He Opened A Matchmaking Agency In 18Th Century London [EN]: Chapter 179

< 179. Prince Carlo Visits Theo ◈ The next day. Kensington, Theo's matchmaking company. Late lunchtime. Baron Herbert pointed to a building in the distance and said, "Your Highness! I believe that's the building?" Baron Herbert located the matchmaking company Sanderson ran, using the address he'd received from Count Dominici. Baron Herbert looked around and said, "According to the Count, there's a large tea garden mainly selling coffee connected to the company, so I believe this is the right place. I'm surprised Kensington has become such a desirable place to live. When I lived in London, it was a rather desolate area with large mansions." The street where the matchmaking company was located possessed a sophisticated atmosphere, completely different from central London. Not only were there various shops lining the street, but the clean stone pavement and even the air itself were pleasant. It was a stark contrast to the dirty streets of London. As they approached the matchmaking company building, the rich, sweet aroma of coffee filled the air. Looking ahead, they could see people enjoying coffee at outdoor tables. "This appears to be the place." "Yes, it seems so." The plan was simple: enter the company, find Theo Sanderson, and then locate Princess Maria. Once they found Princess Maria, he wouldn't entertain any excuses. He intended to secure passage on the fastest ship to Naples and bring her back immediately. As the eldest brother, he couldn't condone the princess, who should be upholding the royal family's honor and security through marriage, indulging in a frivolous love affair and abandoning her responsibilities. 'Just wait until I get my hands on you. I'll give you a proper scolding… But first, I need to find this swindler Sanderson.' Leaving the attendant in the carriage, Prince Carlo headed towards the cafe, with Baron Herbert leading the way. At that moment, he noticed several nobles alighting from carriages and entering the cafe. Judging by their carriages, attire, and demeanor, they were undoubtedly members of the British upper class. '…What is this? They appear to be the British elite? Why are they all flocking to this tea garden?' Prince Carlo turned to Baron Herbert. "Do London nobles frequent tea gardens?" "Yes, well... when I lived in London, we often held gatherings at coffee houses or tea gardens." Prince Carlo followed them into the cafe. He was surprised by the size of the cafe, taking in the well-decorated interior and the bustling patrons. He noticed the nobles who had entered earlier were heading towards a specific area. There was another path leading from the cafe, and beyond it, another door. It seemed there was a separate, private space within the cafe for special gatherings. "It seems there's some important meeting taking place here." "Yes, it appears so. By the way, where do we need to go to find this Sanderson?" "Well, perhaps we should ask a cafe employee?" As they were contemplating their next move, someone called out to Baron Herbert from behind. "Oh, Baron Herbert, is that you?" Turning around, they saw a middle-aged man with a considerable belly waddling towards them. Baron Herbert recognized the middle-aged man and greeted him with a bright smile. "Ah! Lord Richardson!" "Oh, it is you! Haha, Baron! It's been so long... I believe I saw you on the street three or four years ago and haven't seen you since. How have you been?" "Yes, I've been well. How have you been, Lord?" "I'm always the same. Oh, by the way, my son..." The man, Lord Richardson, was quite the talker. As soon as he saw them, he launched into a lengthy monologue without being prompted, alternating between complaints and boasts. "But, what brings you to London when you should be in Naples? Surely you didn't travel all this way just for coffee." "Well... I have some business to attend to." "May I inquire as to the nature of this business?" Baron Herbert glanced at the Prince and said in a low voice, "I've come to meet Lord Theo Sanderson." Lord Richardson, who had been subtly observing Prince Carlo standing behind him, gave a knowing smile. "That young man looks like he's from the Kingdom of Naples?" "Ah... yes." "Hehe, I understand. You've come to London seeking an introduction to a bride for your friend, haven't you?" "Yes? Ah, that's not it..." "Hey, don't deny it. I know everything. He's quite famous these days, people often come from abroad. Hehe." "Do you know Lord Sanderson well?" "Of course, I do." "Then, which floor of the building should we go to meet him?" Lord Richardson waved his hand dismissively. "Oh my, you can't simply meet Lord Sanderson alone for matchmaking matters." "Yes?" "Lord Sanderson is so sought after that he doesn't personally arrange matches for just anyone." "No, that's not why we're here..." Lord Richardson, completely misunderstanding their purpose, didn't bother to listen. "Don't keep saying that's not it. What's so embarrassing about it? Let me see... Still, since such a distinguished guest has come all this way, perhaps I can be of assistance?" "Yes?" Lord Richardson said proudly, as if boasting. "Lord Sanderson will be coming down to attend the meeting shortly. I'm a member of the meeting with Lord Sanderson." "Ah... yes." "Today's meeting will be a simple affair to celebrate Lord Sanderson's peerage, introduce new teas, and conduct a tasting. It will be over soon, so wait inside. After the meeting, I'll put in a word with Lord Sanderson for you, though I can't guarantee anything. First, go inside and sit behind me." "No... that's..." "Oh, it's no trouble at all. Let's go in quickly. Come on!" Baron Herbert and Prince Carlo were ushered into the VVIP reception room by Lord Richardson, feeling rather bewildered. * Baron Herbert quietly explained the situation to Prince Carlo, who was understandably confused. "Your Highness, it might be advantageous to see him this way. From what I've heard, this Sanderson is so influential that it's very difficult to gain an audience with him. If we wait here, we should be able to see him soon." "Is that so? I understand. If we can see him quickly, let's proceed." In the lavishly decorated, spacious VVIP reception room, about a dozen nobles were seated, engaged in conversation. Nearby, butlers and attendants were gathered in small groups, so no one paid particular attention to Prince Carlo, who had entered with Lord Richardson. "First, sit here behind me for a moment. I'll introduce you when I'm done." "Yes, Lord. Thank you." However, Baron Herbert's eyes widened as he sat down and surveyed the room. '…!' He recognized several familiar faces. They were dukes and earls from the highest ranks of British society. Even the Prince of Wales, the British heir apparent, was seated in the front row. "This is incredible!" "What's wrong?" "Your Highness! There are truly remarkable individuals here." "Remarkable individuals?" "If my memory serves me correctly, the person sitting in the very front is the Prince of Wales, the first in line to the British throne." "Yes? The British Crown Prince?" "Yes! That's right. And that small man over there is the Duke of Manners. The one wearing the white wig next to him is the Duke of Rutland…" Prince Carlo tilted his head, puzzled. Even at a party hosted directly by the King of Naples, there had never been so many powerful British nobles gathered. 'There's no food... it doesn't seem like a party, so why are so many high-ranking nobles gathered at this tea garden? But where is this Theo Sanderson among them?' Prince Carlo couldn't help but ask quietly. "Baron Herbert?" "Yes?" "Where is this Sanderson fellow?" "It seems he hasn't arrived yet." "Could it be that he's not coming to the meeting today?" "I don't believe so. I overheard earlier that there's a celebration planned for Lord Sanderson, so he'll be arriving soon. I have a feeling that this meeting is centered around Lord Sanderson." Prince Carlo was dumbfounded. "Yes? Does that make sense? Are all these people waiting to congratulate such a lowly merchant?" Baron Herbert was equally perplexed. "Yes. I don't understand it either. Even the Duke and the Prince are here, and he still hasn't arrived…" Baron Herbert looked around, hoping to glean some information about Theo Sanderson, and he overheard the nobles discussing him. – He's finally being promoted to Earl. It was already decided, but it's truly remarkable. – I agree. From a commoner to an Earl in just a few years. Huh, truly. – I already anticipated it when he led the soldiers into the enemy camp to capture the rebels. They wouldn't abandon such a loyal subject who risked his life for His Majesty, would they? Besides, he made a significant impression with the Sanderson Treaty last time. – It's more because he selflessly dedicates his wealth to the commoners and the poor. It's easy to say, but honestly, no one can truly do that. – His Majesty also highly values that aspect, especially with the French Revolution causing such unrest. It seems he calculated that bestowing the title of Earl at this time would garner favor with the people. Baron Herbert quickly relayed the overheard conversations to the Prince. "Your Highness, they say this Sanderson person will soon become an Earl. And…" Prince Carlo, listening to the story, was increasingly confused. The Theo Sanderson who had received a poor evaluation in the Kingdom of Naples. However, as Earl Enoch Hill had said, he wondered if they had been mistaken, as the perception of him here was so different. Just then. "Come on, Lord Sanderson! Let's go in. Everyone has been waiting to congratulate you, haha." Turning his head towards the entrance at the boisterous sound, Prince Carlo's eyes widened. An elderly gentleman, dressed in luxurious clothes from head to toe, was walking in with his arm around the shoulder of a young gentleman. The elderly gentleman was someone Prince Carlo knew well. 'That's the Duke of Devonshire…?' He had visited the Kingdom of Naples several times and was a member of the Duke's family, an influential British parliamentarian and negotiation expert. He was known to be weak-stomached and picky, always covering his nose with a handkerchief and making a fuss whenever he visited the Kingdom of Naples. He was so fastidious that any negotiation with him was difficult for the Kingdom of Naples, and Prince Carlo had never seen him smile. But he was smiling broadly next to the young gentleman. Baron Herbert quickly whispered in Prince Carlo's ear. "Your Highness! That's him! That's Theo Sanderson!" '…' Soon, applause erupted, and Theo began to speak in front of the attendees. "I am truly sorry. I haven't even officially received the title of Earl yet, but so many busy people have come all the way here to congratulate me in advance. I am deeply grateful. Actually, today like this…" He was not arrogant, but he possessed a natural dignity. He was smiling, but he didn't appear vulgar. He spoke freely, but he wasn't frivolous. '…' Prince Carlo was taken aback by his completely different appearance from what he had imagined. Baron Herbert casually asked Lord Richardson, who was seated in the front row. "Lord? Why are so many important people gathered here? Even the Prince came because Lord Sanderson is receiving the title of Earl. I don't understand the situation at all?" Lord Richardson whispered to Baron Herbert. "It's because Lord Sanderson wields truly terrifying power. I honestly believe Lord Sanderson is more formidable than His Majesty the King." "Yes? What do you mean?" "From the moment he single-handedly ventured into enemy territory, made significant contributions to suppressing the rebels, saved His Majesty, and then only requested that the sewer pipes be repaired, no one in England could touch Lord Sanderson. Besides, do you know the extent of his wealth? Would you believe me if I told you that his annual income surpasses the total income of most small European countries? In my opinion, Lord Sanderson is currently the only person in England who can influence His Majesty the King's decisions as he pleases. The Prince of Wales also has no choice but to cultivate a strong relationship with Lord Sanderson to avoid incurring His Majesty's displeasure, hence his diligent attendance." "But isn't it possible that he might face political repercussions someday if he receives such treatment despite his relatively low social standing?" Lord Richardson shook his head with an incredulous expression. "Lord Sanderson is a person who has no desire for power or money. He is solely devoted to His Majesty the King and possesses a genuine concern for the well-being of the people. That's what makes him truly formidable. But, ironically, thanks to his actions devoid of political ambition, he has acquired immense political power, and above all, he is completely winning the hearts of commoners and the poor by generously donating to charitable causes. If they were to attempt to remove Lord Sanderson for political reasons… Haha, well. The people might not remain passive. Among the powerful nobles who have witnessed the French Revolution, there's a fear that a massive uprising would erupt if they were to harm Lord Sanderson carelessly. Who would dare to touch such a person lightly?" Baron Herbert, with a surprised expression, quickly relayed the information he had gathered to Prince Carlo. '…' The congratulatory greetings and new coffee tastings continued, and the meeting soon concluded. * Theo and the Duke of Devonshire, Rutland, and the Duke of Manners were standing around the Prince of Wales' departing carriage. Behind them, Earls and Lords waited as if in a queue. The Prince of Wales departed first, escorted by Theo and other nobles, and then the Duke of Devonshire, Rutland, and the Duke of Manners also left in their carriages in turn. After the Earls and Lords had also greeted Theo and departed, Lord Richardson, who was left alone, approached Theo. "Lord Sanderson?" "Yes, Lord. Thank you so much for finding me and offering your congratulations. You should be leaving now as well, correct?" "I have something I wished to discuss with you." "?" Lord Richardson pointed to Prince Carlo and Baron Herbert standing behind him. "Haha, Baron Herbert is someone I've known for a long time, and I happened to meet him when I arrived earlier. When I heard his story, he mentioned that he had traveled all the way from the Kingdom of Naples. It seems he was hoping to be introduced to a bride by Lord Sanderson. Lord Sanderson, could you perhaps offer at least a consultation for my sake? I would be extremely grateful." "…Ah, yes." At the mention of coming from the Kingdom of Naples, Theo carefully scrutinized the two men standing at a distance. "Then, I'll leave it in your capable hands." "Yes, I understand." Lord Richardson's carriage departed the cafe, and Theo slowly approached Prince Carlo. Then, he bowed politely and inquired. "Excuse me… perhaps?" "…" Prince Carlo stared at Theo with a nervous expression. "Perhaps, are you Prince Carlo from the Kingdom of Naples?" As Theo accurately stated his name and title, Prince Carlo and Baron Herbert exchanged surprised glances.