NOVEL NEXT Chapter 3
The courtesans of Joseon and the courtesans of this realm are fundamentally different.
It’s not just a matter of free citizens versus commoners; many courtesans hail from noble families.
Women who missed their short marriageable years or fell from grace.
They have been educated in knowledge and culture as noble ladies since birth.
With a lineage that inspires an active will to live life to the fullest.
Women who possess all this surely deserve to be the favorites of all.
Especially in this continent where it is considered a virtue for a nobleman to have several courtesans alongside his wife.
“Nice to meet you. I am Fabio de Medici, the second son of the Medici Baron Clan. It is truly an honor to meet such a beautiful lady.”
A typical greeting that any noble would make upon seeing a young lady.
However, in this case, there isn’t a single lie in my words.
The person before me possesses an appearance that rivals Hollywood actors in movies.
Wow, is this what eye candy feels like?
“Nice to meet you too.”
Her words may be polite, but her demeanor seems to look down on me; still, there’s no reason to feel bad about it.
After all, she is the courtesan of Count Bobang, my father’s lord. From a power standpoint, she’s above me, a mere baron’s second son without a title.
“I have been indebted to the late Count Medici for some time now, so I appreciate this chance to return the favor.”
She unconsciously put on a captivating smile.
Her smile was like a living photoshoot.
No wonder men go crazy for courtesans.
“And I’ve been rather curious about the Young Lord.”
“What do you mean?”
Her gaze remained on the snacks before us.
A white cream cake and fragrant black tea.
“Though it’s just dessert, it swiftly became a trend upon its creation. Thanks to that, the Young Lord has become quite well-known in the social circles.”
In the 21st century, you can’t become a congressman just for leading trends in Korea or even globally.
But in this era, power shifts based on reputation among the nobles…
Just leading a trend can remove a significant obstacle on the road to success.
I can’t believe just making a cake has led to this level of recognition.
“Thank you for your kind words, madam. By the way, I came here with a special request.”
“Yes, please feel free to speak. I’ll introduce you to a suitable companion befitting the Young Lord.”
In the Toscan Empire, it’s common knowledge for unmarried nobles to take a courtesan as their companion when making their social debut.
Well, in romance fantasy web novels, they might show up with their legal wives.
However, couples married for political reasons often don’t have the best relationships, so unless it’s a very formal occasion, many men bring courtesans as their partners even after marrying.
It’s just easier for them to go with a pretty, cultured, obedient beauty.
In the 21st century, I absolutely cannot comprehend the idea of cheating on a spouse. But what can I do?
In a world of one-eyed men, someone with two working eyes seems abnormal.
“That’s not it; I’m here to seek some help with my business.”
“Are you asking me to arrange a meeting with other nobles or merchants?”
The courtesan before me definitely has the ability to introduce me to others.
But if I needed that, I could have just asked my father.
“No, I’m planning to open a café that sells the cakes and tea I’ve made. I just want you to mention to the courtesans you know to visit my shop frequently. That’s all I need.”
She tilted her head in confusion at my request.
“Is that all you want?”
From ancient times to now, pretty women have wielded absolute power.
One sage even said, “Cute is justice.”
In other words, just like how clothing or items worn by girls can sell out in an instant on social media in the 21st century…
In the Toscan Empire, these beauties gathering will lead trends and fads.
“We’ll offer complimentary cakes and tea to those referred by you at the café. Also, we’ll give them cakes when they leave.”
It’s tough to directly compare the cost of living in 21st-century Korea to that of the Toscan Empire.
However, if we must compare, one slice of cake would feel like at least 30,000 to 50,000 won.
It sounds crazy to spend 100,000 won per customer…
But the effect will surely surpass what I invested.
Our café will definitely become a trend.
The courtesan of Count Bobang smiled at my words.
“Sounds good. And considering your dedication, I’ll extend a favor. After you open your café, please bring cakes to my tea parties every Saturday.”
Even a tea party with just 5–7 attendees represents a significant expenditure, but…
I’m sure the promotional effect will exceed what I invested.
Honestly, I feel like I’m receiving a windfall I never even wished for.
“Thank you.”
A café is all about atmosphere.
To put it more precisely, a café can be seen as a place where emotions and ambiance are consumed.
People enjoy cafés to savor the experience of drinking coffee while basking in the atmosphere of a pretty place.
Thus, if one wants to succeed with a café, it absolutely needs to look good and be aesthetically pleasing.
“You can’t work at our café.”
Upon hearing those words, the man’s eyes widened in protest.
“No, I was the head waiter at Twilight’s End just a few months ago. Surely, I’d be of service here at this café as well?”
If hiring based on ability, I would have considered this man.
Twilight’s End is a restaurant often frequented by higher-ranked nobles, so the level of skill required from the staff must have been high.
And being the head waiter? Need I say more?
However, in our café, there’s something more important than skill.
“I’m not dismissing your experience. But the most important criterion when hiring at our café is ‘appearance.’”
In places like cafés or PC bangs, the presence of pretty female staff can mean two to three times the revenue.
Wouldn’t the same hold true for the people of this age, especially the nobles?
I’m worried that hiring just pretty staff won’t cut it, so I even offer free meals to courtesans.
However, this guy does not match the aesthetic vibe of our café.
“Otherwise, do you think I’d be crazy enough to pay three times the salary of other café workers?”
I feel guilty for treating him the same way I felt was unfair in Korea when I was looking for a job.
But does conscience put food on the table?
I’m not betraying anyone, so there’s no reason to feel hurt.
The man trudged out after hearing my words.
“Thanks to hiring based only on looks, it sure is pleasing to the eye.”
The men in suits worn by the attendants were indeed quite good-looking, and the women dressed as maids brightened up the space around them.
Plus, the furniture, flooring, wallpaper, and dishes…
Thanks to all the careful consideration, it would be no exaggeration to say it looked like a scene pulled straight from a romance fantasy.
“With desserts and teas that women go crazy over here? There’s no way this won’t be the hub of trends.”
Once the word gets out after opening, it’ll be chaos.
Those nobles without the concept of exclusive rights will undoubtedly try to copy our café.
They’re a people who cannot tolerate lacking what others have.
They’re also the kind of folks who’d do anything if it meant making money.
The grand clock I bought to help create the café’s ambiance started chiming.
“Is it time to open for business?”
Although our operations were merely temporary due to the training of the staff still being incomplete,
The staff, having undergone intense training lured by high salaries, quickly moved to their spots to begin work.
As soon as work began, several beautiful women in fancy dresses arrived at the café.
“Welcome.”
A male employee in a suit hurriedly approached to greet them.
When he smiled at them, it brought smiles to their faces.
Being good-looking is truly the best.
“I will guide you to the terrace.”
The male employee guiding them was simply a regular citizen chosen based on appearance alone.
But thanks to rapid training, there was an air of refinement in his movements that could rival a family’s butler.
Though, of course, it couldn’t compare to authenticity.
“What would you like to order from the menu?”
After taking their orders, the employee left, and the courtesans began to chat.
They discussed the café, things that happened yesterday, which outfits were pretty, and so on…
And the gazes of the nobility and passersby lingered on them.
Although the forms were different, it was generally filled with admiration and a hint of envy.
Some young ladies tried to step into the café upon seeing the sign, but…
“I’m sorry, ladies. We’re not officially open yet, so only those specially invited by Young Lord Fabio may use the café.”
The noble ladies had a moment of protest, but…
Seeing the dapper faces of the men, they nodded in acceptance.
“Starting the day after tomorrow, we’ll be officially open, so please be sure to visit, ladies.”
Today alone, the number of noble ladies who made such promises surely exceeded a truckload.
The success seems all but guaranteed.