The Flower Dances and the Wind Sings

19.

“Why did we come here?”

The place that Ercella brought them to was an archery field. In fact, it was embarrassing to say that it was a field. The basement of a building was arranged like an archery field. It was not a place to practice, but a place to enjoy, and seemed like a fun place to enjoy target shooting. The closer the arrow shot towards the center, the higher the score. She heard that if the total score exceeds a certain level, a prize will be given.

“So we can do it together?”

Saying so, Ercella looked around. All but them were commoners. It must be a place where commoners visit more often than nobles.

She always knew there was a place like this, but it was her first time being there in person. The atmosphere wasn’t pleasant because the place was full of drunken men.

Ercella shrugged her shoulders without realizing. It was certainly a strange environment for her.

“Oh, madam! Are you here to shoot an arrow?”

Just then, a man who looked like the owner hurried over as he caught his breath. He was doubtful as to why a woman and a man of noble status came to a shabby place. He greeted them nervously wondering if something went wrong.

“Yes.”

The woman answered. The owner noted her beauty at a glance, so he couldn’t take his eyes off her. He had never seen such a pretty woman in his entire life. As he opened his mouth while appreciating the woman’s face, his body trembled at the murderous intent he felt someone from next to her.

The boy next to the woman was looking at him. He was just looking, but his cool eyes overwhelmed him. The boy had a familiar overbearing air to him as he commanded.

“Guide us.”

“Huh? Oh, y-yes!”

The owner tried to calm his trembling legs and guided them to lane 3.

“Lianne, go pay him.”

“Yes, madam.”

She called her madam. She’s a noblewoman for sure. A maid named Lianne paid him. Fortunately, the maid paid him reasonably.

Sometimes a noble master without any sense of money pays an amount that cannot be changed.

“Um… If you can shoot 10 rounds, and get at least 70 points, then I’ll give you a prize…Well, then, have a good time!”

The owner left in a hurry as if something might happen if he stayed.

“Hmm… So I need 70 points.”

“Do you know how to handle a bow?”

“Of course.”

I learned it from my brother. I said that but it was a long time ago and because I lacked talent, I quit soon. It was just a bluff to tease Vicente.

Ercella took an arrow from the quiver. She then stretched out her legs and placed the arrow in the bow. She straightened her back and pulled the bowstring tight.

Vicente, who was watching the scene from the side, was surprised by her accurate posture. Ercella’s gestures showed her experience in archery. Also, a woman wearing a dress and pulling a bowstring. It looked odd but looked good on her.

Ercella shot the arrow. The arrow flew to the target and a short scream was let out at the same time.

“Ah!”

Suddenly, Ercella dropped her bow in pain that climbed up to her arm. In a flash, Vicente grabbed her arm and checked her condition.

“Are you okay?”

“It hurts a little.”

“It’d be better to go back. We should get you treated first.”

“Huh? No, it’s not that bad…”

It’s really nothing… It wasn’t so bad to be shown to the doctor so Ercella quickly denied it.

“Goodness…”

Lianne made a small cry.

“It’s 10 points!

As Lianne said, the arrow shot by Ercella was stuck in the center of the target.

“I didn’t know madam was good at archery!”

“Uh…”

Her affirmative tone was rather off. She was going to make fun of him by pretending to be good but she actually did a great job. When she looked at Vicente, he looked a little embarrassed. It’s been almost 20 years since I’ve held a bow. I gave up because I didn’t have any talent, but did I have it after all?

Did I really do that?

If I recall, I don’t think I was really that talented. But how else can I explain this level of skill even after 20 years?

“Madam, madam! Try shooting again!”

Lianne encouraged. Ercella had already forgotten the pain a while ago and wanted to shoot the bow again. One good shot got her hyped up. Also, Vicente looked down on her just like when she couldn’t use a sword.

Knowing that Ercella would not go back, Vicente picked up the bow on the floor and pulled the string without an arrow. When the tight bowstring was released, the string began vibrating. Maybe he wanted to check something.

“It’s better to change the bow. This is a new bow, so you might get hurt again.”

The bow given to Ercella must have been new. No wonder it hurt because it was stiff.

“I’ll change it.”

Lianne moved quickly and came back. This time, it was a bow that looked a little older. Ercella accepted and pulled the bowstring once again. As Vicente said, it was easier to handle than before. The arrow escaped the bow, cut through the air, and flew into the target.

“Oh, 9 points this time!”

“Oh my God.”

Lianne shook with excitement, and Ercella gave out a small exclamation.

Do I unexpectedly have a talent for it?

I think I should seriously consider learning archery. Maybe one day she too can use the training grounds. She thought it would be good to train with Vicente and strengthen the relationship between them.

But her plans began to shatter over time. Although she started with 10 points, her bow skills gradually ended with 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, and finally 1. How can her scores descend so wonderfully?

Well, that’s about it, I guess.

There was no way I could have done what I couldn’t do even with practice. Why do people train? It’s because no pain no gain, but I got excited over few lucky shots.

Ercella gave Vicente the bow with a disappointed look. I don’t think Vicente is very good at it either, since he only practices swordsmanship.

“Wow! Madam, the Young Master got 10 points again!”

No, how in hell-

“Oh my God, again!”

What?

“Oh my God. It’s all 10!”

Why is he so good at everything?

“A total of 100 points, madam!”

As if mocking her, Vicente made a whopping score by shooting in the center of all the ten shots. Ercella looked at him with an unpleasant face.

“…When did you learn how to use a bow?”

“While learning the sword.”

If you learned it at the same time as the sword, it means you learned it for quite a long time. She guessed that he had learned archery, but didn’t expect it to be for that long.

His excellent skills must have been overshadowed by his swordsmanship skills. It’s hard enough to handle a sword, but he can perfectly use a bow too.

“Wow, it’s 100 points, 100 points!”

Lianne was acting like a little girl. Ercella gave Lianne a bow to try for herself. Lianne, who loved playing, paid more money and got some more arrows. She then shot the bow in a rather sloppy posture.

“Wow, madam! Eight points!”

“…….”

“Wow, nine points this time!”

“…….”

“Oh my God, eight points again!”

“…….”

Lianne scored 72 points in total. Ercella felt embarrassment bubbling up from the inside. As far as she knew, Lianne had never held a bow.

“I copied madam when I was a kid, but I guess I was just lucky!”

She grabbed the bow herself and shot…

“Congratulations, Lianne.”

Ercella laughed out loud. Lianne’s expression hardened at the unusual laugh. Only then did it occur to her only Vicente and she would receive the prize. The prize itself was meaningless but Ercella would feel left out. Lianne asked carefully.

“… Do you want the prize, madam?”

“It’s okay.”

When Ercella smiled quietly, Lianne trembled in fear. Please, don’t say you’ll fire me…

Fortunately, her mistress didn’t say anything that she usually said. Lianne was relieved and went to the owner.

When the owner saw all 10 arrows hit the center of the target, he couldn’t shut his mouth and went to check it himself. He gave three small pieces of paper as if after a long time he was finally impressed by someone’s archery skills.

“Go to this address and exchange it. Three vouchers just for you.”

Lianne approached them, feeling lucky.

“Madam, the owner gave us three vouchers especially for us. I think he’s impressed by Young Master’s skills! I was worried that madam might get upset because she couldn’t get one herself, but this works out too!”

Ercella said affectionately to the maid smiling like a little girl.

“I didn’t know you were worried I’d get upset, but it’s very thoughtful of you. I’ll write this story in the employee recommendation letter.”

Lianne’s pupils shook violently at those words.

“One of these is a different color.”

One of the three papers handed out by the owner was blue and the other two were red. As she was wondering the reason behind the difference, Lianne said.

“He said that red is for girls and blue for boys. But what’s the prize?”

Ercella nodded and spoke.

“First let’s go to the place written here.”

<Helling 145 Red Roof Cabin, 136 Pelburn Street>

Ercella had never been to this street. It is because there was no need for her to go where commoners lived in the capital.

Actually, she didn’t want to go because she was not expecting much but felt weak when she saw Lianne’s excitement today.

But again, why is this a color different? As Ercella stared at the blue paper, Vicente snatched it away from her. She looked up at Vicente wondering why he did that and saw him holding the paper in deep thought.

“What’s wrong?”

“It’d be best if you go back now.”

“It’s still not dark outside.”

“Please, go back.”

Ercella opened her eyes in shock at his subtle intimidating tone.

“Did you perhaps not have any fun?”

“Yes.”

Ercella became a little embarrassed when a firm answer was given without a second of hesitation. You hit all the arrows and say it’s not fun. She thought of this place after much consideration.

“So don’t go to such places from now on.”

Ercella nodded without hesitation. They were subjected to the curious gazes of the commoners as soon as they entered because they appeared different.

I will never come again. Thinking so, Ercella told Vicente.

“Alright, then let’s head back.”

“I have something to attend to for a while. I’ll be back after finishing, so go ahead first.”

“Something to attend to?”

“Yes.”

“What is it?”

“Mother should pay no mind to it.”

How is his blunt manner of speech so similar to his father’s? Ercella clicked her tongue. I’m curious but Vicente would never tell me. She went back thinking that she will never know now.