Home/The villainess's personal maid is very good at her job/ch 55

Episode 55

Since it was still a test menu, they weren't charging for it yet.

Instead, they were collecting feedback from customers on taste and other aspects, and the response had been quite positive.

"The recipe patent and trademark registration are both complete, so it seems we can move forward with full-scale production and sales."

"Already?"

"Illinia is both an information guild and a large business enterprise."

From Soluna, the most successful establishment in Ludwig territory, to various cafes and dress shops—they operated a wide range of businesses.

All of them also served as channels for accepting commissions, but aside from that, every store boasted high profitability.

"So we're experts at handling this kind of work."

"As expected. I'm glad I joined hands with you."

"Naturally."

Kendrick added casually.

"Turning down Oscar's offer was an excellent choice."

As Janet nodded in agreement, Kendrick grinned.

"Anyway, it's about time we write up a formal contract."

With that, Kendrick pulled a stack of papers from his bag.

Documents related to the oat milk business.

"Please take your time reviewing them."

"Alright. But first, let's eat. As you said, before heading to a battlefield, you need to fill your stomach."

"Wise words."

Exchanging smiles, the two began their meal.

Soluna's food was always exceptional.

The oat milk cream pasta Soluna had been developing was also delicious.

'The quality seems even better than the oat milk I had in my previous life?'

In fact, since the recipe Janet had provided was for home use, it had its shortcomings.

But in the food she was eating now, she couldn't detect any such flaws.

"They must have refined the recipe alongside the food development."

"Does it not suit your taste?"

"No, not at all. I just feel like I'm receiving too much without doing anything……"

"Without the original, there'd be no improvement. There's no need to think that way."

At Kendrick's firm encouragement, Janet let out a short breath.

"Alright. I'll do that."

After finishing the meal, Janet began reviewing the documents carefully.

As time passed—about an hour—Kendrick quietly waited for her.

Finally, Janet finished reviewing everything, and squeezed her tired eyes shut before opening them.

"How is it? Does the business proposal meet your expectations?"

"Yes. I'm very satisfied."

The business plan Theo had presented was neatly organized, even covering aspects Janet hadn't thought of.

"If there's anything that concerns you, feel free to speak up."

"No, nothing like that. I think we can proceed with the contract as is."

Hmm. After a moment's hesitation, Janet pointed to a blank space on the contract.

"But why is the profit-sharing ratio left blank?"

"That's because I wanted to negotiate it now."

Shrugging, Kendrick pulled out two pens and handed one to Janet.

"Do you have a preferred profit ratio in mind?"

"What does Illinia have in mind?"

"That's not important."

"Pardon?"

"We're prepared to align with whatever ratio Janet wishes."

At the man's answer, Janet was speechless.

'Is Illinia really okay with this……?'

What kind of contract allows one side to dictate the ratio unilaterally?

As a former secretary in her past life, this was absolutely unthinkable.

'But since he seems sincere……'

Janet quickly calculated a fair ratio.

Honestly, Janet's role in this business was solely to provide the recipe.

Refining the recipe and developing new dishes using it was Illinia's responsibility.

And that wasn't all—

Production, manufacturing, promotion, and sales of the oat milk product were all also Illinia's domain.

After much deliberation, Janet spoke with resolve.

"Then I'll take 20% of the net profit."

"20%?"

"Yes. 20%."

……Was that too much?

It might be a bit high, but negotiations usually started high and worked down.

But—

"Wouldn't that be too low?"

"It would?"

"Yes. I was thinking something like 50%."

At Theo's words, Janet let out a dry laugh.

"Theo. I want to make a deal, not commit fraud."

Saying that, a sudden worry arose.

"Surely you don't think I'm a swindler?"

"Of course not."

At the swift denial, Janet smiled.

"I could just take a royalty or a one-time recipe fee, but you're offering profit-sharing—I'm grateful for that."

Without even finishing her sentence, Janet filled in the blank with her pen: 'Net profit 20%.'

"Please proceed this way."

"……Understood. Since we agreed to respect Janet's wishes."

But Kendrick couldn't help feeling regretful.

Of course, they weren't running a charity—they wouldn't offer a lavish 50% net profit share to just anyone.

Still, he'd hoped this business would help Miss Janet, even a little.

He knew better than anyone how desperately she needed money.

'Actually, I was thinking of buying a baronetcy for her if necessary.'

But knowing Janet's personality, she'd likely refuse.

So he'd planned to use the oat milk business as a way to gift her a baronetcy indirectly.

'That plan was thoroughly sunk.'

She was both conscientious and sharp—there was no getting past her.

"Let's settle the contract this way."

After finishing the contract discussion, Kendrick tidied the papers and asked.

"I heard the Grahams came to see you."

"Yes, they did."

At the instant chill in her voice, Kendrick's eyes also turned cold.

"What did they say?"

"What did they say? They just asked for money."

The Viscount's source of income was a small trading company he'd started. But Janet had never once seen it turn a profit since she came to Graham.

Still, they kept pouring money into it.

As a result, the Grahams had only grown poorer.

"Oh, but Lord Liam came and helped me."

"……Yes. I heard about that too."

"He's such a wonderful person, isn't he?"

"He is. Though his loudness is a drawback."

Janet chuckled in agreement.

Then—

"Theo."

Wiping the smile from her face, Janet called him.

"Yes, Miss Janet."

"I'd like to make a request."

"Anything. Whatever you ask, I'll make it happen."

With a confident reply, Theo's eyes sparkled.

---

"What on earth is all this?!"

The Viscountess screamed at the envelopes filling the mailbox.

Her face turned pale.

And for good reason—all the envelopes were red.

Red envelopes were typically used for debt collection notices.

Cradling an armful of red envelopes, she headed to the Viscount's study.

"Look at this, dear!"

Whoosh.

At the pile of documents dumped onto his desk, the Viscount frowned.

"What is this uncouth behavior?"

"Do you think manners matter right now? Where did you borrow money from this time?"

"What are you talking about? I haven't."

It was true.

In fact, even if he wanted to borrow, he couldn't.

Who would lend more money to someone who couldn't even repay what he already owed?

"Then what are all these?"

"I don't know. Didn't you or Simon borrow them?"

The Viscountess, too, had borrowed money several times to cover her luxury purchases.

And Simon was no exception.

When he borrowed from legitimate sources, it was fine—but he'd often borrowed from dangerous places, causing headaches more than once or twice.

"If this is Simon's doing, I'll disown him from the family registry this time."

"Really, dear. Must you speak so harshly to your precious son?"

The Viscountess said, flustered, and picked up one of the envelopes.

"Let's check them first."

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