Chapter 68: the beginning of the path to tea art
A Few Weeks Into the Semester
Everything was going as it had in the original timeline: no significant deviations from the usual flow of events could be noticed. However, there was one glaring difference—the way the Academy treated Leon. Many students, including the girls, displayed caution toward him. Some of them had even been warned by their families to stay away from him. Nevertheless, dirty rumors still circulated behind his back. Not that Leon cared one bit.
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One typical day in the Academy courtyard, Leon could be found sitting with Raymond, Daniel, and the two brothers. They were discussing an important topic that, truth be told, was more irritating than enjoyable.
"So, what are we supposed to do about this tea party?" Leon asked, casting an indifferent glance at the others.
In the Academy, tea parties were considered an extravagant way of sucking up to girls.
"As much as we'd like to avoid it," Daniel said regretfully, "we'll have to invite some of the girls. Anyone have ideas?"
Raymond gave a wry smile and replied tersely, "None."
The two brothers exchanged glances but kept quiet. They knew all too well that any attempt to invite girls to a tea party would end in disaster. Most likely, they'd get slapped in the face for even trying—they ranked that low in the eyes of the local ladies.
Leon wasn't eager to chime in either. He couldn't think of a single girl who genuinely piqued his interest. Well, aside from Angelica, Olivia, Clarice, and Deirdre—they were exceptions.
"You guys should invite girls from baron families," Leon finally said, looking at his companions. "Sure, they can be arrogant too, but at least they don't cross the line."