Upstart Pastry Chef ~Territory Management of a Genius Pâtisserie~ - Chapter 74

Chapter 74: Farewells and Fond Hot Chocolate

The early morning after the party, I was getting ready.

I have an audience with Duke Lenaril this morning.

Carefully, so as not to wake Tina and Chloe, I left the room.

They worked so hard yesterday, and dinner was late. They deserve to rest now.

Before heading to Duke Lenaril’s, I went to the kitchen.

To prepare sweets to cheer up the hardworking girl.

◇

After finishing the preparations in the kitchen and informing the servants, on the way to the audience, I met with Count Fernande and Farne. Behind them stood Farne’s butler and guard, and also my martial arts instructor, Volg.

“Kurt-sama, the dishes from yesterday were truly splendid. The final dessert, the Imperial Torte. Even I, or rather, even the royal family, have never tasted such a splendid dessert exuding such elegance!”

I chuckled bitterly.

The richness and elegance produced by chocolate. It’s no wonder I experienced that for the first time.

And the chocolate, a forbidden ingredient, refined over centuries by Earth’s confectioners, further improved by me into the chocolate cake I made, the Imperial Torte.

If that doesn’t impress, I don’t know what will.

“I’m glad you enjoyed it. I’ve wrapped up the leftovers as souvenirs to give later. That cake will last about ten days.”

Imperial Torte is surprisingly long-lasting.

The ones for storage were made without whipped cream and fresh fruits.

It’s perfect for noble souvenirs.

“Is that so!? I’m delighted. I’ll use it for the next tea party! Let’s also share some with Volg.”

Farne suggested.

Volg, being a servant, couldn’t attend the nobles’ dinner parties and didn’t get to enjoy yesterday’s meal. Farne seems concerned about that.

“Miss, it’s quite alright. Actually, I’ve already received some from Kurt-sama.”

Volg politely declined with a wry smile.

After all, he’s someone I rely on regularly. I invited him to our family dinner, but he declined, saying he didn’t want to intrude on Tina and the others’ gathering.

So, I wrapped up the extra cake and gave it to him.

“Kurt-sama, it’s unfair to give it to Volg before me.”

Farne teased.

“Volg has helped me in various ways… Anyway, we need to stay focused.”

I said.

We’ll surely discuss the reward for providing the best course at the dinner party, but there will also be talk about the attack.

With that in mind, we headed to the audience room where Duke Lenaril awaited us.

◇

Arriving at the audience room and exchanging greetings, the conversation began.

Duke Lenaril had dark circles under her eyes.

She probably hadn’t slept, busy dealing with yesterday’s events.

“Arnoldt, the next Viscount. First, about the reward. You did well. You exceeded expectations by creating the best course anyone has ever known. Also, you’ve provided my chefs with a lot of knowledge and inspiration. So, I intend to give you the best reward.”

She said.

“…But in the end, everything was ruined.”

I interjected.

An intruder appeared at the dance party after the dinner, spoiling everything.

“That’s beside the point. The fact remains that you treated everyone with the best course thanks to your efforts. And, we’ve learned something about the attackers. We’ll discuss it later.”

She concluded.

They’ve managed to extract the information thoroughly. Impressive skill indeed. It’s difficult to extract information while keeping the assassins alive. They must have gathered talents specialized in such tasks.

To ensure they didn’t commit suicide, I made two of them unconscious just long enough to extract their consciousness.

“I graciously accept the reward.”

I replied.

“Yes, that’s the plan. Originally, I promised you exemption from Arnoldt territory taxes, permission to sell sweets in my adopted children’s territory, and the abolition of tariffs, along with the endorsement of Lenaril family for the sweets you sell. Additionally, I’ll provide you with a dragon carriage.”

Duke Lenaril explained.

“A dragon carriage!?”

I couldn’t help but exclaim.

Dragon carriages are rare. After all, dragons are only successfully trained in Lenaril territory, and they won’t bond without constant care from birth. Obtaining dragon eggs, protected by the parent dragon, is extremely difficult, and it takes decades for them to mature. The number of dragons is limited.

The allure of aerial transportation via dragon carriage is overwhelming. Many upper-class nobles are on the waiting list.

It’s of such rare value that even Count Fernande can’t obtain one.

“Yes, that’s right. You’re planning to expand your business to various cities, right? So, I think a dragon carriage, the world’s fastest and safest means of transportation, would be very useful.”

Duke Lenaril said.

“I desire it desperately. But, is it really alright for me to accept something of this magnitude?”

I asked.

“Of course. Your contribution this time is that significant. …And there’s a bit of calculation on my part. If you have a dragon, you can come to my aid immediately, right? It’s also a way to ensure you keep your promise to help me.”

Duke Lenaril said with a faint smile.

It was a beautiful smile.

“Understood. I gratefully accept. However, may I make one request? Could I have a dragon carriage that doesn’t use Wind Mana Stones?”

I asked.

“Sure, but its transportation capacity will decrease.”

Duke Lenaril replied.

“No problem.”

Duke Lenaril replied.

Now that I have more friendly elves, like Chloe, I resist using Wind Mana Stones.

“In that case, as a bonus, I’ll send a couple of drivers to your territory. Feel free to use them however you like.”

Duke Lenaril offered.

I inwardly chuckled.

Without a doubt, they’ll serve as surveillance as well. The dragon carriage is both a reward and a tether connecting me. It might be a measure to prevent me from being poached by other factions.

Even though I understand that, refusing to send surveillance personnel could be seen as hostile.

I have no choice but to accept it quietly.

“I appreciate your consideration.”

I said, and Duke Lenaril nodded in response.

After that, we discussed the attackers from yesterday to some extent.

It turns out one of the nobles, a member of Duke Eichhorn’s faction, who desires war, had facilitated the assassins.

The noble who facilitated them committed suicide before we could extract detailed information.

Duke Eichhorn seems to be distancing himself, claiming it has nothing to do with him.

“Surprising, isn’t it? That the assassins knew not only the intermediary but also the names of nobles. And it’s clear it’s connected to an obvious mastermind.”

I remarked.

“Yes. We had tight security, so it makes sense that someone of certain status had to facilitate directly. But if I were Duke Eichhorn, I would have used one of my adoptive children as leverage, threatening them to do the facilitating, and dispose of them once they were no longer useful. That’s how far I’d go.”

Duke Lenaril commented.

I nodded in agreement.

With the power of the four major dukes, that should be possible.

This incident was too sloppy.

“Arnoldt, the next Viscount. I also suspect something fishy, but I intend to play along with whatever scenario someone has prepared. Of course, with caution. That concludes our discussion. Well, there’s one more thing. I’m working to advance your status from Viscount to Baron. It’s not just a thank you for the sweets, but recognition for saving my life, as one of the four major dukes. If it weren’t for you, I would have been killed.”

Duke Lenaril added.

I bowed my head.

The difference between a Viscount and a Baron is significant. A Viscount is merely a provisional noble, whereas becoming a Baron signifies becoming a true noble.

Elevation to the rank of Baron was the longstanding wish of the Arnoldt family.

“I appreciate it. …It’s not a token of gratitude, but before you leave, would you please try a special treat? I’ve prepared a special confection for you.”

I offered.

“I would love to. I’d like to say yes, but my stomach isn’t feeling up to it right now.”

Duke Lenaril declined with a faint smile, seeming a bit reluctant.

“Yes, I anticipated that. I prepared this treat with that in mind. Even in your current situation, you should be able to enjoy it.”

I assured.

Her condition was at its worst, having endured extreme stress without sleep since yesterday.

She couldn’t stomach anything substantial.

I made this confection to lift her spirits.

“In that case, I’d love to try it.”

Duke Lenaril agreed.

“Let’s showcase the final treat of this journey.”

I snapped my fingers. A servant arrived with a large cup on a tray.

“It smells wonderful. It’s a confection of warm, aromatic drink, isn’t it? Sweet, with depth and a noble aroma. It reminds me of yesterday’s lovely cake. This seems like something I could enjoy even in my current state.”

Duke Lenaril murmured, her stomach growling audibly.

Blushing, she cleared her throat.

“It’s a hot chocolate drink made with the chocolate used in yesterday’s cake. Please, enjoy.”

I said.

Indeed, what I prepared was hot chocolate.
Freshly squeezed milk, homemade butter, slowly heated without boiling to enhance richness, ample chocolate, Pinaru jam, and a few drops of rum—a confection to be sipped on. It’s a very simple treat, but each ingredient is superb. And because it’s simple, there’s no room for shortcuts. Overheating would erase the milk’s flavor and the chocolate and jam’s aroma, excessive butter would make it too heavy, and if the ratio of jam and chocolate was off, the taste would be lackluster.

“Ah, it’s warm, and the taste is so gentle. It’s invigorating. The haze over my mind has cleared. Thank you. With this, I feel like I can push through a bit longer.”

Duke Lenaril expressed, taking in the hot chocolate.

Hot chocolate isn’t just delicious; it’s also nutritious. It’s the most suitable beverage for her weakened body.

The hot chocolate seeped into her frail body.

“I’ve passed on the recipe to your chefs. Cocoa is hard to come by, but if you manage to get some, you can enjoy it anytime. I’ve also provided instructions on making it using cocoa substitutes, so feel free to enjoy it whenever you like.”

I informed.

Though our time together was brief, I deeply respect Duke Lenaril. That’s why I entrusted the recipe for the chocolate-making method and the hot chocolate recipe to the Lenaril family’s chefs, believing they could truly be of assistance to her.

“Thank you for everything, from start to finish. …It’s truly regrettable that I can’t keep you here. I genuinely want to keep you by my side forever. But maybe it’s for the best. You’ll be more beneficial to this country by shining in various places rather than being kept here. I’ll visit your newly opened shop and buy your treats. They’re incredibly delicious.”

Duke Lenaril expressed.

“Yes, I’ll be expecting you.”

I replied.

“You may leave now. But before you go, let me say it one last time. Thank you. You’re my benefactor.”

She said.

I bowed and left the scene.

There’s still a lot of aftermath to deal with. But from here on, it’s Duke Lenaril’s battlefield.

Kurt Arnoldt has no further role to play.

It’ll take a day to prepare the dragon carriage, so departure will be tomorrow morning.

Until then, I’ll learn as much as possible from the recipes passed down to the Lenaril family and procure ingredients from the market.