An Unexpected Letter

The next day, while Bar was in class, Joan went to work to work early to help clean before opening. When she got there, Dolly was sweeping as normal, preparing the tavern for opening. However, when she caught sight of Joan, she immediately blushed and turned away.

What...did I do something? Why is she acting embarrassed? Joan grabbed another broom and started sweeping as well.

They awkwardly didn't say anything for a couple minutes while they swept, until Joan couldn't handle the tension anymore. “Err...did I do something?”

Dolly looked at her again, face red. “Why didn't you tell me he was your fiance!?” she said, covering her face.

Joan blinked a few times, before piecing together what had probably happened. “Did Mio tell you?”

“No, I saw you with him and those other women a couple days ago,” Dolly replied.

“Oh, I was wondering why we didn't see you at all. I thought maybe you were with a different guy,” Joan explained.

Dolly blushed, “No, the only guy who's been with me is...” Dolly said, before remembering she didn't know his name.

Joan giggled. “Do you not even know his name? It's Bar. Barrois von Emil Champagne. Although, he really just likes going by Bar.”

Dolly blushed further, “I was just so caught up with a guy who was interested in me, I didn't even...” she trailed off.

Joan giggled again. “Why would you turn him down then? He was pretty serious about you.”

Dolly scoffed, “There's no way, he's an Academy student, and I'm just some old tavern wench.”

Joan shrugged. “Did you see us? Belle is only a couple years older than him, but Claire is five, and I'm eight years older. That's kind of his thing.”

Dolly seemed conflicted. “Do you...do you really think...?”

Joan nodded.

“And you're okay with it?”

Joan nodded again. “He's a noble, so it's not abnormal for him to have multiple woman. Granted, we may need to stop him at some point, but one or two more isn't going to hurt anything.” She sighed, crossing his arms, “And with this plan of his, the more women the better. Assuming they're working, of course...”

Dolly wasn't sure what to say.

Joan smiled at her, putting a hand on her shoulder. “Just give it some thought. I think Bar was disappointed you rejected him, so I'm sure he'll be happy if you change your mind.”

Around the same time, Bar returned to his room to study after class. Walking in, he gave a kiss to Belle, before wrapping his arms around her.

“Bar...stop...it's Joan's night, she'll be upset...” Belle said, but was giggling.

Bar sighed teasingly. “Oh fine...”

“Oh, here, this came for you,” Belle said, grabbing a letter off the counter.

Bar raised an eyebrow. “What? Who is it from? Oh...” he realized the answer as he saw the letter was wax-sealed by a House Champagne stamp.

Opening it, two pieces of paper fell out. The first was a letter that read:

Bar,

I hope this letter finds you well. Your mother was a bit upset you haven't written, but you've always been an independent sort, so I knew you'd be fine.

We recently received news you won second place in a dueling tournament hosted by the military, only losing to someone from House Bearen. We were most delighted to hear this, and we've had people coming up to us at every party and gathering we've been to with congratulations.

Bar held his head. Ugh, is it really that big of a deal? He continued reading:

This actually led to your mother setting up a meeting for you with one of the daughters of House Nantes. An invitation is enclosed. I expect to hear back on your impressions of her, good or otherwise.

Your mother also wishes you visit us during your next break. Feel free to invite this woman (or any other you may decide to court), along as well. I'm sure that will make her happy.

Your father,

Lord Champagne

Ughhh, they can't be serious about visiting. And who is this girl? He opened the second letter, which he recognized as his mother's scribble:

Francesa Nantes. The cafe on Bard street.

Under that it had a date and time, which happened to be the next day off at noon. I don't wanna spend my day off with some random noblewoman! He was supposed to be spending it with Joan.

Belle, who had been reading over this shoulder, said, “Um...sorry...”

Bar sighed, “It's not your fault...”

When the others came home, Bar showed them the letter. Joan was fairly upset, “That bitch...she knows she's eating into my time...”

“I don't think she would know that much,” Bar asserted. “Although I'm sure she would be glad if she did know that.”

Claire seemed confused. “I know you don't get along great with your parents, but are they really that bad?”

Bar shrugged. “My father...well, I think he doesn't care much as long as I'm not embarrassing the House at all. But mother...she was always making me meet noble girls, despite me showing no interest. And she especially didn't like how close I was with Joan, and made her do a lot of extra work to keep her away from me.”

Joan grinded her teeth a bit at the memory, so Bar wrapped an arm around her to comfort her.

Claire still seemed confused. “But...isn't it normal for nobles to, you know...get serviced by their servants. I remember one of my sisters snuck off with one of our attractive butlers whenever our parents were away...”

Bar winced, “Yes, but...she thought we were too close for a master and servant.”

Joan blushed, “Well, she wasn't wrong.”

“Yeah, but that's none of her business!” Bar asserted.

Claire shook her head, “Technically, it is her business. She wants to see you married with a noblewoman, not your maid.”

Bar was about to reply, but then thought for a moment. “Maybe you're right, but that still doesn't mean she had to treat us that way.

Claire nodded. “That's true, she could have handled it better.”

Belle, who had been mostly quiet, asked, “Um...couldn't we tell your parents about Miss Claire? Since she's a noblewoman, they should stop-”

Belle was cut off as Bar and Claire both held up 'X's with their arms.

“I get where you're going Belle, but that's not gonna work,” Bar said.

Claire nodded, “If it got out we were hooking up, well, more than it being a rumor, then I might lose my job. And it wouldn't look good on Bar either. We at least need to hide it until after he graduates.”

“Can you just ditch her?” Joan asked. “Do we really care if your parents get mad at us now?”

Bar winced, “They are paying my tuition. I couldn't cut enough logs to pay for that.”

Claire responded, “I think you just need to go. I know you don't want too, and it's eating into Joan's time, but I think to avoid suspicion you should. Just humor this...Francesca lady, say you're not interested, and then you can do something with Joan afterwards.”

Bar found it hard to argue with that logic, and nodded.

Francesca Nantes sat at her tea table in her dorm, reading over the letter she had just been given by her maid, Becky. The farther she got into the letter, the more the vein in her forehead popped out.

What is this rubbish!? Barrois Champagne? Isn't he with... her thoughts trailed off, thinking to recent events. No, Alice and he seemed to have had a falling out, that must be why this is being set up. But still, I told my mother to stop doing this!

Francesca set the letter down, and started playing with her blonde-hair, carefully set in drills. It took Becky half an hour every morning to get them set like this, but it was worth it if got the attention of the man she was trying to impress.

She sighed thinking of that man. Oh Gerard, I just wish you would look my way too... She had been cozying up to him and Carlotta, staying in their clique since classes had started. She knew she couldn't compete with Carlotta, an actual princess of the Kingdom, of course. But she didn't need to, if it meant she could be with the dreamy Gerard, she was fine just being a secondary wife.

She started to fall back in her chair while in her daydream, but luckily her maid caught before she fell, this being a common occurrence.

I'll just have to deny the request, and-...wait... Francesca, her thoughts reluctantly on Bar again, realized something. He's friends with Gerard, right? It's nice of Gerard to let him spend time with him, but maybe I can use that to my benefit! If I squeeze some info about Gerard that might be of help in the future, that would make putting up with a silly date or two worth it!

Handing the letter to her maid, she asked, “Make sure my best sundress is ready for this weekend.”

An Unwanted Date

The week passed rather uneventfully, until the weekend arrived. In the morning before his set-up date, Bar was being prepped by Claire.

“If she starts acting interested in you, just start talking about other girls. If you want, you can even say you're still pining for Alice,” she suggested.

“I never pined for Alice, I-”

Claire shook her head, “I know that, but all she knows is you two had a falling out.”

Belle, who was making some tea, asked, “Why not bring up Joan, or...me...?”

Claire shook her head again, “Too suspicious. We just want her to not get interested in Bar, not start rumors that you're a maid-lover. Even if they're true...” she added, looking sideways.

Bar sighed, “Well, anything else?”

Claire smiled, “If all else fails, you could suggest to set her up with another guy...like Cob.”

Bar chuckled, “Yeah, that would probably work.”

Francesca had gotten to the cafe a few minutes early. Actually, more than a few minutes, as she had assumed this Bar she was being set up with would come a few minutes early, and she had arrived earlier than that. However, he didn't arrive early. He didn't even arrive on time.

What in the blazes is he doing!? No wonder he hasn't gotten engaged with anyone yet...

Finally, two minutes late, Bar showed up. He looked around for a few moments, before his eyes fell on her. Walking over, he asked, “Are you Francesca?”

Francesca blinked a few times. “Yes...do you not recognize me? We're in the same class, I normally sit next to Carlotta...”

Bar blushed a bit. “Sorry, I...”

“I know you were ogling Alice this whole time, but to think you don't even know your classmates...”

Bar didn't have a response, just looking down.

Francesca took a deep breath to re-center herself. No, I shouldn't be like that if I'm going to get info from him. “Did she...did you two have a falling out? You can talk to me about it, if you want,” she said, trying to sound reassuring.

Bar was confused. What is this woman? She's talking down to me and then trying to sound helpful? And what is with bringing up Alice right away? No...she must want assurance that I'm not still into Alice. That's gotta be it.”

Remembering Claire's advice from earlier, Bar said, “Yeah, I thought we had something going, but after the tournament, she seemed like she wasn't interested.”

Francesca seemed surprised. “Really? You got second place though. Behind her, sure, but still...”

Bar shrugged, “I guess not good enough for her. Sadly, I'm still...” he trailed off, not sure what to exactly call it. “I still think of her...”

If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

Bar was surprised when, instead of getting upset, Francesca smiled.

This is perfect! We can help each other out! Francesca laced her fingers, setting them in front of her. “I think we can help each other out, then. You're good friends with Gerard, yes?”

Bar nodded.

“No offense to you but...I'm more interested in him.”

Bar raised an eyebrow. Really!? Wait, actually, that's not very surprising... Gerard was, objectively, the most attractive guy in their year. Let alone Francesca, probably half the woman in their year were interested in him. Probably some in the older years, too.

Since Bar didn't say anything, Francesca continued, “I think we can help each other out. I'll get you back in Alice's good graces, and you help me get into Gerard's.”

Bar thought for a moment. She's trying to use me! Well, from her perspective, that probably is what I want, but I don't actually... “That isn't going to work.”

Now Francesca raised an eyebrow. “And why is that?”

Bar waited a moment, before responding, “The last time Alice and I spoke, she...well, she threatened me. I'd rather not put myself in danger. Or you for that matter.”

Francesca recoiled a bit, before nodding. However, she was quick to keep going, “There must be some woman I could help with though, isn't there? Or something else you want? My family isn't rich, but...”

Bar thought for a moment, What do I want the most right now?...To not be bothered with these dates. Wait, that's it!

Lacing his fingers as she had, he responded. “Frankly, I don't like going on these dates my parents set up.”

Francesca was confused for a moment. I don't like them either, but how can I...oh! “So, you think we should 'pretend' to be courting, at least as far as our parents are concerned. Once I'm with Gerard, we can of course call it off, since, no offense, but Gerard is much higher status than you. Even your parents wouldn't have room to get upset over that.”

Bar nodded, “Exactly.” Although I'm sorry to say, I'm skeptical Gerard will be in to you, especially if Silvia is his normal type.

Francesca nodded. “Very well. First, tell me everything you know about Gerard.”

Ugh, let's get this over quickly, he thought, wanting to go to Joan. “Well...” Bar started, before describing some of the basics.

Francesca seemed annoyed. “Yes, I already know those things. But what type of woman is he in to? Besides Carlotta, of course,” she quickly added.

Bar tried to suppress his anger. Not you, that's for sure. The only girl I know he likes is Silvia, and I can't just say 'silver-haired maids'. “Based on what I've gleaned...quiet, well-mannered, quick-witted.”

Francesca seemed slightly confused. “That's like the opposite of Carlotta...”

Bar got nervous, before quickly replying, “Well, yeah, I don't think he's interested in other woman too similar to her...”

Luckily, Francesca bought this, nodding in understanding. “That makes sense. Do you think you could help me talk with him a bit? I know it's too quick for a date, but...”

Bar shrugged, “We talk a lot during lunch, if you don't mind sitting with the other guys...”

Francesca scrunched her face as if the thought wasn't very appealing.

“I could...get us to have lunch with just the three of us...” Bar suggested.

Francesca gave him a beaming smile. “Excellent! I will let my mother know that you and I agreed to continue 'dating', so you send something to your parents saying the same. Obviously it will end once Gerard and I are together, but it should provide you at least some respite.”

That's for sure...

It was starting to get late as Bar headed back to his dorm. After agreeing to their plan, they had gone over some of the minutiae, as well as commiserating with annoying parents, before finally parting ways.

Once he entered the dorm, Joan was sitting there, looking annoyed.

“Having a good time, were you?” she asked, the irritation obvious in her voice.

Bar shook his head. “No, I...”

“Then why did you spend the whole day with her?” she asked, her eyes getting a bit teary-eyed.

Bar's stomach dropped. Deciding he should explain everything later, he wrapped his arms around her. “I'm sorry, I didn't mean-”

Joan cut him off once more, putting her lips on his. “Just kiss me.”

Bar acquiesced, and Joan started pulling his clothes off.

“I'm sorry, I just need you so bad...” she said, and started crying softly.

Bar was a bit confused, so he just sat them down on the bed and held her tightly.

After a couple minutes of crying herself out, she wiped her tears. “I'm sorry...”

Bar shook his head, “You don't have anything to be sorry about.”

Joan shook her head back. “I just...sometimes I'm just here, and I know you love me, but in my head, I worry you'll get tired of me, and I...I can't...”

Bar kissed her again, before chuckling, “You know that won't happen.”

Joan playfully punched him, “You don't know that...”

Bar, teasingly grabbed her breast, “Alright, I guess I'll just need to prove my love, again and again...” He untied her maid outfit, and underneath she was wearing lacy blue lingerie, slightly darker than her hair. He near-instantly got hard at the sight.

Joan giggled, “I guess you still find me attractive, at least,” and grabbed his member, stroking it up and down.

Pulling off her bra, he started massaging her breasts, while making out with her, aggressively sticking his tongue in and playing with hers.

Joan's moaning was only suppressed by their kissing. Eventually, she let got of him, asking, “Please, stop teasing me...”

Bar nodded, picking her up gently and placing her on the bed. Stripping off the rest of their clothes, he straddled her, slowly sticking his shaft into her.

Joan seemed relieved as Bar entered her, grabbing his hands.

Bar took this as a sign he should start moving, slowly thrusting in and out.

Joan started spasming almost immediately, grabbing onto his hands tightly.

Bar went faster and faster, before eventually feeling himself coming. He bent over Joan and grabbed her tightly, quickening his thrusts and going deeper and deeper. Eventually, with one final thrust, he emptied inside her, holding her tightly.

Joan was tearing up a bit, “I love you so much...”

Bar kissed her, “I love you too, so stop worrying.”

Joan smile, “I'll try.”

After the emotionally draining love-making, the two of them laid on the bed, holding each other before falling asleep.

However, after an hour or so, the door opened.

“I guess they're still-...really...” Claire said, seeing Bar and Joan cuddling on one of the beds in the living room.

Bar and Joan woke up, before being embarrassed about the situation.

Joan blushed, “Sorry, I...”

Claire waved her off. “It's fine, it's fine, I just figured you'd at least make it to the bedroom.”

After Bar and Joan got dressed, Claire continued, “Now, how did your 'date' go?”

As Belle started cooking dinner, Bar explained how the date with Francesca had gone, explaining their informal agreement.

Claire was ecstatic. “That's fan-tastic! You did an excellent job Bar, turning the situation around and using it to your advantage.”

“Isn't it mean to use her like this, though?” Joan asked.

Claire seemed confused, “Aren't you upset she ate up your date time?”

Joan gave a 'hmpf'. “It's really Bar's mother's fault...”

Claire sighed, “Well, Belle and I agreed you can have next weekend anyways.”

Joan gave Claire a big hug, squishing her into her breasts.

Belle, bringing over their stew, asked, “What about Gerard, though? Doesn't he also...” she trailed off.

Bar nodded, “Yeah, we know he has a relationship with his maid. I guess it's possible he'd take to her, but I have my doubts...”

The other three gave weak smiles.

Claire, having freed herself from Joan's grasp, “Well, you need to play along for now anyway. It at least keeps your parents off us for the time being.”

An Awkward Lunch

The following day, Bar made sure he got to class on time.

Gerard chuckled as he sat down, “Haha, you're early, aren't you? We've got a couple minutes until the bell.”

Bar nodded, nervously replying, “Yeah, uh...I actually wanted to ask you something.”

Gerard waited.

“Would...it be fine if I invited someone to lunch with us?”

Gerard nodded. “Sure, I don't mind, although we usually don't have an extra chair.”

Bar shook his head. “No, she...I was hoping it would just be the three of us.”

Gerard thought for a moment, before getting a huge grin on his face. “Ahhhhh, I see. Yeah, of course, that's fine. Maybe not regularly, but I don't mind helping you out sometimes.”

Bar was a bit confused, thinking Gerard and him were on different wavelengths. That said, he had agreed, so he needed to give the signal.

A few minutes into the lecture, Bar raised his hand. “Miss Renee, I need to use the restroom.”

Miss Renee, their history professor, put her fingers to her forehead and shook her head. Looking over her glasses, she said, “Master Bar, this is the Academy, you can just go if you need to go. Although I don't know why you didn't just go before class...”

As everyone was looking at him, and a few even chuckling, he quickly met eyes with Francesca as he stood up. He could see a hint of smile on her face.

I hope it was worth embarrassing myself.

When lunch came, Gerard stood up. “I'll get us a table, so come along with your friend when you're ready.”

Bar nodded as he watched Gerard leave.

As the others filtered out, Francesca walked over to him. “Where did he go!?” she whispered sharply.

“He's getting a table. Is everything fine on your end?” Bar asked as they started to walk. He noticed they were getting a few odd stares.

Francesca nodded. “Carlotta gave me her blessing. Well...” she paused, before continuing, “...she said it was fine, but tried to discourage me.”

Bar did a double-take. “What kind of blessing is that?”

“She was fine with me trying to court him, as a secondary wife of course, but she said Gerard probably wouldn't be interested,” she said, a bit of irritation in her voice.

Bar didn't respond as they kept walking.

Once they had grabbed some food, they found Gerard in a corner of the cafeteria, waving them in.

“Oh, if it was going to be Francesca joining us you should have just said so,” Gerard chuckled, elbowing Bar in the side.

Francesca blushed, before sitting across from him.

Bar sat down next to Gerard, which seemed to give him pause for a moment, before he continued eating.

“Thanks for having me,” she said, before daintily starting to eat. Bar was almost impressed by the hyper-ettiquette she was displaying, it could have put even his mother to shame.

Gerard, also noticing, laughed, “Haha, you don't need to be so formal Fran,” he explained.

Francesca blushed again at being called 'Fran'.

The three of them ate in somewhat-awkard silence for a few minutes.

Come on 'Fran', say something!

Francesca kept glancing over at Bar, as if trying to get him to say something.

What!? I have to do something!? That wasn't part of the plan... Thinking for a moment, he jumped on her most noticeable feature. “What do you think of Fran's drills? Pretty good work, eh?”

Francesca nodded, smiling a bit haughtily. “I'm quite proud of them. I have to sit still for a half hour every morning while my maid does them.”

Gerard stopped eating for a moment, before asking, “And..what do you think of your maid?”

Francesca raised an eyebrow. “Becky is an excellent maid, we've been together since I was little.”

Gerard gave a big grin. “That's nice.”

Bar let out a small sigh of relief. Well, you passed the first test...

The lunch continued, with Francesca and Gerard making small talk, while Bar was (by design) mostly being the third wheel of the group..

As the lunch period ended, they stood up, and Francesca asked. “Um...would you mind if I ate with you two again in the future? Not every day, but...”

Gerard smiled. “Of course, maybe we can switch off every other day. Right Bar?”

Bar, who hadn't expected to have to give his opinion, quickly responded, “Oh...yeah, of course.”

After classes, Bar headed to the library to study. As he was partway there, he heard scurrying behind him.

“Hey, wait up!” he heard in a low voice.

He stopped, and as he tried to turn around, he felt someone run into him. Completing his turn, he saw Francesca there, rubbing her forehead as her drills bounced around everywhere.

“Sor-” Bar started.

“It's fine. How do you think lunch went?” Francesca added, starting to walk again, forcing Bar to keep up with her.

“Err...fine, I guess?”

“You guess?” she asked.

“Well, you didn't piss him off. He thinks very...lowly of nobles who treat their servants poorly.”

Francesca nodded. “Of course, and as he should. I already knew that though, considering how he treated Cob at the mixer.”

Oh yeah...

Getting to the library, Bar sat down at his normal table. Francesca sat down across from him. “We need to plan for the next lunch. I'm hoping-”

Bar held up a hand. “I need to study.”

Francesca seemed like she wanted to protest, but then held her tongue. “I understand. Does Gerard put value on good marks in school?”

Bar thought for a moment. I don't remember him explicitly stating, but if I had to guess... “I'm pretty sure he does, yes. I know he's very studious, himself.”

Francesca nodded, before grabbing her bag and getting out books.

The two of them studied silently for a couple hours, no words being exchanged.

Eventually, Bar felt his stomach grumbling. Standing up, he started packing, “I'm going to go get dinner.”

Francesca started packing up too. “Can I join you? We can talk-”

“No,” Bar said quickly, not wanting to repeat past mistakes.

Francesca seemed upset. “Why not? When else will we discuss our plan?”

“No, I mean...let's do dinner tomorrow. I'll have Belle cook up extra food for you.”

“Belle? Your servant? Well, that's fine then,” she agreed, nodding.

Phew...

Sitting down for dinner with the others, Bar reported on how the day went.

“Sorry, Claire, but you probably shouldn't come over for dinner tomorrow...”

Claire sighed, “I know, I know, this is my own doing anyway. I'll live for one meal.”

Joan asked, “Why did you agree to have her over, though? Just to talk?”

Bar raised an eyebrow. “Yeah...? I don't wanna piss her off, and the longer this keeps up, the longer we have my parents off my back. I figured you'd want that, too.”

Joan gave a weak smile. “Of course. I'm just wondering if this is going to be another Alice situation...”

Bar shook his head emphatically. “No way. Alice was actually interested in me. Francesca is very obviously into Gerard,” he explained.

“What do you think her chances are?” Claire asked, sipping her tea.

Bar winced, “Not good, probably. Gerard was friendly to her, but...”

Joan smiled deviously, “You're not planning on getting her after she gets rejected?”

Claire, who seemed to be thinking, added, “House Nantes is a decent, mid-level family. Would be a decent pickup, if you could convince her.”

Bar shook his head. “I was trying to marry maids, not random useful woman.”

Claire seemed a bit upset. “What about me, then!?”

Bar blushed, “You're an exception.”

Claire blushed at that response, leaning over the table to kiss him, which caused Joan to giggle.

Belle, who had just finished cleaning the dishes, asked, “Is she pretty?”

Bar, now holding Claire who was sitting in his lap smiling, thought for a moment. “I think so? I guess you'll see tomorrow.”

Dinner with a Pretty Lady

The next day passed uneventfully, until Bar went to go to the library again. He heard the sound of scurrying feet behind him again. Turning around, this time he caught Francesca before she ran into him.

She blushed momentarily before coughing. “Is everything good for dinner?”

Bar nodded. “Yes. Is your servant coming along?”

Francesca seemed confused. “No, why would she? I told Becky she could eat whatever tonight.”

Well, that's a reward for most servants. “Just asking. I usually have my servants eat with me.”

Francesca nodded, “As long as there's food for me, I don't mind.”

After getting to the library and studying, Francesca seemed to be anxious, nervously tapping and standing up often.

Bar shook his head, “Are you okay?”

Francesca blushed again. “Sorry, I'm just...I'm nervous about talking to Gerard again tomorrow.”

“Just relax, I'm sure it will be fine,” he said, forcing a smile.

Francesca smiled back, sitting down again. “You're right.”

After studying a couple hours, they headed down towards Bar's dorm. Inside, Joan was setting the table, while Belle was cooking dinner.

Bar went to go give Joan a hug, but remembered Francesca was there. He instead just smiled at her, “How as your day, Joan?”

Joan smiled back, “Belle and I did the laundry.”

Ah, of course.

Francesca seemed to not notice or not care about their awkward exchange, instead sitting down and sipping some of the tea Belle was pouring. “Now then...what should we talk about tomorrow?”

Bar sat down across from her. “Err...what do you want to talk about?”

Francesca seemed annoyed, “You're his friend, don't you know what his interests are?”

His maid? I don't know anything else. Well, that's not true...”

“Well, he has a strong sense of loyalty to his friends. He's come to my defense multiple times, despite us only meeting at the Orientation Ceremony,” Bar explained.

Francesca seemed to be thinking. “Hmm, that's quite admirable, although it's not really something to talk about. Do you know what his hobbies are? I don't think he duels like you.”

Bar paused for a moment as Belle poured both of them some chicken stew.

“I don't know about his hobbies, unfortunately. He goes to his dorm right after classes most days.”

Francesca nodded. “Hmm...do you think he enjoys the company of his maid?”

Bar almost choked on his stew.

Francesca raised an eyebrow. “What? I'm not naive, I know how noblemen are.”

Bar couldn't say much, as he himself had sex with one or more of his maids almost every day. Joan and Belle, who were sitting down next to them, blushed a bit.

“Well, do you?” Francesca asked again.

Well, no sense denying it. “I believe he is quite fond of her, yes.”

Surprisingly, Francesca nodded, then looked down, lightly grabbing her own breasts. “Do you think mine are fine?”

Bar just looked at her breasts, then blushed, looking away.

Francesca blushed too, “Hey, this is more embarrassing for me.”

Joan jumped in. “I believe yours are about the same size as Gerard's maid,” she explained, before eating another spoonful.

Francesca nodded. “Good, good...” she trailed off, thinking again. “What about my drills? Do you think they're worth doing? His maid's is shorter and just hangs straight down.”

Bar again didn't know what to say, but this time Belle jumped in. “Your hair is very pretty, miss. It helps you stand out.”

Francesca blushed a bit, but gave her haughty nod again. “I thought as much.”

And so, Bar played third (actually, fourth) wheel again (this time unintentionally) while Francesca got advice related to Silvia from Joan and Belle.

While Francesca was nodding after the explanations, Joan said. “Miss Francesca...I don't believe you should try to be Silvia, his servant, exactly. I think you should just be you.”

“What do you mean? It seems like he spends more time with her than his own fiance,” Francesca suggested.

Joan nodded, “Yes, but...people are different. He already has a Silvia, he doesn't need two.”

Francesca raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean?”

Joan thought for a moment, but then said, “I, and Belle here, are both different, but Master Bar...enjoys having both of us, despite our differences. I think you're more likely to be successful just being yourself, and not trying to match Silvia.”

Francesca looked over at Bar, who blushed a bit, before turning back to Joan and nodding. “I see your point.”

After a few minutes of silence, where Francesca seemed to be thinking, she stood up. “Thank you for dinner, I'll see you at lunch tomorrow,” she added with a nod, before heading towards the door.

Bar nodded back.

As Francesca went out the door, she stopped right outside. “Oh, Dorm Mistress! Sorry...”

They heard a nervous Claire respond, “Don't...don't worry about it! Just be back to your dorm before it gets dark.”

After a few moments of shuffling the door closed. Then after a few moments more, the door opened again, Claire slipping in quickly.

Joan giggled, “Were you right outside?”

Claire ground her teeth a bit. “I was hungry, and-”

Bar wrapped his arms around her, and the tension seemed to melt from Claire.

Belle brought over a bowl of stew, “I made sure to make enough for you, too.”

Claire jumped out of Bar's grasp and into Belle's chest. “Oh, Belle...”

While Claire ate, Bar summarized the conversation, with occasional input from Joan.

“She is quite smitten with Gerard. Not that I don't get it, he's quite attractive. Too serious for my tastes, though...” Joan said, giving a sly grin to Bar.

“Hey, I can be serious too!” he replied.

“I was also surprised at her correctly guessing you banging your maids,” Claire snickered.

“Oh come on.”

Belle, grabbed his hands. “I think you're a wonderful man, Bar.”

Bar was overcome for a moment. A tear coming to his eye, he wiped it away, “Oh, Belle...” He then hugged her close.

Claire and Joan looked jealous. “That's not fair, Belle!”

Belle stuck out her tongue teasingly.