Chapter : 33
The Bachelor Pays a Visit to the Count’s Estate
“Done.”
Two weeks after receiving the production request from the Blend Count family,
I finally completed a coffee mill I could be satisfied with.
On my desk sat five manual mills and five automatic ones.
Following Rondel’s advice, I not only changed the blade material, but also created several blade shapes — even making it possible for users to customize them to their liking.
Each blade had its strengths and weaknesses, but that would be up to the user’s preference.
For the durability tests, I had Tristan compile the data, and it was proven that they were sufficiently sturdy.
Even Rondel, a professional when it came to coffee, gave his seal of approval.
The manual and automatic mills on my desk were undoubtedly products ready for the world to see.
“Finally, we’re free from coffee…”
Tristan groaned, slumping forward on the desk.
I’d had him grind coffee beans countless times and taste every batch for testing.
By now, he was probably sick of the smell of coffee — even the sound of the mill grinding must have become unbearable to him.
“You both really worked hard! I’m proud of you!”
“As requested, both the manual and automatic mills are done. I’ll leave the delivery to you.”
Having finished my work, I began tidying my desk, ready to head home early.
But then Rouge stepped in and blocked my way.
“What are you talking about? You’re the one who got this commission, remember? How can the person in charge of sales not go himself?”
“No, I didn’t get the commission — they just sent the request on their own—”
“If the request was made directly to you, then of course you should be the one to deliver it! Besides, wouldn’t it be rude for the head of the workshop not to show his face at the Blend estate? Are you seriously planning to send just me — a mere commoner and lowly employee — on my own!?”
Rouge’s face was unusually serious.
Her expression made it clear that going home was not an option.
It was true that I had personally received the request from Noid.
Even if I were to have him take the delivery, it would indeed be rude not to show my face myself.
And in any case, sending Rouge alone to handle a noble like this would be too much for her.
“…Fine. I’ll go too.”
“That’s better.”
Rouge nodded in satisfaction.
●
After completing the mills, I accompanied Rouge to the Blend family estate, located in the northern district of the royal capital.
Since we had informed them in advance of our visit, the gatekeeper guided us inside the premises without delay.
Before us stretched a vast garden where seasonal flowers were in bloom.
Everything was immaculately maintained — even the grass was perfectly manicured.
At the center was a fountain, creating a comfortable, tranquil space as if separated from the bustle of the capital.
Beyond it stood a large mansion built in a dark brown tone.
“…As expected of the Blend family’s estate. It’s enormous,” Rouge murmured, impressed.
It was probably her first time seeing a mansion of this scale.
“This is just their secondary residence. The main estate on their territory is supposed to be even larger.”
“Even larger? That’s incredible.”
I hadn’t seen it myself, but there was no way a household of count-level prestige — nearly equal to a marquis — would have a residence smaller than this.
Hearing that, Rouge’s eyes went distant for a moment.
I suppose the sheer difference in scale between her world and that of the nobility was too much to even process.
Money truly gathers where it already exists — that’s something one deeply feels when stepping into the nobles’ world.
We passed through the broad garden, and as we reached the front of the mansion, the gatekeeper knocked on the door.
A short while later, Noid appeared.
Instead of his usual three-piece suit, he was dressed in a butler’s tailcoat today.
While casual clothes suited him, the crisp butler uniform fit him just as well.
“Welcome, Mr. Jilk. And—”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Rouge, in charge of sales for Jilk’s Workshop.”
“How very polite of you. I am Noid, butler to the Blend family.”
As Noid’s gaze moved toward her, Rouge quickly put on a professional smile and greeted him.
To change her expression that smoothly in an instant — that’s true salesman instinct.
“Standing around talking here isn’t ideal. Please, allow me to guide you to the reception room.”
After the customary exchange of greetings, we followed Noid into the mansion.
The first thing to greet us was a sunlit, open foyer.
Light poured in through the high windows above, making the entrance look bright and welcoming.
The portraits and paintings hanging on the walls matched the soft, elegant atmosphere of the interior — tasteful and calm.
Some noble houses flaunted gaudy chandeliers and gilded furnishings the moment you stepped in, but compared to those, this one felt refined and composed.
One can tell much about a household’s master from their home’s interior.
At the very least, the owner here didn’t seem to be the kind of flashy noble I had little patience for.
“This way, please.”
Following behind Noid down the hall, we were led into a reception room.
“Alright then, let’s deliver the mills you ordered.”
“Please wait a moment. My master, Lord Albert, has expressed a strong desire to meet you in person, Mr. Jilk. May I invite him in?”
“No.”
The instant I refused, Rouge smacked my thigh with a smack! from beside me.
When I turned to look, she was smiling — but the kind of smile that radiated an unmistakably dangerous aura.
Yeah, she was really angry.
Knowing how troublesome it was to deal with her when she got like this, I decided not to push it any further.
“…Just kidding. I was about to say I’d be glad to meet him.”
“Thank you very much. Then, please wait a moment.”
Noid smiled pleasantly and left the room.
As soon as the door closed, Rouge dropped her sales smile and glared at me.
“What were you thinking?! Lord Albert said he wants to meet you, and you refuse him right away!?”
“I told you, it was just a joke.”
“No, it wasn’t! That was absolutely your real answer!”
“Alright, alright, stop shouting. Noid’s gone, but there are still servants nearby.”
“W-What? Really?”
When I said that, Rouge immediately quieted down.
Of course, there actually weren’t any servants nearby — no presence outside the door.
It was just a lie to make her behave.
Still, among nobles, it wasn’t uncommon for careless guests to blurt out something important the moment the host left the room, only for servants to overhear everything.
Just because the person you’re talking to leaves doesn’t mean it’s safe to let your guard down.
The walls have ears.
Some households even possess enchanted devices that can record conversations.
When visiting a noble’s home, the safest course of action is always to keep quiet and behave properly.
