Help! I'm in Another World and the Dragon Man Want Me To Get Pregnant!
Chapter 112: Side Story: Lysander and The Sweets (Part 2)

Chapter 112: Side Story: Lysander and The Sweets (Part 2)

It was honestly surprising, given Nikolai’s appearance.

Qi Yu watched him intently before commenting, "Nikolai, when you eat sweets, you make the most endearing expressions."

"...What?"

Nikolai looked up, looking a little bit bewildered. That was not a comment that he was used to hearing—at least, not from anyone except a handful of eccentric people. The idea that he, of all people, might look ’endearing’ while doing something as simple as eating sweets was absurd. He frowned, trying to process the statement, but the others were already reacting with knowing smirks.

Qi Yu who is still smiling reached over and placed an extra truffle onto Nikolai’s plate.

"Oh? You weren’t aware?" Qi Yu’s voice was smooth, teasing, as he continued, "When you eat sweets, your eyes soften, your cheeks flush, and you smile with pure joy. Even your ears fold slightly, and your tail sways the entire time."

"That’s ridiculous!" Nikolai protested, feeling warmth creep up his face. He quickly grabbed his fork and focusing back on his plate as if it could shield him from their stares.

"Eh? Well, maybe ’cute’ isn’t the right word, but it’s obvious how much you love sweets," Lysander interjected, resting his chin on one hand as he watched with amusement.

"I agree." Shen Xinghui nodded his head, his expression completely sincere. "Lately, I’ve been working extra hard just to make desserts that will make you happy, Nikolai."

"What?!"

Nikolai had never realized any of this. The idea that someone—no, multiple people—had been watching him with such attention, enough to analyze his reactions in such detail, made his stomach twist with embarrassment. He groaned, slumping his shoulders in disbelief, letting out a defeated sigh.

His three companions, meanwhile, burst into laughter, enjoying his reaction far too much.

Then, as if remembering something, Lysander spoke up while lifting his fork in a rather undignified manner. "By the way, have you heard about the crazy popular sweets shop in the capital?"

For someone who was technically a prince, Lysander had a habit of forgetting basic table manners.

Of course, Nikolai knew about the shop. Augustine’s aide, Martin, had once brought back some treats from there after hearing the rumors. When Nikolai tasted them, he had thought the flavors seemed oddly familiar—reminiscent of Shen Xinghui’s.

"It’s a small place, but the sweets are said to be amazing. Gavi bought some for me the other day. And you know what? The taste—it’s just like Xinghui’s. Do you have any idea why?"

"Ah, that must be Seraphina’s shop."

"...Huh?"

Both Nikolai and Lysander blinked their eyes at Shen Xinghui in surprise.

Shen Xinghui’s eldest daughter, Seraphina, had inherited his large, dark eyes. However, her personality seemed to take more after Ignatius. She was strong-willed and bold, excelling in rapier combat and horseback riding despite being a woman. If she had been born a man, she would have undoubtedly become an outstanding soldier—a proud and formidable warrior. It was hard for Nikolai to imagine that girl running a sweets shop.

Shen Xinghui, however, spoke with a bright and cheerful smile.

"My parents decided to retire about two years ago, saying they were getting too old to run the inn anymore. When Seraphina heard about that, she thought it was a waste and said she wanted to turn it into a sweets shop. She used to make desserts with me all the time and had been keeping a collection of recipes from me, so she figured she could use those recipes. My parents were thrilled—they were a little sad about closing the inn, after all."

When Shen Xinghui mentioned "his parents," he was referring to Jenna and Henry, the couple living in the capital. They had run a small inn, which was apparently quite popular as a dining establishment.

"I told Seraphina about the kind of cake shops we had in my world, and she thought it sounded interesting. So she renovated the place a little—now it’s mostly takeout with just a few tables for customers who want to eat in. That’s why the flavors are so similar to mine."

"So Seraphina is living in the capital now?"

"Yeah, she’s staying with my parents. They said they were retiring, but now that Seraphina started the shop, they’ve been helping out. In the end, I guess they never fully retired after all."

Shen Xinghui looked genuinely happy as he spoke. He had always regretted not being able to do much for his parents, so it was clear he was very touched that his daughter cared for them so much. That was just the kind of kindhearted person he was.

"It’s nice to have such a responsible daughter. My son, on the other hand, is utterly unreliable."

"You’re still young, Qi Yu. You can have more children."

"Oh, I’ve been trying to convince him. But it seems he’s still too traumatized to go along with it. Who would have thought the Demon King himself would be so hesitant? These days, people say I’m more like a Demon King than he is. How insulting."

His elegant smile carried a sharp bite. The fact that his husband could handle him suggested he was either incredibly brave or an extreme masochist.

"But doesn’t it feel lonely to be apart from Seraphina? She’s at that age, isn’t she? And she’s a beauty too. She must have a boyfriend... or a girlfriend, maybe?"

"Seems like she does."

"Wait, seriously?!"

"Well, it’s not official yet. But she mentioned there’s someone she’s interested in. I told her to let me know once they actually start dating. She still comes home about once a month."

Shen Xinghui’s children were already grown. Even Nikolai’s own son, Evander, was at an age where he should be thinking about marriage. It was about time when he brought home a fiancée or something.

As they chatted, Nikolai finished everything on his plate and stood up to get more. He pretended not to notice the amused laughter behind him.

After all, sweets were the taste of happiness.