Lex's POV
On the first day of etiquette class for the tea parties, Leon and I were already late,
"Run faster Leon we're late enough," Behind me Leon was running, but slower than me.
"Yeah, yeah, I'm right behind you."
We then arrived at the class, and looking at my watch I commented.
"we're 8 minutes early, the serg would be disappointed, remember what he always said" then together we added.
"" If you're gonna be late then be at least 10 minutes early "" trying to imitate the Sergeants voice.
Our professor looked the flawless gentleman. With his hair cleanly swept back, he stood tall and slender in his well-fitted suit,laughed when he heard us.
"You can pick any seats you like as you are the first here"
When everyone else arrived, (Daniel and Raymond were 5 minutes late, '5 minutes early'), the lesson officially began.
Tables were scattered about the room with sweets and tea already prepared.
"Listen carefully," our teacher said. "Assume a woman pays attention to every detail when you invite her for tea. From your bearings and demeanor, she can determine your level of education and the nature of your very person. If you entertain her properly, she will leave with a favorable impression of you."
All of the first-year boys leaned in close to learn.
My big ol' dad and his big bushy beard had also learned the meticulous etiquette necessary for tea parties, but he claimed he'd forgotten all of it after he graduated.
Did women really care how a man poured tea and whatnot? I mean, these were the same women that paraded their demi-human slave lovers around just to show them off. And we were the ones who needed to class it up?
"You there, Mister Leon! You need to take this seriously. Focus!" the professor scolded.
"Y-yes, sir!"it seemed my brother had fallen asleep
The wealthy heirs and scions of court nobles snickered.
"What do you expect of a country bumpkin?"
"Got a big head on his shoulders just because he distinguished himself a little."
"An uncivilized barbarian doesn't belong here. Adventuring better suits his ilk."
'Look at what you did brother now Daniel, Raymond and I are being dragged into this when we didn't even say shit' I chidded him in my mind.
The professor straightened his spine and resumed instruction. "Above all else, you must attend to your party's atmosphere. Simply gathering the necessary supplies and securing an empty room is no reason to be complacent! Each cup, each plate—every single piece requires your utmost consideration. The occasion must feel special. If you stop at the basics, you're not good enough to even be considered third-rate!"
What was the point of such a meaningless class? When I graduate, I'm never going to use this stuff again.
The professor repeated"Mister Leon, it seems you still do not comprehend. Allow me to demonstrate what a true tea party looks like for you."
'what you fell asleep again, it's not even been a minute, and I know the class is boring but at least try.
Leon' s POV
The Oldman made good on him threat and called me up in front of the class.
Whatever. I had no interest in tea—nor had I ever. I didn't see the point in expensive dried weeds and so on.
The cheap stuff was just as good, right? But if the professor was going to role-play hosting me, I'd just have to pretend to be impressed while I mocked him on the inside.
"Oh yay, I'm so looking forward to it," I said with fake enthusiasm.
The professor adjusted his neck collar, eager to display his skill.
"Wonderful. Please enjoy."
Go ahead and brag to me about your fancy leaves and tooth-rotting sweets. I'll feign interest and laugh at you all the while.
I was so sure that was how things would go…
As soon as class finished, I raced to flag down the instructor. "Professor! I was truly moved!"
He held his head up high, his movements graceful as he peered over his shoulder and stroked his fingers over his finely trimmed mustache.
Holy crap… Even the way he turned was gentlemanly!
"Mister Leon… So it seems you finally understand."
Indeed, I was mortified. "Yes! I completely underestimated the wonder of tea. To be honest, I mocked it. I'm so ashamed, but I swear to do better in the future. I hope to one day hold a tea party as perfect as the one you just demonstrated, Professor!"
He smiled. "That's wonderful, but you're mistaken about one thing."
"What?"
The professor turned his entire body to face me, then rested his right hand over his chest. The way he moved was so inhumanly elegant. "Above all else. I have yet to feel satisfied with my own performance. I am still very much on my own journey to perfection."
"N-no way," I gasped. "You're not perfect?"
He nodded. "Unfortunately I am not, despite my goal to entertain my guests to my utmost ability. However, I can still teach you the foundations of the art. Mister Leon, let us walk together on this path to tea mastery!"
"Yes, Prof—I mean, yes, Master!"
As my prof—master and I continued to chat, I could hear Lex, Daniel and Raymond muttering behind me.
"Did Leon hit his head or something, Lex?"
"Who knows? I mean, this stuff can only help him, so who cares, right?"