Charlotte was greatly surprised, his disbelief evident as he exclaimed, "How is that possible? You're a graduate of the Behemoth National Academy, not a public school! You should at least be a second or third-level assistant. Even a first-level assistant wouldn't be unreasonable. But a third-level registrar? That's far too low!"
In the empire, registrars range from first to fifth level, with the first-level being the lowest, typically assigned to public school graduates. Assigning a National Academy graduate to this position clearly indicated foul play.
Sylvie Martin responded calmly, "It's nothing! Because I'm a girl."
Sensing the sensitivity of the topic, Charlotte wisely changed the subject, asking, "What salary did the detective offer you?"
Winnie Arsenault smiled and replied, "Eighty-five centimes per week, with room and two meals included."
Charlotte nodded slightly, thinking, "This compensation is quite reasonable, on par with a first-level assistant. Since room and board are included, the living conditions might be even easier than those of a newly appointed government employee."
Winnie Arsenault continued, "Miss Sylvie is a very talented individual. My Cat Detective Agency happened to have an assistant who had to resign due to marriage, so we had a vacancy."
Although the Farce Empire allows women to work, traditional forces are still strong. Unless the husband's family is not well-off and needs the woman's income, they generally expect the woman to quit her job after marriage.
Charlotte understood and decided not to persuade further, as Sylvie was now his former fiancée, and it wasn't his place to meddle. Just as he was about to ask when she planned to move out, Sylvie, looking slightly embarrassed, said, "I haven't received my salary yet. Although I got my luggage back, it's just personal items—I didn't recover any cash. My father's remittance will take some time, so I won't be able to repay you for yesterday's expenses immediately."
Charlotte smiled faintly and said, "No need to be so formal with me."
The lively former fiancée then said, "Miss Winnie accompanied me to help with the move. I hope that won't be inconvenient for you, Cousin?"
Charlotte smiled and replied, "Miss Winnie, Cousin Sylvie, why don't you both join me at home for a chat? It's rather impolite to stand on the street."
He led the two ladies back to No. 58, into the parlor, and poured three glasses of sparkling apple wine. He raised his glass and said, "This sparkling apple wine is quite good; you both should try it."
Winnie Arsenault looked around the room as she took a sip and then curiously asked, "Does Mr. Charlotte live alone?"
Charlotte replied, "Yes!"
Winnie didn't press further and instead changed the topic, asking, "What is your opinion on women working, Mr. Charlotte?"
Sylvie interjected, slightly irritated, "I don't want to quit my job after marriage. If my partner can't accept that, then I won't marry."
As a modern man, Charlotte had no issue with women working. He paused for a moment and then said, "I hope women can be like birds, with the freedom to choose their lives as they please."
A clear and familiar voice suddenly came from outside, exclaiming, "Mr. Mecklen, is that really what you think? That's wonderful!"
Charlotte almost jumped up in surprise. He hadn't expected Miss Annie Brittany to suddenly visit. He quickly said, "Please come in, Miss Annie."
He then introduced the two ladies, "This is Miss Annie Brittany, a friend of mine."
Annie's face was filled with joy and delight. She had always worried that after marriage, she would be confined to the home, dealing only with boring noble social activities.
Charlotte's answer just now had earned him a significant amount of points.
Annie gently tugged at her skirt and performed a casual lady's curtsy.
Sylvie responded with a casual curtsy as well, while Winnie returned with a formal imperial salute.
Charlotte, feeling a bit awkward, introduced them further, "This is Miss Sylvie Martin, my cousin. And this is Miss Winnie Arsenault, the president of the Cat Detective Agency. My cousin is a graduate of the National Academy, recently arrived in Strasbourg from the Behemoth Principality, and she is about to start working at the Cat Detective Agency."
Annie showed a hint of surprise and exclaimed, "Miss Winnie Arsenault? The famous Cat Elf Detective? I've heard so much about you and have always admired you. I even considered joining the Cat Detective Agency after graduation!"
Seeing that Charlotte didn't seem to know much about the Cat Detective Agency, Annie explained in a low voice, "The Cat Detective Agency is the only detective agency in the empire where 70% of the employees are women, and all female employees can learn the Cat Elf magic after joining."
"Miss Winnie Arsenault is one of the seven great detectives of the empire, known as the Cat Elf Detective, and is a source of pride for all women in the Farce Empire."
Annie then performed a courtly bow to Winnie Arsenault, a full version of the casual curtsy, with several additional complex and very elegant gestures, unlike the simple tugging of the skirt in a casual bow.
Miss Winnie smiled slightly and humorously said, "I'm just someone who enjoys a bit too much freedom by nature! On behalf of the Cat Detective Agency, I welcome Miss Annie to apply after graduation."
Having heard the Brittany surname, Winnie knew this young lady came from a noble background and was unlikely to pursue a career as a detective. Her words were merely a polite formality.
Annie also knew her family would never allow her to become a public-facing detective, and she sighed deeply in her heart. However, the three young women quickly found common ground in conversation.
After learning that Sylvie was Charlotte's cousin, Annie subtly tried to probe about Charlotte. Sylvie, surprisingly, said a few nice things about "this cousin," much to Charlotte's relief.
He mostly remained silent, occasionally acting as a temporary waiter, pouring sparkling apple wine for the ladies.
After about an hour, Charlotte noticed that the three women were still engrossed in conversation. He suggested, "Please excuse me for a moment. I'm going to buy some more sparkling wine and snacks. The house is too simple, and I haven't prepared anything, so my hospitality might be lacking."
Annie Brittany and Winnie Arsenault both exclaimed, "No need!" The two beautiful women exchanged a knowing smile.
Winnie Arsenault smiled slightly and said, "Let me handle it. My cats are a bit more capable."
She extended her slender right hand and made a peculiar hand sign. A soft and clingy meow sounded out, and the Cat Elf Detective affectionately commanded, "Go to a nearby shop and buy some sparkling wine and snacks."
After a long meow, there was no more sound from outside.
Winnie Arsenault said, "I've sent my cat to buy the items, so Mr. Charlotte doesn't need to trouble himself."
Charlotte was full of astonishment. Although he had inherited some of the original owner's memories, he really didn't understand what Cat Elf magic was.