-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: Vine
Chapter: 67
Chapter Title: Ophelia's Intervention
-----------------------------------------------------------------
"S-Sorry. I didn't say that to you, my lady."
"You should have watched your mouth and your manners."
"I'll be careful from now on. I swear."
Pam crawled forward, trying to grab Lady Ophelia's skirt.
"How rude. Drag this one out."
But the maids stopped her, not letting her get close.
"I really didn't say that to you, my lady...!"
Pam was seized by the knights and dragged out of the shop.
"Madam, Madam! Please, hear me out...!"
She screamed and clung desperately to the end, but she couldn't escape the knights' grip.
Pam's companions quietly followed after her.
Only Bell's former fiancé cast a pleading glance at her one last time.
But when Bell turned away, the man left quietly as well.
With the source of the commotion gone, a strange silence settled over the interior of Mabel.
'I never expected help like this.'
Once Mabel's opening day was set,
I'd sent a letter to Lady Ophelia just in case.
[Dearest Lady Ophelia Bennett.
This is Espin, whom you met at the imperial palace last time.
How has your health been lately?
I keep thinking of how weary you looked then, and it worries me.
I hope you are spending your days in good health.
I'm writing not for any other reason, but to ask if we might enjoy some simple desserts together ten days from now.
There's a new dessert shop in the capital that I think would suit your tastes perfectly.
I'll be at the shop the whole time, so if you ever feel like some delicious desserts, please stop by.
Hoping to see you again, Espin Samuel.]
Along with this letter, I'd included Mabel's name and location.
It was a modest invitation to share desserts at the new shop—never did I foresee a situation like this.
It was meant to show off to the noble customers.
If a high noble visited, people's view of Mabel would change.
I'd only aimed for that much benefit, but in an unexpected turn, it provided major help.
'Thanks to her, the revenge is complete.'
When someone of Lady Ophelia's stature spoke, it was as good as a predetermined future.
No noble would want to fall out of her favor and cut off their visits.
Pam's shop would never see the light of day again.
* * *
"You can enjoy your desserts quietly here."
I guided Lady Ophelia to a private room prepared in advance for noble customers.
Her escort knight checked the interior first, then only Lady Ophelia and her two closest maids entered.
The others were shown to the next room.
As soon as the two sat down, I apologized.
"I'm sorry. It was quite a commotion, wasn't it?"
"Not the most pleasant experience. You didn't foresee my visit and orchestrate this, did you?"
Lady Ophelia's gaze made me feel like a mischievous child, so I quickly denied it.
"I had no idea something like this would happen. I just wanted to introduce you to a good dessert shop."
At my earnest gaze, Lady Ophelia's expression softened.
"Well, you didn't exactly promise to visit."
She had replied that health reasons made it hard to confirm.
I'd been disappointed then, but now it felt like good fortune.
"But what exactly happened? I have a rough idea..."
"Let's order desserts first. They're really delicious here. I invited you because I wanted you to try them."
"That good, huh?"
Lady Ophelia showed interest.
Last time, she'd savored the tiramisu I made quite thoughtfully.
'Meaning she's serious about food.'
No need for elaborate schemes with someone like her.
Just let her taste something delicious!
"Yes. It's my certified dessert spot."
At my bold declaration, Lady Ophelia's eyebrow arched.
"Isn't this a brand-new shop? And you say that so confidently? Do you have some connection to it?"
As expected of a seasoned adult.
She'd deduced that much from a single bold claim.
"I'm acquainted with the owners. That's why I stepped in earlier."
I revealed only what needed revealing.
Lady Ophelia gave a deep smile.
"How did you come to know the owners of a place like this?"
Her voice was calm.
But her eyes were observing me.
Do I seem suspicious?
'Hmm, in cases like this...'
"I fell in love with the desserts they make and chased after them!"
I deliberately sparkled my eyes and raised my voice in excitement.
'A bright, innocent expression is best.'
At my beaming face, Lady Ophelia let out a hollow chuckle.
"Then let's order."
As if eager to see just how good it was.
"Is there anything you'd like in particular? If not, shall I choose?"
"If you're so confident, go ahead and pick."
"And for you, ma'am?"
I addressed Lady Ophelia's closest maid, who sat quietly beside her.
Surprised that I'd ask her too, she briefly showed a startled expression before smiling warmly.
"I'll have whatever the young lady chooses."
I was impressed that she didn't speak casually to me either.
As expected of Lady Ophelia's confidante.
"I'm Espin Samuel. Count Samuel is my father."
I even got her introduction.
"I'm Angela Miles. Count Miles is my husband."
And learned her name.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Countess Miles. Then, I'll place the order."
Since both were people I needed to impress, I acted with the brightest smile possible.
I called over a staff member and simply requested today's recommended menu.
"Weren't you going to pick yourself?"
Lady Ophelia looked at me with a hint of exasperation.
"The recommended menu is always the best."
I flashed a grin.
"You have such a cheeky side."
"You're quite bold for your age."
I smiled sheepishly at their exchange.
Then, I explained the earlier incident step by step.
How Pam had suddenly shown up and caused a scene.
How I couldn't let the baseless accusations slide, so I proposed a contest.
And how Mabel won, but the opponents refused to accept it, leading to the uproar.
I kept it as concise as possible.
"I see. That explains it..."
"So that's what happened."
Though they likely had a good guess already, they listened with keen interest.
And just as I finished, the desserts arrived.
"Today's special is our signature brownie. We've prepared peppermint tea, but would you prefer something else?"
"Just bring it."
"Oh! Brownie! This'll be delicious."
She'd chosen it even in the contest earlier—Bell must be brimming with confidence.
In fact, for the contest, I hadn't used the real signature brownie.
Marygold might copy it, so I'd only served plain brownie.
As the staff set the plates on the table, their eyes widened.
"Oh my, brownie topped with ice cream?"
Yes, exactly like that.
I'd taught May and Bell a recipe common in Korean cafes.
Warm brownie with a scoop of ice cream.
'Once they taste this, they'll never be satisfied with plain brownie again!'
"Won't it be too sweet?"
Angela seemed wary of sweet on sweet and hesitated to pick up her fork.
"No, it's really good. Please try it."
"Hmm, alright. Since we ordered it, I should at least taste it. You were so confident, so it must be good."
Only after my urging did Lady Ophelia pick up her fork first.
"You have to eat the ice cream and brownie together."
Seeing her about to taste just the brownie, I quickly advised her.
She paused briefly but followed my suggestion.
She scooped some ice cream and brownie and took a bite.
Then Lady Ophelia's eyes flew wide open.
Her face clearly showed her shock.
'It must taste different from what she expected.'
Watching her taste it like she'd discovered a new world, I secretly smiled.
* * *
Rumors spread fast in noble society.
Especially rumors involving high nobles—they spread incredibly fast.
Noble footsteps at Marygold came to a complete halt.
Word had spread far and wide that they'd fallen out of Lady Ophelia's favor.
There were still commoner customers, so the shop didn't go under overnight.
But sales dwindled day by day, and the apprentice bakers, fed up with Pam's tyranny, quit one after another, sending it further down the path of ruin. That's what I heard.
In contrast, Mabel was booming.
Especially after word spread of Lady Ophelia's visit—nobles flocked like clouds.
They peeked in constantly, hoping for a chance to catch a glimpse of her.
Fortunately, Lady Ophelia quite liked Mabel's desserts and visited often.
In other words, money was piling up.
Next time I saw her, I should bow deeply in thanks.
I was so happy I felt like I was floating.
It was during such days.
"M-Miss! Miss!"
Nanny screamed from the mansion's entrance.
"Nanny! What? What's wrong?"
Sensing something amiss, I rushed to the entrance.
And witnessed a shocking sight.
Luciano, covered in blood, was stepping down from the carriage.
Spotting me frozen in place, Luciano spoke with a devastated expression, emotions tightly suppressed.
"Help me, please."
My heart plummeted.
