So that's what was missing—a cute girl. No wonder it felt a little too quiet.
Manager Fujiwara, seeing that it was unlikely anyone else would come in at this hour, simply brought over the exact same order as Amane's and sat down across from her.
"Miss Mayumi, you sure know how to take it easy."
Seeing her lazily snag the very dessert meant for her, Amane couldn't resist teasing her a little.
"What can I do? Miyako-san's meal pairings are always just right."
The strawberry mousse was soft and cloyingly sweet. Eaten alone, it would dull the senses after the first bite.
That's why Amane had chosen to pair it with barley tea mixed with lemon juice and honey. The blend of sweet, sour, and bitter cut through the overwhelming sweetness perfectly.
That way, each new bite of mousse felt just as delightful as the first.
The dietary fiber in the barley tea also helped fill her up a bit, so she wouldn't end up overeating.
All in all, it was the perfect pairing for desserts or light snacks.
But now, Manager Fujiwara had caught on to the trick.
"You know, it feels like business hasn't been too great lately," Amane remarked offhandedly.
Putting down her barley tea, Fujiwara let out a sigh.
"Ah, it's that time of the month for you first-years again. The beginning of the month is when your class's fate gets decided—some are happy, some are worried. Miyako-san, you can still afford mousse cake and barley tea, but if you budget this meal's points carefully, they could last you ten days or so."
Fujiwara's gaze drifted toward the somewhat deserted shopping street.
The bustling crowds from the start of the semester were long gone.
Now, only a few older students occasionally passed by, mostly girls doing some shopping.
First-years had become a rare sight.
Among them, only Classes A and B could still maintain any real spending power.
Class C was barely scraping by, hardly in a position to splurge any extra points.
As for Class D…
Class D couldn't even eat their fill.
Most of them had blown their points during the first month, lost in a haze of desire. By the time they came to their senses, it was already too late. Now they had no choice but to live on cheap vegetable meals for months.
Amane had tried that meal plan before.
It was… okay.
You wouldn't starve, but that was about it.
"Miss Mayumi, have you considered another possibility…"
Amane took a sip of her tea.
"Most of what you sell are delicate Western-style desserts and cakes—things we don't really need. It's not like we have time for afternoon tea every day. What you need is…"
"Fast-moving items? But the bakery's quick-sellers…" Fujiwara rubbed her temples, looking troubled.
"How about cheap, filling all-vegetable sandwiches paired with milk? Or maybe small sweets and cookies that people can grab and eat on the go? I don't think anyone goes out shopping thinking, 'I'll buy a mousse cake today,' don't you agree?"
Amane's suggestion made Fujiwara's eyes light up.
"Miyako-san, have you ever thought about taking over my bakery after you graduate?" Fujiwara took Amane's hands in hers, her face full of hope.
"Really?"
"Of course! Once a certain someone graduates, I'll be leaving. How about you take over the Fujiwara Bakery?"
"I refuse."
Amane turned her down without a second thought.
"Huh? Why? You've clearly got a talent for this! With you here, Fujiwara Bakery could really go places!" Fujiwara pumped her fist, radiating enthusiasm.
Ah, the energy of youth.
"Sounds like way too much trouble. I'll pass."
Amane hated anything troublesome. Even eating bread felt like a chore sometimes, let alone running a whole bakery.
Yeah, no thanks.
"What a shame."
Fujiwara took a bite of her mousse cake, her mood visibly dipping. But she quickly bounced back and started planning her new business strategy.
"Mind if I try making some cookies?"
Since she had nothing better to do, Amane figured she might as well whip up some cookies to bring back for Suzune.
"Oh? Are you good with baked goods too? Feel free to use the kitchen—we've got all the ingredients you need."
Fujiwara pointed toward the back and then turned to her computer to search for new suppliers.
Shrugging, Amane made her way to the kitchen to start on her cookies.
--+--
6:30 PM
Shiina, who had just returned from the library, happened to pass by Fujiwara Bakery—and stopped in her tracks.
The usually quiet shop was now packed with girls, each buying a small bag of cookies before heading out.
Had they released a new product or something?
Curious, Shiina peered inside.
"Aww, too bad there's a limit of one bag per person. Hey, Yuki, if you're not gonna eat yours, wanna sell it to me for double the points?"
Overhearing a passing girl's unusual proposal, Shiina felt her curiosity grow.
Were they really that good?
Intrigued, she stepped into the shop.
The rich, buttery scent that greeted her was promising—it smelled like quality.
She made her way to the counter and found a large platter scattered with little bear-shaped cookies, almost like a free sample tray.
A sign next to it read: [If you like them, please give us a like and show your support!]
"Is the shop really going to be okay like this?"
Shiina couldn't help but worry. With so many students running low on points, some might take advantage and just eat for free.
She picked up a piece and took a bite.
Crunch.
It was crisp, sweet, with a hint of bitterness that balanced the richness.
Overall, quite delicious.
A small bag cost just 160 points—a subtle price, caught between expensive and affordable.
A basic bowl of udon in the cafeteria cost 280 points, so as a snack, the cookies were on the pricier side. But since they cost less than a full meal, it was easy to think, "That's not too bad."
How cunning of the shop.
Shiina went over to the message board and wrote "Like."
"So Hiyori-chan likes them too, I see." A familiar voice from behind made Shiina jump—literally jump.
"Oh! Miyako-san! You startled me… Wait, that outfit… Did you make all these?" Shiina stared in surprise.
"Mhm. So? Pretty impressive, right?" Amane flashed a proud grin.
Shiina didn't mind the show-off smile at all—in fact, she approved.
"Yes, they're delicious, and the price is reasonable too. But… do these cookies have a name? It'd be a shame if they didn't."
Amane nodded thoughtfully. She did need to give them a name.
Originally, she'd planned to call them "Bear Power," but now that she thought about it, that felt a little off.
What would be a good name, then?
Her eyes fell on Shiina, who was nibbling daintily on a cookie.
"Got it! How about… 'Shiina Hiyori Approved Type I Bear Cookies'? What do you think, Hiyori-chan?"
"Wha—?!"
--+--
T/N: While I am an inexperienced Translator, I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.