Side Story (Gladiolus)(3)

"Good morning Grand Duke Gladiolus." Anatalia greeted. "This is not our first meeting, but let me introduce myself. I am Anatalia the leader of the sirens."

Gladiolus was momentarily dazed after Anatalia's greeting that he was not able to greet back.

"Grand duke?" Anatalia looked at him with confusion.

"Oh… I am sorry for the discourtesy." Gladiolus replied with an embarrassed expression. "I was expecting to see a girl in her teens, but I see a fully grown beautiful woman in front of me that I became speechless."

"I never thought that the grand duke is flowery with his word." Anatalia giggled. "But thank you for the compliment."

Gladiolus' heart felt like it was hit by an arrow when he heard the melodious giggle of Anatalia.

"I-I am just stating a fact my lady." Gladiolus replied at once. "I am sorry if my words hit you in an unpleasant way."