Chapter Thirty-One
The Sweet Rival
(Rival Café Owner's POV)
I used to have the busiest café on this street.
People came every morning for my coffee. Travelers stopped here before continuing their journey. Even the town elders preferred my place for their evening discussions.
But now?
Now everyone walks past my door.
Straight to Noah's café.
I stood behind the window, watching the crowd gathered across the street.
Children running in and out.
People laughing.
And the smell of something sweet drifting through the cold winter air.
Cake.
Just the word irritated me.
"Ridiculous," I muttered.
My young worker, Pierre, glanced at me nervously.
"Sir?"
"It's just sweet bread," I continued bitterly. "Why are people acting like it's some miracle?"
Across the street, I could see that arrogant boy again.
Jack.
Standing on a chair like some kind of hero while people applauded.
My jaw tightened.
"Sir… the coffee beans are ready," Pierre said carefully.
"Yes, yes," I waved my hand impatiently.
I grabbed a large pot and slammed it onto the stove.
If the town wanted something sweet so badly, then fine.
I would make something sweet.
Without thinking, I grabbed the nearest jar and poured a generous amount into the pot.
The white crystals fell inside.
Pierre stared.
"Sir… isn't that—"
"Quiet," I snapped.
The heat slowly rose beneath the pot.
Minutes passed.
Suddenly Pierre leaned closer to the stove.
"Sir… the coffee looks strange."
I frowned.
"Strange?"
I stepped closer and stared into the pot.
The liquid inside had turned thick and golden instead of dark brown.
For a moment my mind went blank.
Then I realized what had happened.
Sugar.
I had poured sugar instead of coffee.
"Turn it off!" I shouted.
Pierre quickly removed the pot from the fire.
The thick golden liquid bubbled slowly.
"What do we do with it?" Pierre asked.
I sighed in frustration.
"Pour cold water under the pot. Maybe it will cool down."
He did as I said.
Slowly the bubbling stopped.
Curious, I dipped a spoon into the sticky mixture.
When I lifted it up, thin threads stretched between the spoon and the pot.
Sticky.
Golden.
Strange.
I touched it carefully.
"Hmm…"
Pierre leaned closer.
"Is it ruined?"
"Not exactly."
I rolled a small piece between my fingers.
It felt soft at first, but as the air cooled it—
It began to harden.
My eyes widened.
Pierre blinked.
"Sir… it's becoming solid."
I quickly rolled the warm mixture into a small ball.
Within seconds it hardened completely.
I tapped it lightly against the table.
Click.
Hard.
Curious, I placed it in my mouth.
The sweetness exploded instantly.
Pierre stared at me.
"Well?"
I slowly smiled.
"Well… it seems my mistake has created something interesting."
Pierre tilted his head.
"What is it?"
I looked across the street again toward the noisy café.
People cheering for cake.
Laughing.
Celebrating.
My fingers tightened around the small golden candy.
"If they have cake…" I murmured.
"Then I will have something better."
Pierre leaned forward eagerly.
"Better?"
I picked up a handful of roasted coffee powder and sprinkled it over the remaining mixture.
The warm sugar absorbed the dark grains instantly.
A rich aroma rose into the air.
Coffee.
Sweet coffee.
I rolled another piece carefully.
This time the flavor was deeper.
Stronger.
More interesting.
A slow smile spread across my face.
"Pierre," I said calmly.
"Yes, sir?"
"Tomorrow we introduce something new to the town."
He looked excited.
"What will we call it?"
I stared once more at the crowded café across the street.
"They have cake."
I placed the finished candy on the counter.
"We will have coffee candy."
And soon enough, I promised myself, the town would be lining up at my door instead.
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