HOMA18CL 07
Episode 7: The First Meeting with Viscount Monson
◈ The Intelligence Club
Tae-oh spotted Viscount Edward Monson entering the club and hastily stopped his carriage.
“Could you stop here, please?”
“Whoa—whoa—.”
Tae-oh hurried out of the carriage and quickly caught up with Viscount Monson.
“Hello, Viscount?”
The Viscount turned around and greeted him warmly.
“Ah—yes. Mr. Sanderson.”
Tae-oh was quite popular in the club. Every Intelligence member was eager to sit with him at least once. Thanks to this, it wasn’t difficult to join the Viscount’s table.
Tae-oh deliberately asked the Viscount various questions while they drank tea to confirm his temperament.
‘Thankfully, it’s almost exactly what I recorded. He and Miss Godwin will be a perfect match.’
The Viscount was the type who took great interest in exploring the philosophical essence of any subject. This point was also quite similar to Miss Lydia Godwin.
“When I read Epicurus, I wonder when ‘happiness’ is truly possible for a human. The condition for happiness I’ve settled on might be wealth and honor obtained after genuine hardship…”
Viscount Monson tried to delve into the nature of happiness and presented his own diverse arguments.
After listening for a while, Tae-oh spoke in response to a question the Viscount posed.
“For a person who has struggled to gain great wealth or honor, two fears are likely to arise. The first is the fear of not gaining even more money and honor in the future, and the second is the fear of the money or honor they possess gradually diminishing. In other words, the emotion of ‘happiness’ can never be obtained by fulfilling such conditions. The happiness acquired that way will only become the seed of misfortune, not true happiness. Ultimately, what we commonly consider the ‘conditions for happiness’ often turn out to be the ‘conditions for unhappiness.’“
The Viscount asked again.
“If humans become obsessed with the ‘conditions’ they pursue and are gripped by fear, leading to unhappiness, doesn’t that mean humans are inherently incapable of happiness?”
Tae-oh smiled faintly and replied.
“The answer to ‘happiness’ is in your very words, Viscount.”
“Pardon?”
“It means you can become happy if you can just abandon those very ‘conditions’ you mentioned. If you don’t cling to conditions, you will inevitably draw closer to true happiness.”
Viscount Monson pondered Tae-oh’s words for a moment and nodded his head.
“This is truly… I was proud to have read and thought deeply on my own, but I’m embarrassed. Mr. Sanderson, your depth is indeed different.”
“Embarrassed? Isn’t this a place to exchange views? Furthermore, there can be no definitive answer to this kind of topic. And your logic, Viscount, was of a considerable standard. How many people are capable of thinking as deeply as you?”
The Viscount asked with an envious look.
“What kind of books should I read to achieve a different dimension of thinking like you, Mr. Sanderson?”
“Reading is important, but I think the expansion of thought through intense consideration and debate is also necessary. That is why a club like this exists.”
“…Yes, you are right.”
“Also, to organize your complex thoughts and reduce logical inconsistencies, it would be wonderful to have someone with whom you could constantly have such conversations. For instance, if your lifelong partner was such a person, it would truly be the icing on the cake.”
Viscount Monson smiled bitterly in response.
“Hmph, you are right. In fact, that was one of my long-held wishes. I often imagined how happy I would be if I could deeply discuss such topics while comfortably drinking tea with a wife who was conversationally compatible. But is there truly such a woman? And one who perfectly suits my taste in appearance and personality, no less.”
Viscount Monson shook his head and continued speaking.
“I have met many women, but I have never found such a person. Most women who claimed to have read many books had only read popular novels. I have never once met a woman who showed interest in philosophy, which explores the essence of humanity. And frankly, even if such an intellectual woman existed but wasn’t attractive, that too wouldn’t meet the standards for the wife I dream of. Perhaps I’m too greedy? I suppose that’s why I haven’t married yet, ha ha.”
Tae-oh replied as if he had been waiting for this.
“It’s not greed. You just haven’t been able to find her yet. There is a woman in London who is the perfect match for you, Viscount.”
Viscount Monson’s hand, which was reaching for his teacup, froze.
“What do you mean? There is such a woman in London?”
“You are aware that I’m trying to start a marriage brokerage business, aren’t you?”
“Well… yes, I heard about it the other day.”
“Could you be my first client, Viscount?”
The Viscount stared blankly at Tae-oh with a bewildered expression.
“Your first client?”
“Yes, that’s right. There is a woman I would like to formally introduce you to. In fact, that is why I sought to join you today.”
“Is this a serious proposal?”
“Yes, of course.”
“Ha ha, Mr. Sanderson, you are truly inscrutable. It’s puzzling enough that a man of your high learning and keen insight would jump into the marriage brokerage business, but to suddenly tell me there’s a woman perfect for me and ask me to meet her…”
“I received a request from a woman, and in the process of finding the most suitable gentleman, you were the one.”
“But how can you be so certain about my ideal type? Even if you claim to match personality, can you also meet my preferences in appearance?”
Tae-oh replied emphatically.
“Yes, I can. I have my own method for discerning a person’s hidden inclinations through their consistent behavior. And through that, I have my own secret for finding the closest ideal match, including not only personality but also physical appearance.”
“Is that so? That would truly be astonishing if it were true.”
“It just so happens that I realized the lady I mentioned and you, Viscount, are an excellent match, and especially because I am convinced that she is the ideal type you are looking for, I was eager to introduce the two of you immediately.”
However, the Viscount was still skeptical.
“Are you truly saying there is a woman in London like the one I envision?”
“Yes, Viscount. But you don’t need to overthink it. You can just meet her with an open mind.”
The Viscount pondered for a moment, then spoke.
“How interesting. You have a secret method to understand a person’s hidden inclination through their behavior and connect them. I’m very curious as to whether such an analysis method truly exists. If anyone else had said it, I would have dismissed it as nonsense, but since you are so proactive, Mr. Sanderson, I’m curious to see if such an analysis can really find the woman of my dreams. I would like to meet her.”
“Thank you. You absolutely will not be disappointed.”
.
A Disappointing First Date
◈ Baron Godwin’s House
When the date for the meeting with Viscount Edward Monson was announced, Baron Godwin’s household erupted in chaos. The Baroness Godwin was visibly excited, flustering about and rushing to praise Tae-oh.
“Mr. Theo Sanderson must truly be an amazing man. Would any other matchmaker have dared to even think of connecting you with a Viscount from such a prominent Earl’s family? No, without Mr. Sanderson’s introduction, Viscount Monson might not have even agreed to meet you. They say he is so respected even in the club where smart nobles abound. He is remarkable, in any case. Hohoho.”
Lydia’s younger sisters, who had rushed over upon hearing the news, were also greatly excited.
“Sister! You absolutely have to seize this opportunity! You must! Understand?”
“Exactly! Viscount Edward Monson… is this even real? Other matchmakers only ever introduced those weird old men! But Viscount Monson is a man every woman in society has her eye on!”
“In any case, Sister, you need to completely change your hairstyle and makeup immediately. That style is still so twenty years ago!”
The Baroness Godwin and her younger sisters desperately tried to polish Lydia’s provincial style. They spent a fortune to change her to the latest fashion from head to toe, and spent the entire day right next to her, correcting her speech and mannerisms.
◈ A Few Days Later, Tae-oh’s House.
Clip-clop. Clip-clop.
“Whoa—whoa—”
Hearing the sound of a carriage approaching, Tae-oh looked down and saw Baron Godwin’s carriage. Today was the day Viscount Monson and Miss Lydia Godwin were scheduled to meet here.
Soon, Miss Godwin alighted from the carriage and was guided into the house by the maid.
Tae-oh checked his watch and let out a dry laugh.
‘There are still 20 minutes left, but she’s already here?’
It seemed the anxious Baroness Godwin had sent her daughter early. She had originally intended to come along, but Tae-oh had managed to dissuade her into sending Lydia alone. In contrast, the easygoing Viscount Monson showed no sign of arriving yet.
‘I wonder… how this will turn out. I’m nervous too.’
When he last met Viscount Monson, Tae-oh had meticulously checked his temperament. And through that time, he had clearly figured out what kind of appearance he preferred and what kind of personality captured his interest. No, it would be more accurate to say that he confirmed his previous assumptions were correct.
The Viscount’s unique personality and conscious awareness, far ahead of his time, meant that the “good wife and wise mother” type of woman would inevitably be frustrating and boring for him. A person’s face tends to reveal their thoughts and aspirations. Since most women of this era lacked the progressive thinking to show their will on their faces, the Viscount found them tedious just by looking at them.
However, Miss Lydia Godwin was different. She was smart and bold enough to compare favorably even with young women of the 21st century. And that confidence was clearly reflected in her face.
“Thank you for the trouble of coming.”
Tae-oh went down to the reception room and greeted Lydia. She curtsied, a slightly nervous expression on her face.
But…
Tae-oh’s face stiffened at Lydia’s heavily adorned appearance. She certainly looked more sophisticated and feminine than last time, but all of Miss Lydia Godwin’s unique charm and beauty were obscured by thick makeup. Her intellectual gaze and unique confidence were gone; she had turned into just another pretty young lady commonly seen in the London social scene.
‘Oh no… The Baroness’s overzealous efforts have completely hidden Miss Godwin’s charm.’
Lydia also seemed embarrassed by her heavily made-up appearance, continuously keeping her head down and avoiding eye contact. That lack of confidence made her look even more withdrawn and rigid.
“Um… has the Viscount not arrived yet?”
“Ah, no. He will be here soon.”
Clip-clop. Clip-clop.
“Whoa—whoa—”
As if in response to Lydia’s question, the sound of a carriage was heard outside. Viscount Monson seemed to have arrived just in time. It was a huge relief that he wasn’t late for the appointment.
“Ah, the Viscount seems to have arrived. Would you like to take a seat for now? I will go and bring him up.”
Lydia nodded, sitting down with a tense face.
‘She’s deliberately trying to act feminine in all her actions.’
Thud—
Viscount Monson entered the house, letting out a cheerful laugh and making a fuss.
“My apologies, I’m late. I tried to come early, after all.”
“It’s alright. Miss Godwin also just arrived. Shall we go up?”
“Yes.”
Tae-oh hoped that even though she had temporarily lost the unique beauty emanating from her appearance, her personality and eloquence would still showcase her charm.
However, that expectation was quickly and miserably shattered.
Lydia, facing the Viscount, had become a completely different person. She kept her head deeply bowed, avoided eye contact, and only answered meekly.
Tae-oh sat behind them, watching Lydia with a feeling of regret.
‘It seems she was coached on how to behave demurely and is trying to follow it. The heavy makeup, the ill-fitting, flashy dress, and the pressure to marry have completely robbed her of her free thought and charm.’
.
The expected meeting ended quickly.
Viscount Monson saw Miss Lydia Godwin off, offering a formal remark about perhaps seeing her again if the opportunity arose. He wasn’t rude, but his attitude clearly showed annoyance, and Lydia, noticing it, couldn’t hide her displeasure either.
After Lydia Godwin left, Tae-oh and Viscount Monson shared a short conversation over tea.
“She truly was a beautiful lady. Just by her face, I would have believed her to be 18. But 28… I was genuinely surprised.”
“It seems Miss Godwin didn’t quite capture your interest, Viscount?”
When Tae-oh got straight to the point, Viscount Monson offered a wry smile.
“No. To be honest, she wasn’t my type. She was beautiful, but she was like one of those women you commonly see in the London social scene.”
“You seem very disappointed.”
“No, not really. I never truly believed a woman like the one you described existed in London in the first place.”
“……”
“However, I must admit that I secretly held some expectations because you were so confident she was my ideal type. I harbored a slight hope that since you are such a remarkable person, Mr. Sanderson, perhaps you truly had found my ideal match. It’s only that that hope was slightly disappointing.”
A brief silence followed.
Just as the silence began to feel awkward, Tae-oh spoke with a sincere expression.
“Hmm… Viscount. Would you trust me and agree to meet Miss Godwin just one more time?”
“What? Well, I don’t think a second meeting would make a particular difference.”
“I will ask you sincerely. Miss Godwin today was not her true self. If you see her next time, you will surely understand why I was so eager to introduce her to you.”
“……”
“Viscount, I sincerely ask this of you.”
The Viscount, looking troubled, thought for a moment and then nodded.
“Well, alright. Then, let’s do this: I’m having a small gathering at my house this weekend. We’ll be discussing ancient philosophy and thought. Could you come that day, Mr. Sanderson? I want to show off your knowledge to my friends. If you agree to that, I will meet Miss Godwin one more time.”
Tae-oh readily agreed.
“Of course. You are granting my request, so it’s only natural that I grant yours as well.”
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