the church. This is a thank you, then."

"Yes, you all saved our lives. Are you composing, Saria?"

"Yep, when I use my brain, I always crave something sweet."

On the table, there was a sheet of music that was being written, and a man in black stood beside her, holding a bundle of sheets.

He was Saria's bodyguard and butler. Saria is technically a princess, so she always has someone with her when she goes out.

"Is there a concert this weekend? I'm working on a new piece. But I'm a bit tired, so I'll take a break. You all sit down. Waiter, can you bring us some chairs? Five, please."

Saria gave the waiter clear instructions to bring chairs.

She seemed very used to it.

"Is this your first time here? I recommend starting with the plain pancakes. So, five more, please. One of them should be the Deluxe Dynamite with a mountain of fruits. ...Is that okay, Isha?"

"Saria!"

Isha's face turned red as she spoke.

We were ordered a lot without our input, but since we didn't have any particular preferences, it was fine.

"Come on, stop spacing out and sit down. Order your drinks separately. The tea and coffee here are recommended."

With her commanding presence, we all sat down.

She was quite the organizer.

After a while, a fragrant aroma filled the air.

"Here you are. Four plain pancakes and one Deluxe Dynamite with a mountain of fruits."

"...I'll take the mountain of fruits."

Isha raised her hand slightly, her cheeks still a bit red.

A huge pancake was placed in front of her.

It was massive, about three times the size of ours.

"Wow, it looks delicious♪"

"Let's eat while they're hot. Silfa and Ren, don't be shy. Lloyd, are you okay with that?"

"Of course. Let's eat together."

"Okay, itadakimasu!"

We cut a piece of pancake with our forks and put it in our mouths.

The moment it touched our tongues, a fluffy texture spread throughout our mouths.

The batter was incredibly soft, melting in our mouths.

"Wow! What is this! It's so delicious!"

"Yeah, I've never had such a soft dessert. It's a new sensation."

"I wonder what method they use. I'd love to ask the pastry chef."

The three of them were glowing with excitement as they savored the pancakes.

Shiro, wagging her tail, was also eager, so I gave her a piece of pancake.

"Oink!"

"There, there, is it good?"

Shiro ate it happily.

Being a beast, she can eat almost anything.

"Ah~♪ This place's pancakes are the best~♪"

Isha was eating the pancakes with a very happy expression.

"Mmm, so good. The food is so good~"

Saria was also talking with a full mouth.

I couldn't understand what she was saying, but she looked very happy.

"Phew! I ate it all!"

The pancakes were quite filling, and I was full after just one.

I was a bit amazed that Isha could eat three times that amount.

When our eyes met, she looked away, blushing.

"By the way, Saria, where is the concert this weekend?"

"Ah, at the headquarters of the church. Remember, I talked to the Pope during the last concert."

"The Pope...!"

Everyone gasped at Saria's words.

"...The mastermind behind the monsters in the church and the sewers was a believer or someone related to the church, right? And someone who could orchestrate such a large-scale operation must be quite powerful. For example, the Pope."

"But the Pope...? It can't be... I mean, it shouldn't be..."

"Either way, we need to confirm. How about someone going with you to the concert?"

"Then I'll go."

I raised my hand immediately.

If the Pope is the mastermind, it would be hard to meet him if he goes into hiding.

If he's possessed or transformed into a monster, a holy magic spell should elicit some reaction.

Also, as the Pope, he might be able to use powerful holy magic, which could be advantageous in a fight.

"Oh, Lloyd is coming too? How about performing with me?"

"Oh, that's a great idea! Let's sing together!"

Saria and Isha smiled at me.

"Eh? But I..."

"Come on, don't be shy. How about this: Lloyd, you can be our opening act. Yes, that's a good idea. I'll make sure of it."

"Yes, that's a great idea. Don't worry, Lloyd. I've been keeping an eye on your talent. This is a great opportunity to debut! There's nothing to worry about. With the two of us teaching you, you'll surely give an excellent performance!"

Before I knew it, I was set to be their opening act.

I didn't have a chance to object. What a forceful pair.

"Time is precious. Let's go back and practice."

"I'll leave the bill here."

So, I was dragged out of the shop by the two of them.