Making dessert wasn't difficult. Fern had already finished making and packing it that afternoon, after all.
Whether it tasted good or suited the Archmage's palate was anyone's guess.
At any rate, Fern and Frieren had tried some of the leftover scraps, and they both thought they were pretty good?
So!
After changing and tidying themselves up, the two set out again, full of confidence.
About an hour later, they arrived once more in front of the luxurious manor built on a cliffside, facing the sea and surrounded by blooming flowers and shady trees.
This time, since they had brought a gift, they felt much more confident. They knocked directly on the door and introduced themselves, making a point of mentioning that they were both mages and explaining that they had come especially to visit the Archmage.
Naturally, the butler didn't dare slight two mages. He showed them in properly and seated them in a small parlor. He didn't accept their gift, though; instead, he had a maid bring them tea, then left at once. He had probably gone to inform the owner.
"..."
Once the maid was gone, and while they waited for the host to arrive, Fern noticed that Lady Frieren beside her didn't seem to be reacting to anything, so she began cautiously looking around the lavish-looking parlor.
The first thing that caught her eye was the soaring, arched ceiling, carved with intricate, beautiful patterns. They looked like mysterious runes from some ancient magic, silently telling visitors tales of the past.
Above them hung a massive crystal chandelier from what seemed to be a golden frame, right over the center of the parlor. Even in daylight, every crystal refracted brilliant light, making the already bright room shine even more.
Fern knew those crystals. They were precious mana crystals,