Upstart Pastry Chef ~Territory Management of a Genius Pâtisserie~ - Chapter 57

Chapter 57: Departure

We worked hard late into the night to finish preparations.

During that time, Tina and the others helped me out. I couldn’t have done it alone.

“Kurt, I finished the Pinaru compote and honey soak.”

“Kurt, I’ve finished everything on this end.”

What I had asked them to do was prepare the Pinaru honey soak and compote.

Pinaru is a fruit similar to peaches and tends to spoil quickly.

Considering the time it takes for transport, sales, and consumption, it’s impossible to sell it fresh.

Therefore, preserving it as a honey soak or compote (cooked in alcohol) allows for long-term storage, lasting for over two months.

“Thanks. With this, we’ll hopefully avoid coming back to find all the Pinaru gone.”

In addition to this, the grape-like Papuru is being made into jam.

These tasks weren’t specifically for the upcoming dinner party, but rather to make sure we didn’t waste the fruits that Chloe and the others brought.

“Sorry for putting you to work right after you arrived, Chloe.”

“Don’t worry about it. Um, while Kurt’s away, everyone should just follow what Solte-san instructed earlier, right?”

“Yeah, I’ve informed Solte. We’ll likely rely heavily on the elves who can use water magic. Since we’re not sure how burdensome it’ll be for us to use water magic, if you find it tough, just let us know honestly.”

“Got it. I’ll make sure to tell Nartana and the others.”

She refers to the elves who came with Chloe.

No, wait a minute. Something doesn’t seem right about this conversation. It sounds like Chloe is going to the duke’s estate with me.

“Chloe, you’re staying here, right?”

“Haha, what are you talking about? Of course I’m going with Kurt.”

Chloe laughs heartily.

“Chloe, I told you the reason why I’m going to the duke’s estate, right?”

“Yeah, I remember.”

I’ve informed Tina and Chloe that we’re leaving tomorrow to attend the dinner party hosted by the duke, where I’ll be cooking.

And while it’s a great honor, it’s also a precarious situation where any misstep could lead to disaster.

If we receive the duke’s approval, we can do business under the banner of the Marquisate and Ducal Families. The value of that is immeasurable.

But if we fail, our house will be disbanded for sure, and we’ll suffer even greater damage.

“I understand that. But, like with the Kudzu arrowroot, I think my magic could be useful, and I have confidence in my eye for fruit. Take me with you. I’ll be helpful.”

What she says makes sense too.

If we use water magic, perhaps we could shorten the cooking time for soups and stews.

And by processing brown sugar…

“There are still plenty of benefits. I’m pretty strong even in the Spirit Village. If things get rough, you can count on me. Plus, isn’t the water in human cities often stagnant? Water made with elf magic tastes delicious. That alone makes it worth taking me along!”

My feelings are swaying more and more.

Water made with elf magic is delicious. I experienced it firsthand in the Spirit Village. The delicate snow silk crepes wouldn’t have been as delicious without elf water.

The crops, the alcohol, everything in the Spirit Village tastes better because of that water.

Good water is something you’d do anything for.

And actually, I was conducting an experiment with the honey pickles and compotes I was making until just now.

I wanted to see if there was a difference in taste between the water from my village and the water created by Chloe’s magic.

The result was that the water made with Chloe’s magic tasted better.

“…I understand. I’ll accept your help, Chloe. But, to be honest, I’d prefer not to bring elves to human settlements because it’s dangerous.”

The elven race is considered so precious that they’re often likened to walking gemstones, and it wouldn’t be strange if they were targeted at any moment.

“Thank you for worrying. But I’ll be fine. I’m strong, you know. And you will protect me, won’t you, Kurt?”

Saying that, Chloe wraps her arms around me.

Maybe this girl has a habit of clinging.

“Okay, okay, let go. You should go to sleep early since we have an early start tomorrow.”

I gently peel Chloe off me.

I still have a bit more work to do.

While it’s more about the village’s management during my absence than preparing for the dinner party. I need to brief Solte on our plans and prepare the necessary documents for that.

Solte can handle things while I’m away, but with my prolonged absence, it’s better to take more fundamental measures. I’ll have to think about it carefully.

“Um, Kurt-sama?”

With a hint of hesitation, Tina, looking up at me, speaks.

Perhaps due to anxiety, her silver fluffy tail seems slightly droopy.

“What is it, Tina?”

“Can I come along too? I might not be as useful as Chloe, but I’ll do my best!”

Tina cries out desperately.

Seeing her like that, I give a wry smile.

“Tina, of course you’re coming. I intended to take you along from the start.”

“Kurt-sama!”

With shining eyes, Tina wraps her arms around me. She doesn’t usually do this, but she must have been inspired by Chloe.

I stroke Tina’s head. The feel of her fox ears is comforting.

“Tina, you’re my precious partner. I’d be lost without you.”

Her fire magic is handy. Flames and ice bend to her will.

She’s been my assistant for so long that her cooking skills are also impressive.

But more than that, her presence itself gives me courage. I can’t afford to look uncool in front of Tina.

“I can’t compete with that.”

Chloe mutters softly as she watches Tina and me.

She probably doesn’t think Tina heard her.

◇

The next morning, after finishing our preparations, we set off. Chloe is coming with us too. She stayed at my house last night.

I slipped out early to hand over documents to Solte and have a briefing.

He listened to me without complaint and saw us off. He’s always been a big help to me.

With quite a load of supplies packed, our luggage is considerable.

As we leave the house, we hear the sound of a carriage approaching.

“Kurt-sama, your ride is here.”

Farne arrives in her splendid carriage. It seems Volg is acting as the driver.

This time, Farne and her butler-cum-bodyguard, Volg, are also accompanying us.

Considering Fernande’s fate is at stake, it’s only natural.

“Thank you. From Arnoldt, it’s me, Tina, and Chloe, who have been staying in the village since yesterday.”

“I understand Kurt-sama and Tina-san, but what about that woman?”

Farne looks skeptically at Chloe.

Chloe returns Farne’s gaze and speaks up.

“Well, she’s the one who caused trouble when she first came to this village.”

“I find that way of remembering things quite distasteful.”

True, when Chloe first came to the village, Farne opposed my plan to go save the Spirit Village. But it was a valid argument, so calling it mean-spirited would be wrong.

“Yeah, sorry for the bad phrasing. You weren’t wrong. Let me introduce myself properly. I’m Chloe. As a thank you for helping the Spirit Village, I became Kurt’s. Nice to meet you!”

“What!?”

Both Farne and Tina exclaim in surprise, and I choke.

“Chloe, cut it out with those jokes… Farne, because of this incident, we’ve established a long-term deal with the Spirit Village. She’s the contact person for that. Plus, she’ll be helpful in various ways, including water magic, so I’m taking her along.”

Farne regains her composure upon hearing my explanation.

Tina looks relieved as well.

“I see. Chloe-san, let me reintroduce myself properly. I am Farne Fernande, the third daughter of Count Fernande and Kurt-sama’s fiancée. Nice to meet you.”

“Yeah, nice to meet you.”

There’s a subtle spark between the two.

However, I’m not particularly worried.

For some reason, I have a feeling these two will get along well.

“Is it just Farne and Volg from the Fernande side?”

“Yes, it’s me and Volg as representatives of the Fernande family to visit the Ducal House. Also, my father will join us there, along with a few chefs. My father has arranged for the best chefs from the Fernande territory to assist you, Kurt-sama.”

It’s quite a small number of people for a noble outing.

But that’s fine. Bringing too many people would just be cumbersome.

We packed our belongings and set off for Count Fernande’s mansion.

The Ducal House will “send the most expensive and fastest mode of transportation in the world” to pick us up. I must admit, I’m slightly looking forward to it.

Perhaps experiencing that will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.