Sugar Apple Fairy Tale, Vol. 9 (light novel) — Miri Mikawa

The search for fairies to be trained as candy crafters has begun, and Anne must gauge the candidates' abilities. But the enslaved fairies are full of mistrust toward humans and refuse to cooperate. Will Anne and the others have to abandon their plans altogether? Meanwhile, Mithril is acting strange and won't tell Anne or Challe the reason no matter how much they press him. Could their friend be in some kind of danger?