The Shadow of Great Britain

191: Chapter 132 The First Social Goal is S-Rank?

(4K8)_3 191: Chapter 132 The First Social Goal is S-Rank?

(4K8)_3 Having said that, Mrs.

Millbanke courteously curtsied to Arthur and then went about her own business, seeking liaisons with the ladies for her daughter’s coming-of-age celebration next year.

Arthur was left utterly baffled by Mrs.

Millbanke’s behavior.

He was indeed an officer from Scotland Yard, but the “Police Handbook” certainly did not include babysitting services for others.

And even if it were about watching children, at most he would, out of past affection, look after Tom’s seven or eight-year-old son, Adam.

What on earth was Mrs.

Millbanke thinking, dumping an almost grown-up daughter on him?

Arthur, somewhat irritated by the lady’s nonchalance, was about to leave and call Eld over to Mrs.

Millbanke, to give her a taste of society’s dangers.

But before he could take a step, he overheard Ada muttering, “All she does is scold me every day, saying I don’t understand etiquette, yet I don’t think she’s any better.

I may play with mathematics ten hours a day, but don’t you also play for eight?

The two-hour difference doesn’t seem to matter much.”

Upon hearing this, Arthur couldn’t help but turn around and ask, “Do you really spend ten hours a day on mathematics?”

Ada, startled by Arthur’s sudden question, stared into his eyes, then nodded hesitantly,”I…

I just play.

The problems I do surely can’t compare to those of a professional researcher like you.”

Arthur glanced at the draft papers Mrs.

Millbanke had tossed onto the coffee table.

He could understand the Arabic numerals, but when accompanied by a bunch of formulas and symbols, he was lost in the fog.

Arthur simply took a deep breath, “I think you are being too modest.

Mr.

Faraday once told me that the Bluestocking Society isn’t as pure as it was ten years ago, but it wasn’t until I actually came here today that I realized, even if it’s no longer pure, the level of the ladies here still exceeds my basic expectations.”

At these words, Ada’s shiny black eyes widened, her lashes quivering as if questioning his sincerity.

“Are you truly not flattering me?

I believe a professional scholar like you must be a notch above me in mathematics.”

“No, no, no.” Arthur waved his hands dismissively, “I’m not as clever as you think; I’m just a Scotland Yard officer who graduated from the University of London, and it’s not just me.

See that sycophant trailing behind Colonel Fitzroy over there?”

Ada followed the direction of Arthur’s finger and saw Eld holding a wine glass with a sycophantic smile plastered on his face.

“What about that gentleman?”

Without any sign of embarrassment, Arthur said, “Frankly, that gentleman graduated from Oxford and he can’t beat you in mathematics either.

We could even go one step lower; in mathematics, that gentleman is not as good as me, who graduated in history from the University of London.”

Ada, having heard this, nodded in agreement, “I do know that; my tutor, Mr.

Augustus de Morgan, also said that the teaching of mathematics at Oxford really isn’t up to scratch.”

Arthur, without a second thought, asked, “May I presume Mr.

de Morgan graduated from Cambridge?”

Ada, shocked, covered her mouth, “How did you know?

Mr.

de Morgan did indeed graduate from Trinity College, Cambridge.”

Arthur shrugged, “You see, I am an officer from Scotland Yard.

And to be a qualified officer, one must possess sufficient insight and logical thinking skills, just like solving mathematical problems.

Cambridge is the antithesis of Oxford, and when summed, they neutralize each other.”

Ada, puzzled, pointed at Eld, “But what about that Oxford graduate?

I heard him making fun of his alma mater in a conversation with someone else.”

Arthur fell silent for a moment, then said, “Miss, that is an exception, and his judgement on the quality of education is also unsure.

How shall I explain this to you?

Well…

that’s it; imagine Ms.

Carter standing before a lady without knowing whether she prefers Cambridge or Oxford, we cannot be certain whether Mr.

Carter will condemn Cambridge or Oxford.

I usually refer to this phenomenon as ‘The Eld Carter Uncertainty Principle’.”

Upon hearing this, Ada couldn’t help but cover her mouth and laugh, her eyes curving into crescents, “Mr.

Hastings, why not just say Mr.

Carter is desperate for courtship?

I never knew that Oxford graduates were all like him.”

“Indeed.” Arthur said calmly, “Oxford is like that.

However, I forgot to inquire how I should address you.

It seems disrespectful to call you by your first name directly.”

Upon hearing this, Ada blinked, grabbed the draft paper, and pointing to a line of elegant writing on the side, she said, “That was rude of me.

Augusta Ada Byron, you may call me Miss Byron if you don’t mind.

And please, don’t tell my mother that I revealed my name to you voluntarily; otherwise, she will certainly take me to task again.”