Castorice smiled and nodded.
"Then I won't stand on ceremony."
With everyone watching, Castorice picked up Tribbie's pastry and took a bite, chewing slowly.
After a few chews, she swallowed.
She paused, looking puzzled.
"Besides the crisp crust and the sweetness of the honey, there seems to be another... familiar flavor."
"Ah, this is..."
"The scent of Antiling Flowers?"
"You recognized it, Castorice!" Tribbie was delighted.
"That's right. We added Antiling Flower petals to the pastry."
"I think the most important part of the Sweet Sweet Festival theme is making customers feel happy."
"But happiness means something different to everyone."
"So when a restaurant prepares a dish, it has to consider each customer's tastes and preferences."
"That's why I made this honey pie especially for you, Castorice!"
Castorice nodded slightly and took a few more bites.
"...It really does taste like I remember. It's so distinctly Aedilian. Thank you..."
"Wait... There's something inside the pastry."
Castorice leaned forward and set the pastry on the table. Then she reached into her mouth and pulled out a key.
"What's this...?"
Seeing Castorice's confusion, Tribbie explained.
"It's the key to Xiao Huan's room! It's a special gift for you!"
Yan Huan: "..."
"Thank you very much." Castorice put the key away, clearly pleased.
"The dishes prepared by Tribbie, Tine, and Teacher Tian were all exceptionally delicious. Choosing between them is difficult."
"But as submissions for a restaurant review, the outcome should be clear."
"What do the other judges think?"
"Mimi! Mimi!" one of the other judges called.
Castorice nodded slightly.
"Yes, I agree."
"One judge seems to have left midway through on some errand. In accordance with the rules, I declare the result of this review to be—"
"Wait! I haven't voted yet!"
A cream-colored Little Fairy hurried over. "Oh, my stomach suddenly