Ideological Revolution

The silence between the two young people was broken by a light, rhythmic knock.

It started softly and grew louder, keeping time with a popular tune of the day. The sound was remarkably clear.

The lock behind the door clicked open. The carved oak door eased open a crack, and a bright, lively face peeked in. Her sparkling eyes quickly swept the room.

"Miss Delden, I knew it was you!" Emily said with a smile as she pushed the door open and stepped inside. Her light skirt swayed in the breeze, bringing with it a waft of flowers and youthful fragrance. "I heard downstairs that Count Ranke's carriage was parked outside. I guessed you'd be here."

Her gaze turned to Bastian. She gave him an elegant nod, a just-so hint of mischief at the corner of her mouth. "Sir Schuyler Steiger is here, too. What a coincidence."

Startled out of her heavy thoughts, Marlene quickly put on a welcoming smile. "I didn't expect to run into you here. When did you get back to Cologne?"

"I only got back from the south the day before yesterday." Emily winked playfully. "I went to your house earlier, but you weren't home."

"Tomorrow afternoon, we're hosting a private salon at our house. We've invited a special scholar—Mr. Gottlieb."

"I hope you'll both come."

Bastian and Marlene exchanged a glance. They were used to invitations like this, and they had nothing else to do tomorrow, so they might as well go.

The name Gottlieb... Bastian thought for a long while, but couldn't place it.

Marlene had heard the name in academic circles, but all she knew was that such a person existed. She had no idea what he had accomplished.

"Please give your grandfather our regards," Marlene replied on behalf of them both. "We'll