Aha I think my rationale was that they kiss on one side, so the chills go on that side - but I totally see how that could feel weird! I’m so glad you enjoyed the scene nevertheless!
Totally, it would be pretty easy to hide it from students especially as Hartmann would generally try to keep their personal life separate from their professional life!
Mum is Belle (Amabel), and dad is Eugene.
None of the Creme characters wear glasses during the game (considering I and most of the people I know wear glasses this is an oversight, but c’est la vie) but I could see some of them wearing glasses as they got older. Maybe Auguste? Hartmann might too! I don’t think their eyesight is perfect, but it’s not bad enough that they can’t work without it in CdlC.
I will draw a discreet veil over this worldbuilding detail as it’s not something I’ve specified and I don’t want to put myself in a tricky narrative position by pinning it down too specifically. In general… I look at medicine/surgery/science/technology that was around in the 1920s and 30s for inspiration, but that’s very broad and I tend to play fast and loose with that in service to the story if it needs it.
That’s so kind, thank you so much! I’ve had a very cosy festive season, which I’m very grateful for.