NOVEL NEXT Chapter 40
In Europe or Korea, those of low status must be humble before their superiors.
They must flatter the other’s abilities while downplaying their own.
However, if humility is taken too far, it can sound like they’re looking down on the other.
For now, it would be best to respond confidently without boasting.
“Yes, indeed.”
“How bold. But given your age, having achieved this much, you deserve to be a bit confident. Don’t you think, Duke?”
Duke Visconti chimed in upon hearing those words.
“These days, many young people lack ability and accomplishments yet still act so confidently.”
Hearing that from the Duke reminded me of the department head and deputy chief clicking their tongues at the MZ generation.
Always starting with “In my day,” they criticize the youth for not working properly while having ridiculous expectations.
A friend from my history major said this outdated jab has carried on since the Sumerian civilization to this very day.
How is it that the same words can be heard even in another world?
“However, Fabio is an exception. That’s why I came to personally introduce someone who has barely stepped into nobility to His Majesty.”
It’s a fact that the Duke often does shady things towards me.
He keeps trying to shove me into the Medici Baron Clan and, in exchange, make me his lifelong servant.
He’s trying to corner me into a situation where I can’t live without him…
Why is a man over sixty doing things a creepy yandere girl would do…?
‘Still, it means he cares for me, so it isn’t all bad…’
But as the one on the receiving end, the feeling is quite strange.
“To be recommended by the Duke, I have high expectations.”
The Duke gave me a subtle nod.
While he didn’t say exactly what, I quickly got the hint about what he wanted to convey.
“This is a gift prepared with utmost sincerity to express my gratitude to His Majesty.”
The box I had already handed to the prince’s servant was now placed in front of the second prince.
Upon opening it, the prince looked at me in disbelief.
“What are these blackened round beans? You can’t expect me to eat this, can you?”
“Of course, you can’t eat them as they are. When you consume them, roast these coffee beans, grind them in a mortar, and then brew them with water.”
Both the Duke and the prince stared at the suspicious beans with wariness.
“When I went to buy pepper before, I asked about the effect of what the pagans drink. I heard that the beverage made from these beans called coffee has the effect of waking you up.”
Hearing the word ‘pagans’ made both of them frown uncomfortably.
The prince’s face showed a strong displeasure and even anger…
But I can guarantee one thing.
Just wait until you drink the coffee, and experience sleepless nights with your mind buzzing.
In a place where your fevered energy runs rampant at night, you might actually feel like your stamina has increased.
Once that happens, you’ll want to drink it like water!
“And it has the effect of enhancing stamina. That’s why they use it as a stimulant.”
Out of a hundred high-ranking individuals in this world, there wouldn’t be anyone who isn’t interested in stamina.
I’d bet my hands and feet on that.
Moreover, in a world where having many young women relations is a badge of honor, what more can I say?
“Hmm, even so, it’s a stimulant the pagans use.”
“But it’s still something created by Deus, right? If it’s useful to us, we ought to make use of it.”
At those words, the atmosphere lightened a bit.
“I introduced this because several unfortunate nobles lack heirs. To minimize such tragedies as much as possible.”
Having no heirs in the aristocracy is indeed a major tragedy.
It’s not just about the family losing someone to inherit their wealth…
But a whole noble house, akin to a single corporation, disappearing leads to mass unemployment.
With that altruistic reasoning, the prince’s expression softened.
“The Duke wouldn’t endorse someone without evidence. I’ll give it a try.”
The second prince drank all the coffee I had poured.
After tasting the bitter flavor of coffee, his face contorted…
“It’s quite bitter, but it has a mysterious flavor. The aroma is nice too. I think it’s actually pretty good.”
Unlike at first, when he took his second sip, he even gave a faint smile.
“It’s infuriating that these pagans had such a delicious drink all to themselves.”
“Is it really that tasty?”
“While the first taste is overwhelmingly bitter, the subtle aroma and acidity blend together to make it scrumptious. Duke, it would pair excellently with sweet cakes.”
I asked the prince, who was looking quite pleased.
“Don’t you feel a bit more awake now?”
“I definitely feel my thoughts are clearer.”
Hearing that, I intentionally lowered my voice.
“Typically, the effects of a medicine become evident after some time. You’ll experience it clearly when night falls.”
The best moment to experience the awakening effects of coffee is right before going to bed.
Something that every Korean likely experiences at least once.
The prince gave a suspicious but satisfied smile.
“I’ll trust you. I’d love to talk more, but I’ve got work to attend to.”
“Thank you, Your Highness.”
“I’ll relay good news to His Majesty.”
With that, the prince concluded and issued a dismissal order for us.
Second Prince Peter finished his official duties earlier than usual and returned to his chamber.
“What a fascinating thing. Just from drinking a beverage, my mind feels this clear.”
After all, medicines are typically disgustingly bitter.
Yet coffee, with its subtle bitterness and acidity, makes it feel increasingly addictive.
“Should I brew another cup?”
But he dropped that thought.
After all, he knew best about this coffee, and asking Fabio could lead to headaches if he overdosed.
“Bring Mari to my room.”
Mari was the girl Peter had decided he must make his own at first sight three years ago.
Though he doesn’t only embrace Mari, he certainly favors her, spending five out of the ten nights together.
“Yes, Your Highness.”
As soon as Mari arrived, Peter immediately began to caress her.
As usual, they engaged in their activities.
After finishing once, then twice, he leaned back on the pillow.
Even though he trained his body hard, after two heated nights, he felt exhausted.
“Mari, you look so beautiful and adorable today.”
Hearing that, Mari nestled up to her owner.
Peter was certainly ready to fall asleep, but…
The second prince didn’t feel tired at all.
On the contrary, he felt very alert and aware.
This allowed him to concentrate on every sensory detail.
The breathy sounds of Mari, exhausted from the intensity, mixing with his own heavy breaths.
Her snowy-white skin glistening with sweat.
The soft skin of the woman stimulating him.
Normally, he would savor these sensations before falling asleep…
“I can’t sleep. It’s all your fault for being so cute.”
At that, Peter dived back into their activities.
That night, the second prince managed to do it six times.
Afterward, he immediately went to see his father, the Emperor.
“Your Majesty, this coffee gifted by Fabio de Medici works wonders.”
Even though the second prince was the emperor’s son, it was quite a rude act.
And so, the Emperor considered chiding his son.
“At first, I was quite wary since it’s a stimulant the pagans consume. However, I couldn’t ignore the endorsement of Fabio, who comes highly recommended by Duke Visconti.”
When the Emperor saw his son talking as if he couldn’t bear the regret of not hearing, he decided to hear him out and scold him afterward.
“If he’s as excited as that, there must be a reason.”
“Indeed, my mind felt clearer, making it easier to handle my duties, and my stamina at night has certainly increased. Previously, I would feel tired after a little fun, but last night, after staying up all night, I didn’t feel sleepy or fatigued at all.”
The Emperor is a person too.
As a high-ranking individual, he was quite interested in stamina enhancements.
“Hmm…”
“The effort put into bringing this, the ability to uncover the value of items unknown to us, and skills in managing territories… While he’s merely a knight for now, he will undoubtedly become a great help to His Majesty in the future.”
The Emperor suspected Peter had lost his mind, but…
None of the claims made any sense.
“Seems worth a thorough evaluation. I’ll consider how to test him. You may now take your leave.”
“Yes, Father.”
The Emperor displayed a stern demeanor as he dismissed his son.
Just as Peter was about to open the door to leave…
“Peter, since you’re still young, you don’t need that coffee, do you? Just pass it to your old man for his health.”
The Emperor issued a very humane command.
However, Peter felt quite wronged.
But there was nothing he could do.
After all, his father was also the Emperor.