Candy girl Shadyna, bringing happiness to all sweet-loving souls in the world~!

After the routine Raid Breaker service, which has been permanently moved to the edge of the world due to the raid changes by the way, I [Recall] to Sapling Garden. To my little wooden stall in the corner of our village, to be exact.

_ Shadyna: Let us begin, this week's candy tasting event!

_ Customers: OOOOOOHHHHH!!!

The space in front of my stall has been converted into an open buffet venue, serving dozens of customers who are not really hungry, yet still excited for the food all the same. Being in the corner turned out to be a great help as I can put in additional props and hold more customers without bothering others. Not that we don't have space in the central area per se, but it is occupied by bulk trading caravans most of the time. Instead, we get all the space we will ever need for tables and food shelves.

As for the reason why I have a buffet in the first place… Well, thanks to Linny's keen eye for market trends, it was decided that I would sell candies rather than fish. That, and I have to categorize the new [Cooking] "materials" which I accidentally introduced to the player base and almost created an addiction crisis as a result. Since I am the only person who can craft these bizarre meals, the teahouse perve… sages cannot help. Eating the foods, however, is something anyone can do.

So I did just that. This weekly buffet is open to anyone willing to try out these seemingly impossible creations, ranging from literal grass gums to draconic scale lollipops. Even though I used mostly low-level materials to ensure quantity, there are enough volunteers with only word-of-mouth advertising in the tavern. For the players gathering here, it is the virtual taste that matters, not some numbers gained by eating said food.

…This is not the beginning of a sweet-addicted cult right? Having a cult (in-game) is fine and all, but if the powerful legendary weapon of mass destruction is stolen by a suspicious bunch called "Exotic Candy Lovers Association" then turned into apple candy, I'm quite certain both the heroes and evil overlords will never recover from the shock.

_ ???: Pssst, hey, this one is good. Ya have more of the stuff?

While I was wondering if a candy made from legendary swords would sparkle due to the rarity, a haughty catboy approaches me with a dish full of confectioneries. Enjoying the buffet to the fullest, isn't he~?

_ Shadyna: That one… is [Sand Cream Puff] right? The same amount as usual, yes?

This totally not suspicious person here is , self-proclaimed leader of the Blue Blood Federation. We have not really interacted with each other until recently. To be specific, it was when news got out that I was the mysterious creator of [Edible Rock Candy] and this guy turned out to be one of the addicts. He has been one of my richest customers ever since.

_ Elix: That will do. Same place. Payment on delivery.

_ Shadyna: Will do~ By the way…

_ Elix: Ya?

_ Shadyna: Why do you keep talking like a shady drug dealer?

For the record, he talks normally to other players, so I do not know why he does it only when dealing with me.

It can't be preferential treatment, can it? The uptight class president heroine being soft towards the protagonist whenever they are alone is one. Treating him like an underworld criminal is not. Asking him what kind of underwear his sister is wearing today is right out.

_ Elix: …Isn't it customary to play along with roleplayers when doing business? I'm just matching your smuggler background.

_ Shadyna: …Wait, what?

Why do I have a smuggler background?! And without me knowing too?!

_ Elix: Uh… Did I get it wrong? You were distributing game-breaking lunchboxes to your allies when we first met, then the dumplings after that. You even stealthily introduced [Edible Rock Candy] as advertisement too…

Again, we didn't really run into each other often, so I cannot blame him for these misunderstanding. However…

_ Shadyna: Stop treating my food like some kind of dangerous contraband!!!

This pacifist is the owner of a very model and upstanding business establishment, un!

…

After everyone had their fill, I clean up the tables to return the empty space in front of the stall. It is shared space with and 's stall after all, so I have to return it to the original state after use. While we don't have many customers compared to Hessy's ultra spicy hard bread or Linny's lethally bitter fries, there are quite a few frequent patrons keen on feeding their guild members cute girls' handmade meals all day, every day.

…Our patrons have quite extreme tastes, don't they?

_ Poltea: S-, may I have some of your time?

Seeing me putting the last table into inventory, my timid apprentice approaches from her stall. Was she waiting for the buffet to end the whole time…?

_ Shadyna: Of course, . What's the prob… Huh? Is not with you?

This is my first time seeing her alone. Sure, the two cannot login at the same second (I think they can't at least), but once one has logged on, the other would arrive before she could finish preparing for the day ahead. The only other pair who can pull this off in our guild are the dark elf sisters, and they share the same room.

_ Poltea: Un, she's staying at the hospital for medical checkup…

_ Shadyna: At this time of the day?

It's late night in real life, so I doubt hospitals would be open aside from emergency rooms. here is not freaking out so it can't be an emergency, can it?

_ Poltea: Yes. She doesn't need a 3-day stay every two weeks anymore, but the periodic checkup still takes a whole day.

It was that bad? Well, I suppose that's an improvement despite the amount of time spent there. I don't think the doctors would reduce her stay time if her health issues are getting worse, whatever those are.

_ Poltea: Ah, it's only once every six months so she won't take many days off.

_ Shadyna: Hmm? It's fine. I won't require any kind of attendance from anyone. It's a game after all.

Her school probably asked many times though, hence the preemptive explanation.

_ Poltea: T-thank you very much.

_ Shadyna: Anyway, what do you need of me?

_ Poltea: Ah, yes… Uhm… I… Please don't laugh, okay?

It's not a lover quarrel right? You girls are a tad too young to have one, and I am certainly not qualified to deal with one! This cute pacifist half-elf always gets along with everyone, un!

_ Shadyna: I'll try not to. Do you want to go somewhere more private first?

We can always use PM if we don't want people listening, although two girls standing in front of a food stall talking about love life like they are choosing what to have for breakfast is… not exactly immersive.

_ Poltea: I-I'll make it quick! So… Uhm… Do you know of a way for me to become stronger?

_ Shadyna: …Pardon?

_ Poltea: Do you know of a way…

_ Shadyna: Sorry, wrong thing to ask. What I meant is… Why?

Or rather, what kind of monstrosity were you fighting to require ANOTHER power-up?! You are already hitting damage cap with the current setup. Do you want to remove the "reality" from "virtual reality"? Because that's what you will end up with if you girls unleash your full power without a limiter in this game!

No, this is totally not because I have firsthand experience deleting an entire mountain from existence, honest!

_ Poltea: Ah! It's not that the items you gave us are weak or anything! It's just that…

Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

She frantically explains as if she could hear my inner thoughts. Even an elementary schoolgirl can read me like an open book huh… Sad face~

…

_ Elix: Hmm… I see. Your partner has become so strong, she is wiping out everything in sight with her ranged attacks. You, on the other hand, have nothing to do because everything dies before they can get into melee. That's why you think you aren't contributing and want to change it.

_ Poltea: Y-yes.

Thank you for the succinct summary, ! But may I ask why are you still here? The buffet's over and I have already given you today's batch!

In case anyone's wondering, his "same place" means "in front of the stall", and he pays after buying.

Yes, he does shopping like a normal human (feline?) being.

Not sure why he decided to sit down and listen to my apprentice's troubles though. Is it because I was crafting for him during the talk and he couldn't bring himself to leave the poor girl alone mid-conversation?

What are you, some murderous assassin petting a cute kitten just so that the viewers will shed a tear after you inevitably die horribly for plot purposes?

_ Elix: Well, that just how it goes when it comes to ranged. Range and speed are OP by design, even in real life. Sateri-chan puts a lot of effort into balancing but there's only so much she can do… What's with that stare, ?

_ Shadyna: Nothing~ Just thinking that you are surprisingly knowledgeable, and kind.

But mostly knowledgeable, un.

_ Elix: I AM the leader of an alliance, duh! 'side, you girls are the shining beacons of new players kicking beta nerds' butts. We are aligned on that front.

_ Shadyna: Uh… I don't have anything against beta players. And you shouldn't say that out loud.

_ Elix: Why? I have an alliance backing me up. Who would dare…

Because he just had to say that, I look at the people literally behind his back, namely my bodyguards of the day, and . Being part of the so-called beta nerds, the two don't find the catboy's personal opinion of them amusing.

They probably find it hilarious.

_ Elix: *Looks around* Oh…

Aaaaaaand he gets dragged into the nearest warehouse where no one can hear him scream~

I wonder which hurts more, the otome game protagonist's crossbow with bayonet or the beautiful womanizer's spear. I certainly can live without knowing though!

_ Shadyna: So, about your request…

_ Poltea: Uhm… Is he going to be alright?

_ Shadyna: He'll live.

_ Poltea: He's not going to be alright, is he…?

Little details~!

_ Shadyna: A~nyway, I suppose you want to try out ranged weaponries?

She ponders for a few seconds before talking in a very small voice like a child (she IS one) getting caught not doing homework.

_ Poltea: I… don't know. If possible, I want to keep using the shields. I cannot switch weapons quickly, so I won't be able to protect if something happens…

Huh. She's really thinking about it. I thought it was a case of grass being greener on the other side, but my shy apprentice does only want to contribute more to the fight apparently.

Not giving up her current power level and desiring for more. How ambitious~

_ Shadyna: But that doesn't happen frequently right? You wouldn't feel like you need to change your playstyle otherwise.

_ Poltea: U-un, it rarely happens, but it does. Like bandits, or missing her shots, or bosses spawning nearby, or bandits…

They were attacked by so many bandits, she had to say it twice!

And it's probably not because others were looking for a fight either. For instance, there is virtually no attack on our caravans as long as we have our guild flag up. Anyone who know us understand that they have a higher survival chance by fighting a bonus boss, and unlike bonus bosses, we do not drop [Artifact]-grade items.

If they know us, that is.

The upper echelons are our acquaintances, so no issue there. The problem lies in the rest of the player base. As in, the ones who take up 90 percent of the total player count. This game has no tutorial, and definitely none that includes a list of players to avoid like a plague (that I know of). That means the only way for a newbie to learn about us is by encountering us grinding in the wild, flirting with the girls working the counter, or read posts on the board more than playing.

I don't know about the lethality of the last one, but considering that of the other two, I wouldn't bet my life on it.

Well, the gist of it is that a good chunk of players will get to know us through real combat experience, sometimes by being on the receiving end of an AoE. As said, it's not exactly common. It's bound to happen though, since CSF's active player count is in the millions.

_ Shadyna: Hmm… In that case, isn't it fine as it is?

_ Poltea: It's… fine?

_ Shadyna: Un. It's one thing if you are not doing anything at all. However, you seem to be doing well as the party's tank to me.

The odds do not favor pacifism, simply put. One percent of those millions is still thousands of maniacs not knowing who they just poked. Sateri's monopoly on the safe VR headsets and sleep time seems to be bringing in even more of them too. As an unfortunate result of that, my apprentices won't run out of dangerous situations to get into, and with them, the needs for a good, reliable tank.

Or a beefy boss pet. Or a [Symbiosis] summon. Or a few OP items here and there… Geez, these girls sure are tough to take down, aren't they~?

_ Poltea: B-but… I am not doing anything most of the time…

_ Shadyna: So are your armors, but you wouldn't want to fight without them, right?

_ Poltea: …T-that's… true…

_ Shadyna: A tank is akin to a party's armor, and then some. All else being equal, you obviously cannot deal much damage when you have to watch out for dangers, draw the attention of your enemies, and shield everyone from harm. Regardless of your damage output, I think you are contributing aplenty already.

_ Poltea: Re-really?

Too bright! Too bright! I'm being blinded by a happy girl whose smile is brighter than the sun itself!!!

Gah, that was dangerous! I thought my entire existence was going to be purified for a moment there! Not that this innocent half elf is impure, mind you!

_ Shadyna: Un, that's what I believe. Still, if you truly are not enjoying shields and tank playstyle, I can try to change that for you.

Not to mention that you girls' personalities are completely the opposite of what is expected of a tank and a nuke… I will keep the thought to myself however.

_ Poltea: *Shakes head* No, it's fine. I like things as they are now. And will get into even more troubles if I am not in position to catch her.

_ Shadyna: Ah, right. That girl is a handful sometimes.

_ Poltea: *Chuckles* She is. It's because she cannot go wild in real life, but I wish she could show a little restraint sometimes.

_ Shadyna: Heh~ Doesn't that mean she also thinks you are doing a good job? Your presence makes her feel safe, so she might have acted a bit more recklessly accordingly.

_ Poltea: I-I don't think thinks that far ahead.

You say that, yet you are blushing so much that our degenerate patrons would chew their handkerchiefs in envy, while screaming "Normies should go explode!", or "So precious!", before proceeding to explode themselves.

I enjoy the sight of a maiden in love (?) in silence until she calms down and recomposes herself. Youth is beautiful, isn't it~?

_ Shadyna: Feeling better now?

_ Poltea: Y-yes… Thank you very much, . Talking to you has been a great help.

_ Shadyna: You are welcome~ Do tell me if you ever feel down or unhappy with anything. It's my responsibility to make you happy and content, so don't hold back.

_ Poltea: Un! Don't worry about me. I really enjoy protecting , and everyone too!

Good. She seems to have regained self-confidence, even if just for a little bit. Can't have my most powerful tank member feel like she isn't doing well, because I'm pretty sure not many people can be called a tank if that was the case.

_ Shadyna: Well then, with that problem out of the way…

_ Poltea: Y-yes?

_ Shadyna: Time to find a way for you to become stronger!

_ Poltea: …Fue? But… I'm happy with…

_ Shadyna: Happiness with your current situation is one thing! Constant self-improvement is another!

As I proudly proclaim what I thought to be a good motivational quote, my supposedly timid apprentice makes a dumbfounded expression before giving me a cold dubious look.

_ Poltea: …

Don't mind, don't mind~!

____________

The cafeteria is overcrowded today as well.

Even though bulk sales are now done in Sapling Garden, the influx of new players ensures a constant supply of degenerates longing for drinks served by a cute girl in person. In addition, the increasingly organized plays due to the establishment of cities and trade routes result in demands for a place to spend time between missions.

Like the archer and mage sitting in front of the counter at the moment.

_ Melodyn: Here's your drink~

_ Tippe: Thanks! …Fuhaaah!!! Nothing beats a chill drink before a sortie!

_ Choruse: It's rare to see you without . Did one of you finally get fed up with his two-timing and off the guy for good?

_ Tippe: Pfffft!!!

_ Maximus: He's just out of the house for a day, you rotten woman!

_ Melodyn: We were just expressing our concerns~ [Forever Companion] can be maintained if your partner is off a day or two, but typically won't last a lover quarrel.

_ Maximus: [Forever Companion]? That title which requires staying in the same party with someone for 80% of your playtime? Are you stupid? We are working adults, not students in the same dorm with the same schedules!

_ Tippe: Uh… I'm still a student staying in a dorm.

_ Melodyn & Choruse: …And we are working adults too?

_ Maximus: Shut up ! And you degenerates live in the same house! The time lost trying to sync your playtime is better spent unlocking other titles. That stats boost isn't worth the hassle.

_ Melodyn: Its other effect…

_ Maximus: Requires someone to be dead! You maniacs are the only people looking forward to it!!!

_ Choruse: …You are just lonely.

_ Maximus: Ya picking a fight ya damn hag?!

Another peaceful day, quietly thinks as he enjoys his refill.

--- Topic: Fishing new meta? ---

## Big Hammer

Is Fishing the new meta for crafting? We did a Raid Breaker today and the food that came with the service was all fish. The Recall tablets are shaped like fish. Tyrel market is full of cheap fish too.

##

## CuteIsJustice

Is it (・・? Recent patches said nothing about it.

##

## Serious Mage

No change that I know of. Still the same old time-killing activity during downtime. Killing monsters gives much better loot and experience.

##

## GoldBar9999

Wait, what's that last one? How much fish are we talking about here?

I am the market owner and somehow I wasn't informed of it?! Σ(ﾟДﾟ)

##

## Heaven Piercer

Not the fish! Please! Not the fish!!! （ ´Д｀)TZ

##

## Silver Merchant

From what I gathered, someone was flooding the smaller stalls with tons of fish of all levels. When asked about it, that person answered with "No one near me wanted them, so I'm selling cheap to people who do", or something along those lines.

##

## GoldBar9999

What kind of reason is that?! (ﾟДﾟ)

##

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--- Topic: Country/Kingdom building ---

## Flame knight of Darkness

Now that we have settlements and trade routes, it's time to think about developing into full-fledged nations. And siege warfare.

Mostly siege warfare. (^_^;)

##

## Nearseeing Sage

Nice try, Construction guilds. ( ´∀｀)

Seriously though, it's hard enough to get your own guild members to follow you, let alone outsiders. We are too splintered to form a cohesive entity larger than a few thousand at the same time.

##

## Serious Mage

As a medieval realm should be (￣ー￣)

##

## OP alchemist

Funny you said that, because the biggest cities are in the same friggin' alliance!

We already have nations, and it's a single one!!! (╯°□°）╯︵ ┻━┻

##

## Big Hammer

Couldn't even get the second nation up to contest the hegemony. Unrealistic/10, please fix it, Sateri-chan! (-"-)

##

## Newbie Charisma build

That's entirely our fault though?! (￣□￣;)

##

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