Norbert showed not the slightest sign of surprise. Instead, his smile grew even brighter. "Oh, Mr. Elach, it is an immense honor to make your acquaintance. Your bearing is simply a perfect match for Mrs. Roberge's beauty."
As a Frenchman, he had long been accustomed to such things. In his view, a woman Doriane's age having no lover at all would have been abnormal.
"Ho ho, you flatter me—but I think so too." Count Elerach immediately beamed, returned Norbert's greeting, and then gave Doriane's waist a firm squeeze.
Norbert took a glass of wine from the tray of a passing servant and gestured to Elerach. "Let me guess—you are from Lorraine, or perhaps Metz?"
The latter spoke with a heavy German accent.
This time, both Count Elerach and Doriane fell into an awkward silence.
"Ahem. Actually, I am from Bern."
Doriane hurriedly tried to smooth things over. "Klaus holds the title of count and leads the Bern Parliament."
Disdain flashed through Norbert's eyes, but he immediately noticed the expensive fan in her hand. His smile returned at once as he bowed to Elerach. "My sincerest apologies. I should have addressed you as Count Elerach."
Yet Doriane seemed to have had a sore spot struck, and said somewhat dejectedly, "Actually, I was just telling Klaus that it would be wonderful if he could hold a post in France."
Norbert narrowed his eyes, his tone casual. "That is not impossible. It only requires spending a little money."
Doriane sighed. "The government stopped selling offices long ago. Now one must first pass the entrance examination for Administrative Management University, and the requirements for foreigners are even stricter..."
Swirling his wineglass lightly, Norbert said, "If Count Elerach does not mind, perhaps your old friend can be of some help."
Doriane stared at him in