Chapter 71: Crème


    So, you fold the dough like this and this.


    We had to put the dough on multiple tables. I made an insane amount of it, and it simply didnt fit on one table. Thank God we had cleaned them before.


    Ok, after folding the cooled butter sheets in the dough, we cut them into triangles.


    They still have no idea whats happening.


    After using a rolling pin to make the dough-cum-butter into a sheet of its own, we start cutting it into triangles.


    Ok, look at me, now you fold the triangle like this, and we put it on <em>those </em>trays. Once the yeast has done its job, we move them onto a preservation Rune. Thats peachy. Usually, you have to coordinate the time for proofing with the time you want to bake them. If you dont and they rise too much, they be gummy  and thats <em>bad</em>. They are supposed to be ky and buttery.


    Can you tell us the name, now? Cami whines.


    Oh, yeah. These are croissants.


    What? How do you spell that? minia is tired from folding all those croissants. Honestly, I might have overdone it.


    While they folded, cut corners, ttened and whatnot, I made a quick jam and some crme patissire. They are now stored in a cupboard with some preservation runes. I need those for the filling.


    Because yes, we are making croissants.


    They are the most famous pieces of baking in the world. Id argue theyre even more popr than bread, in a way. Bread, you need to live. Croissants, you need them to enjoy living.


    And its unfortunate I still dont have a lead on chocte. Yet. Im going to make some goddamn chocte and hazelnut crme  sort of like Nute, pal.


    Croissants filled with Nute? Thats my jam.


    Was that ame joke?


    I dont know.


    So, this is how you roll the triangle, I show to the hesitant Cami and minia. Being two professional [Bakers], they learn pretty quickly.


    Wow, Joey, you look like a different person when you work, Cami says while wiping some sweat off with her forearm. I did not expect this. And that <em>yeast</em>. Thats insane.


    minia looks around, worried.


    Do you have much other secret stuff like <em>this</em>? she raises a non-proofed croissant.


    Oh, so many, I smile.


    Well shes looking a bit pale.


    We should marry, Joey, you know. We would work much better like that together, Cami winks at me and gives me a bright smile.


    minia throws some flour in the shorter Elfs face, making a mess of her face.


    You, t-eared piece of


    minia throws more flour, this time in her mouth.


    Cami starts coughing and making very unkind gestures toward minia.


    Ladies, no need to fight. This bad boy here, I p my ass, is taken.


    Joey, why would you show us this recipe if its not in the contract? minia asks me seriously.


    You, m, its fine. I trust you. Im not interested inpeting with you two. Really, I want to have my little operation running. Make some money to buy a cozy ce, and thats it.


    Hes really confident in his baking skills, isnt he? Cami says after jugging some water.


    He seems able to back up his wild ims, minia nods. But I still dont understand why you would give away something <em>so </em>valuable. It makes no sense.


    Your awe is worth it. By the way, any updates on Clodia and Amelia? I enter my gossiping mode.


    They went to Clodias ce, I think. To talk.


    Hehe.


    To talk.


    Hehe.


    This is my favorite part of being a bakerthe gossip.


    Cami, I need the details of what happens. You too, minia. We have an operation going here. I need help.


    I cant just go around telling people stuff about my own employer, Joey, minia says. She hesitates a second, though.


    You keep showing me stuff, Human-boy, and Ill tell you whatever you want, Cami doesnt even flinch.


    Great. Well, now we have to wait until tonight, and then we open up a little stall in front of the building to sell the croissants to people. Lucillus, did you fetch the piping bags?


    My bodyguard just came back from his trip.


    Yes, I also told the [Woodworkers] to build the stand in front of the building. You will need a permit for that, though. I also submitted that and expedited it. It will be valid in a couple of hours.


    Man, look, I should marry <em>you, </em>Lucillus.


    The man gives me a terrified expression in response.


    Well, thats rude. Im an excellent prospect; Ill have you know. If I wasnt taken, you should be bringing me flowers at every time of the day and night to woo me.


    Lucillus goes a bit pale just at the thought of that.


    Unbelievable.


    Anyway, we are pretty much done for now.


    Im going to take a nap upstairs. Weve got some rooms with this ce. Its like an inn. Lucillus, you can rest too. Wake me up in two hours if you dont see meing down.


    The man nods and goes for a rest himself.


    It has been a long day.


    Ille back. I need to check on Clodia and fix a few orders at Happys.


    Same, but I need to check on my witch of a sister, Cami says with a frown.