The Villainess's Exclusive Maid Is Too Good at Her Job - Chapter 55

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 55

Since it was still a test menu, I wasn’t charging customers for the food.
Instead, I was gathering feedback from those who sampled the dishes, evaluating everything from taste to presentation, and the response had been quite favorable.
“We’ve already completed the recipe patent and trademark registration, so we should be able to move forward with full-scale production and sales.”
“You’ve already handled all that?”
“Ilinia is both an Information Guild and a massive enterprise, after all.”
We operated Soluna, the most successful establishment in the Ludwig Territory, along with various cafes and boutiques.
While they all served as reception points for client requests, each shop boasted impressive profit margins independent of that function.
“So we’re quite experienced in handling such matters.”
“You’re right. Partnering with Theo seems to have been an excellent decision.”
“Naturally.”
Kendrick added with a slight smile as he replied.
“Rejecting Oscar’s proposal was a wise choice indeed.”
Kendrick’s lips curved into a satisfied smile as Janet nodded in agreement.
“In any case, it seems we should draw up a formal contract soon.”
With that, Kendrick withdrew a stack of papers from his bag.
They were documents containing details about the oat milk business venture.
“Let’s review them carefully at your leisure.”
“Of course. But first, let’s have a meal. You need proper sustenance before heading into battle, don’t you?”
“Quite right.”
The two of us exchanged smiles and began eating.
Soluna’s cuisine was exceptional, no matter when you dined there.
The oat milk cream pasta that Soluna had been developing was equally exquisite.
‘The quality seems even better than the oat milk I had in my previous life.’
In truth, the recipe Janet had provided was a household version, so it had certain limitations.
Yet in the dish I was eating now, I couldn’t detect any of those shortcomings.
“It seems you refined the recipe while researching the food itself.”
“Are you dissatisfied?”
“No, that’s not it. I just feel like I’m receiving everything without contributing anything….”
“Without an original, there can be no advancement. You needn’t harbor such thoughts.”
Janet exhaled softly at Kendrick’s firm encouragement.
“You’re right. I will.”
After finishing the meal, I began reviewing the documents slowly.
Over the course of about an hour, Kendrick waited quietly for me.
Finally, after completing my review, I blinked my dry eyes firmly.
“What do you think? Are you satisfied with the business proposal?”
“Yes. I’m very pleased with it.”
The business plan Theo had provided was organized with remarkable clarity, covering even aspects I hadn’t considered.
“If there’s anything that troubles you, please feel free to speak freely.”
“No, there’s nothing like that. I think we can proceed with the contract as is.”
Janet hesitated for a moment before pointing at the blank section of the contract and asking.
“But why is the profit ratio section left blank?”
“Because I was thinking we’d adjust it from here on out.”
Kendrick shrugged as he answered, then pulled out two pens and handed one to Janet.
“Do you have a desired profit ratio in mind?”
“By the way, what ratio would Ilinia prefer?”
“That’s not important.”
“Pardon?”
“We’re planning to adjust as much as possible to whatever you want, Miss Janet.”
Janet found herself at a loss for words at the man’s response.
‘Is Ilinia… actually okay with this…?’
What kind of contract manipulated the ratio so one-sidedly in favor of one party?
As someone who had been a secretary in my past life, this was truly an absurd way to conduct business.
‘But it seems genuine, so…’
Janet’s mind raced as she calculated an appropriate ratio.
Honestly, my role in this venture was nothing more than ‘providing the recipe.’
Developing the provided recipe, creating dishes that applied it—all of that was Ilinia’s responsibility.
And that wasn’t all.
The production, manufacturing, promotion, and sales of the oat milk product itself—everything fell to Ilinia.
After deliberating for some time, Janet opened her mouth with resolve.
“Then I’ll take 20% of the net profit.”
“20%?”
“Yes. 20%.”
…Had I asked for too much?
It did feel slightly excessive, but negotiation was typically a process of quoting a high price and working downward.
However.
“Wouldn’t that be too little?”
“Excuse me?”
“Yes. I was thinking of 50% or more.”
At Theo’s words, Janet let out a hollow laugh.
“Theo. I want to conduct a fair transaction, not commit fraud.”
As I said this, a sudden worry crossed my mind.
“You don’t think I’m a con artist, do you?”
“Of course not.”
At the swift denial, Janet smiled faintly.
“I could have just taken a royalty or charged only for the recipe, so it’s actually generous of you to offer profit sharing.”
Before the words had even finished, Janet picked up her pen and wrote ‘20% of net profit’ in the blank section of the contract.
“I’d appreciate it this way.”
“…Understood. We’ve decided to respect your wishes, Miss Janet.”
Yet Kendrick couldn’t help but feel a twinge of regret.
Of course, they weren’t philanthropists—they wouldn’t offer such an extraordinary condition of “50% net profit” to just anyone.
Still, I had hoped this venture would provide Janet with at least some assistance.
After all, no one understood her desperate need for funds better than I did.
‘In truth, I even considered purchasing a barony on her behalf if circumstances demanded it.’
Given Janet’s character, the probability of her refusing was high.
So my intention had been to use this oat milk venture as a means to gift her the barony indirectly.
‘A clean shipwreck, then.’
With her being both conscientious and sharp-witted, there was no way to outmaneuver Janet.
“Let us settle the contract matter in this manner, then.”
Having concluded the contract discussion, Kendrick organized the documents and asked,
“I hear the Graham people paid you a visit some time ago.”
“Yes, they did.”
At her suddenly frigid tone, Kendrick’s gaze turned equally cold.
“What did they want?”
“What else? Money, naturally.”
The barony’s means of income was a small trading company the baron had established. Yet since Janet’s arrival at Graham, I had never once seen the company turn a profit.
Still, they kept pouring money into the venture, which continued to fail.
As a result, Graham grew poorer with each passing day.
“Though I must say, Lord Liam came and helped us.”
“…Yes, I heard as much.”
“He seems like a good man.”
“He is a good man, certainly. His only flaw is his ostentatious nature.”
As if in agreement with his words, Janet let out a hearty laugh.
But the moment was brief.
“Theo.”
Janet’s smile faded as she called out to him.
“Yes, Miss Janet.”
“Would it be possible for me to entrust you with a commission?”
“By all means. Whatever you ask, I shall accomplish it.”
With his confident reply, Theo’s eyes gleamed with interest.

***

“What in the world is all this?!”
The Countess Graham cried out in alarm at the sight of the mailbox overflowing with red envelopes.
Her face had turned deathly pale.
And for good reason—every envelope stuffing the mailbox was a vivid crimson.
Bright red envelopes like these were typically used to demand payment from debtors.
Clutching an armful of the scarlet documents, she hurried toward the Earl’s study.
“Look at this, darling!”
Papers cascaded across the desk.
The Earl’s brow furrowed at the avalanche of documents tumbling onto his workspace.
“Have you no decorum? What is the meaning of this?”
“Is propriety really what matters now? Where have you borrowed money from this time?”
“I haven’t borrowed anything. Not a thing.”
He spoke the truth.
In fact, even if he’d wanted to borrow, he couldn’t have.
Who would lend money to a man who hadn’t even repaid his previous debts?
“Then what is all of this?”
“I don’t know. Didn’t you or Simon borrow this money?”
The Countess Graham herself had borrowed funds on several occasions to purchase luxuries.
As for Simon, there was no question.
When he borrowed from disreputable sources rather than legitimate ones, it inevitably brought headaches—and this wasn’t the first time.
“If this turns out to be Simon’s doing, I swear I’ll strike that boy from the family register.”
“Really now. Must you speak so harshly of our precious son?”
The Countess Graham picked up one of the envelopes, her voice uncertain.
“Let’s check first, shall we?”

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