On a bustling avenue known as the Merchant Road of the Empire, crowds of people and stagecoaches moved along, each minding their own business. Buildings of varying sizes lined the street, offering goods, tools, clothing, food, and much more.
Among them stood a modest building, no different in appearance from the shops beside it. Yet, unlike the others, this place was alive with activity—patrons constantly entering and leaving, many wearing wide smiles, some even laughing.
"Cozy Café?" A dashing man read aloud in puzzlement, his gaze fixed on the wooden sign above the entrance. He stood there with arms crossed, frowning slightly. "What's this place?" he asked the person standing just behind him.
"Apparently, it's a shop that sells sweets and beverages."
The man looked displeased. "Sweets? Isn't that just bread with sugar sprinkled on top?" He turned as if ready to walk away when a woman's voice suddenly rang out.
"You there! The man in the hood!" she shouted cheerfully, waving her hands, gesturing him to come inside.
The man blinked, glancing left and right in confusion, before pointing at himself.
The woman nodded with a bright smile. "Yes, you! Hurry!" With that, she disappeared inside the building.
The two men exchanged looks, shrugged, and walked toward the café. Pushing open the wooden door, they were met with a lively scene. The interior was far warmer and cozier than its plain exterior suggested—lush green plants decorated the corners, a long divan stretched against one wall, and tables and chairs of all sizes filled the room. Behind a long wooden counter stood glass displays filled with curious, unfamiliar delicacies that almost seemed alien in form.
"What is this?" the man asked, tilting his head in bewilderment at the colorful treats.
"Pastries," the woman replied with a radiant smile. "What do you like? It's on the house."
"Are you sure?" he asked, narrowing his eyes as if doubting his ears.
"Of course. Just point to what you want, and I'll bring it to your table."
Still suspicious, he leaned closer to the glass case and studied the selection. His eyes landed on one particularly tempting pastry. "I want this one."
"Chocolate tart. A fine choice." She nodded approvingly, then turned to the gentleman standing behind him. "And what about you?"
The man shook his head. "None for me. I'm just here to gua—"
"He'll take this one," the first man interrupted, pointing at another pastry.
"Ah, the strawberry shortcake. Another good pick," she said, beaming. "And what about drinks?"
"What do you recommend?" the man asked.
"Our best sellers are the chocolate latte and our freshly brewed coffee."
"Then I'll have the coffee, and he'll take the other one."
"Perfect. Please, find a seat. I'll bring everything over."
The two men nodded and made their way to a table tucked into a corner. The café was nearly full—nobles dressed in finery sat alongside humble commoners, all equally absorbed in their food and drinks. Unlike other establishments that catered only to the wealthy, this café welcomed all. And regardless of status, every customer wore the same expression: a smile of pure delight as they enjoyed their sweets.
"Can it really be that good?" the man muttered under his breath, watching as patrons savored each bite with almost childlike joy.
"It would seem so, Your Highness," his companion replied.
The man immediately hushed him. "I've already told you—call me Kurt outside the palace."
"But, Your—"
"No buts. That's an order."
His companion sighed and nodded obediently.
Just then, their order arrived. The woman set down two small plates and two drinks with practiced grace. On one plate rested a triangular slice of white cake topped with a bright red strawberry. On the other sat a dark tart with a crumbly base and glossy filling. Alongside them were a steaming cup of black liquid and a tall glass layered with frothy white cream over a darker base.
She gestured toward the cup. "This is coffee. Careful—it's hot, so don't burn your tongue." Then she pointed to the glass. "And this is the chocolate latte." Her smile widened. "Enjoy."