He Opened A Matchmaking Agency In 18Th Century London [EN]: Chapter 124

124. Misaligned Hearts

The long-faced man directed his question at Eva Riley,

“So, Miss Riley, are you suggesting that in the novel, the moment Cayden meets and falls for Natalie, the artificial emotions begin?”

“Exactly. In the novel, Cayden says something like, ‘Without you, my heart is an empty, desolate wasteland.’ It’s terribly cliché.

However, the author uses these kinds of trite expressions frequently. Despite his skill as a writer, he deliberately uses them to show the reader that Cayden is deeply caught up in manufactured emotions.

Because he seeks the feeling of love through Natalie’s emotions rather than his own, he only reacts to her feelings instead of experiencing genuine love himself, which leads to ‘obsession’ and ‘anguish.’

I believe Logan reveals the flawed nature of this ‘LOVE’ throughout the novel.”

Grady Morrison, who had been listening intently, finally joined the conversation.

“Well, isn’t that just Miss Riley’s wishful interpretation?”

Eva and the other members turned to look at Grady.

“In my opinion, I don’t think Logan thought that deeply about it. Wouldn’t he just be using common expressions of love?

There are countless authors who overuse expressions like that. Does that mean all of them are deliberately portraying fake love?”

Eva retorted, her voice tinged with emotion.

“Well, many romance novels are written in an epistolary [written in the form of letters] style, so cliché expressions of love are unavoidable. But Logan’s writing observes even the protagonist’s inner thoughts, right? So why would he use so many foolish expressions?

And in *LOVE Volume 2: Rekindled Flames*, there’s a passage that says Cayden, who used to enjoy walking the trails, no longer enjoys walking alone and feels even more lonely as he falls in love with Natalie.

Even Mrs. Mary’s food, which he once loved, no longer appeals to him. Instead, he craves the cheap street food he shared with Natalie. And he develops jealousy and envy he never felt before.”

“……”

“Cayden’s emotions when he falls in love are all emotions that didn’t exist before Natalie appeared.

In other words, as soon as Natalie appears and he experiences love for the first time, he loses all the emotions he once had, all the emotions where he was the center. The author deliberately highlights him going down the wrong path of love.”

Grady, who had been listening with his arms crossed, countered.

“Isn’t it natural to act like that for a while when you’re infatuated with someone?”

A faint smile touched Theo’s lips. To think Eva was being challenged for praising his writing.

Eva, oblivious to this, immediately retorted sharply.

“No! Obsession and true love are different! Even if you love someone deeply, you’re still the most important person in your own heart in true love. So you don’t lose yourself. There’s no obsession, and no excessive jealousy or envy.”

“……”

“Of course, you can be heartbroken and sad, but that’s mature love that stems from your own emotions. It can even nourish your personal growth.

But fake love abandons all emotions where you are the subject and tries to navigate according to the other person’s feelings, seeking peace and happiness there.”

“……”

“A typical example of such fake love is people who are fanatically devoted to their spouses even after marriage. In severe cases, people who constantly suspect their spouse of cheating and suffer from delusions.

These phenomena occur because emotions are tailored solely to the other person rather than originating from within yourself… those are the hallmarks of fake love.”

“……”

“Look at Cayden in the novel. When Natalie smiles at him, the world becomes infinitely bright, but when Natalie is expressionless, the world is filled with dark clouds, and when Natalie turns away, he becomes a helpless child, lost and sorrowful, right?

This is because the protagonist has been switched in the play of his life. He makes the other person the protagonist, while he volunteers for a supporting role that goes unnoticed… such is the foolishness of fake love. And at the heart of it is the folly of losing one’s own emotions.”

“Well, no matter how much I listen, it just sounds like semantics to me. It’s easy to say, but when you fall in love, everyone becomes like that……”

The ensuing discussion devolved into a mostly one-sided verbal sparring match between Eva Riley and Grady Morrison.

The other members, who had come expecting a lighthearted discussion, could only stare blankly at their heated debate.

* * *

Grady asked Eva.

“Alright. Let’s assume the author wrote with that theme in mind. Then, what do you think would have happened if Cayden hadn’t found true love by the end?”

Eva answered without hesitation.

“Love based on losing yourself can only lead to destruction.”

“Destruction, as in…?”

“Like the protagonists in many popular mass-market novels today, I think Cayden would have chosen suicide.”

“So, Miss Riley, you’re saying the author is warning against such misguided love?”

“Yes, Logan believes that when a person is driven to take their own life by someone’s words, actions, or writing, it’s because they have abandoned their own sense of self. And he’s emphasizing through the protagonist that being swayed by external emotions ultimately leads to self-destruction.”

“……”

“If you look at the end of this novel, he resolves to die, even obtains poison, and goes to the bar where he first met Natalie. But Cayden throws away the poison and laughs emptily.

I see this moment as the protagonist reclaiming his own emotions. He has pulled himself out of the abyss of destruction.”

Eva, emboldened by Grady Morrison’s silence, looked around at the members and continued.

“Everyone, look at the very first page of this novel.”

At her words, the sound of pages turning filled the room.

Whirr-

Whirr-

“If you look at the first page, you’ll see it says ‘In memory of William,’ right? Why would the author commemorate this person?”

The members offered their thoughts.

“Doesn’t ‘commemorate’ usually refer to someone who has died?”

“Could it be someone who provided a lot of help or inspiration in writing and then passed away?”

“It just seems like family or friends died around the time this book was published, so it’s just a general memorial?”

“Considering he’s an author who likes to hide meaning in his writing, there might be some other significance…”

“What reason does Miss Riley think it is?”

Eva answered.

“In my opinion, ‘William’ represents everyone in this era who has lost their sense of self. The name itself is so representative of an ordinary person.”

At that time, the name ‘William’ was very common in England, much like ‘John Doe’ in the United States or “Cheol-su” in Korea is a placeholder for an average person.

“In other words, Logan can be seen as sending a message to all those who have fallen into fake love and false values in this era.”

Grady Morrison was staring intently at Eva.

The look in his eyes was completely different from the beginning.

* * *

The book discussion ended, and the other members went home, but Eva and Grady’s debate continued.

Eva, who had initially treated Grady with a somewhat condescending attitude, was surprised by his deep understanding of Logan’s work.

Grady also seemed very interested in the fact that there was a reader who understood his intentions so accurately.

‘It’s not just about the novel; they’re attracted to each other as people. Well, it’s inevitable given their personalities,’ Theo thought.

They were both strong-willed, but they were also in excellent harmony, quickly establishing an emotional connection.

“Miss Riley, are you familiar with an author named ‘Goethe’ from the Holy Roman Empire [a complex of territories in Central Europe that developed during the Early Middle Ages and continued until its dissolution in 1806 during the Napoleonic Wars]?”

“I know he’s a famous writer, but I’ve only read a few translated works.”

“Then have you heard of a work called *The Sorrows of Young Werther*?”

“I’ve never heard of it.”

Theo was familiar with *The Sorrows of Young Werther*, an epistolary novel by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, a great writer from the Holy Roman Empire (later Germany).

Published in Leipzig, it became a sensation, spreading throughout Europe and gaining great fame a few years later.

However, Eva likely hadn’t heard of it because its publication in England came later.

“I have read Goethe’s *The Sorrows of Young Werther*. What struck me was that Cayden, the protagonist of *LOVE*, seems much more mature than Werther.”

Eva’s face lit up when Grady, who had been consistently critical of Logan’s work, said something that seemed to acknowledge him.

“Ah, I’m so glad you see it that way. Although I haven’t read *The Sorrows of Young Werther*, I assume the protagonist was portrayed as someone who couldn’t find his own emotions in the end?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

A range of emotions crossed Grady’s face as he answered.

In fact, the ‘William’ in ‘In memory of William’ on the first page of the novel referred to Grady’s close friend.

That friend had passed away while studying abroad in the Holy Roman Empire, taking his own life after reading Goethe’s *The Sorrows of Young Werther*.

Following the death of his friend, who was like a brother, Grady obtained and read Goethe’s work because of the wave of suicides it inspired.

A few days later, he began writing *LOVE*.

Grady believed that Werther was so consumed by his emotions for Lotte, the woman he loved, that he rationalized suicide.

He questioned whether Werther would have chosen suicide if he had prioritized his own emotions.

He believed that the copycat suicides were a result of readers becoming too immersed in the book’s emotions and choosing a foolish death.

His commemoration of ‘William’ was a message to the countless young people who had disappeared without finding their own sense of self.

And Eva was accurately grasping Grady’s intentions.

In-depth conversations lead to emotional connection, and deep emotional exchange tends to make relationships more intimate.

Although it had been less than a day, the book club meeting had brought them closer.

* * *

After Grady Morrison left, Theo asked Eva.

“Miss Riley? What did you think of Lord Grady Morrison, whom you met today?”

Eva blushed, mumbling and unable to give a definite answer.

However, the fact that she didn’t flatly refuse, given her personality, made it clear that she was already smitten.

There was no need to ask further.

“Baron Grady Morrison has no idea that Miss Riley was his matchmaking partner. There’s no reason to tell him either. I think it would be good to meet a few more times and take some time to get to know each other better.”

Eva lowered her head and fiddled with Logan’s book.

* * *

About fifteen days after Eva and Grady’s first meeting, their relationship rapidly grew closer.

After a month, they met almost every day at Theo’s cafe.

At first, they mainly talked about novels, but now they discussed various topics covering society, culture, and art.

Eva Riley was constantly amazed by Grady Morrison’s erudition and insight, and Grady was captivated by her sharp rebuttals and interpretations.

The problem was the intensity and speed of their connection.

In a way, they weren’t a couple that Theo had meticulously analyzed and matched. It was as if Eva’s ideal type had appeared by chance.

Perhaps that’s why Eva fell for Grady first, and the pace was rapid.

It wasn’t that Grady didn’t like Eva.

It just seemed like the timing was different, a problem that would likely resolve itself over time.

* * *

One day, Eva visited the cafe alone and confided in Theo.

“I think Lord Sanderson is right.”

“……?”

“I think I’ve fallen for Baron Grady.”

Eva, whose feelings for Grady had grown uncontrollably, was very distressed.

“And… I criticized the fake love that Cayden showed in the novel, but I feel like I’ve become Cayden, and it’s troubling me so much.”

The love in books and real love are bound to be different. The rapidly heating passion of love can easily paralyze reason and cause you to lose your way.

Eva, experiencing emotions for the first time in her life, was struggling to maintain her sense of self, like Cayden in Logan’s novel.

She found herself constantly analyzing Baron Grady Morrison’s emotions.

Theo smiled and replied.

“I think Miss Riley is much more developed than Cayden in the novel. At least Miss Riley is currently worrying about and observing her own emotions, right? Not just blindly indulging.”

“…Is that so?”

“Yes, and just wait a little bit. Baron Grady will be here soon.”

From Eva’s shy smile, Theo could sense her deep emotions for Grady.

* * *

A few days later.

As Theo expected, it wasn’t long before Grady also confessed his feelings for Eva.

“Lord Sanderson, I’m going crazy because I can’t stop thinking about Miss Riley.”

Theo was secretly pleased to see Grady struggling.

“Haha, yes. I knew it. Go ahead and be brave and tell Miss Riley. It’s certain that she has feelings for you too.”

But for some reason, Grady Morrison’s expression was dark.

“…But the feelings Miss Riley has for me might not be real. It’s just because I know the works of Logan, the writer she’s so enthusiastic about, that she fell for me.

Emotions created under specific conditions will disappear when those conditions are gone.

Perhaps the moment she finds out that I was the writer Logan, she’ll feel betrayed and leave me. I’m afraid of that.”

Eva and Grady, who had criticized Cayden’s lack of self-awareness, seemed greatly embarrassed by their own behavior, which mirrored Cayden’s when he fell in love.

◈ A week later, Kensington T&S Cafe Main Branch.

In a corner of the cafe, Theo watched Eva and Grady with a troubled expression.

The conversation, which had started well, had turned into a major argument over social class.

In the middle of the discussion, when Eva quoted Logan, Grady shouted angrily.

“That Logan! Logan! Does everything have to be based on Logan? Is Logan your spiritual guide? Being yourself applies not only to love but to everything! Please have your own thoughts!”

Eva didn’t back down and retorted.

“When did I ever treat Logan as my spiritual guide? I’m just using the writer’s profound insight. It’s an objective fact that neither you nor I have Logan’s wisdom!”

“There are many cases where Miss Riley’s interpretation is better than Logan’s insight. That writer wasn’t thinking that deeply!”

“How do you know that? Could it be… are you jealous of Logan?”

“Jealousy? Hmph! You’re pathetic. You’re fussing over a trivial pulp fiction writer as if he’s some great being… tsk tsk.”

Eva’s expression turned cold instantly.

“Apologize!”

“For what?”

“Apologize for calling Logan a trivial writer just now!”

“Can’t I even have my own thoughts or criticisms?”

“You know very well how I feel about Logan, so saying that means you’re completely ignoring and mocking me, right?”

“I said something about a terrible guy, and that means I ignored Miss Riley? You’re just like that foolish ‘Cayden’!”

Eva was trembling with anger.

“A terrible guy? Now that I see it, you’re someone I shouldn’t have been involved with? I’m really disappointed.”

Grady Morrison didn’t back down and retorted.

“I don’t want to be with someone who worships a novel like you either!”

“The time we spent together was a waste. How can a man be so narrow-minded? He recklessly dismisses a wonderful writer he’s never even met.”

“That’s enough, let’s stop. I hate this too!”

“Yes! I want to stop too! I hope we never see each other again!”

“Okay. Let’s never see each other again! Never!”

“Ha-”

Theo sighed deeply as he watched them argue.

‘It seems like we’re really entering the Romantic era now. Seeing lovers’ childish fights becoming so similar to modern times…’

But just like in modern times, Theo couldn’t rashly interfere with their emotions right now.

Trying to stop them would only make things worse.

Time would solve it, but something was needed to strengthen the feeling of love between them.

That something wasn’t something Theo could do; it was something they had to find themselves.

‘I don’t know what that will be, but they’re a good match, so it’s only a matter of time…’

However, that time needed to be shortened to reduce unnecessary emotional waste.

Theo looked worriedly at the two people turning away with cold faces.