The Astoria estate kitchen was in chaos. Pots clattered, flour coated every surface, and Thalia stood in the middle of the mess, her hair dusted with sugar and her face streaked with cocoa powder. The maids hovered nearby, their worried expressions growing as they watched her tackle the unfamiliar recipes with both determination and enthusiasm.
"Lady Thalia, are you certain about this?" one maid asked, clutching her apron nervously. "We could fetch a baker for you..."
"No need!" Thalia said, waving her hand dismissively as she vigorously whisked a bowl of cream. "I've got this. Besides, I need to get these recipes just right. No one knows what cheesecake or lattes should taste like in this world!"
The maids exchanged uncertain glances but didn't dare intervene as Thalia moved from one task to the next. Her notebook, filled with scribbled recipes and sketches, lay open on the counter, guiding her every step.
After hours of trial and error—complete with burnt crusts and spilled milk—Thalia finally stepped back, a triumphant smile on her face. Before her were three perfect cheesecakes, their creamy tops golden and smooth, and a row of steaming cups filled with freshly brewed lattes.
She turned to the maids, her hands on her hips. "All right, everyone. Time to taste!"
The maids hesitated, then each took a slice of cheesecake and a cup of latte. Their expressions shifted from doubt to pure delight as they took their first bites.
"This is... incredible!" one of them exclaimed, her eyes wide.
"It's so creamy and rich, but not overly sweet!" another added, savoring the taste.
"And this drink!" The head maid held up her latte. "It's smooth, with just the right amount of bitterness and sweetness. What do you call it?"
Thalia grinned. "It's a latte. And that's a cheesecake. Together, they're going to change how people think about desserts."
The maids nodded eagerly, already imagining the reaction these treats would garner in the market.
Later that evening, Thalia sat in the study with Alan, her notebook open on the table between them. Alan adjusted his glasses as he skimmed her notes, his usually calm demeanor showing a flicker of excitement.
"This plan has potential," he said, looking up at her. "But starting a bakery from scratch would require significant investment—more than we can afford at the moment."
Thalia leaned back in her chair, tapping her pen against her chin. "Then we won't start from scratch. We'll buy an existing bakery. One that's struggling but has good infrastructure. That way, we save on costs and can focus on improving the product and branding."
Alan nodded, clearly impressed by her foresight. "That's a sound strategy. I can begin scouting for potential bakeries tomorrow."
Thalia smiled. "Thank you, Alan. This plan needs to work. If we succeed, it'll not only bring in steady income but also solidify our family's presence in the market."
Alan offered her a rare smile in return. "With your creativity and determination, Lady Thalia, I have no doubt it will."
As Thalia closed her notebook for the night, she felt a surge of excitement. The cheesecake and latte were just the beginning. She was ready to bring a taste of her previous world to this one—and she wouldn't stop until everyone knew the name Astoria.