Chapter 105

“How is it?”

Evangelin’s voice hummed with expectation. As her soft tone tickled Anne’s ear, Anne quietly sipped something from her glass.

Tangy and sweet flavors burst across her tongue. The carbonation danced refreshingly, leaving a subtle crispness that lingered in her mouth.

“Mmm… delicious!”

“Thank goodness.”

“Of course! Our Ebi is the best, as always!”

Anne eagerly took another sip. The drink was even better because it was so refreshing.

“What’s this called?”

“Hmm… it says here it’s called a ‘mojito.'”

“So refreshing! I’ll take another please!”

“In that case, next time I’ll make you one with alcohol.”

“Maybe… but let’s wait until Minho comes back and have one together.”

“Sounds good.”

Alcohol-free mojito: A citrusy and minty explosion of flavor, perfectly balanced with a fizzy kick that leaves your mouth tingling. That first icy sip sets off a wave of invigorating freshness.

Lately, Evangelin had taken up a new hobby – experimenting with recipes and making them her own.

And right here in front of her was her perfect guinea pig…

Anne.

Watching her happily drink and smile made Evangelin grin too. While Minho’s compliments always made her happiest, Anne’s approval was just as satisfying. After all, a cook truly shines when someone enjoys their food.

“That was nice.”

“Agreed.”

As they sat across from each other at the table, enjoying the comfortable silence, Anne finally spoke up.

“Hey…”

“Hmm?”

“When did you start liking Minho?”

Anne’s playful grin brimmed with curiosity.

It was only natural for Evangelin to look flustered at the question.

“When…? Hmm…”

“I think I’ve liked him from the very beginning.”

Anne’s mischievous expression hinted at memories past.

That look brought back memories for Evangelin too – whispers of the handsome new neighbor.

“People kept talking about how attractive he was, so I snuck over to check him out myself.”

“Was that when you fell for him?”

“Well… I liked him, sure, but it wasn’t love at first sight. It grew on me gradually.”

“Ah, I see.”

“And what about you, Ebi? When did you start?”

“Hmm… probably after Jack showed interest in you and you two started hanging out. That’s when I started noticing things differently.”

“You’re such a good older sister sometimes.”

“That’s why I’m so happy now. This is the happiest I’ve ever been.”

Evangelin’s bright smile lit up the room. Even Anne paused, captivated by its beauty.

“You’ve really changed.”

“Huh?”

“Heh. Never mind.”

Anne looked away from Evangelin’s innocent gaze. How could anyone resist that charming smile? It didn’t matter if you were male or female – it was enchanting. Was this how Minho felt too?

“Miss Minho…”

Anne slouched on the table, muttering to herself. She knew he was busy, but not THIS busy.

He’d been skipping lunches lately and coming home late more often. A twinge of longing crept in, though it wasn’t sadness so much as simple desire to see him more often.

Just then, there was a knock at the door.

Not Minho – both women felt a faint disappointment. He wouldn’t knock like that.

Knock. Knock.

“Who’s there?”

“My lady, is the baron in?”

A deep, dignified voice. Evangelin recognized it immediately. It was Garim Gasmon, the noble who’d been doing business with Minho.

“He’s not here right now. Would you like to come in?”

Basic etiquette demanded they welcome guests properly, whether noble or commoner. She opened the door to greet their visitor.

“Thank you.”

The man entered with graceful, measured steps.

“Would you care for something while you wait?”

“If you don’t mind, Lady Baroness.”

“Of course.”

That title still brought her immense joy. Though she didn’t show it, Evangelin decided she liked this man. Calling her “Lady Baroness” was a good start.

“Please, come in.”

“Pleased to meet you, Lady Baroness.”

“Heehee, yes, that’s me.”

“The baron is truly blessed.”

Garim surveyed Anne thoughtfully. Unlike other noble children, her eyes sparkled with pure curiosity. Her beauty and charm rivaled any highborn lady’s.

To think someone like this lived in the countryside. The world truly was vast. And yet, these two seemed perfectly suited for each other – a fine-looking couple indeed.

A commoner who earned his nobility through talent married to a village girl. Without the “noble” label, it would be an ordinary story. But add that word, and everything changes. New nobles face expectations whether they want them or not. Especially at banquets where they must prove themselves among the old guard. Many end up isolated when they can’t keep up.

Baron Melone’s future intrigued Garim. Despite humble origins, he clearly possessed extraordinary ability. Even with the princess’s seal, many nobles would still look down on him. Looks alone wouldn’t be enough to win acceptance.

“Would you care for something?”

“I haven’t seen this drink before.”

“The baron created it. It’s called a mojito.”

“Ah.”

Citrusy tang combined with clear bubbles and fresh mint leaves made for a refreshing presentation. The lime slice floating in the glass added a pleasant aroma.

Without hesitation, Garim lifted the glass, condensation dripping down the sides. The first sip delivered a zesty tang followed by sweetness and crisp coolness that slid smoothly down his throat.

“Ah…”

The drink practically made you exhale in satisfaction.

“How do you find it?”

“Excellent drink.”

“Actually, it usually contains alcohol.”

“Does this one?”

“No, this is the non-alcoholic version.”

“I’ll have one with alcohol too, please.”

Garim drained the glass in one go. The flavor was impressive, gliding down effortlessly.

He’d known the baron was talented, but hadn’t realized that extended to culinary skills as well.

Garim’s smile deepened, mixing newfound interest with appreciation for discovering capable individuals.

“Here you go.”

“What’s this drink called again?”

“Mojito. Or more generally, a cocktail…”

“Cocktail… mojito…”

What a delightful name. One that suggested luxury, taste, and value.

He idly wondered if this could elevate Baron Melone from self-made noble to viscount or even count someday. The name itself was intriguing. Typically, a noble’s title reflects their defining achievement or specialty.

The rich liquor went down smoothly, maintaining its crisp sweetness. The effervescent bubbles were exquisite. Even the finish was refreshingly clean.

“Excellent.”

“Would you like to try something else?”

“What else do you have?”

“We have several cocktails made from melons and other farm produce.”

“Please bring them.”

“Gladly.”

Unexpected positive surprises tend to bring joy – something Garim had learned during his years serving directly under the royal palace.

With extensive experience and exposure to countless wonders, his threshold for pleasure had become quite high.

Which made this series of events all the more striking. What began as a visit to a seemingly confident farmer turned into something far more interesting. From leading agricultural trends to potentially revolutionizing noble dining culture with this “mojito” cocktail.

He was confident presenting it to the princess would earn high praise, having spent years understanding her tastes.

“This is a melon cocktail called Melon Martini.”

“Melon…”

Garim’s anticipation grew. What kind of drink could a farmer renowned for melons create?

“It’s a bit strong. Should I make a lighter version? Considering your schedule…”

“Hmph. Not necessary.”

Suggesting alternatives after already preparing it revealed some underlying pride. Garim noticed his competitive spirit rising. Offering a weaker version implied lack of confidence – something few men would accept.

Had it been intentional, it would have been a masterful jab within noble circles. But given their backgrounds, it was likely just coincidence.

He raised the green-tinged glass to his lips.

Sweet melon aroma gave way to a fiery alcoholic burn that warmed his mouth and lips pleasantly. The finish was crisp and refreshing, leaving no unpleasant aftertaste – just sweet and tangy notes.

While stronger than the previous drink, it was still quite enjoyable. The earlier version appealed more to women, while this one would satisfy male drinkers too. High-proof spirits often proved popular at noble gatherings where pride was at stake.

“Very good.”

“I’m glad.”

Blending ingredients and finding perfect combinations requires skill. Who could dislike someone who enhances life’s pleasures through food and drink?

If someone gained enough power to deny others these culinary delights forever…

Could they continue innovating without opposition?

Lost in such idle musings, Garim wiped his mouth neatly. It was an excellent drink. Despite being unusual for him to focus on flavor so much, this cocktail truly tempted him to keep drinking indefinitely.

Do these ladies indulge in such gourmet pleasures daily? Did they snag a great man, or does a great man naturally attract great women? Hard to say which came first. Relationships remain mysterious like that.

Just then, movement near the door caught his attention. There stood the confident young man himself – Baron Melone, Minho.

“You’ve arrived.”

“Ah, you were waiting.”

“I’ve been enjoying myself.”

Raising his glass of Melon Martini, Garim waited to see if Minho would recognize it.

“Oh, you’re drinking cocktails?”

“Yes, quite excellent ones.”

“Ah, you’re trying my Melon Martinis. Sweet and tasty, aren’t they?”

“Yes, so much so that I’d consider selling them.”

“Our recipes and ingredients are available for sale. To trusted partners only, of course.”

“Which surely includes the royal family?”

“Of course. If we can’t trust the royal family, who can we trust?”

What an impressive man. Everything seemed calculated.

Or perhaps the product’s quality naturally inspired such thoughts. The prospect of a new trendsetter in noble circles couldn’t be ignored, especially since drinks and banquets went hand-in-hand.

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