【石小楠】甜点恋人（2016/4/20）

In the faraway Carseland Kingdom…

There is a common saying: if you were not born in a noble family, then make efforts to become a pastry chef.

Yes, people here have a passion for desserts. Whether holidays, sacrifices, weddings, childbirths, sickness or funerals, in short, pastries must appear on all important occasions.

Especially those noble and rich people, they regard enjoying exquisite and luxurious cakes as an elegant way of life.

Under this background, five famous pastry families have come into existence.

However, in order to consolidate their own positions, the five families have firmly controlled pastry making skills within the families while strongly suppressing those folk pastry chefs.

Such condition had made pastry making skills once disappear among the civilians. Pastries had become exclusive products for high officials and noble lords.

A mysterious figure's appearance broke the ice. He has founded St. Patras College to spread pastry making skills among the civilian population.

From then on, pastry production has been promoted in folk again, and St. Patras College has also become the most famous pastry college in the Carseland Kingdom.

"Sakura, are you awake? Today is Sunday, don't forget to prepare food for everyone!"

Awakening by a knock at the door, she rubs her eyes and sits up.

In fact, she is an orphan who is adopted by the dean and have grown up in the monastery.

The monastery she live is located on an island in western part of the Carseland Kingdom.

The life here, though plain, is smooth and steady. It had been so until a few months ago, which is on her 16th birthday.

That day, Sister Terry called the girl to her place.

"Sakura, happy birthday to you. Now that you are 16 years old, there are some things I should tell you. Through the years, you might have thought that your parents have already passed away, but that's not necessarily the truth. That year, it's the dean who found you in swaddling clothes at the door of the monastery. At that time, we also found one thing by your side. See, it's this notebook. This seems to be the notes of a pastry chef. Over the years, we also have tried to search for the clues related to your origin, it's a pity that there's no progress so far. Anyway, now you have grown up, it should be given to you. Whether you decide to explore your origin or not, I wish you can get happiness."

Since she learned that her parents may still alive, it's hard for her to have peace in mind any longer.

Oddly enough, she've loved to make pastries from childhood, even the condition is poor in the monastery, she've still managed to do a lot of tries.

Gradually, everyone knows her hobby, so all the snacks used to share on every Sunday have been made by her, so that she have more opportunities to practice.

Nowadays she get the notes of this pastry chef, it makes her wonder - is this really genetic?

By reading the notes, the owner of this notebook should be a great pastry chef. But why did she abandon the girl at the door of the monastery?

"Sakura, are you ready?"

The cook of church Cindy is urging her. She'd better go there quickly.

"Sakura, you're so slow. I've been waiting for you for a long time, today you have to make 50 snacks."

"Don't worry, leave it to me."

"By the way, have you heard the news? St. Patras College will expand their enrollment this year."

"St. Patras College, did you mean that famous and noble pastry college? That what won the first prize of the national contest for pastry making?"

"Right, exactly that college. You love making pastries so much, haven't you ever thought of learning in a regular school?"

"Yes, I'd like to! But the tuition charged by that kind of noble college would be very expensive, how can I afford it? The monastery would have no condition to endow me either."

"Haven't you heard of it? St. Patras College has a rule since its establishment, as long as you achieve S level in the entrance exam, you can get a full scholarship."

"Full scholarship! Alas, forget it, it's never an easy thing to achieve S level. Especially someone who relies completely on self-study like me, how could it be possible…"

"How do you know without a try. Well, enough talking, just get started quickly. Today some church members will come here from other places, show them your skills!"

"Well, alright."

It seems she'd better choose a pastry which is easy to make and that she's sure of doing it well. 

Tiger roll [intelligence+1]

Tiger roll is a primary pastry, as she follows the right steps, that should be no problem! 

Besides, she've practiced it for many times recently by referring to that mysterious notebook. 

Then let her get started.

Everything goes well. In less than an hour, delicious tiger rolls are freshly baked.

It looks tasty!

"So tired. I have a bone in my leg, can we not go there?"

"No way, it's a rare chance for me to visit the west island, the pastor of the church here is an old acquaintance of mine. We've not seen each other for many years, this time I must go and visit him. "

"But I don't want to go to the church, so boring!"

"This time I come to the west island in preparation for student enrollment of the college, I shouldn't take you with me, it's you who simply insist to follow me. You promised me before coming here already, be good and behave yourself. If you go back on your word now, it's not too late to head back."

"You! Humph! It's just a church, I'll go, OK?"

"It seems we're late, pastors' sermons have already finished."

"Hee-Hee, that's great, I don't want to listen to the sermons anyway."

"Come on, let's check the back."

"Isn't this Mr. Christopher? It has been a long time!"

"Yes, indeed, we've been separated for quite a few years."

"Take a seat please. Oh, alright, it happens to be Sunday today, if you don't mind, please taste the snacks here."

"Invite us to taste snacks, poof, what good snacks can this place have?"

"Lina! Don't talk nonsense." 

Christopher is looking at the pastor apologetically. "I'm really sorry, this kid is a little impolite."

"Ha-ha, young people are usually straightforward. Anyway, inviting such a professional like Mr. Christopher to taste our snacks, I'm really under great pressure, hee-hee."

"Please don't say so, that's very kind of you."

Priest is passing the pastries to Christopher and the girl. "Have a taste, please."

Christopher picks up the spoon, digs a small piece of cake gracefully and puts it into his mouth. 

He chews a few seconds and then stops, without saying a word.

"Puff, look at you, it must taste terrible! Told you."

"No, I think the taste is very familiar, as if I had tasted it before. But when tasting carefully, it's not the same."

"Eh? You're kidding, let me try it."

Lina tasted it defiantly.

"Eh… It's not so bad as I imagined. However, there is nothing special, humph!"

The girl snorts and then turns her head away, keeping silent.

"Mr. Pastor, may I ask who made the snacks?"

"Oh, it's made by a young girl here, she has loved to bake since her childhood."

"Oh, I'd like to see her, can I?"

"Of course. If Sakura knows that a professional pastry chef wants to see her, she must be very happy."

"Hello, I heard that you tasted the snacks I made, is there any problems? If any, I'm really sorry, I'm just a beginner."

"No, please don't get me wrong. I just feel the taste of the snacks is a little familiar, as if I had tasted it before. Miss Asakusa, could you tell me who taught you the skill?"

"No, no one taught me actually, I've pondered it blindly myself."

"Yes, as far as I know, Sakura has never left the west island. And in this remote place, there is no famous pastry chef either."

"Oh, oh, I see, I probably got it wrong. "

"Exactly, don't make a fuss, in my opinion, the cake is just so-so. The cream is too light, the color of tiger roll seems a bit scorched."

Christopher is looking at the girl helplessly. "Lina!" 

Then he is turning to Sakura apologetically. "Sorry to bother you, Miss Asakusa."

"Oh, that's OK, never mind…"

She couldn't fall asleep but kept tossing and turning in bed at night.

What happened in the daytime has been emerged in her mind.

St. Patras College will expand their enrollment this year, the S lever can get a full scholarship. 

This college is the most authoritative one in the culinary world, especially their pastry specialty. 

It almost represents the highest level of pastry making in the Carseland Kingdom.

In fact, she wanted to be a pastry chef when she was a child. And she also fantasized about studying in such professional colleges.

But, it's already hard enough for the monastery to raise her for so many years. 

They have no additional money to support her to study in that kind of professional college at all.

However, since Sister Terry gave her that mysterious notebook of the pastry chef, her heart seems to be stirred again.

What kind of people are her biological parents? Why they left such a notebook in her swaddling clothes? 

If she can enter the world of pastry chefs, will she have a chance to find them?

Probably she really should give it a try, even if she fails, there is nothing to lose.

The emergence of this idea makes her excited, she has been repeatedly pondering it the whole night and fallen asleep until nearly dawn…

Starting from today, let her take getting into St. Patras College as her goal!
The entrance exam of St. Patras College is scheduled in November. It is January now, which means that she has ten months to prepare.

【市场】（基础食材↑，宠物↑）

早晨（基础食材+10，金币-10）

傍晚（基础食材+10，金币-9；神秘商店：A级宠物金币-50，S级宠物金币-120）

【农场】（体力↑，基础食材↑）

早晨+中午（体力+4，基础食材+10）

【面包房】（手艺↑，金币↑）

早晨+中午（手艺+4，金币+10）

【教堂】（智慧↑，金币↑）

早晨（智慧+3，金币+10）

中午+傍晚（智慧+3，毅力+1，金币+10）

【餐馆】工作（味觉↑，金币↑）吃饭（属性↑）

[工作]（味觉+4，金币+10）

[吃饭]牛肉汉堡（味觉+4，体力+3，金币-10）炸薯片（味觉+6，金币-10）培根披萨（味觉+8，手艺+3，金币-20）番茄披萨（味觉+8，智慧+3，金币-20）香烤羊排（味觉+10，智慧+5，金币-30）芝士意面（味觉+10，手艺+5，金币-30）

【书店】（智慧↑，金币↓）

随便看看（智慧+4，金币-2）买书（智慧+6，手艺+3，金币-10）

【湖边】（体力↑）

month 1

church*3

Church*3

You were not intentional

[Lara's favorability increases]

month 2

farm*1 church*2

Church*2

Oppose - Still be kind to others - Bless him despite sadness

[Terry's favorability increases]

month 3

farm*2 church*1

Farm*3

Shall think independently

[Eddie's favorability increases]

Month 3: 

Cheese [intelligence+1]

Beat egg white [intelligence+1]

month 4

church*2 market*1

month 5

church*2 market*1

Market*2

month 6

bakery*2 mystery shop*1

month 7

bakery*2 mystery shop*1

Mystery shop*2

It's fun

Month 7: 

With the booth of madam Sarah [Sarah's favorability increases]

Nothing can last long [Daisy's favorability increases]

month 8

restaurant*3 eat

Restaurant*3

Yes - It's properly salty - Yes - Sure

[Reims's favorability increases]

month 9

restaurant*3 work

month 10

bookstore*1 lakeside*2

Lakeside*2

Wait for him to come back to earth [Christopher's favorability increases]

I can go back myself [Charm+1]

Today is November 1.

The day of the entrance exam finally arrives!

"I've prepared for so long, the exam finally arrives, I feel nervous yet look forward to."

"Master, let's brush up on relevant theoretical pastry knowledge recited a few days ago, OK? The first question: who is the first one to bake bread?"

Ancient Egyptians.

"The second question: what kind of cake is made by ancient Romans the earliest?"

Cheese cake.

"The third question: croissant is the product combined by which two types of pastries?"

Shortning snack and bread.

"The fourth question: croissant is also known as?"

Crescent bread.

"The fifth question: which of the following cakes is baking-free cake?"

Mousse cake.

"The sixth question: the characteristic of angel food cake is?"

Without adding a drop of oil.

"The seventh question: the name of Black Forest cake comes from?"

Toponym.

"The eighth question: what does Tiramisu mean in Italian?"

Pick me up.

"The exam site of the west island is located in Senior Secondary Vocational School, although it's not very far, I'd better set off early."

"Hi, everyone, welcome to the entrance exam site of St. Patras College. I'm the invigilator of this year, Lucy, you can call me Ms. Lucy. The entrance exam is divided into two parts, the first part is theoretical knowledge assessment, the second part is practical operation. Here is theoretical knowledge assessment, it lasts for an hour. Don't be nervous, read carefully before you answer the questions."

“各位同学，欢迎大家来到圣派特斯学院入学考试现场。我是今年的监考老师露西，大家可以叫我露西老师。入学考试的内容分为两块，上半场是理论知识考核，下半场是实践操作。下面就先开始理论知识的考核，时间是一小时。大家不要紧张，看仔细了再答题。”

OK, the exam begins!

The first question: croissant is the product combined by which two types of pastries?

Pastry bread

考试开始！

第一题：可颂面包是哪两类点心结合的产物？

起酥点心和面包

The second question: which of the following cakes is baking-free cake?

Mousse cake

第二题：下面哪种蛋糕是免烤蛋糕呢？

慕斯蛋糕

The third question: who is the first one to make bread?

Ancient Egyptians

第三题：最早开始制作面包的是？

古埃及人

The fourth question: the characteristic of angel cake is?

Without adding a drop of oil

第四题：天使蛋糕的特点在于？

不加入一滴油脂

The fifth question: what does Tiramisu mean in Italian?

Pick me up

第五题：提拉米苏在意大利语里的意思是？

带我走

The last question: which of the above pictures is double-color checkerboard cake?

最后一题：上面哪张图是双色棋格磅蛋糕？

"Everyone, theoretical knowledge exam is over. You can take a break and get ready for the next practical operation."

“各位同学，理论知识考试到此结束。大家可以休息一下，准备接下来的实践操作。”

I follow the others out of the exam room and come to the hallway to get some air. While thinking back those questions just now, I guess what the next practical operation will be. Suddenly, a familiar figure appears in the hallway. Wearing a classical style coat, with blue-black starry-night-like long sraight hair tied with simple hair band and hanging on his shoulders. Indifferent expression in his eyes, with a touch of elegance, which is in stark contrast to laughing and lively students arround him. 

我跟随其他人一起走出了考场，来到走廊上透透气。一边回忆着刚才考试的那些题，一边猜测着接下来的实践操作会考什么。突然间，一个熟悉的身影出现在走廊上。略带古典风格的外套，星夜一般蓝黑色的长直发用简洁的发带扎着垂落在肩头。淡然的眼神中带着几分儒雅，和周围嬉笑活泼的学生们形成了鲜明的对比。

"Eh? Mr. Christopher?"

“咦，是端木先生。”

Christopher DM is showing a shallow smile at me. 

端木诚对我露出浅浅的一笑。

"Miss Asakusa, we meet again."

“浅草小姐，又见面了，或许该改叫你浅草同学。”

"Mr. Christopher, why are you here?"

“端木先生你怎么会在这里？”

"So, quite surprised?"

“怎么，很意外吗？”

"Could it be…"

“难道……”

Christopher DM is slightly nodding. 

端木诚微微颔首。

"Well. I'm the invigilator of this exam room. I'm be in charge of practical operation later."

“嗯，我是这个考场的监考老师。一会儿的实践操作考试，由我来负责。”

Mr. Christopher turns out to be one of the invigilator, that's surprising. As a matter of fact, he and I can be considered as acquaintance. Should I … ask him about the exam later? 

端木先生竟然是监考老师之一，太意外了。说起来，之前和他也算是有点交情。要不要……问问他一会儿考什么？

It's best not to ask.

还是不问了吧。

"It seems you have ready plans in your mind, you should make full preparation during this period of time I think. Well, confidence is also very important, I'm looking forward to your performance in the exam later. I need to prepare a little bit, see you later."

“看浅草同学你胸有成竹的样子，这段时间应该做了充分准备吧。嗯，自信也是很重要的，待会儿的考试，期待你的表现。我要先过去准备一下，稍后见。”

Hoo… suddenly ran into Mr. Christopher, it kinda scares me. Mr. Christopher, he seems very gentle.

呼……突然碰见端木先生，吓我一跳。端木先生，好像待人特别温和呢。

Soon, practical operation exam begins. 

很快，实践操作考试开始了。

"All examinees, now let me announce the subject of practical operation. The exam subject this time is chiffon cake."

“各位参加考试的同学，现在由我来公布实践操作的题目。这次的考题是：戚风蛋糕。”

As soon as Christopher DM finished the words, the examinees begin to whisper…

端木诚的话音刚落，考生之间就开始窃窃私语……

Examinee 1 is muttering:"It's chiffon cake, this is too simple."

考生A小声嘀咕：“居然是戚风蛋糕，这也太简单了吧。”

"Yes, indeed, such a basic cake, I thought the entrance exam of St. Patras College will be very difficult."

“就是啊，这么基础的蛋糕，我以为圣派特斯学院的入学考试会出很难的题目。”

"Eh-hem… Chiffon cake is a very basic style, so it's hard to test the level of the maker, do you all think so? This classmate, tell me about your opinion."

“咳咳……戚风蛋糕是很基础的款式，所以检验不出制作者的水平高下，你们是不是都这样觉得？这位同学，你来说说自己的看法吧。”

Suddenly mentioned by name, it makes me a little dumbfounded. To be honest, this subject also surprises me. 

突然被点到名让我有点错愕。说实在的，这个考题也让我大吃一惊。

I think for a moment and answer: 

我想了想，回答：

"It's seemingly basic but tests one's skill."

“看似基础却考验功力。”

Christopher DM is nodding his head approvingly.

端木诚赞许的点了点头。

"That makes sense. I hope all of you take this seemingly simple subject seriously. OK, the practical operation exam formally starts."

“说的有道理，我希望大家认真对待这个看似简单的题目。好了，下面实践操作考试正式开始了。”

Select 6 kinds. Lemon juice, flour, egg, sugar, milk, salad oil.

请选择六种材料。柠檬汁、面粉、鸡蛋、白糖、牛奶、色拉油。

Sort the steps. Step 1 open egg, step 2 yolk batter, step 3 beat protein, step 4 mix all, step 5 bake.

请给下列步骤排序。第一步分离鸡蛋，第二步调面糊，第三步打发蛋白，第四步混合，第五步烤制。

"The practical operation part of the exam is over, you've been working very hard. Everyone, the exam results will be announced a week later, if qualified, the letter of admission will be mailed to you."

“实践操作部分的考试到此结束，大家辛苦了。各位同学，本次考试的成绩将在一周后公布，如果合格，录取通知书会邮寄给大家。”

I take a long breath:"Hoo… the exam finally finished, ha-ha. To prepare for the exam, my nerve had kept tight in the past few months, now I am slack off, I suddenly feel tired. I haven't walked in the street so leisurely for a long time." 

我长呼一口气：“呼……终于考完了，哈哈。这几个月为了准备考试，神经都是紧绷的呢，现在一下子松懈下来，突然感觉好累啊。好久没有像这样悠闲的在街上散散步了。”

"Hey, Sakura."

“嗨，小樱。”

"Oh, it's Daisy. Eh? You take so many books? Let me help you."

“是黛丝啊。咦，你拿了这么多书啊，我帮你拿一点吧。”

"Hee-hee. OK, thank you. Right, there are some new books about baking arriving in the bookstore recently, they are all books with many color pages, I've especially left some for you, don't forget, OK?"

“呵呵，好啊，谢谢。对了，最近店里到了几本烘培方面的新书，都是配很多彩页的那种，我特意帮你留了几本，你记得来哦。”

"Well, that… I've been busy lately, I'll go another day."

“额，那个……我最近有点忙，改天再去吧。”

"Eh? I thought the exam has already finished, are you still busy? Anyway, it's up to you, just come when you're free. Oh, the shop assistant comes to help me, you can just send me here. See you later."

“诶？考试不是都考完了，还很忙吗？不过随你啦，有空来就是了。啊，店里的人来帮忙了，你就送我到这里吧。回头见哦。”

"Well, OK, bye-bye."

“嗯，好的，拜拜。”

After watching Daisy going far, I continue to walk along the river slowly.

目送黛丝走远后，我也继续沿着河边慢慢走着。

In fact, I just want to find a decent reason to refuse Daisy. Those books with color pages are all very expensive. In order to practive, I've spent a lot of money these days. No much savings left already. Even if I'm admitted to St. Patras College this time, tuition fee and living expense are still problems for me. Alas, sometimes I feel so helpless and really envy other children. I don't know what kind of people my biological parents are and also don't know if they are alive. If they are still alive, I really wonder why they leave me alone here. 

其实，我刚才只不过是找了个理由婉言谢绝了黛丝。那些带彩页的书，每一本都很贵。这些日子为了练习，我已经花了不少钱。早就没什么积蓄了。就算我这次考上了圣派特斯学院，学费和生活费都还是个问题呢。唉，有时候感觉无依无靠，真的有点羡慕别的孩子。不知道我的亲生父母到底是什么样的人，也不知道他们还在不在人世。如果他们还在人世，真想问问他们，为什么让我这么孤零零一个人。

After coming back home, I am still a little unhappy. I wonder if I can be admitted for a moment, and then I'm afraid that even if I do, I can't afford the costs. Full of sorrow and feeling lonely, my eyes unconsciously rest on that mysterious notebook…

独自回来之后，我还是有点闷闷不乐。一会儿想着这次能不能考上，一会儿又怕考上了却负担不起费用。满腹忧愁又倍感孤单的我，不自觉的把目光落在那本神秘的笔记上。

Sakura, what happened to you? You suddenly become so weak. Aren't you lucky? Instead of living on the streets, you've raised by the dean of this monastery. And the nuns and others are nice to you. Sakura, now it's not the time for self-pity, you have to cheer up, you are sure to become a real pastry chef.

浅草樱，你怎么了，突然变得这么软弱了。难道你不是幸运的吗，至少被修道院收养了，没有流落街头。而且修女和其他人都对你这么好。浅草樱，现在不是自怨自艾的时候，你要加油，一定要成为一个真正的糕点师。

By encouraging myself, my body is like being injected with energy again. Worries and sadness are fading away. 

就这样自我鼓励着，我的身体仿佛重新注入了能量。方才的忧虑和悲伤渐渐淡去。

"Come in, please."

"Mr. Headmaster, you want to see me?"

"Well, I've seen the entrance exam summary. There are some questions I'd like to discuss with you."

"OK, go ahead."

"Among the students eligible for admission this time, several ones have very good qualification. There is a student named Henry Yin, he seems to receive professional training before, his skill can compare with the chefs of those ordinary pastry shops already. There are a few students who have family inheritance, the conditions are superior."

"Mr. Headmaster, it seems you hold high expectations on this year's students."

"Ha-ha, as the head of St. Patras College, I certainly hope every student graduated from here is excellent, thus the reputation of our college can be continued. However, I also have some questions to ask you."

"What confused you? I'll answer you honestly, Mr. Headmaster."

"In the admission list proposed by you, the proportion of those students from remote areas seems to be larger than ever, I want to know the reason for it."

"Mr. Headmaster, in the past, most of the students we recruited came from big cities, these students after graduation have certainly won many honors for our college. But in my opinion, the original purpose of the founding of St. Patras College is to promote the inheritance and promotion of high standard of pastry making skill, then we shouldn't ignore any corner of the Kingdom. Those children in remote areas can get much fewer resources than their peers in big cities, I guess I should give them more opportunities. Many of them may return to their hometown in the future and become local famous pastry chefs. As thus, St. Patras College's influence and fame can extend to wider areas. This is my personal ideas, I hope Mr. Headmaster can use it as reference."

"Ha-ha-ha, Mr. DM, your thought just echoes my thoughts, I accept your proposal! But… I also noticed another thing. There is a student named Sakura, she comes from the west island. I've already seen her resume and exam result. Although her qualification is not bad, currently she is average in performance. You gave her S-level, it seems to be something of a misfit."

"Mr. Headmaster, I see what you mean. But I believe this student has great potential. Besides, she works really hard… this is a commendable virtue."

"I'm not questioning Mr. Christopher's insight. However, from the perspective of fairness, the students shall be treated equally."

"Mr. Headmaster, actually there is another reason to give Sakura a S-level."

"Oh? What reason?"

"As far as I know, Sakura lives a tough life, her economic conditions are quite difficult. I'm afraid that if she couldn't get a full scholarship this time, then she may give up the entrance. Isn't it a kind of loss for the college if we give up such a talented student?"

"I see, well, such situation is really a headache. I'll consider it."

"Thank you, I won't disturb you then."

Coming out from the Headmaster's office, Christopher DM breathes a sigh of relief. 

A week later. Early in the morning, when I open the mailbox, a retro envelope is quietly lying in it. Could it be… the letter from St. Patras College? I open the envelope, trying to control my excitement. 

一周后。清晨，我打开信箱，一个复古的信封静静的躺在里面。难道……是圣派特斯学院的来信？抑制着激动的心情，我开启了信封。

My grade reaches the S-level. Therefore, my tuition is remitted. Meanwhile, the school will deal out a sum of bonus for me. 

由于我的成绩达到了特级。学校减免了我的学费，并补贴了一笔生活费！

Great! I've never expected I can get the S-level! This time not only can I go to St. Patras College, but also don't have to worry about the tuition fee. Hee-hee!

太好了！没想到我真的拿到了特级！这下不仅可以去圣派特斯学院，而且不用为学费发愁了。嘻嘻！

"Sakura, you finally come, everyone is waiting for you!"

“小樱姐，你终于来啦，大家都在等你呢！”

"Sakura, come and sit down."

“小樱，快过来坐下。”

"Why is everyone here? Eddie told me in the afternoon that we'll meet at Reims' this evening, what's going on?"

“怎么会，大家都在这里？下午艾迪跟我说，晚上在兰斯餐厅见面，这到底是怎么回事？”

"Dear Miss Sakura, have you forgotten already? We agreed before when you are admitted by St. Patras College, I'll hold a celebration party for you here."

“亲爱的小樱小姐，难道你忘了吗，当初我们可是说好的，等你考上圣派特斯学院，我将在这里为你举办庆功宴。”

"However, it's more like a farewell party because… you'll soon leave the west island to the capital."

“不过，与其说是庆功宴，不如说是欢送会，因为你很快就要离开西岛，前往首都了。”

"How about it, Sakura? Surprised, huh?"

“小樱姐，怎么样，惊喜吧，哈哈！”

"I didn't expect that you guys really hold me such a wonderfu party. I really don't know what to say. "

“没想到，大家竟然为了我，特意办了这样的聚会。我真不知道该说什么好了。”

"Sorry, I'm late, what did I miss? Sakura, congratulations! You are admitted to the college you've dreamed of, I'm so happy for you!"

“不好意思，我来晚了，没错过什么吧？小樱，恭喜你考上了梦寐以求的学校，我真为你感到高兴！”

"Sakura, my sister, to be honest, I really don't want to part with you. After you are graduated from St. Patras College in the future, will you come back to live in the west island?"

“小樱姐，说实话，我有点舍不得你走呢，等你将来从圣派特斯学院毕业，还会回到西岛生活吗？”

"Everyone, don't just talk, the restaurant specially prepares a hearty dinner tonight, please make yourself at home and enjoy."

“各位，别光顾着说话了，今晚本餐厅特别准备了一顿丰盛的大餐，请大家不要客气，尽情享用哦。”

"Hee-hee, thank to Sakura, we can have so much delicacies today. I'll enjoy."

“呵呵呵，那我今天也沾沾小樱的光，好好品尝一下难得的美食吧。”

Accompanied by happy laughers and cheerful voices, everyone enjoys the feast of land and sea specially made by Reims'. Fresh sea breeze blows over the west island at night, everything is so enjoyable.

伴随着欢声笑语，大家品尝着兰斯餐厅特制的海陆大餐。清新的海风拂过西岛的夜晚，一切都是那么让人愉悦。

"Sakura, you're going to study in the pastry college, I have a gift for you. This is an apron made by myself, I hope everything goes well with you there."

“小樱，你要去糕点学院上学了，我有一件礼物想送给你。这是我亲手做的围裙，希望你在糕点学院一切顺利。”

"Wow, this apron looks so cute, there is a little cow on it. Lara, my sister, I love it so much."

“哇，这个围裙好可爱啊，上面还有萌萌的小奶牛。露莲大姐，我太喜欢了。”

"I went to replenish my stock the other day and found they had a new type of paper, it's said to be specially used for baking. I thought it might be useful to you, so I bought some. Now I gave it to you as your entrance gift!"

“小樱，还记得我跟你说过，书店里新进了一批烘培书吗？我觉得这本非常适合你，就把它作为入学礼物送给你吧！”

"The quality of this paper looks very good, thank you so much, Daisy!"

“这种材质的纸看上去非常好用，黛丝，太感谢你了！”

"In fact, I also have a gift for you, my sister. However, my gift seems quite common, I hope you don't mind."

“其实，我也有一份礼物想送给小樱姐。不过，我的礼物好像比较普通，希望你不要嫌弃。”

"How could I dislike it? This is exactly what I need. Thank you, Eddie."

“怎么会嫌弃，这正是我需要的啊。谢谢你，艾迪。”

["It turns out that everyone prepares a gift, it seems I have to show mine."

“原来大家都准备了礼物，看来我不能不表示一下了。”

"Isn't this feast enough?"

“今天这顿大餐，难道还不够吗？”

"No, no, no! How can a dinner be enough to express my blessing to you. I've collected this set of measuring spoons for a long time, I'm used to use it every time I create a new dish. I hope it can also bring inspiration to you, Sakura! One more thing I'd like to share with you guys, I'm going to open a branch restaurant in the capital."

“不，不，不！一顿大餐怎么足以表示我对你的祝福呢。我收集了这套量勺很久了，每次我都用它来研发新的菜肴。小樱，我希望它也能带给你灵感！还有一件事情，我准备去首都开分店了。”

"Really? I heard of it from you last time, I thought it's just your conception, I've not expected that you're going to do it so soon!"

“真的吗？上次听你提起，还以为只是设想呢，没想到这么快就真的要去首都开分店啦！”

["In fact I have long held this idea, but I've not been able to make up my mind. As a matter of fact, it's you. Miss Sakura, who encouraged me."

“其实我早有这样的念头，只是一直无法下定决心。说起来，还是小樱小姐你鼓舞了我。”

"Me? But it seems I have done nothing?"

“我吗？可是我好像没做什么呀？”

"I see you work so hard to realize your dream, it also arouses my will to fight. Also, in the questionnaire last time, you said you'll visit it if I open a branch restaurant in the capitai. At the thought of expanding my restaurant to the capital and my old acquaintance will visit it, I feel more excited."

“看你为了实现自己的梦想这么拼博，我也被激起了斗志。还有，上次的问卷调查，你说过，如果我去首都开分店，你一定会来光顾。一想到可以把餐厅开到首都，还有老熟人来光顾，我就更加热血沸腾了呢。”

"Great, then I'll be waiting for the opening of Reims' in the capital. At that time, I can proudly introduce delicious food of the west island to my classmates in the college."

“太棒了，那我就等着首都的兰斯餐厅开业啦。到时候，我就可以向学院里的同学自豪的介绍西岛美食。”

That night, Reims' was full of laugher and happiness. Many years later, I still remember that night, the night when I am about to leave the west island. The sweet wind, the delicious food and those friendly people. All this, together with my memory of childhood and attachment to my hometown.

那一晚，欢快的笑声充满了兰斯餐厅。多年之后，我依然记得那个夜晚，那个在我即将离开西岛之时的夜晚。那香甜的微风，那诱人的美食，那些温暖的人们。这一切连同我对童年的记忆，对故乡的依恋，混合成了一道回味无穷的甜品……

After a day's bumpy journey on the sea, I'm finally arrived at the capital located in the main island of the Carseland Kingdom. The prosperity of the capital is really eye-opening, as I grew up in the west island, I've never seen such dense buildings and people. Skimming over the surface of this city at a hurried glance, I have no time to stop and appreciate its magnificent landscape carefully but rush to St. Patras College for registration.

经历一天的海上颠簸，我终于到达了位于卡斯兰王国本岛的首都。首都的繁华让人大开眼界，从小在西岛长大的我，从未见过如此密集的建筑和人流。浮光掠影般匆匆一瞥，来不及停下细细欣赏都市盛景，我便立刻赶去圣派特斯学院报到。

Located in the southwest suburb with beautiful scenery, the buildings of St. Patras College have a vintage style. It's like an exquisite castle with the feeling of classicism and romance.

坐落在风景优美的西南郊外的圣派特斯学院，有着复古而优雅的校园。如同一座精致的古堡，散发着古典而浪漫的气息。

I really come to the pastry college that I've dreamed of! Am I in a dream? Here's more beautiful than I imagined, the buildings in the campus and the garden, they are all like works of art! I can spend three years here and learn top pastry making skill, I'm so happy!

我真的来到梦想中的糕点学院了！这不是在做梦吧？这里比我想象的更美，校园里的建筑还有花园，都像艺术品一样！能在这里度过三年的时光，还能学到顶级的糕点制作技艺，实在是太幸福了！

"Excuse me, are you Sakura?"

“请问，你是浅草樱吗？”

"Yes, and you?"

“是的，请问你是？”

"My name is Wei Bebe, the teacher in charge of dormitory management lets me to pick you up, I'm your roommate."

“我叫维贝贝，是宿管所的老师让我来接你的，我是你的室友哦。”

"Really? You are my roommate? Hi, Miss Wei, nice to meet you!"

“真的吗？你是我的室友啊，维同学你好，很高兴认识你！”

"Hee-hee, Bebe is OK. I arrived here a week earlier, I've been a bit familiar with here already, maybe I can show you around?"

“嘻嘻，叫我贝贝就好了。我比你早一个星期到学校，对这里已经有点熟悉了，要不我带你到处走走吧？”

"Good, thank you very much, Bebe."

“好啊，那就谢谢你了，贝贝。”

"You're welcome, we will live in the same dormitory for three years. Let's go, hee-hee… Here's the canteen, supplying breakfast, lunch and supper. "

“不用客气，以后我们要在一间寝室里同住三年呢。走吧，嘻嘻……这里是学校的食堂，供应早中晚三顿饭。

“Even the student canteen is vintage and gorgeous decoration style.”

“连学生食堂都是复古华丽的装饰风格呢。”

"When I came here for the first time, I was shocked too, such a feeling of luxury."

“我第一次来的时候也吃了一惊，好奢华的感觉。”

"And because the college not only sets pastry making specialty, but also has cuisine specialty, some of senior students work part-time here. Telling you secretly, the food here tastes great!"

“而且因为学院里不仅有糕点专业，还有烹饪专业，所以有一些高年级的学生在这里打工。悄悄告诉你哦，这里的餐点口味棒极了！”

"Suddenly, I feel a little hungry, what's going on? Ha-ha-ha."

“哇，突然感觉有点饿了，是怎么回事？哈哈哈。”

"Here's the convenience store, in addition to articles for daily use, you can also buy all kinds of scarce raw materials for pastry making. The store owner seems very capable, I heard that he can get something awesome!...Sakura, come here! Here's my favourite place, isn't it beautiful?" 

“这里是校内的便利店，除了生活用品，还可以买到各种制作糕点的稀有原材料。这里的老板好像很有本事，听说能搞到很厉害的东西！……小樱，快来快来！这里是我最喜欢的地方了，怎么是不是很美？”

"Wow, what a big glass house!"

“哇，好大的玻璃房！”

"Hum, it's awesome, right? Here's the college's greenhouse, many precious flowers as well as expensive food materials are cultivated here. Let's have a look at it inside." 

“嘻嘻，很厉害吧。这里是学院的暖房，里面培育着许多珍贵的花卉，还有那些价格昂贵的食材。我们进去看看吧。”

"So sweet here, so many plants, I don't know them, it's the first time for me to see these stuff."

"I'm telling you, a lot of varieties here cannot be found outside. They are very rare. Every time I come here, I'm reluctant to leave."

"Ha-ha-ha, such a bumpkin, you see nothing of life."

"Yes, indeed, look at her dress… so shabby, I wonder which village she is from."

"When has the college started to recruit poor students? It really lowers our level!"

Facing such humiliation and provocation all of a sudden.

"Bebe, it's too noisy here."

"Don't argue with such uncultivated people, let's go somewhere else. "

"You talk about cultivation with us? Ah ha-ha-ha! When we studied noble etiquette, I wonder which slum you were in."

"Exactly, I don't know how you people are admitted to this noble college. "

"Sally, Moran, don't you two think it's so boring to argue with such poor guys? I don't want to waste my time, you don't go, I'll go!"

Facing these three arrogant faces, a kind of anger rises from my heart. 

However, growing up in a simple environment, I don't have much experience to argue with others. Suddenly I don't know how to talk back.

Bebe holds me tightly, with an air of fear for getting into trouble. At this time I am angry and stuffy, just standing there, Bebe pulls me out of the greenhouse.

"Bebe, why did you say nothing and pull me out? They said something like that, don't you feel angry?"

"Of course I'm angry! But there is no use of being angry. Sakura, do you know who they are? The girl in the middle is Sally, eldest daughter of Holy Light Animal Husbandry. Her family controls 40% of the Kingdom's ranches and dairy enterprises. And that girl called Moran, her father is a ranchero, I heard that her family has dozens of manors, let alone other estates. That cold girl with white hair, her name is Serena, she has a really awesome family background. She is the heiress of Brookside Catering Group. And her family is one of the sponsors for this college. These people are either rich or noble, it would be better not to mess with them."

What Bebe said makes me confused. Although I come from a poor family, in such a simple place like the west island, there is no obvious distinction between people.

The noble, the rich, they are just a vague concept in my heart. What Bebe said couldn't convince me. 

After a few moments' consideration, I said to Bebe.

"After entering the college, we are all students. We are equal between each other."

"Sakura, my family is just an ordinary family in the urban area. My father is a chef working for a hotel. I tried so hard to get into this college, my family almost spent all savings in order to pay my tuition. My parents have staked their hopes on me, hoping that I can bring honor to the family after graduation. So I definitely can't make any mistakes. Those rich young ladies can let civilians like me suffer just by moving their fingers. So I dare not to offend them. I was just mocked and scorned by them, in addition to this, they did nothing to me. And what they said is actually true. I am the poor seeing little of the world."

"Bebe, don't degrade yourself like that. The fact that you are poor in material doesn't mean you are low and degrading in spirit. Look at me. I'm an orphan, my financial situation is not as good as yours but I've never felt inferior to anyone."

"Alas, Sakura, you think too simple. Come on, don't talk about this again, let's go back to the dormitory."

Although Bebe said she didn't mind being mocked, but she doesn't look very good. I take what happened just now to heart too.

On the way back to the dormitory, Bebe and I are silent, it's not until we two arrive at the dormitory, we two distract attention.

Fresh and delicate dormitory brightens my eyes.

I've never lived in such a luxury room, which is just an ordinary dormitory of the college.

The shock brought to me due to the episode in the garden has not yet subsided, at the moment, luxury dormitory makes me aware of the gap between the rich and the poor more clearly in this world.

But I am a young girl after all, who doesn't love beautiful things? This unpleasant incident was soon behind me.

"Everyone, welcome to attend the opening ceremony of St. Patras College this semester. First of all, I'd like to congratulate new classmates present. You stand out from so many competitors, which proves your strength. I welcome you to come here on behalf of the college, I wish you spend your happy and fulfilling times here for the next three years and achieve your own dreams! As you all know, in the Carseland Kingdom, pastry chef is a respected profession. Top pastry chef can enjoy treatment as an aristocrat. While St. Patras College is the cradle of pastry chefs! Being able to be admitted here means that you are closer to success already! However, mediocrity is not allowed in St. Patras College. If your grades cannot pass the exam at the end of each semester, you'll be persuaded to quit. Therefore, I hope all of you can be strict with yourself and make full use of all resources of the college to improve your ability. Here I'd like to introduce the schedule of St. Patras College for freshmen. The first semester has five months of study time, the sixth month is summer vacation. That is to say, in addition to compulsory courses, you have a total of 10 opportunities for free activity this semester. I hope you can arrange your schedule in a reasonable manner so as to improve your grades and other abilities to the greatest extent, striving to get good result in the final exam."

After attending the opening ceremony, Bebe and I are walking on the avenue of the college.

"Hearing what Mr. Headmaster just said, I feel great presure indeed."

"Well, me too. I didn't expect that the college has so strict requirements, examination and elimination will take place every semester. It seems I have to work very hard."

"Hey, who is this? Do I see something wrong?"

"It's you! Are you… Lina?"

"Hh-huh, good memory."

"I don't expect you have some skill, you really got into the college."

"Why are you here too? Are you also a student here? Well, even you can come here, why can't I? However, don't feel happy too early. With your qualification, it's not that easy for you to spend three years here smoothly without being eliminated. Getting to know each other after all, don't blame me for not reminding you."

Finishing her words, Lina proudly raises her head, turns her back and walks away without looking back.

Watching Lina walking away, I wonder how small this world is.

"Hey, Sakura, you're awesome! You know Miss. DM?"

"Miss. DM… it turns out her last name is also DM."

"Yes, don't you know? DM is a famous food chain enterprise. And, I heard that in our college there is a handsome teacher who is Lina's elder brother! I really envy Miss. DM. She comes from a well-off family, her brother is the teacher here, and she is such a beauty… what a lucky girl."

"Great beauty? In my opinion, she is just a little girl not fully growed. How can you tell she is a great beauty?"

"Oh, no, Sakura, what taste you've got, don't you think Miss. DM has a perfect stature? Unlike me, a flat sheet… And the school uniforms of these rich young ladies like her are usually modified, although they look like school uniform, actually they are completely different from ours. Also, we are all human beings, yet have different destinies, forget it, the more I say, the more I feel sad. "

"Ha-ha, it's not as bad as you said, OK? I feel you look pretty lovely, and you look good in this uniform."

"Is it true? Ha-ha, Sakura, that's comforting. Let's go. I'll buy you a soda!"

At night, in the new dormitory, I am lying in bed, recalling the experience of the whole day.

I didn't expect that Lina is Mr. Christopher's younger sister. Then that afternoon, why did they quarrel with each other at the lakeside of the west island?

Originally I just thought that Mr. Christopher is young and promising. I didn't expect he is also a man of prestigious family.

Having such a long journey as well as what I had experienced in the daytime, I gradually fell asleep.

When a new day comes, I will be welcomed by a new chapter in life.

I'll have the first required course of the semester today. I get up early, clean up and head to the teaching building with Bebe.

It's not class time yet. Many freshmen chat in the corridor with excited expressions on their faces.

A tall boy comes over, with tidy short hair and in neatly dressed uniform. 

He looks expressionless and serious, which automatically separates him from those around him.

At that time, I hear discussion in low voice around me.

"Look! He's Henry Yin. The headmaster praised him at the opening ceremony. He is said to get 'Level S' achievements in the entrance exam."

"Wow. I thought he is a bookworm. But he is so cool. What's his background?"

"Since he got Level S achievements, I bet he has a noble family. Maybe he's from one of the five well-known families."

The discussion increases, but Henry Yin seems not to hear anything. He heads straight to the classroom expressionlessly.

The bell rings for class. A sexy young woman comes in.

"Dear classmates. I'm Susan. I'll teach you the specialized course. It's my honor to teach you. You are excellent students, and in particular, three of you got Level S achievements in the entrance exam. That's rare. I feel proud of you. I also hope other students can study hard and make good achievements at the end of the semester. Today, I have an interesting task for you. It's a long-term task. You needn't do it in a hurry. It's easy for some but difficult for others. It's intended to test your professional skills as well as social abilities."

Susan's words cause discussion in the classroom. Everyone is guessing what the task is.

"It seems you are interested in it. I'll not keep you guessing any more. Actually, the task is closely related to your future career. You may know there is an annual campus festival at the collage and there are a variety of pastry-making competitions in the kingdom. Winning honors at the activities can greatly improve the reputation of bakers. But the competitions are not for individuals, but teams. That means a good team is crucial. Even when you enter the society in the future, the teams and networking established in school days will still be important. In a word, the task is to seek for reliable partners and persuade them into joining your team. I hope you can develop your team at the college. The number and quality of team members will affect your achievements! OK. That's all for today. Go for it."

Susan's words resemble a pebble that makes a ripple on the surface of the lake.

Some students begin to lobby others and form teams in a hurry.

Looking around, I find Lina unexpectedly is in my class, so I walk up and say hello to her.

"Er? Are you inviting me to your team? Thanks. But I know your ability and don't want you to be a drag on me. Keep working."

After class I dine at the canteen with Bebe. When dining, I think for a moment and offer her an invitation.

"Sakura, sorry, I forgot to tell you that Miss. Serena has invited me to join them. I didn't expect they would invite me. I'm very happy to be on the team of the noble girls."

Serena? Three arrogant faces come into my mind.

The scene on that day remains fresh in my memory. I feel angry every time when I think of the three girls.

The three girls don't look like nice people. How could they kindly invite Bebe, a poor girl without any background, to their team?

I feel puzzled. 

"Sakura, I know you care about me. But the chance is so tempting that I won't give up. Teaming with such noble girls will be very helpful to my career. But thanks anyway, Sakura."

Since Bebe seems to have made up her mind, I find it hard to say anything.

I haven't found a partner in the whole day and can't help feeling frustrated.

In low spirits, I stroll in the garden of the college.

"Aren't you Asakusa? You're really enrolled by the college. Are you used to the life here?"

Seeing the caring expression on Christopher DM's face, you don't know what to speak.

Seemingly knowing something, Christopher DM smiles.

"It seems you get into trouble. The sunshine is too strong here. How about going to my room? Asakusa, sit down, please."

"Wow, you have so many books here!"

"All my salaries were used on buying books. Wait a minute. I'll be back soon."

The warm sum shines through the glass window on the desk of Mr. DM. The atmosphere in the room easily makes one calmed down and indulged in it.

After a while, an aroma of coffee wafts up in the room.

"Try the coffee. This is my favourite flavor."

"Mr. DM, I'm not used to drinking coffee. It may be hard for me to enjoy it."

"I couldn't enjoy it at first. But I learned to identify the taste little by little. Try it, or you will never know it."

Feeling it hard to turn down the offer, I lift the cup and take a sip. A bitter taste soreads in my mouth.

While I'm sipping the coffee, Mr. DM explains the characteristics of different kinds of coffee in simple language, including interesting stories from time to time.

Slowly, I'm attracted by the knowledge that I've never heard of, and the coffee in my mouth seems to have other flavors more than bitterness.

Before I know it, I've chatted with Mr. DM for more than one hour, and the cup in my hand has long since become empty.

"Now, do you still think the coffee is bitter?"

"It seems… to be more acceptable, and there is an aroma of coffee lingering in my mouth. Thanks, Mr. DM. I'm feeling much better."

"You're smart. I'll give you a job. I have a recipe here. Go back and try to make it."

That night, you toss and turn in bed, not knowing that's because of the coffee or something else…

【教室】历史（智力+3）绘画（审美+3）

【餐厅】吃饭（金币-10，体力/审美/智力+7）工作（手艺+3，味觉+4，金币+10）

【商店】买宠物（金币-150/50，S/A级宠物+1）买材料（金币-10/20，基础食材咖啡豆樱桃枫糖浆水果/牛奶巧克力杏仁芒果+10）

【图书馆】（智力+3，毅力+3）

【温室】园艺（体力+2，毅力+3，基础食材+10）花艺（审美+5）

【公园】（体力+3, 社交+3）

month 1 

Ⅰclassroom canteen store(coffee+10A pet+2)

Ⅱclassroom*2 canteen

month 2 

Ⅰclassroom greenhouse canteen

Ⅱclassroom greenhouse canteen

month 3 

Ⅰclassroom greenhouse canteen

Ⅱgarden greenhouse canteen

month 4 

Ⅰgreenhouse*2 library

Ⅱgreenhouse*2 library

month 5 

Ⅰclassroom library*2

Ⅱclassroom*2 canteen

summer vacation month 6

month 7

Ⅰ

Ⅱ

month 8

Ⅰ

Ⅱ

month 9

Ⅰ

Ⅱ

month 10

Ⅰ

Ⅱ

month 11

Ⅰ

Ⅱ

winter vacation month 12

month 1

month 2

month 3

month 4

month 5

the end