Upstart Pastry Chef ~Territory Management of a Genius Pâtisserie~ - Chapter 29

Chapter 29: Volg’s Intentions and Mead

“I didn’t expect salty bacon and honey mead to go so well together.”

Volg exclaimed as he nibbled on the bacon I provided and drank the honey mead.

“It’s a combination I enjoy as well. Please, enjoy it.”

Sweet alcohol and salty snacks often complement each other well.

The mead I made as a prototype was thoroughly fermented to increase the alcohol content, then honey and fruit juice were added to refine the taste, making it a special product.

So, while it’s strong, it goes down smoothly.

“Volg, let me ask you something. As someone who can use magic, why did you bother coming to such a remote place? Normally, you’d want to keep yourself in your territory.”

That’s common sense in this world.

Being able to use magic holds significant value and is highly regarded.

Arnoldt was abnormal in that sense.

“It’s to protect the young lady. If it’s you, I can’t trust anyone else to do it. …Well, that’s just an excuse.”

Volg looks at me challengingly.

“You’re trying to loosen my lips with alcohol to extract information, aren’t you?”

“You caught on quickly. That’s exactly why I offered you this drink.”

I admit it straightforwardly.

It’s only natural to have such intentions. Even if he finds out, it won’t make a difference.

“You don’t need to do that. I have no intention of hiding anything from you. Count Fernande, the Border Baron, has requested that I train you.”

I tilt my head at his words.

“You must be a spear master to be recognized as the heir of the Arnoldt family. Even just by observing your demeanor, it’s clear that there’s nothing I can teach you in martial arts. But that’s all there is to it. In this world, there are individuals who possess overwhelming power just by wielding a specific weapon.”

Even without knowing about the existence of skills, it’s common knowledge that such individuals exist.

For example, the head of the Arnoldt family who, the moment he wields a spear, demonstrates movements and martial prowess beyond ordinary people.

There are many other such individuals.

“And likewise, magic wielders also possess overwhelming physical abilities and demonstrate movements beyond ordinary people.”

That’s also true. The difference in combat prowess between soldiers with magic and ordinary soldiers is said to be 30:1.

Generally, the physical abilities of an average magic wielder are on par with those with Skill Level II.

Conversely, if one has Skill Level III, they can usually defeat most magic wielders.

“In that sense, you’re only capable of movements equivalent to being strong when wielding a specific weapon, despite being able to use magic.”

“You understand that well… Well, I’m still inexperienced, so even that is uncertain.”

Due to the sudden increase in skills, I haven’t yet mastered the rapidly improved physical abilities. That’s why I’m cautious, even in practice, not to exert my full strength.

“Even without exerting your full strength, your power is intimidating. Indeed, you’re the man the young lady has chosen. However, to fully exert the strength of wielding a spear and further enhance it with magic is necessary. With both magic and the power of a weapon, one becomes an unbeatable warrior. You possess that talent.”

That’s something I’ve also considered.

What kind of power could I wield if I could use both the power of skills and magic at the same time?

Even though strength may not be necessary for making sweets, there are things that can’t be protected without strength. Strength itself holds significance just by existing.

I want to protect everything with my own power.

“I want to become like that too.”

“That’s precisely why I’ve come. By the way, I can use both. In other words, I can teach you. Let’s train you to fully utilize both the power of magic and the power you gain when wielding a weapon.”

“What’s in it for you then?”

“Baron Fernande relies on your strength in times of need. Ultimately, the number of exceptional magic wielders determines the advantage on the battlefield. You’re worth a thousand soldiers. Isn’t it natural to have expectations?”

“So, it’s about repaying favors when the fight breaks out?”

“Of course, as a Viscount, you cannot refuse the Baron’s request for troops. This proposal, which increases your chances of survival even slightly, is a significant gain for you as well. And, of course, I have my own personal motives… I want to go all out.”

With a ferocious grin, Volg continued.

“Three years ago, I fought in the war. Naturally, against both magic wielders and those who become stronger with weapons. But it was too dull. Too weak.”

It was the smile of an overwhelmingly strong individual, tinged with arrogance.

“I want a truly formidable opponent, someone I can fight with all my might, someone who won’t break even when I go all out. At this stage, Kurt, your strength isn’t enough. But if I train you, you’ll become a man worthy of facing my full strength. No, there’s even a possibility that you’ll become capable of easily overpowering me. I was convinced of that the moment I laid eyes on you.”

I couldn’t help but smile wryly.

What a straightforward reason.

It’s oddly satisfying.

“Understood. Volg, train me.”

“Yes, I’ll train you thoroughly.”

It’s a story with nothing but benefits for me.

Naturally, I have no choice but to accept it.

Using both magic and skills. I’ll make it possible through rigorous training with this man.

◇

After that, Volg left after a while.

Tina seemed to recognize him as a scary person and was genuinely worried about me seeking instruction from him.

I patted her head, and she stopped looking so anxious. There’s nothing to worry about. That man harbors no ill intentions.

Relieved, Tina now seemed interested in the alcohol left behind.

She was gazing at the remaining liquor.

“Tina, do you want to try some alcohol?”

“W-well, just a little bit…”

Though young, Tina matured quickly. It wouldn’t hurt for her to have a little alcohol.

“If it’s just a little, you can have some. It’s the liquor I painstakingly made, so I’d be happy to hear your thoughts. If the beekeeping succeeds, I’ll make it on a larger scale.”

“Yes, Kurt-sama, thank you! Alcohol always seemed delicious and fun, so I’ve always wanted to try it.”

I poured some honey mead into Tina’s cup.

Her eyes sparkled with anticipation.

“Wow, it’s golden and beautiful, and it smells nice.”

She held the cup delicately with both hands and took a sip.

Gulp, gulp, gulp went her throat.

It must go down smoothly because it’s sweet and has a pleasant taste.

Uh oh, if she drinks it all at once…

“K-Kurt-sama…”

My ominous premonition came true; she was completely unsteady.

It seems Tina is weak against alcohol.

She’s completely drunk.

“What is it, Tina?”

“Why won’t you look at me, Kurt-sama? I feel lonely surrounded by so many women. Even though you’re supposed to be my Kurt-sama, you’ve always been with me.”

With those words, she climbs onto my lap and leans her weight against me.

It’s Tina’s way of seeking comfort from me, as usual.

“Um, Tina, I really care about you.”

“I know that. Kurt-sama, you’re kind and always pamper me, but I want you to look at only me. I want you to be my Kurt-sama only.”

Tina turns around from leaning against my back. She spreads her legs and wraps them around my waist like a koala, then rubs her cheek against my chest.

“Kurt-sama, what am I to you? Why won’t you make a move? Nobles are supposed to do such things, everyone says so. Kurt-sama, then, why are you so kind? You’re too kind.”

Tina’s eyes look oddly seductive, making my heart race.

“Hey, Kurt-sama.”

Tina looks up at me with pleading eyes.

“Me and you…”

It’s a passionate sigh.

This isn’t the usual Tina I know.

The distance between Tina and me diminishes.

And then…

Grrrr

“Huh?”

I couldn’t help but let out a foolish sound.

Tina, having finished saying what she wanted to say, began to breathe peacefully, sound asleep.

She’s such a selfish princess.

And I’ve decided never to let Tina drink alcohol again.

With a wry smile, I carry Tina to the bedroom.

If she remembers anything from today when she wakes up, I’ll tease her mercilessly.