“Tea is enjoyable alone, but it’s even better when shared with others. And if you want to make a name in society, it’s good to be knowledgeable about tea culture.”

Evangelin glanced at me.

“Maybe Sir Musel needs a more practical tea lesson, considering the position as the Crown Prince’s aide involves dealing with prominent nobles.”

“That’s why you mentioned a theory lesson earlier.”

“Yes, exactly.”

Finally, he presented a tea with a faint orange hue in front of me.

“It might be challenging for Sir Musel, who has just begun exploring tea, but would you like to try it?”

“Yes, thank you. I’m honored to taste a tea blended by Lady Evangelin.”

I cautiously brought the teacup to my lips.

The subtle aroma that entered my nose was refreshing. The taste lingering on my tongue was not too heavy, but smooth.

“Um, it’s not bad at all.”

“That’s good to hear.”

Evangelin seemed genuinely relieved, stroking his chest.

“I have a special attachment to this recipe. I was worried you might spit it out right after tasting it.”

“I wouldn’t do that.”

Now I was curious how much of a cold-hearted person Evangelin thought I was.

However, I asked about the most necessary aspect for a practical tea lesson.

“What kind of conversation is appropriate at a tea party?”

Evangelin tilted his head at my question.

“Well, it’s hard to say in a word. Tea gatherings are mostly held by ladies and young women, so common topics are about jewelry or dresses.”

“What about politics or economy?”

“Older ladies might engage in such conversations when they meet. It often relates to their husbands’ work.”

Evangelin added while lifting his teacup.

“But for my age, it’s mostly about how handsome this or that young lord is. Honestly, it’s not very interesting.”

I chuckled softly.

Evangelin’s tastes differed a bit from those of his peers in the novel.

He wasn’t particularly interested in trivial personal affairs or the latest jewelry and dress designs trending among the nobility.

In the original story, his ability to capture Klaus’s heart was attributed not only to his striking beauty but also to his deep knowledge of politics and history.

“That makes sense. Such topics aren’t really in Lady Evangelin’s field of interest.”
“Oh, you know what I like?”

Evangelin’s hazel eyes widened in surprise.

I smiled meaningfully.

“Just picked it up here and there. I heard you’re quite interested in the slum issues.”

“Wow, as expected of Sir Musel.”

Evangelin blinked in astonishment.

I quietly thought to myself. Maybe I should suggest to Rumi to go do some charity work in the slums too?

In fact, nobles often bestowed food and clothing upon the slums as if bestowing favors. Just that was enough for them to be respected.

But what I wanted was more than that. Unless Rumi did something significant enough to change Klaus’s impression of her, it wouldn’t suffice.

To achieve that, unfortunately, I would have to create an event much more impactful than what Evangelin did in the original story.

Honestly, it wouldn’t be bad for the poor either. If two wealthy nobles come to bestow gifts, why would they refuse?

Evangelin spoke with an awkward smile.

“Actually, I’m planning to go to the slums soon for a food distribution activity. They have suffered from the flood almost as much as the southern region, but the attention from the social circles is relatively less.”

“The southern region has the whole funding donation thing going on. The initiative led by the Mecklinger Duke’s family played a big role.”

“That’s true.”

He sighed and drooped his shoulders.

It was almost time to wrap up. I made a somewhat ceremonial request to Evangelin.

“Could I perhaps take a little of the special tea leaves you made? I’d like to enjoy it again back home.”

“Oh, of course! As much as you want!”

Evangelin brightened up and spread out an empty paper. Then he carefully scooped out some tea leaves from the canister and placed them on the paper.

He carefully folded the paper so the leaves wouldn’t spill and handed it to me.

“Welcome to the world of tea, Sir Musel.”

That concluded today’s lesson. There’s a long way ahead, but the first step was taken smoothly.