Chapter 256: Honorias Request (1/2)

Today was the day that the sailing instructor from Venice had arrived in Kufstein to teach Honoria how to sail. Honoria had awoken bright and early to begin her instruction and had not taken Berengar's kindness for granted.

She was currently learning to sail a Caravel, a simple sailing vessel used by most nations in the Mediterranean. Berengar had already purchased a few of these vessels for teaching his naval draftees how to sail, and as such, he had more than one available for her to train with.

Today was a special day for Honoria; Berengar took the day off from work to observe her progress and see if she was using the time and resources he had given her wisely. To his surprise, she was already partially knowledgeable in the art of sailing.

Even though her instructor was not pleased with teaching a woman how to sail, he never complained; after all, he was being paid an absurd amount of money to teach this young maiden to sail. Instead, he did his best to equip Honoria with the knowledge necessary to do such a thing as such.

Berengar stood next to Heraclius, who was perched on a post next to him, as the two of them observed Honoria's actions. The pretty smile on her face was one of genuine happiness as she began to rig the sails as instructed.

Seeing this, Berengar and Heraclius both looked at each other before gazing back upon Honoria. The moment their eyes made contact, there was a slight nod of their heads, as if they were thinking the same thing. Which was

'this girl is too precious.'

After sailing down the Danube for a bit and back to Kufstein, Berengar, Honoria, and Heraclius departed the vessel where Berengar handed the instructor a sack filled with silver coins before thanking the man.

”Thank you for this, I know about your reservations, but you have helped me a lot.”

The man quickly snatched the pouch from Berengar's hands, where he began to count the coins to ensure the proper amount that was agreed to was still there. After doing so, he spat in the river before addressing Berengar's statement.

”I don't like it; a pretty young thing from her should not be sailing; she should be at home making babies. However, you are the Duke of Austria, and if this is what you like to do with your playthings, far be it from me to complain….”

Hearing this, Berengar merely scoffed; he could not care less what this sailor thought of him. He was simply a means to an end. After confirming the payment, the sailor departed to the City of Kufstein for the day. Like every night, he would spend the silver he gained from Berengar on wine and wenches.

As for Berengar, he escorted Honoria back to the Castle as he began to ask her about her day.

”I see you are not wasting my charity; that is good. Tell me, now that you have some experience sailing, how do you feel about it?”

Honoria thought about Berengar's questions for a few moments before responding with a bitter smile.

”I enjoy it. However, something feels off. It is not like when I was sailing with Agnellus….”

Berengar thought about this for a few moments as he began to address her concerns.

”I can think of two potential reasons for that. First, you have feelings for Agnellus, and you were more interested in spending time with Agnellus than you were sailing.”

Hearing this, Honoria began to laugh at Berengar's speculation before teasing him.

”Why, Duke Berengar, are you perhaps jealous of my relationship with Agnellus?”

To this, Berengar scoffed before replying

”You greatly overestimate your importance.”

When Honoria heard this, she instantly pouted, and the two walked in awkward silence for a while. After they had walked for a few minutes, she asked Berengar about the second possibility he had mentioned.

”What was your second idea?”

Berengar seemed to be knowledgeable and worldly. As such, Honoria highly valued his opinion. After hearing the princess's question, Berengar scratched his chin for a few moments before saying the second thought he had on her reasoning for not enjoying sailing as much as she used to.

”The second reason could be that the thing you loved most about sailing was the freedom you experienced, and because I have you in a controlled setting as you learn how to sail, you feel as if that liberty you once felt is missing.”