The Flower Dances And The Wind Sings - Chapter 17

When she entered the bookstore, she noticed the familiar scent of paper. She used the library at home often, but this scent was different from there.
“If there’s any book you want to read, I’ll buy it for you. Choose as much as you want.”
Books related to study are also fine. Vicente nodded and headed to the other side. Ercella also began to look around slowly. A familiar title flashed before her eyes.

『The Founding Myth of The Kingdom of Ludelsia for Children』

It was a fairy tale book that describes how Ludelsia became the holy kingdom. The contents were roughly like this.
In the beginning, goddess Ludelsia loved the humans dearly and establishes a country for them. Humans decided to serve Ludelsia as their ruler, and so named the country after her, ‘Ludelsia.’
However, she was a god who could not stay on earth for long. Before leaving, Ludelsia presented a Wish Stone filled with her strength for her beloved humans.
After she left, her descendants succeeded to the throne and ruled Ludelsia. The Wish Stone that became known as the Seat of the Goddess, protected Ludelsia.
Since it was written for children, there must be elements of fiction in it. Ercella reached out and opened the book. She remembered having fun reading it.
“It seems you know how to read the new Ludelsian language.”
A soft, deep voice flowed into her ears. As she looked up, a man with a face as calm as his voice was smiling.
“There are only a few people who know the new language, you’re amazing.”
The man appeared to be in his mid to late twenties. The man’s eyes were gently curved. The facial line moved naturally accordingly. Ercella smiled slightly, thinking that his smiling face was not bad.
“It’s because my mother was from Ludelsia.”
Ludelsia uses the official Helios language, so it was extremely rare for anyone to learn the new language. Most of the Ludelsian royalty and priests knew the language, but no one in Grania had to learn the new language. However, Ercella’s situation was a little special.
Her mother was the Eighth Princess of the Holy Kingdom of Ludelsia, and the half-sister of the current King of Ludelsia. Ercella wouldn’t have learned if it weren’t for her mother.
“Ah, I see.”
The man slowly moved his head up and down. The elegant gesture created an illusion of time slowing down.
“You seem to be quite interested in theology.”
“A little bit.”
She didn’t have any interest in it, but didn’t find it necessary to reveal that, so she just agreed with the man. If I denied it, I’ll have to explain why I was holding this book, or else I’ll be embarrassed by the man.
“By any chance, are you attending Lafern School of Theology.”
Lafern School of Theology is located on the northeast outskirts of Grania. When the Ydurites invaded Ludelsia, they were thankful to Grania for supporting and defeating the troops and in return presented a small estate on the outskirts.
To commemorate the event, Grania established the Lafern School of Theology based on the Ludelsian religion. Lafern School of Theology was open to students of various ages.
“No, that’s not it. I just learned it because I was a little interested.”
“You mean you are interested in neologism? That’s amazing! Your Ladyship seems very passionate about her studies.”
Ercella suddenly froze hearing a title she hadn’t heard for long. Lady is a title for an unmarried noblewoman. She is 32 years old, and the title was unsuitable for her from long ago.
So, did he assume that I was a woman who never got married until I was this old? The man hurriedly opened his mouth realizing what Ercella was thinking.
“Oh, are you married? I’ve made a big mistake.”
“No, it’s all right. Never mind that… Sir?”
She contemplated on how to address him, so she just used the most common title. Even if he is not knighted, it doesn’t matter, since this title is generally used for nobility.
The man received the title without objections. He still looked at Ercella with a smile. She was more beautiful than most of the ladies out there.
“It’s not because I thought madam was an unmarried woman.”
The man spoke as if he were making excuses, but his relaxed attitude never made it feel like an excuse.
“Really?”
“Yes, and in fact, I don’t look down on unmarried women past the age of marriage. It’s not really bad thing.”
Her mind went blank as if she had been hit bluntly on her head by the man’s words. She looked at him with a little surprised look while he continued what he was saying.
“There’s no law that stats people must live with a family. It’s okay to live free-spirited life.”
“…….”
“That’s why, I wouldn’t be surprised if you were single. I approached you because you looked so cool reading Ludelsian, despite being a woman. Um, I guess, me considering your gender is prejudice. I’ll correct my words. I apologize if I offended you.”
“…No, it’s okay.”
Ercella replied a little slowly. In fact, the man’s words could not be criticized as prejudice because men learned more than women. Rather, the man belonged to the unbiased side.
Ercella reflected on her displeasure, when she assumed that he thought of her as an unmarried woman. I didn’t know I was so narrowminded. Her cheeks were flushed red. Suddenly, she felt ashamed of myself.
“Sir is quite an enlightened man.
“That’s just the way it really is.”
The man affirmed without hesitation. For some reason, Ercella didn’t dislike this man. In her social circle, she instinctively stayed away from people who smile a lot. It is because they often hide darkness deep inside. However, this man’s smile was so natural that she felt no such thing.
“It seems I have to go. Our time was short but it was enjoyable. Thank you, madam.”
“I really enjoyed it too.”
It was a formal greeting, but Ercella felt rather pleasant. Even on such topics that could be rude, the man was not rude at all. I liked the fine line he drew. The man stopped while heading towards the door and looked back at Ercella as if he had forgotten something.
“If it’s not discourteous, may I ask for your name?”
Ercella was wondering how far to tell. Obviously, he would be embarrassed a bit if the name Bernhardt was uttered. She hesitated a little and decided to tell him her name only.
“It’s Ercella.”
“The name suits you well, madam.”
He was also a man who knew not to praise or exaggerate too much. It would have been wearing if it was the same boring and cliche comment, ‘It’s just as beautiful as your beautiful face,’ like everyone else.
“And what’s your name, Sir?”
When Ercella asked casually, the man replied with a smile.
“Juan.”
The man reiterated.
“It’s Juan, madam.”
His eyes were beautifully bent.
After saying so, the man turned around and went outside. Ercella realized that the man also mentioned only his first name, omitting his last name.
“Is he not a noble?”
However, if you look at the clothes he was wearing, they were so luxurious and expensive that not any noble could afford them. Ercella naturally considered him a nobleman, given that his tone and gesture were also refined.
“He must be the son of a rich Count.”
It could be a merchant family. Even so, there was something strange. A rich Count would have a family name for sure.
“Or maybe it’s family name that cannot be revealed.”
If so, there were two possibilities. It’s either a family that is immersed involved in a shady business, or a family that is too high for the other person to know. If it were the latter, he would have never gone unnoticed. If there were such a young man in a high-ranking family, there is no way the noblewomen would not talk about it.
Juan.
Ercella heard that name for the first time ever.