Upstart Pastry Chef ~Territory Management of a Genius Pâtisserie~ - Chapter 36

Chapter 36: Verdict of Fate

While Tina brewed herbal tea, I arranged the cookies on a plate.

Despite being busy, I managed to find time and prepared the offering for the Count, receiving word that everything was ready and being instructed to bring it to the designated room.

I knocked on the door.

“Come in.”

With those words, I entered the room.

◇

“So, these are your confections?”

The Count welcomed me with youthful exuberance as I placed the plate of rose cookies before him.

“Yes, these are my creations.”

“What do you call them?”

“I named them Rose Cookies, simply. Please enjoy both the White Rose and the Black Rose varieties.”

I took care in the presentation, ensuring that both roses stood out on the plate.

As an extra touch, I arranged meringue, whipped from egg whites with sugar and baked, around the edge of the plate in the shape of roses.

“Ah, you’ve depicted roses on the cookies! How is such a thing even possible? They’re so beautiful!”

The Count marveled at the Rose Cookies.

“And what a wonderful fragrance! The scent of roses. These Rose Cookies, both in appearance and aroma, will surely delight Duke Lenaril, who loves roses.”

“I’m glad you like them. The fragrance comes from soaking rose petals overnight in honey and spirits used in the ingredients. The Rose Cookies are meant to be enjoyed first with their aroma, then visually, and finally through their taste. Please, have a taste. Their true value is revealed upon eating.”
Bowing respectfully, the Count nodded in satisfaction.

“The essence of confectionery lies in its flavor. If the taste isn’t good, everything falls apart. I’m sure Kurt’s creation will taste marvelous. Naturally, I must try it.”

He picked up a Rose Cookie and brought it to his mouth, starting with the Black Rose.

“Oh, what an elegant flavor. It’s completely different from the cookies I had before—rich, aromatic, and complex. And the texture is interesting, moist yet pleasantly soft. Indeed, this is your earnest effort.”

“I was serious last time as well. It’s just that the direction I aimed for was different. The Black Rose aims for opulence and splendor. It’s a nobleman’s confection.”

Indeed, the previous cookies could only use wheat, honey, and butter. Therefore, the only option was to compete with simplicity and freshness.

But this time was different.

I aimed for luxurious indulgence.

By incorporating whiskey, I added depth to the flavor, strength with black sugar to match the whiskey, and used the finest butter.

There’s no superiority between the two. It’s just that this one seems more suitable as a gift.

“What you’ve just eaten was the Black Rose. Please enjoy the White Rose as well.”

“Both of them appear the same, with only a difference in black and white balance… Ah, I see.”

The Count, after tasting the White Rose, widened his eyes in surprise.

“If what I ate earlier was elegant, then this one is refreshing. Even with the same ingredients, they’re so different.”

“That’s correct. The Black Rose aims for overwhelming splendor, retaining a moist texture while delivering a strong overall flavor. And the White Rose, on the other hand, is meant to be gentle and light, with fewer strong ingredients, offering a crisp texture and a quick-fading aftertaste.”

That’s why I prepared four types of dough.

The dough for the Black Rose is heavy and elegant, while the dough for the White Rose is light and refreshing.

“This is amazing! Alternating between them makes it impossible to stop. Enjoying the aroma, the appearance, the taste, and never getting bored. To think such a thing could be made with baked goods… It’s beyond imagination. Kurt, you always surpass my expectations like this.”

The Count praised while savoring the cookies.

“Well, what do you think, Count Fernande? Is this confection a success?”

In response to my question, Count Fernande smiled broadly.

“It’s decided, it’s a success. Will these cookies keep well?”

“Yes, the honey incorporated into them has a powerful sterilizing effect. Since they are baked goods with moisture removed, they should be fine for two months.”

“That’s wonderful. Then, have them wrapped in ours and delivered to the ducal house.”

I breathed a sigh of relief.

With this, the first major task was completed.

“And Kurt, about the reward I promised you. Regarding the recommendation of your brother, Jorg, as a retainer for a nobleman who excels in character and ability and conducts frontier development on the front lines, I’ve arranged everything on that end.”

Preparations were complete. He probably hadn’t considered the possibility of me making disappointing confections at all. So, the preparations were made before tasting this confection.

“To whom will my brother go?”

“He’s going to Baron Frenhertz’s place.”

“That Baron Frenhertz? Thank you very much. This is really helpful.”

I bowed.

His reputation extends to the Arnoldt territory. He’s impeccable in both ability and character. Jorg will surely thrive under his care.

And, although it’s a secret to Jorg, in addition to the confectionery, I have another gift that only I can give him. He’ll become aware of it a little later. Surely, it will be of use to Jorg.

“There’s no need to bow. This is a reward for your efforts. Thank you for the amazing cookies. I can’t express my gratitude enough.”

“I appreciate your kind words.”

Raising my head again, Count Fernande chuckled.

“You’re free to go now. You can have until tomorrow’s engagement announcement. You don’t need to return the remaining ingredient costs I gave you. Use them as you please.”

“No, it shouldn’t be like that.”

“It’s fine. I’ve already received more than what I paid for. And, I’m considering compensating for the trouble caused by the servants separately.”

“I appreciate your generosity.”

“With that said, you can go now. Your lovely servant is eagerly waiting for your return with the cookies.”

He really has an insatiable appetite.

Tina, who had been standing behind me, blushed with embarrassment.

With a final word of thanks, I left his room behind.