“Ah, I remember hearing something about that as well.”
“She’s an impressive woman. She’s already making a name for herself in the business ventures the Bastian Marquisate is involved in. Although the Marquis is said to be actively searching for a suitable husband for her, claiming he’s worried about her marriage prospects, I’m not so sure. The Marquis is probably even more selective than she is.”
Camille seemed to think that the Marquis intended to pass the entire business of the Bastian family to his exceptionally talented daughter. Anais didn’t disagree.
The man would need to come from a family with a decent pedigree, but he shouldn’t be presumptuous enough to think he could control Roxanne. He would have to be exceptionally intelligent, capable of perfectly supporting her, and earning her respect.
‘…Could that be Prince Max III?’
Anais felt a pang of sadness as she considered whether Max might fit that description.
“Oh dear, was that too much? I suppose advice on how to win over a woman of her caliber isn’t really what those half-witted suitors deserve!”
Ouch.
Camille burst into hearty laughter, but Anais found it hard to join in. The “half-witted suitors” reminded her uncomfortably of Max, the Grand Queen Dowager, and even herself, making her feel a bit uneasy.
“Amour, do you know Maisonplané?”
“The coffeehouse in the city center?”
“Yes. Lady Bastian is fond of their crêpes and mille-feuille. I’ve heard she visits at least twice a month when she’s staying in the capital.”
“I knew their desserts were famous, but…”
“Well, nothing beats their Mont Blanc and crème brûlée.”
Camille nodded, smacking his lips as he considered whether to visit the coffeehouse with his fiancée, Marina, when he returned.
“Oh, and another thing…”
He racked his brain for more useful tidbits and shared a few additional pieces of information.
“I suppose that’s about it. After all, she and I weren’t particularly close.”
“This is more than enough. Thank you so much.”
He beamed with satisfaction at the rare tone of admiration in Amour’s voice.
“Well then, it’s my turn now.”
“Pardon?”
“I’ve told you what you wanted to know, so now it’s time for you to satisfy my curiosity.”
“Of course, ask me anything.”
“What kind of person is the owner of the Anderson Brienne Salon?”
“…!”
The unexpected mention of a name from Camille’s lips left Anais momentarily speechless, forcing her to take a sharp breath.
“You know, the owner of this salon. The only daughter of the Brienne Count family.”
“Why do you ask…?”
Camille shrugged.
“I recently heard that Lady Brienne has become the Grand Queen Dowager’s new trusted aide. Do you know what’s funny? There are still so many people who don’t know anything about her, even though she’s the aide to the Grand Queen Dowager herself. It’s like she just dropped out of the sky—completely invisible.”
“Oh.”
“Honestly, as much as I’ve frequented this salon just to see you, even I haven’t properly met that lady. And you know how curious I am. I figured that if anyone knew something about her, it would be you, who’s been working here for a long time.”
Anais pressed her lips together and rolled her eyes.
‘Who would have thought this man would be curious about me? And to ask so directly.’
Camille Desante was known for his insatiable curiosity. Imagining what might happen if he somehow stumbled upon ‘the assignment’ and learned the truth was a disturbing thought.
“If Camille Desante knows something, the entire Barbier will soon know it!”
It was as if she could hear the Grand Queen Dowager’s voice right beside her, the same voice that had sternly ensured both Anais and Max would keep their lips sealed!
It was common knowledge that Camille Desante was on close terms with Prince Max. It was likely that since he had failed to extract any useful information from the prince, he had come here to probe into Anais instead.
At this moment, there was only one appropriate response for her to make. Anais managed to put on a calm smile.
“I’m afraid I cannot speak freely about my employer. I hope you understand.”
“Come on, Amour.”
“She’s not just an employer; she is my benefactor. It doesn’t sit well with me to speak about her, even in the smallest detail.”
“Ah… that’s right. You mentioned before that Lady Brienne took you in.”
It was well known among regular patrons of the salon that Anais, whose only connection to the Brienne family was the friendship between their fathers, had been allowed to work there through Lady Brienne’s generosity.
Anais loosened her tone, attempting to change the atmosphere.
“I’ve heard she became an aide, but that’s all. Honestly, apart from helping me get this job at the salon, we haven’t had much contact. All the work is handled through the butler.”
“Hmm.”
“I wanted to be of help, but I’m sorry I couldn’t provide more information.”
Seeing the calm smile on her lips, Camille scratched his cheek, looking a bit awkward.
“No, I should be the one apologizing. I knew your situation and still asked unnecessary questions.”
He backed off without further pressing. He seemed to have quickly discarded his curiosity about the salon owner, as his expression returned to its usual lightheartedness. Camille Desante left with a parting comment, telling Anais to call on him anytime she needed his broad knowledge.
Once she saw him off, Anais quickly returned to her office and began jotting down everything she had learned from Camille, her hands busy, eager not to forget a single detail.
***
Max sat slouched on a hard wooden chair, his expression bored and slightly annoyed. With his arms crossed defensively, he spoke curtly.
“Anais Brienne. Don’t you think we’re seeing each other a bit too often?”
“Is that so? But it’s only been a week.”
Despite his grumpy demeanor, Anais smiled brightly and handed him a stack of documents.
“What’s this?”
“A detailed operation plan, if you will.”
“…You’ve been busy.”
Is it just my imagination, or does he look like he’s grinding his teeth?
Anais held her breath, watching Max’s reaction as he reviewed her ambitious plan. After a moment, he asked seriously, almost in disbelief.
“Did this really come from your mind?”
When Anais nodded enthusiastically with bright, eager eyes, Max covered his mouth with his hand, as if unsure whether to be impressed or alarmed.
“Does the plan really impress you that much? It is pretty remarkable, isn’t it?”
“Surprising.”
“Hehe, why are you so surprised? I mean, I may look like this, but…”
“How could you bring such a low-level fantasy and call it a plan?”
“…”
Anais’s previously lifted spirits sank immediately. Her bright smile turned into a dramatic frown.
“So, to summarize, you’re telling me to hoard the mille-feuille and crêpes from Maison Plané, and then when Roxane comes to buy them, give them up. Is that it?”
Why is he summarizing it like that? It sounds so unimpressive now.
Anais snatched the document from Max’s hands and flipped to the next page.
“Listen more carefully, Your Highness. When small coincidences pile up, they become fate. The next part is important.”
“Assigning too much meaning to just handing over some sweet desserts, aren’t you?”
Anais silenced Max’s dismissive tone with a sharp retort about not underestimating the power of sugar.
She elaborated on how small coincidences could lead to destiny, but Max remained skeptical, his gaze unwaveringly doubtful.
“What did Grandmother say? Reporting to the client is the first rule.”
“Ah… Her Majesty the Dowager…”
As per the rules, all plans and progress were to be reported. Just as Max said, Anais had already explained the plan to the Dowager Empress before coming to him. She recalled her audience with the Dowager Empress just yesterday.
“Did this really come from Lady Brienne’s mind?”
“Do you like the plan?”
“Surprising.”
“Hehe, why are you so surprised? This is as easy as making soup…”
“What’s the point of handing over a few sweet desserts?”
Like grandmother, like grandson…
