Upstart Pastry Chef ~Territory Management of a Genius Pâtisserie~ - Chapter 1

Chapter 1: A Step Towards Making Sweets

It was mid-afternoon.

I was working on development tasks alongside the settlers.

Working together like this not only adds to the labor force but also makes it easier to deal with any issues that arise on the spot.

“Everyone, I’ve brought lunch!!”

Tina appeared with the settler women, her silver hair and fox ears swaying in the breeze.

They carried baskets filled with plenty of bread.

“Everyone, it’s lunchtime. Let’s eat this and then work a little more!”

“Yeahhhhh!!!!”

The settlers ran towards the women.

With all this physical labor, it’s only natural to get hungry.

They devoured the simple bread with a hint of salt and dried blueberries.

Simple yet meticulously crafted, the bread was delicious.

With this, they should be able to work hard in the afternoon too.

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“Youngster, see you again tomorrow!”

“Youngster, thank you for today as well!”

“Nah, since you started overseeing the development, things have been going smoothly, and even if there are injuries, we feel reassured, plus we get to eat, I can’t thank you enough!”

I waved to the settlers as they bid farewell one by one.

It’s only about three in the afternoon, but today’s work is done. Being involved in development means dedicating effort to increase future meals. If it were just the wheat grown by women and children, the settlers would go hungry.

So, I wrap things up early to give them time for hunting and gathering in the mountains and rivers. The natural resources around here are abundant. There’s enough blessing in this village to fill everyone’s stomachs.

However, for us to wrap up early, efficient development is necessary. It’s thanks to everyone’s hard work that we can finish up at this time.

The neighboring village used to be ahead in development progress, but since our village surpassed them, they’ve been relentlessly focused on development to reclaim the lead. However, I’ve heard that the settlers there can’t even have a proper meal, and as a result, the work is actually falling behind.

“Good work, Kurt-sama.”

Tina rushes over and hands me cold water. I gratefully accept it.

The water tastes better than usual. I can sense a slight acidity. Perhaps that’s the reason for its deliciousness.

“It’s delicious. This water.”

“I received some hawthorn berries from the village women for you, Kurt-sama, so I squeezed and mixed them in. Everyone in this village truly respects and appreciates you. I’m proud to serve as your maid.”

“It was rough at first, though.”

It’s been three years since I took over governing this development village.

At first, I was criticized behind my back as the eldest son of the Arnoldt family who became the village head as a decoration to add luster to our family name.

“It’s all thanks to your hard work, Kurt-sama!”

I blush a little. After three years of my efforts, I’m finally being recognized.

I take pride in the fact that development is progressing more smoothly here than in any other village.

“Thank you, Tina. And, you don’t have to accompany me if it’s too much. You’re a servant of the Arnoldt family. Assisting in development is beyond your duties. Just focus on household chores at home. You can also return to the main house in the village if you want. This development village must be inconvenient for you.”

“No, thank you. I serve you, Kurt-sama. I’m not serving the Arnoldt family. Wherever you are, that’s where I belong.”

With that, Tina links her arm with mine.

I took her hand.

As the eldest son of a baron, my position could be considered attractive.

But the title of baron is destined to be inherited by my younger brother, Jorg.

It’s because I completely lack “a certain talent.”

The other servants are so desperate to curry favor with my brother that they avoid any association with me.

Tina is one of the few who actively engage with me.

“Wouldn’t it be better for you to flatter my brother Jorg instead of me?”

“No, thank you. I like you, Kurt-sama.”

“In the near future, I’ll either be kicked out of this house or spend my life assisting Jorg. You might not have a good time sticking with me.”

In a noble house, only one person can inherit the title. The future is not bright for those who cannot inherit. I’m trying to make arrangements to avoid that fate, but it’s still a precarious situation.

“That doesn’t matter. Even if you’re not an Arnoldt anymore, you’re still Kurt-sama. If you’re ever expelled from the Arnoldt family, let’s go to the city together! We’ll start a second life there! I’ve saved all my wages untouched. I’ll support you, Kurt-sama, all by myself.”

Her tone makes it clear.

Tina is 100% serious.

Honestly…

“Don’t say foolish things… But, well, going to the city and working regular jobs seems fun if it’s with you, Tina.”

I couldn’t help but imagine it for a moment.

Throwing everything away and becoming just Kurt, not Kurt Arnoldt, living together with Tina.

“It’d surely be enjoyable.”

“But it’s no good. I’ve nurtured that thing all the way there. I have a dream. To fulfill that dream, I have to stay here. Don’t worry, even if I can’t inherit the lordship, I’m making arrangements to ensure I can do as I please in this village.”

And I haven’t given up on becoming the lord yet. I’ll struggle until the very end.

“Indeed, your dream cannot be realized anywhere else. …But I’m relieved to hear that you will stay in this village. Let’s go straight to our usual spot. Come on, to our secret place. It’s finally time for the harvest, isn’t it?”

“Yeah, you’re right. Let’s go. It’s the first step toward fulfilling my dream.”

Tina smiles brightly.

Caught up in her enthusiasm, I smile too.

I have three secrets.

The first is that I remember being born in Japan and aiming to become the world’s greatest pastry chef.

The second is that even in this world, I’m aiming to become the world’s greatest pastry chef.

The third is that Tina and I are creating a secret base together for the sake of my dream.

We walk through the forest and emerge into an open space.

It’s a vast flower field.

And that, indeed, is our secret base for fulfilling my dream.

To create wonderful sweets, you need wonderful ingredients.