36 Chapter 36: Saint’s Day Coffee Party

The Founding Heirs' odd behavior continues as time passes, with increasingly worrying displays becoming more and more frequent between them and Marie Fou Lafan.

Through Chris and his other followers, Leon learns of the heirs' growing closeness with the Viscountess– with them being spotted more and more often walking together in and outside of the Academy. They indulge in activities that wouldn't be too out of place between lovers; shopping and dining, training and studying, even indulging in the heirs' favored past times. Though innocent-sounding at first glance, one need only realize that the boys she is spending time with are engaged to see why this is a terrible occurrence.

Their status as Heirs from prominent households aside, their fiances are also key figures in the Kingdom; their engagements cementing alliances set to grant the next King of Holfort the greatest amount of power in the country's history. Their closeness with Marie Fou Lafan threatened to plunge the kingdom into instability– something that Leon and Hustler One considered to be a blessing and a curse.

A blessing in that it would allow their plans to reform the Kingdom into a democracy much easier. A curse in that the instability may result in unrest that could devolve into civil war. Already, the closeness and intimacy between the boys and the girl were worrying a good deal of the academy; to a degree that some of the higher-ranked noble found inappropriate.

It's gotten to the point where Marie would walk among the Prince's entourage in the open, right in front of Lady Redgrave and all the other students. None would say anything bad to their face, but the whispers and rumor-mongering were fierce out of earshot. It's a miracle that the ducal daughter hasn't lashed out again, even during shared classes and at lunch– though he suspects that Olivia's efforts are to be thanked for that. He should buy the girl some sweets to reward her hard work.

Nonetheless, despite this developing situation, life in the Academy continues on as Saint's Day inches close.

=X=X=X=X=X=

"Man, Saint's Day is coming up soon." Daniel bemoans from his spot at the cafeteria table. "That means figuring out who to invite. Ugh, it's such a drag…"

"Well, as long as there's a chance that a girl would come, then I'd be okay with just about anyone." Raymond commisserates. "Finding a good girl to propose to is so hard in the Advanced Course. I wish I was in the General Course instead– at least there the girls are okay."

"Yeah, so much kinder. They don't even look at your wallet or pedigree, only your character" Daniel nods. "It's such a pain to deal with the Advanced Course girls. I wish–"

"You cunts have been bitching and moaning about this for the last 3 months." Leon butts in, annoyed. "3 months."

"Oh, shut up!" Daniel scoffs. "At least you have it easy mister 'War Hero'! I know for a fact that there's people in the academy that're waiting for you to host a tea party just so they can pile in! You don't even have to work as hard as us normies, you can just snap your fingers and somebody will come to hand you a snack!"

"Stupid normie! Go explode!" Raymond hisses. "How would someone like you know about our struggle? We who were cursed with the inability to find a decent woman while you cavort and frolic with angels! In fact, how dare you–

Leon kicks them both under the table, not as hard as he could, but enough to make his point known– because he was a war hero, he is much more physically capable than a lot of the people in the Academy. Appropriately, the two make sounds like whining dogs and drawn-out groans of pain, muffling their faces into their forearms.

"...D-Did you do something to them, Leon?" Olivia asks from her place beside the Raven.

"If I did, then they deserved it." he snorts.

"Damn right they do." Harold chuckles. "You two used up the pity after the first few times you've complained about your lack of fiance. Suck it up and try again."

"W-We are trying though…!" Daniel gasps, teary-eyed and hurting. "It's just s-so hard…!"

Raymond makes an agreeing noise like the high-pitched whine of a hurt animal.

"I'd rather skip the damn tea party and go drinking or something." Leon snorts. "I don't even like tea– it's just hot leaf juice. The only upside to a tea party are the sweets and snacks that are usually served as side dishes. Now, a coffee meet– that I'd gladly host."

"I-Is coffee actually good? I've tried it a few times from one of Angelica's followers, but it's…" Olivia makes a face. "Bitter."

"Then you haven't tasted good coffee." Leon crosses his arms. "Good coffee has a specific taste that's only a little bitter, but it leaves you fired up and full of energy. You can even add other stuff to it too, like chocolate or whipped cream– even ice cream and biscuits. Hell, there's even various coffee-based deserts like tiramisu, pies, cakes, and cookies."

"Bah! No woman would like coffee!" Raymond scoffs, derisive and mocking. "Really, serving coffee during a tea party? What are you, daft?"

"It's not like you're going to host one anyway." Daniel sneers. "Are you?"

Leon feels his brow twitch.

"Hustler."

//"Yes, Leon?"//

"Do you have contacts that sell coffee?"

//"I…do? But–"//

"Buy several crates of the stuff. Oh, and does the Buzzard's kitchen have ovens and barista stations?"

//"Leon, what the hell are you–"//

"Just answer the question Hustler, do they or don't they?"

//"They do! But I don't understand why you'd need them in the first place unless you explain!"//

"I've got two nincompoops here that say no lady would like coffee. I intend to prove them wrong come the Saint's Day tea party– so bring the Little Buzzard to the academy and start making every coffee-based drink and dessert and snack your database has. Oh, and I'll need some gynoids as servers."

//"Why are you even– Leon, it's a tea party! You are taking this entirely out of proportion! I'm not going to bring the Little Buzzard to the Academy just so you can make a point!"//

"I'll owe you a favor."

//"...I'll have the coffee picked up and the ship parked in 3 days."//

=X=X=X=X=X=

Not long after the lunch debacle with Raymond and Daniel, the Ravens are whipped up into a frenzy. The men move with purpose and energy that has the students and even some of the teachers intimidated– moving about to make preparations for the coming Saint's Day tea party.

The largest available venue is chosen, a decent-sized hall in the very center of the Academy. Tables and chair and decor are prepared, with leon personally helping in the set up. Groups of pretty young women wearing Nielsen Courier Co. uniforms enter the school grounds with covered trays and file into the hall– followed by female followers of Lady Redgrave as well as a handful of teachers. They stay in the room for a brief few hours, and exit looking excited and happy and positively vibrating with energy; the teachers especially, who walk with firm steps and the countenances of people who have found salvation.

Word spreads of a tea party unlike any other being hosted by none other than Leon Fou Bartford himself– the young man seeking to change the system of the humble tea party in much the same way he changed Holfort's military doctrine. Some scoff at the idea, believing that nothing could outperform the tried and tested beverage of nobles.

But then invitations start filtering out, reaching men and women alike. Cards enclosed in simple envelopes, decorated in imagery evocative of a raven at rest, inviting the recipient to come but assuring them that no offense would be taken should they choose not to. However, there are differences between the invitations.

To the men, the raven faces left and comes with instructions to arrive early; dressed in their best and ready to impress.

To the women, the raven faces right and comes with instructions to arrive with an open mind; bringing only themselves and no-one else.

To the higher-ranked women, the raven faces them directly and has allowances to bring one of their followers with them; likely as assurance to ensure no foul play happens.

Initial examinations of the invitations reveal a pattern among the recipients. The men are all either Viscounts or Barons, all of them single and having expressed their frustrations in the past about being unable to secure a fiance. The women are mostly Barons and Baronets who are mostly quiet and introverted types who are known to remain in their rooms most of the time, with a handful of higher-ranked noblewomen attending out of curiosity.

As the day of the tea party dawns, the big event begins.

=X=X=X=X=X=

Daniel Fou Dalant picks at his tie, a nervous tic from his youth that he hasn't quite grown out of yet. He stands among his fellow Barons, all of whom march to the venue of the tea party they had been invited to; all at the expense of their most enigmatic peer.

"...you don't think he's mad about what we said about him during lunch that one time, is he?" Raymond asks, pale and sweating. "I-It was all banter anyway, we didn't mean it!"

"Y-Yeah! All fun and games! Nothing serious at all!" Daniel nods, nervous and terrified. "We weren't wrong to say that he has things easier, 'c-cuz he does!"

"All it took was him surviving 2 wars and conquering 2 kingdoms…" Raymond's shoulders sag. "A-And dueling the king of one of those Kingdoms… And fending off the Black Knight… and sinking whole fleets by himself… and taking fortresses all alone…"

The two nobles sigh.

"We're doomed."/"We're doomed." they both sigh as the group reaches the venue hall.

There stands six suited young men, Barons and Viscounts who had served under Leon during their time in the military together and had sworn themselves into Leon's service. They are tall, built, and scarred from fighting 2 lightning fast wars; practically heroes in their own right. They behold the arrivals quietly and the middle 2 open the doors leading into the venue, gesturing them to enter.

The interior is well lit and tastefully decorated. The tables are covered with wonderfully designed table cloth and each possess a single exquisitely crafted pastry display stand; showing delectable sweets and snacks of all shapes and types and colors.

At the far end of the room stands the host of this event, Leon Fou Bartford; dressed in the standard student uniform.

To his left is a line of pretty blonde women dressed in very tasteful server uniforms that emphasize their busts and hips; their expressions demure and patient. To his right is a line of dashing young men in suits that just fit around their well-built frames; the small scars on their faces serve to enhance their knowing looks.

Leon pans his gaze over the present noblemen and nods.

"Gentlemen." he starts. "It has come to my attention that all of you are, sadly, without marriage partners. A sad state of affairs, but one that is not entirely unexpected given the type of women that stalk the Academy's halls. Though none would voice it, I believe I speak the truth when I say that a good number of the women here are venomous harpies."

A few of the present guests bristle, but none actually say anything.

"And it has also come to my attention that some among you have talked shit about my favorite beverage; coffee. So I have taken it upon myself to educate you as well as the inhabitants of the Academy as to the attractiveness of that beverage– in both coffee and dessert form."

"It was one time!" Daniel complains.

"One time too many!" Leon shouts back, much to the amusement of the others. "That aside, I've also heard of various complaints about the difficulties you've encountered in finding a suitable woman that isn't a venomous harpy." Leon continues. "Another expected outcome; His Highness the Prince and his entourage are present this year, so many of us would be compared to him– often coming up short to both his pedigree and the wealth he can bring to bear."

Many of those present grumble even as their shoulders sag. Even Raymond and Daniel find themselves nodding to Leon's words.

"Well, I've had enough of it." the Raven declares. "I'm sick and tired of hearing some of you bitch and moan and complain about unfair circumstances and the unavailability of decent marriage prospects while also talking smack about my favorite beverage. I'd like my lunches to be peaceful and filled with productive discussion rather than complaining." he pauses, looking over everyone. "So I have taken it upon myself to remedy this situation. Today, we will all have a tea party with coffee instead of tea– while also putting you into contact with various young women who are either too shy or too insecure to socialize."

There is silence, then all eyes turn to Leon with rising hope and surprise.

"So put your best foot first and be sure to not scare off any prospective marriage partners, all of you." Leon says, walking forward to the door. The group parts before him, backs straightening and chests puffed where he walks past. "Arrange yourselves in two lines on my left and right, gentlemen. The ladies will have their pick."

Raymond and Daniel scramble to find their places, following Leon's orders with the sort of eagerness children would show to their popular peers in an effort to impress them.

Leon reaches the doors, and pauses. He turns around and checks to make sure everyone is at their place before nodding and opening the door.

On the other side are a number of young women; small, unsure, and a little plain compared to the likes that strut around the Academy. But, much the attending boys' delight, none of them immediately start demanding or holler for good service and treats. Instead, all cease talking and bow to Leon.

"Hello Lord Bartford." they greet, demure and sweet and everything the boys want out of a fiance.

"Hello girls. Welcome to my party." he greets back. "There are snacks and tables aplenty, as well as attendants ready to make you feel comfortable and at ease." he turns to the boys lined up behind him. "Isn't that right, boys?"

"Yes, Lord Bartford!" Daniel, Raymond, and the rest of the boys answer; their voices hopeful and eager for this once-in-a-lifetime chance. "We hear your word, and obey!"

"...a little too eager." Leon comments, and the girls giggle. "Well, don't mind them too much ladies. Pick your attendant and enjoy yourselves. There are drinks and snacks aplenty."

Daniel and Raymond stand straight as the girls filter in, slowly but with growing courage. One wanders up to Daniel, a pretty brunette with freckles (freckles!) and warm brown eyes.

"H-Hello." she greets. "W-Would you like to be my attendant?"

"O-Of course!" Daniel almost laughs, offering an arm. "I will take good care of you, miss…?"

"Kana. K-Kana Fou Ergist." the brunette smiles and puts her hands on his arm. "I-I'll be in your care then, ah…"

"Daniel Fou Dalant." he smiles back. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Ergist."

=X=X=X=X=X=

"This is absurd! How am I not allowed in but those plebs are?!" a round girl with large lips and curled blonde hair demands, her Exclusive Servants standing behind her trying to look scary. "Does Lord Bartford know who you are refusing entry to?! I'll tell my father about this!"

"I understand your desire to enter Miss, but Lord Bartford's orders were clear; no-one without an invitation card is allowed into the venue, regardless of your supposed rank." the suited young man (he's too well-built to be a boy, too scarred, too mature) explains with infinite patience. "Now I would ask you to vacate the premises before a teacher comes to investigate the commotion."

"Ludicrous! Plain ludicrous!" the girl stomps. "My father will hear of this, you oaf! You've just earned the enmity of the Kalwards!"

Clarice Fia Atless snorts. The Kalward Household was a minor barony in the Kingdom's east, with minimal influence and little power. Whatever threat she espouses would likely not be followed through. Typical of these vipers, so quick to resort to threats and when diplomacy was still an option. A sad fact for a noble, but she can't find it in herself to be surprised anymore– not after she's spent so long in their company.

Ahh, but she's getting ahead of herself. Today was supposed to be a big day for the enigmatic Viscount and war hero– so big in fact that he decided to host the biggest tea party in the academy; dwarfing everyone else's, including the Prince's.

Clarice has no idea what statement he's making, but it's certainly big.

"It must be quite the party if Lord Bartford has guards turning away non-invitees." Donovan comments. "Are you sure you still want to go?"

"'Course I'm sure. Gotta make a splash, don't I?" Clarice huffs, walking forward. "Gotta play up the delinquent routine well and there's no better time to do it than here."

The Atlee heiress grins to herself, feeling the thrill for daring to step out of her usual comfort zone– a shorter skirt, an unbuttoned blazer, partially unbuttoned shirt, hair wild and free. She cuts a figure as a delinquent. And she has to admit, there's a charm to being able to cut loose like this; a liberating freedom that her normal countenance lacks.

Part of her hopes Jilk would finally notice her instead of that child, Lafan.

She and Donovon come to a stop before the guard, who bow once.

"Greetings, Milady and sir." he greets. "May I see your invitation?"

"Sure thing." she smirks, reaching into her cleavage and pulling out the card. Beside her, Donovan sighs. "Here you go, still warm."

"Thank you." the guard gives it a quick once over on both sides to confirm and nods. "Everything is in order. Welcome to Lord Bartford's 'Coffee Party', as he insists we label it as."

"Coffee?" Clarice blinks. "Huh. Quite the balls on him to serve that instead of tea."

Donovan winces at her use of coarse language, but the guard just laughs. Quite the open fellow, huh?

"Lord Bartford is quite the trendsetter, yes." he nods. "You're free to proceed. Lord Bartford will be at the door to personally welcome you and your follower in, Lady Atlee. Do enjoy yourself."

"We'll do that, thanks." she smirks, patting the young man's arm. "Have fun guarding the entrance tough guy~"

"Milady, please." Donovan sighs. "At least act your station while you're in Lord Bartford's presence."

"Oh, lay off Donny– he's just a Viscount." Clarice snorts. "I'm an Earl's daughter, he can't touch me." she pauses. "Err, n-not that I want him to in the first place. Doubt he'd be able to take my rowdiness for long anyways." she looks at her follower. "You'll be there to defend me, won't you?"

"Lady Clarice…" Donovon sighs again, sounding aggrieved. "Yes, I will."

"Thank you, Donnie~" she sing-songs. "Now lets see if this war hero actually lives up to the hype."