Lord Lister No. 0114: Raffles in Groningen

In the bustling heart of Groningen’s student society, a sunny May afternoon gathers a colorful cast of young scholars and local dignitaries. Among them is Gerard Peepstra, the charismatic son of an industrial family, whose quick wit and easy charm keep the room humming with jokes and plans. The arrival of the elegant Count Van Lissen and his sharp‑minded companion, the youthful Jonkheer Brandenga, stirs both curiosity and polite competition among the students.

Their presence coincides with rumors of a grand provincial celebration, promising masked balls, illuminated processions, and a lively gondola parade that will flood the city’s canals. Peepstra sees an opportunity to showcase his hometown’s hospitality, while the newcomers hint at hidden motives that could turn the festivities into something far more daring. Listeners are invited to follow the lively banter, the brewing intrigue, and the first hints of a heist that may involve antique weapons and whispered alliances.