Chapter 52
For some reason, the maid brought out a total of five teacups.
I was about to ask why, since there weren’t going to be any more participants, when the Viscountess beside me covered her mouth with her hand and let out an oh dear.
“Madam, is this everyone you invited?”
“Yes.”
“…I see. Then this is my mistake.”
“…Pardon?”
“In the West, whenever there’s a ladies’ gathering, there must always be at least five people.”
I had never heard of such a thing as a headcount requirement for a social gathering.
Seeing my widened eyes, the Viscountess apologized and continued explaining.
“The queen who once ruled the West had four siblings. They were a precious family, always together day and night. From then on, a tradition began—every social gathering must have at least five participants.”
“That’s…”
What kind of bizarre tradition was that?
I almost frowned, but remembered I had guests and forced myself to hold back.
Nobles really do have these ridiculous bits of pride.
It reminded me of those outdated customs like “the first fan you buy must be given by a man” or “a young lady must embroider your handkerchief for good luck.”
…Or maybe in this era, that is considered normal?
Anyway, this felt like another pride-driven tradition along the lines of “if you can’t gather four friends, you’re unfit for a noblewomen’s gathering.”
I wanted to say who cares about such nonsense, but with Ilina and Chloe sitting there looking so bright and innocent, I couldn’t bring myself to do it.
Why didn’t Anna tell me about this? If she had given me a heads-up…
No, she probably didn’t know either.
I’d only told Anna that Ilina would be bringing company.
If this was such an obvious tradition in the West, she must have assumed Ilina would bring two companions.
It was an accident born of overlapping coincidences.
“I should have researched better. I’m sorry.”
“No, Madam, this isn’t something for you to apologize for. Educating you about the Western social scene is my responsibility. This is clearly my oversight.”
Then, the Viscountess turned to the two young ladies to apologize.
“I must apologize to you both as well. I’ve ruined your first gathering.”
“Oh, no! It’s fine! Really, this is fine as it is!”
“No, like this it’s no longer a proper gathering—just a friendly meeting…”
The strait-laced Viscountess seemed unable to accept a gathering that didn’t adhere to tradition.
It’s not like I can just go find extra guests right now.
We couldn’t seat any of our servants, and to join the book club you had to have read at least one of the pre-selected books—so there wasn’t a friend I could just drag in.
While I was pondering what to do, Jane, sitting beside me, cautiously raised her hand.
“Then… shall I bring someone?”
“Hm? You have someone to bring?”
“Yes. My guard happens to be downstairs. And I’m sure… he’s read the book. He’s an educated man.”
“But bringing a guard to participate…”
The Viscountess, listening in, looked troubled.
But Jane seemed unusually determined to recommend him.
“He’s not someone who would be out of place here.”
I wasn’t offended—more intrigued.
If Jane was this insistent, maybe it wouldn’t be a bad idea to let him join.
Better than leaving a seat empty.
I nodded my approval, and Jane left saying to wait a moment—only to return with a man.
A tall man, hair hanging over his eyes in a way that looked stifling, and a mouth that betrayed his discomfort even without seeing the rest of his expression.
This was Jane’s mysterious guard.
He muttered awkwardly,
“I… don’t think I’m suited for a place like this.”
But Jane, ignoring his protests, led him straight to the table. Then, speaking too softly for us to hear, the two exchanged words.
“I’m a guard, not—”
“But even in a place like this…”
Eventually, whether persuaded or resigned, he shut his mouth and sat down.
Looking pleased with herself for solving the problem, Jane turned to me.
“What do you think, Madam? Will he do?”
“I’m fine with it, but…”
I glanced toward the Viscountess. I wondered if she would consider the presence of a man to ruin the gathering’s meaning, but instead, she was staring at him in thoughtful silence.
So now she’s not objecting?
If she wasn’t against it, there was no reason to refuse.
I said he was fine and told the servants to bring back the refreshments they’d started to take away. Anna returned with the attendants.
When the table was finally set, I murmured under my breath,
“…Isn’t this a bit much?”
I’d expected perhaps a three-tiered tray, but the annex’s pastry chef must have gone all-out—what we got was far too lavish and varied for a mere book club.
It was enough to make me think we’d have to skip dinner.
Glancing at Anna…
She looks so happy.
How to describe that face? Like a grandmother feeding her grandchildren after a long absence, or like a child proudly serving food to her parents for the first time… it was a familiar expression.
Seeing it, I couldn’t bring myself to tell her to take the food back.
At least Ilina seems delighted…
Ilina’s face was glowing as she eagerly waited for the signal to eat.
Jane, though surprised by the extravagant spread, seemed quietly pleased.
Chloe was as calm as ever, while the Viscountess was still staring intently at the man.
“Ah—before we begin the book club, shall we introduce ourselves first?”
It felt awkward to host such a meeting for the first time. Clearing my throat, I drew everyone’s attention.
“First, thank you for attending. I am…”
The introductions went in order—me first, then the Viscountess, Jane, Ilina, and Chloe.
Last was naturally the man sitting at the end—Jane’s guard—but before he could speak, the Viscountess cut in.
“How long have you been serving as Jane’s guard?”
It was a surprisingly abrupt and rude question for the Viscountess. I looked at her in surprise, but the man replied evenly,
“…Is that a question I’m required to answer?”
“I’ve often used the Goldrail Trading Company, yet I believe this is my first time seeing you.”
“‘Sir’ is too much of a compliment. I’m merely Miss Jane’s laborer. Officially her guard, but most of what I do is carry things.”
“…I see. Then I must have been mistaken.”
Of course, I’d already suspected he wasn’t just an ordinary worker. His demeanor alone was far too refined for a mere porter.
I’d read plenty of novels where a fallen noblewoman disguised herself as a merchant, so this wasn’t exactly shocking. I’d just decided to let it slide.
…Although, his voice does sound familiar.
I wasn’t good at remembering faces, but hearing his voice up close felt strangely familiar.
Must be my imagination.
Thinking back, in the past ten years I could count on one hand the number of times I’d spoken with a man of his build.
Besides, back in my academy days, skipping classes was practically my routine, so I’d had very few acquaintances.
I was ready to drop the thought, but for some reason, the man—who’d evaded the Viscountess’s question—fixed his gaze on me. Looking straight at me, he said,
“My name is… Rohan.”
Rohan, huh.
Sounds like the name of a story’s protagonist.
With that unimportant thought, the book club began.
The flow of the meeting went roughly like this:
First, the host would give a brief summary of the chosen book’s contents and pick a topic for discussion.
Then, the participants would share their opinions or impressions on that topic.
In truth, it was closer to an essay contest than a book club.
I heard that each family had its own style—some truly did nothing but read while sipping tea.
If I’d known there’d be so much talking, I’d have chosen something else.
Still, we managed to wrap up our first book club without disaster.
Since Chloe was quiet and Ilina’s impressions were shallow, Jane and I took the lead in keeping the conversation going.
The Viscountess only added a comment here or there, never disrupting others’ opinions.
Jane would give a standard viewpoint, and I would chime in with a slightly skewed take. Jane would then respond brightly, “Oh, that’s another way to see it!”—and the conversation would stretch on, preventing the relaxed pace I’d hoped for.
Still, Anna seemed satisfied that her desire to host a gathering had been fulfilled, as she bustled about with a proud look the entire time.
We didn’t finish all the refreshments, but the sole man present—Rohan—took care of the leftovers.
When I subtly slid plates his way, he caught on quickly and polished them off, which I found rather amusing.
After announcing that the next gathering would be after the New Year’s banquet, I saw Ilina, Chloe, and Jane off.
