Susan’s disapproval of the crown prince lingered, casting a shadow over the budding connection between him and her niece.
Thanks to Susan’s intervention, what would have taken two months to develop between them ended up taking only a week.
Seeing that the crown prince and Rosie had met, Susan effectively blocked Rosie from leaving the room.
Still, this only occurred after the two had grown a bit closer.
Once they develop their bond even more, presently unseen affections may bloom… but upon extended periods of separation, even if there is no malice between them, all of that progress may be forgotten.
Their two lives had already become entangled thanks to all my hard work, but if Susan were to intervene again…
‘No… I need to take over the bakery this year!’
I maneuvered myself between Susan and the crown prince, clasping his hand tightly in mine to signal him to remain calm.
I felt a flinch ripple through him.
“Haha. He’s still just a newcomer, still lacking in proper etiquette. Mrs. Susan, the rumors of your elegance precede you… It’s a privilege to make your acquaintance. I’m Irene, a baker at David’s bakery.”
I maintained polite decorum, aiming to lift her spirits. Her countenance seemed to soften slightly.
“Really? Well, you must be quite skilled. Do you have a culinary background?”
“I’m honored, Mrs. Susan. I had heard you were traveling in Kitoriv. I’m delighted that I got the chance to meet you upon your return.”
“Oh, were you discussing that?”
Glancing at Rosie, she quickly winked, then turned her gaze to me and nodded vigorously in Susan’s direction:
“Kitoriv is renowned for its wines. I’d like to present a meal that complements them, if I may.”
“Are you aware of my discerning palate?”
“It’ll be a first for you, I assure you.”
“Yes, yes! Irene’s culinary talents are unmatched! She’s extraordinary!”
Susan smoothed her chin at Rosie’s endorsement, promptly nodding.
“Very well. You have an hour. But if it fails to impress, you’ll face repercussions for your impudence and arrogance.”
“Understood. There’s no room for error.”
With that, Susan exited. Only then did I relax my grip on the crown prince’s hand.
“Please, stay calm. Stay calm!”
“The “impudence and arrogance” was all hers…”
“Well, we’re all a bit impertinent, except for Miss Rosie, of course.”
“I’m sorry…”
I had no words to retort to Rosie’s sullen demeanor, nor the crown prince’s remorse.
I needed to quickly concoct a dessert that would satisfy Susan.
“I’m sorry, but may I occupy the kitchen? And use some of your ingredients, if you don’t mind.”
“Yes! Go ahead!”
The crown prince and I followed Rosie to the basement kitchen. It was impeccably organized and equipped with state-of-the-art appliances.
Their sizable oven could easily accommodate several pizzas and boasted an impressive heat.
I instructed the kitchen staff to arrange the cheeses by type, and pondered.
After a moment of rumination, I set a pot of milk to boil.
I swiftly diced a slew of bright green vegetables.
I drifted to a separate counter to prepare pastry dough using butter and flour. I envisioned a delectable savory pie, individually portioned, baked in separate, small pots.
“What are you making?”
“Well, let’s call it a savory gravy cheese pie. Its saltiness pairs perfectly with wine.”
‘And if I remember correctly, Susan likes cream…’
If my memory is incorrect, we wouldn’t see Rosie again until her wedding day.
One thing I could trust was that Susan is true to her threats of reprimand and restitution.
‘I need to give back to Rosie what she gave to us…’
I also had to seize the opportunity to bridge the divide between the two to-be-lovebirds.
I focused on my task, commencing the pie-making process. I whipped up the filling, ensuring a harmonious blend of salty, tangy cheese and other spices.
Though my attire had become smudged with patches of flour and butter, there was no time to dwell on it.
* * *
Susan poured a glass of the renowned red wine from Kitoriv. It was a remarkably pricey vintage wine.
Before her sat a dish that, as promised, she had never encountered before.
Susan’s excitement was palpable as she beheld the dish. In her expression alone, it was clear that she deemed the occasion fit for having poured a slightly more expensive wine.
Irene presented her gravy cheese pie.
The aroma alone left Susan enraptured.
The savory scent of cheese and butter made her mouth water.
“Oh…”
As she took her first bite, she was astounded. The flavor was exquisite.
It wasn’t just delicious; it seemed as though Susan would choose this dish over any other, regardless of its competitors.
The blend of flavors, complemented by the wine’s rich tannins, created a symphony of taste.
It wasn’t just the food itself, however; Irene had indeed crafted a dish perfectly suited for the wine hailed from Kitoriv.
The two elevated each other, enhancing the overall dining experience.
“This is remarkable… Truly… I’m impressed.”
“I’m honored.”
“Could you share the recipe?”
“Hmm… the recipe?”
Irene hesitated.
Susan grew impatient. She would have to depart once Marquis Seiren returned. And if she ever wished to taste such a delight again, she needed to jot down the recipe before then.
“I’ll consider any request you make, so long as you share the recipe with me.”
Susan’s mind wandered to thoughts of jewelry, clothing, or perhaps just plain, gold coins.
She figured that she could give her absolutely anything Irene desired, since practically anything would be within her power. All she desired was to continue savoring this wonderful dish.
“First… I’d like to continue bakery deliveries upon Miss Rosie’s request.”
“That’s within my own wishes, as well.”
“Then, would you grant Miss Rosie an hour or two each day to pursue her interests?”
“What would those interests be?”
“Just whatever she desires. Perhaps a simple walk or outing would suffice.”
Irene beamed.
Susan, who had offered to heed her requests under the impression that she had the higher ground, had now realized far too late.
* * *
Susan narrowed her eyes at me.
“Well, this is unexpected. Are you certain you’re friends? More importantly, though, I’m sure you’re aware that I have much to offer. Will you squander this opportunity for her?”
To let Rosie pursue her desires. That’s what I asked of Susan.
Rosie, standing beside me, was already on the verge of tears, seemingly moved.
Susan was correct. If I had asked her to open a new bakery for me, she would have agreed.
She was quite generous.
‘This is what Rosie wants, it’s clear… plus, I just need to create opportunities for her…’
She yearns only for the chance to step outside.
Perhaps she wishes to explore the town or visit a flower garden.
In any case, she must emerge from this manor in order to facilitate anything with the crown prince.
“That’s all I ask.”
Susan nodded at me.
“Well, then. Rosie, is there anything in particular you desire?”
“I-I…!”
Rosie’s voice quivered as she fought back tears.
“I want to pursue what I’m good at!”
“Oh…”
It was an unexpectedly flustered remark.
In the novel, Rosie was portrayed as someone who only asked to venture outside. But now, she wishes to do what she’s good at…?
“What are you skilled at?”
Susan inquired of Rosie nonchalantly.
“I’m not sure yet! That’s why I’m searching for it!”
We were all taken aback by Rosie’s radiant smile.
Susan let out a deep sigh, while the crown prince shook his head in disbelief.
“Well, wouldn’t you need to explore the world to discover that? Let’s visit the town together.”
“Yes! What a splendid idea! I’m ready! I’m so excited to go out!”
Rosie nodded fervently beside me, and I felt a sense of relief wash over me.
“Yes. While I’m here, you have my permission to explore. Two hours daily. I don’t mind what you do, but have a maid accompany you.”
Susan rose from her seat and positioned herself by the kitchen door. Then she turned back to me.
“Your name is Irene, is it?”
“Yes.”
“Do you want to accompany me back to Kitoriv?”
“What?”
Susan’s proposal caught me off guard; I stared at her with wide eyes.
Rosie, however, let out a cry.
“No! Irene dreams of succeeding as a baker!”
Rosie seemed exasperated by Susan’s suggestion, shaking her head vehemently.
“I’m not trying to recruit her as a maid.”
“Then what are you asking to take her for?”
“I’ll help you. I’ll fund your own bakery. I’m prepared to invest.”
“Really?”
“Yes. You’d only need to bake and sell your goods. I won’t interfere with anything else. I’ve always been generous to those with talent.”
Susan’s proposition was intriguing, to say the least.
However, I couldn’t shake off my concerns about Kitoriv, not knowing the slightest bit about life over there. I also still harbored some unease about trusting Susan, nevermind following her lead to a new country.
Was I just anxious about restarting my adventure?
“Would we be able to draft a contract?”
“… You’re a smart one. Of course. And dear, know that I stand by my word. I promise you, in the name of the Seiren family and my husband, Picus. I won’t give you much time to deliberate. I’ll depart in a week.”
With that, Susan left.
*･゜ﾟ･*:.｡..｡.:*･:.｡..｡.:･*:.｡. .｡.:*･゜ﾟ･*
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