Once all the participants were seated, Karl's recitation of these singularly beautiful philosophical passages came to a slow close. At the final verses, the participants instinctively applauded. The applause wasn't enthusiastic, but its duration testified to genuine admiration.
Karl responded to everyone's greetings with impeccable politeness, bowing slightly to each side. When he had finished, he declared, "I now leave you to fully enjoy this wonderful moment."
Furen was quite surprised. If things were to turn out this way, all his studies of the past few days would have been in vain. Was the philosophy salon merely a facade? But he quickly dismissed the idea.
A man dressed in a red outfit that was neither robe nor suit, but a strange mixture of the two, straightened up and walked to a prominent spot in the room where most people could see him. In a clear voice, he announced, "Thank you, Viscount Karl, for your opening remarks. Today, I would like to share with you all Mr. Gekai's commentary on the dialectic established by Mr. Roselle…"
Once the gentleman had finished presenting his point of view, Quevedo eagerly discussed it with Furen and Erich. Furen couldn't help but feel immense relief: his preparations had not been in vain. Strengthened by what he had learned in recent days, he joined the discussion with Quevedo and Erich.
As he spoke, Furen also felt a pang of unease in his heart:
Pff, in this kind of philosophical discussion, it doesn't matter if you're not particularly brilliant; you just have to be willing to make a social faux pas, especially in front of your friends. Pff… it's difficult.
In a philosophy salon, comments from those who weren't particularly brilliant could be tolerated. What was intolerable, however, was the participation of someone who understood absolutely nothing about it.
The debates could be passionate and lively, and agreements could be reached with enthusiasm; but if someone was completely ignorant, it harmed not only their friendships but also their reputation with others. As rumors spread, they lost a significant portion of their social connections without even realizing it.
After all, nobody likes someone who isn't trying to improve themselves. Even among friends, unless they're very close, relationships based on mutual interest last longer. However, the presentation fairs also had many positive aspects.
Furen watched Karl approach their table. After greeting Erich, he sat down next to him and naturally joined the trio's discussion.
And indeed, when people talk, work, or play together, relationships always evolve rapidly. In his previous life on Earth, it was mobile games, online games, and all sorts of informal gatherings. But on this continent, here in Trier, the most popular social events were salons: literary salons, philosophy salons, political and economic salons, and many others.
During his conversation with Quevedo and the others, Furen also learned the addresses and basic information of the other people at his table. They weren't old friends, but they weren't just acquaintances either; they now shared knowledge and perspectives, the beginnings of a true friendship.
Karl chatted for a while, and although he seemed reluctant to leave, he eventually remembered he was the host. He got up and went to converse at other tables. After Karl left, a few other people who weren't organizers but were just as passionate about philosophy joined Furen's group to participate in the discussion.
In the moments that followed, some people occasionally went to a place visible to everyone and brought up new topics. Those who enjoyed chatting went to tables they hadn't yet visited, starting new conversations. Even Quevedo couldn't resist and left his table to talk with the others.
Although Quevedo wanted to take Furen with him, Furen politely declined. After all, he had only been studying philosophy for seven or eight days. Informal conversation was no problem, but openly expressing his own thoughts in front of strangers? Furen decided it was best not to make a fool of himself.
Furen had already experienced this: during his exam-focused schooling, even though he got good grades, teaching others was a completely different story. And writing an exam himself? That would have been impossible.
Learning does not mean understanding; understanding does not mean mastering. It is easy to begin learning, but difficult to perfect. As an apprentice, he had to progress step by step, without arrogance.
As this truth sank deep into him, Furen suddenly closed his eyes. Although others were speaking to him, he did so unconsciously; he had felt the potion loosen considerably in his body.
As he closed his eyes, a smile unconsciously appeared on his face. Realizing this, he quickly regained his composure and apologized: "Excuse me, I felt a little unwell, but I'm already feeling better."
The man who was discussing philosophy with them felt a little uncomfortable and quickly said, "It's nothing. If you don't feel well, you can go to the restroom. I remember the ones in this cafe aren't far from here."
Erich, however, sensed something else. With a gaze as sharp as a surgeon's scalpel, he fixed Furen and asked abruptly, "Then why are you smiling if you're not well?"
Furen's throat tightened, then he forced a smile and said, "I remembered something happy." After saying this, he felt as if he had told a joke, and his previously strained smile became much more natural.
He then stood up quickly and said, "Ah, I suddenly feel a little unwell again. I'm going to the restroom in a moment... excuse me."
A waiter, having overheard the conversation, stepped forward at the right moment and signaled Furen to follow him.
Upon his return, the people who had arrived earlier had already left. Erich apologized profusely: "I'm sorry, I was just a little curious." Furen reassured him, and they resumed their philosophical discussion with the others.
After several coffee and dessert breaks, the guests began to tire. Quevedo returned to his seat. By then, the atmosphere clearly suggested that this philosophical event was drawing to a close.
Karl stood up and addressed the assembly: "Time flies, my friends. Although I regret leaving you, dear guests, all good things must come to an end. I hope we will have the opportunity to meet again to discuss philosophy next time. Until then, goodbye. As always, if I organize another salon, I will send you an invitation to your home."
After bowing two or three more times, Karl watched the guests leave and nodded to each of them in farewell.
(End of chapter)