Kays Translations

Chapter 324: The Tasting Session

While the cookies baked, I decided to discuss fountain pens. They were still somewhat confidential because I did not intend to sell them publicly yet.

There was no need, however, to hide them from House Ambert now that our families were formally connected.

“Fabienne, there is one more gift I would like to give you.”

“What is it?”

Fabienne turned away from the oven to look at me. I took a fountain pen from the inside pocket of my coat.

“This is a new kind of pen called a fountain pen. It may seem strange to show it to you immediately after giving you a glass pen, but this section can store ink.”

I explained the mechanism as I handed it to her. She looked surprised, and after testing it, she became intensely interested.

“This is an extraordinary invention. Do you not intend to sell it?”

“Not yet. Its components are complicated, and I cannot make large quantities. Once the craftspeople we hire have mastered the work and trained apprentices of their own, I may consider commercialising it.”

“What a shame.”

Fabienne stared intently at the fountain pen. She seemed to like it very much. Excellent!

“I was therefore thinking of giving you one as a present. Naturally, I will make fountain pens for Baron and Baroness Ambert as well.”

“Truly? I am so happy!”

Overcome with delight, she threw her arms around me. I felt something soft press against my chest. I had suspected as much, but Fabienne was remarkably developed for her age. Baroness Ambert had a similar figure, so perhaps it ran in the family.

Flustered, I steadied Fabienne. From the corner of my eye, I saw Nero and Mira politely turn away.

“W-well, Lady Fabienne, I wanted to ask what sort of fountain pen you would prefer.”

In my agitation, I had slipped back into formal speech. It could not be helped. My body might have been that of a child, but my mind belonged to an adult. It was only natural for me to become flustered.

“What do you mean by 'what sort'? Can its shape be changed?”

Fabienne finally released me. I had always thought her dresses were rather loose. Perhaps they had been chosen to conceal her figure. That was quite the secret weapon.

Calm down. I must not make Fabienne uncomfortable.

“The shape would remain much the same, but the pattern and decoration can be changed. Mine is simple, while the ones I made for my sisters-in-law are more ornate.”

“I see. So that is possible.”

As we discussed possible designs, the cookies finished baking. When I opened the oven, an even richer fragrance spread through the room. I restrained Mira, who could barely contain their excitement, while we waited for the cookies to cool.

By then, we had also settled on a rough design for Fabienne's fountain pen. It should work nicely.

“Let us begin the tasting. Mira, you will have an ordinary cookie.”

“Kyuu.”

“If only the two of us taste the potion cookies, we may eat too many. Could we ask other people to try them?” Fabienne suggested.

“Let us ask Father and Mother.”

“I would appreciate that. We should return to the salon.”

After giving Mira an ordinary cookie, we went to the salon. Fortunately, Baron and Baroness Ambert were still there. Their discussion seemed to be continuing, but it was probably time for a break.

When we explained the situation, they readily agreed to help. We organised a tasting session that also included several servants who had gathered nearby.

“I prefer this savoury one. It has a pleasant bite and would pair well with alcohol.”

“This softer cookie is good too. It does not leave my mouth dry.”

We received many other comments. Unsurprisingly, the men tended to prefer the less sweet varieties. Perhaps they imagined eating them as snacks while drinking.

After comparing the opinions, we decided to trial two varieties of Hot Cookie: one sweet and one savoury. In both cases, we chose the softer recipe that did not leave the mouth dry.

House Ambert treated us to lunch after the tasting. During the afternoon, we toured their herb garden and spent time in Fabienne's room discussing potions.

The day had turned out wonderfully. I had wondered what would happen after I suddenly declared, “Please allow me to marry your daughter,” but everything had gone well.

“I wonder when I will see her again.”

I murmured to myself in the carriage on the way home. Winter was approaching, and I could not know when snow would close the roads. If that happened, I might not see Fabienne again until spring. We had our secret rings, but sometimes I still wanted to see her face.

Perhaps I should create a video-calling magic tool.

As soon as I returned to the estate, I began making the fountain pens. Rosalia had apparently reviewed the production manuals I intended to use when teaching the craftspeople. She had left marks throughout the pages.

While I examined her notes, Rosalia entered the workshop after finishing her lessons.

“Thank you, Rosalia. You checked these for me?”

“Yes. Lelie and I read them together. She said she thought she could make the products by following these instructions.”

Lelie nodded beside Rosalia. Was she embarrassed? She could speak normally around me, so there was no need to be shy.

“Thank you as well, Lelie. Would you like to try making something when I teach the craftspeople?”

“I-I would like to try!”

“Then we will do it together.”

Lelie nodded, her face turning red. Was this developing in an unexpected direction? I could not bring myself to look at Nero's expression just then.

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