#15. Estimating the Distance Between a Man and a Woman (3)

The monotonous green wheat fields soon gave way to the tranquil scenery of a rural village. Then, one by one, the views changed again, becoming a bustling city much like the capital she had left behind.

The riotous blossoms along the roadside, and the strikingly different shades of the abundant leaves on their stems.

The style of the buildings, the unfamiliar foods and fruits displayed on street stalls, even the people’s clothes.

Eleonore had spent a long while gazing out the window in wonder at scenery so different from the capital. But as the carriage continued to sway, she eventually toppled onto Etie’s soft, comforting lap.

But the carriage still had a long way to go, and it took no account of the delicate condition of the precious youngest daughter of House Béarn. It continued rolling along for quite some time.

By the time the swaying that had tormented Eleonore finally began to subside, the carriage carrying her was approaching a grand mansion built atop a low hill.

The carriage passed through the tall iron gates and the knights stationed at the entrance, who bowed in greeting. It finally came to a stop in the courtyard before the mansion’s front door.

The old coachman, who had served House Béarn all his life, knew all too well that the youngest young lady in the back seat was frail. He hurried down from the driver’s seat and unfolded the step beneath the carriage door so she could get down more easily.

The first to step out of the carriage was the blue-eyed Etlos. Obert and Etie followed, and Eleonore took her little brother’s hand and carefully descended the steps.

“Thank you, Brother.”...