Chapter 35
Chapter 35
“Of course.”
When Alphonse went that far, even Lady Mason had no choice but to nod. She didn’t know much about tea and had no idea there were so many things to consider when brewing it.
This time, Chloe was able to properly demonstrate her skill. She brewed the fanning-grade tea leaves expertly and served it with grace. Unlike earlier, the amber-colored tea had no bitterness and carried a sweet malt aroma. Lady Mason couldn’t help but be impressed.
After the incident was resolved as a mere mishap and Lady Mason had been shown to the guest room, Alphonse turned his thoughts to one remaining matter—the punishment of the maid who had made the earlier mistake.
He wasn’t typically an overly strict or difficult master. Because he was clear about his likes and dislikes and abided by his principles, very few under his employ ever felt unjustly punished.
To someone like him, a maid who had simply brewed tea poorly wouldn’t normally be a big deal.
But today was different.
Despite himself, he found that he was irritated. If not for Chloe’s clever handling, her honor might have been damaged.
A whipping and dismissal should suffice, he thought.
But someone seemed to have read his mind. That person was Chloe.
“Please don’t punish Lisa, Your Grace.”
Chloe blurted this out on their way back from escorting Lady Mason to the guest room. Alphonse thought he had misheard.
“What did you say?”
“You mentioned earlier that you would think about Lisa’s punishment. I’ve been worried ever since… that she might be punished.”
It was called a small mistake, but committing such an error in front of an important guest was no minor matter. In other noble households, it would have been a scandal. Among all the things a servant could do wrong, bringing shame upon their master was the gravest—and that’s exactly what Lisa’s mistake had done.
“I believe I also share some of the responsibility for this. I never taught the kitchen maids how to properly brew fanning-grade tea leaves. So even if you are angry, please, for my sake, spare Lisa. And if someone must be punished, please let it be me.”
“Wife.”
Alphonse called her with a low voice. Chloe meant every word she said.
She understood that this was a hierarchical society. A commoner, even if innocent, could be beaten, lose their job, or even their life depending on a noble’s mood.
But Chloe, who had lived far longer in an egalitarian, democratic society, couldn’t easily accept that with her heart, even if she understood it in her head.
“It wasn’t even intentional. It’s too sad to be punished for something so small.”
That was how Chloe felt.
Alphonse looked at Chloe and thought,
‘She’s too soft hearted.’
Feeling pity for a mere maid, someone easily replaceable if unsatisfactory, how fragile was this woman’s heart?
Still, Chloe’s words calmed him. Now that he thought about it, he felt odd for being so worked up over a maid’s minor mistake. That wasn’t like him.
And so, having sorted through his thoughts, Alphonse said,
“The one who was inconvenienced by the maid was you, Madam. The decision isn’t mine—it’s yours. If you wish to let it go, then so be it.”
“Thank you, Your Grace.”
Chloe’s face lit up with joy. Alphonse couldn’t understand why she would be so pleased over a mere maid’s issue. But he didn’t dislike the sight of her joyful expression.
Chloe summoned Lisa through another maid and told her she would not be punished.
Lisa, though relieved that her actions were revealed to be unintentional, still assumed she would be punished regardless. She had been comforting the other kitchen maids, some of whom were crying, thinking she might have to pack her things.
Ashley, the one who brought the tea leaves, was especially distraught.
‘I’m so sorry, Lisa! I had no idea they were fanning-grade tea leaves. I just brought them because they smelled good!’
‘It’s okay, Ashley. Don’t cry. Your eyes are all swollen.’
‘But… but because of me, you’re…’
Given the mood, when Chloe summoned Lisa, everyone assumed it was for punishment.
“You’re… forgiving me?”
Lisa couldn’t hide her shock when she was told she wouldn’t be punished.
“Of course. I’m also to blame for not teaching you about fanning-grade tea leaves. So don’t take today’s incident too hard.”
Lisa, who had worked in many noble households before this, knew how merciful and generous this decision was. No other noble house would have handled it like this.
She was deeply moved.
A mistress who always looks out for lowly kitchen maids like us, who is knowledgeable, compassionate…!
She felt like the luckiest woman in the empire to be serving such a mistress. Lisa came to deeply admire Chloe.
***
Business preparations were progressing smoothly. Chloe was involved in sourcing ingredients and even oversaw the construction and interior design of the new shop.
The duke and duchess selected a plot in an upscale residential district of the capital. Milk jam was more of a luxury item, suited for nobles or at least the middle class.
But when Alphonse purchased a two-story building in the center of the commercial district, even Chloe was surprised.
“Isn’t this too large? The original plan was to sell only milk jam, but this seems…”
“If it’s too large, we can expand our product line. Since it bears the family’s name, it needs to have some prestige.”
Alphonse normally didn’t care much for appearances or others’ opinions. This was strange.
The space was so vast that no amount of milk jam would ever fill it. As a result, the store evolved to include a variety of jams, syrups, and honey in addition to milk jam.
At some point, the business had grown far beyond Chloe’s original expectations. She worked hard to build relationships with suppliers to source quality ingredients.
Watching Chloe bring the business to life alongside him was a continuous surprise for Alphonse. She wasn’t only theoretically knowledgeable—she had excellent practical skills as if she had real experience.
But that couldn’t be. Not only after marriage, but even before, he’d never heard of her being involved in business.
He assumed she was simply born talented.
After touring the still-unfinished store and returning home, Alphonse glanced at Chloe.
She was undoubtedly a brilliant partner. In fact, even as a life partner, she was more than satisfactory. Their marriage had started as a political alliance, but she had become much more than that.
His time with her had become a unique variation, and a rest, from his previously dull life. Sometimes, he couldn’t understand her, but it didn’t irritate him. On the contrary, he found it fascinating.
By now, he couldn’t help but wonder:
‘Why didn’t I see this side of her before?’
Thirteen months. That’s how long they had lived as a couple in name only.
He found it strange that he hadn’t noticed her fascinating qualities sooner.
Alphonse realized that Chloe had gradually become familiar to him, like clothing slowly soaked in a drizzle.
He tried to recall what life was like before knowing this side of her, before their marriage. But in truth, he didn’t want to go back.
The store’s completion was near.
***
“Did you call for me, Lady Mason?”
Chloe greeted her.
Lady Mason was staying in one of the guest bedrooms. She was reclining in an armchair, shooting her trademark sharp gaze at Chloe.
“Yes, good of you to come. It’s hot today—are you keeping well?”
The mismatch between the gentle words and sharp eyes confused Chloe slightly. She decided to politely ignore it.
“Yes, thanks to your concern.”
She had been walking in the garden with the maid Nina when the summons came.
“That’s good. Ahem… The reason I called today is…”
Chloe had no idea why Lady Mason wanted to see her. In fact, she felt a twinge of dread. She hadn’t given her a great impression during their first encounter.
But Lady Mason’s request was:
“I heard Alphonse enjoys your tea very much. I’d like to try it again myself. If it’s not too much trouble, would you brew me a cup?”
Surprisingly, it wasn’t anything major.
Or was it?
Chloe remembered Lady Mason breaking a teacup last time.
‘If I don’t make it well, she might break something again…’
Though Chloe loved making tea, the thought of serving someone picky was another matter. Still, she had no reason to refuse. She vowed to brew a flawless cup.
“Of course. Do you have a preference?”
“How would I know? Just bring whatever.”
Whatever?! That was the hardest request of all.
But Chloe didn’t let her discomfort show. As she composed her expression, something caught her eye—the back of Lady Mason’s neck glistening with sweat.
She must be hot. Older people tend to feel heat more strongly…
Chloe quickly surveyed the surroundings for any hints of her preferences.
Ah… that’s it!
She spotted something on the table… this was it. Hiding her excitement, she casually asked,
“Understood, Madame. One more thing, do you like mint?”
“Mint? You mean that cooling herb? I love it.”
Chloe smiled brightly.
“Great. Then please wait just a moment, I’ll bring it right away.”
She stepped out, asked a passing maid to fetch something from the garden, and headed to the tea room herself.
Moments later, Chloe returned with the maid. The maid placed a tray with a teapot and teacups on the table, bowed, and exited.
Chloe poured tea into Lady Mason’s cup. Lady Mason peered into the cup and spoke with interest.
“Cold tea, I see.”
