Upstart Pastry Chef ~Territory Management of a Genius Pâtisserie~ - Chapter 27

Chapter 27: Farne’s Butler

After watching the magic-infused chicken disappear into the forest, I returned home.

Just before reaching the house, I stopped in my tracks.

“Who’s that with Tina?”

In front of the door, Tina was talking to someone else.

A slender yet firmly built man.

He was wearing a butler’s uniform, but he exuded the aura of a warrior rather than a servant.

“I am Volg. I will be in your care from today onwards in this village. I have come to greet Kurt Arnoldt, the heir to the Arnoldt Viscountcy and the headman of this village, on behalf of Lord Fernande, the Margrave. Here is a letter of introduction from the Margrave.”

He spoke with a polite demeanor. With his refined appearance, he looked very impressive. However, there was a strange aura of intimidation, and Tina seemed frightened. Poor thing, her ears flattened and her tail fur curled up.

“Um, Kurt-sama is currently out.”

“When do you expect him to return?”

“I’m not sure.”

“In that case, may I wait inside the house? The young lady has something to entrust to Kurt-sama.”

“Well, um…”

“I don’t mind receiving a clear answer.”

Tina flinched and stepped back.

She’s probably afraid of being alone in the house with that man. But considering the other party’s position, she couldn’t refuse either.

Feeling cornered, Tina’s eyes were teary.

I hurried over to them.

“Sorry for the delay.”

“Kurt-sama!”

The moment I appeared, Tina flashed a bright smile and hid behind me.

I couldn’t help but chuckle. Tina would have to get used to meeting people from outside more often, and she’d need to overcome her shyness.

Seeing me, the butler spoke up.

“Are you Kurt Arnoldt-sama, sir?”

“Yes, I am Kurt Arnoldt. Pleased to meet you.”

“You’re very polite. I am Volg. I have no titles, being a commoner.”

With that, Volg smiled.

“And, Kurt-sama, there’s no need for formalities with me. I am just a servant. And you, sir, will soon be the heir to the viscountcy and the husband of our lady.”

He bowed.

Such treatment was rarely received, so it felt awkward.

“Got it. Let’s keep it casual. Sorry for the trouble of coming to greet me.”

“No, it’s my pleasure. I apologize for intruding at this hour. I simply had to greet Kurt-sama on the day of my arrival in this village. I will be your point of contact from now on, so please feel free to approach me with any matters concerning us.”

“Understood. I’ll keep that in mind. I heard about your arrival from Lord Fernande, the Margrave.”

“Thank you, Kurt-sama.”

With that, Volg observed me from head to toe.

It was a gaze reminiscent of a seasoned warrior sizing up his opponent.

“…Hmm, I thought it was just hearsay when I heard it from Farne-sama, but you truly are a skilled warrior. Your blood is boiling.”

Volg emitted an intense aura as he spoke.

Tina, who had been behind me, was clinging to me as if her life depended on it.

“Oh, my apologies. It’s an old habit of mine. When I see someone like you, it stirs up memories of the past.”

Volg said with a gentle smile, bowing his head. The intense aura he had moments ago had vanished.

“No, I’m the one who’s sorry. I apologize for being frightened. It’s my fault. I’m sorry. Even though I’m supposed to be Kurt-sama’s servant, I couldn’t respond properly.”

Tina replied, bowing her head. Her wariness towards the man in front of her had diminished. Perhaps she sensed that he was fundamentally a good person.

“I should apologize as well. My servant was rude.”

I interjected.

Everyone present bowed their heads. When I lifted mine, I met Volg’s gaze. We both found the situation amusing and couldn’t help but smile.

“I’m used to being feared by women and children. My discretion was lacking… Further apologies would be a waste of time. Let’s just consider this matter resolved with mutual apologies.”

Volg suggested.

“I appreciate that. How about having a meal together at my house during dinner? We can talk while we eat.”

I proposed.

“I am merely a servant. It wouldn’t be appropriate for me, a commoner, to sit at the same table as the noble Kurt-sama.”

Volg replied.

“That may be the rule in your domain, but in my village, there are no such rules. Sharing a meal together will facilitate communication. We’re going to be dealing with each other for a long time, so I’d like to have an open conversation.”

I explained.

“In that case, I would be honored to join you.”

Volg accepted.

Tina tightened her grip on the hem of my clothes. Seeing her tearful face, I nodded, indicating that she had made up her mind.

“You don’t need to be so wary, miss.”

Volg smiled reassuringly at Tina.

“Oh, um, yes.”

Tina replied ambiguously, not quite understanding his intentions.

“I won’t attack you or anything like that. I have no interest in women.”

Volg reassured her.

Tina tilted her head in confusion but seemed somewhat relieved for the time being.

On the contrary, my own wariness deepened…

Anyway, let’s get them inside. We can talk more once we’re indoors.

“Come on in. It’s a small house, but I like it.”

I invited.

And so, for the first time, I welcomed someone from another domain into my home.

◇

“It’s a modest house, but it’s well maintained. It’s a nice home.”

Volg commented as he was led into the living room.

“That’s thanks to Tina. Her work is thorough and precise.”

I replied.

Tina’s household skills were exceptional. She had diligently worked without cutting any corners, resulting in her high level of proficiency. Not only did she repeat tasks meticulously, but she also showed creativity and innovation.

“I’d like my servants to learn from her.”

Volg chuckled.

“Why did you come to this village? Wouldn’t it be more normal for a nobleman’s butler like you to come with her?”

I inquired.

“It’s not that simple. I have to ensure that the mansion where the young lady resides is impeccably maintained with no compromises. By being here, I can ensure the best possible mansion. …And I can use magic. I can do the work of dozens of people alone.”

Volg explained.

“I see. You don’t seem like just an ordinary butler. Are you also serving as Farne-sama’s bodyguard?”

I speculated.

“That’s correct. However, I’ve delegated that task to my subordinates. This job is something only I can do. Also, I’ve been appointed by Count Fernande as the liaison with you.”

Volg elaborated.

To be honest, I noticed from a distance that this man is a powerful mage. I’ve never seen someone with such immense magical power before. He’s probably on par with me.

If that’s the case, he can handle heavy-duty tasks easily.

And his keen insight allows him to see through advanced skills possessed by this man.

Not only does he have skills, but also martial prowess. His casual movements are refined and flawless.

“I understand. I’ll prepare some food, so please wait in the other room.”

I said.

“I heard that you’re skilled in making sweets from the young lady, but to also be skilled in cooking. I look forward to seeing the skill that has impressed the master and the young lady.”

Volg remarked.

“I’ll do my best to meet your expectations.”

I replied with a smile, then headed to the kitchen.

◇

“Tina, I’m going to cook now, so could you make some tea and bring it over? After delivering the tea, I’d like you to keep him company for a while.”

I instructed.

“Yes, of course, Kurt-sama.”

Tina nodded with a strained expression.

Even though she realized that Volg wasn’t a bad person, there was still an instinctive fear.

But here, she needed to steel her heart. This would be good training for her to overcome her shyness.

“Now, I shouldn’t keep him waiting. Let’s make something quick.”

I thought as I pondered recipes.

There’s no premade bread, and baking bread from scratch would take too long. Bread isn’t the staple here; it needs to be something quick and easy.

In that case, something like crepes that can be cooked in a short amount of time would be ideal.

I have wheat and potatoes, so I can manage.

Now, for the main dish…

“Do we have that?”

I retrieved from the shelf a special bacon made from the autumn-end cured wild boar belly, marinated in a special sauce and smoked with maple chips to perfection. It’s a thick, fatty slab of meat, a delicacy reserved for special occasions that I had hidden away.

But that alone would be lacking, so I decided to use the eggs I collected today as well.

As a side dish, there’s still plenty of cabbage left.

With just these ingredients, I can make that.

I hope it’ll be well received…

With those thoughts in mind, I lit the stove.