[You've been assigned to work in the Mana-Virtual Factory under Knocknarea, serving as the Chief Research Officer.]
[According to Knocknarea, you don't need to worry about production; your sole responsibility is to develop new types of Mana-Virtual Rifles. You're also granted authority to mobilize anyone in the factory to assist in your work.]
[You've roughly reviewed the working conditions of the factory workers: eight hours of work daily, only three hours for lunch break, milk only available at breakfast, mandatory one-hour workout after shift, and just two weekly psychological counseling sessions.]
[However, as the Chief Research Officer, your situation is different. To ensure you perform at your best, your work hours are self-determined, all three of your meals are prepared by dedicated chefs, counseling is available on demand, and the majority of Edinburgh—including military zones—is open to you.]
"After all, you're in a creative role. What really matters is efficiency and inspiration, right? So there's no point forcing you to sit and waste time at your desk. If you're feeling stuck, just take a walk—or come chat with me."
"Besides, since you're designing weapons, understanding the soldiers' needs is crucial. That's why there are no restricted areas for you—well, except for my private chambers."
"Of course, you can't leave Edinburgh, especially not with Artoria. That's the one rule. You can manage that, right?"
[Knocknarea's generosity is beyond expectation. She even promises that if there's anything else you need, you can go directly to her.]
[You head to Knocknarea's throne room and casually ask her if she could make some Pocky for you.]
"Eh? You mean a biscuit stick coated with chocolate? Interesting, I've never heard of that before."
Without a second thought, Knocknarea readily agrees.
"No problem. If you'd like, I can have the workers at the chocolate factory make a batch just for you... huh?"
But the moment she agrees, her movements freeze slightly, and her expression stiffens.
"Uh... is something wrong? Did I overstep? Lady Knocknarea...?"
Noticing the subtle change in her demeanor, you feel a bit anxious, worried she might be reconsidering.
What you don't know is that in Knocknarea's eyes, an entirely different scene is unfolding.
[You've triggered a special affinity event with Guinevere.]
[Because you chose the right dialogue option and agreed to Guinevere's request, her affection and loyalty toward you have increased.]
"...So that's it. I never would've guessed... The greatest hero of Britain, and you're actually this fond of a snack like Pocky."
Murmuring to herself as she reads the system messages, Knocknarea smirks.
"Ah?" You blink. "Well, it's not that big a deal... if you think it's too much trouble, we can forget it—"
"Hmph, what are you saying? Do I look like someone who goes back on their word?"
Smiling at you, Knocknarea inwardly feels confident—she's sure she's close to winning you over.
Indeed, no one can resist the allure of chocolate.
She used to think that chocolate would mean nothing to someone as accomplished as you, a person surely above earthly pleasures. But now? Even a saint has desires.
And this snack you love—Pocky—is, with some rounding, still a form of chocolate, right?
That means your beautiful heart will eventually fall for her, the Queen of Chocolate.
She's already won.
"...Ahem. What I meant was, asking the chocolate factory workers to casually whip something up might be a bit too... careless."
Clearing her throat lightly, Knocknarea turns her head.
"Karen! Come here a moment!"
No sooner does she call the name than a familiar purple-skinned succubus bursts out from the corner. It's none other than Demon Karen, the hostess from that Valentine's Chocolate Contest during the Sacred Sword simulation.
"What is it, Lady Knocknarea? You called?"
"That snack Guinevere just mentioned—the one called Pocky. Did you hear it?"
"Of course!" Karen winks and forms a peace sign near her face, eyes sparkling, acting playfully cute.
"I was born for chocolate! I don't care about anything else, but the moment someone starts talking about new chocolate methods, I'm all ears—or even willing to eavesdrop!"
"Well, then I won't need to explain further," Knocknarea said. "Starting today, my royal pastry chefs will take on a new duty: providing Guinevere with a daily supply of Pocky, made with the finest chocolate!"
"Moreover, every chocolate factory in Edinburgh should dedicate a production line to Pocky—no, let's build a whole Pocky factory! I want this delicious treat to spread across all of Britain!"
"...Huh?"
Guinevere freezes, waving her hands frantically.
"Wait, wait, my lady, isn't this a bit... much? There's really no need—"
"How could there be no need? This way, even if you're not in Edinburgh, you'll be able to enjoy Pocky anywhere in Britain."
Knocknarea pats your shoulder with a smile.
"You're my key vanguard and lead developer. I want everyone in Britain to know how important you are to me."
[Ding. Due to your ongoing charm offensive, Guinevere's affection and loyalty continue to rise.]
Watching your relationship level rise from "Stranger" to "Friendly" on the system interface, Knocknarea feels completely assured.
Clearly, she's chosen the right strategy.
Thinking for a moment, she adds:
"But really, Guinevere, you can just call me Knocknarea. No need to add 'Lady'—sounds a bit distant."
Then, quickly adding:
"After all, you're someone I trust, my vanguard and Chief Research Officer. We don't need to be so formal, right?"
"Oh, right. Got it, Lady—uh, Knocknarea. No problem, Lady Knocknarea."
"...You know what? Never mind. Do whatever you're comfortable with."
Clearly, you're still a bit stiff around her. Winning your full trust will take time.
Knocknarea sighs inwardly. No need to rush. They should continue chatting and slowly deepen their rapport.
But—since Pocky happens to be your favorite and also a type of chocolate, how could she, the Chocolate Queen, allow your first taste in Britain to come from anyone but her?
Having made up her mind, Knocknarea casually suggests:
"By the way, I've almost wrapped up my official duties today, and I'm quite intrigued by this Pocky myself. How about I try making some? You can sample them with me."
But just as she speaks, she notices Aiken, who had been standing quietly in the hall, suddenly raise his head—
"Wait, Lady Knocknarea, don't we still have—"
"Just a little bit left, right? I know!"
Before Aiken can finish, Knocknarea strides forward and smacks him on the head. A surge of magical power knocks him out cold mid-sentence.
"My, how did Aiken suddenly pass out like that? Looks like he hasn't fully recovered from dealing with the Windfang Coalition. Still insisted on helping me—so touching."
Wiping off imaginary sweat, she turns to Karen.
"Karen, Aiken seems exhausted. Take him back to his room to rest. You know what I mean."
She gives Karen a subtle wink.
"...Ohh, I get it now!"
Karen's gaze darts between you and Knocknarea before she nods gravely.
"Leave it to me!"
[That evening, Knocknarea brings you to the Moon Kitchen she once used in the Chocolate Competition and personally crafts a large batch of Pocky.]
[True to her title as the Chocolate Queen, her Pocky is divine—perhaps the best you've ever tasted.]
[After sharing Pocky, the two of you go for a walk along the city walls, chatting as the night wind brushes past.]
Standing atop the pitch-black walls, Knocknarea crosses her arms, looking out over the dark plains.
Even during an after-dinner stroll, she maintains the regal posture of a queen.
"So, how was the Pocky just now?" she asks, sounding casual.
"The Pocky? Oh, it was amazing. I've never tasted anything that rich and delicious in my life. Thank you so much, Lady Knocknarea."
You think you see her quietly breathe a sigh of relief.
—Phew. She'd been a bit nervous while making them, and a few parts weren't quite perfect... but it seems you didn't notice.
That thought sparks a small swell of pride in Knocknarea's heart.
Still, her skills must be exceptional if even imperfect batches are this well-received.
No—she scolds herself. That's not the right attitude.
She pinches the flesh on her arm to stay sharp.
It might just be that Pan-Humanity's chocolate-making techniques are subpar. That's no excuse to get complacent. If she lets her standards slip, one day, she might even fall below Artoria. No! Stay sharp, Knocknarea!
"Um... Lady Knocknarea?"
You ask gently, seeing her nodding and shaking her head, expressions shifting oddly.
"Huh? Oh, I'm fine. Really." Pulled from her thoughts, she forces a smile and quickly changes the subject.
"Speaking of, I've heard that Pan-Humanity has a tradition of heart-shaped chocolates... are there any other fun shapes or customs associated with chocolate?"
She tucks her windblown hair behind her ears and looks at you with curiosity.
"Hm... well, the classic tradition is girls giving chocolate to the boys they like on Valentine's Day."
You share what you know.
[But Knocknarea tells you that the fairies have a similar tradition too.]
"After all, the contest between me and Artoria was part of Mab's Valentine's Chocolate Festival—ah, sorry, I misspoke. Forget I said that."
She then asks:
"So aside from chocolate exchanges, are there other chocolate-related traditions? Activities or games, perhaps?"
"Well..."
[You suddenly remember a particular couple's Pocky tradition.]
"There's this... special way for couples to eat Pocky. Each person bites from one end of the stick, and as they nibble closer, eventually they... kiss. It's called a 'Pocky Kiss.'"
"Oooh! So even Pan-Humanity has such romantic Pocky traditions!" Knocknarea's eyes sparkle. "I knew spreading Pocky was a brilliant idea. That's such a fun custom!"
"Really? I think it's kind of silly," you shrug. "Just another way for annoying couples to show off."
"Wait—so you've never done this with a girl back in Pan-Humanity?" she asks, eyes lighting up again.
"Yeah, I've been single since birth. I mean... I've never been in a relationship," you say, shaking your head. But as you do, you notice something.
Knocknarea already has a Pocky stick in her mouth.
"So, if you're curious about trying it... and I've never done it either... how about we give it a try?"
Knocknarea suddenly says.