Upstart Pastry Chef ~Territory Management of a Genius Pâtisserie~ - Chapter 58

Chapter 58: Confections More Priceless Than a Mansion

In the morning, we left Arnoldt’s territory, and by dusk, we had reached the port town of Eclava.

Although we have permission to set up a stall in Eclava, the distance is always a bottleneck.

If only there were a faster way to travel than by carriage…

Thinking solely of travel, it would be faster to enhance our speed with magic, but then we wouldn’t be able to carry much merchandise.

“Miss, Kurt-sama, the mansion is coming into view.”

Volg, the butler who also serves as our coachman, informed us of our arrival at the Fernande mansion.

“Did we make it safely this time?”

I responded with a wry smile.

Last time, we were attacked by bandits on the way. From Arnoldt’s perspective, since we received permission to set up a stall and had tariffs abolished, it turned into a profit. But still, it’s better when nothing happens at all.

“Since then, we’ve conducted a thorough investigation to ensure it doesn’t happen again. Besides, I’m here too. Knowing I’m with you, few would dare to attack.”

Volg’s statement wasn’t just bravado.

Volg possesses magical powers and skills beyond ordinary human capabilities.

He has earned numerous military honors in previous wars, and it’s almost absurd that he serves as a butler for Farne.

“That’s true, I’m all too familiar with Volg’s skills.”

“Only you, Kurt-sama. You’re the only one who can say you know my capabilities. After all, you’re the only one I’ve shown my full strength to.”

Every morning, I train under him.

I am still not quite at Volg’s level of strength. But I am confident that I will catch up soon.

“There’s something special about the camaraderie among men.”

“Yes, Kurt-sama seems to enjoy it.”

Farne and Tina watched enviously as Volg and I conversed.

“It’s not as great as you think. More importantly, Farne, it’s been a long time since you’ve been home. Don’t you feel nostalgic?”

“Yes, I feel a bit nostalgic indeed. I’d like to visit my favorite bookstore and café.”

Farne murmured thoughtfully as she looked outside.

“The pickup isn’t for another two days, right? Make sure you enjoy your hometown thoroughly.”

It’s frustrating, but Arnoldt’s territory is so rural compared to Eclava that it’s embarrassing.

I doubt I could ever fully satisfy Farne, who has lived here all her life.

“I won’t have time for that. I need to gather ingredients for Kurt-sama.”

“I’m sorry for the trouble. But I’ll need your help.”

“Being able to help you, as your fiancée, is my pride.”

Farne’s eyes were as spirited as her words suggested.

It’s gratifying to hear that she prefers helping me over visiting her familiar bookstore and café.

Thus, we reached the Fernande estate, the home of Farne’s family.

◇

Upon our arrival at the Fernande mansion, we were promptly summoned by the Count Fernande.

I was instructed to wash off the sweat, tidy up, and come to his office.

Farne did not accompany me.

She had already started arranging for the ingredients I had requested.

The quantity and variety were extensive and would take time to organize.

What she was tasked with sourcing were not only high-end ingredients that were unattainable in Arnoldt’s territory but also various types of herbs. Being a port city, it allows access to a diverse range of herbs from around the world.

When I last visited, I compiled a list of herbs I wanted to obtain that matched my knowledge.

Having these herbs makes a world of difference in the depth of flavors in cooking.

“Kurt Arnoldt-sama, please come this way.”

The servants of Fernande led the way in front of me.

Then, a servant knocked on the door and, waiting for the master’s reply, invited me into the room.

It was a spacious office.

At the far end of the room was Count Fernande’s desk, and in the center, there was a fine table and a comfortable-looking sofa.

“You’ve come at a good time.”

“It has been a while, Count Fernande.”

I bowed deeply. Even though I am engaged to Farne, the difference in our social standings normally would make direct conversation a rarity.

“Raise your head. It seems your territory is doing quite well. I couldn’t believe the honey production numbers. It’s almost like magic.”

What I’ve implemented in my territory is modern beekeeping. Compared to the primitive beekeeping of this world, it’s only natural that both the quantity and quality of the honey we produce are on a completely different scale.

“Thanks to your grace, we are managing somehow.”

“Don’t be modest. It’s your capability. After all, I’ve seen your abilities before. The method of making organic fertilizer that you taught me has been adopted in my lands, and the results have been beyond my expectations. I am grateful to you. That girl writes about you in her letters, and she seems to be genuinely enjoying her life.”

“I owe a great deal to Farne-sama as well. She is quite capable.”

In just a short span of three months, she has become an indispensable presence in our developing village.

Hearing praise about Farne truly lifts me as a parent. …However, I’m truly sorry for causing trouble for you, Kurt. I had not anticipated that it would turn into such a big deal.”

Count Fernande stood up and bowed his head.

This man, in a good sense, lacks the typical arrogance of nobility and can admit his faults.

“No, it’s not your fault, Count Fernande. After all, I myself saw it as an opportunity to make a name.”

I wanted the endorsement of a ducal house.

I can’t blame Count Fernande because things didn’t turn out as expected.

“It’s relieving to hear you say that. Please, take a seat.”

I sat down on the sofa in the center of the room, as he suggested.

It’s a good sofa. Soft and comfortable.

Count Fernande also took a seat across from me.

“Has Farne told you?”

“Yes, the Duke of Lenaril mentioned that in nine days, at a dinner gathering of the four great dukes, I’m to serve desserts.”

In our country, there are four dukes who oversee the east, west, north, and south. The grand duke holds a ceremonial title from the royal bloodline and does not interfere in politics. In reality, these four dukes are the top authorities in the country after the king.

The Duke of Lenaril oversees the east, and of course, both Count Fernande and I, as Baron Arnoldt, must obey her.

“That’s correct. She commanded that it be ‘the greatest dinner party no one has ever seen.’ I tried to decline, but she insisted.”

Count Fernande twisted his face with a look of frustration.

“I sympathize with your situation. However, there’s one thing that concerns me about how it was phrased. Am I required to create desserts that no one has ever tasted before, or is it the entire course that must be unprecedented?”

Count Fernande offered a wry smile.

Then, he began to speak.

“Regrettably, it’s the entire course.”

Even though I was prepared, hearing it directly still caused a great deal of disturbance.

In my previous life as a pastry chef in a restaurant, the patissier who prepared the last and most memorable dessert for the customers was the one with the highest skills in the establishment. To make desserts that complemented the course well, it was necessary to have comprehensive knowledge of all the dishes offered at the restaurant. In terms of skills, there was no issue.

However, since coming here, I haven’t cooked much beyond desserts, so I’m concerned whether my instincts for other types of cooking might have dulled.

“Of course, I don’t intend to dump everything on you alone. I will have our best cook assist you. He is exceptionally skilled.”

The cook Count Fernande would provide for support would undoubtedly be useful. Being employed by the Count, he must possess nearly genius-level abilities.

“So, I leave the cooking to him, and I can focus on the desserts, right?”

“No, he is there only to assist. Not just him, but all top-tier cooks in Eclava are mostly those who have trained in restaurants within the Duke of Lenaril’s domain. Let me be clear, these cooks cannot create a new dish unknown to the Duke of Lenaril.”

That makes sense.

As we move further from the capital, we tend to lag behind the latest trends. Still, having skilled support is something to be grateful for.

“I see… Then, I will use him as my hands and feet. But, is that really okay? To trust me. I’m just a naive country boy, born and raised in the countryside.”

As I said this, he grinned.

“I am aware of that. But you can do it, right? Even while living in an undeveloped land, you have managed village affairs, agriculture, industry, and even pastry techniques, all while surpassing the cutting edge. I believe in your capabilities.”

With such high expectations placed upon me, I cannot afford to let him down.

I must overcome this task.

“However, it is indeed very sudden. If only I had a month, I could prepare thoroughly.”

The preparation for cooking can sometimes take months, if not handled properly.

Given that there’s only about a week to prepare, it’s almost like accepting an enormous constraint.

“I too think it’s harsh. But I can understand her urgency.”

Said Count Fernande with a wry smile.

“Understanding? I thought it was just a stubborn rivalry.”

“That person doesn’t manipulate others just out of stubbornness. … Right now, the nobles in this country are split right down the middle between the royalist and the noble factions, and it’s somewhat tilting towards the noble faction. As a royalist, she probably wants to increase her influence even slightly. Showing power at a dinner where the four great dukes gather is an effective way to do so.”

Honestly, I couldn’t quite grasp it.

Such political talk really requires understanding the atmosphere of the situation to get anywhere.

“Which side does Count Fernande belong to?”

“Almost neutral, but closer to the royalist side.”

“I see, so it’s about respect and loyalty to the kingdom.”

“Not exactly. It’s just a difference in stance. The royalist faction argues for enriching and strengthening our current territories, while the noble faction advocates for invading other countries, plundering them, and gaining power. The nobles want new territories. It’s quicker than nurturing the ones we already have.”

Count Fernande explained it simply so that I could understand.

“Is that so? But what I’m curious about is why Count Fernande avoids war. Wouldn’t it be an opportunity to gain renown, given your capabilities?”

A chill ran down my spine.

A dark light flickered in Count Fernande’s eyes.

It was an endlessly deep darkness.

“It’s simple. We can’t win if it comes to that. … Anyone who has experienced the last war, anyone who has fought on the front lines, understands this. It’s wrong for someone like me, who holds the greatest military power in the east, to say this, but attacking is out of the question. It would only result in the needless slaughter of soldiers. Of course, if we are attacked, it’s easier to use the lay of the land to our advantage in defense. But if we attack and merely wear ourselves down, even that becomes dubious.”

He neither overestimates nor underestimates his enemies excessively.

If he says so, then it must be true.

“Kurt, that’s why, if I were to speak from my personal feelings alone, I’d like you to use your abilities to help Duke Lenaril. I know that war cannot be stopped by the power of confections alone. But by enhancing the influence of Duke Lenaril, who is a royalist, it can become one of the forces that can stop the war.”

“Is that so? Understood. I will give it my all. To be honest, I wasn’t motivated at first, thinking I was caught up in the whims of an unbearable, hysterical woman. But if there’s a reason, I’ll cooperate.”

A surge of energy wells up from deep within me.

And with that momentum, I open my mouth.

“First off, if war breaks out, I’m bound to be sent to the front lines. Then I won’t even have time to make sweets. It’s better to cook for the Duke than to go around cooking enemy soldiers.”

My joke seems to hit the mark, as Count Fernande bursts out laughing.

It was at that moment that the door was flung open vigorously.

“Kurt-sama, I have successfully obtained it. The very thing you said was of utmost importance— that!”

Appearing before us was Farne.

In her hands was a cloth bag. It made a rattling sound as the beans inside jostled against each other.

“Farne, how impudent. Kurt must be surprised too.”

“I apologize, Father… But I couldn’t sit still.”

Farne bowed her head before approaching.

Then, in front of me, she opened the cloth bag. A fragrant aroma filled the air, familiar, a scent I had even dreamed of.

I widened my eyes and reached into the bag. In my hand were long, slender grains of a chestnut brown color.

“Thank you, Farne. You managed to get this so well.”

“Yes, it was quite a challenge. But, Kurt, this, it really was an incredible price. With just this bag, you could buy a large house.”

“It’s worth it. … Count Fernande, have you seen this before?”

“I have seen it, but I’ve never tasted it.”

I felt relieved. Even Count Fernande, who is based in a port city and has many opportunities to come into contact with goods from across the sea, hasn’t tasted it.

Undoubtedly, Duke Lenaril would be seeing it for the first time.

The true identity of this thing, which cannot be cultivated on this continent and is worth more than gold, coming from across the sea. It is…

“This is called cocoa. With this, I’ll show you the best cake you’ve ever had.”

I will create my specialty cake, a variation of the cake known as the “King of Chocolate Cakes”, which I developed during my time at the restaurant.

It was a pride of mine that customers would come from overseas just to taste my cake. Now, I will present it as the finale of the course.