Upstart Pastry Chef ~Territory Management of a Genius Pâtisserie~ - Chapter 32

Chapter 32: Departure to Count Fernande’s Border

“Tina, you don’t have to come along if you don’t want to.”

“I’m your partner, Kurt-sama. I’ll accompany him wherever he goes!”

Tina and I were riding in the carriage provided by Count Fernande.

We are now departing for Count Fernande’s territory.

There, the announcement party for the engagement with Farne and the confectionery for the Duke’s family await us.

We’re going to be busy from now on.

“Kurt-sama, please do your best, you too, Tina-san. I wanted to come with you, but I can’t leave here for any reason.”

Farne’s butler, Volg, came to see us off with a look of apology.

He is like a human machine. If he were to leave, the pace of construction at Farne’s mansion would undoubtedly slow down.

“Volg, focus on your own work. I’ll do mine. That’s all.”

I’m indebted to Volg.

As he said on the first day, he’s been accompanying me in training that utilizes both magical power and skills.

Having a serious opponent to spar with, and being made aware of my shortcomings and guided, Volg taught me how important that is.

Thanks to him, I’m getting stronger and stronger.

“Give my regards to Farne-sama. If he praises you, your salary might go up.”

“If you treat me next time, I’ll consider it.”

Volg and I exchange jokes.

Through sparring, we’ve deepened our bond.

“It seems you’re wearing Farne-sama’s gift properly.”
“Ah, I’m using it with care.”

I tap my chest. Inside, there’s a hidden pocket where I store the gift from Farne.

“It’s a layered cake knife. Farne-sama will surely be delighted.”

On the day Volg came to greet me, I received a gift from Farne. The gift turned out to be a cake knife. It’s of such high quality that it’s unimaginable in this era.

As a confectioner, it’s an essential item, and I was truly delighted. So, I made it a habit to always carry it in the inside pocket of my jacket.

“Kurt-sama, Volg-sama, it’s about time to depart.”

The coachman called out.

We need to leave soon, or we won’t reach Count Fernande’s territory before nightfall.

“Well then, I’ll be off. Salt, I’m leaving things to you while I’m away. I’m always causing trouble.”

I address another man present. Salt is the representative figure of the pioneering village. He’s trusted by everyone, and I’ve entrusted everything to him while I’m gone.

“Got it. Don’t worry about a thing, lad. Give it your all out there. If you do well, this territory will only become richer.”

Because he’s here, I can leave this place unattended.

Eventually, when I get a full view of the entire Arnoldt domain, I plan to leave this village in his hands.

The care of the bees in my absence has been entrusted to newcomers from other villages. I’ve trained them in the basics of beekeeping in just a few days. With the current number of bees, they should be sufficient.

“Then, let’s depart.”

The coachman cracks his whip, and the carriage sets off.

◇

“Kurt-sama, since we’re heading to Count Fernande’s frontier territory, we’ll be going to Eclava, right?”

“Yeah, that’s right. Eclava it is. I’ve brought quite a bit of money. There’s all sorts of things there, so I’m looking forward to it. I’d like to buy ingredients for sweets. If they have cocoa or something, that would be fantastic.”

“Cocoa? I’ve never heard of it before. But it sounds delicious! …It’s nostalgic, isn’t it? Eclava.”

Count Fernande has a vast territory. There are farmlands, and of course, there’s a city.

Count Fernande resides in the port city of Eclava.

It’s a bustling commercial city where various goods overflow through transportation via the port.

There’s no other city in this region that has such a wide array of goods.

And for me and Tina, Eclava holds memories.

“That’s where I met you, right Kurt-sama?”

“Yeah, thinking about you back then brings back deep emotions.”

“Please, stop. It’s embarrassing to be reminded of myself at that time.”

Tina was originally an orphan in Eclava. Her mother left the village, where humans were forbidden to marry, with Tina’s father, and they lived together in Eclava. However, due to an epidemic, Tina’s parents died, leaving her behind.

“But because of that, I got to be with you, Tina. It’s one of the precious memories.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about anymore, Kurt-sama.”

Tina cutely averted her gaze, even her tail turned away.

I chuckled. Really, I can’t help but tease her because of those adorable reactions.

As Tina and I were playfully bantering, the messenger from Count Fernande timidly spoke up inside the carriage.

“Um, Arnoldt-sama, isn’t that spear heavy?”

“It’s not heavy. I want to keep it close just in case of any emergencies.”

“I had Silver Flash held close to my chest.

Not once have I let go of it since leaving the village.

I have a bad feeling about this.

“But it must be tiring. Let me hold onto it.”

“No need for that. This is part of me.”

“But, um, Arnoldt-sama, you’re an important guest. I can’t let you feel uncomfortable. If something happens, I’ll hand it back right away. So, could you please entrust me with that spear?”

He’s being too persistent. I started feeling suspicious of this man.

There’s something going on. But let’s see how this plays out.

“If you insist, I’ll entrust it to you. And this isn’t a spear, it’s a naginata called Silver Flash. Handle it with care.”

Saying so, I handed over the naginata. I’ve prepared insurance just in case.

I should be able to handle most situations.

At that, the man’s mouth formed a slight smile. I could sense his sinister thoughts.

Now, how will he act?

While pretending to be casual, I heightened my vigilance.