"Yes, the Tromiller accounting method is indeed outdated," the Baron remarked with a hint of nostalgia, realizing that even the one skill he once prided himself on was now considered antiquated. "So, Ribo, what are your plans for the future? Will you take over the family business?" he asked.
"Yes, I hope to become a sailor like my grandfather," Ribo replied, expressing his true aspiration.
"You haven't considered a government position? You're very clever and could have a bright future," the Baron suggested.
Ribo hadn't anticipated this question and knew he needed to choose his words carefully. His mind raced as he recalled the political knowledge he had absorbed over time. Thankfully, he had heard a lot in Southport and learned even more from Eckert. While the gossip in Southport was often speculative, it provided unique insights from well-informed individuals. In contrast, Eckert's teachings were more systematic, each point supported by clear evidence.
After a moment of thought, Ribo answered, "Originally, my grandfather did hope that I would serve His Majesty the King, to bring greater honor to our family. His three sons were successful in business, but Sir Kayviel Egret Haide's name has faded from political circles, much to my grandfather's regret. He hoped I would carry on his legacy in this regard. However, the disaster that befell us made this hope increasingly unlikely. The family business is the foundation of our livelihood. Honor may last for generations, but the family business affects our descendants. As long as the Haide family maintains its strong presence and extensive connections in southern France, not to mention the title of knight, restoring the Haide name is only a matter of time. It doesn't need to be accomplished within one or two generations; this is my belief."
Ribo continued, "Moreover, now is not the best time to seek such honor. The ministers around His Majesty are all eager for power, and serving under any of them is both dangerous and challenging. Rather than entering this treacherous arena now, it might be wiser to observe from the sidelines, waiting for the right moment to join one side. Besides, history shows many examples of those who shared hardships being cast aside once victory was achieved."
Ribo's response left the Baron astonished. It was hard to believe that a boy of fifteen or sixteen could articulate such a sophisticated understanding of political strategy.
The other nobles in attendance were equally surprised. Initially, they were impressed by Ribo's apparent wealth, though many assumed that his grandfather, Sir Kayviel Egret Haide, was merely flaunting his riches, a common trait among newly wealthy families. These old nobles often looked down on such displays.
However, Ribo's detailed discussion of tea and his eloquent explanation, coupled with his scholarly demeanor, began to change their perceptions. Even so, they still viewed him as a merchant's son, knowledgeable about the goods his family sold.
When Ribo delved into accounting, the nobles began to see him as a prodigious young businessman. Perhaps, they thought, such talent in one family could indeed explain their rapid rise to wealth.
But when Ribo shared his astute political insights, the crowd realized that this knowledge was far beyond what a boy his age should possess. Could these words truly be his own, or had his family meticulously groomed him?
Ribo's confident demeanor suggested that he was not merely parroting what he had been taught. Yet, how could Sir Kayviel Egret Haide have known that the Baron would bring up such topics? If these were indeed Ribo's own thoughts, what kind of genius was this boy? What kind of family could produce such a prodigy?
The nobles, now uneasy, began to compare their own sons to Ribo. The realization that their children paled in comparison to this potential diplomatic heir was unsettling. Fortunately, they found some solace in the fact that Ribo seemed younger than the Baron's daughter by two or three years. Traditionally, a marriage where the girl was older than the boy was considered less than ideal, which meant that their sons might still have a chance.
Sensing the growing tension, the Baron decided it was time to shift the focus of the event. While he admired Ribo and was eager to converse with him further, perhaps to uncover more of his impressive qualities, he also wanted to ensure that the atmosphere of the ball remained pleasant.
With a warm smile, the Baron said, "Ribo, you must be tired from your journey. Feel free to rest in the upstairs parlor. The ball will continue for a long time."
"Thank you for your kind invitation," Ribo replied, bowing gracefully. He understood the Baron's intent and saw this as an opportunity to step out of the spotlight for a while.
Guided by a servant, Ribo made his way to the upstairs parlor. The room was designed with care, much like the rest of the manor. Facing south, six large windows allowed ample sunlight to flood the room. A row of mahogany bookshelves near the door indicated that the Baron's youthful interests had included poetry and drama, as the shelves were filled with volumes of verse and scripts.
Sofas lined the east and west walls, their plush cushions and backs, though not covered in rare furs, were stuffed with thick cotton and wrapped in soft fabric, providing a sense of warmth and comfort. This reminded Ribo of the cushions and pillows his Aunt Betty had made for him, which were just as cozy.
Leaning back on the sofa, Ribo closed his eyes. He truly needed a short rest, as this had been the farthest he had ever traveled. Moreover, he had little interest in the refined works that filled the bookshelves. While he enjoyed reading, Ribo preferred books that expanded his knowledge of the world—books about distant lands, exotic plants and animals, and the great inventions and wisdom of humankind.
However, he had no interest in books that delved into the intricacies of the human soul, which was the domain of poetry. Ribo never felt the need to understand the inner workings of poets' minds. As for drama, Ribo was fascinated by real history, but theatrical representations held little appeal for him.
As Ribo rested, he pondered whether the Baron had taken a keen interest in him, wondering if his performance had been too bold or had left a negative impression. Meanwhile, downstairs, the ball had reached its lively peak.
The undisputed star of the evening was the Baron's beautiful daughter. Young nobles lined up eagerly, waiting their turn to invite the Baron's daughter to dance. The orchestra played enchanting melodies, seemingly tailored to suit the charming young lady, while everyone else served merely as a backdrop, including the Baron and his wife.
Aside from the formal greetings and congratulations at the start of the ball, the Baron and his wife spent most of the evening in relative solitude. The Baron had never been particularly social, and in his youth, he had been absorbed in poetry, aspiring to become a poet. Poetry, being a solitary pursuit, left him somewhat isolated from society. However, due to his father's insistence, he had eventually taken a position under the former Minister of Finance. The royal treasury of France was one of the most enigmatic institutions in the world, and deciphering its accounts was akin to solving a puzzle. This work consumed much of the Baron's youth.
It wasn't until he met his future wife that his life began to change. The Baron's wife had been renowned as one of the most beautiful women in southern France, with numerous suitors, including several high-born nobles who overlooked the difference in their social status to seek her hand. Ultimately, however, it was the unassuming Baron Lonna who won her heart, despite his lack of wealth and power.