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Because of me?
I looked at him, wondering what he meant, and he cautiously opened his mouth.
“Even if a space looks grand and rigid at first glance, somehow the atmosphere feels more balanced because Your Grace is here. How should I put this…”
“You mean my bright presence softens the mood?”
“Yes, that’s it. Exactly. The energy that spreads around from Your Grace feels bright and warm.”
“Uh… really? I don’t know about that…”
So he was saying that I gave off a bright and warm vibe? Was that true?
Honestly, I wasn’t sure. If I looked at myself objectively, maybe I gave off a calm aura, but I didn’t think I looked particularly bright or warm.
Even if I were here, would my presence really affect such a huge mansion? It just didn’t seem likely—it was such a massive place.
As I looked at him with an expression of disbelief, Sub-Baron Evit seemed to realize his mistake and quickly added,
“I apologize! I must have said something strange to Your Grace.”
“No, it’s okay. Hmm, I’ll just take it as a compliment. It was a compliment, right?”
“Yes, of course.”
I smiled slightly as he nodded resolutely.
Well, he meant that I came across as a bright person, so it was a compliment.
He didn’t mean anything bad, so I decided to let it slide.
After exchanging brief greetings, I sipped the tea my maid had brought and got down to business.
Today, I had prepared the flower tea I bought last time in Chinadellie. Fortunately, it seemed to be to his liking, as Sub-Baron Evit looked pleased.
Watching him savor the scent of the tea, he really did seem to love it.
Holding the small teacup with his large hands, a light blush on his face—it was cute, and I almost laughed out loud.
After taking a few sips, he carefully set the teacup down, and I asked,
“Does it suit your taste? You developed this tea, so you must be used to it, but I brewed it my own way.”
“It’s truly delicious. I think your method might actually taste better than mine.”
“Oh, come on. There’s no way it beats the original developer’s version. When I had it at your café before, I really enjoyed it.”
“Did you purchase this flower tea then? I wasn’t prepared enough. When I received the message from Your Grace about the reservation, I was so surprised that I lost my composure. I wanted to prepare a gift for you both.”
Seeing his regretful expression, I shook my head and said,
“No, I didn’t want to burden you like that. I think Lucious would’ve wanted a quiet visit, too. In that sense, your discretion was appreciated. And since this is such a good product, I think it’s only right that I purchase it myself. Even if a new branch opens, I’d still like to go buy it in person.”
“…Thank you.”
He bowed slightly, looking shy. His voice, now slightly choked, drew a proud smile from the noblewoman beside him.
After chatting in a relaxed mood for a while, and once the atmosphere had warmed up, I glanced at Warren.
He approached with the contract he had been holding in standby and handed it to me.
“I’ve prepared a draft of the contract. Would you like to review it?”
“Ah, before that, there’s something I’ve been meaning to ask.”
“What is it?”
“Why… did you decide to invest in me?”
He asked hesitantly, looking at me again with nervous eyes. The noblewoman beside him also looked at me curiously.
Meeting both of their gazes, I smiled and answered.
“I saw potential. It felt like a waste to leave it alone. The product had high value and seemed to be trending, so I thought—why not try investing?”
“Thank you for your high praise. But if it’s such a promising product, there must be other businesses already guaranteeing high returns. Why choose my small venture, which is just starting out? And as you know, I’m merely a sub-baron. Surely others of higher status would welcome Your Grace’s investment…”
“They’re already doing well enough without me. But it’s different for you.
Depending on the level of support, the scale of your business can grow tremendously.
I want to invest where help is truly needed.”
There were plenty of counts, marquises, and even dukes running businesses.
But their ventures were already in a stable phase, with high profits. They’d welcome my investment, but that’d be the end of it.
Sure, if I matched their ambition, I could make big profits too—but that didn’t appeal to me.
For commoners, investment was about relief and fostering talent.
For nobles, I hoped it would lessen the stark class divide even in business and quell some of the inevitable discontent.
Isn’t it more rewarding to watch something grow slowly and thrive, rather than simply admiring a finished product?
“Your café business met those conditions. And when I heard you were planning to expand, I thought it was the perfect timing.”
“I’ve been thinking about opening new branches ever since I opened the first café after gaining independence.
But I couldn’t cover the expansion costs with my own funds.
I looked into many investment opportunities, but none accepted me due to my status.”
“I see…”
“I was wondering what to do when my sister told me about Your Grace’s offer.
It was so unbelievable that I thought it must be a dream.
But then a few days ago, I received a direct message from His Grace, and realized it was real.”
“It’s not a lie. See? I even brought a contract. Want me to show you more proof?
There are several reasons and conditions that made me decide, but actually, there’s one most important reason.”
“What is it?”
“I really, really love the flower tea you created. I drink it three times a day, without fail.
Everyone here knows how much I enjoy it.”
I glanced at Warren and the maids, and they all nodded enthusiastically, affirming my words.
It was absolutely true—I drank it every day after breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
The stash I bought back then was running low.
I hope the new branch opens soon. If the first one opens in the capital, I’ll be there on opening day to buy a ton.
As I raised the teacup confidently, he looked stunned—then burst out laughing.
My sincerity must have reached him, because he gave a bright smile and said,
“Understood. If you say that much, I can’t help but believe you.
To be honest, I just wanted to know Your Grace’s real reason for investing.
I’m sorry if I overstepped.”
“Not at all. It’s natural to be curious. You’d feel more comfortable if you knew the reason clearly.”
“Thank you for understanding.”
“Of course. Now, shall we proceed with the contract?”
Since his doubts were cleared, the contract process went smoothly.
As he read it carefully, he suddenly looked puzzled and asked,
“You’re using an alias? ‘Anas Won.’ That’s quite a unique name.”
“I figured using my real name would cause unnecessary trouble. I plan to use an alias for now. I tried to make it sound a bit special—does it sound weird?”
“Not at all. It’s unusual, but it has a nice ring to it.
It sounds foreign—like it’s from outside the Empire. It could be a good cover.”
“Oh, that’s true. People might assume I’m not from the Empire. That would help conceal my identity.”
I didn’t know if such a name existed elsewhere, but it definitely didn’t sound like a native Imperial name, so it was probably for the best.
Maybe my identity wouldn’t be revealed for a while longer than expected.
“You’re offering full support for the branch expansion, 40% equity, and an 80:20 profit share per branch?”
“That’s right.”
“Pardon me, but… isn’t that too generous?
You’re basically covering all future costs, and Your Grace is receiving only a small share.”
“Is that so? Then what terms would you be comfortable with?”
“How about 50% equity and a 70:30 profit split?”
“Hmm… Let’s go with 45% equity and an 80:20 profit split.
But you must leave management rights untouched.
Since this is my first investment, I want to be generous.
I thought it through, so don’t worry and accept it.”
After thinking for a moment, he nodded.
“Understood. I feel a bit guilty for receiving so much.”
“There’s nothing to feel guilty about. I want to do this.
Ah, if I may add one condition—
I’d like the first branch to open in the capital. That way, I can be the first customer on opening day and buy lots of your products.”
“Haha. Understood. I’ll put Your Grace on the VIP customer list.”
“Please do.”
I smiled back at him as he laughed in delight.
After finishing the contract, we spent the rest of our time chatting pleasantly.
While sipping a new batch of flower tea, he suddenly stared at the teacup and said,
“This teacup is really beautiful.
It’s unique, yet has a captivating charm.”
“Isn’t it? It’s my favorite teacup.”
“May I ask where it’s from?”
“It’s a product from Count Werner’s household.
I received it as a gift from Lady Werner. She said it would be released as a new product soon, so you should be able to get one.”
“I see. Are the other dishes also from the count’s new line?”
“Yes.”
I had received the teacups and dishes from Angelica recently, and I thought they’d pair well with flower tea, so I brought them out.
They were so pretty and unique that they really stood out. I felt proud of my choice.
As he studied the teacups and dishes, he admired them again and again.
“They’re so delicate and detailed. Yet functional as products.
These teacups especially go perfectly with flower tea.”
“Right? They work well for black tea, too, but flower tea suits them even more.
I think it’s because the materials and design are a bit different.”
“…I’d love to use these cups and dishes at my café as well.”
“Oh, that’s a great idea.”
I nodded in agreement. They would indeed be perfect, especially for Café Roland’s atmosphere.
“You said they’ll be released soon? I’d love to make a bulk purchase to match the opening of the new branch.”
“I’ll contact Lady Werner for you.
It’s best to reserve early for bulk orders.”
“Thank you. Please let me know once you hear from her.
I’d like to visit the Werner family personally to make the request.”
“Alright.”
I nodded, seeing how earnest he was.
He really seemed to love them. And now I had another reason to contact Angelica.
It felt nice to be able to help her again.
“Come to think of it… Lady Werner, isn’t she…”
Baroness Garnett, who had been admiring the teacup beside Sub-Baron Evit, cautiously spoke up.
“She’s rumored to be His Majesty’s lover, isn’t she?”
“What? Is that true?”
“Ah…”
The sub-baron looked at her, shocked.
So they’d heard the rumors, too. It must really be spreading now.
I sighed inwardly and was about to say I already knew, but then she dropped another bomb.
“They say they’ll be getting engaged soon.”
“…What?”
Wait, engaged now?
