Savior’s First Lady

“I never thought about it. How could I possibly dare to…”

“The apron you made for me this time, Celine, you embroidered it, didn’t you? You practice sewing in your room, too.”

“Well, that’s true, but anyone can do that…”

“Not everyone does that. You have a remarkable talent, Celine.”

“But if I also study, it will cost a lot. To make women’s clothing seriously, I’d need to be an apprentice, which means I’d have to pay tuition instead of earning money.”

As she talked about clothes, Celine’s eyes brightened and her voice grew stronger.

‘Well, she’s already looked into fashion schools.’

The scent of talent was unmistakable. I almost sighed with delight.

“Forget about the money for now. If you had the opportunity and unlimited funds, would you want to study fashion?”

Celine’s answer came surprisingly quickly.

“Yes. I’d love to… If I became incredibly rich, I’d study fashion from that moment until I die.”

Her small answer was clear.

“If you make up your mind, come to me. I’ll help you with everything.”

Celine looked at me, bewildered.

Back to Yun Sihyeon’s first rule of success.

Life is about meeting benefactors and going with them. The most important thing is people.

‘So you’re mine now.’

Nice to have you on board, Celine. I smiled inwardly. Let’s see how we handle being buried under a mountain of work.

-Of course, this is still a distant future matter.

***

Two weeks later.

Expected to be imprisoned without parole.

[Sir Eden vows to continue ensuring that both he and his family will be protected by the full extent of the law against such harassment…]>

The stalker who had long troubled me in my dreams, Juri, was found guilty. Naturally, he was sent to prison.

‘So this actually works.’

The constant stream of letters to the house had noticeably quieted down.

‘How could someone like you marry Sir Eden? Atone with your death!’—such threatening letters.

I was relieved.

‘Thank you, officers. Unlike in my dreams, you took action!’

My surroundings became more peaceful.

Meanwhile, Lydia and I decided to quit our jobs at the 24-hour café where we had been working part-time.

“Oh my, you’re leaving? Why? I was going to offer you full-time positions.”

Mrs. Tarsha, the owner of the café, was not particularly memorable.

She had wrinkles on her face and narrow eyes. But she had the sharpness typical of someone who had survived the market for a long time.

She was standing behind the café counter, counting silver and copper coins nonstop while looking at me.

“I’m going to try something different. This job was just part-time anyway.”

“I see. I knew it. Your hands were too skilled. You’re preparing to run a business, aren’t you?”

“How did you know?”

“You’re not someone to work under others. It’s obvious. You have the aura of an entrepreneur.”

Mrs. Tarsha laughed heartily, saying that she had a keen eye for people after being in the business for so long. Then she turned serious and changed the subject.

“About those pound cakes you bake every day.”

“Yes?”

“They’re impressive with their different flavors. Can you make other things too?”

“Of course. Cookies, cakes, and most baked goods.”

My skills had improved day by day. Now, I could bake simple bread with my eyes closed.

“Can you make something now?”

“Well, I brought some cookies today as a farewell gift for the staff.”

I handed over a basket of cookies. Mrs. Tarsha tasted one and said,

“Hmm, would you be interested in supplying bread and cookies to our shops?”

Her unexpected words widened my eyes.

“They’re good enough. Register your business and start supplying cookies. We’ll send people to pick them up.”

Mrs. Tarsha explained that the current baker supplying their cookies was retiring soon due to age. They were looking for a new baker but hadn’t found anyone satisfactory.

‘The opportunity came sooner than expected.’

It paid off to use leftover ingredients to cook for the staff. Plus, working here allowed me to use the kitchen facilities freely, honing my skills faster. Some things you only learn through practice.

“I’m preparing a shop but haven’t registered the business yet.”

“Then you should do that soon.”

Mrs. Tarsha clicked her tongue.

“I run four cafes across the capital. If you supply us, I’ll add desserts to the menu and increase sales.”

“The cost…”

“Don’t talk about money with someone who hasn’t even signed a business plan. Just get your things in order and come back when you’re ready. I’ll deal with you properly then.”

Mrs. Tarsha grinned.

‘Oh, this lady knows how to make my dopamine surge.’

I almost laughed like a fox in response.

In her past life, Yun Sihyeon handled sly businessmen like this with ease.

My entrepreneurial spirit was awakening. I wanted to start proper negotiations right now, but…

I just smiled brightly.

“Thank you for the great offer. Could you perhaps write me a referral letter to a professional ingredient supplier?”

In this world, it wasn’t easy to regularly get quality flour or premium ingredients.

“You’re already asking for favors?”

“I may be a novice, but I understand favors are crucial for merchants. I won’t forget your help.”

Mrs. Tarsha thought for a moment and then said,

“Send me your business card. I’ll write a referral letter that will work with most suppliers I know.”

Her nod meant I had passed the test.

“Speed is crucial in business. Don’t drag things out.”

She was seasoned. Every word was advice. I smiled and said, “Yes.”

“Miss, what was that? You weren’t intimidated by Mrs. Tarsha at all. You sounded like a real businesswoman.”

Lydia, who had unintentionally overheard the conversation, mumbled in amazement as we walked home.

I shrugged my shoulders.

***

Three weeks since Eden left for his trip.

The day after quitting my job, Lydia and I started touring bakeries daily.

“Hm, this tastes decent.”

Now that I had funds, I could buy any dessert I wanted.

As I tasted a cake decorated with rose-shaped cream, I thought,

For a cake focused on appearance, it wasn’t bad.

“Miss, here. The information you asked for.”

Lydia, sitting across the table, handed over some documents.

“Whether you open a café or a bakery, you don’t need a baking certificate. Some cafés, like the one we worked at, get their baked goods from outside suppliers.”

“That’s right. So we can open a bakery immediately.”

“But there are conditions.”

“What are they?”

“You need a proper kitchen space. Even if it’s just a baking area, it needs to be a proper shop. You also need to meet the Empire’s hygiene standards.”

“Hmm, so why do baking certificates exist?”

“They’re necessary for getting jobs at hotels or large businesses. You need a baking certificate to even apply.”

Lydia is really competent.