“This dessert is simply scrumptious!”

“Why yes! We must pay respects to chef!”

The noble ladies at the Duchess’ tea party exclaimed their fervent praise for the new dessert.

It was a miniature cake for each guest with adorable whipped cream decor and fresh fruit.

“I am so glad that you all enjoyed it. This is my new favourite as well,” the Duchess smiled warmly in response.

“In fact, the chef is right here with us. It is my talented maid, Maria.”

The Duchess beamed at a fidgeting maid who was standing by.

Some of the noble ladies nodded acceptingly or praised the maid warmly.

However, as if shock had muted them, other noble ladies said not a word further for the rest of the tea party.

Because the Duchess was the highest rank, those that were offended did not dare voice their disgust in person at the party. They opted to complain anonymously afterwards.

“I was so shocked. To think that I ate something so dirty…”

“My, I had my family’s doctor make an herbal drink for me right away.”

“I can not fathom why the Duchess, who should be setting an example in high society, would make such a mistake,” the noble lady furrowed her brows.

“To think that she would have a _dirty_ commoner make our food. Why must we risk our stomachs?”

Negative gossip about the Duchess serving dirty desserts spread into wider circles behind her back after the tea party.

Uncaring about the gossip, the Duchess held her head high as she wanted to change the nobility’s perception of talented commoners.

The more neutral noble ladies began to see the potential hidden in some of the commoners working for their house.

Encouraging them, a wave of new dessert spin-offs from commoner culture entered the circles of nobility.