Upstart Pastry Chef ~Territory Management of a Genius Pâtisserie~ - Chapter 25

Chapter 25: Epilogue – Engagement and the Future of Arnoldt

The festival ended without incident.

After stepping down from the stage, I was surrounded by the villagers who wanted to talk about various things.

It ranged from specific visions for managing the territory, recipes for sweets, to inquiries about marriage plans.

I plan to visit every village soon to see everyone’s lives with my own eyes.

I left the cleanup to the servants and went back to the mansion with Tina.

We had promised to talk with Viscount Fernande after the festival.

As we headed towards the guest room, Viscount Fernande, Farne, and my father were enjoying some tea.

Tina stood behind me like the other servants.

“Hey, Kurt. That was a passionate and fantastic speech. Your vision for the future really came across. Well, I think my stomach understood it before my head did.”

Viscount Fernande said with a smirk.

“Viscount Fernande, I’m glad to hear you say that. I was more confident in the latter than in a thousand words.”

“Indeed, that’s true. When someone like us, upper-class nobles, is treated to sweets that even we can’t have with all our resources, it’s hard not to believe in the idea of a territory where everyone can enjoy sweets.”

Viscount Fernande clearly understood my intentions. He was truly remarkable. As I pondered that, Farne spoke up.

“Kurt-sama, it seems like this might take a while, so please have a seat. Is that alright with you, Father?”

“Of course, go ahead. Sit down, Kurt.”

Viscount Fernande nodded, and I took a seat.

A cup of tea was offered to me before I sat down.

“Now that you’ve been happily appointed as the next heir, what are your plans for the future?”

“I’ll need to consult with my father, but for the time being, I’d like to govern my current village while assisting my father. As I mentioned earlier, I plan to experiment with new initiatives in my village, and if successful, document them and expand them to other villages.”

Suddenly implementing new initiatives across all villages and failing would be unacceptable. Additionally, besides providing documentation, I’m also considering personnel exchanges. Sending individuals who have mastered certain skills to other villages, or inviting individuals from other villages to learn for a year. This should increase efficiency even further.

“I can only take on new challenges now. Once I’m fully responsible for managing all the villages, I won’t have the flexibility for such endeavors.”

“Yeah, that’s a good idea. You should focus on tackling new things like that. At least while Viscount Arnoldt is still in good health, delving into new ventures will lead to future success. What do you think, Viscount Arnoldt?”

In response to Viscount Fernande’s question, my father paused for a moment before speaking.

“I agree as well. For Arnoldt Territory to prosper, Kurt should be given some freedom for a while. In the meantime, I intend to gradually teach him the duties of a lord.”

“Thank you, Viscount Fernande, and Father. I’ll show you results that live up to your expectations.”

With their approval, I should have the freedom to act as I see fit. The rest depends on my abilities.

“Kurt, do your best.”

Viscount Fernande smiled at me.

“Kurt, I’m counting on you. I won’t spare any effort in helping.”

My father said bluntly but with expectant eyes.

“Thank you.”

I took a sip of tea, thinking that today’s discussion was now over.

Just then, Viscount Fernande cleared his throat.

“By the way, Kurt, I’ve heard you’re fifteen. It wouldn’t be unusual for you to be already married, and as a noble, you know that marriage at seventeen is recommended.”

In this world, nobles marry early, with fifteen being considered young and seventeen being the ideal age. If you’re not married in your teens, you’re viewed with skepticism.

I’m currently fifteen, so it’s about time for me to start thinking about it.

But I’m not worried about it.

“That’s correct. I should start considering my future soon.”

“I have a proposal regarding that…”

Viscount Fernande looked towards Farne.

“What do you think about betrothing my daughter, Farne?”

“Betrothing the daughter of a Viscount to the next Viscount? Me?”

I couldn’t help but ask again.

I had anticipated it, but it was still an unexpected proposition.

The difference in status between a Viscount and a Viscount’s heir was too significant. It was akin to the difference between a vice president and a foreman in a regular company.

“Yes, that’s right. I think it’s a good idea. Frankly, considering your current status, my daughter is a bit out of your league.”

Internally, I nodded.

Noble daughters are often used as tools for political marriages to strengthen ties with other families. Even though she’s the third daughter, Farne is still the daughter of a Viscount, and her value is immeasurable. It would be unthinkable to use her to strengthen ties between our families just because I’m the Viscount’s heir.

“You’re a man destined for great things. I proposed this thinking it wouldn’t hurt to secure a good match for you at this stage. Besides, she’s quite enthusiastic about it.”

Fernande explained.

“Yes, I’ve fallen for you, Kurt! I’ve never met someone as intelligent and energetic as you. Kurt, would you please agree to be engaged to me?”

Farne smiled with flushed cheeks.

If I only consider future development, there’s no reason to refuse. Being bound by blood to Viscount Fernande holds significant meaning, tangible and intangible benefits could be gained.

But…

“My apologies, Farne-sama. With all due respect, I must decline. Perhaps you wouldn’t be able to endure life in the Arnoldt Viscounty. There’s nothing here, and our daily meals are simple. I mentioned having daily sweets, but it will take at least two years to reach that point. The hospitality we showed in my hometown may not have seemed like much to you, but we were already stretching ourselves thin. Daily life here is even more austere. Especially at the forefront of colonization where I am.”

I explain the outward reason for rejecting the engagement.

However, Farne shows no signs of wavering.

“I’m prepared for that. Though I understand my words, as a sheltered young lady, may not be believable. If I ever become a hindrance to you, Kurt-sama, feel free to send me back home. My father has approved of this.”

“As Farne says. Even if it comes to that, I won’t dismantle the Arnoldt Viscounty. If I were to get angry, it would only be if you laid hands on her before marriage. Until then, I won’t allow my daughter to be harmed.”

I’m quite surprised by this revelation.

I didn’t expect her to be so determined.

“So, with the consent of you and your father, the engagement is settled. I look forward to working with you, Kurt-sama.”

With a beautiful smile like a flower, she reaches out for a handshake.

I grasp Farne’s hand, and the engagement is sealed.

Tina is on guard, her tail fur standing on end.

It seems like things are going to get quite complicated from now on.

◇

Farne and I step outside, as she expressed a desire to speak with me alone.

“Farne-sama, I…”

I swallow the words that almost came out.

It would be a rejection. As a lord, I cannot refuse the engagement. It would sacrifice not only myself but also the people of the domain.

“I understand, Kurt-sama.”

Farne looks at me with eyes that seem to see through everything.

“Kurt-sama, you have feelings for a servant’s child that go beyond mere servitude. You had no choice but to accept the engagement considering your position. But deep down, you wanted to be with that girl, didn’t you?”

“…You saw through that?”

I hadn’t expected my feelings for Tina to be discerned.

Truth be told, I love Tina. I don’t want to betray her after all we’ve been through together.

“It’s obvious when someone falls in love. I understand that much… Knowing that, I accepted my father’s proposal. I fell for you, and more than that, I thought I could grow if I were with you.”

“Grow?”

“Yes, I assist my father, but it’s just a routine. I do the same tasks over and over again. Nothing changes. But with you, I felt like something new would begin. I thought I could do more. I don’t want a life where I’m just someone’s decoration.”

I thought she wasn’t just an ordinary noblewoman, but to this extent…

“I don’t want you to misunderstand, but forcing a marriage isn’t my intention. I believe there’s nothing more boring than a loveless marriage. It’s suffocating, filled with mutual discomfort. I don’t want that. I want love in my married life. Perhaps that makes me unsuitable as a noblewoman.”

“Do you mean to say that you’re rejecting the engagement, because of my feelings for Tina?”

“No, that’s not it. Let’s live together for a year. I’ll do my best to make you turn to me. I don’t intend to be just a decoration. I’ll support your work using my experience assisting my father. And after a year, you can decide. Whether you want to marry me or not, I won’t hold any grudges. If I can’t make you reconsider within a year, I’ll dissolve the engagement of my own volition. I’ll persuade my father to ensure you’re not harmed.”

“It’s too convenient for me.”

Indeed, it’s overwhelmingly advantageous for me.

There’s nothing Farne gains from this.

“Yes, it’s a one-sided deal in your favor, Kurt-sama. At least for a year, you’ll have the backing of Fernande-sama, so even if you refuse, you won’t be hurt. It’s frustrating to be bad at negotiating. But I can’t help it since I have feelings for you. However, even if you reject me, I intend to return to Fernande with many things I gained from you. That’s how determined I am.”

Farne smiles faintly.

For the first time, I think this girl is “beautiful.”

“I’ll take you up on your proposal.”

This time, I reached out my hand to her.

Farne firmly grasped that hand.

And thus, the engagement is truly established.