The Pastry Chef's Accidental Duchess

Chapter 10: Initial Difficulties and Balances

**Chapter 10: Initial Difficulties and Balances**

Although Erin's pastry competition partnership plan was launched successfully, she soon found out that it was by no means easy to realize her modern way of doing business in this completely different medieval world.

News of the competition spreads quickly, with many nobles and merchants expressing interest, and some far-flung participants have even begun to prepare for the competition. However, despite the fact that the preparations for the competition were going well on the surface, Irene felt unprecedented pressure.

First, she had to face the problem of the supply chain. The abundant ingredients and perfect transportation system in the modern world were completely non-existent here. She found that the sourcing of raw materials was extremely limited, and ingredients like chocolate, frosting and spices, which were common in modern desserts, were very scarce here. Even when they can be found, they can only be made with simple local tools, and many of the processes are very foreign to the artisans of this ancient land.

“There's no way we can deliver on time, especially that 'cream squeezing' tool you mentioned, the craftsmen said they need more time.” Bell said anxiously to Erin.

With a frown on her face, Erin stood at the small workbench in the back room of the pastry store, staring at the stacks of half-finished products on the table, a feeling of powerlessness flooding through her. The electric whisks and delicate timers she was familiar with, tools taken for granted in modern times, were nowhere to be found in this world, where everything had to be done by hand, inefficiently and with a lack of precision.

“We must find other ways,” Erin said to herself, and then pondered how she could simplify her recipes and use more locally adapted tools to produce the pastry results she wanted. She didn't want her work to be compromised by these obstacles.

At the same time, Erin faced a huge challenge - she couldn't openly admit that her skills were of modern origin. This made it necessary for her to be careful not to let others doubt her skills while designing for competitions. This secrecy became a heavy burden on her mind, and her anxiety was especially strong when facing Castiel.

Although the Duke did not show too much skepticism, his gaze often revealed deep curiosity and inquiry. Whenever they discussed the pastry designs and details of the competition, Castiel always showed great interest in the questions Irene asked, and sometimes even made subtle comments, as if he had gained insight into her inner secrets.

“Erin, how did you come up with this fine decorative technique, which is virtually unknown in our domain?” He asked suddenly during one of the discussions.

Erin's heart tightened, but she kept a calm smile on her face. She weighed each word and tried to answer in the most natural tone possible, “I have studied in many places and have been exposed to different artisans and their skills. These designs are my inspiration from various cultures.”

The Duke nodded slightly, but a hint of doubt still shone in his eyes. He was clearly not completely convinced by Ayrin's explanation, yet he did not pursue it further.

This made Irene feel even more uneasy. She realized that she had to be more careful, not only when facing the Duke, but also the other nobles involved in the competition. After all, this dessert competition was not only a chance to show off one's craftsmanship, it was also a contest about power and financial interests. And in such a situation, the slightest carelessness could put her in a dangerous situation.

At the same time, Irene feels a touch of loneliness. Although Bell is her most reliable assistant, very often, he cannot understand her anxieties and concerns. And the only person she could confide in was that haughty noble lady - Sophia.

Since the dessert banquet, the relationship between Irene and Sophia gradually grew closer. Although Sophia's attitude towards Irene was a bit cold at first, even with a hint of hostility, her love for desserts eventually broke down her defenses. The two of them often tasted various desserts together, discussing how the pastries were made and new and innovative ideas, which quickly warmed up their relationship.

On this day, Erin walked into Sophia's manor with her latest dessert design, intending to seek her advice.

“Do you think I should add more decorations for the competition, or keep it simple?” Erin placed a plate of ornately decorated cupcakes in front of Sophia and looked at her expectantly.

Sophia raised an eyebrow and picked up a piece of cake, taking a careful bite. Then she slowly nodded her head and said appreciatively, “These decorations are indeed exquisite, but I think the real attraction of your dessert lies in its taste. Decoration is important, but it should not overpower it.”

Erin took a deep breath and relaxed a little. Sophia's advice was always just right, and her support gave Erin a touch of comfort. She was no longer alone, and Sophia had become her strongest ally in this competition.

However, as the competition drew closer, the pressure on Erin grew. Not only does she have to deal with strong competition from the nobles, but she also has to contend with supply issues, inefficient production, and eyes that are skeptical of her background. She knew she had to find a way to balance both the ancient craftsmanship and the modern way of doing business.

As each day passes, the preparations for the competition become busier, and Erin comes to realize that she is on a thorny path.

One afternoon, Irene stood alone in the shade of the tree in the backyard of the pastry store, looking up at the clouds in the sky. The wind gently brushed her cheeks, but her mood could not be calmed. The next match would determine her future. And she had to succeed in this match, otherwise all her efforts would be in vain.

Just as she was deep in thought, Castiel suddenly appeared. His arrival always filled the air with an invisible tension.

“Erin, I have some ideas, and I hope we can discuss the details of our cooperation for the tournament in more detail,” his low voice broke the brief silence.

Erin nodded, but an inexplicable uneasiness welled up in her heart. She had a vague feeling that this conversation would unveil a new curtain, perhaps leading her into a situation she had never anticipated.