Newlywed Life Begins with a Mistake - Chapter 35

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————

Chapter 35

 

“What’s wrong, Miss Bell?”

 

“Oh, it’s nothing.”

 

For a moment, her eyes met Matthew’s.

 

Evelyn hastily turned her head and hurriedly gulped down some water.

 

‘I’ve been postponing face-to-face consultations using the competition as an excuse, but it’s been a while since we met.’

 

When she turned her gaze again, Matthew was still watching her.

 

Matthew smiled gently through his veil and greeted her from afar.

 

Evelyn slightly nodded her chin and immediately looked away, staring down at the cutlery placed on the round table.

 

‘Ah, why am I acting like this?’

 

Her heart was pounding.

 

She broke out in a cold sweat.

 

It was extremely uncomfortable.

 

Thinking she might have shown too sensitive a reaction, Evelyn hastily joined Natalie and Reina’s conversation.

 

“Baroness Muet isn’t here yet, I suppose?”

 

“That’s right. She would normally arrive early and wait for such occasions.”

 

“She’s probably late because she’s thoughtlessly primping herself. Anyway, all the notable people have gathered.”

 

Natalie, sitting across from her, fluttered her fan while looking around.

 

As she said, besides the vassals of House Count Heteus, experts who could take pride in gastronomy had gathered together.

 

“The main event hasn’t started yet, but the networking is quite active.”

 

Seeing people clasping hands and exchanging introductions, she could truly appreciate the greatness of the Heteus Banquet.

 

If such notable figures were participating in the banquet competition, how many crowds would flock to the main banquet?

 

While Evelyn was lost in thought, the sound of a trumpet and the chamberlain’s voice could be heard.

 

“The master of the South and our future, Count Heteus, enters!”

 

At Casian’s entrance, the nobles all paid their respects in unison.

 

“We greet Count Heteus, who leads the infinite prosperity of the South.”

 

Casian, dressed in neat military uniform, had an appearance befitting the dignity of the space.

 

His brilliant insignia sparkled like stars as if proving his achievements, and his cape made of blue silk created blue waves following the summer breeze.

 

“Please, everyone be seated.”

 

When Casian gave permission, the nobles finally raised their heads.

 

His handsome appearance, befitting his heavy voice, captured their attention.

 

Silver hair that seemed like finely woven moonlight and purple eyes like embedded amethysts.

 

Clear-cut features with a sharp jawline and a statue-like physique.

 

He was a noble man who proved his own worth without needing to speak.

 

“We will now begin the appetizer competition.”

 

Once the nobles were seated, Casian declared the competition open.

 

While explaining the rules, Daisy came rushing in, covering her face with a wide-brimmed hat.

 

Casian glanced at Daisy and frowned for a moment, but soon withdrew his gaze with an indifferent expression.

 

When the explanation ended, the nobles reviewed the content while rinsing their mouths with water.

 

“The first appetizer is salmon canapé.”

 

As soon as Sebastian finished speaking, trays appeared in succession behind Reina.

 

When the serving was complete, Reina spoke calmly.

 

“White bread topped with salmon and dill. Also truffle, goat cheese, and sauce. This is a salmon canapé made in bite-sized portions that anyone can easily eat.”

 

“That’s my daughter!”

 

“Ahem. Please refrain from openly supporting Lady Cheil.”

 

“Can’t I even cheer for my own daughter!”

 

Though there was bickering from one side, the nobles slowly savored the canapé placed before them.

 

“It’s smoked salmon. The combination with the white sauce isn’t bad.”

 

“The bread is crispy yet thin, but it surprisingly goes well together.”

 

The reception was generally favorable.

 

However, Natalie and Daisy, who had been waiting their turn, immediately offered criticism as soon as they tasted the canapé.

 

“Isn’t the salmon too thin? It doesn’t have the chewy texture compared to other ingredients.”

 

“That’s right. The truffle seems to have more presence than the salmon.”

 

“Even so, I think my dish will be better than both of yours?”

 

Reina, who had finished her presentation, smiled brightly and returned to her seat.

 

While various opinions were being shared, the second appetizer was served.

 

“What I’ve prepared is a pocket pie. You can tell the ingredients the moment you eat it! I mean, you will be able to.”

 

Natalie, who had been speaking in an excited tone, quickly closed her mouth and gestured for them to try it.

 

“Oh my? It must be a meat pie.”

 

“The size is so cute, it’s exactly bite-sized.”

 

Someone picked up a knife to check the contents, while someone else immediately put it in their mouth.

 

Evelyn and the other ladies also cut the pie into small pieces and put them in their mouths.

 

The three people who had been taking their time said.

 

“Heavy meat with pastry combination…”

 

“It’s novel.”

 

“It seems like an idea that would be hard to come up with unless you’ve studied abroad.”

 

They made an effort to give their evaluation.

 

It was tasty, but foreign.

 

The nobles, including the women, showed lukewarm reactions to the somewhat polarizing food and waited for the next appetizer.

 

“This is bruschetta. I’ve topped white bread with seasonal vegetables and fruits, cheese, and fresh herbs. I’ve also added a touch of olive oil.”

 

Daisy gracefully bowed and personally took charge of serving.

 

She didn’t forget to mention that ingredients produced from each estate were used as toppings.

 

“Oh my! The basil and tomato combination is wonderful.”

 

“As expected, familiar flavors are the most delicious.”

 

Not only were they pleased with the abundant use of southern resources, but after eating the heavy pocket pie, the bruschetta was refreshingly light.

 

The nobles who gave generous praise unanimously offered their compliments.

 

Evelyn quietly looked down at the bruschetta Daisy had given her and didn’t touch the food until the end.

 

Natalie and Reina were eating with frowns, as if it didn’t suit their taste.

 

“The last one isn’t out yet, but the result seems decided, doesn’t it?”

 

“Unless it’s something special, it seems that way.”

 

When the tasting ended, praise erupted from everywhere.

 

Daisy returned triumphantly and sat down gracefully with a smile.

 

“It seems like my victory.”

 

At Daisy’s smug appearance, Natalie and Reina gritted their teeth.

 

Meanwhile, Evelyn wore a gentle smile.

 

“The competition isn’t over yet.”

 

Evelyn made eye contact with Daisy and then stood up from her seat.

 

“Finally, the last appetizer.”

 

“I wonder what it will be.”

 

It was when the highly expectant guests were rinsing their mouths with water.

 

“What is this?”

 

The guests who saw the plate placed before them briefly doubted their own eyes.

 

“Is this really… an appetizer?”

 

“Looking at the composition, it seems like it, but it’s too…”

 

Lacking in effort.

 

The appetizers presented by other participants used flowers or added colorful ingredients for striking plating.

 

They even reached the pinnacle of splendor by paying attention to the plate patterns.

 

“On a white plate…”

 

“Is that salad and underneath a pie? Or should I call it a cracker?”

 

Looking at the lump sitting alone on a plain white plate with no patterns, they couldn’t make any judgment.

 

What was this utterly simple composition?

 

“It seems like the plating isn’t finished.”

 

“That’s right! If you brought it out like this because you ran out of time, we can wait, so please bring it out again.”

 

They pushed back the plates, trying to package their words nicely.

 

However, Evelyn, her face covered by a veil, sent back the food the guests had refused.

 

“What you’re seeing now is the finished product.”

 

“Are you joking right now? You want me to eat this?”

 

A shout that broke the peace echoed through the courtyard that had fallen silent.

 

A man sitting at the central table threw down his fork and stood up, fuming.

 

“Miss Bell has made a reckless move.”

 

“Indeed. This is too…”

 

“Unsightly. This is why one should stick to the basics.”

 

While Natalie and Reina hesitated, Daisy poured out harsh criticism with a smile.

 

She had been anxious that Evelyn might present an appetizer superior to her own.

 

‘If I had known this would happen, I wouldn’t have bothered lurking around the kitchen.’

 

It was needless worry.

 

Although she was late to the competition because she was spying on the changed menu, Daisy still felt relieved.

 

“Please calm down, Baron.”

 

“Do I look like I’m going to calm down! Even with my mobility issues, I dragged my ailing body here for Hetis!”

 

Sebastian tried to calm the man down, but he wouldn’t easily suppress his anger.

 

As rough breathing and fury filled the garden, other nobles soon began to agree.

 

It was when complaints were growing fierce.

 

“Even if you storm out of here, I would appreciate it if you listened to the explanation first.”

 

A firm yet even voice swept through the garden.

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————