In the Old Continent, going on a date was not a convenient affair.
After all, this was a world without telephones or the internet.
Every time, either Annie waited outside Kilmainham Prison, or Charlot went to Gorgias University to find her.
Honestly, all these years after graduation, Charlot had visited Gorgias University far more times than he had returned to his alma mater, Sheffield University.
Seated in “his” carriage, Charlot gazed at the scenery of Strasbourg with a peculiar feeling. Previously, he had always thought that the roads built in this ancient country were excessively wide—wider, even, than many roads on Earth. At this moment, however, he realized that without such spacious roads, carriages simply couldn’t operate, particularly the dignified four-wheeled ones.
Though the carriage was only two pimi wide, it was still much longer than Earth’s private cars or SUVs. While the carriage itself wasn’t significantly larger, one also had to consider the horses pulling it. Add in the turning radius, and its maneuverability was far inferior to modern vehicles with all their technical enhancements. Without wide roads, many areas would be inaccessible to carriages.
Moreover, the Old Continent of this world—comprising the Five Great Empires—likely had fewer than a hundred million people, yet its land area far surpassed Europe, possibly comparable to the combined size of Europe and Africa.
The Upper Seven Districts of Strasbourg were home to numerous nobles, many of whom occupied mansions so vast that a single family could take up an entire block. Each of these mansions was built like a beautiful garden, making the scenery along the way rather delightful.
Upon entering the Val-de-Vas District, the buildings became noticeably grander. Although all seven districts were nominally on equal footing, the Val-de-Vas District was clearly more exceptional than the others.
From a distance, one could see the rooftops of the royal palace, as well as various government institutions. Passing by the Central Government Office, Charlot couldn’t help but feel a slight pang of emotion. If he had stayed there, he might have been promoted to Second-Class Clerk by next year, earning an increase of several centimes in his salary.
Perhaps, after a few more years of hard work, he could even consider buying a small apartment—but a private carriage would forever remain out of reach.
Mrs. Nancy’s voice came through the copper tube installed in the carriage:
“Mr. Mecklenburg, we’ve arrived at Gorgias University! Which teaching building are you headed to?”
Charlot pushed open the carriage door and disembarked gracefully, replying, “Just wait for me here. I’ll likely return quite late, so don’t worry about me.”
The imperial universities didn’t allow outsiders to enter freely. Mrs. Nancy’s question about the teaching building hinted that her previous master likely had some special privileges.
Charlot, however, was a proper graduate of Sheffield University, where he had a permanent entry permit. As a minor figure among the empire’s lower-ranking nobles, it hadn’t been difficult for him to obtain a multiple-entry permit for Gorgias University through a little greasing of the wheels.
In fact, he had already obtained one long ago.
However, a permanent entry permit was another matter entirely. That was far more challenging to acquire, though Charlot didn’t particularly need it—after all, Annie would graduate in another year.
The multiple-entry permit allowed him to enter the university alone, but he couldn’t bring anyone else or drive his carriage onto campus.
Having visited several times before, Charlot was quite familiar with the layout. He easily found the building where Annie Bretagne was attending class. Knowing she had a lecture this morning, he didn’t interrupt but instead found a long bench outside her classroom and sat down to study his diary.
Charlot was deeply interested in Swiftstep Technique and Flame Dragon’s Hand, but he prioritized the Swiftstep Technique. This technique would comprehensively enhance his running speed, jumping ability, agility, and reflexes, providing a foundational boost to his combat prowess.
“I wonder if I can master the Agility Rune before receiving the duel challenge,” Charlot murmured.
After flipping through the diary for a while, Charlot felt somewhat stifled and put it away in his coat. Just then, a girl passed by in a hurry, her expression tinged with worry.
She had a pair of deep blue eyes and an exceptionally beautiful face. Her hand-embroidered tea dress accentuated her graceful figure, as elegant as a narcissus flower.
Her beauty was of the kind that, on Earth, could easily attract millions of followers on short-video platforms and streaming sites.
Charlot, having frequented Gorgias University, naturally recognized this lady—after all, she was incredibly famous.
Gorgias University had a tradition of selecting twelve “Goddesses” from among all its female students. Incidentally, Sheffield University had the same tradition.
Annie Bretagne was the current West Wind Goddess, while Dolores Soumet was the Laurel Goddess.
That’s right—this beautiful girl was also Menielman’s cousin. The Soumet family was an influential clan.
While Charlot recognized her, he didn’t think Dolores would know him. Thus, he had no intention of greeting her, treating her instead as nothing more than pleasant scenery passing by.
To his surprise, Dolores paused slightly as she walked past him and asked, “Are you Mr. Charlot Mecklenburg?”
Startled, Charlot nodded. “How do you know me?”
Dolores replied calmly, “A man who can date the West Wind Goddess—there’s not a soul at Gorgias University who doesn’t know. That’s not flattery; it’s just a fact.”
Charlot smiled faintly and asked, “Miss Soumet, may I help you with something?”
Dolores appeared to hesitate. After a long pause, she said, “My brother and Annie’s cousin are good friends in the military.”
“Not long ago, Annie’s cousin visited my home and mentioned you.”
“Well, I won’t repeat his exact words.”
“I’m just here to inform you that two High-Rank Transcendents will soon challenge you.”
Charlot’s shock was unmistakable, his composure momentarily slipping. He hadn’t expected to suddenly be targeted by two High-Rank Transcendents.
Just as he was about to ask for more details, Dolores turned and walked away.
Hurriedly, he called after her, “Thank you, Miss Soumet!”
Dolores replied indifferently, “I just wanted to see the look of shock on your face. No need to thank me.”
“Oh, and… those two are also here at Gorgias University today.”
Charlot immediately considered leaving, but out of the corner of his eye, he saw Annie walking out of the classroom with a group of classmates, waving to him from afar.
There was no way Charlot could just turn and leave now. Compared to facing two High-Rank Transcendents, the consequences of walking away now would be far more serious. Resigned, he braced himself and walked toward her.
Annie looked at him curiously and asked, “What did you and Dolores talk about?”
She was indeed curious. When she came out, she had seen her “lifelong rival” Dolores Soumet talking to Charlot and very much wanted to know what they had discussed.
Charlot dared not lie and answered honestly, “She said her brother and your cousin are friends, and they’ve arranged to duel me.”
Annie’s beautiful eyes widened in astonishment.