The Rebirth of the Phoenix

Chapter 23.1: Hollyberry Kingdom, the Kingdom of Romance?

"Uh-uh... I just appreciate a lot that you came with us... And despite the dangers you are still willing to travel with us!" Gingerbrave confessed as he stumbled with his own words.

"Let's just focus on getting back to the Contest..." Wizard Cookie said as he grabbed Gingerbrave's hand. Little to they know that the two Cookies behind them were kissing.

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Inside a shop that sells monster parts...

"...I believe the monster's judging the Contest as we speak. Can you believe it? A dragon choosin' our Princess!" A merchant spoke to Huntress Cookie.

"BY THE WITCH'S GARLICKY BREATH! What happened here while I was away?!" The Huntress said: "I must go, NOW."

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The four Cookies arrived at the Contest's venue, there seems to be a fight.

"How dare you! That's an insult to the noble House of Raspberry! We have built our culture and wealth with nothing but the tip of our swords!" Raspberry Cookie claimed: "Fighting is what molded us! What brought us above other Cookie Houses! You just insulted the great deeds of my ancestors, who risked everything upon their blade!"

"Wow Gingerbrave, I didn't know there were sword-users in this Kingdom!" Gingerbright whispered to Gingerbrave.

"I demand an apology. Here and now! Princess Cookie! I challenge you to a duel!" The aristocrat cookie announced.

"Step aside, Knight Cookie. It's time to find out what kind of dough she's made of!" Princess Cookie wasn't going to let what Raspberry Cookie said about her skills.

The two Cookies fought elegantly, with Raspberry Cookie attacking precisely and Princess Cookie dodged every move and retaliated, as if she was dancing. After a while, Raspberry was getting exhausted and Princess Cookie dealt the final blow.

"Ha ha! Victory is mine!" Princess Cookie stated.

"Hmm... I shall not forget today's lesson... for this defeat has been embedded into my very dough!" Raspberry Cookie  remarked: "I am the proud descendant of House Raspberry, I have no plans to give up as the heiress. I WILL become the Princess!"

Just as Raspberry Cookie said that, the Host cookie informed that the other contestants have already arrived at the Palace. Princess Cookie and the others hurried to the Palace's gardens.

...

"The Hollyberry Princess has many duties. One of them is hearing her subject's concerns and complaints with humbleness and patience. Today's petitioner is an enthusiastic gardener who loses temper at the mere thought of strangers setting foot in their precious garden." The Host Cookie announced: "Your task is to pacify the gardener and enter the Palace Gardens."

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"My oh my! What do I see! Crumbly dress! Shoes covered in mud!" The royal Gardener cried out, they were a huge plant with the upper body being a berry bush (I based Cookievorous Strawberry Cookie of them lol) and the only part that it's known as their face are the flower's golden-yellow stamens. The angry gardener wielded a pair of gardening scissors: "Everyone is so terribly messy! Princess or not, I won't let such a dirty creature step inside my beloved garden! Oh, no no no!"

The Royal Gardener attacked with their golden pruning shears. Obviously, Gingerbrave couldn't use his fire powers if he didn't want the plant to be burned alive. However, Strawberry Cookie's thorned lollipop and Wizard Cookie's frost spells were very effective.

"I dropped my favorite gardening shears! Oh shame, shame on me! Ah, I have no right to call myself the Royal Gardener...!"

"Calm down! You are the best gardener I've ever known! These gardens bring much joy and happiness to whoever steps inside!" Princess Cookie comforted: "No one else can take better care of these flowers and trees!"

The Gardener seemed to cherish Princess Cookie's words: "You are a true Hollyberry Princess!" They said as the Plant let them pass.