"It's alright, Bowen. Let your sister handle it for you," Lydia said cheerfully, reaching for the accounting book to record the shop's customers and income for "Sweet Treats."

"Big sis, you underestimate me. I'm actually really good at math."

"Oh, is that so?"

"Yes, look at this. I've already done the accounting for the past week." Bowen showed Lydia the transaction data he had previously calculated in the book. At first, Lydia thought he was joking, but when she double-checked the calculations herself, she couldn't believe her own eyes.

"Wow, you're truly a genius. Did you do all of this by yourself? Kyaaa... I'm so proud of my little brother!" Lydia exclaimed, giving Bowen a big hug that left him gasping for breath.

"Alright, sis... time out... I can't breathe," Bowen tapped her, as if playfully signaling a wrestling match. Lydia found it adorable, so she would often hug and squeeze him whenever she had the chance. After all, with his cute and handsome looks, Bowen had almost become a local celebrity since he started working as a helper at Gia's candy shop, Sweet Treats. With no other responsibilities, Bowen decided to lend a hand at the candy shop conveniently located below Gia's house, where he now had his own room.

Upon learning that Bowen had lost his parents, Lydia felt deep sympathy for him and vowed to be a loving older sister. Bowen, too, found comfort in Lydia's cheerful demeanor and allowed himself to be pampered with pats, kisses, and candies. He had grown accustomed to behaving like a child, effortlessly drawing others in with his innocence.

"Boss, boss, look at this! Bowen did all these calculations by himself," Lydia rushed over to Gia, eager to share her pride in her new little brother.

"Hmph, well, that's to be expected. After all, he's grown up now and can manage on his own without relying on others," Gia retorted sarcastically, turning her head in annoyance.

"Oh, boss, you're still angry with him? How much longer will this go on? Bowen, you should talk to her at least," Lydia urged.

"Alright, alright, I apologize, old hag. I know I made a mistake. How much longer will you stay angry with me?" Bowen spoke, pouting slightly.

"Did you completely forget about this old lady? Couldn't you have come to talk to me once when your mother and father died, or at least sent a message through Martha? After all, I'm just a stranger to you, aren't I? You've really grown up big, deciding to live by yourself," Gia said, still angry with him.

For the past ten days since Bowen's arrival in Aswalt, Gia had been distant despite providing him with clothing, shoes, and other daily necessities, and even setting up a small room opposite hers in her house with a bed for him to sleep in. She continued to hold onto her anger.

"Come on, old hag, you're all I have now. It would truly depress me if you stopped talking to me. You do tease me, a mere child," Bowen pretended to cry, attempting to lighten the atmosphere.

"Enough with the theatrics, brat. I forgive you now. But you must promise to accept me as your guardian and treat me as such. Understood?"

"Of course, of course, you'll always be my sweet grandmother," Bowen responded with a full smile. Lydia felt joy each time she witnessed the banter between the old lady and Bowen; it was as if Bowen were her own blood

"Of course, Grandma Gia, you will always be my sweet grandmother," Bowen exclaimed, flashing a wide smile. Lydia couldn't help but feel immense joy witnessing the playful banter between Bowen and the old lady. It was as if Bowen was her own flesh and blood, and she hoped this special relationship would last forever.

Their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of a person in a guard uniform, who entered the shop. Bowen recognized him as Xander, whom he had met before with his father when he worked as a gate guard. Xander, too, seemed surprised to see Bowen and immediately recalled their previous encounter.

"Aren't you Theodore's son?" Xander asked, taking a quick glance at Bowen.

"I am his guardian now. His parents are no longer with us," the old lady explained.

Xander's expression shifted from surprise to one of pity and concern as he looked at Bowen. Bowen had grown accustomed to such sympathetic looks thrown his way. Xander didn't delve further, as in the world of Grimesprere, death was a common occurrence unlike on Earth.

The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

"You're in good hands, kid," Xander reassured Bowen, glancing at Gia. "If you need anything, don't hesitate to come to me. This town will always welcome you warmly."

Bowen nodded gratefully and offered a small smile. Gia then interjected, asking if there was something she could assist Xander with, perhaps candies for his daughter once again.

"No, this time it's official business," Xander replied. "I'm here on orders from the Baron's house."

"The Baron's house?" Lydia exclaimed, her surprise evident. Gia, on the other hand, remained calm.

"You must have heard about Count Biron's arrival in Aswalt," Xander explained. "The chief confectioner of the Baron's house had an accident and can no longer prepare desserts for the upcoming feast. The Baron has decided to give the people of Aswalt an opportunity. There's an open competition to create a new dessert recipe to be presented to the Baron. My colleagues and I are tasked with collecting the names of participants. Everyone in Aswalt knows how talented Miss Gia is when it comes to sweets, so if you're interested..."

"Stop right there. You know this is just my hobby. I have no desire to join any competition," Gia stubbornly refused.

"Miss Gia, please reconsider. Besides the prize money of 10 large silvers, this is also a chance to elevate the shop's reputation," Xander insisted, trying to convince her.

"I'm already occupied with my regular customers, and I don't want to take on any additional demanding work," Gia firmly maintained her stance. Bowen listened intently to their conversation when suddenly, he heard a chime in his mind.

Ting Side mission triggered: Founder of a New Dessert

The Baron wishes to prepare a new dessert for his guests and has opened the opportunity for the people of Aswalt to showcase their baking talents. Join the confectionery competition and bring a new recipe to the world of Grimesprere.

Reward: 10 DP.

[So, there are missions other than fighting?] Bowen pondered for a moment. [Whatever, I'll just give my name for now. I can skip the mission if it's too difficult] he thought to himself

"Miss Gia, I know you're not seeking fame, but this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, i am confident that you can win.”

"Can I participate instead?" Bowen interjected.

"You?" Xander asked, surprised by Bowen's request.

"Yes, is there an age restriction?" Bowen inquired.

"No, there isn't, but let me warn you, kid. This is not a child's game. If you create something that upsets people's stomachs, you will face severe consequences, even if it's a mistake," Xander cautioned.

"No, no, Uncle Xander. I genuinely have a new recipe with me. Please believe me," Bowen pleaded earnestly.

"Well, if Miss Gia permits..." Xander trailed off, looking at Gia for her approval. Bowen thought he would need to plead with Gia to convince her, but to his surprise, Gia casually said, "You can write his name." [Huh? That easy?]

"Okay, then I will write Bowen's name as a representative of Miss Gia. Just remember, all participants must gather at the Baron's house in seven days. You must cook the dessert there and have it ready for the feast dinner that night," Xander stated, as he wrote Bowen's name and bid farewell to Gia.

"Wow, Bowen, my little brother can even prepare sweets?" Lydia asked excitedly.

"No! I don't,"

"Wait, what do you mean 'no'?" Lydia asked, confused.

"I have never set foot in a kitchen in my entire life," Bowen casually admitted. It was true, Bowen had never needed to cook even in his previous life. He always had servants or ordered food from five-star restaurants.

"What?" Lydia couldn't believe what she was hearing. Her head spun, and she felt like she might faint at any moment.

"Don't worry, Big Sis. I can learn how to do it. We have a week to prepare. Isn't that enough?" Bowen reassured her optimistically.

[Learn in a week? Who learns cooking in such a short time? And you have to cook in front of the guests at the Baron's house. No, I must protect Bowen. I can't let him be punished] Lydia thought to herself, concerned.

"Boss, how about this? You can teach me a new recipe, and I will participate instead of Bowen," Lydia proposed.

"No, I can't do that. He had the courage to put his name forward, so let him handle it himself. I'm not going to help him with this," Gia dismissed the idea without any concern and went to the kitchen to continue her work.

Bowen found it puzzling why Gia sometimes acted cold towards him. Even when he was severely wounded by Dale in the barn, she watched him suffer without a hint of mercy in her eyes. Yet, she still provided him with the miracle pill. [Isn't a grandmother supposed to be overly caring and doting?] Bowen pondered.

Even if Gia doesn't teach him, he has other ways to create the new dessert. For example, he has enjoyed many delicious sweets and cakes on Earth and can replicate one of them here. While Grime Sphere does offer some variety in food, he understands that it's not as diverse as Earth's. Just because he hasn't cooked anything before doesn't mean he doesn't know the recipes. During his school days, he would occasionally pick up random books to read, and there was a time when he became engrossed in cooking books because it seemed fun. However, after reading numerous recipes, he quickly lost interest and shifted his attention to robotics.

Fortunately, his photographic memory retains all the recipes he came across. He simply needs a little guidance on the usage of tools and the processing of ingredients, and he believes Lydia will be sufficient for that. The challenge lies in the fact that the raw materials in Earth and Grime Sphere differ significantly. For instance, Grime Sphere lacks potatoes, but they use a tuber called calcos as a substitute. It has a similar taste to potatoes but with a slightly bitter flavor. Bowen's family in Barn Village couldn't afford a variety of meat or vegetables, and even having milk was considered a luxury. Thus, Bowen still needs to taste each ingredient to understand its flavor and match it with the ingredients from Earth.

Bowen initially compiled a list of several desserts, aiming to choose one that doesn't resemble the taste of existing Grime Sphere desserts. With Lydia's knowledge and assistance, Bowen eventually selected the one that would captivate the hearts of the people in Grime Sphere.