Chapter 462: The King of Cakes, Lanterby Discovers an Anomaly
Amidst the lively sounds of conversation and the clinking of cutlery, Ren was an island of tranquility. While everyone else was indulging in the feast, he sat quietly to the side, completely absorbed in a book.
The food was, by all accounts, spectacular. Even Shiina Mashiro, who had been eating with a quiet but relentless focus, was a proof of its quality. Yet, it was clear her mind was preoccupied, her thoughts fixated on a singular, unspoken desire for Baumkuchen.
Halfway through the meal, the rhythm of her fork against the plate slowed, eventually coming to a near halt. Sōryūin Akemi noticed the change but couldn't discern the cause. She had already scanned the table, confirming there was no wasabi or other trick ingredients in sight. Beyond a gentle reminder to Mashiro that the chili and Sichuan peppercorns were potent, there was little else to say.
"Ren…"
The voice was soft, almost a whisper. Ren paused, momentarily stunned before recognizing it as Shiina Mashiro's. He turned his head to see her staring at him, her expression as placid as ever, her gaze intense and unwavering. She said nothing more, letting that single word hang in the air.
"What's wrong?" he asked gently.
"Baumkuchen…"
Ren studied her expressionless face for a moment, then a soft smile touched his lips as he nodded in understanding. "Okay. Please wait a moment."
Baumkuchen. It was a peculiar cake, its unique, ringed structure setting it apart from more conventional pastries. But its true nature was far more complex than its simple shape suggested.
A short while later, Ren returned. "Here you are, Mashiro. Your Baumkuchen, and a pot of black tea. Please enjoy."
Shiina Mashiro's eyes fixed on the slice of cake placed before her. It was perfect. The concentric rings were flawlessly formed, a feat that could trip up even the most experienced bakers. She had seen many Baumkuchen in her life, but few, if any, possessed such pristine geometry.
As its name implied, the Baumkuchen—or "tree cake"—was a ring-shaped confection with a hollow center. Its cross-section revealed a beautiful pattern of layered rings, reminiscent of the annual growth rings of a tree. To the uninitiated, it might look deceptively simple. One might even dismiss it, saying, "Hmm? Isn't this just a standard cake base? What's so special about it?"
But that assumption couldn't be further from the truth. The sheer scale of a full, uncut Baumkuchen would astonish them. A master baker could craft one heavier than a grown man, a colossal cylinder of over twenty layers weighing dozens of kilograms. It was no laughing matter.
The process was a true test of a baker's discipline and patience. When made in the traditional way, each layer was painstakingly applied and baked one at a time. A single, tiny mistake—a moment of inattention, an uneven pour—could compromise the structural integrity and ruin the iconic appearance of the entire cake.
Mashiro carefully cut a small piece with her fork. The moment it touched her tongue, a soft, delicate sweetness melted across her palate, and her eyes, usually so calm, lit up with a brilliant spark. The previous dishes had been delicious, of course, but they lacked the deep sense of satisfaction this single bite provided. It was a feeling other foods couldn't replicate, for it was the quiet, deep joy of a wish being granted.
The name 'Baumkuchen' might sound a bit odd, but it held a secret. For those with a fondness for sweets, its alternative title was an irresistible allure, a name that commanded respect and promised unmatched delight: the King of Cakes.
And it was a title well-earned. From its demanding preparation to its complex, time-consuming process, the Baumkuchen lived up to its regal moniker. That was before even considering its exceptionally delicious flavor.
Its creation centered around a special apparatus: a long iron rod, or spit, suspended horizontally over an open flame, rotating constantly. The baker would prepare the batter and then, with a steady hand, pour a thin, even layer over the heated, turning rod. Only when that layer was baked to a perfect golden-brown could the next be applied. This careful layering, repeated over and over, was what gave the cake its signature rings and its sublime taste. It was a process that could take hours.
Legend has it that when the very first Baumkuchen was made, its heavenly aroma drifted through the village, drawing every man, woman, and child out of their homes to find its source. Few foods in history could claim such a magnetic effect.
The cake possessed a unique appearance and a soft, honey-sweet texture. That first bite unleashed a wave of luxurious flavor that was both comforting and decadent. Paired with a cup of fragrant black tea or a rich, dark coffee, it was the ultimate indulgence.
Considering Mashiro was still young and had spent the entire day out, Ren knew she would need a good night's sleep. He had opted for black tea over coffee, a choice that was, in many ways, superior. The pairing of black tea with a sweet dessert was a classic combination, much like enjoying a preserved green plum with a cup of oolong—each element enhancing the other.
Shiina Mashiro took a bite of cake, followed by a delicate sip of tea. The look of pure contentment that washed over her face was so potent it completely overshadowed her usual poker face.
Sengoku Chihiro smiled warmly. "Oh my, it's rare to see Mashiro this happy."
"It's very delicious," Mashiro affirmed, her voice soft but firm.
Chihiro nodded, turning her impressed gaze to Ren. "I'm truly amazed. I've never seen such a beautiful Baumkuchen before, Mr. Ren! You're really something else. Not only is your Chinese food out of this world, but you can make cakes this perfectly too?"
Sōryūin Shion sighed with a hint of exasperation. "I've already told you. As long as he has the ingredients, Ren can make any dish imaginable."
Hiratsuka Shizuka tilted her head, examining the slice of cake. "This Baumkuchen doesn't have the usual little saw-toothed edges. Was it made with a machine?"
Ren shook his head. "No, it's handmade. I just did some trimming to perfect the shape."
"Eh?!" Shizuka's eyes widened. "You're serious? That's just incredible..."
"Thank you for the compliment."
"Ren..."
Mashiro's voice cut in again.
"I want a refill."
"Alright," he replied with a smile.
As Ren took her teacup to prepare more, Shiina Mashiro stopped eating her cake. She simply waited, her fork resting on her plate. She knew the perfect way to enjoy it was with alternating bites and sips, and she wouldn't compromise the experience.
"Eh? So Ren's plan is to just have Erina and the others wash dishes and wipe tables when they come over?"
Hearing Nakiri Mana's voice, Mashiro glanced over.
Courage considered the question for a moment. "Rindou would be fine with it, but perhaps it's for the best that Erina and the others get a bit more hands-on experience."
Nakiri Mana nodded in firm agreement. "I concur. If that girl comes, she absolutely needs to learn properly. Does she think she'll get opportunities like this every time?! Ren doesn't have that much free time to spare!"
Lucifer raised an elegant eyebrow, a smirk playing on his lips. "Mana, are you quite certain Ren is a very busy man?"
Decora and the others nodded in silent, amused agreement.
Nakiri Mana's composure faltered. She covered her face with a hand. "Alright, fine... But it's still amazing that Father managed to persuade Ren to give a lecture."
"Yes," Courage agreed. "Their friendship runs deep."
At that, Lanterby, who had been listening quietly, suddenly tilted her head. She looked at Nakiri Mana, her expression one of pure confusion.
"Lec... lecture?"
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