Writer 1879: Solitary Journey in France

Chapter 110 A New Trend in Parisian Life
Le Figaro has always been known for its conservative political stance, which permeates its current affairs and literary reviews.

Clearly, Lionel and his "The Curious Case of Benjamin Buton" were not to their liking.

However, Lionel wondered if this was related to his two rejections of commissions from Le Figaro?

But regardless of whether it receives positive or negative reviews, once a novel is published in Le Figaro, it means that its author has been officially recognized as a member of the French literary world.

Professor Hippolyte Tainer gave Lionel a complicated look: "If you need any help, you can come to me."

After saying that, he put on his hat and left the classroom.

Albert was overjoyed: "Leon, congratulations, this is Le Figaro! — Come on, I'll treat you to Fovieu!"

"Foille" is a mid-to-high-end restaurant located near the Luxembourg Palace, where the cost per person per meal will not be less than 5 francs.

Lionel shifted his attention from Le Figaro for a moment, looking at the obviously overly enthusiastic Albert: "What are your thoughts?"

Seeing that Lionel had seen through his intentions, Albert didn't mince words and readily admitted, "There are some, but I think it's more appropriate to discuss them at the dinner table."

Lionel thought for a moment and didn't refuse: "Let's go tonight. I brought lunch for lunch."

Albert was somewhat surprised, because it was more common for students and office workers in Paris to eat out at lunchtime, and only the working class would often bring simple "lunchboxes", which usually contained some simple bread, cheese and cold meat.

The main reason is that Paris has a well-developed public catering industry with relatively affordable prices. In a typical ordinary restaurant, a full meal costs as little as 10 to 15 sous.

Lionel had clearly escaped the class of "poor student" he once was. Even without the support of noblewomen, his royalties were enough for him to throw a few francs at a public table every day and eat and drink to his heart's content.

Was he supposed to eat bread as hard as a rock and cold, salty meat like those rough workers and peasants?
Amidst the puzzled gazes of Albert and his classmates, Lionel first sat down in a well-lit and well-ventilated seat by the window.

Then he took out an oval picnic box wrapped in canvas from his bag. It was made of tinplate and quite exquisite.

It made a crisp sound when placed on the table.

Then Lionel lifted the lid, and the first thing that hit him was the aroma of bread and cheese—the oven was still warm, and the bread crust was fragrant with the aroma of caramel.

The first layer of the food box contained three small round breads, one of which had its interior hollowed out, stuffed with foie gras, and sprinkled with a few chopped walnuts.
The other two are filled with different fillings: one is smoked ham slices and fig jam, and the other is Brie cheese and fresh radish slices.

The second layer consists of three slices of pan-fried salmon, the orange-pink fish paired with vibrant green herbs, making it look especially tempting.

The other half is a spring vegetable salad made with tender peas, white asparagus tips, shredded radish, and lemon olive oil dressing.

Finally, Lionel also took out a small cherry pie wrapped in stencil paper and a small bottle of elderflower syrup from his bag.

Albert's eyes widened in disbelief: "This...this was made by your cook?"

Lionel nodded: "Now that the commute to and from school is too far, it's inconvenient for me to go home for lunch, so she prepared some food for me."

Albert's eyes gleamed with envy. Coming from a noble family, he knew that a cook with such skills would earn at least 100 francs a month.

It's true that lunchboxes aren't popular in Paris—but it depends on what kind of lunchbox it is!
Parisians bring food boxes and baskets when they picnic, and the wealthy naturally go to great lengths to make their picnics as lavish and extravagant as possible, wishing they could move their kitchens onto the grass.

But it was more of a social tool than a part of daily life.

The dish in Lionel's hand was not only exquisite and abundant, but also subtly conveyed a sense of superiority that "outside restaurants are not as good as my kitchen."

This feeling was the most fatal blow to the spoiled brats of the Sorbonne!
They did have a cook, but she served their parents and relatives and wouldn't go to the trouble of preparing meals for them. Even if they made requests, the cook or housekeeper would usually politely refuse, and might even complain to their parents, "Young Master has been going astray lately..."

So they got used to eating out and competed with each other by going to different expensive restaurants—until Lionel showed them another possibility in life.

Lionel had no idea that a simple lunchbox would change the perception of Albert and other Sorbonne playboys; he simply enjoyed Petit's cooking.

Different fillings bring different layers of texture to the small round buns. The salmon retains the caramelized aroma of pan-frying, while the vegetable salad is refreshing and delicious. Finally, you can enjoy the cherry pie and drink the sweet elderflower syrup...

My stomach, which had been empty all morning, was finally satisfied.

Only then did he notice that Albert was still standing there, and he couldn't help but ask, "Why aren't you going to eat?"

Albert shook his head: "I have no appetite..."

Then, shamelessly, he asked, "Could you ask your cook to make an extra portion? I'm willing to pay double the price..."

“No!” Lionel refused decisively.

He had only intended to eat some bread with bacon for lunch every day, but Petty insisted on getting up an hour earlier to prepare his lunchbox, and he was naturally unwilling to increase Petty's workload.

Lionel then asked Albert, "What do you want to say? Why don't you say it now? I haven't been very interested in going to restaurants lately."

Albert hesitated for a moment, then nodded: "Let's talk in the small garden."

The small garden is located in the very center of the Sorbonne. It has existed since the seminary era. The tall tree walls have been built in the style of a maze, and there is a public pool in the center.

Lionel, who also needed to wash his food containers at the public pool, agreed to go with Albert.

Once all the other classmates were out of sight, Albert whispered to Lionel, "My father, Count Louis-Philippe de Rohan, will be returning to Paris in a few weeks."

Lionel showed no surprise, simply asking, "What position did he receive as a promise?"

Although Count Rohan, who once served as Deputy Minister of Finance, lost power, the Rohan family was deeply rooted and had survived the loss of more than a dozen heads during the French Revolution, let alone today.

Albert smiled. "The 'Ministry of Public Education and Fine Arts' will probably remain the deputy minister."

Lionel was now somewhat surprised: "Count Roon's methods are quite remarkable!"

Although there are royalist factions within republican governments, they are usually kept out of positions like the Ministry of Public Education and Fine Arts, which are highly ideological.

Albert explained proudly, “My father has always been open-minded and tolerant in terms of culture and education, and is now an active advocate of the republic.”

Lionel: "...So what do you want me to do?"

Albert carefully considered his words: "Although we have received a promise, we must also be prepared in terms of public opinion."

Lionel: "And then?"

Albert glanced at Lionel: "My father plans to hold a grand ball after he returns and before he takes office, inviting artists who symbolize progress and democracy to participate."

Leon, you're quite high up on the list now!

(End of this chapter)