After Charlotte was promoted again, Louis Smythe had already begun preparing a gift and planning a visit. But he had not expected that, before he could act, Charlotte would invite him to dinner.
Louis Smythe would never refuse the olive branch of friendship Charlotte had extended. Although he associated with quite a few imperial officials, a young talent like Charlotte, whom he had known before his rise and whose promotions came as swiftly as lightning, was fundamentally different from those people.
Back at Champs-Élysées Avenue Number 58, Charlotte said with a smile, "My cook, Madam Umeboshi Sauce, excels at exquisite barbecue brought over from the New Continent. I have always wanted to share it with someone, but Louis, you know..."
"Anne is a lady."
Louis Smythe also smiled. "Yes, Miss Brittany would not be suited to such rough fare."
"But I have no such problem."
"I have long heard that barbecue from the New Continent has an unusual flavor, but I have never tasted it. I truly must thank you for your generous sharing, Charlotte."
Madam Umeboshi Sauce had long prepared everything for the barbecue, with Madam Nancy assisting at her side. Charlotte and Louis Smythe drank ale and sampled the grilled food as they chatted about recent imperial news.
After exchanging pleasantries, Charlotte said, "I may be going to the battlefield as well, so I wanted to ask whether you have anything that could improve one's chances of survival in battle."
Louis Smythe smiled. "I had a few suits of armor, but they have already been reserved. You know how it is—there is never a shortage of well-informed people among the Empire's upper ranks."
Hearing that Louis Smythe did not have what he needed, Charlotte could not help feeling slightly disappointed.
Louis ate a delicious lamb kidney skewer, pondered