Chapter 1

"Su, the cookies are done... What should we do next?"

"Wait a moment."

I stopped making the pie crust, put down the bowl, and turned to face Ries. The house where I live with Ries, who used to be a privileged knight and earned a high salary, has a spacious kitchen where the two of us can move around without feeling cramped at all.

Ries, wearing a black apron that matches his hair color over a white shirt with the collar unbuttoned, waits faithfully for my next instructions, like a knight waiting for orders. He is still a knight, even if he is now in the guard corps.

"First, let's check the cookies... They're perfect."

The two types of cookies, one plain and one cocoa, shaped like Wol's fox face, are beautifully baked and shaped. I tried one, and the sweetness is just right, with a smooth texture. No complaints.

...Ries made them from scratch, but I can't help feeling that they are prettier and tastier than mine. Is it just an illusion?

"Then, could you cut the fruits over there?"

"Ah, got it."

Following my instructions, he cuts the oranges and kiwis for the fruit platter with practiced movements. Is it because he is skilled with swords that he is also good with knives? It's a bit scary to think that he might even master intricate garnishing techniques soon.

"What exactly are you aiming for?"

"Hmm...? I don't have any particular goal, but I'm happy as long as you are."

"That's not what I meant!"

This natural flirt...

I retied the strings of the light blue apron Lins gave us as a housewarming gift and cursed under my breath with a red face. Ignoring me, Ries calmly peeled an apple.

"Once this is done, we should decorate the room next, right?"

"Yes. Let's change the tablecloth and decorate the table with Ricola flowers."

"What about the vase?"

"I have a favorite glass one from my parents' house."

We confirmed the plan. Everything needs to be arranged beautifully for the occasion.

--- Today is the anniversary of when I first met Wol.

It's a distant memory now, but after I broke up with Ries and fully awakened my powers as a spirit user, the first spirit I spoke to was Wol. Since then, Wol and I have been important friends and partners.

Wol has also been very helpful with the Ries situation, so I planned a small party with plenty of desserts as a way to thank him.

Of course, I also involved my childhood friend, the knight.

Ries, who is clumsy in personality but incredibly dexterous with his hands, is diligently following my instructions and finishing the desserts. At this rate, the preparations for the party, which will be surrounded by nothing but sweets for Wol, will be ready on schedule.

Ries and I had dinner much earlier than usual. We warmed up leftover white stew, added some crusty bread and a prepared salad, a simple meal, but we'll be having plenty of desserts today, so it's fine.

Ries is not exactly averse to sweets... In fact, he's quite fond of them, even from a young age.

I remember that when we were in the orphanage, he used to eat quite a bit of sweets, blending in with the other children.

"The problem is Wol. I hope he hasn't eaten too many sweets at the church."

Wol has been playing at Fei's place for about three days. They seem to get along well as fluffy spirits, and Wol has been learning to write and drawing pictures with Fei, which is heartwarming.

He has also become quite familiar with the church and often comes back with sweets.

I told Wol about the party in advance, so I don't think he will overeat. He should be back by evening.

"...That water spirit can eat as many sweets as he wants. He's been fed quite a bit at the lord's mansion, but he still manages to finish all of Su's desserts afterward."

"Hehe, that's true."

I giggled, imagining Wol's belly swollen with sweets. With renewed determination, I picked up the bowl and spatula I had been mixing the pie crust ingredients in and resumed my work.

"Alright, the preparations are complete! Good job, Ries."

"Ah."

I surveyed the dining table with satisfaction.

On the four-person wooden table, a light pink spring tablecloth was spread, and on it were Ries' Wol-shaped cookies, a fluffy chiffon cake with tea, a pumpkin custard, and a lavish fruit platter, all arranged closely together.

Of course, the strawberry pie, Wol's favorite, was prominently placed in the center. Next to it, a red flower in a transparent vase added a touch of elegance.

"The Ricola flowers you picked from the garden are in full bloom and beautiful. Thank you for going out of your way."

"Don't mention it. ...It's getting dark."

Ries, who had taken off his apron and hung it on the back of a chair, turned his narrow eyes toward the window by the table.

The sky was a beautiful shade of crimson, with a thin layer of purple twilight gradually seeping in.

I had been so engrossed in setting the table that I hadn't noticed the time, but it was already this late. It was almost time for night to fall.

...Wol is taking longer to come back than I expected.

"Hey, is Wol okay? He should be back by now... Ah!"

--- Suddenly, a gust of wind swirled around my feet.

The window was closed, and this was clearly not a natural gust of wind.

Ries instinctively pulled me into his arms, shielding me.

The curtains and tablecloth fluttered, and a petal from the Ricola flower fell onto the strawberry pie. Eventually, the wind died down, and a gray-furred wolf suddenly appeared. I widened my eyes in surprise, still in Ries' embrace, at the familiar animal.

The wolf opened its large mouth with a burst of energy.

"Sorry to barge in! It's an emergency! A big emergency, Spirit Princess!"