In the academy, it was time for tea. The offspring of barons and viscounts, striving to gain the attention of daughters of barons or viscounts (they didn't even dare invite the daughters of earls, marquises, or counts), extended invitations to other noble ladies. However, many of those invited either completely ignored such invitations or came only to enjoy the treats in the company of their friends and servants.
In one of the rooms specially designated for tea gatherings, Leon could be seen putting in every effort to ensure everything was arranged at the highest level. On the table were the finest teas and exquisite sweets brought from his territories.
The Bartfort family, thanks to Leon's efforts, had long been renowned for its cuisine. Both Leons had introduced something unique to this world. Although their culinary knowledge was incomplete, it was more than enough for food from the Bartfort household to make its way directly to the royal family's table. Among the delicacies, the legendary oyster particularly stood out, which the second Leon once called the "sea vagina." Unfortunately, the dish was officially given a more respectable name — "magic oyster." This rarity amazed many, and the price per kilogram of oysters reached a staggering 10 gold coins.
Returning to the tea gathering, Leon, dressed in a neatly tailored suit, was finishing the final preparations. He wanted everything to look flawless. His attention to detail was evident not only in the choice of treats but also in the meticulous preparation of the room.
At that moment, his artificial intelligence Luxion and his companion Cleare appeared in the room.
"I didn't expect such a passion for tea from you, Master. Throughout our acquaintance, you've rarely touched tea. More often, you drank restoration potions than enjoyed tea," Luxion remarked, observing the preparations.
"That's because I used to be foolish," Leon replied with a shrug.
"You still are," Luxion retorted dryly, not missing the chance to tease his master.
"In any case, I've grown wiser when it comes to beverages," Leon replied with a hint of pride. "My mentor gave me valuable advice that allowed me to see the world differently. Now I appreciate tea as it truly deserves!"
At that moment, Cleare joined the conversation, her tone lightly mocking:
"And who are you inviting, Master? As far as I recall, you're not particularly fond of the local ladies. If I remember correctly, last time you saw them, you almost felt like crying. Have you really invited them just for the sake of tea?"
"Absolutely not," Leon immediately responded, frowning. "Although my mentor insists on pleasing all ladies, I still have my principles."
Luxion, slightly tilting his metallic body and pointing his lens at the lavishly decorated table, interjected:
"Then, if you're not actually inviting anyone, why go through all this trouble?"
"This is practice," Leon explained with an air of importance. "I'm preparing for a future tea gathering."
"Understood," Cleare and Luxion replied in unison, clearly unimpressed by his reasoning. After this, they returned to stealth mode, leaving Leon alone.
Leon remained in the room, admiring his tea set, of which he was immensely proud. The cups, made of the finest porcelain with intricate patterns, the silver teapot with engraved designs, and the meticulously polished spoons—all of it was a testament to refined taste. He spent about an hour appreciating every element of his tea set, but at some point, his attention was drawn to loud voices outside the door.
"Did you get invited to Lord Brad's tea gathering? You're absolutely not needed there!" a girl shouted sharply. Her voice was filled with disdain and anger.
"B-but the invitation said…" another girl stammered, her voice trembling and quiet.
"If you show up, you'll ruin everyone's mood! Know your place, you fool!" the other retorted mockingly.
"Hurry up, we're running late," added one of the girls, and the group quickly left, leaving behind the target of their venomous remarks.
Leon slowly opened the door and peered into the corridor. Before him, sitting on the cold floor, was a young girl. Her light chestnut hair was cut into a neat medium-length bob, and her green-blue eyes were filled with tears she was trying to hold back but couldn't. Her slender shoulders trembled slightly, and her delicate features expressed a mix of hurt and confusion.
She was known as an honorary student, and her name was Olivia. As Leon realized who she was while looking at her, their gazes met.