In order to confidently make the choice to do what she wanted, courage alone was not enough.
Furthermore, in the current empire, there was little that a lady or noblewoman could do aside from socializing and hosting salons.
It made sense now what Lady Quiness, or Princess Angelina, had been doing.
In the original work, she had started with a dessert shop and expanded into various culinary businesses.
Then, those who shared her business began to increase, including noblewomen who were close to her. And the one who had provided the most help at that time was Julia.
Perhaps she had been thinking the same things that Erin was thinking now. Erin’s expression grew more profound.
“Being with Princess Angelina would surely be a good thing.”
It had been what she had wanted to do from the start. Perhaps it had been something she had been considering even before the divorce.
She probably still had the same thoughts now. If she were with her, she would be able to help in many ways.
However, she had not yet shared any of these thoughts with Princess Angelina.
Naturally, a situation was needed to naturally bring up the topic of future changes with her.
Erin let out a long breath, lifted one corner of her mouth, and organized her thoughts with a smile.
“I should start with Café Angela after all. It would be most natural to start the conversation through Café Angela.”
***
Erin found ‘Angela’.
She had heard that Princess Angelina was investigating the capital’s market.
“But she hasn’t come here yet.”
It was unexpected.
Even if she didn’t come first, Erin had thought she would visit this place after finishing important matters.
Even though it was clear that Princess Angelina had inquired about Café ‘Angela’ last time.
“Madam, how was the dessert I made last time?”
Brody approached and asked.
“Of course, it was good.”
“Did everyone like it? It was the centerpiece of the banquet this time…”
Erin’s eyes narrowed.
Brody was curious about Princess Angelina’s reaction.
“You mentioned it was to the taste of Her Highness. How did you know so well?”
Erin deliberately detailed the part Brody was curious about.
“I’m glad.”
Brody lifted the corners of his mouth in a good mood.
It was meant for Erin, but somehow it sounded like he was talking to himself.
“Then, please call me if you need anything.”
Brody lightly nodded to Erin and went into the kitchen.
It was when Erin was eating the tea and dessert Brody had brought.
The person Erin had been thinking about until just now walked in as the door opened.
“Countess Lienster. So you are here.”
Princess Angelina approached.
“Your Highness. It’s a pleasure to see you here.”
Erin greeted her without any hesitation.
Upon hearing the sound, Brody came out of the kitchen, then stiffened upon seeing Angelina.
Angelina also looked back at him for a moment, then slowly turned and sat opposite Erin.
“It’s perfect timing. I have something to discuss with Countess Lienster.”
“What is it that you wanted to discuss?”
They were smiling at each other, yet a strange tension hung in the air.
Angelina carefully opened her mouth while gazing at Erin intently.
“I heard that Countess Lienster proposed a business plan for the division of assets from my divorce.”
“Yes, those businesses are sure to yield results.”
Princess Angelina maintained a formal tone as she continued to speak in order to express what she really wanted to say.
“Thanks to you, we’ve been able to work on the business together. And because of this, I wanted to also discuss other business opportunities with you.”
Erin, aware of this, listened attentively, yet at the same time, she eagerly awaited for Angelina to get to the point.
Soon, a slight tremor appeared in her eyes.
She was about to say what she truly wanted to say.
Her lips slowly parted.
“So, the thing is, I took an interest in Café Angela and did some research.”
Angelina’s gaze was fixed directly on Erin.
“I heard that the owner of Café Angela is actually the wife of a viscount.”
“That’s correct.”
Erin calmly acknowledged.
From the beginning, she had no intention of hiding it from her.
So, purposely, she had given her Brody’s desserts as a gift at the last reception.
As the owner, she was clearly conveying the message to Angelina, who understood it perfectly.
“It’s been a while. The desserts created by the owner here are truly delicious, but because it’s not well-known, it’s been difficult to operate.”
Without Angelina asking, Erin explained how things had come to be.
“So I invested in it.”
“Then, is this café still around because of the Viscountess of Lienster?”
Angelina murmured softly.
“It’s strange how often it seems to be related to the Viscountess of Lienster.”
“I don’t see anything wrong with that.”
Erin said with a grin.
“…”
An enigmatic smile appeared on Angelina’s face.
“I have a proposal.”
“Yes.”
Erin knew what she was going to say.
“I want to join the business related to Café Angela.”
“Is that all?”
Erin’s head tilted slightly to the side.
“Of course, there wouldn’t be much appeal to working with me in the current situation.”
Whether Erin’s question conveyed a sense of denial, Angelina added,
“If we collaborate, I can adjust the distribution of businesses in the area that was brought about through property division as you wish.”
Angelina listed the benefits of collaborating with her.
As a result, a deeper smile spread across Erin’s lips.
In fact, it didn’t matter.
After all, Erin’s answer was already determined.
“Yes, that’s fine.”
“Thinking positively for once… what was it?”
Angelina paused while trying to persuade Erin.
“I will accept the proposal from the princess.”
Erin replied cheerfully.
“Besides this café, there are other things I want to do with the princess.”
“…Are you serious?”
She asked with a hint of skepticism.
“Of course. I’m actually grateful that you proposed this first.”
Erin readily expressed her sincerity.
“Alright, then.”
Angelina lowered her eyes, lost in thought, before parting her lips.
“Let’s discuss the details when I come to Lienster.”
“I’ll be waiting.”
Erin rose with a gentle smile.
“I’m going to head back now. How about you, Your Highness?” Erin asked, and Angelina’s gaze shifted towards the kitchen.
Then, she parted her lips slowly.
“…I want to try some desserts here.”
“You should ask Brody to make you something. It’s really delicious,” Erin suggested.
Angelina nodded slightly, and Erin turned away.
It was their own matter what conversation she and Brody would have if she stayed here.
***
Inside the cafe, only Angelina and Brody remained. As they sat, silent and gazing at each other, the stillness filled the air. Finally, it was Princess Angelina who spoke first.
“It’s been a while,” her composed voice echoed.
It was only then that Brody regained his composure and opened his heavy lips.
“I never expected to meet like this again.”
“I’ve been here all along.”
“Because we made a promise.”
“…”
“I promised someone that I would stay here and wait for them. I couldn’t go anywhere else because of that promise. I said I would stop by and visit whenever I pass by here by chance.”
Angelina’s eyelids trembled at Brody’s calm yet resolute voice. Brody looked at her in silence.
After some hesitation, he gathered his courage and spoke.
“Angela…”
It was the name of the cafe as well as Princess Angelina’s nickname. In the past, only her parents, the Emperor and Empress, could call her by that name, and now, only Brody could use it.
“Thank you for coming back.”
Finally, Princess Angelina’s hardened expression softened.
The faces of the two, looking at each other, were filled with emotions, whether it was laughter or tears, it was impossible to tell.
***
Before falling asleep, Erin brought up her conversation with Princess Angelina when she met Aiden.
“Let’s open a salon where everyone can freely come and go.”
Erin looked Aiden straight in the eyes.
What she was talking about wasn’t a typical salon.
“And I want to start my own business in the salon.”
As Erin continued, Aiden’s gentle gaze met her.
So Erin felt comfortable talking about what she had only been thinking about in her mind.
“To be honest, it’s a bit vague to call it a business, but I want to try different things with the salon as the center, for ladies and young girls of nobility.”
She wanted to create a place where they could do anything, starting with that place.
Where Julia, who wanted to sculpt, could nurture her dream of becoming a sculptor, and if someone from a non-noble family wanted to have their own strength, they could try anything for that.
Also, if someone was struggling inside, she wanted to be able to help.
