Chapter 5 – Issen (Part 14)

“You know it.”

“Of course! I have both of that author’s works. Including the ones I gave as gifts to friends, I’ve probably bought ten copies!”

“Oh my. It seems like I should be buying lunch today.”

“My goodness, to think Mr. Clifton published those books!”

Nichols leaned forward with excitement. Evelyn remembered that he was very fond of novels. So she quietly prepared herself for the somewhat embarrassing comments to follow.

“Dennis Howle is one of my favorite novelists. My wife is an even more avid reader than I am. She’s probably read The Blooming Mansion ten times.”

“It’s a wonderful work.”

“Without a doubt! Then you’ve met Mr. Howle, Mr. Clifton?”

“Of course. He’s the author I value most.”

“Naturally! What kind of person is Mr. Howle? I’m really curious about him. Everyone who’s read his books is, I’m sure.”

“Well, I don’t know if I can give a fair evaluation, but if I must say,”

Bryant paused for a moment. Naturally, he didn’t look at Evelyn. Nor did he glance at the Duke sitting across from him. He just smiled as if choosing the right words and then said,

“I would say he’s an extremely charming person.”

He spoke softly to Nichols, whose eyes and glasses sparkled. 

Surely, of course. Why wouldn’t he be? 

Listening to the continued praises from an avid reader, Evelyn didn’t move a single finger. She didn’t pick up her fork or drink water. She just desperately wished for this unbearably uncomfortable situation to end soon.

“It’s wonderful that Miss Dale has published a book with such a good publisher.”

After a round of praising Dennis Howle, Nichols turned the topic to Evelyn. Perhaps he realized belatedly that it was impolite to fuss over another author in front of an unknown writer. Evelyn finally lifted her head and smiled awkwardly. She felt she should join the conversation with a few words, but honestly, she wanted to sit quietly until it was time to leave.

“It’s rather me who should be grateful to have such a wonderful author like Miss Evelyn publishing with us.”

Bryant turned to her with a smile. The moment their eyes met, Evelyn found a suitable opportunity to say a few words.

“Please, I hope I don’t disappoint you.”

“I’m sure that won’t happen.”

“Thank you for saying so, but don’t be too sure. That way, you can avoid being greatly disappointed.”

“Just write what you want. I’m sure another great work will come out.”

He smiled lightly, meeting her eyes. Evelyn smiled back and nodded. 

Good. This should look no different from usual. Now I can sit quietly until it’s time to leave. 

Just as she relaxed a bit and picked up her fork,

“A publisher and a novelist together must never run out of topics to discuss.” 

Jared said, looking between the man and woman across the corner.

Evelyn tried to maintain her composure. Jared was sitting to her left. The small size of the four-person table allowed her to see all three people without turning her head. She didn’t look at any of their faces. She sensed Nichols’ tension.

The only person who seemed genuinely comfortable was Bryant.

“That’s not entirely true. Some publishers aren’t interested in authors, and many authors with great works aren’t good at speaking.”

“I see.”

“As you know, conversation involves many factors. No matter how closely related they are professionally, if they don’t connect personally, it would be very difficult to endure even a short interaction.”

“It seems you two connect personally.”

“I believe so, but,”

He paused and looked at the woman. Evelyn naturally met his gaze.

“I’ll ask the other party’s opinion later. I can’t risk being embarrassed in front of you gentlemen.”

Bryant said casually, smiling. However, Evelyn couldn’t smile along. 

Connecting personally. I’ll ask later. 

These were overly intimate remarks. It might be common in the open-minded Kingston, but it wouldn’t sound pleasant to people here.

So Evelyn had to step in before the two Trissen gentlemen found words to respond and ruin the mood.

“As you might have guessed, Mr. Clifton is someone who can engage even a statue in conversation. I wonder if he ever runs out of topics.”

“You’re indirectly saying I’m mistaken.”

“You enjoy making others uncomfortable in this way.”

“It’s an unfair assessment, but since it’s partially true, I won’t refute it.”

Bryant looked truly at ease. He spoke and laughed as he always did. No, he seemed even more cheerful than usual, as if he was enjoying something. 

Does he like this situation? Surely he doesn’t want to get closer to the Duke. 

Evelyn bit her lip slightly to shake off the ominous thought, and Bryant brought her back into the conversation.

“Miss Evelyn is a very witty debater. Among the authors I know, she’s undoubtedly the best. Mr. Nichols, you must be familiar with her eloquence since you were in a book club together.”

“Oh, yes. As I recall, Miss Dale enjoyed debates. She was quick-witted and bold.”

“I’d say that’s still true. That’s why I’m always struggling.”

After answering, Bryant raised his glass and took a sip of water. During that time, no one spoke. It was an awkward situation for all three of them to add anything. So the lead in the conversation passed back to Bryant.

“Do you enjoy debates, Your Grace?”

Jared, who was cutting a piece of potato on his plate, looked up. He was eating very slowly and had hardly spoken.

“No, I don’t particularly enjoy them.”

“Having worked as a lawyer, I thought you’d be good at debates.”

“I didn’t do courtroom advocacy, so I rarely had to debate, but I do have a personality unsuitable for being a lawyer. I don’t enjoy fighting.”

“You think of debates as fights.”

“Polite arguments, yes.”

Jared replied, placing the cutlery he held in both hands down on the plate. With a light clink, he continued speaking.

“If the purpose of a fight is to overpower the opponent, then debates are definitely fights. You have to subdue the opponent with logic. So, even if a debate starts politely, emotions eventually get involved. Since it’s not a gentleman’s virtue to put emotions into words, I don’t like debates.”

“That’s unfortunate.”

Bryant tilted his head slightly, as if genuinely regretting it. Jared looked at him inquiringly. The gazes of the two seated opposite each other met directly.

“It seems you don’t know the pleasure of a polite verbal fight, Your Grace.”

Bryant said, with a very friendly face.

“Well, I might find out if I meet the right opponent.”

Jared replied, with an impeccably polite expression.

Sitting between them, Evelyn truly didn’t know what expression to wear.

What she most wanted was for those two to meet as little as possible. The next thing she wanted was for them to remain as strangers to each other as much as possible. Sitting face to face, having a meal, talking, and sharing thoughts was something she really didn’t want.

They don’t know each other. More precisely, they don’t know what kind of relationship each had with Evelyn Dale in the past and what kind of relationship they have now. What if they get closer? Wouldn’t it just be a matter of time before they subtly reveal their experiences with her?

No. Absolutely not. 

Evelyn fervently repeated to herself.

“If there’s an opportunity, I’d like to see the two of you debate. Then I might be inspired by the pleasure of verbal fights too.”

“You’re welcome anytime, Your Grace.”

“That’s a kind offer.”

“I mean it. The more people involved in a debate, the more fun it is.”

“Then would you come to dinner tomorrow?”

Jared said to Bryant, as if mocking the woman’s earnest wish.

“Tomorrow evening, I invite you both to my home.”

Evelyn held her breath. She tried not to let her eyes squeeze shut. Her hands, clasped together under the table, turned cold and stiff.

“I don’t have much to boast about, but I’ll serve the finest whiskey. I’m not sure if Northern alcohol will suit your taste.”

Jared’s tone sounded very humble at first glance. But his attitude didn’t consider the possibility of refusal. It was only natural. Who would refuse? The Duke of Windberg, a great noble of Trissen, was inviting them to his house in the capital.

“How could I dare miss the pleasure of visiting Your Grace’s townhouse?”

Bryant politely and willingly accepted the invitation. He didn’t bother to ask the lady sitting beside him for her opinion. That too was entirely natural.