[Music Resonation (Moderate)] [Stage Fever (Minor)] inflicted on [Young Sunfang Dragon, Hestia Atsuko Kargryxmor]

“Every time I look at them ♫

My eyes can’t turn around ♫

It’s so hard to resist this sight ♫

But my figure is shouting at me to ♫

Stop there, girl ♫

Don’t listen to your tummy, it’s an addiction ♫

Stop there, you know so much better ♫

But I can’t help myself ♫

That my cravings! ♫

Are telling me to cheat today ♫

Oh, I want to please my sweet tooth, oh, so, so much ♫

Oh, that fluffy sweetness, it melts right on your tongue ♫

That heavenly taste is such a guilty pleasure, don’t you all agree? ♫

But by tomorrow it will all be gone ♫”

The music echoed throughout this area of the city, accompanied by the talking and chatting of the numerous people standing and walking before my stage. They weren’t paying perfect attention to me, but that wasn’t the goal of my performance today. Today, I wasn’t the star of the show, but the fried round glazed pastry in my hand.

“Artorias’s Sarlenzia company presents to you the opening of the Olive’s Garden branch in Gleisvale! The newest and most trendsetting confections and pastries you can find in the whole of Peolynca! Not even the Folschreck Empire can contest with this treasure trove of mouth-watering goodness!” Kazumi spoke through an air microphone I created for her, announcing and promoting to everybody to hear but the deaf. Her cheerful nature combined with her energetic voice made sure the crowds were exuberant.

“Bistro Aurora is at your service today! If sweetness isn’t your thing, how about enjoying a hearty and warm lunch made by our master chefs? Dishes you have never heard before! Meals that can even please the tongue of a king! We aren’t always here folks, and magic can’t save you from missing out on this sort of food!” Nishio, positioned a bit further away from Kazumi and I, was advertising at another part of the building we were standing in front of. Behind him was a normal wooden door but over it was a sign stating “Bistro Aurora.”

This building was the one rented by Amelia under the Sarlenzia company name to use for her branch of Olive’s Garden, the premier pastry and confectionery store in Artorias. Kazumi was promoting Amelia’s store while Nishio was drawing people into the rebranding of our eatery. “Bistro Aurora,” was the new name of our eatery now that the fine dining restaurant took “Restaurant Aurora.”

After mercilessly slaving away at perfecting the new recipes for the last seven days, Haati, Lorena, and Priscilla were debuting at the official opening of the store. I could only imagine how full it was just from looking at the line of adventurers and workers standing before it, drawn in by the smell of food and the sight of people eating through the opened door. Of course, it was inside our subspace, but that fact was easily hidden if we placed the portal right next to the door.

“Hunter company Aurora, the adventurer group formed by Princess Hestia of Kargryx is here to fulfill your Quests! Come in the bistro and let our cute handlers take in your Quests! You need materials from one of the dungeons of Artorias? Griffonpeak, Ullistar, Cedaraille? Or maybe stuff from the Belzac forest? Come up and give us your requests! We aren’t around forever!” Right next to Nishio was Kohaku, wielding her rune sword like a glow stick and informing people of the official opening of our company’s Quest acceptance. “Some B rank monster material? No problem, we got the A rank ‘White Winged Dragoon’ with us! Otherwise, everybody here is a — quote-unquote — C rank, too lazy to do normal Quests! We need money, you need stuff slain, so come up already and put out a monster bounty!”

Except for Grimnir’s blacksmithing, as he and Daichi were too busy with their own projects to deal with customers, we were going full-on promoting and expanding the Aurora brand. Bistro, company to take on Quests, and also the expansion of the Sarlenzia company for our own benefits. Today was our day, and I will do all I can to make it a success.

“Tonight, I’m really feeling the heat surging inside me ♫

I’m about to explode ♫

And this night, won’t end until we’re done ♫

Satisfied from our fun and games ♫

So, (Blaze it all night) ♫

(I won’t be stopped) ♫

Cause this night is still young, far too young! ♫

I’m a burning star ready to explode ♫

To bring my light down to rock your entire existence ♫

I move like flash fire, bringing your night an incredible WOW! ♫

I’m gonna go, go, go ♫

Don’t you stop now! ♫”

“Wooooooooo! Let’s go! Mrhmmp!”

“Such a sudden music festival but, by the gods, this stuff is good to eat. How the hell is this so good but cheap at the same time? Weren’t yeast products reserved for the filthy rich?”

“Oh, goodness gracious, look at all those peasants, dear. Come quick, I heard there is an upper floor for people to properly enjoy the treats. Hopefully a sound rune to dull out the noise.”

Similar to my previous concerts, every individual liked a different style of music. The nobles and less rambunctious commoners all liked more calming and pleasant songs. The songs I’ve played up until now were there to draw in people. During a promotion, it wasn’t about people liking your songs, it was about drawing in the people in the first place.

The cutesy songs, like my “Guilty Pleasure” tune I sang before “Blaze It All Night,” certainly attracted every demographic, especially the younger women who understood the meaning of the song. When the day began, I led with those sorta songs to draw in everybody. It helped that I focused more on being an idol, so my voice and my dancing were in the limelight. My visuals — appearance — and entertainment qualities were important for the beginning of an event like this.

Afterward, once I drew enough people to the shop or product, a certain snowball effect began where the main reason people came closer wasn’t ‘cause they heard my performance, but the crowds of people standing before me.

Humans and beastmen had a herding mentality, where they wanted to understand what the majority was looking at. Have some people compliment and praise the products I was promoting, and boom, now these people became interested. They needed to satisfy that curiosity. The loud music helped lure in people who weren’t here yet, but the one doing the heavy lifting now was the numerous people I lured over in the first place.

I already knew the theory behind the promotion work, but Nishio explained the psychological parts of it. Why companies in the east and west had celebrities and idols advertise their products. The cost of hiring a known actor or singer was usually easily recouped.

Just look at all these people… Holy crap.

But, I guess we kinda underestimated how well this promotion would work, especially after we handed in all this information to the merchant’s guild about our shops. It also helped that the Ellaine and Saori group have been getting more well-known in their fields and promoting our stuff on the side.

It’s the 28th of HarvestSun… Damn, time flies when you’re busy. Hope we get a chance to celebrate Saori’s and Haruka’s birthday soon.

Haruka had hers on the 4th and Saori’s had been on the 25th. In both cases, we weren’t able to fully celebrate them ‘cause something was always getting in our way. In Haruka’s case, everybody was training and even Haruka forgot about it until Asaka gave her a small birthday cake. We celebrated it, but we planned on doing a larger celebration later on.

Even Saori didn’t want hers until the affair with Shaturein and the cartel of Gleisvale was over. I mean, it was her first birthday since reincarnating in this world. She should have celebrated it, but I could imagine she was a bit stressed out. To be fair, everybody was so busy with today’s preparations that we didn’t have enough time to prepare her birthday.

Still, I was planning on celebrating both of theirs eventually. We had to. Hopefully, it would be before Elrick’s birthday on the 5th of HarvestBloom, otherwise, that would be three birthdays we would celebrate in a single day.

140 humans and beastmen have become your followers

Total follower count updated. Total follower of [Young Sunfang Dragon, Hestia Atsuko Kargryxmor]: 7857

In any case, after five more songs, I was done for the day. Singing too much was bad for my throat, even if I could heal it with magic. After I waved and thanked those who became my fans today, I went into the pastry shop to take a break, only to watch multiple merchants slowly walk up to me.

Noticing this, Shay, Beth, and Rajah quickly dashed in front of me, blocking their sights before assuming their positions. The twins went to my side while Rajah hopped into my arms. Glaring out, the merchants cowered and went back to their tables inside the shop, continuing eating the dessert they bought.

You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

[“… Thanks, you three,”] I told them with a wry smile.

[““Always, Princess.””] The two wyverns responded in a business tone.

[“Master, you should take a break. Rest, good!”] The little feline told me worriedly. He has been waiting for me the entire time backstage.

Guess I could use a drink.

An employee from the shop came up to me and led me to the back of the shop. While walking, I noticed how the horde of people buying the new pastries and products hadn’t died down yet, despite it being far past lunchtime now. Merchants talked business with each other over their treats, while workers and laborers came in to buy some of the cheaper products we had on sale.

By cheap, I meant easy and quick to make. Yeast, while a rare commodity for most people, was pretty much a common product now in Greenveil and Griffonpeak. We’ve made enough for Olive’s Garden to open up two branches in Ullistar and Gelisvale. That’s why it gave Amelia the opportunity to expand her customer base.

While the more well-made pastries and confections were still reserved for the rich with a hefty price tag, Amelia knew she also had to concentrate on commoners as that was a largely untapped source of money. Sure, the poor and day-to-day wage-workers couldn’t afford what we offered, but craftsmen or those with some expendable coins could. As such, we lowered the prices of the products for them, which needed less work to prepare.

Milk bread, donuts, muffins, and so on were for that group, while another section of the shop sold stuff like cakes, cannolis, macarons, and cookies to the rich. If we couldn’t mass produce fast enough back in the bakery in Griffonpeak, then they were made by a team of bakers inside this shop right now. Those people came from Amelia’s shops in Greenveil, teleporting here through the nexus for the day to work.

Speaking of desserts like tiramisu or other hard-hitting sugary delights, we were debuting them today in the restaurant. The best should come last, right~?

“Waaaah, I’m soooo tired,” I complained as I settled down. A couple of seconds later, Svena came over with some tea and a snack for me.

“Amazing job as always, Lady Hestia. Please, let yourself rest now before the evening. You will be needed later on,” she told me with a pleasant smile. With Tasianna away with Saori still, Svena has taken over her job mostly.

Hmm, really miss Tasianna’s tea… But Svena makes a good one, too.

I was a bit worried Tasianna’s obsession with her revenge was consuming her, but I should believe that Saori was taking care of her. I really wished I could help, too, but ever since I accepted being a princess, I’ve just had more and more stuff on my plate.

With Mother still sleeping until this evening, I haven’t even had the time to practice my dragon skills with her. So, it was mostly preparation for today and training with Kramps. Although, I say training, Kramps has been delaying the next stage of controlling my [Battle Frenzy] for some reason. I still haven’t unlocked the “Gluttony” part yet.

After I talked to the senators, I’ll just skip out on any other formalities and dedicate more time to training. I need to get my [Battle Frenzy] and scale manipulation down already.

“Grrew.” Rajah purred as he licked up some whipped cream I gave him. Stroking him, I noticed some sand and dirt in his fur. He wasn’t around the venue for the entire day, as he was out working with his family under Saori.

I’ve looked in his profile before and I did notice had been using his [Hestia’ Retainer] title a lot to power-level his skills up like I did when I was still an E rank. Honestly, although I wanted to be, I haven’t been the one to train him. It was actually Saori’s garms who did it.

I felt bad I couldn’t get the time to help him out, feeling I spent too much time treating him more like a pet than another combat companion, but what could I do? My schedule was full. There wasn’t enough time, and the training I did wasn’t beneficial to him. It was sad for me.

I also heard Rajah would join the others to deal with the new Quests issued to our company soon, so he’d be off training again while I kept to myself. Despite now being reunited, it felt a bit like nothing had changed. I was spending time with Rajah, sure, but not enough. To be honest, I wanted to spend time with everybody new in Aurora, but time was finite for each day.

Our goals all led to defeating those demonkins. Hopefully, after it’s all done, we could rest for a moment. Spend time together and have less princess business and shit.

Time was not only a gift but also a curse.

After I was done with my break and had changed back to my normal clothes, I went up to the second floor of the building, where we had the space reserved for our more wealthy customers, those who weren’t too thrilled with the loud crowds. While I did hear a bunch of them not liking how rowdy it was, I did hope they were enjoying themselves up here.

And they were.

“Mhmm. This fragassa cake is amazing with how it combined the cream and sweet-sour taste of the berry. The soft bread just tickles your tongue.”

“Oh, but dear, you must be careful. This is our second piece of cake. Enjoying them is good, but look at the amount we bought. Our waistlines!”

“Tragedy, I know, but we can worry about that on another day. Mhmm~ Delectable.”

It was a success. Our main target audience were happy. Still, it wasn’t over yet. The Sarlenzia company was surviving in this city by relying on our nexus to transport yeast and proper bakers, but they will have to do without us in the future. Amelia had to work hard.

“Lady Amelia, this piece of pastry is absolutely fantastic! Such simplicity, but the quality of the cream is outstanding.” I overheard a guest say. Turning towards that voice, I saw Amelia standing next to a table and speaking with the customer.

“Thank you very much for this compliment, Senator Vesco. The milk used for this cream came from cows from the Myrrdin duchy. They allow them to graze inside the Krikantos Plains, a monster-infested area east of Griffonpeak’s mountain. The grass there allows the milk to come out filled with more fat and nutrients good for your skin.”

“Skin, I see? Haha, I do wonder if it will help my old self a bit or not, but I do admit I am too out of form to look like my younger, more handsome self. But, I believe this should help my beautiful wife retain hers in the future.”

It seems she is making friends. A senator, even. Good.

“Oh, my lady?” While I was walking around with my three guards and Svena, I suddenly heard a man speak out. When I turned around, I noticed a chubby man sitting at a table with a woman and a younger man, eating a wine cake.

Keeping my smile, I nodded. “Good day, mister. How is your table doing? Are the desserts to your liking?”

Customer service. Another part of being an idol.

“Oh, mighty fantastic, my lady princess!” he exclaimed, telling me he knew exactly who I was before introducing himself. “My name is Harrold Huumitcher. A wine and liquor connoisseur from the east of Estralia. Not only am I one of the largest alcohol merchants in this country, I am also a part of the senate. May I presume I have the greatest honor to meet the illustrious Princess Hestia of the Imperial Family of Kargryxmor?”

“You do, sir,” I answered. “Most of the recipes the store is selling today came from me, so hearing something liked is relieving to my worried heart. Although, I do admit I don’t enjoy liquor treats too much, so I’m not so sure if you liked your cake.”

“There is no issue, my lady. The cake is to my taste. My son and wife also found the products made today quite agreeable.” He pointed at the two people sitting with him, prompting them to praise their treats which I accepted. He then continued after looking around in the shop. “Hmmm. I can identify quite a few senators inside your wonderful pastry shop, my lady. All of them are looking at you very carefully, outside of Lady Reajaen over there. Mhmm, I heard you met her?”

I turned around, noticing Reajaen actually staring at me with a wide smile, all while her son was enjoying the muffin he had. He might have some soulless eyes, but it seemed he had a sweet tooth.

With a wry smile, I answered the man’s question. “… Yes, when I handed the documents in, Lady Reajaen invited me to her mansion. We talked, but that was it.”

“Hmm, I see. Well, having allies inside Gleisvale is a good thing, but a dragon like you probably doesn’t need it,” he said with a smile, kinda hinting to me what Reajaen said yesterday about the senators being unsure how to handle me. “Well, they say Gleisvale is the city which cannot be conquered from the outside, but I do disagree. A dragon breathing fire from the skies would hurt us, even if we have dwarven ballistae and catapults to hopefully fight back with, haha!”

He paused, taking another bite from his cake before ending his meeting with me. “Well, I must thank you for bringing such a wonderful dessert to us, Princess Hestia. I am not sure what I will talk about with Lady Amelia or with you, but I shall think of something we could do business on. Until we meet again.”

Weird.

I thought I would get into more of a discussion, but it was just a small greeting really. What you would expect to do during a party or something. Just greet and introduce yourself, to keep up decorum.

I was up here to meet with the senators since, after my meeting with Reajaen who offered to ally up with us, I understood that the people around here were beginning to make their moves concerning my presence. Since we needed to have Estralia ally up with Artorias, I had to find somebody worth working with. I needed to learn more about the people here beyond that first senator that I met.

Surprisingly, as I went through everyone present, all the senators I met acted similar to Harrold Huumitcher. Small talk into some hinting about whatever, and then goodbye. Short and simple, but it did mean it was a bit chilling with how I couldn’t tell what they were all thinking or planning to do.

[“Master, do you want me to get the answers out of them?”] Rajah asked, so I had to reprimand him for that suggestion. He looked at me with those “what did I do wrong?” eyes, worrying me the garms were turning him too much into a rogue.

“Oi, little missy.” After I was done meeting my ninth senator and few random merchants, I stopped walking as I overheard somebody speak to me. Surprisingly, it wasn’t in that “my lady princess” address. It wasn’t just less formal, but also more casual.

As I turned around, my body suddenly wanted to flinch back as two blood-red eyes looked right into mine. I barely managed to control it, only letting myself shake for a moment.

What? I was flabbergasted, unable to react in time for the woman to continue speaking.

“Did I spook you, dear. Oh, my deepest apologies. My eyes do glow up when I begin to find interest in someone.” The eyes of the woman began to dim, turning into a pale red similar to pink.

Like a weight was removed from my heart, I calmed down, blinking wildly as I felt the atmosphere turning weird around me. Rajah and the twins were slightly on-guard as they kept their eyes on the woman before me, looking more alert than usual. My own instincts were telling me I should do the same.

“Oh, where are my manners,” the woman spoke up. Only now did I notice her blond, flowing hair hiding two long, sharp ears. “You may call me Vivi. A traveler, you could say, just like you, Miss Most Popular.”

Her perfect, model-like skin was a warm rose, showing off not a single age wrinkle as she smiled at me. Captivating, you could say. It was as if she had activated something like [Seducer’s Aura] to tempt me, but it felt more like her natural charisma was the one in effect right now.

Her blond hair contrasted well with her red dress, exuding a noble’s aura. With a boob window large enough to shudder other woman, I knew without a question this woman understood her sex appeal to the point she would use it like a weapon. I could only imagine how many men’s hearts broke after they met her.

“Hestia Atsuko Kargryxmor… a pleasure to meet you.” I was cautious. Wary of the reason why I suddenly flinched.

“Charmed, Meoschaera roy Sheothrudra,” she greeted me in elven for “Princess of Dragons.” “I will not take too much of your time, dear, as you clearly have more to do for today. However, I must say that you are certainly a large surprise.”

“A surprise?” It was a weird way to call me that, but I guess I was for this city.

“Yes, the desserts you brought to the country, I mean. Like, look at this beautiful masterpiece of a cake! Mhmm! Soft and fluffy. It truly quenches my cravings. Such a bliss to finally taste something this wonderful. Once again, a culinary revolution, and one I very much like with my tea.”

Once again? What? Did the elves have a change in their cuisine or something?

I felt confused, like really confused. I wanted to ask her what she was saying, but as if I was in a trance, I was simply listening to her. Like, as if, there was an invisible wall between us. My thoughts couldn’t get my mouth to speak out.

“Ahh, I must say, my step-sister truly was correct about you. Your music taste was great to hear while eating, before you went full on rowdy, and then all this cake and dessert! Hmm, I can’t wait for later.”

“Your step-sister?” I finally managed to eke something out.

She nodded. “Yes, she was a great fan of yours when you performed in Griffonpeak, you see. But, she couldn’t come as she was far, far too busy with her work. Almost overworking herself, right now. I came here to see you in action, and I must say, she was right about the youngest meoschaera of Kargryx. Certainly a surprise, my dear.”

It was weird. I was unlike my previous meetings with the elves — who acted very respectful and more uptight — but I guess I never met one with such a strong noble aura and demeanor like Vivi here. It felt a bit like speaking with a noble or even royalty at this point, but she still had this carefree side about her despite knowing who I am.

It made me feel smaller, to be honest. And now this part about having a step-sister. Who was she? I didn’t think I knew of any blond elves or half-elves, but then again, in Peolynca hair color didn’t matter too much as it could whatever depending on your parents.

“Although, if I had one complaint, I think it would be your dancing, dear.”

“Urgk!” I let out as my mind returned to the subject at hand. Did she just criticize my dancing? “Y-You didn’t like it?”

“Oh, no such thing, dear. I did. But, I felt it lacked a bit of stage presence. You know, it could be more expressive or explosive. At least, that’s what my younger sister told me when she saw you.” As I was trying to process what she told me, she handed me a small parchment. “I can see you worked hard. If you want to confront my sister, go to her with these directions. That’s where our inn is if you begin from here.”

When did she have the time to write this up?!

“Excuse me, but how did you know—” As I was about to ask her about it, somebody suddenly tapped on my shoulders. Turning around, I saw Haruka looking at me worriedly.

“H-Hestia, could I borrow either Shay or Beth for a moment?” she asked me, almost urging.

“Did something happen?” Something told me I didn’t have to ask that in the first place.

“Yes, some thugs have begun harassing our guests outside the shop and inside the bistro.”

Seriously?