Upstart Pastry Chef ~Territory Management of a Genius Pâtisserie~ - Chapter 71

Chapter 71: Dance Party

The courses provided at the banquet were well received by the nobles, including the Four Dukes, and finally, the weight on my shoulders lifted.

Ideally, I’d like to call Tina and Chloe and host our own private meal, but there’s still one more task left.

I mingle with the other nobles and head towards the dance hall where the social gathering is taking place.

The banquet ended smoothly, but there’s something bothering me.

Duke Heltring. He’s hiding something behind that charming facade of his.

And he seemed to take a particular interest in me.

It wouldn’t be surprising if he tried something in the future.

“You seem troubled. Do you dislike dance parties, Kurt-sama?”

A beautiful girl with soft, peach-colored hair stands beside me, her expression concerned.

It’s my fiancée, Farne.

Her well-developed figure is adorned in a delicate dress the same shade as her hair.

“That dress looks lovely on you. It suits your warm personality.”

I smiled at her.

“You’re quite skilled with words, Kurt-sama.”

Farne blushes.

I divert my gaze from her and scan the surroundings.

As expected, it’s a dance party hosted by Duke Lenaril.

Live music from a top-tier orchestra fills the air, and the Duke’s personal chefs spare no effort in serving exquisite refreshments, accompanied by the finest wine.

Just this one party likely exceeds the monthly budget of my pioneer village.

“I haven’t had a hand in the cuisine here. Ideally, I’d like to take my time and learn about the culture and techniques of this land. But, I probably won’t have that luxury. It’s a wasted opportunity.”

“Fufu, I’m glad to be attending the party with you, Kurt-sama.”

“I’d rather be in the kitchen, stirring pots.”

I reply, speaking my true thoughts. I’m interested in securing channels for selling pastries and obtaining business permits through connections, but I have no ambition for advancement. Participating in this den of iniquity known as a dance party is nothing but a burden.

I wanted to stay in the background, but Duke Lenaril insisted I attend, so here I am, obliged to join as a nobleman.

The other nobles around me seem more interested in networking than enjoying the splendid music and wine.

Ideally, I should do the same.

“You mustn’t say such things. Kurt-sama, you’re my fiancé, after all.”

Farne interjects.

“You’re right. I can’t embarrass my lovely fiancée.”

I concede, as Farne clings to my arm.

She has a point. Even if I’m not interested in advancement, I don’t want to incur the displeasure of other nobles. I need to make appropriate gestures.

While pondering this, Count Fernande appears with another man.

“Hey there, Kurt-kun. Are you enjoying the party?”

Fernande asks.

“Yes, I’m quite enjoying it. With such music and fine wine, I wouldn’t want to miss this opportunity.”

I reply.

“There are plenty of counts and earls who want to meet you and are asking for introductions. What do you think I should do?”
Fernande inquires.

“I’d appreciate it if you could introduce only the absolute minimum necessary, without upsetting your esteemed guests, Count Fernande.”

Upon hearing my words, Count Fernande of the Borderlands chuckles wryly.

“You truly lack ambition, don’t you? It’s an opportunity to expand your connections. …But then again, perhaps you don’t need such things. After all, if you managed to impress Duchess Lenaril to that extent, and since you’re favored by her, there’s no need for you to curry favor with the nobles here.”

Fernande jests, but his words hit home.

“And besides, we’re also keeping an eye on you as someone with potential.”

He adds.

“Haha, I appreciate the kind words.”

I reply, but then pause.

“However…”

I hesitate for a moment before continuing.

“There’s one person I absolutely must greet. Baron Frenhertz. I want to express my gratitude directly to the man who took in my younger brother, Jorg. And if possible, I’d like to know how Jorg is doing.”

Jorg has been crushed by the inferiority complex accumulated from being compared to me.

So, he left Arnoldt’s territory to test his own abilities and talents in a place where he wouldn’t be compared to me.

Jorg headed to Baron Frenhertz’s territory and became a retainer there.

We’ve been exchanging letters intermittently, and while he seems to be doing well according to his letters, he’s stubborn, so I can’t fully trust him. As his older brother, I want to hear his superior’s voice.

“Haha, really? You’re so considerate of your brother. Perfect timing, because Baron Frenhertz also expressed a desire to meet you. He’s here with me.”

Fernande reveals, gesturing to the man next to him.

The man is a sturdy figure, with a physique that speaks of rugged simplicity. He bears a resemblance to his father.

“Baron Frenhertz, it’s a pleasure to meet you. My apologies for the delayed greeting. I am Kurt Arnoldt, the future Viscount. I’m delighted to meet the esteemed Baron Frenhertz.”

I said, addressing him respectfully.

My words weren’t just flattery. His competence is well-known among the wards of Count Fernande of the Borderlands.

Upon hearing my greeting, Baron Frenhertz chuckles in a hearty, masculine manner.

“Did you hear that, Fernande? The esteemed Kurt Arnoldt praised me. I must be doing something right.”

Se says with a laugh, displaying a camaraderie that transcends their difference in status.

Come to think of it, my father mentioned that these two have been friends since childhood and comrades in arms. Baron Frenhertz apparently commanded on the front lines and earned Count Fernande’s trust, even saving his life on one occasion.

“No, it’s not flattery at all. As someone involved in pioneering work, your name is known to everyone.”

I assure him earnestly.

“Oh, stop it, you’ll make me blush. Seriously though, with all your remarkable achievements, one might think you’re getting a bit too big for your boots, but you remain as modest as ever. Truly, you’re worthy of being Jorg’s brother. He speaks highly of you, and rightly so. In fact, even more so.”

Baron Frenhertz remarks, making me feel a little bashful. Was he praising me?

“Is Jorg doing well?”

I inquire.

“Yeah, he’s doing great. He’s my right-hand man now. His spear skills are top-notch, and he’s got a sharp mind. Recently, he’s even awakened to magical abilities. Plus, he’s diligent and learns quickly. Having him around has been a lifesaver.”

Baron Frenhertz replies.

It’s reassuring to hear that Jorg is doing well.

“I’ll continue to rely on him in the future. He may be stubborn, but he’s a good guy at heart.”

I expressed my gratitude.

“Of course. I’m not foolish enough to mistreat him. However…”

Baron Frenhertz trails off, looking somewhat troubled.

His expression makes me slightly uneasy.

“Is something the matter?”

I inquired.

“Well, originally, I promised to send him back if he ever felt homesick. But now, I’m reluctant to let him go.”

He confesses.

I couldn’t help but laugh. So, Jorg is that highly regarded, huh?

“In the end, it’s up to him whether he returns to Arnoldt or not. If you don’t want to send him back, treat him in a way that makes him not want to leave.”

I suggested.

“Right. Maybe I’ll give him one of my daughters. One of my girls was quite taken with him, and he didn’t seem entirely uninterested.”

Baron Frenhertz muses.

We continued chatting animatedly about Jorg for a while.

Apparently, he’s serving as a retainer in this mansion under Baron Frenhertz’s guidance. He’s expressed a desire not to meet me until he feels he’s become a full-fledged man. It’s a bit disappointing, but I’m glad he said that.

After parting ways with Baron Frenhertz, I and Farne greet several other noble couples. Many try to curry favor with me, the favorite of Duke Lenaril, but Farne’s high status acts as a buffer, protecting me. If I were alone, my lower status might have been exploited, leading to a dire situation.

Finally, when our greetings come to a halt, I notice Farne looking at me with a covetous expression.

I ponder why she’s making that face.

Come to think of it, she’s been watching couples dance in the center of the ballroom with a longing gaze.

“Farne, would you like to dance?”

I asked.

“Yes, Kurt-sama! I would be delighted to dance with you.”

She responds eagerly.

She probably wanted to dance but found it difficult to ask as a woman.

“Just so you know, I’ve never danced in my life. Don’t laugh if I make a fool of myself.”

I warned her.

“Don’t worry, Kurt-sama. I’ll lead.”

She reassures me.

With that, we make our way to the center of the dance floor.

As we approached, all eyes turned to us.

It’s understandable. I’ve become quite the sensation, and Farne is a striking beauty in her own right.

Amidst the attention, Farne and I start dancing.

“Kurt-sama, is it really your first time? Your movements are so smooth.”

She remarks.

“I’ve been watching others and learning. And I’m just following your lead, Farne. If I do that, the dance comes naturally.”

I replied.

Surprisingly, it’s working out somehow.

While my movements might be clumsy in detail, the overall flow seems right.

I focus on the music, Farne’s movements, and our breaths, anticipating the next steps and syncing with her.

“It’s delightful to see you, Kurt-sama. But I have mixed feelings. I struggled so much to dance properly.”

Farne shares, almost bursting into laughter.

Her occasional childishness like this adds to Farne’s charm, I suppose.

After a while, the song ends.

As the dance concludes, Farne reluctantly releases my hand.

Nobles rarely dance with the same partner for two songs straight. It’s best to leave a bit of lingering sentiment like this.

As I move away from Farne, a crowd of noble maidens gathers around.

They likely intend to ask for a dance.

I’d prefer to decline if possible, but…

As I ponder this, the crowd parts.

There stands Duke Lenaril herself.

Her serene golden hair cascades elegantly, and her black, alluring dress accentuates her charm.

Farne and Tina are fittingly described as cute, but for this woman, “beautiful” seems more appropriate.

“Kurt Arnoldt, the future Viscount. Thank you for today. The cuisine was truly splendid, even beyond my expectations.”

She said.

“With just those words, my efforts are rewarded.”

I responded.

“If you don’t mind, would you care to dance with me?”

She asks.

With that simple request, the atmosphere stirs.

A duke and a viscount; ordinarily, even exchanging words might be hesitant.

Yet, today, it seems permissible.

“Yes, gladly.”

I reply, extending my hand as she takes it.