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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: Vine
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Joseon’s gisaeng and courtesans are different from the start.
It’s not simply a matter of commoner versus slave; many courtesans are ladies from noble families.
Women who missed their short window for marriage or whose families fell from grace.
Knowledge and refinement cultivated from birth as noble ladies.
Innate lineage and the will to actively live their lives.
Women possessing all of this are worthy of becoming everyone’s favorites.
Especially on this continent, where it’s considered virtuous for men to keep several courtesans or take them as concubines, besides their wives.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you. I am Fabio de’ Medici, the second son of the Medici Baron family. It’s truly an honor to meet such a beautiful lady.”
The customary greeting any noble would offer upon meeting a lady.
But in this instance, there’s not a single lie in it.
The person before me possesses beauty that rivals Hollywood actresses.
‘So this is what a feast for the eyes is like.’
“Pleased to meet you.”
Though her words are polite, her demeanor seems to look down on me, but there’s no reason to be offended.
She’s a courtesan of Count Vauban, my father’s liege. Though her social standing might be unclear, in terms of power, she’s above a mere second son of a Baron family without a title.
“I’ve been indebted to the former Baron Medici, so I’m glad to have this opportunity to repay the favor.”
She gave a smile that unconsciously charmed people.
Her smile was like a living photo shoot.
No wonder men are crazy about courtesans.
“And I’ve been quite intrigued by you, young master.”
“In what way?”
Her gaze rested on the refreshments before us.
White whipped cream cake and fragrant black tea.
“It’s just a dessert, but it took the trend by storm as soon as it appeared. Thanks to that, you’ve become quite famous in social circles, young master.”
In the 21st century, leading Korean, or even global trends doesn’t qualify someone to become a National Assembly member.
But in this era, where power is distributed based on reputation among nobles…
Just leading the trend can be considered overcoming a major obstacle to success.
I didn’t expect to receive this level of recognition just for creating a cake.
“Thank you for your kind words, madam. Anyway, the reason I came to visit today is to ask for a special favor.”
“Yes, speak freely. I’ll introduce you to a suitable companion.”
In the Toscana Empire, it’s common knowledge for unmarried nobles to have a courtesan as a partner for their social debut.
Web novels, like romance fantasies, might portray them bringing their legally wedded wives…
But couples married through political arrangements for the sake of political interests often don’t get along. So, unless it’s an extremely formal occasion, even married men often bring courtesans as partners.
It’s more convenient for men to be accompanied by a beautiful, refined, and obedient woman.
By 21st-century standards, having an affair while married is incomprehensible, but what can you do?
In a world of one-eyed people, someone with two working eyes is the anomaly.
“It’s not that. I came to ask for some help with my business.”
“Are you asking me to arrange a meeting with other nobles or merchants?”
The courtesan before me has the ability to introduce me to others.
But if I needed that, I would have asked my father.
“Not that. I’m opening a cafe, a restaurant that sells the cakes and black tea I make. Please introduce my cafe to the courtesans you know and ask them to visit frequently. That’s all I need.”
She tilted her head at my words.
“That’s all I need to do?”
From ancient times to the present, beautiful women have wielded absolute power.
A certain sage even said, “Cuteness is justice.”
Just as clothes or items used by young women on social media instantly sell out or become trends in the 21st century…
In the Toscana Empire, the places where these beauties gather will lead the flow and trends.
“I’ll offer free cake and tea at the cafe to those introduced by you. And I’ll also give them cake when they leave.”
It’s difficult to make a 1:1 comparison between the prices of 21st-century Korea and the Toscana Empire.
But if I had to compare, a piece of cake would feel like at least 30,000 to 50,000 won.
It’s crazy to give away 100,000 won per customer…
But it will have an effect beyond the investment.
Our cafe will definitely become trendy.
Count Vauban’s courtesan before me smiled upon hearing my words.
“Alright. And considering your sincerity, I’ll offer another favor. After you open the cafe, bring cakes to the tea party I host every Saturday.”
Though she calls it a tea party, 5 to 7 people would attend, so that’s not a small expense, but…
It will definitely result in publicity exceeding the investment.
Honestly, it’s like an unexpected windfall.
“Thank you.”
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A cafe is about feelings.
More precisely, a cafe can be seen as a place where people consume emotions and ambiance.
People use cafes to buy the experience of savoring the aroma of coffee in a beautiful setting.
Therefore, to succeed as a cafe, it must be visually appealing and beautiful.
“You can’t work at our cafe.”
The man who heard those words widened his eyes and protested.
“But I was the head waiter at Twilight’s Eve until just a few months ago. Surely I can be of help at this ‘cafe’ as well?”
If I were hiring based on ability, I would have chosen this man.
Twilight’s Eve is a restaurant frequented even by high-ranking nobles with titles.
So, the required skill level for the staff must have been high.
And head waiter on top of that? Nothing more needs to be said.
But there’s something more important than ability at our cafe.
“I’m not dismissing your experience, but the most important criterion for hiring staff at our cafe is ‘appearance.’”
Places like cafes and PC rooms see a 2 to 3 times difference in sales depending on whether they employ attractive female staff.
Would the people of this era, especially nobles, be any different?
I’m even providing free meals to courtesans because I think pretty waitresses alone won’t be enough.
This fellow’s appearance doesn’t match the ambiance of our cafe.
“Otherwise, do you think I’m crazy enough to pay three times the salary of other waiters?”
I feel a pang of guilt for replicating the unfair treatment I experienced when applying for part-time jobs in Korea.
But does guilt pay the bills?
I’m not scamming anyone, so there’s no reason to feel bad.
The man before me trudged out after hearing my words.
“It’s quite a sight, having hired staff based solely on looks.”
Even to my eyes, the men dressed in butler suits looked quite handsome, and the women in maid outfits brightened their surroundings.
And the furniture, flooring, wallpaper, tableware, etc., arranged in the cafe…
Thanks to the careful attention to detail, the cafe looked like a scene straight out of a romance fantasy.
“With desserts and tea that women adore in this setting? It’s bound to become a trendy hotspot.”
Once word gets out after opening, it’ll be a sensation.
Nobles, with no concept of patents, will surely try to imitate our cafe.
They’re the kind who can’t stand not having something others have.
And they’re also the kind who will do anything for profit.
The grandfather clock, which I splurged on to create the cafe’s atmosphere and keep track of time, chimed.
“Is it opening time?”
It’s just a trial run since the staff training isn’t complete yet, essentially a practice session.
The staff, who underwent intensive training with the lure of high wages, quickly moved to their positions and began working.
As soon as business began, several beauties in fancy dresses arrived.
“Welcome.”
A male staff member in a suit promptly approached and greeted them.
The beauties smiled at the welcoming smile he gave them.
Being handsome and beautiful is indeed the best.
“Please, allow me to escort you to the terrace.”
The male staff member guiding them was also just an ordinary citizen, chosen for his face and height.
However, thanks to the accelerated training, his movements exuded a grace that rivaled any family butler.
Still, it’s no match for the real thing.
“What would you like to order?”
After taking their orders, the staff member left, and the courtesans began chatting.
About the cafe, yesterday’s events, which clothes are pretty, etc…
And the gazes of nobles and passersby lingered on them.
Though the forms varied, they generally conveyed admiration and a hint of envy.
Several young ladies, seeing the cafe’s sign, tried to enter…
“We apologize, ladies. We’re not officially open yet, so only guests specifically invited by Young Master Fabio can enter.”
The ladies seemed ready to protest…
But they nodded and acquiesced after seeing the handsome faces of the male staff.
“We officially open the day after tomorrow, so please do come by then, ladies.”
The number of young ladies who promised to visit today alone, to exaggerate, exceeded a truckload.
Success is practically guaranteed.
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