It has been a few months since we opened our shop, the good thing about it, besides of making steady money, is the flux of information that goes through our shop.
I got to learn that Ceaser and the Prince went together with the knights fight the rebels in the south.
At first I thought something was completely wrong since in the book that didn't happen.
As the information came and good news as well, it seems they managed to avoid being trapped at the golden bridge, and they arrived the village, helping the soldiers there fight the rebels. The battle had taken quite a while for it to settle.
But eventually, the rebels were defeated. The knights praised Ceaser and the Prince for their bravery and leadership in the battle.
As the news spread, people started coming to our shop to hear more about what has been happening.They were eager to discuss the details and share their own opinions on the matter. It was fascinating to see how a single event could ignite such passion and intrigue among the people.
Not only did our shop become a hub for information, but it also became a place of storytelling. People would gather around, sipping their drinks, and recounting their own versions of the battle. Some had heard rumors of secret alliances, while others believed that the rebels were more formidable than anticipated.
These conversations sparked my curiosity, and I found myself engaging in discussions with our customers. I would listen to their theories and perspectives, sometimes even sharing my own interpretation of the events, sometimes ditching clues out of the novel.
In addition to the excitement and knowledge, the steady influx of customers brought financial stability to our shop. We were able to expand our inventory and provide better services to our patrons. It was fulfilling to see our efforts paying off and our business flourishing.
But amidst all the stories and profits, I couldn't help but wonder about these events. How afar had storyline astray from the original? What were going to be the consequences?
As much as I enjoyed the victory, I knew that something bad was yet to come, the worst part was the unknown side of it.
Noble women had their own way for exchanging information, news and gossip, that was through tea parties.
One could not dismiss the importance of such events.
As I was cleaning up the shop with mother and Kira. Everything was getting set up and prepared for the next day, a woman in a maid uniform arrived at our shop.
"Hello." She said entering in her hand she had a little girl.
I recognised her almost immediately it was little Mary, she had been working so hard we hadn't seen her.
"Hello. " I replied to the woman. " Hello Mary, how are you." I said smiling at her.
" I came today with my mother. "
"My Mary told me about your cupcakes that they were incredible. I have only tasted recently they are indeed delightful.
First and foremost I want to thank you for what you did for my daughter that day. " She really did looked grateful, I was glad.
"You don't have to thank us, Mary, helped us as well." She looked around doubting my words.
" I would like to repay your kindness, I have told my Lady that you have the greatest cupcakes in the kingdom, she became curious and wanted to try. Sending me here to make an order to buy 50 cupcakes. She's willing to pay 450 pins for each cupcake."
Everyone's eyes lit up, when they heard the price. They could not believe what someone was willing to pay for the cupcakes.
" I am sorry, first we have no more cupcakes for today, but with an arrangement can deliever it tomorrow.
Secondly our cupcakes have a fixed price listing.
90 pins for simple cupcakes, and 200 for cupcakes with filling."
The family was in shock by Rahua rejection. It was a golden opportunity, but still they didn't interject the conversation.
"Ohh I, I'm sorry, didn't mean to offend you..."
" No need to apologise, shall we make the arrangements for the order?" She nodded and smiled gently at me.
Excited by the opportunity to cater for a noble tea party, I immediately took note of the request and promised the maid that I would personally ensure the delivery of our cupcakes for the event.
After she left Kira asked me why I rejected there offer.
How could I explain this, "You see Kira, it was tempting for sure, however letting the client make the prices it would only make our product either harder for us to sell in a fair pricing or to easy.
Other nobles would try to either cheapen it, try to get good deals out of it , others would try to make it a status symbol. Not to mention, if word got out that we were willing to let someone dictate the price, it could undermine our credibility and reputation as a business.
It's important for us to uphold the value of our products and not compromise on that. Plus, we have our own fixed pricing system that is fair and reasonable for both us and our customers."
Kira nodded, understanding the reasoning behind my decision. We both knew that while the offer may have seemed tempting, it was important to maintain the integrity of our business and the value of our products. We were confident in our cupcakes and believed that they would continue to attract customers based on their quality, not just the price someone was willing to pay.
As we continued cleaning up the shop, I couldn't help but feel proud of that decision, I really wanted to take upon that offer, but I knew it could lead to a few problems in the future.
The next day, I began preparing for this special order, meticulously crafting a selection of delectable cupcakes in various flavors and elegant designs. I wanted to make sure that our treats would be befitting of the noble guests and enhance the prestige of the tea party.
As word spread about our cupcakes being requested for a noble gathering, our shop saw an increase in customers interested in our baked goods. People were eager to try the very same treats that had caught the attention of the esteemed lady hosting the tea party.
Understandably, I felt a surge of pride and motivation. This opportunity not only brought in additional business but also gave us a chance to showcase our skills and culinary expertise to a wider audience.
For the tea party, I personally packaged and delivered the cupcakes to the noble lady's residence. As I entered the grand estate, I couldn't help but marvel at the opulence and elegance of the surroundings, I could go blind and not care.
The noble lady graciously received me, expressing her excitement to present our cupcakes to her guests. She admired the delicate decorations and the mouthwatering aromas that emanated from each box.
Before leaving the state I went with the maid to the kitchen and left a box there.
"In case you want to try it too, and please share with other maids so they can, share with other ladies our wonderful cupcakes."
As I left I saw Lady Camelia, and Lady Bianca arriving, they looked stunning as always, I really wish I was a fly to see what will unfold here.
As I was leaving I called upon a maid girl, she was probably Kira's age, very young. I asked her keep me to informed if anything happened, any incent.
The young maid girl looked at me with wide eyes as I handed her the silver coin. She seemed both surprised and excited by the offer. I could see a mix of curiosity and anticipation in her expression as she realized the opportunity that lay before her.
I leaned in closer, ensuring that our conversation remained private. "Remember, my dear, if you come across any interesting information or happenings during the today's gathering, meet me discreetly at the shop and share the details. I will reward you generously for your efforts," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.
Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she nodded enthusiastically. It was clear that she was eager to please and fulfill the role of a spy, even if it was a temporary one.
With a mischievous grin, I gave her a small wink before turning to leave. I could already envision the possibilities that lay ahead with this young maid acting as my eyes and ears within this tea party.
I giggled and left.
Outside I saw the carriages arriving, one of them I saw a beautiful young lady exiting the carriage, she had her blond hair cascading down her back, her dress was luxurious without even trying she was astonishing.
Ohh that must be Vilahna Cramer, she was villanese from the novel, she was deeply or maybe obsessively in love with Marquess Ceaser.
She had been described as breathtakingly beautiful in the book, and it was clear that her appearance lived up to the description.
As I walked away, I couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation, eager to hear what would happen today, what role would Lady Vilahna play if any drama happened.
I really wanted to be a fly just to see how everything goes.
*
Word soon reached our shop that the cupcakes were a resounding success.
The noble guests were delighted by the flavors, presentation, and attention to detail. The noble lady herself was effusive in her praise, expressing her gratitude for our contribution to the success of her tea party.
After that a flood of requests come down after the tea party, with many of the guests wanting to order cupcakes for their own events and gatherings.
After a few days, the young maid appeared at the shop, her small body trembling as she used a cloak to approach the me trying to seem secretive. I watched as she slowly walk inside the store, filled with customers, she looked more suspicious with the cloak on that without it. She probably had some juicy gossip about the party.
I quickly signaled for the young maid to follow me to a secluded area of the shop where we could speak in private. Her trembling hands and nervous demeanor indicated that she had something important to share.
Once we were alone, I took a moment to reassure her. "Thank you for coming, my dear. You've done well. Now, tell me what you had happened."
She took a deep breath, as if gathering her thoughts, and then began to share the details of what she had witnessed at the party. Her voice was hushed, filled with excitement and apprehension as she spilled the secrets she had gathered.
"There was a moment during the party, hidden away in the garden, where Lady Cramer met with a mysterious gentleman," she whispered. "They spoke in hushed tones, I couldn't hear their conversation, but their gestures were filled with urgency and secrecy."
I listened intently, realizing that this encounter could hold the key of an important event, but since I wasn't in a reader stand of view, knowing all sides of the story, I couldn't know to which extend, this encounter between Lady Vilahna and the mysterious man, would affect the story.
The young maid continued, her voice barely above a whisper. Bringing my attention back to her.
"After their meeting, Vilahna seemed even more determined, as if she had gained a new ally or acquired valuable information. She carried herself with a different type of confidence, and her actions became even more calculated. It was as if this encounter had fueled her ambitions, whatever they may be."
Her revelations left me intrigued and curious about the identity of the mysterious gentleman and the nature of their conversation. Vilahna's actions seemed more complex and enigmatic than I had initially thought.
As I thanked the young maid for her valuable information, I reached into my pocket and handed her a small pouch of coins. "You've done exceptionally well, my dear. If end up finding something more, please come find me."
Filled with excitement, the young maid bid me farewell and left the shop.
As I watched leave our backstreet alley and disappear into the bustling streets, I couldn't help but wonder how this information would impact the storyline.