Finding knowledge (1/3)

Seeing Rafael turn his head to look at her, Ella cursed herself inwardly. Oh my God, Ella, why did you call out to him? The scene before her seemed like a dream: Rafael was sitting on a bench near beautiful flowers, with birds singing in the trees and a gentle breeze swaying everything.

Hehe, there she goes blushing again, Rafael thought with amusement. He waved at her, and after glancing around to see if anyone was watching, Ella walked over to him. Rafael stood up, took her hand, and kissed it. "Milady Ella, have you come to enjoy this beautiful day?"

"I-I was just passing by and decided to stop because... because of the weather, yes."

"The weather? Well, I agree, today's weather is excellent." After exchanging pleasantries, they sat on the bench and continued chatting.

Minutes passed as they discussed small topics like the flowers, the birds, and the gentle breeze. Then, Ella asked, "Mr. Robert, it was you who gave us the knowledge of paper, the printing press, and liquid stone, right?"

"Yes, it was." He felt a bit confused by the sudden question.

"Did you know the printing press will be ready for use today? And the production of liquid stone is set to start next week?" Asked Ella.

That's good news, but what will they use it for? Will they copy Bibles or books with important knowledge? I should tell those priests to beg the baron to make several copies of my math book, Rafael thought. He looked at Ella and feigned surprise.

"That's incredible! It's only been a few days since I gave the knowledge to Baron Frederic, and it's already good to go."

"...Good to go?" Ella asked, not understanding the phrase.

Does she...? Oh, I get it.

"I'm sorry for the unfamiliar phrase. What I meant is that it's ready for use."

"Haha, where is this vocabulary from? I've never heard anything like it." She laughed, covering her mouth.

She's really cute... They continued talking until a young woman dressed in a servant's uniform appeared, calling out to Ella.

"Milady, there you are!" The servant approached them.

"Oh, Bella, what's the matter?" Ella asked.

"Your morning lessons, milady. Did you forget?"

"Oh my God, I forgot! I'm sorry, Mr. Robert, but I have to go. It was nice talking to you." Ella waved to Rafael before leaving with the servant, who gave Rafael a sharp look before following her.

If looks could kill... Hehe... OH RIGHT!

"Milady Ella!" Rafael called, jumping up from the bench and running after her. "Yes?"

"You mentioned the printing press is ready for use, right? I have a book I'd like to recommend. Outside the inner circle, there are three mathematicians who wrote an incredible book. I hope you could speak with them and consider making copies of it."

"I'll see what I can do." After the girls walked away, Ella turned to Bella, the servant who had practically grown up with her. "Bella, let's go for a walk through the city this afternoon."

Rafael watched as both disapeared inside the mansion.

Ella sat down for lunch, joining her family. "You're late, Ella," her mother scolded.

"Forgive me, Mother. It won't happen again." The table was laden with various types of food, and only the sound of cutlery could be heard. Occasionally, a servant stepped forward to refill their cups with wine or water.

"Father, I have something to ask," Ella said, setting her cutlery aside. After a few seconds, Frederic cleaned his mouth with a white napkin and responded, "Yes?"

"I heard there are three great mathematicians living in our city. Is that true?"

"That's right. Who told you that?" Frederic raised an eyebrow, surprised by his daughter's uncharacteristic inquiry.

"I overheard some clerics talking about them today. Where do they live?"

"Why do you want to know, Ella?"

"I'm just curious about them. If they're so important to the church, I thought I might find out why." Frederic looked at her intently, and the rest of the family paused, listening closely.

"Hm. Ask Merek later; he knows who they are."

"Thank you, Father." She breathed a sigh of relief.

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"Where are we going, Ella?"

"Come on, Bella. Isn't it nice to get out of that prison? Look how lively the city is!" The two girls were walking through the streets of Calistoga, heading to a specific destination. Two guards followed closely behind for their safety.

The contrast between Ella's fine, colorful clothes and the simple attire of the commoners was striking. Everyone stared at her, even the little children.

People stepped aside as she passed, not only because of her appearance but also because they knew the rules. Someone of her status could easily harm a peasant without facing consequences.

"...It is... nice," Bella admitted. Despite being a few years older, she seemed more wary and attentive to their surroundings, especially the people.

"Please, Bella, you've got to stop being so anxious. Imagine when delegations from other barons or even a Count arrive. We'll have to host a grand ceremony back at the mansion."

Bella, with her brown hair, blue eyes, and thick eyebrows, took a deep breath and tried to calm herself. "I understand, Ella. I'll try to overcome this fear of mine."

"Let's enjoy this rare opportunity, shall we?" Ella stopped by a street vendor selling small pottery and clay decorations. The man behind the stall hesitated before approaching. "I'm honored to have milady looking at my goods. Please, feel free to choose anything." He was aware of the risks but also knew there could be great rewards.

This is going to be a long day, Bella thought.