Taste of Magic: Ambassador's Voice

Melina's nerves had been on edge the whole morning. She had no clue what exactly Heiliger was planning, and why she had appeared so friendly the previous day. What exactly was that snake planning? Something clever that's for sure.

Pastries did keep her mind somewhat busy, and Melina even leveled up, reaching Level 39. reached Rank A, but even that wasn't enough to keep Melina's mind fully occupied. All she could think of was Heiliger's inevitable visit. So when there was a knock on the bakery's door before the opening hours, Melina nearly jumped.

"Who could it be this early in the morning?" Roxie wondered as she pulled bread out of the oven.

"I'll go open it," Melina answered, a bit more stiffly than she would have liked. She suspected it would be Heiliger, coming to the bakery before the rush so that she couldn't get body-blocked like last time.

Her heart beat like crazy as she neared the door, but through the window she saw something pink peeking through. Her heart calmed as she realized that it was the siren. Had she come back for more feyfruit? Melina would give her a thorough scolding if that were the case.

She opened the door, but instead of seeing just Aeriganta, Elowen was there too. At least the siren wasn't wandering around Sunglow on her own. Although Melina doubted she would go anywhere since she loved feyfruit pastries so much.

"Good morning, Melina," Elowen greeted.

"Good morning," she returned the greeting, eyeing the siren suspiciously. "Did she do something?"

"Not yet," Elowen shrugged. "That's not why I am here. We're here to guard you."

"We?" Melina questioned.

"Yes. I figured it was time she earned her keep for all the feyfruit she's eaten," the elf said.

"I don't want to face the Church. They kill creatures like me on sight!" Aeriganta protested.

"Kill on sight is not something they can do in the middle of this town. Not without serious repercussions," Melina said. "Although flaunting a siren right into their faces might be pushing it."

"That's the point exactly," Elowen said. "I talked this through with the Guildmaster, and she agreed that we should display as much solidarity and unity as possible. I even sent a message to Euroa on her behalf, inviting more elves to Sunglow."

Melina scratched her chin thoughtfully. More elves would certainly make the priests uncomfortable. The question was how much they were willing to tolerate. How many elves and monsters were too many before the Church decided to unleash their hounds?

"We have to be sure not to act aggressively towards the Church. Especially any of the elves," Melina noted.

"That is tricky. After the spy got captured, many were quite riled up and ready for a fight," Elowen said. "Still are."

"What spy?" Aeriganta asked curiously.

"No matter. Come in, you two. We'll be opening in half an hour," she said, stepping aside to let them into the bakery.

"Do you have any accidentally broken or maybe not so pretty feyfruit tarts?" The siren asked hopefully.

"No," Melina replied dryly, returning to the kitchen. "Adrien, could you get a few chairs for our two guests?"

Adrien peered out into the bakery, seeing Elowen and Aeriganta. "Oh, it's the pretty lady who eats too much and an elf? I've never met him before."

"He's from the Adventurer's Guild. They're going to watch over us while the Church is in town. To make sure no conflicts break out," Melina explained.

The boy didn't understand everything that was going on in Sunglow; however, he looked relieved to have a guard from the Church. Adrien nodded and hurried into the living room to retrieve some chairs.

"Why would we need guards? Priests are nice people, aren't they?" Roxie asked curiously.

"You never know how people might react with so many strangers in town. Better safe than sorry, right?" Melina said.

Roxie nodded. "I suppose."

Then the girl leaned closer to Melina. "That elf looks a bit… scary."

"Don't worry," Melina said, patting Roxie's head. "He's a very kind elf who is working very hard to understand us humans. He might seem a bit rough, but I promise he'll be kind if you talk to him."

"I-I don't know if I could…" she whimpered.

"You talked to Illitran before, didn't you?" Melina asked.

"Yes, but he didn't seem as scary," Roxie whispered.

Melina noticed Elowen tapping his finger in annoyance. He had definitely heard that. But it was true that Elowen was more unapproachable than Illitran. Illitran appeared more neutral and muted, since he tried to appear that way.

Elowen, on the other hand, stood out like a sore thumb with his beautiful features and stoic expression. He was scary in a different sort of way. Scarily handsome. It was understandable that a young girl such as Roxie would find him a bit overwhelming.

Melina and Roxie continued their preparations, taking the ready, still-warm pastries out to put on display. Elowen sat relaxed in one corner, sipping his favorite black tea, which Adrien had prepared. Aeriganta was sitting nervously in another corner, chugging one glass of water after the next and eagerly eyeing the shimmertarts.

When those were all in their place, Melina nervously went to turn on the sign. However, Sienna chittered a warning from her shoulder, and she saw Heiliger approaching. So she really did come early this time.

The bishop wore a confident, satisfied smile as she approached Melina. "Good morning! It appears I have come early enough this time. I hope you enjoy many of your pastries this time."

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"Of course," Melina said with a smile, activating . Why was this woman acting so nicely and so innocently? She remembered the other timeline, didn't she? Why was she acting this way? Was it only to throw Melina off?

But Melina acted like nothing was wrong at all, and motioned Heiliger inside like she would any other customer. Behind her, she could see more priests and, behind them, a group of very annoyed-looking adventurers and other Sunglowers. It will be tough to keep the Sunglowers in check while also not falling for whatever it was that the priests and Heiliger were trying to do in her bakery.

Much to Melina's delight, the bishop froze when she saw Elowen sitting by the counter, sipping tea and acting as if that was the most natural place for him to be. Aeriganta, to her credit, was also acting casually, and she'd even reveal her fin-like ears and a few glittering scales. No doubt at Elowen's request.

But Heiliger quickly regained her smile and turned to Melina. "You have… interesting guests here."

"They're Sunglowers, and anyone from Sunglow is welcome here at any time," Melina said, taking her place behind the counter. "So what would you like?"

Heiliger looked thoughtful for a moment, then nodded. "Very interesting. I suppose this is the kind of place where you can enjoy a variety of cultures."

Why is she so understanding all of a sudden?

Priests who came into the bakery after Heiliger didn't look nearly as accepting, gaping at both Elowen and Aeriganta in horror. Frankly, if it weren't for Heiliger's calm demeanor, it was likely that conflict would have already broken out. But the bishop walked over to the display case, examining each pastry.

"My, my, I haven't seen pastries like these before," she said, looking at the wyrm eclairs and cloud muffins. "They look as if they are out of this world."

She smirked while saying that. Did she think that Melina was trying to hide that her pastries were magical? She was long past that phase. Everyone in Sunglow, and even many people outside of it, knew of the effects her pastries had.

"They are made with Monster Realm ingredients," Melina pronounced loudly with a smile. At this point, some of her regulars had arrived, glaring daggers at the priests. "Each pastry has a different, unique effect. I suggest you try them all."

That was enough for the Sunglowers to push past the priest and form a line, like each morning, each demanding their favorites. If Heiliger was surprised, then she didn't show it; instead, she also joined the line. The priests, however, were more honest with their emotions, looking at the pastries as if they were some cursed items that needed to be burned, along with Melina. 𝘧𝓇ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝘣𝓃ℴ𝓋𝑒𝑙.𝑐𝘰𝑚

Some were looking desperately at Heiliger, likely expecting her to do something about the heretic that was Melina. But the white-haired woman patiently waited in line with others. But why was she being so calm? What was her angle in this? Was she checking Melina's reaction?

Melina wished she could peer into the bishop's head, but that was impossible without using some rather brutal magic. She would rather not use it ever again if possible. It was inhumane in her opinion. Coincidentally, Heiliger was the one who taught her this mind-reading magic in the first place.

As she was pondering this, Gilbert tapped on Melina's shoulder. "Focus, girl. We have customers to serve."

"Wait… Where is—"

"Called in sick," Gilbert said, giving her a significant look.

Melina guessed that Adrien didn't feel comfortable dealing with the priests. She couldn't blame him for that. But she would certainly put him through the wringer afterward. He would have to do all of the cleaning, including what was usually Roxie's share.

The Sunglowers ordered their favorites like usual, some asking for chocolate shimmercake ahead of time. The waiting list was currently three weeks long. When it was Heiliger's turn, she asked Melina with a smile. "Could I have some of this chocolate shimmercake that everyone seems to favor so much?"

"Of course. I could have yours ready in a month," Melina said with a smile, deliberately not rejecting the bishop.

"In a month?" Heiliger arched an eyebrow.

"I'm afraid there are only so many cakes I can make in a single day. That's why some of the desired pastries, mostly cakes, have their own waiting lists," Melina explained.

"I see. Then I suppose I shall order one. It should be ready right on time for when we head back," the woman said casually.

Only helped Melina to keep her cool. Was she really intending to remain here for a whole month? She couldn't help but ask. "You intend to remain in Sunglow for longer than last time?"

"The expedition will require my full attention, and we intend to explore every nook and cranny and make sure that the citizens of Sunglow are safe. We know that the attacks on your town have been incessant, and we intend to make it so that it would be easier for the adventurers and guards alike. So the citizens can sleep peacefully at night," Heiliger said in a voice loud enough for everyone to hear.

The adventurers looked somewhat uncomfortable at this declaration, while priests looked at Heiliger with admiration, many nodding their heads in approval.

"That is truly reassuring to hear," Melina said.

"I'm glad you think so. I've heard many good things about you and what your pastries can do. Do you think we could discuss it somewhere private?" Heiliger asked with a smile.

This was likely what she had wanted from the start. If Melina were to reject her now, then it would look like she was rejecting her goodwill. It could rile up other citizens. The confidence in Heiliger's eyes said that she already knew that. Melina had no choice but to accept.

"Of course. How about tomorrow afternoon?" Melina suggested.

"Yes. Let's meet at that lovely inn in the town center. I'm sure you know which one I'm talking about," she said.

"Of course," Melina nodded. "So would you like to buy something else?"

"Not this time, but I do look forward to that cake," the bishop said and then left the bakery. Other priests trickled after her, not even sparing a glance at the pastries. Some even openly glared at Elowen and Aeriganta before they left.

As soon as the priests were gone, the whole bakery seemed to breathe a sigh of relief.

"Yip-yip!" Mango tugged on Melina's apron. The little fox had been quiet during the whole exchange, remaining tightly pressed against Melina's leg.

"It's okay now, Mango," Melina reassured, patting her head.

"Miss Melina, don't meet that bishop alone! They are dangerous," one of the older ladies, a regular who loved Roxie's breads, insisted.

"That's right. They might appear kind, but they had never cared about Sunglow before. I doubt they will now," a sailor added.

"We should just send them packing. Away from our city," a guard woman said, fiery burning in her eyes.

"Calm down, you lot!" Gilbert roared over the riled-up crowd. "She's far from helpless. She's got a wyrm with her, for System's sake. Do you really think a measly bishop is a danger to my granddaughter?"

People nodded with agreement, and slowly, peace returned to the bakery, and Melina resumed the regular service. But despite Gilbert's declaration, Melina knew that Heiliger's little talk was likely a trap. Sure, she had chosen a public and familiar spot. But there was no way she would have a friendly chat with Melina. She didn't believe it for a second.

Elowen approached Melina from behind, tapping on her shoulder gently and whispering. "Are you sure about this?"

"I'm sure," Melina nodded, then added in a whisper. "Watch my back?"

"Of course," Elowen nodded and returned to his spot in the corner.

She was glad that Elowen was around. It gave her at least some sense of security that the elf was on her side. Although she desperately wished for Alistair to return. He would return soon. Right?

For a moment, it seemed that the service would continue smoothly, but then Leliana came into the bakery. At first, she didn't think much of it. Leliana often came to buy fresh bread for her family. But instead of going to the counter, the redhead went over to Elowen.

"Who is she?" Leliana demanded, pointing an angry finger at Aeriganta. "I've seen her coming out of the Adventurer's Guild with you!"

Melina and everyone else in the bakery blinked in surprise and went silent. Was Leliana really doing this here? In her bakery? When the Church was in town, and everyone was worried about what they would do?

Melina sighed, watching how Elowen paled and shook his head defensively at the girl. This would turn into a bigger mess than the Church's visit.