“Aren’t you two getting tired of me constantly pushing investment proposals?”
Since I needed May’s help for this too, I deliberately used the term “you two.”
“Yes.”
“Of course.”
But these people—they answered way too quickly.
May and Belle replied without a hint of hesitation, wounding my fragile heart.
Barely composing my hurt feelings, I brought up what I wanted to say.
“Then let’s make a bet.”
“A bet?”
May and Belle looked at me with puzzled expressions.
“If you two win the bet, I won’t bring up investments anymore.”
To draw someone in, you have to offer what they want.
May, who had briefly looked tempted, narrowed her eyes and stared at me.
“And if we lose, we have to accept the investment?”
“Exactly. It’s a bet, after all.”
The two exchanged glances.
They seemed to be seriously debating whether to accept or not—I must have been quite the nuisance.
That’s harsh.
“What kind of bet?”
They’d taken the bait.
Suppressing a rising smile, I said calmly,
“You know Apple’s Day is in a week, right?”
“Of course. Is there anyone who doesn’t?”
Apple’s Day was a unique event here.
On the last day of each month, people reflected on things they were sorry for that month and apologized to those involved—literally, with apples.
Conversely, mid-month was Gratitude Day.
Both days felt a bit cheesy, but I thought they were fun and meaningful.
Luciano and I occasionally used these days to vent built-up emotions.
Anyway, on Apple’s Day, it was customary to give a small gift along with an apple.
So, a market selling simple cookies, accessories, flowers, and such opened in the central square.
“On that day, you two will sell the desserts you’ve made. If you sell a reasonable amount, I win; if not, I lose.”
“What do you mean by a reasonable amount?”
May asked quite sharply.
Both seemed tense just thinking about selling.
“A hundred!”
I declared with a triumphant expression.
Their eyes widened in shock at the unexpected number.
But in my mind, it wasn’t unreasonable.
With this flavor, and my advice added in, they’d definitely sell.
If I’d set the number too low, they wouldn’t be convinced.
So, I boldly called out a big figure.
“If you sell all hundred desserts in one day, you’ll accept my investment. How about it?”
If my enthusiasm wasn’t enough, showing real results would do the trick.
“Let us talk it over for a moment.”
May, who had been pondering the bold number with a surprised look, said this a beat late.
“Take your time.”
I figured it might be hard to accept right away, so I encouraged them.
The two put some distance between us.
Then they huddled together and began whispering.
But one thing that had puzzled me from the start was May’s attitude.
Belle might not want to open a shop because of her emotional scars.
‘But why is May against it?’
Just then, as if they’d finished discussing, the two turned back to me with resolute expressions.
They approached and said in firm voices,
“Fine. Let’s do it.”
“And if you lose, you’ll give up cleanly?”
They had accepted the bet.
“Of course, it’s only fair to graciously accept the outcome of a bet. But you two have to give it your all. Half-hearted effort would be cheating, you know?”
“Naturally. Oh, and if we don’t sell all we’ve prepared, you’ll have to buy the leftovers, Miss. We need to at least cover our ingredient costs.”
May quickly stepped in, determined not to take a loss.
I already had the feeling she could run a business just fine without me.
“Alright. The bet’s on.”
Since Apple’s Day was fast approaching, we got busy.
We checked if just anyone could sell at the market and learned we needed to apply in advance, so we hurried to register.
“Cookies might be better, don’t you think?”
“Selling in pieces, like brownies, could work well too.”
“I’ve got an idea—want to try making it?”
We selected the menu.
“Is this flavor about right?”
“Hmm, something’s missing…”
“It could use more tartness.”
We practiced the recipes.
“Since it’s for gifting, packaging is important.”
“Should we keep the price low?”
“It’s also key to make a decent profit.”
We spent a hectic week preparing this and that.
Time flew, and the awaited Apple’s Day arrived.
“What if they don’t sell! I’m doomed.”
“The spot—the spot’s terrible too.”
“Is it that bad?”
“Yeah. It’s way in the corner.”
Belle and May muttered gravely, their faces pale with worry.
They had arrived early at the market in the capital’s central square.
As May said, our spot was a bit tucked away in the corner, not ideal.
That was unavoidable since our application was late.
Still, I was brimming with confidence.
“Why worry so much? They’ll sell great, I tell you!”
“How can we not worry! If people say they’re awful, I won’t be able to handle it!”
Belle voiced her anxiety.
“I’ve tasted them! There’s no way anyone could call them bad!”
“If they don’t sell, the loss…”
May trembled her feet in concern.
“If they don’t sell, I’ll buy all the leftovers, like I said!”
Really, I get Belle, but why is May acting like this too?
Their fidgeting made even me start to feel uneasy.
“Come on, stop fretting and let’s get selling! You brought everything prepared, right?”
“Yes, yes.”
Still anxious, they unpacked the products they’d prepared.
As they stacked them neatly on the stall.
“Oh my, how cute. Is this a macaron?”
Another vendor setting up nearby struck up a conversation.
A reaction already.
Seeing that, I grinned inwardly.
“Yes? Yes.”
May replied, a bit dazed.
“Give me one. How did you come up with this? It’s so adorable—I have to buy it before they’re all gone.”
“Huh?”
“How much? I’m curious about the taste.”
May and Belle were stunned.
From their expressions, they hadn’t expected to sell so soon, so I stepped in, unable to watch any longer.
“One copper coin each! How many would you like?”
“Two, please. I’ll taste them and decide if I want more.”
“They’re delicious. You’ll regret getting just two once you try them, so hurry and taste. If you’re late, they’ll all be sold out!”
“Ho ho ho, I’ll try them right away.”
After completing the first sale, I placed the two copper coins in May’s hand.
The two wore blank expressions.
“How did it sell so fast…”
“It really sold…”
“I told you they’d sell well!”
It was inevitable.
I’d planned the menu with that in mind!
When they were debating what to sell, I’d suggested macarons.
And the flavor and design too.
Bright yellow macarons with eyes and mouths drawn on to make expressive chick faces—chick macarons.
This world had plenty of fancy desserts.
There were many pretty and appetizing shapes, but no character designs like this.
It would capture people’s attention in an instant.
‘And it’s cute, perfect for softening someone up when apologizing!’
Sales strategy was crucial too.
As I’d predicted, people paused one by one, asking about the macarons.
“Oh my, what is this?”
“It’s a macaron. Edible, of course.”
“Wow, so cute. Mom, buy me this!”
“It’s tasty too.”
“One, please.”
And some of those inquiries led straight to purchases.
As the macarons sold one by one, confidence bloomed on May and Belle’s faces.
“They’re delicious. One won’t be enough.”
“So cute, it’ll melt away the recipient’s grudge on Apple’s Day.”
Watching them dive into active selling, I smiled with satisfaction.
The bet’s outcome was clear even before the market ended.
‘Once they’ve tasted sales like this, there’s no way they’ll settle for just a hobby.’
From one side, I contentedly watched the two at work.
“Miss.”
Billy, standing guard beside me, called out.
“Yeah?”
“Aren’t you going to look around at other things?”
It wasn’t like Billy to ask first.
Ah, maybe!
“You have someone to apologize to!”
“…Yes.”
At Billy’s caught expression, I giggled.
I considered asking who and what the offense was, but decided against it.
I wanted to watch May and Belle selling.
But I couldn’t ignore Billy’s request either.
“I’ll behave and stay put, so you can go alone.”
“No can do.”
Billy’s face turned serious.
“…”
His intensity soured my mood a bit.
“…The Count would scold me.”
The belated addition somehow lacked conviction.
‘Billy, you too…’
Do I really have that little credit…?
I thought I’d been pretty well-behaved.
If I didn’t go along, Billy probably wouldn’t budge to buy his gift.
I glanced at May and Belle.
People kept showing interest in the chick macarons, keeping them too busy to notice.
‘A quick trip shouldn’t be a problem.’
“What are you getting?”
I extended my hand toward Billy.
Only then did he relax his expression and take it.
We strolled around, browsing for a gift.
“I’m having trouble deciding.”
“Something edible?”
“Food might not…”
“How about flowers? Those gerberas are pretty.”
“I don’t think she’d like flowers either.”
Who on earth is this person that he’s choosing so carefully?
After wandering for a while, we stopped at an accessory stall.
“Shall we look here?”
“Sure.”
Watching Billy’s eyes scan the accessories, I got a hunch.
It’s a woman!
Billy’s in a relationship!
My whole body itched to tease him, but he was picking so seriously that I held back.
‘I’ll tease him once he chooses.’
My mouth tingled with anticipation to start soon.
Billy was deliberating between a pretty hair tie and a necklace.
While he chose, I played detective Espin.
Billy stays in the staff quarters at our estate.
Plus, he’s usually with me most of the time.
So, the person must be at our estate!
‘A single woman around Billy’s age…’
Celly from the kitchen?
Gina, one of Mother’s attendants?
Laura, the gardener?
As I honed my detective instincts.
A massive shadow loomed beside me.
The oppressive approach made me flinch, and turning, I saw a huge person standing there.
Someone so tall I had to crane my neck way back.
‘Did a bear come down from the mountains?’
My mouth fell open in awe.
