Chapter 390 - Side Story (Gladiolus)(3)(unedited) (1/2)
”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.”
”Oh, no need to apologize grand duke. I am happy to be told I am beautiful, even though many have already told me such words. Coming from the mouth of the grand duke makes it more credible.” Anatalia smiled softly. ”And I cannot blame you to be surprised. The last time you saw me, I was in my teens. I am more older than what I looked like before, and I was just maintaining that image because of my own personal reasons. But now that I am taking the position as the representative of my race, I decided to have this form.” Her hand gestured towards her body.
”Thank you for explaining my lady.” Gladiolus replied courteously. ”Please, take a sit. Jeremy here is my assistant and right hand man. He will be joining us in our meeting today, if that is okay with you?”
”Oh, it is no problem.” Anatalia said and took a sit at the chair facing where Gladiolus sat. ”I also have met Sir Jeremy briefly before.”
”It is good to see you again Lady Anatalia.” Jeremy greeted with courtesy.
”Please, call me Anatalia.” Anatalia requested to Gladiolus and Jeremy. ”I am not a noble lady or anything.”
”If that is what you wish.” Gladiolus replied. ”What can we get you, Anatalia? I am sure you had a long journey. How about refreshments?”
”Tea will be fine.” Anatalia replied.
”Tell the maids to prepare some tea and snacks to match.” Gladiolus ordered Jeremy.
”Of course.” Jeremy bowed and went out to do us he was told.
”Well then, Anatalia. I was informed in a letter from her majesty the empress of your visit.” Gladiolus was in his business mode after having to overcome the first attraction he felt towards Anatalia. ”What can I do for you?”
”Actually, I have been starting to build good relations with the rulers of every territories here in the continent.” Anatalia started. ”We sirens would like to have free use of the coastal areas all around the continent. Of course, we would like to also build communities by coast lines as well and live in peace with other people.”
”I see.” Gladiolus replied. ”I am not opposed with such things. You are welcome to build such communities in my territory. I would just like to ask for you to cooperate and follow the laws we have here. I will accept your race as one of my people like all others if they abide by the rules and laws that is set for the peace of the territory.”
”I will be sure to tell my sisters of your conditions.” Anatalia replied. ”But I am sure they will be sure to blend with the humans like always, that is if other humans do not give us prejudice because of our race.”
”I am sure you will not have such problems with us Atlantians. We know what it feels like on the receiving end of such prejudice.” Gladiolus replied. ”I will be happy to have sirens as people under my territory and I am sure that others will also welcome you. I just want to say that if people stir trouble in my territory, siren, Atlantian or whatever race they are, they will be dealt with according to the law.”
”I understand grand duke. I also do not want to have trouble living together with one another.” Anatalia replied. ”I can see that you really are a good man, contrary to what you have done before.”