Chapter 23: Transformation of Thoughts
Afternoon time.
The perspective shifts to Night Lan.
She’s already ready to go out with Sharon.
“By the way, when did you invite Hughes for afternoon tea?”
“I mentioned it during the dance yesterday.”
“So that’s how it is. Seems like you two are quite close.”
“Of course.”
Night Lan eagerly follows Sharon to their meeting spot.
A while later.
They arrive smoothly at a fancy restaurant.
“Whoa~ I bet this food is super expensive, huh?”
Night Lan marvels at the majestic building in front of her.
Though she’s seen more magnificent structures in her future era, the architectural style is still quite different.
Sharon smiles, “This place is part of my family’s business. I don’t need to spend anything here.”
“Wow! The elites really rock!”
“Let’s go in. Hughes might be waiting for us. A gentleman wouldn’t make a lady wait, after all.”
“Mmmh.”
Curious, Night Lan follows Sharon into the restaurant.
They head straight to the second floor, a private space not open to regular customers.
Only nobles would come here for tea or afternoon tea meetings.
And today, no one else will be present besides them three.
Night Lan scans the area and spots a figure standing by the window, staring outside. It’s Hughes.
Hughes seems to sense someone approaching and turns around, giving a graceful smile.
“Good afternoon, Ms. Sharon, Ms. Night Lan. You’ve brightened my day just being here.”
“Hughes’ compliments are over the top. There’re no strangers around, so let’s use first names. We’re friends, right?”
“Sure thing, Sharon.”
Hughes looks at the petite girl beside Sharon.
“Is this Sharon’s friend? I remember her name being Night Lan.”
Hughes met Night Lan at the ball last night, so naturally, he won’t forget such a cute girl.
But this girl doesn’t seem to be as genuine as she appears. Her demeanor and manners at the ball were too polished, almost as if she was putting on an act.
But since they’re not familiar, Hughes sees no point in pointing it out.
Night Lan looks at the man before her, who’s almost a carbon copy of a typical gentleman from her time.
“Hughes! Hi! Pleased to meet you!”
She greets loudly, brimming with energy.
Hughes is rather caught off guard.
She’s not playing the part of a proper lady anymore?
So he must have misunderstood something.
This girl must be genuine.
Hughes responds courteously, “Hello. Being acquainted with such a delightful girl is a treat.”
“Mmm~ Familiar yet exciting.”
“Alright, introductions aside, let’s get to the good part—having some tea and chatting,” Sharon says as she sits down first.
Night Lan follows suit but isn’t sure what to do next.
Hughes takes his seat only after both women are seated.
The table is set with everything needed for afternoon tea.
Night Lan ponders.
“Are the drinks all bitter coffee?”
If that’s the case, she would never drink it!
Hughes chuckles lightly.
“No, there’s also milk tea. Knowing Sharon likes bitter coffee, but hearing she’d be accompanied by a petite girl, I figured coffee wouldn’t suit you. So I went with a sweeter option most girls enjoy. I believe you’ll like the sweet milk tea.”
Night Lan’s eyes light up.
“Not bad, Hughes! Really thoughtful!”
“It’s no big deal, any well-bred gentleman would think of that.”
“You’re so modest.”
Now Night Lan understands why Hughes is such a role model for young nobles.
Just by interacting with him, one can clearly feel his charm.
Any girl would find him irresistible, a walking love hormone.
Fortunately, Night Lan is a d*e-hard loli fan.
At this moment, Sharon speaks up, “Let’s talk about today. Like old times, Night Lan knows quite a bit and you can trust her. She might even help you, Hughes.”
“Is that so?”
Hughes looks at Night Lan deeply, a hint of suspicion but not much.
“I trust you, Sharon. Since you say so, let’s chat. I’m sure we’ll have fun.”
“Quite.”
The conversation then shifts to the state of the nobility.
Many young nobles are striving to become gentlemen and ladies, aiming to change themselves, trying to become the likes of Hugh and Sharon, noble celebrities.
That’s exactly what Hughes wants.
“But unfortunately, not all young nobles are on board. This bothers me. Any suggestions, Sharon?”
“Sorry, Hughes. If it were someone courting me, I could impose conditions for them to change. But sadly, it’s not me he seeks.”
Like pursuing a beloved girl.
Someone thick-skinned would adapt to please that person.
Just like if a girl despised rough boys, they would strive to be more civilized.
Something like that.
Sharon continues reassuringly, “Don’t be disheartened. Most people do wish to be gentlemen and ladies. These refined and courteous scenes appeal to me. Even if a few aren’t on board, it can’t stop this transformation of thought.”
“Thanks for the comfort, but I can’t afford to let my guard down. I sense someone is hindering the process. More effort is needed.”
True.
Hughes always senses interference with his plans.
But he can’t identify the troublemaker.
Just like an illusion.
No matter.
Even a gentleman must stay vigilant and approach everything seriously.
Night Lan, sitting quietly and enjoying the sweets, nods approvingly.
Hughes aims to bring a change in thought to young nobles.
Remarkable indeed.
But the process will likely face interference from the Ballad Conductor.
She has no idea what the Conductor will do.
But Night Lan will stand by Hughes.
Bring it on, you dimwit Ballad Conductor!
Hmm.
These sweets are delicious!
“Oh, I finished.”
Her portion of dessert is gone.
It’s pretty good and doesn’t fall short of Neko Shinna’s efforts.
Obviously made by a master confectioner.
Night Lan glances at Hughes and Sharon’s untouched desserts. Her mouth waters.
Sharon pushes hers towards Night Lan.
“I don’t like overly sweet treats. Feel free to eat this.”
“Awesome! Thanks!”
Over on the other side,
Hughes moves his dessert to Night Lan too.
“As a gentleman, I’d naturally want to satisfy any needs a lady might have. Go ahead, no need to hesitate.”
Night Lan gratefully eats her fill.
“Mmm~ Everyone’s so nice…”
