An Expected Dinner Guest

The next day was, finally, the last day of classes for the first week. I feel like...a lot has happened. Getting Belle, dueling with Alice, working, and...everything...with Claire. Bar felt exhausted as he sat down.

“Thanks again for dinner,” Alice mentioned as he sat down in class. “You and your servants are very...interesting.”

Bar tried to think of how to reply, when Gerard butted in. “Ah, really? Not that I blame you wanting to have dinner with Alice, but you should with me sometime, too!”

“But, we eat lunch together...” Bar protested.

“Haha, that's true, although we have a bunch of other guys around so I don't normally get a chance to talk to you.”

“Bar's servants are excellent cooks,” Alice mentioned, giving a sidelong smile.

Gerard did a little head motion as if to say 'Well...?'

Bar sighed, “Alright, come on over for dinner. I'll let them know we're having a guest.”

“Is it fine if I bring my servant, too?” Gerard asked.

Bar raised an eyebrow, “Um...yeah, why wouldn't it be?”

Gerard paused for a moment before cracking a smile. “Of course!”

During the day, Belle had cooked lunch for her and Joan.

Joan took the ladle from her and tasted a sip of the soup Belled had cooked. Nodding after tasting, “This is pretty good.”

Belle let out a 'phew' before pouring some into bowls for her and Joan.

As they ate, Joan asked, “Belle...you were always talking about your poor servant skills and your bad cooking, but honestly, you're quite good at both.”

Belle blushed. “Sorry, I just...my prior master...”

Joan crossed her arms. “I didn't want to bring it up again, but...did he treat you poorly? I mean, I saw some of it at the party on the first day...”

Belle looked down and nodded. “Yes...he would insult my work all the time, and he would...make me service him...all the time...” she trailed off, a look of disdain on her face.

Joan reached over and grabbed her shoulder. “It's okay, you're with Bar now. And me. And Claire, too. None of us would do something like that.”

Belle looked up and smiled. “Yes, I...I never dreamed I would have a master that treats his servants so...well.”

Joan scratched her cheek, “Well, Bar is a bit of an exception, but I agree, it would be nice if more nobles could take a note from his book. Not saying they all need to marry their servants, but...”

Belle giggled. “Yes, that is a bit odd.”

Joan paused for a moment. “You know...” she started.

Belle looked at her inquisitively.

Joan seemed to be deliberating, but then shook her head. “Nevermind. I need to get ready for work.”

Claire was sitting in her office. Instead of working, however, she was doing some mathematical calculations.

Hmm...maybe I should go look at house prices tomorrow. If I want to know how much we'll need, I need to know what everything actually costs. Oh, maybe I should look at furniture too. And we'll need a crib... she blushed. I wonder how many children he wants. Hopefully he's okay with a few even with multiple wives...

The door abruptly opened, and the headmaster walked in.

“Headmaster!?” she said, jumping up.

The headmaster, who was about as tall as her, walked over “Oho, my dear Claire. How are you doing?”

Her grandfather was friends with the headmaster, so when her family hadn't been able to marry her off, he (who had always been kind to her, unlike most of her family) called in a favor and got her this position. Due to this, she was on friendly terms with him, and he sometimes acted like an extra grandfather.

“I've caught a couple students out after curfew, but besides that no one has caused any major problems.”

The headmaster smiled, “Good, good. I asked how you are doing, though?” he asked with a chuckle.

Claire blushed, “I...I've been fine.”

“Oho, have you? By your reaction, I'm wondering...is there a man in your life now?” the headmaster asked.

Claire squirmed. She liked the headmaster, and she wanted to trust him, but she couldn't just tell him she had gotten into a relationship with one of his students. “Ermm..maybe. We're still getting to know each other.” Which is technically true, even if we're a bit far along...

The headmaster laughed, “Haha, well, I'm glad to hear it. If things go well, you'll have too introduce me sometime.”

“Of...of course!” she said, forcing a smile. Although, you've already been introduced...

The headmaster, still laughing, left as quickly as he'd come.

After school, Bar went over to his dorm. Since Gerard wasn't coming until dinner, he had a chance to prepare this time.

As he entered, Belle greeted him. “How were classes, Bar?” she said, taking his bag. Bar wouldn't mind doing it himself, but Belle seemed happy when she was doing some servant duties, so he didn't protest.

“It was...fine. We'll be having another guest for dinner. This time two, actually,” he explained.

Belle smiled, “Is it Miss Alice again, or someone else?”

“My...classmate, Gerard.” What are we, actually? Friend doesn't really feel right. “And his servant.”

Belle nodded.

Bar rolled up his sleeves, helping chop vegetables while Belle stirred the stew and added the ingredients.

“Should we make enough for Joan and Claire as well?” she asked.

“Probably should to be safe. I don't think Joan eats at work, and Claire...well who knows when she'll show up.”

As the stew was stirring, there came a knock at the door. Belle went to open it. “Ah, you must be Master Gerard.”

“Nice to see you again. Belle, right? And this is my servant, Silvia.”

Bar, who had taken over stirring, looked over. There was Gerard, and...the woman. That's where I recognized her from. She's not in our class, she's Gerard's servant from the party!

He realized he was staring at her (and her staring back with a blank expression) so he quickly turned back to the stew. I guess she never said anything about seeing me at Dolly's, then?

As Gerard sat down at the table, Silvia stood behind him.

Belle came over, grabbing the ladle from his hand and pouring out some bowls. Bar gave her a nervous smile and sat down across from Gerard.

“Oh, that smells great,” Gerard exclaimed as Belle sat the bowls down.

Belle then went and filled two more bowls, sitting down next to Bar with one and setting the other across from her.

Silvia looked at Gerard, who nodded.

“I see you also have your servants eat with you,” Gerard said, taking a spoonful. “Mmm, this is quite good.”

Belle smiled and nodded at him.

Hmmmm, Gerard does as well? Bar thought. He glanced at Silvia, who was sipping her stew slowly. “I do. I try to treat my servants...well,” he replied.

There was a 'clink' as Silvia dropped the spoon she was holding, hitting the side of her bowl.

“Sorry,” she said demurely, picking it back up.

Bar shook his head as if to say 'it's not a problem'.

Gerard, giving him a smile, said. “Right? I treat Silvia well too. She...deserves it.”

Bar noticed a faint blush on Silvia's face.

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You know, Gerard is a pretty good guy.

Gerard continued, “Honestly, I was about to step in when I saw how Cob was treating Belle here. Of course, I didn't think of trying to win her in a duel!” he chuckled.

Now Belle was also blushing.

“Now that I'm thinking about it, where is your other servant? Joan, right?” Gerard asked.

Bar noticed Silvia glance at him. Did she...recognize Joan that day at Dolly's? I'm guessing Gerard didn't. “Um...she's, out running an errand.”

Gerard nodded. “Oh, gotcha. I-”

Gerard was cut off as the door opened, Claire bursting in.

“I did some calculating, and-...” Claire stopped, seeing Gerard and Silvia. Growing red, she stammered. “I....”

Unfortunately, Belle was not as quick on her feet as Joan.

“Ah, Miss Claire, you calculated the amount...” she said, acting nervously.

Claire laughed awkwardly, “Haha, yes, I did. Let's go to the bedroom and discuss.”

They both rushed in, leaving an awkward silence as the three remaining sat there.

Gerard broke the silence, “Is the Dorm Mistress...”

Bar butted in, “She got to know my servants because I had to get permission to have two. And Joan, uh, helped her with some clothing gifts.” I guess that's our going story, right?

Gerard, thankfully, nodded, accepting this explanation.

Silvia, however, narrowed her eyes, before taking another sip of the stew.

After they finished eating, Silvia offered to clean up the stew since Belle was still in the bedroom with Claire.

Gerard leaned back in his chair. “So...what do you think of Alice? It sounded like you had a good time with her yesterday?”

Bar instantly got on guard. “She's...fine. Why, did you talk with her?”

Bar wasn't sure what he would say, but Gerard instantly nodded. “Yeah, she's asked me about you a couple times. I think you're on her engagement shortlist.”

Well, that's pretty blunt. I guess I should assume she might hear anything I say to him. “Well, I'm not sure I'm interested. She's fine to sit with in class, but marriage...”

Gerard raised an eyebrow, “Really? That'd be a substantial jump in rank from your current house though, wouldn't it?”

Bar shrugged. “True, but I think there are...more important things in a partner then just they're noble status.”

Gerard gave a big grin. “Couldn't have said it better myself.”

I sorted of already guessed, but it seems he's not thrilled with his engagement to Carlotta.

After a while more of small talk, Gerard excused himself for the night. “Well, I think we need to get back.”

Silvia nodded at him, and they headed over to the door and left.

After the door closed, Claire and Belle came rushing out.

“I'm sorry, Master, I couldn't think...” Belle said, almost crying.

“Don't worry about it. And it's Bar, remember...” Bar reassured her.

Claire, who actually was crying, sobbed “Why does this keep happening to me, I-”

Bar cut her off with a quick kiss. “Don't worry about it. Gerard wouldn't get us in trouble. I think.”

Belle nodded. “I believe...” she started before trailing off, acting unsure.

Bar looked at her. “What? I trust your opinion.”

Belle smiled. “I believe she may have the same relationship with her Master as you do with Joan.”

Bar blinked a few times, as suddenly several things clicked in his head. The way he had acted at the enrollment party. Being with Silvia at Dolly's, which was probably meant as a date. Her reactions tonight. And his non-excitement about being engaged to a princess. “I think you might be right.”

A while after they had gotten back from having dinner at Bar's dorm, Gerard sat at his table in his dorm, sipping on tea. “So? Thoughts on tonight?” he asked.

Silvia, who was sitting across from him, also sipping tea, explained. “I was...surprised to see the Dorm Mistress show up. With the way she walked in and acted, they must have some sort of arrangement. Actually, I would say it's highly likely they have some sort of romantic relationship. Possibly even lovers.”

Gerard nodded. “I thought so as well. I wonder what she was talking about with calculations?”

“Possibly...something related to a future purchase? Maybe the cost of a house?” Silvia suggested.

Gerard chuckled. “That'd be a bit fast, wouldn't it? They couldn't have met more than a few days ago.”

Silvia nodded. “You're probably right.”

“What about his servants?”

Silvia nodded again, “I believe they are also in a romantic relationship with him. Not just having sex with him, but...” she trailed off.

Gerard reached over and grabbed her hand, “Something like ours?”

Silvia blushed and smiled, “Yes. Belle kept stealing glances at Master Bar tonight, the same ones a woman would a man, not a servant a master. And Joan...well, you already know, but I could tell from the way they were interacting at the enrollment party that they were already intimate.”

Gerard stood up, walked behind Silvia and wrapped her in his arms. He knelt over, and she turned her head, so they could kiss. Silvia smiled as he leaned back up.

“Now that we know...do you want to do anything?” Silvia asked, as Gerard led her to the bed.

Gerard shook his head as he started undressing her. “No. Actually, I do. If he's planning on marrying his servants and maybe even the dorm mistress, he must have some plan in place, right?”

Silvia nodded as she was taking off his shirt. “I agree, we might be able to help each other out with our mutual...situations.”

Gerard nodded, before wrapping her arms around her for a passionate kiss.

Date Time

The next morning, it was finally time. Bar and Joan were going on their long-awaited date. Claire seemed a little sad, but they had already planned on her getting a date next week, and she said she had plans anyway for the day.

“Did you...plan on where we would go?” Joan asked as they met up in town. Since they didn't want anyone seeing them on campus together in nice clothes, they had left separately and met up.

“I thought we were going to Dolly's, since we were meeting up across the street from it?” Bar asked, raising an eyebrow.

“No, I just wanted this as the meetup place since we both know where it's at,” Joan giggled. “Plus, I don't want Dolly stealing you away...”

Bar shook his head. “I wouldn't do that when I'm supposed to be focusing on you. I thought you said you were fine with Dolly anyways though?”

Joan blushed, “I did, but why are you talking about other woman instead of me right now!?”

“You brought her up though!” Bar said, while Joan giggled and wrapped her arm around his.

“Well, I got to know the neighborhood when I was looking for a job, and I remember seeing a cafe around....here,” Joan said, pointing to one up ahead.

Walking over, they purchased some tea and sat down outside, since the weather was nice.

As they were sipping, Joan asked, “I talked with Claire about your conversation, are you going to stop working?”

Bar winced. “Maybe. What do you think?”

“I think you should give up and marry a noblewoman,” Joan said seriously.

Bar's eyes went wide. “Wha-...what!?”

Joan giggled, “Sorry, I just wanted to see your reaction...”

Bar smiled, “Oh, sheesh, don't scare me like that...”

“Well, I agree with Claire. Ideally I'd like you to not work at all while taking classes, but I'm not sure if you'd agree...”

Bar winced, “I think I should sometimes...but I understand I should focus on studies too,” he said, somewhat defeatedly.

Joan nodded. “I...I really don't want you joining the military. I think you should try to get an administrative job after you graduate.”

Bar nodded, “I don't want to either. Not just because I don't want to see my siblings, but...I also feel like it would be a waste to marry all these beautiful woman and then be gone on campaigns all the time.”

Joan blushed but nodded. “Selfishly, I was thinking the same thing, so I'm glad you agree. I'm sure Claire doesn't want you away either. Plus, I'd be worried about you picking up more woman...”

Bar tried to protest, “Hey...”

Joan shook her head, “We've only been here a week, and so far there's been Belle, Claire, Dolly, and this Alice...”

Bar shook his head, “Hey, only Claire actually amounted to anything, and-”

Joan cut him off, “Yes, but the rate you're going is ridiculous. You'll have hundreds of fiance's by the time you graduate.”

Bar sighed, “I understand. I mean, we might get some more, but...I'll be careful.”

Joan smiled. “Good.”

They then sipped in silence, occasionally smiling at each other.

After a while, Joan started, “So about Claire...”

“I thought you didn't want to talk about other girls!?” he asked, incredulous.

Joan continued, “It's okay if I bring them up,” she giggled. “Anyways, what are your feelings for Claire?”

“What do you mean? I mean, we're engaged, and we've already...slept together...” he blushed, trailing off.

“I know, but so have you and I. And I think we both agree we...love each other, correct?”

Oh...I see what she's getting at. Bar scrunched up his face in thought. After a few moments, he explained, “Well, I...um...I do care about her, but I...”

Joan giggled. “It's okay, you trust me, right? I won't say anything you don't want me too.”

Bar nodded, “I care about her, but it's hard to save I love her. Especially if I'm comparing to you.”

Joan smiled, “That's perfectly normal. Actually, I might be a tad upset if you loved her as much as me after just a few days...” she said, with a fake pout.

Bar shrugged, “It's hard to sort out my feelings, especially when I'm juggling multiple woman.”

Joan laughed, “Haha, that's what you get! Not that I don't like Claire, of course. I was actually kind of worried at first, but she's already done more than you or I for our future.”

Bar nodded. Having Claire join was pretty amazing, when I think about it.

Joan continued, “Just keep getting fiance's with jobs, and we'll be doing great!”

“That's a good idea, actually...”

Joan giggled again.

After a couple hours, they had finished their tea and decided to go for a walk.

“Oh, do you wanna go that way? I could introduce you to the guy I was chopping wood for. He lives out of town a bit,” Bar suggested.

Joan nodded, “Of course, I'd like to meet him. Although...”

“What?”

“Are you going to introduce me as your servant, or as your fiance?” she replied with a sly smile.

“Honestly, I could probably say both and he'd just laugh and accept it.”

After a bit of walking, they got to the path over to Ander's house. As they walked up, he noticed he wasn't out chopping wood. Well, I guess even he takes days off.

Walking up, they stopped and knocked on the door. Instead of Ander, an older lady around his age opened the door.

“Oh, my hello there,” she said, giving them a smile.

“Hello, is-” Bar started.

The lady waved him off, still smiling. “I know,” she said. She then turned around, raising her voice, “Bethany, dear, one of your suitors is here.”

Joan looked sternly at Bar, who was shaking his head, mouthing 'I have no idea...'

A girl around Bar's age, with long brown hair down to the middle of her back, wearing village clothes, was holding a towel and drying her hands as she walked up. “Grandma, just tell them...” she stopped as she looked at Bar, then at Joan. “Do I know you?”

Bar shook his head, “No, I don't think we've ever met.”

Bethany turned to the old lady. “Grandma, this isn't one of my suitors. And if one of them does show up, send them away.”

The grandma sighed, “Bethany, dear, you can't live with us forever....” she said as Bethany walked away.

After a moment of silence, Bar asked, “Um, is Ander here? I wanted to say hi. I work for him.”

The grandma acted surprised, “Oh, of course! You're the young man he was talking about. Sorry, Ander is out chopping down trees today, he won't be back for a while yet.”

“Oh, okay,” I should have known. “Well, send him my regards.”

The grandma nodded, “Of course, and thank you for working for him. I worry about his back sometimes...”

After saying their goodbyes, they left back into town.

“What did you think of that Bethany?” Joan asked, smiling deviously.

“Are you going to ask me about every woman I meet!?” Bar asked, incredulous again.

“Yes. As your future first wife, I have to make sure you're not cavorting with any strange woman.”

“I don't think Bethany was strange...” Bar said, raising an eyebrow.

“Oh I agree. Anyone who looks after their grandparents is a good woman in my book,” Joan explained.

Bar rolled his eyes. “I'm not going to hit on my employer's daughter. Well, granddaughter.”

Joan giggled, “Probably for the best.”

After walking a bit more, they decided head back to the dorm. As they arrived, they smelled the meat that Belle was boiling for dinner.

Joan went up and inspected. “Good timing.”

Belle smiled, “I figured you two would come back hungry, assuming you would...” she trailed off blushing.

Joan blushed, “We didn't do that...but we did work up an appetite walking.”

As they sat down to eat, a knock came at the door.

Bar raised an eyebrow. “Who could that be?”

Belle got up and opened the door. Outside, Claire poked her head in nervously, looking around.

“It's just us, Claire,” Bar explained.

Claire nodded, coming in and sitting down next to them. “How was your date?”

“I successfully fended off Bar from taking another woman,” Joan said in a serious tone.

Claire nodded, also serious “Well done.”

Bar shook his head, sighing, causing Joan to giggle. After explaining what actually happened, Claire looked thoughtful. “She sounds like a nice girl. But maybe wait a bit before picking her up, I want some more time with you first.”

“I'm not automatically getting engaged to her just because I met her. Look at Belle and Dolly,” Bar explained.

Belle blushed, and Joan smirked. “Not for your lack of trying.”

Bar scrunched up his face. Well, I can't dispute that...

“Well, I already agreed to to confer with you both first, right? So you'll know ahead of time...”

Joan and Claire both smiled and nodded.