Chapter Text
威尼斯港碼頭人來人往好不熱鬧。在亳不起眼的陰暗角落裡卻有兩個少年互相依靠著。其中一人不時四周張望,神色凝重。
金髮的少年雙手握著拳頭,眼光閃瑟,他低著頭,背向大街,彷彿周圍的繁華令他甚為不安。雖然,這種緊張的臉容跟他儒雅的外型不太相配。
棕髮的少年是個高個子,長得很俊秀。他輕輕拍了拍金髮同伴的肩膀,語氣溫柔的道︰「卡多魯,別緊張。」
「多諾…」語氣中還夾雜著繃緊的情緒,他無法釋懷。想要說甚麼,嘴巴在喊出對方的名字後卻語塞了。
然後急促的腳步聲向他們走來。另一位黑髮的年青人走到他們跟前才將披風的頭套除去。
「船票已經準備好了。維多利亞號是我家族的船隻,我已跟船長交待了,他會在一路上照顧你們。」他將船票交給被稱為多諾的少年,「到了亞力山卓港就到商會去找霍華德,把這封信交給他,他會安排你們回到俄羅斯。」
多諾輕輕的由口中吐出謝意,卡多魯也才展露出個稍稍開懷的笑容︰「諾茵,謝謝你的幫忙。這次若沒有你…」
諾茵輕輕搖頭︰「我們是好朋友,互相幫助本來就是自然不過的事。那麼,」他稍稍向後移步,使自己可以同時面對二人,「多諾,卡多魯,以後你們兩位要互相照顧了。」
他轉向多諾,展露出個淡淡的微笑︰「我們…會再見吧?」
多諾眉目間有一絲的傷感,他強擠出個苦笑︰「但願…」
諾茵低下頭,也是一個苦笑。再抬起頭來,已經換了個平穩的笑容,催促他們上船了。
卡多魯站在甲板上,目送著漸漸遠去的港口,內心竟有一種釋懷的感覺。
「順風的話十天後便會到達亞力山卓,一個月左右會回到俄羅斯。」多諾走到他旁邊靠近他,深深吸了口氣,伸著懶腰的去感受那陣海風的自由氣息,臉上展露出一個久違了的笑容。
「到現在我還感到很奇怪…多諾,一切都像夢幻一樣…」
多諾把對方被海風吹亂的頭髮輕輕從他臉上撥開。
「我想,諾茵他一定很喜歡你。」
突然聽到這句話,多諾的手停頓了。他把目光轉向海浪彼方,靜靜沉思著。卡多魯也沉默的站在他身邊。
「他…是個溫柔的人。」
「的確…」
「溫柔得,像個女孩一樣。」
卡多魯張大眼睛,苦笑著︰「這是讚美他的說話嗎?」
多諾點點頭,教卡多魯感到不可思議︰「有時候我會有這樣的錯覺,總覺得他像個女郎…」溫和的語氣透露出對往事的回味。
「是因為他對你特別溫柔嗎?」
「是感覺…」多諾糾正他,然後聲音漸漸低沉起來,「不知道從甚麼時候開始,有時候會把她當成女孩子了。」
聽到這句說話,卡多魯感到有點難過。
「別擔心。」多諾搭著他的肩膀,輕輕將他抱入懷,「我眼中只有你。」
「注意一下地點…」卡多魯想要由他懷中逃出來,他輕輕的推開他,但對方卻牢牢的把他抱著,沒有放手的意思。
他溫柔的在卡多魯的耳邊低語︰「以後我就是你唯一的依靠,你不要從現在開始習慣一下嗎?」
卡多魯淡淡的笑了。沒錯,他們幾經辛苦的走在一起了,難道還要在意其他人的目光嗎?
諾茵站在碼頭一直目送船隻離開,直至船消失於眼前。
他的眼眶紅了濕潤了,淚水都在打滾。
「再見了,我小小的初戀…」他嘴唇在動,卻沒有發出任何聲音。
多諾已經走了,以後在聖克學院的日子將會更難捱。他心中難免一陣唏噓。
會走上這條路也是必然吧?當初要她以兄長迪斯奴夫‧諾因海姆的身份入讀聖克學院這所只有男生的學校,本來就不是正常的做法。
要隱藏女性之身在男同學中生存已經令她感到很疲憊了。一直以來多諾‧巴頓是她的精神支柱,現在他走了,她已沒信心可再撐下去。
海風刮過她的臉頰,淚水被抽乾了,眼睛因乾澀而輕閉著。回想起來,過去兩年一起生活的情況在她腦海中排山倒海的襲來—
*********************************************
1713年,奧地利維也納。
剛冬去春來的時節,聖克學院的第二學期也開始了。
諾茵坐在教學大樓旁邊的小長椅上靜靜的看書。手上拿著的是塞萬提斯的《堂吉訶德》,當讀到感慨的地方時,她望著漂浮在天上的閒雲,重重的噴了個鼻息。原來到維也納來已經有半年了。
聖克學院是所男校,感慨的諾茵也是個外表俊朗的少年。只是,俊美的少年卻偏偏是個不折不扣的女生。
她不是因為好奇,也不因為好學而在這裡。想起過去的日子,還有身負的重任,她的嘴角抿起,目光滑落到草地上去…
還有三年五個月零八天。
又再噴了個鼻息。但這次嘴角不經意的微微上揚。
然後,目光轉向身邊的小提琴,微微皺起的眉毛稍稍放鬆,白晢的手指滑過琴盒…
今天是管弦學團練習的日子。她投注了一個溫柔的笑容。
在這種擔驚受怕的日子裡,最起碼可以見到他。完全因為這樣,她才可以支撐下去。想起最初到來,因為害怕暴露女生的身份,她選擇沉默低調的瑟縮一旁。雖然跟她開朗的性格背道而馳,但在陌生的、充滿著男性的環境中,她實在開朗不來。
最致命的是,她遇到了她的「宿敵」︰西班牙的國斯里達侯爵的長子 — 杜魯斯‧國斯里達。她之所以非得在這裡不可,還不因為這個國斯里達家。而且國斯里達家的那兩個嘍囉,還喜歡作弄她欺負她呢。
不過,偏偏因為這個原因而遇到了他。在自己最狼狽的時候,那個人挺身而出救了她,那溫柔的神情和語氣實在令人不能忘懷。這位英雄也成為了諾茵在這裡繼續生活下去的勇氣來源。
噹、噹、噹。
教學大樓頂樓的大鐘被敲起,諾茵收起書本,拿起小提琴走到音樂廳去。想到將會見到心上人,她的心情突然變得愉快了,腳步也變得輕快跳脫。
還未走到音樂廳,在長長的走廊上已聽到悠揚的音樂,是長笛和小提琴合奏的《和聲的靈感》。這首協奏曲本來只為小提琴而寫。但長笛巧妙的加入使樂曲生色不少。幾乎不用想,諾茵己肯定裡面是哪兩個人。她知道躲在門後偷聽是不禮貌的行為,但她實在不想打斷這對絕佳組合的演奏,而且,靜靜在一旁遠望著那個「他」也是一種享受…
當音樂停止,她才緩緩由門後走出來,雙手亳不吝嗇的鼓掌。
「如常一樣,合作得很出色。」她拿起小提琴走向兩人,為了配合男性的身份,聲音刻意壓得低沉,「卡多魯整首曲都拉得很完美,」她轉向另一個人,知道自己的臉頰定是添紅了,但仍刻意保持持平的語氣,「聽多諾吹長笛也是一大享受。」
看不清楚背向陽光的多諾的表情,但聽得出是愉快的聲音︰「你今天早到了。」
「你們更早。」幾乎是立即回應過去,諾茵將琴盒放在桌上,拿出一個橡木色的小提琴,「要再來練習一下嗎?」
「好提議。」卡多魯微笑著望向多諾,就像是要取得他的同意一樣。當多洛也對他微笑點頭,這位來自瑞典,膚色白晢的男生才再次執起馬毛琴弓。
伴隨著多諾和卡多魯,諾茵也拉起了她的小提琴。常說彈奏樂器的時刻最能反映人的心情,諾茵的手指在琴弦之間舞動,並且輕快的拉動著琴弓。只有這一刻令平靜下來。只有跟多諾在一起,她才可以放寬繃緊的心情…
「想要演出歌劇嗎?」練習過後,在穿越充滿矮木的戶外走廊上,多諾向他身旁的諾茵問道。
「歌劇?」諾茵從來不知道多諾加入了歌劇學會,她有點驚訝。
「我的一位朋友迪奧‧麥韋是歌劇學會的編劇。他為即將來臨的校慶寫了一部歌劇《羅賓漢》,現在正找尋適合的演員。我想,熱愛藝術的諾茵也許會有興趣。」
迪奧‧麥韋,來自英國的新興貴族。諾茵知道他是誰,麥韋家族從事英倫海峽的航運生意而致富,他們跟在地中海從事航運事業的諾因海姆家族是行家。只是,她感到很奇怪—
「歌劇學會本身應該有足夠的演員才是,為甚麼突然找學會外的人擔演?」
多諾跟卡多魯交換了個眼神。
多諾看著卡多魯的眼光總是那樣溫柔…諾茵呆呆的望著他。這種仔細的觀察還有細膩的情感大概只屬於女性。其他人也許沒注意到,但諾茵對多諾如此溫文的眼神卻很敏感。
就在她將要陷入沉思之際,卡多魯的回應令她回過神來︰「本來準備起用的是迪奧的劇本《羅賓漢》,但在兩個星期前,學校通知轉演另一套歌劇《漢尼拔》。」
「《漢尼拔》?」諾茵提高聲調,「我記得最初歌劇學會就是從這兩套劇中作甄選,最後選出用《羅賓漢》作為校慶劇,為甚麼會轉回用一套捨棄了的劇目?」
多諾抿一抿嘴,以低沉的聲線解釋︰「因為校慶當天西班牙的科隆大公會到來觀禮。當考慮到西班牙跟英國的關係…」
「原來如此…」未待說明,諾茵已經瞭解了。因為西班牙皇位繼承問題,西班牙的波旁皇室聯同法國在早幾年前跟英國、荷蘭、奧地利及普魯士等國家開戰。年半前雙方才簽定了《烏得勒支和約》宣佈停戰。這次西班牙的貴族到來,當然要避免使用英國的劇目了。
「很可惜,迪奧花了很多心血才寫出這個新劇目。」卡多魯的眼光充滿同情。這位貴公子總充滿著悲天憫人的個性。
多諾點頭贊同︰「英國的學生當然不同意,所以作為代表的美利安多便向學校提出抗議。」
「果然…」諾茵自言自語。她跟這位美利安多並不認識,但她確信彼此都知道對方的存在。第一學期的考試諾茵是全級第一名,美利安多則是第二名。最重要是這位英國皇室成員可是學校裡其中幾位最尊貴的學生之一,他的身份可讓他成為了學校的風雲人物。
多諾溫柔的笑看著諾茵︰「你知道,作為英國漢諾威皇室有排名的皇位繼承人之一,美利安多不可能對這種『屈辱』善罷甘休。在他要求下,學校唯有作出讓步,讓《羅賓漢》在校慶第二天公演。只是由於歌劇學會的同學們都需要集中資源演出《漢尼拔》,一時間無法兼顧《羅賓漢》的演出,所以迪奧唯有四出找尋合適的人選。」
明白情況了。想不到學校的校慶節目竟然成為了國家間的政治鬥爭,諾茵對此深表厭惡,因為她本人就是政治角力下的犠牲者。諾茵不想要牽涉入西班牙跟英國的權力鬥爭中,雖然是多諾提出的要求,但看來也不能幫上忙了。
「抱歉,我對演歌劇一點不在行。我去幫忙恐怕反而會為各位添麻煩。不過,非常感謝你對我的邀請。」這是由衷的感激。對於對方在需要幫忙的時候想起她,她內心實在高興不而。
多諾輕輕搖頭苦笑,也沒有再游說她了。然後,他溫柔低沉的聲音作出了另一個邀請︰「明天上午課結束後,我們有一個郊遊會,你會來參加嗎?」
我們。諾茵當然知道指誰。除了多洛跟卡多魯外,「我們」所指的就是那幾個來自英國的貴族︰美利安多‧卑斯賴多、希羅‧尤爾還有迪奧‧麥韋。
「沒關係嗎?」諾茵有點顧慮。雖然共同學習了一個學期,但她對這幾位學校的風雲人物都不認識。
「當然。」多洛看到有點害羞和擔憂的諾茵,忍不著笑了,「你要有點自信。迪斯奴夫‧諾因海姆在學校裡也是個著名的人物。他們也會希望認識你。」
被喜歡的人稱讚,諾茵臉上飛上了紅霞。她低下頭,流露了一點點女性的羞澀。她大概不知道這種神態會令眼前二人感到奇怪吧?
「明白了。」再抬起頭來,已經回復英氣了,「謝謝你們的邀請。」她有可能再拒絕多諾的邀請嗎?
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黃昏時份的陽光很耀眼,溫暖得令人產生寫意的感覺。校園的白樺樹隨風搖曳,葉子都被覆蓋了一層金黃。冬末的北風並沒想像中的寒冷,還傳來了薄雪草的清新香氣。諾茵伸了個懶腰,剛才拉丁課的郁悶都全然消散了。
事實上今天過得很順利,還跟多諾約定了明天一起到效遊會,這可是他們之間第一個約會。
她忍不著偷偷笑起來。
忽然,她的腦袋被甚麼突然飛來的東西襲擊了一下。
「哎、」她手上的書本都掉到地上了。左額很疼痛,她擦擦額頭,幸好沒流血。再看看地上那東西,原來是一枝樹枝。
幾乎不用想也知道這不是意外,一定是那兩個人做的好事。還未來得及反應,她耳邊已傳來了那幫人示威的叫囂聲。
「中了!」兩個高大的男生由草叢中走出來,因為諾茵的中招而得意的笑著叫囂著。
「果然是你們!」諾茵連忙收拾好在地上的書本,惱怒的盯著他們,「阿歷士!繆拉!」
「真遲鈍,這種程度的偷襲都躲不過來。」阿歷士跟繆拉圍著諾茵,對她東推西倒。
「玩夠了沒有?快走開!」諾茵想要推開他們,但嬌小的身形卻被強大的身軀阻擋著。
「我聽見那俄羅斯人約會你了!」繆拉搶掉她手上的書,「難道你要加入英國那邊的陣形嗎?」
「你胡說甚麼,這只是單純的聯誼— 把書還來!」諾茵拉著繆拉的手想要把他按下來,但繆拉立即把書本拋給阿歷士。
「西西里的諾茵不會是想要背叛杜魯斯大人吧?」阿歷士神氣的道。
「背叛?我不隷屬於西班牙。我來這裡只是讀書,根本不想牽涉入你們西班牙跟英國之間的糾葛。」望著繆拉跟阿歷士二人,只有孤身一人的諾茵雖然深深不憤,但面對兩個西班牙男人魁梧的身形,她也得考慮一下後果,若果再激起他們,吃虧的恐怕只會是自己。
她深深吸了口氣,雖然心不甘情不願,但還是放輕了語氣︰「你們也應該很清楚,如果迪斯奴夫‧諾因海姆在這段時間遇上了任何意外,杜魯斯‧國斯里達也脫不了關係。你們想演變成西西里跟西班牙的政治問題嗎?」
阿歷士和繆拉呆著了。明顯以他們的頭腦似乎沒有考慮過這點。
留在這裡只會夜長夢多,諾茵快速的從阿歷士手上搶回書本,立即快步離開。
突然間,她從後的被人抱起來。
是阿歷士!
「喂—放開我!」諾茵被嚇了一跳。
繆拉以手用力按著她的嘴巴。他跟阿歷士二人互相對望,然後邪惡的笑了︰「我們不可以加害你,但可以把你困著!」
「你不要想參加明天的交遊會了!哈哈!」
雖然諾茵極力反抗,但阿歷士跟繆拉兩人還是合力將她拐到不遠處的雜物房將她困住了。
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待續
** English version**
The port of Venice was so busy. In the inconspicuous dark corner, there were two teenagers relying on each other. One of them looked around from time to time with a solemn expression.
The blond boy clenched his fists in both hands and his eyes flashed. He lowered his head and turned his back to the street, as if the bustling of the street made him felt disturbed. Although, this nervous face doesn't match his elegant appearance.
The brown-haired boy was tall and handsome. He patted the blond companion's shoulder and said softly, "Quatre, don't be nervous."
"Trowa..." There was tension in his tone, and he couldn't let go. He wanted to say something, but his mouth was choked after calling out the name.
Then hurried footsteps came towards them. Another young, black-haired boy walked up to them before removing the headgear of the cloak.
"The tickets are ready. “Victoria” is a ship of my family. I have already told the captain. He will take care of you two on the way." He handed the tickets to the young man called Trowa. "When you arrive Port Alexandria, please go to the Commerce Chamber to find Howard and hand this letter to him. He will arrange for you to return to Russia."
Trowa gently spit out his gratitude, and Quatre showed a slightly open smile, "Noin, thank you for your help. If you weren't here ..."
Noin shook his head slightly, "We are good friends. Of course we should help each other. " he stepped back slightly so that he could face the two at the same time, "Trowa, Quatre, you two will need to take care of each other going forward."
He turned to Trowa and showed a faint smile, "Will I.. see you again?"
There was a trace of sadness between Trowa's brows, and he forced a wry smile, "This is also my hope..."
Noin lowered his head with a wry smile also. He raised his head again with a gentle smile, urging them to board the boat.
Standing on the deck, Quatre watched the port gradually disappearing, feeling a sense of relief in his heart.
"If we go down the wind, we will reach Alexandria in ten days, and return to Russia in a month." Trowa walked forward and approached him. He took a deep breath, stretched out to feel the freedom of the sea breeze , A long-lost smile appeared on his face.
"I still feel weird... Trowa, everything is like a dream..."
Trowa gently pushed the blond's hair tossed by the sea, breeze away from his face.
"I think Noin likes you very much."
Trowa's hand paused when he heard about this. He turned his gaze to the waves, quietly pondering. Quatre also stood silently beside him.
"He... is a gentleman."
"indeed…"
"So gentle that like a girl."
Quatre opened his eyes and smiled wryly, "Is this a compliment to him?"
Trowa nodded, making Quatre feel incredible, "Sometimes I have the illusion that he feels like a girl..."
"Is it because he is so gentle to you?"
"It's a feeling..." Trowa corrected him, and then his voice gradually became low, "I don't know when to start, sometimes I think of him as a girl."
Hearing this comment, Quatre felt a little sad.
"Don't worry." Trowa put him on his shoulders and gently embraced him, "You are the only one in my eyes."
"This is public.." Quatre wanted to escape from his arms, he gently pushed him away, but the young man held him firmly and didn't mean to let go.
He softly whispered in Quatre's ear, "I will be your only support from now on, don't you want to get used to it?"
Quatre smiled faintly. That's right, they walked together after several hardships, why should he still care about other people's mind?
Noin stood at the pier and watched the ship leave until the ship disappeared.
His eyes were red and moist, and tears were rolling.
"Goodbye, my little first love..." His lips moved, but there was no sound.
Trowa was gone, and his days at Sanc Academy would be even more difficult. He inevitably felt a sigh in his heart.
Was it inevitable to go this way? It was originally not a normal practice to ask her to study in the Sanc Academy, which is only for boys, to replace her brother DixNeuf Neunheim.
To hide her gender and survive among the male classmates had already made her very tired. Trowa Barton had always been her spiritual pillar, but now that he was gone, she had no confidence to continue.
The sea breeze blew her cheeks, the tears were frozen, and her eyes were lightly closed because of dryness. In retrospect, the memories for the past two years was overwhelming in her mind—
*********************************************
In 1713, Vienna, Austria.
Just before Spring was coming, the second semester of Sanc Academy also began.
Noin sat on the small bench next to the academic building and read quietly. She was reading "Don Quijote de La Mancha", when she read the place with emotion, she looked at the idle clouds floating in the sky and snorted heavily. It has been half a year since she came to Vienna.
Sanc College was a boy' school, and Noin also looked like a handsome teenager. But this handsome boy was just an out-and-out girl.
She was not here because of curiosity or studious. Thinking of the past days and the heavy responsibilities she shouldered, the corners of her mouth curled up and her eyes fell smoothly on the grass...
There were still three years five months and eight days.
She snorted again. But this time the corners of her mouth rose slightly inadvertently.
Then, her eyes turned to the violin next to her, her frowned eyebrows relaxed slightly, and her white fingers slid across the case...
Today was the practice day for the orchestra. She bet a gentle smile.
In such days of fear, at least she could see him. She was able to sustain it entirely because of him. Thinking of the initial arrival, she chose to cower silently and low-key because she was afraid of revealing the girl's identity. Although it ran counter to her cheerful personality, she was really not cheerful in a strange and masculine environment.
The most deadly thing was that she met her "enemy" - the son of the Marquis of Spain, Treize Khushrenada. The reason why she had to be here was because of this family. Moreover, the two “servants” of the Khushrenada family liked to play tricks on her.
However, she met her spiritual pillar for this reason. When she was most embarrassed, the man stood up and rescued her, and his gentle expression and tone made her unforgettable. He had also become a source of courage for Noin to continue living here.
Ding, Ding, Ding.
The big clock on the top floor of the academic building was struck, Noin put away the books, picked up the violin and went to the concert hall. Thinking of meeting her “sweet-in-heart”, her mood suddenly became happy and her steps became brisk.
Before she walked to the concert hall, she heard the melodious music in the long corridor, which was the "L’Estro armonico" performed by flute and violin. This concerto was originally written only for the violin. But the clever addition of flute made the music more amazing. Hardly need to think, Noin was sure which two people were inside. She knew that it was impolite to hide behind the door to eavesdrop, but she really didn’t want to interrupt the performance of this great pair, and it was also a pleasure to quietly look at "him" from afar...
When the music stopped, she slowly walked out from behind the door, clapping generously with her hands.
"The cooperation is excellent as usual." She picked up the violin and walked towards the two of them. In order to match the male identity, her voice was deliberately lowered. "Quatre's entire song was played perfectly," she turned to the other person, knowing her cheeks must have been reddened, but she still deliberately maintained a flat tone, "It is also a great pleasure to listen to Trowa playing the flute."
It was hard to see Trowa's facial expression since he was standing in front of the window with sunshine, but she could hear a pleasant voice, "You arrived early today."
"You two are earlier." In response almost immediately, Noin put the case on the table and took out an oak-colored violin. "Do you want to practice again?"
"Good idea." Quatre looked at Trowa with a smile, as if to obtain his consent. When Trowa also smiled at him and nodded, the white-skinned boy from Sweden held the horsehair bow again.
Along with Trowa and Quatre, Noin also played her violin. It was often said that the moment of playing an instrument could best reflect people's mood. Noin's fingers danced between the strings and pulled the bow briskly. Only this moment she could calm down. Only with Trowa could she relax her tension...
"Do you want to perform an opera?" Trowa asked Noin next to him on the outdoor corridor full of low wood after the practice.
"Opera?" Noin never knew that Trowa had joined the Opera Society, she was a little surprised.
"Duo Maxwell, a friend of mine, is a screenwriter of the Drama Society. He wrote an opera 'Robin Hood' for the upcoming school celebration and is now looking for suitable actors. I think you might be interested because you love arts."
Duo Maxwell, an emerging aristocrat from Great Britain. Noin knew who he is. The Maxwell family became rich by engaging in the shipping and vessel business in the English Channel. They were experts with her Neunheim family, who are engaged in shipping in the Mediterranean. But she felt very strange—
"The Drama Society itself should have enough actors. Why are you suddenly looking for someone outside to perform?"
Trowa exchanged glances with Quatre.
Trowa's eyes on Quatre were always so gentle...Noin stared at him blankly. Such careful observation and delicate emotions probably belonged only to women. Others may not have noticed, but Noin was very sensitive to Trowa's gentle eyes.
Just as she was about to sink into contemplation, Quatre’s response made her come back to her senses, " ‘Robin Hood’ was originally planned to be used, but two weeks ago, the school notified the transfer of another set of opera ‘Hannibal.’"
"Hannibal?" Noin raised her voice, "I remember that the Drama Society initially selected from these two sets, and finally selected Robin Hood as the school celebration drama. Why do they switch back to a discarded set?"
Trowa said in a low voice, "Because the Cologne in Spain came to observe the ceremony on the day of the school celebration. Think about the relationship between Spain and the Great Britain..."
"So that's it..." No explanation yet, Noin already understood. Because of the issue of the succession to the Spanish throne, the Bourbon royal family of Spain and France went to war with Britain, the Netherlands, Austria, and Prussia a few years ago. Only a year and a half ago, the two sides signed the "Peace of Utrecht" and declared a truce. When the Spanish nobles came, of course the school would have to avoid using British repertoire.
"It's a pity that Duo took a lot of hard work to write this new play." Quatre's eyes were full of sympathy.
Trowa nodded in agreement, "Of course the students in the Great Britain disagree, therefore Milliardo as the representative protested to the school."
"Sure enough..." Noin said to herself. Milliardo and her did not know each other, but she was sure that they knew each other's existence. In the first semester of the exam, Noin was the first in the class, and Milliardo was the second. The most important thing was that this member of the British royal family was one of the most distinguished students in the school. His identity allowed him to become a famous man of the school.
Trowa smiled at Noin gently, "You know, as one of heirs of the royal family of Hanover, Milliardo could not give up this kind of "humiliation". At his request, the school could only make concessions and let ‘Robin Hood’ performed on the second day of the school celebration. It’s just that the students of the Drama Society need to concentrate their resources on performing ‘Hannibal’ which cannot take care of the performance of ‘Robin Hood’ for a while. This is the reason why Duo has to look for suitable candidates."
She understood the situation now. Unexpectedly, the school's celebration program turned out to be a political struggle between countries. Noin was deeply disgusted by it because she herself was a victim of the political wrestling. Noin did not want to be involved in the struggle between Spain and Britain. Although it was Trowa's request, it seemed that she could not help.
"Sorry, I'm not good at acting at all. I'm afraid it will cause you trouble. However, thank you very much for your invitation." This was sincerely grateful. For the other person thinking of her when they needed help, she was really happy and honour.
Trowa shook his head lightly and smiled bitterly, and he didn't lobby her any more. Then his gentle and deep voice made another invitation, "We will have an outing after the noon lesson tomorrow. Would you like to join us?"
We. Of course Noin knew who they are. Except for Trowa and Quatre, "we" referred to the nobles from England- Millirado Peacecraft, Heero Yuy, and Duo Maxwell.
"Is it okay?" Noin was a little worried. Although they have studied together for a semester, she didn't know this group of people.
"Sure indeed." Trowa couldn't help but smile when he saw Noin who was a little shy and worried. "You have to be a little confident. Dixneuf Neunheim is also a famous figure in school. I am sure they also want to meet you."
Complimented by the person she liked, Noin’s face turned red. She lowered her head, showing a little feminine shyness. She probably didn't know that this attitude would make the two of them feel strange.
"Well." When she raised her head again, she had already replied to the heroic spirit, "Thank you for your invitation." It was impossible for her to refuse Trowa's invitation twice.
************
The sun at dusk was dazzling, and it was warm enough to give a freehand feeling. The birch trees on the campus swayed in the wind, and the leaves were covered with a layer of golden. The north wind at the end of Winter was not as cold as expected, but also came the fresh fragrance of Edelweiss. Noin stretched, and the depression of the Latin class just disappeared.
In fact, today went smoothly, and she also agreed with Trowa to go to picnic tomorrow together. This was the first date between them.
She couldn't help chuckle secretly.
Suddenly, her head was hit by something.
"Hey," all the books in her hand fell to the ground. Her left forehead was very painful. She wiped her forehead, but luckily there was no bleeding. Look at the thing on the ground again, it turned out to be a branch.
She was sure this was not an accident, it must be a hit by those two people. Before she could react, she heard the clamour of the group of people demonstrating.
"I hit him!" Two tall boys walked out of the grass, laughing proudly because of the trick.
"I know it’s you!" Noin quickly packed up the books on the ground, staring at them angrily, "Alex! Muller!"
"You are too slow, why can’t you hide from a sneak attack like this." Alex and Muller surrounded Noin and pushed her around.
"It’s enough. Go away!" Noin wanted to push them away, but her petite figure was blocked by two powerful young men.
"I heard that the Russian has a meeting with you!" Muller snatched the book from her hand. "Are you going to join the Britain?
"What nonsense are you talking about? This is just about friendship - give back the book to me!" Noin took Muller's hand and wanted to press him down, but Muller immediately threw the book to Alex.
"Does Noin of Sicily want to betray Lord Treize?" Alex said loudly.
"What do you mean for betrayal? I am not affiliated with Spain. I am here just to study, and I don't want to be involved in the entanglement between your Spain and the Britain." Looking at Muller and Alex, there was nothing but Noin was alone. Cowardly, coupled with these two Spanish burly statures, if Noin made them angry, she would be the one to suffer.
She took a deep breath, and although she was unwilling to do so, she still relaxed her tone, "You should also know very well that if Dixneuf Neunheim has any accident during this time, Treize Khushrenada is also inseparable. Do you want to evolve into a political issue between Sicily and Spain?"
Alex and Muller stayed there.
It was not safe to stay here, Noin quickly grabbed the book from Alex and left.
Suddenly, she was picked up from behind.
It's Alex!
"Hey - leave me alone!" Noin was taken aback.
Muller pressed her hand firmly on her mouth. Alex and he looked at each other, and then smiled evilly, "We can't harm you, but we can trap you!"
"Don't think about your friendship picnic tomorrow! Haha!"
Although Noin tried her best to resist, Alex and Muller worked together to abduct her to a utility room not far away and trapped her.
********************
to be continued..
Chapter Text
在聖克學院後花園不遠處的一遍大草原上有道蜿蜒的小徑。白色石塊舖設而成的小路徑兩旁的薄雪草隨著微風搖擺。幾個穿上華麗而筆直校服的男生騎著馬匹在草地上緩慢的走過。寫意的神態在各人臉上盡露了。
「初春的天氣真是一流~~」編長辮子的迪奧輕撫著坐騎的脖子,「黑鐮也很喜歡這種天氣吧?」迪奧所騎的黑馬蹄上有白毛,這是迪奧最引已為傲的坐騎。
「在這種天氣下一邊欣賞風景,一邊喝著美酒,真是人生一大樂事。」在沉寂的環境中,迪奧一直自言自語著。
「你不是跟西班牙人結怨了嗎?不會是想要喝他們送來的酒吧?」迪奧的說話總算勾起某人的注意了。在他身邊的黑髮少年名叫希羅,他純黑色的坐騎跟他那冷漠的眼神很匹配。希羅轉向領最前的銀髮男生。
銀髮男生 — 美利安多‧卑斯賴多 —拉了一下白馬的韁繩回過頭來︰「多謝杜魯斯吧。」他大氣的笑容就像亳不在乎一樣,「這是法國出產的馬嗲利,是上好的美酒。」
〈你做事太不謹慎…〉希羅想要說教,卻又覺得太多言。
身旁的多諾看到希羅的面色,補充道︰「在鳥語花香的時節就開懷一點吧。」多諾也認為希羅過慮了。為了結束這話題,他把話題轉向迪奧,「你的《羅賓漢》籌備得如何?」
「不要提了,」迪奧攤開手,唉了一聲,「連主角也未找到,雖然說距離演出還有幾個月,但總得要提早安排、準備練習啊。」
「這次演出關係到英國的臉子,既然爭取到演出機會,你一定要加把勁。」美利安多稍稍收起笑容。
「大少爺你倒說得輕鬆,」迪奧無奈的皺眉,語調也提高了,「要找一個好的演員不是件易事。現在資源都被《漢尼拔》佔用了,眼下真的很困難呀。」說罷,迪奧俏皮的笑了笑,望著身旁騎著棕色馬匹的少年,「幸好多諾幫忙找演員,我的擔子才減輕了點…當然也要感激卡多魯囉~ 我的摰友們~~」
對於迪奧的熱情,只有卡多魯尷尬的笑著回應,其餘三人無視的繼續各自各欣賞風景。
「哼…真冷漠…」迪奧斜視了眾人扁嘴抗議。然後他斜眼瞄著多諾,「結果你那位拉小提琴的朋友不但拒絕演出,今天還放你鴿子呢。」
多諾搖了搖頭︰「諾茵不是個沒交待的人,我想他今天一定因為甚麼事…」
「諾茵?是西西里的迪斯奴夫‧諾因海姆?」這說話勾起希羅的注意。當多諾點頭確認時,他一副理所當然的樣子道︰「大概不想跟大英帝國的人拉上關係吧?難怪今天會爽約了。」
「這話怎麼說?」嬉皮笑臉的迪奧對這話題很感興趣,他連忙的追問。
〈虧你平常四出打探,這種事也不知道嗎?〉希羅面上掛上這個意思,卻只淡淡的呼了口氣,沒理會迪奧咬牙切齒的抗議,「諾因海姆家族跟西班牙波旁皇室有協議,如果這個家族沒有子嗣繼承爵位,領土就會由國斯里達家吞併。」
「吞併?還有這種協議嗎?」迪奧也認真起來。
「這是弗雷德里希二世時代的事了,好像是類似軍事同盟的協議。」多諾幫忙補充,令迪奧感到很驚訝。也許,他應該要多點留意時事才對。
「國斯里達家族的繼承人杜魯斯也在校,這麼說來,迪斯奴夫‧諾因海姆到這裡讀書,不正是置身於危險之中?」卡多魯也提出了自己的意見,但希羅對此卻搖頭表示反對。
「到維也納來學習是西西里貴族的傳統,那位西西里國王維托里奧‧阿梅迪奧二世很重視血緣和面子,估計他不會批準諾因海姆家為逃避國斯里達而不來讀書。」無視驚訝於他完善的資訊的迪奧,希羅繼續補充,「再說,諾因海姆家族的繼承人在校園裡遇到任何意外,你覺得國斯里達可以洗脫嫌疑嗎?」
「所以說國斯里達不會做出甚麼。」這次迪奧快速的回應過來,「原來一不小心便會變成政治事件…」
雖然同為英國人,但迪奧一直感到自己跟希羅和美利安多很不一樣,尤其當今天聽到這兩位同齡的同學說出這一大堆他不認識的政治消息時,這種相異感更強。果然,麥韋家族以航運起家,是著重於經濟發展的新興貴族,跟歷史猶久、擁有崇高政治地位的卑斯賴多和尤爾家族從根本上就不同了。
「怎樣也好,反正西班牙一直覬覦西西島這地中海中部的中轉港,如果諾因海姆的繼承人發生了甚麼意外,他們便成為最大的得益者。而為了保持跟西班牙的良好關係,諾因海姆也不得不跟大不列顛的人保持距離吧?」對於美利安多而言這不是甚麼重要的事,只是作為英國其中一個最具影響力的上議院貴族家庭成員,他對每一件政治事件都具備觸角。
「跟大不列顛的勢力保持距離?」迪奧噗的一聲笑了出來,「他不知道這個俄羅斯人和瑞典人跟我們是一伙的嗎?」
聽到這句說話,多諾瞄起眼睛,似乎想到了甚麼。
「怎麼了?」在旁的卡多魯留意到那一剎那的不安,用關心的語調問道。
「不…沒甚麼…」
諾茵今天怎麼會爽約呢…?
************
諾茵被關在黑暗的雜物房中已有一個晚上了。不知道是幸還是不幸,這細小的房間只有一道很小很窄的橫窗,使得冬末初春晚上的冷空氣不致於瘋狂的吹進來。她在地上檢起了個麻布袋當成被褥蓋在身上。坐在冰冷的地上,她沒辦法睡得著。
她心裡也深深不憤。
任由她昨天怎麼叫喊都沒人發現她被困。她平常是那麼的低調,大概連宿舍總監也沒留意到她沒回房間吧?
得想個方法出去。
突然一個悲觀的念頭閃過,她猛力搖頭。總得想辦法離開啊。沒有猶豫,她拖著疲憊的身體用力拍打木門,大聲的叫喊著,希望可以引來外面的注意。
她落力的拍打木門,外面奇怪的沒有回應。正當她準備要放棄了、絕望的坐在地上時,小屋的木門突然打開。一個身影進入諾茵的眼簾,但因背向陽光的關係,他看不清楚對方的樣子。
「總算找到你了。」是安慰的語調,當對方走入小屋時陽光照射到他的輪廓了。
「多諾…?」諾茵揉揉眼睛,當確認對方的身份後,內心激動不已。
多諾把門推開,無奈地道︰「怪不得你沒來,我就想你會不會發生了甚麼事。」不用想也知道又是那班西班牙人的所作所為。因顧及到諾茵會難堪,多諾沒有說出來。眼前的小男生看來飢寒交迫,他心裡感到既難過又安慰,幸好自己提早回到學校來。
聽到他溫柔的語氣,諾茵眼眶突然濕潤了。眼淚沿著面頰流到嘴角,她抽泣起來。
多諾走到她身邊輕輕搭著她的肩膀安慰道︰「別難過。」
豈料聽到這句說話的她哭得更厲害。
多諾輕輕拍著她的肩膀,語氣變得更溫柔了︰「不要哭了,像個小姑娘似的。」他苦笑。
這句話喚醒了諾茵的理智。
對啊…她現在是個男孩子,怎可以胡亂的哭哭啼啼?連多諾都覺得她像個女孩了,真是不像話。她的眼淚立即止住了,抹乾了淚痕,她抽泣了兩下,又再堅強的站起來。
************
聖經說原諒敵人七十七個七次。能夠做到這點的人一定是非一般的仁德之士。
諾茵怒氣沖沖的走向校園南區的教育大樓,那裡正是西班牙黨羽聚集的地方。
眼前一群男生聚集在露天小茶座。諾茵銳利的目光環視眾人,馬上就找出當中的頭目了。
高大的西班牙男生們望著身材出奇地嬌小的意大利人一步一步的向著他們的頭目接近。坐在眾人中間的杜魯斯‧國斯里達這才斜眼瞄了瞄他。
諾茵走到杜魯斯座前約兩米的地方停下來。憤怒的眼神盯著他沒有一絲退避之意。她就這樣站著沒有作聲。
杜魯斯嘴角微微上揚,舉起手上的酒杯對諾茵說︰「是法國送來的白蘭地,要嚐嚐嗎?」
這種氣氛說出這種話不對調吧?沒想到眼前人會如此輕鬆自在的諾茵倒抽了口氣,憤怒的眼光添加了懷疑的意味。
「不要了,謝謝。」反射式的回應,諾茵後悔自己用了個非常有禮的回答。她深深吸了口氣,氣勢又回來了︰「你知道我為甚麼會來。」
「我不知道,願聞其詳。」是個似笑非笑的表面。那種從容不迫實在令諾茵感到氣結。
深深吸了口氣,嬌小身型的女生勇敢地走向男人群中,比平常更刻意的把聲線壓低︰「我們的立場彼此都很清楚。不要再搞小動作了,要是對我有任何行動的話請光明正大的來吧,我會奉陪到底。」眉頭皺起,目光銳利。話畢,也沒留意對方的反應諾茵便轉身離開。
「真、真沒禮貌呢!」當看到嬌小身軀消失後,人群中才傳出了這句說話。然後也有好幾個聲音跟著付和。
手指敲打著手上的酒杯,杜魯斯嘴角微微揚起。「這小男生很可愛。」他忍不著吐笑了。
「不覺得他太沒禮貌嗎?杜魯斯大人,只要你一句說話…」
杜魯斯阻止了他再說下去。他望著說話的人,再瞄著繆拉跟阿歷士,他輕輕搖了搖頭︰「你們的做法一點也不優雅。」
繆拉和阿歷士低下頭來感到很尷尬。而杜魯斯說出這種高深意思的說話,也讓身旁的人都傻了眼,卻又不好意思追問。
杜魯斯把手上的酒一口氣喝掉︰「要光明正大,沒聽見嗎?」
幸好沒任何人追趕上來,否則看到諾茵的面紅耳赤,就知道她剛才的氣勢都是裝出來的了。
她深呼吸了幾口大氣,雙手不由得緊張地握在胸前。她也不清楚剛才是哪裡來的勇氣,怎麼會說出奉陪到底這種說話?若果把對方激怒了怎麼辦?她的任務可是要安分守己地在這裡渡過四年…
杜魯斯‧國斯里達會很生氣吧?
一想到這裡,諾茵赤紅的臉也立即消淡下來。
***********************************
諾茵誠惶誠恐的過了一段日子,不知不覺間正式踏入春天了。在春天暖意正濃的時候,一位特別的客人到聖克學園探訪了。
習慣在草地上閱讀,諾茵將幾部小說放在身邊,在春日微光和暖風下享受著這刻的寧靜。
耳邊突然傳來一陣馬車滾動和馬匹嘶叫的聲音,抬頭望去,一輛白色的馬車在行政大樓前停下來。首先是一位身形嬌小的女孩下車來,然後由她協助下,一位身穿粉紅色長裙的女性才緩緩走出馬車。
那粉紅色的長裙吸引著諾茵的目光。那不是從去年開始流行於巴黎上流社會的「洛可可」風格服裝嗎?那種強調在頸部安放誇張C型漩渦狀花紋裝飾圈的洛可可藝術,簡直就是一種黑色幽默。
諾茵還在西西里時,專用的裁縫師傅曾建議她穿這種風格的衣服,但當看到效果後她立即拒絕。這種有趣的服裝,沒想到會在奧地利的校園內看得到。
對方也望著她。兩個人互相對望了一刻,諾茵首先避開了目光。對方這位女孩子向她走近了兩步,先打量她的身形,然後再望望地上的幾部小說。
「《羅密歐與茱麗葉》,《神曲》…」她側望諾茵手上的書,眼睛瞪大,是個似笑非笑的表情,「還有《偽君子》。看來我們對書的喜好很相似。」
諾茵以疑惑的眼神望著她,眼前女子那倔強的眼神令她充滿強悍的氣質。偏偏這種強悍的氣質跟這一身嫵媚的打扮格格不入。這位少女對她宛然一笑,她也回報了一個笑容。
「在莎士比亞四大悲劇中,我最愛《羅密歐與茱麗葉》了。」她繼續以流利的法語說道。
諾茵為這句說話而瞪大眼睛,她有點猶疑,令她欲言又止。對方見狀,又對她微笑了︰「是聽不明白法語?」
諾茵搖頭否認,然後有點不好意思的回答︰「《羅密歐與茱麗葉》不是四大悲劇之一…」
「甚麼?」這句是英文。
原來是個英國人。諾茵望對她,是個尷尬的笑容,這表情似乎更適合眼前這位女孩子。
「這部是四大悲劇之一。我想你搞錯了。」又轉回法語了,她堅持。諾茵鬆鬆肩,對方見她沒有補充的打算,立即轉身進入大樓之內。
竟然在只有男生的學校內出現,會是哪一位貴族子弟的家人吧?
*******
美利安多跟希羅穿著整齊的,以輕快的步伐走向行政大樓。
「沒聽說過她會來,我也是剛剛才知道。」帶頭的美利安多稍稍將頭傾後向跟在後面的希羅說,那是輕快的語調。
希羅沒有回答,他保持著一定的距離跟在美利安多的後面。
推開會客室的大門,美利安多看到對方安靜的坐在長椅上,他送上一個和藹可親的笑容,語氣也變得溫柔了︰「莉莉娜,很高興看到妳。」
莉莉娜緩緩的由長椅上站起來。美利安多走上前,想要給這位久未見面的妹妹一個擁抱,當他抱著她時,卻被她高高聳立的頭髮刺到了。他立即笑了起來︰
「我說莉莉娜,妳是認真的嗎?這種髮型。」
有點尷尬的她假裝板起臉,不好意思的揮動著手上的羽毛扇子,右手則拉著她捲曲了的頭髮︰「這是法國最流行的裝扮,所有淑女小姐都是這種打扮。哥哥你在這裡困太久所以對外界的事都不清楚嗎?」
美利安多無奈的陪笑,對她的服裝不再作評論了︰「聽到通傳說妳來了,我起初還以為他們弄錯。」妹妹跟隨家中運送的物資前來,不用想也知道一定是她貪玩的緣故。追問父母為何會讓她出門已不重要了,反正她人已經在眼前。
「我想你了。」莉莉娜有點羞澀的抱著哥哥的手,「你不在我很苦悶。」
美利安多輕輕撫摸她額前的瀏海。他跟莉莉娜自幼感情很好,妹妹會想念她是必然的事,而且作為兄長,他也很清楚莉莉娜此行的另一個目的。他拉著她的手,轉向仍遠遠站在大門前的某人叫道︰「希羅也來了。」
「我知道,我剛才有看到他。」莉莉娜嘴巴稍稍扁起,但仍保持著那倔強的眼神。她有點不情願的向著他叫喊,「嗨,陌生人。」
對於她的說話美利安多刻意表現得不以為然。他笑著示意希羅走過來。希羅這位大少爺慢慢的走向他,就站在美利安多的身旁,他低聲的向莉莉娜打了個招呼︰「妳好。」
莉莉娜低頭瞄瞄他,輕輕回應了聲「你好」後又再別過臉去。
夾在中間的美利安多刻意無視二人中間的尷尬氣氛,他拉著莉莉娜坐下來︰「父親和母親都好嗎?」
「好,好得很,父親最近獵狐有斬獲,這次送來的東西裡也包括一幅狐皮。我嘛,剪了狐尾巴來作髮飾了,下次載給你看看。」撒嬌的笑容完結後,她才轉向希羅︰「尤爾伯爵也有把他獵到的白狐做了頂帽子給你。」
「哦。」簡短的回應了一個字。
莉莉娜皺眉望著他,明顯對他這過於簡短的回應不滿了。
「都春天了,送狐皮來也沒甚麼用。」美利安多的說話轉移了莉莉娜的視線。「難得妳到來,為妳搞個郊遊會怎麼樣?」
「好主意。」莉莉娜拍手叫道,「我學會了做煙肉卷,我可以帶去。」
「很好。」美利安多轉向希羅,「你負責通告大家吧。」
「我知道了。」回應美利安多說話的希羅樣子總算積極一點。
對於希羅以不同的反應對待她跟兄長,她的不滿表情都掛在臉上了。想要說出諷刺話的時候,莉莉娜突然想起了甚麼,她拉了美利安多的衣袖一下,眼睛疑惑的眨動著,有點不好意思的問道︰「哥,《羅密歐與茱麗葉》是四大悲劇之一嗎?」
** English version**
There was a winding path on the prairie not far from the back garden of Sanc Collage. The Edelweiss on both sides of the small path paved with white stones swayed with the breeze. A few young men in school uniforms rode across the grass slowly. The freehand expression showed on everyone's face.
"The weather in early Spring is really superb." Duo stroked the neck. "My buddy also likes this kind of weather." The black horse that Duo rode has white hair on the hoof. It was his proudest horse.
"It's great to enjoy the scenery while drinking wine in this good weather." When everyone was enjoying the view, Duo kept talking to himself.
"The wine is from Spanish. Are you sure it can be drunken?" Duo's words finally caught someone's attention. The black-haired boy next to him was named Heero, and his pure black horse matched his indifferent eyes. Heero turned to lead the pure blond-haired young man in front.
The pure blond-haired boy Milliardo Peacecraft, tucked the reins of the white horse and turned his head back, "We have to say thanks to Treize." His grand smile seemed as if he didn't care. "This is cognac from France. It's a good wine."
"You are too careless on..." Heero wanted to preach, but he felt it may be too much to say, so finally he kept silence.
Seeing Heero's face beside him, Trowa added, "You should be more optimistic. Can you hear the birds are singing and smell the fragrant flowers?" Trowa also thought that Heero was overwhelmed. To end this topic, he turned to Duo, "How are your preparations for ‘Robin Hood’?"
"Don't mention it," Duo spread his hands and sighed, "I didn't even find the protagonist. Although there are still a few months before the show, I have to arrange and prepare for practice."
"This performance is related to the face of the Great Britain. Since you have won the opportunity to perform, you must work harder to make it happen." Milliardo put away a smile slightly.
"Sir, you said it so easily," Duo frowned and his tone was helpless, "It is not easy to find a good actor. The resources are all occupied by Hannibal. It is really difficult right now.” After that, Duo smiled playfully and looked at the young man riding a brown horse beside him, "Fortunately, Trowa helps to be the actor, he is really helpful. Of course I also want to be grateful to Quatre. You are my real friends.”
For Duo's enthusiasm, only Quatre responded with an awkward smile, and the other three continued to enjoy the scenery.
"Huh... you guys are pretending cool..." Duo squinted and protested. Then he squinted at Trowa, "As a result, your friend who plays the violin not only refused to perform, but he let you dove today."
Trowa shook his head, "Noin is not an unexplained person, I think he should have a reason not to show up today..."
"Noin? Do you mean Dixneuf Neunheim from Sicily?" The words drew Heero’s attention. When Trowa nodded to confirm, he took it for granted, "Probably he doesn’t want to have any relationship with people from Britain. No wonder he will break his appointment today."
"What do you say?" Duo said with a hippy smile. He was very interested in this topic, and he asked quickly.
You usually go out to make friends, why don’t you know this kind of thing? Heero expressed this meaning on his face, but only sighed faintly and ignoring Duo’s protest, "The Neunheim family has an agreement with the Spanish Bourbon royal family. If there is no one to inherit the title, the territory of Neunheim will be annexed by the family of Khushrenada."
"To annex? Is there such an unfair agreement?" Duo also got serious.
"This is something from the time of Frederick II. It seems to be an agreement similar to a military alliance." Trowa helped to explain which was really surprised Duo. Perhaps, he should pay more attention to this kind of information.
"Treize, the heir of the Khushrenada family, is also at school. So, didn't Neunheim be in danger when he study here?" Quatre also offered his own opinion. But Heero shook his head and expressed opposition.
"It is the tradition of the Sicilian nobility to come to Vienna to study. The King of Sicily, Vittorio Amedio II, attaches great importance to blood and face. I believe that he would not approve the Neunheim family to avoid coming to study because of Khushrenada.” Ignoring Duo who was surprised by his complete information, Heero continued, “Besides, in case the heir of the Neunheim family encountered any accidents on campus, do you think Khushrenada can get rid of the suspicion?”
"So Khushrenada will not do anything." This time Duo responded quickly, "It turns out that it will become a political incident if you are not careful..."
Although they are all British, Duo has always felt that he is very different from Heero and Milliardo, especially when he heard these two friends of the similar age tell a lot of political news that he did not know. Sure enough, the Maxwell family started out as shipping. They were emerging aristocrats focusing on economic development. They were fundamentally different from the Peacecraft and Yuy families with a long history and high political status.
"Anyway, Spain has been coveting Sicily, the transit port in the middle of the Mediterranean. If something happens to the heir of Neunheim, they will become the biggest beneficiaries. And in order to maintain a good relationship with Spain, I believe Neunheim has to keep a distance from the people of Great Britain.” For Milliardo, this is not an important matter, but as one of the most influential family members of the House of Lords in the Britain, he has tentacles of this kind of events.
"Keep his distance from Great Britain?" Duo let out a puff of laughter. "Does he not know that this Russian and Swedes belong to our party?"
Hearing these words, Trowa glanced up as if thinking of something.
"What's the matter?" Quatre who was by the side, noticed the moment of anxiety and asked in a concerned tone.
"No, nothing."
How could Noin miss the appointment today?
************
Noin had been locked in a dark utility room for one night. Fortunately, this small room had only a small and narrow window, so that the cold air at night will not blow in frantically. She picked up a linen bag on the ground as a bedding to cover her body. Sitting on the cold ground, she couldn't sleep.
She was also deeply angry.
No matter what she yelled yesterday, no one found her trapped. She was usually so low-key, maybe even the director of the dormitory didn't notice that she didn't return to the room.
She had to think of a way out.
Suddenly a pessimistic thought flashed, and she shook her head vigorously. I have to find a way to leave. Without hesitation, she slapped the wooden door with her exhausted body, yelling loudly, hoping to attract attention from outside.
She slapped the wooden door hard, but strangely there was no response outside. Just as she was about to give up and sat on the ground in despair, the wooden door suddenly opened. A man entered Noin's eyes, but because of his back to the sun, she couldn't see the other side clearly.
"I finally found you." In a comforting tone, the sun hit his silhouette when the young man walked into the hut.
"Trowa...?" Noin rubbed her eyes, and when she confirmed the identity, she was excited.
Trowa pushed the door open and said helplessly, "No wonder you didn't come, I wonder if something had happen to you." No need to think about what the Spaniard did again. Because Noin would be embarrassed, Trowa didn't say anything. The little boy in front of him seemed hungry and cold. He felt both sad and comforted in his heart. Fortunately, he returned to school earlier after the picnic.
Hearing his gentle tone, Noin's eyes suddenly became wet. Tears flowed down her cheeks to the corners of her mouth, and she sobbed.
Trowa walked to her and gently put her shoulders to comfort her, "Don't be sad."
Unexpectedly, she cried loudly when she heard this sentence.
Trowa patted her shoulder lightly, and his tone became softer, "Don't cry. You look like a little girl." He smiled bitterly.
This sentence awakened Noin's sanity.
Yes... She IS a boy now, how could she cry indiscriminately? Even Trowa thought she looked like a girl, which was really shameful. Her tears stopped immediately, wiped away the tears, she sobbed twice, and stood up again firmly.
************
The Bible says to forgive the enemy seventy-seven in seven times. Those who could do this must be extraordinary people of benevolence.
Noin walked towards the academy building in the southern campus angrily, where the Spanish party gathered usually.
A group of boys gathered in a small outdoor cafe. Noin looked around the crowd with her sharp eyes, and immediately found the leader among them.
The tall boys watched as the strangely petite Italians approached their leader step by step. Treize Khushrenada, who was sitting among the crowd, glanced at him squintingly.
Noin walked to a place about two meters in front of Treize's seat and stopped. The angry eyes stared at him without a trace of retreat. She just stood silently.
The corners of Treize's mouth raised slightly, and he raised the glass in his hand and said to Noin, "It's a Brandy from France. Would you like to have a glass?"
He should not invite her to drink in this kind of atmosphere. Unexpectedly, the people in front of her were so relaxed. Noin gasped, and her angry eyes added a hint of suspicion.
"No, thank you." In a reflective response, Noin regretted that she had used a very polite tone. She took a deep breath, and the momentum came back, "You know why I come."
"I have no idea. But I would like to hear the details." It was a face with a smile. That kind of calmness really made Noin feel angry.
Taking a deep breath, the petite girl bravely walked into the men group, lowering her voice more deliberately than usual, "Our positions are very clear to each other. Stop doing the tricks. If you want to do anything to me, please behave openly like a man, and I will beat you." Her brows frowned and her eyes were sharp. After the conversation, Noin turned around and left without paying attention to the opponent's reaction.
"He is really rude!" The words came out of the crowd after seeing the petite body disappear. Then several voices followed.
The corner of Treize's mouth was slightly raised when his fingers tapped the wine glass on his hand. "He is adorable." He couldn't help but chuckle.
"Don't you think he is too rude? Lord Treize, as long as you speak..."
Treize stopped him from talking. He looked at the speaker and then at Muller and Alex. He shook his head slightly, "Your approach is not elegant at all."
Muller and Alex looked down and felt embarrassed. And Treize's words of such profound meaning also made everyone around him dumbfounded but embarrassed to ask.
Treize drank the wine in his hand, "Behave openly like a man, don't you hear?"
Fortunately, no one caught up. Otherwise, they would see Noin’s flushed face. They would know that her courage just now was pretended.
She took a few deep breaths, her hands were clasping her chest nervously. She also didn't know where the courage came from, how could she say this kind of speech in the end? What if she anger Treize? Her task was to spend four years here in peace...
Would Treize Khushrenada be angry?
At the thought of this, Noin's red face faded immediately.
***********************************
Noin spent a period of time in trepidation, and before he knew it, it’s already the middle of Spring. When the warmth of Spring was so obvious, a special guest visited Sanc Collage.
Accustomed to reading on the grassland, Noin put a few novels beside her, enjoying the tranquility of this moment under the gleam of Spring and the warm wind.
Suddenly, there was a sound of carriage rolling and horses neighing. Looking up, a white carriage stopped in front of the administrative building. First, a petite girl got out of the carriage, and then with her assistance, a young lady in a pink dress slowly got out of the carriage.
The pink dress attracted Noin's eyes. Isn’t that the "Rococo" style clothing that became popular in Paris’ upper class last year? The Rococo fashion emphasized the exaggerated high hair style is simply a kind of black humor.
When Noin was still in Sicily, a dedicated tailor once advised her to wear this style of clothes with this hair style, but she immediately refused when she saw the effect. She didn't expect to see this kind of interesting costume on campus in Austria.
The girl also looked at her. The two looked at each other for a moment, and Noin avoided her gaze. The girl approached her in two steps, looked at her for a while, and then looked at the novels on the ground.
"Romeo and Juliet, Divine Comedy"..." She looked at the book in Noin's hand, her eyes widened with a smile, " It seems that we have similar interest on books."
Noin looked at her with doubts, and the stubborn look of the girl in front of her made her full of tough temperament. But this kind of tough temperament was incompatible with this charming dress and hair style. The girl smiled at her, and she returned a smile.
"Among the four great tragedies of Shakespeare, I love Romeo and Juliet the most." She continued to speak fluent French.
Noin’s eyes widened for this sentence. She was a little hesitant, making her hesitate to speak. Seeing this, the young lady smiled at her again, "Do you speck in French?"
Noin nodded and then replied with a little embarrassment, "Romeo and Juliet is not one of the four tragedies..."
"You sure?" This sentence is in English.
She is an English lady. Noin gave her an awkward smile, and this expression seemed more suitable for the girl in front of her.
"This is one of the four great tragedies. I think you make a mistake." Turning back to French again, she insisted. Noin shrugged her shoulders, and when the girl saw that she had no plans to supplement, she immediately turned around and entered the building.
She appeared in a boys’ school. Which family does she come from? Noin was curious.
*******
Milliardo and Heero were neatly dressed and walked towards the administrative building at a brisk pace.
"I haven't heard that she will come." The leader, Milliardo, tilted his head slightly and said to Heero who followed behind, in a brisk tone.
Heero did not answer, he kept a certain distance behind Milliardo.
Pushing the door of the meeting room, Milliardo saw the girl sitting quietly on the bench. He gave an amiable smile, and his tone became gentle, "Relena, it's nice to see you."
Relena slowly stood up from the bench. Milliardo stepped forward, trying to give his sister a hug, but when he hugged her, he was slightly blocked by her hair. He immediately laughed.
"Relena, are you serious for this hair style?"
A little embarrassed, she pretended to face up, embarrassedly waved the feather fan on her hand, and her right hand pulled her curly hair, "This is the most popular costume and style in France. All ladies are dressed in this way. Bro, you have been sleepy here for too long so you don't know anything about the outside world."
Milliardo laughed helplessly, and stopped commenting on her clothes, "When I heard that you are here, I thought they were mistaken at first." His believed his sister should have followed the supplies delivered from home. It was no longer important to ask why their parents let her go out, because she was already here anyway.
"I miss you." Relena hold her brother's hand with a little bit shyly, "I'm very depressed when you are not at home."
Milliardo gently stroked the bangs on her forehead. Relena and he had a very good relationship since childhood. It was inevitable that his sister would miss him. And as her elder brother, he also knew the purpose of Relena's trip. He took her by the hand, turned to someone who was still standing at the gate and shouted, "Heero is also here."
"I know, I saw him just now." Relena's mouth was slightly flattened, but she still maintained her stubborn look. She yelled at him reluctantly, "Hello, stranger."
Milliardo deliberately disapproved of her words. He smiled and motioned for Heero to come over. Heero walked towards him slowly and stood beside Millardo. He greeted Relena in a low voice, "How do you do?"
Relena looked down at him, replied "How do you do" softly and looked away again.
In the middle, Milliardo deliberately ignored the awkward atmosphere between the two. He pulled Relena to sit down, "How are father and mother?"
"They are fine. Father has a fox hunt recently. This time I also sent a fox fur. I have cut the tail of the fox as a hair accessory. I will show it to you next time." After her smile ended, she turned to Heero, "Earl Yuy also made a hat for you with the white fox he hunted."
"Alright." He responded briefly.
Relena frowned and looked at him, obviously dissatisfied with his short response.
"It's Spring now. It is useless to send fox skins." Milliardo’s words diverted Relena's attention. "It's rare for you to come, what if we have an outing for you?"
"Good idea." Relena clapped her hands and shouted, "I learned how to make bacon rolls. I can take them."
"Very good." Milliardo turned to Heero, "Please inform everyone."
"No problem." Heero, who responded to Milliardo’s words, looked positive at last.
Her dissatisfaction was all on her face for Heero's different reactions to her and her brother. When she wanted to say something sarcasm, Relena suddenly remembered something. She pulled Milliardo’s sleeve, blinked puzzledly, and asked a little embarrassed, "Milly, Is ‘Romeo and Juliet’ one of the four tragedies of Shakespeare?"
Chapter 3: Chapter 3
Chapter Text
春日和暖的上午,在聖克學園騎練場的大草原上,一群貴族子弟拉起韁繩,騎起駿馬,進行簡單的騎術練習。
諾茵騎乘的是一匹小白馬。到維也納前,她的騎馬經驗僅限於在家族莊園中騎上哥哥的馬匹,象徵式的走動個圈。因為父親認為騎馬並不屬於淑女課程之一,淑女只需要學習被騎士邀請上馬後,如何儀態萬千的坐著就可以了。
雖然穿起了騎服的諾茵看上去仍然是個翩翩公子,但坐在馬上半小時仍然是緩慢前行的動作已出賣了她不懂騎馬的事實。
儘管是多諾的邀請,可是也許推卻這次約會會比較明智。一來她不會騎馬,所以並不享受這種騎馬聚會;而且,當到達大草原,多諾將她向他的友人逐一介紹後,他便跟卡多魯二人策馬而去、失去踪影了。
「不試試策馬奔馳的感覺嗎?」身後出現一把聲音,諾茵轉向後方,是一雙明亮的水藍色眼睛。他是美利安多‧卑斯賴多。
「我…慢慢的散步就可以了。」有點尷尬的說出來,諾茵低沉的聲音顯得沒甚麼朝氣。
美利安多‧卑斯賴多,第一學期的全級第二名。他來自英國,是去年才繼承大不列顛的漢諾威選帝侯喬治一世的親屬,也是大不列顛帝國第五皇位繼承人。這種貴族中貴族的身份,加上俊秀的樣子還有出色的學術表現,足已令他在學院中的風頭一時無兩。
而她迪斯奴夫‧諾因海姆在學院中的身份恰恰相反,雖然是全級第一名,但只是一個沉默於角落,不顯人眼的小角色。
大抵心裡不希望被對方知道自己不會騎馬,她很快便避開了他的目光。
「我是美利安多‧卑斯賴多。」他朝諾茵自信的一笑,重新介紹自己。諾茵被那俊俏的外型擊倒,感到自己臉頰熾熱。她輕輕別過了臉。
「我當然知道,英國的美利安多殿下,做甚麼都很出色,你的傳聞全校都知道。」
「能夠得到全級第一名的迪斯奴夫‧諾因海姆先生讚賞,我深感榮幸。」說罷,他還誇張的彎腰敬禮。
「叫諾茵就可以了。」她輕輕點頭,不是不知道他的諷刺,但諾茵實在不想太出風頭。她既不是迪斯奴夫,也不想被稱為諾因海姆,所以她讓其他人都稱她為諾茵。
美利安多拉起馬跟上去,他稍稍領前於諾茵。他刻意的讓諾茵望向他的方向,然後拉起韁繩︰「握韁繩的手勢應像這樣。腳不需把馬夾得太緊,腰要再挺直一點。」
諾茵望著他,對方顯然察覺到她的難處。她臉頰在瞬間轉紅。可是…反正對方都不吝嗇的指導她了,也不防趁機學習一下吧…
看到對方開始配合自己的說話,美利安多繼續︰「踢一下馬肚就可增加速度,想讓牠放緩只需要用力拉緊韁繩。」他就跟在諾茵身邊,當看到她成功讓馬匹由龜速前進變成小狗步伐時,他也跟在一旁笑了︰「老實說,你騎馬的姿態優雅得像位女士。」
聽到這個笑話,在周遭的幾個人都笑了,只有諾茵一個笑不出來。
〈難道…有破綻嗎?〉諾茵的臉頰再次因緊張而變紅,她用力踢起馬肚,避開了這群笑聲。
在不遠處一直觀看的兩位男生騎著馬匹緩緩走向美利安多。
「怎麼看都只是個書呆子。」希羅‧尤爾皺起眉看著己走到遠處並放緩步伐的「小男生」,有點輕視的說道,「如果這個學期就開始騎術課的話,他肯定不會再考第一。」
「我說南歐人身材都偏矮嗎?」迪奧接上口,臉上的是個苦笑,「聽說諾因海姆只著重發展地中海的航運事業,大概都忘了將男人培育出騎士風範了。」
美利安多也陪笑起來︰「麥韋家大概忘了教育你沉默的重要吧?」
「真是一流的笑話。」迪奧冷笑一聲,無視他繼續前進。
遠離笑聲的諾茵在距離稍遠的白樺樹旁停下來,她發現一位人物正在樹的背後竭息。
「卑斯賴多小姐?」她慢慢的跳下馬,這位千金小姐用一臉狼狽的樣子望著她。諾茵甚至不知道她發生了甚麼事。
她臉頰還有些紅,她依靠著樹幹,望著正走向她的諾茵。
「今天天氣挺不錯…」基本上她跟眼前的女孩沒甚麼共同話題可言。聞說英國人打招呼都會先談論天氣,這樣應該可以先跟這位英國小姐打開話題吧?
對方點點頭。她顯然有點不自在。
「剛才妳準備的煙肉卷很美味…」諾茵看到她身旁的籃子,想起了剛才午餐時的情況。
「你是在取笑我嗎?」莉莉娜不好意的苦笑,「比起你剛才賣相漂亮的三文治,我的煙肉卷立即被比下去。」抬起頭來,她向諾茵投以難以置信的目光,「老實說我沒想過男生也會準備野餐的食物。」
「因為…」有點不好意思的拍拍頭,「多諾說可以準備些食物…」
「其實我剛才就想問了,真教我驚訝,」莉莉娜疑惑的望著諾茵︰「你的長通粉跟三文治都很好吃…真的是你做的?」
諾茵點點頭。
「沒想過男生也會做菜…」莉莉娜有點失落,「而且做得比我更好…」
聽到這句說話,諾茵突然緊張起來。這麼說來,她不應該用男生的身份做菜?
「那是因為我家裡有個妹妹,都是她教我的…」她想找個藉口蒙混過去。
「妹妹?」
「嗯…」要說謊了,諾茵不自然的低下頭,「妹妹喜歡做菜,看多了,我也變得有點興趣,便跟她學起來…」
「你真有趣,我哥就從來沒有跟我學過任何手藝,他只對騎馬、劍擊和釣魚有興趣。」莉莉娜內心感到舒服點了。她笑著回應,「妳的妹妹年紀多大了?」
「比我小一年,今年十五歲了。」
「會跟她學做菜,你們兩兄妹感情一定很好了吧?」
「嗯…」想起兄長的事,諾茵突然感到心中一陣鬱抑,聲音變得低沈下來。
諾因海姆家的長子迪斯奴夫‧諾因海姆在一次狩獵意外中不幸身亡了。由於跟西班牙有協議,諾因海姆家唯有對長子的死秘而不宣。偏偏在他離世前申請了入讀聖克學院,為了保守迪斯奴夫已離世的秘密,諾因海姆家唯有以年輕一歲的妹妹露洛莉亞代替兄長完成學業。眼前只要完成四年的學習歸國便大功告成。但以後的路要怎麼走呢?一切都是未知之數,她的前途也是暗淡不明的呀…
莉莉娜一直在說話,但諾茵沒在意她說些甚麼,她現在只沉痛在自己的思想裡面,然後想起了兄長以往的點點滴滴…
直至莉莉娜想要走動,卻突然間發出了痛叫聲。諾茵又從思緒中回到現實了。
在出發時看到莉莉娜仍穿上一身高雅的長闊裙,身為女生的諾茵就知道她待會一定活受罪。穿上這種束縛性甚強的洛可可服裝去郊遊絕對不是明智之選,而莉莉娜之所以會不自在,大概是因為—
「其實妳可以脫掉那雙高跟鞋,穿上它們走山路,妳的腿一定很累了吧?」諾茵將馬牽到樹旁,對莉莉娜提議道。
莉莉娜的臉頰立即又漲紅起來。她沒想過這種說話會由男生口中說出來!被一個「陌生人」這樣提醒,她真是丟臉死了。
「這不是甚麼大不了的事。」一看就知道莉莉娜感到難堪了,諾茵更快的以溫柔的語氣說,「來到郊外不是應該感受野外的氣息嗎?脫掉鞋子走動其實很舒服。」說罷,她首先脫去鞋子坐在草地上。
看到她「豪邁」的表現,莉莉娜感動了。她不好意思的脫掉了高跟的靴子,讓腳直接踩到草地上 — 啊,總算得到解脫,自由的雙腿又回來了。
莉莉娜用雙手托著下巴,靜靜的望著不遠處的河流。然後,又是一陣尷尬的靜寂。
「你知道迪奧寫了個《羅賓漢》的劇本嗎?」兩個人之間太沉默令莉莉娜感到不自在,她轉移了話題。
「知道,聽說會在校慶第二天公演。」這件事由多諾通知,她當然知道。
「這個我聽哥哥說過了。」她撥弄頭髮,「從校慶劇變為次選,他一定很失望吧?」
一想到迪奧平日嬉皮笑臉的樣子,諾茵輕輕的笑了出來︰「我想他應該沒受到甚麼打擊,他還是這樣開朗。」
「你也感受到他是開朗的人吧?」莉莉娜認同的笑了,「他想要當個劇作家,所以經常把小說投稿到報章去,可是都沒有成功。後來有一次報章登了他的小篇小品出來,他興奮得大叫大嚷,整整一年都在提著這件事呢。」
「聽起來是個很有趣的人。」諾茵也跟著她笑了,「很難想像這麼好動的人會喜愛寫劇本。」
莉莉娜望著她,有一刻猶疑了。然後,像要說出甚麼的嘴巴又閉上了。諾茵望著臉容變化的她,正想要說些甚麼時,莉莉娜主動的跟她說出了一件事情︰「其實迪奧所以愛寫作,全然受到他的哥哥影響。他的兄長蘇洛‧麥韋很喜歡劇作,有好幾部作品都得過文壇的獎項呢。」
「啊,真是對出色的兄弟。」
莉莉娜繼續︰「迪奧只是鬧著玩,生性好動的他哪會真心乖乖的坐著寫劇本呢。只是…」那種猶疑感又來了,她停頓了半拍才繼續,「蘇洛在一次出國旅遊途中遇上海難死了,他留下了一部未完成的劇本,迪奧受到這件事的影響才決心要做一個劇作家。」
「他的哥哥死了…」兄長死了而改變了弟弟的志向…那是非常熟悉的感覺。她不也是因為兄長死了而改變了命運嗎?「他跟他哥哥一定是對感情非常要好的兄弟…」
說完了故事,莉莉娜的臉容又重拾寬和了。她伸了個懶腰踢著腳,這種舉動似乎不屬於穿上華麗長裙的女士。
「如果《羅賓漢》能演出成功就好了,這對迪奧而言也會是一大鼓舞吧?」
迪奧和他的劇本《羅賓漢》…
像是同病相憐的,諾茵靜靜的沈思著…
**************
「你跟莉莉娜似乎很合得來。」
傍晚,當諾茵從飯堂回到宿舍的路上,她遇上了剛從校外回來的美利安多‧卑斯賴多。打了個招呼後,因同路的關係,兩個不太熟悉的人一同走回宿舍去。諾茵感到尷尬卻不知道要跟這位很有氣勢的男生說些甚麼。倒是美利安多自然的跟她聊了起來。
「她是個很健談的女孩子。」這是她由衷的讚美。
「很高興她在這裡認識了新的朋友。」美利安多比諾茵高出很多,每次說話也得低下頭來,「謝謝你今天陪了她一整天。」
「請別這樣說。」敏感的諾茵察覺到對方的說話有點不妥。加上美利安多個子高,聲音深沉,天生有種皇家的氣勢,跟他說話令她心裡有點不安和緊張,變得小心弈弈起來,「我純粹是覺得莉莉娜小姐一個人坐著太悶了,而且 — 如你所見我不像你們那樣會騎馬,所以便停下來跟她聊天了。其實我應該多謝莉莉娜小姐陪我一整天。」
「我還覺得你滿有天份的。」美利安多不贊同的搖頭,「只不過靠一點提示,就開始懂得策騎了。起碼在回程的時候,你的姿態已經有板有眼了。」
「還真是感謝你的指導,卑斯賴多殿下。」
聽罷她的說話,美利安多笑了起來。他搖搖頭,令諾茵覺得很奇怪。
「我的朋友都叫我美利安多。其實你不需要太緊張,我有這麼嚇人嗎?」
「才不是。」深深吸了口氣,諾茵平靜的說,「不過,聽你這麼說,我倒是擔心會被希羅‧尤爾誤會了。」
「嗯?」美利安多疑惑了。
想起今天的事,諾茵也忍不著略略的笑了︰「莉莉娜小姐今天提及希羅這名字一共十五次。我想,他們應該是非常友好的關係吧?」
美利安多咯咯笑起來。「原來你心裡有數…」他嘆了口氣,笑著面對諾茵,「不用太在意這個,事實上希羅對她其實並沒有特別的意思。」
「嗯?」這次換成諾茵疑惑了。
「希羅跟我們兄妹一起長大,莉莉娜跟他是兩小無猜沒錯,雖然是自己的妹妹,但我也不得不承認希羅對她那種不是男女之情。你明白嗎?」
諾茵不明白。她不明白為甚麼卑斯賴多兄妹這樣奇怪,對她這個第一次接觸的陌生人會吐露這麼多的情報。是她看起來很可靠?還是這種大氣度是天生的?
「這個跟我無關…」她高調的說著,不想美利安多有任何誤會。
但對方似乎無視了她這句說話。她不想在這問題上著墨太多,免得會越描越黑,而且她想起了一件事情—
「關於《羅賓漢》的演出…」她低聲的道,「我希望能有機會參演。」
本來想要跟多諾說的,畢竟他是第一個邀請她的人。但為了結束她跟美利安多之前無意義的話題,她選擇以新的話題轉移視線。
美利安多彷彿有點驚訝。他望著諾茵︰「是甚麼令你改變主意了?」
諾茵深深吸入了一口冷空氣,想了想才回答︰「偶爾參與演出似乎也不錯。」
「我會告訴迪奧。期待你的表現。」美利安多在宿舍門前停下來,向她微微一笑,「晚安了,諾茵同學。」
夜色雖暗,但諾茵仍清楚看到他的笑容。這位英國王子笑起來真的好看極了。她感到自己臉頰一陣熾熱,立即抱著臉低頭衝進屋內。
關上房門,諾茵背靠著木門嘆了口氣。她用力拍打自己的臉,使發熱的臉頰冷靜下來。
〈算甚麼…這種女孩子的羞澀…〉
今天是入學以來第一次跟許多的男生一同出外遊玩,她有預想過可能會經歷可怕的時光,但事實上,今天是愉快而刺激的。一直以為只要束起頭髮,壓低聲線,保持沉默,應該就能裝扮成男生。雖然入學前父親曾告誡她一些女性的舉動,但原來真實地要融入男性群中跟她這個女生所想的還是差很遠。
〈我展露出太多女性的舉動了!〉她皺起眉頭猛力敲了頭顱一下。
她走到鏡子前瞄了瞄。天啊,今天的露洛莉亞‧諾因海姆看起來哪裡像個男生?她撥弄著長長的馬尾辮,不滿意的皺起眉頭。美利安多跟迪奧也留著長長的頭髮,但他們看起來卻一點不女性化。當她解開髮帶以後看上去卻地地道道的是個女生。
她坐在床上,凝視著鏡子,內心一陣不憤的情緒湧現。
「我可是背負著整個諾因海姆家的命運,不可有任何差池。」輕聲的說著,她下定了決心,揮起剪刀將那柔和的青絲剪斷了。
再望望鏡子,那短小的頭髮現在像樣多了。她滿意的微笑。
「哥哥,我一定會代替你守護著諾因海姆家。我必須忘記自己是女性的身份。」她倚靠著窗戶,看著窗外那一輪明月,心中的陰霾也漸漸消散了。
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法語是諾茵的強項,寫詩也是。
女生本來就比男生更有語言天份,而且更感情細膩,諾茵在文法課中的表現是出類拔萃的。對於要如何正確地寫作和演講,以比喻、暗喻等修辭手法表達己見,還有以不同角度理解詩人和歷史學家的作品,諾茵的表現也無懈可擊。
「興奮,快活,滿心歡喜,我走向附近的小溪,聽見它嘩嘩地流淌,沒有比它更美的地方,能給我這樣的歡慰。一股大而急的流水,落自鄰近的山崗,溪水清澈冰涼,像井水,又像噴泉,它雖然沒有塞納河寛,流水卻更急更多。以前,我從未見過,這條如此可愛的小溪,看到這兒如此美麗,我禁心花怒放。溪水清澈晶亮,我用手捧起洗臉,全身涼爽。我看見河床裡布滿礫石,廣闊而美麗的草地,一直延伸到河岸。早晨,安靜、可愛、溫暖,空氣清新,令人神怡,我踏著綠色的草地,歡快地順著河流,一直不停地往前走。不一會,一個果園,出現在我眼前,又大又寬,高牆緊圍,帶有雉堞,外牆土又畫又刻,佈滿各式圖案。
那兒有一大片玫瑰,那麼美,天底下再也找不出來。有的花蕾小而密,有的則大而疏稀,還有一些又大小有別,它們剛剛到了季節,正準備含苞盛開,它們也是那麼可愛。花開得又大又勁,但總有一天都會凋零,花蕾卻又嫩又鮮,起碼能保持二至三天。我覺得最美的還是花蕾,世上沒甚麼能與之媲美。如果人們能夠得到,真應該愛之如寶。假如我也能有,此生我將別無他求。花蕾中有一個特美,美得使別的花蕾全都失去了價值。我仔細端詳它時,發現它色澤鮮艷,真純,紅得耀眼,堪稱是天下一絕。它有四對綠葉,排列得那麼別緻,簡直是自然的奇蹟。花莖筆直,如同蘆葦,上面結著花蕾,一點不斜,一點不彎。它的芳香,四處擴散︰它散發出來的香味,瀰漫在我的周圍。當我閒到這股香氣,我便再也不想遠離,如果我敢伸出手去,我會向前把它摘取。可又尖又刺的莖桿,使我離它站得遠遠,荊棘長滿尖刺,蕁麻刺兒鋒利,我不敢越雷池一步,因為我不想自找痛苦,愛神他,帶著箭和弓,一直都想跟蹤和監視我,他在一株無花果樹旁停住,當他發現我看中了尚未盛開的玫瑰花,它討我歡心和歡喜,勝過別的任何東西,便立即拿出箭來,把箭輕輕地搭在弦上,把弓一直彎至耳邊,使盡全力,然後,準確而熟練,猛地把箭射出,箭穿過眼,落我心中…」
當諾茵完成這段《玫瑰傳奇》的選讀,班房中掌聲不絕,連老師都讚嘆不已。
「非常優美的演讀,完美無碬的發音,恰到好處的停頓,謝謝諾因海姆為我們演繹了這首優雅的《玫瑰傳奇》。」文法老師的稱讚使諾茵有點飄飄然。這首愛情詩是她的心頭好。在家中時,若果父親有朋友來參加茶會,每次她都會表演這段選讀。可以說,這樣的演說她駕輕就熟。
當老師邀請她對這首中世紀法國古詩的修辭和含意作出自我解讀時,她欣然接受,並說了了自己的見解。
「… 當然,在反映社會問題以外,如果單純以第一部分去看,我認為玫瑰因為自有芳香,所以是自信的,優美的,因此她值得騎士費煞思量、排除萬難去追求。魅力來自女性本身的能力與自信,如果以這方面去理解,既然社會認同優秀的女士值得騎士奮力追求,那就應該認同女性在更多方面有自主,例如有平等學習的權利,甚至可以自主獨立…」
這種說法當然不為在場男生們的認同,諾茵是抱持了這種覺悟。但能夠在這種學術討論場合發表自己的意見,她已於願足矣。
不過,她沒想到會得到杜魯斯的回應。
「玫瑰之美在於有惜花之人,懂得欣賞她的美好,就如同淑女等待著謙謙君子一樣。」
諾茵搖頭,並不能完全贊同。「玫瑰何必要等惜花之人,有沒有這個人,玫瑰本身也散發出優雅的本質。」
雖然這首古詩是描述紳士追求少女的心情,而諾茵也非常喜歡這種意境的描寫,但她總覺得心底裡無法完全認同詩中的意思。現在想來,也許她本來就不認同,作為女性的身份必須等待男性主導的戀愛關係。
跟杜魯斯之間的辯論,使她更能看清楚自己的想法和心情,因而使她很感愉悅。
零星的發言和討論在班中展開,一如所料大家都支持杜魯斯的說法。這本來就是一個興之所致而帶出的角度,諾茵淡淡然的呼了口氣。同時,另一個聲音在在雜亂的討論中突圍而出。
「我的看法跟沙士比亞比較接近。玫瑰喚作其他的名字,也一樣芳香如故。」美利安多不經意的插話,「就算有意親近玫瑰的紳士如何叫喚,花的本質也是一樣。而花的本質,也在於土壤的質素。所以如果珍愛優雅的玫塊,首先應該從源頭提供更優質的土壤吧?」
諾茵訝異於美利安多‧卑斯賴多的立場和看法竟然跟她如此接近。也許因為他有一個妹妹?還是因為他來自於英國?他雖然輕描淡寫的說出自己的看法,但看來似乎並不單純為她解圍。
「這恐怕就是我跟你看法的分別。玫瑰是美麗而嬌弱的 — 即使它帶有刺 — 這就是現今土壤所培育出來的美。至於花朵本身能否拙壯成長?當然可以,但如果有一個惜花之人加以保護,花朵之美才能得到最大發揮。」
「誰可以確保玫瑰花會落入惜花之人手中呢,如果是摧花之人呢?」
諾茵的說話引來一陣笑聲。也結束了這個話題。杜魯斯略略低頭微笑,似乎有其他的想法,但他沒有在這個話題下接下去。
「我對中古詩略有研究,亦正在閱讀幾本詩集。如果卑斯賴多和諾茵同學有興趣的話,我很樂意與之分享。」杜魯斯似是向她釋出善意,意外地她竟然從他言語中感受到善意。中古詩集的交流,諾茵是很有興趣沒錯,可是對象是杜魯斯的話,恐怕還是要小心處理吧。
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五月下旬,維也納已漸漸暖和起來。聖克學院南區玫瑰園前的小劇院除了回歸的鳥鳴聲外,還有熱熱鬧鬧的歡樂笑聲…
「大家排練得很好,到演出時保持水準就可以了。」迪奧拿著捲起的劇本精神弈弈的指揮著舞台上的演員,還不忘抖擻的讚賞鼓勵他們,「大家先休息一下吧。」
坐在一旁的希羅交叉雙腿望著手舞足蹈的迪奧,呼了口氣。
「你在台下跳舞是沒用的。」
因這句說話而回過頭來的迪奧一幅不在乎的樣子︰「我忘了謝謝你呢希羅,雖然只是路人甲但也出席我們的排練,真是專業。」語帶諷刺的他還向希羅拋了個眼色。
希羅冷眼的瞄了他一下,沒有作聲。迪奧當然知道,希羅是來鼓勵他的。
在資源緊拙的情況下,《羅賓漢》總算湊夠演出的人數了。迪奧心中的羅賓漢人選是希羅和美利安多其中一人,但美利安多堅持不肯上台,而希羅讀了兩段對白後,迪奧發現他全無演戲細胞,所以否決了讓他當主角的念頭。最後,這個北歐人角色落入了東歐系的多諾手上。
這也許是塞翁失馬,多諾本身擅於箭術,他拿起弓箭的模樣既專業又好看,而他那冷靜高尚的氣質出乎意料的跟羅賓漢這角色一拍即合,由他演繹這角色令迪奧非常滿意。
劇中的女主角最為傷腦筋,要一班十來歲的男生扮演女孩,選角得謹慎一點…
聽到可以休息,拿著弓箭的諾茵抺了抺額上的汗珠坐在一旁。她從遠處望著身為主角的多諾,邊看邊用雙手托頭嘆息。
女主角…她不明白,這班男人群中,除了身為女性的她可演出得唯妙唯肖外,誰可以架御這個角色。但偏偏迪奧選擇了卡多魯。
好吧,她也承認身為瑞典人的卡多魯皮膚的確很白晢,反之她這個南歐人相比起來竟然帶點點棕啡…迪奧還有解釋,論身高,卡多魯跟身形高大的多諾比較匹配,再加上他兩「出雙入對」早有默契,於是,他順理成章的將女主角瑪莉安的角色交給卡多魯了。
「羅賓漢身邊的孩童角色…」她又嘆氣了。誰讓她身形嬌小,結果只能分配到些小孩角色。跟多諾的對手戲只有一場。想到這裡,她有點失望的走到劇院外邊去,沿著小湖慢慢的散步著。既然答應要參加演出,就非得盡力完成承諾才行…
「不可以這樣…」
草叢傳來了一點點聲音,諾茵回過頭去,偷偷的走向聲音出處。那是杜魯斯身邊的兩個男生,阿斯蘭和基拉。這兩個人似乎在爭論著甚麼,他們似乎刻意的在壓低聲線,令諾茵無法聽清楚內容。
〈不要偷看別人嘛…〉心裡這樣想著,但這兩個人奇怪的舉動完全吸引了諾茵的目光,〈難道西班牙人又想到甚麼陰謀?〉嬌小的身軀躲在樹幹後,好奇心驅使她察看這兩個人的舉動—
阿斯蘭拉著基拉的手,這兩個人要打架嗎?難道內訌了?但下一瞬間的情境,令諾茵驚訝得說不出話來—
阿斯蘭親吻著基拉!基拉想要推開他,但他被壓到樹幹旁,只稍微掙扎了兩下,便順從的回應著對方的熱吻—
〈天啊—〉諾茵轉過身低下頭去,按著嘴巴以防自己驚叫出來。
她曾在書上看過中世紀的法國曾流行過所謂男性相戀這回事,當時稱為「畸戀」,是一種觸犯天主教教條的禁忌。看到書上的圖畫時她倒沒太大反應,但如今親眼看到真實的情況時,這位芳齡十五、長居深閨的女孩被嚇著了。
她連忙在胸前劃了個十字。
〈天父請原諒我看到不潔的東西…〉有點抖震,她深深吸了口氣,總算用最大的勇氣令自己冷靜下來了。她再回頭查看,那兩個人仍依偎在一起。
由湖邊刮來一陣風,她趁著風聲稍稍的離開,立即跑回劇場前的小玫瑰園。
阿斯蘭和基拉…若果被發現了,一定會被趕出校…不,事情應該還不止這樣。身為西班牙人觸犯了天主教教條,恐怕還會被送到教廷去受罰。對於名聲比一切都重要的貴族而言,這兩個人的下場一定很可悲。
竟然會遇上這種事…西班牙那邊的人都是這麼荒唐的嗎?不知不覺間將負面的想法套進西班牙集團中,諾茵雙手放在胸前,雖然跟西班牙談不上有交情,但她竟然還有點擔心。
杜魯斯‧國斯里達會知道這種事嗎?
************* English version **************
In a warm Spring morning, on the prairie of Sanc Collage’s riding training ground, a group of noble men pulled up the reins, rode their horses, and performed simple riding exercises.
Noin rode a little white horse. Before arriving in Vienna, her riding experience was limited to riding her brother's horse in the family manor and walking in a symbolic circle. Because riding was not one of the courses for ladies as per her father, ladies only needed to learn how to sit in good manner after being invited by a knight to mount a horse.
Although Noin in the riding uniform still looked like a handsome young man, the slow movement of sitting on the horse for half an hour had betrayed the fact that she didn’t know horse riding.
Although it was Trowa's invitation, it might be a wise decision to refuse this picnic. For one thing, she didn’t know how to ride a horse, so she didn’t enjoy this kind of riding party; moreover, when she arrived in the prairie, after Trowa introduced her to his friends one by one, he and Quatre rode away and disappeared.
"Don't you want to try the feeling of riding a horse in gallop?" There was a voice behind her. When Noin turned to the back, she saw bright aqua-blue eyes. He was Milliardo Peacecraft.
"I... just take it slowly." She said it embarrassingly, and Noin's low voice seemed unreliable.
Milliardo Peacecraft, the second place in the first semester. He was from the Great Britain and he was a relative of George I, the elector of Hanover who only succeeded to Great Britain last year. He was also the heir to the fifth throne of the British Empire. This kind of aristocratic status among the nobles, coupled with his handsome appearance and outstanding academic performance, it made him the most popular in the academy.
And herself Dixneuf Neunheim's identity in the academy was just the opposite. Although she was the first in the class, she was just a small character who was silent in the corner and inconspicuous.
She probably didn't want to be known by the other party that she could not ride a horse, so she quickly avoided his gaze.
"I'm Milliardo Peacecraft." He smiled confidently at Noin and re-introduced himself. Noin was knocked down by the handsome appearance and felt her cheeks hot. She gently turned her face away.
"For sure I know who you are. Your Highness Milliardo from the Great Britain is good at everything. Your rumour is known throughout the school."
"It's a great honour to be appreciated by Mr. Dixneuf Neunheim, who is the first place in the class." After all, he exaggeratedly bent over to salute.
"It's fine to call me Noin." She nodded slightly, not ignorant of his irony, but Noin really didn't want to be too pushy. She was neither Dixneuf nor did she want to be called Neunheim, so she asked everyone to call her Noin.
Milliardo pulled up his horse to follow, and he led Noin slightly. He deliberately asked Noin to look in his direction, and then pulled up the reins, "The gesture of holding the reins should be like this. Your feet don't need to be too tight, and the waist should be straighter."
Noin looked at him, and the other party clearly noticed her difficulty. Her cheeks turned red in an instant. But...anyway he was not stingy to instruct her, so she should take the opportunity to learn...
Noticing that she began to follow his words, Milliardo continued, "Kick the horse belly to increase the speed. If you want to slow it down, you only need to tighten the reins." He followed Noin and saw her success. When the horse was changed from a tortoise to a puppy's pace, he also smiled aside, "Honestly, your riding posture is as graceful as a lady."
Hearing this joke, several people around giggled, but Noin had different feeling.
“Is there any flaw?” Noin's cheeks turned red from tension again, and she kicked the horse belly hard to avoid the laughter.
The two young men who had been watching not far away, they rode slowly towards Milliardo.
"No matter how you look at him, he is just a nerd." Heero Yuy frowned and looked at the "little boy" who had walked away and slowed down, and said with a slight contempt, "If we start riding lessons this semester, he will definitely not take the first place anymore."
"Did I say that Southern Europeans are short in stature?" Duo took his mouth with a wry smile on his face, "I heard that Neunheim only focuses on developing the shipping business in the Mediterranean. I believe they probably forgot to cultivate their men into a knighthood. "
Milliardo also laughed, "Maybe Maxwell family probably forgot to teach you the importance of being silence?"
"It's a top-notch joke." Duo sneered, ignoring him and moving on.
Noin, who was far from the laughter, stopped beside the birch tree a little further away, and she found a character exhausted behind the tree.
"Lady Peacecraft?" She slowly jumped off the horse, and the young lady looked at her with a look of embarrassment. Noin didn't even know what happened to her.
Her cheek was still a little red, and she leaned on the tree trunk and looked at Noin who was walking towards her.
"The weather is pretty good today..." Basically, she and the girl in front of her have nothing to talk about. It was said that British would talk about the weather first when they say hello, so maybe she should be able to talk to this British lady first?
The girl nodded. She was obviously uncomfortable.
"The bacon rolls you prepared just now are delicious..." Noin saw the basket beside her and remembered the situation at lunch just now.
"Are you making fun of me?" Relena smiled bitterly, "Compared to the beautiful sandwiches you have just now, my bacon rolls were nothing." Lifting her head, she casted disbelief to Noin, "To be honest, I never thought that boys would prepare food for picnics."
"It is because..." She patted her head with a little embarrassedly, "Trowa said I could prepare some food..."
"Actually, I just wanted to ask, it really surprised me," Relena looked at Noin suspiciously, "Your macaroni and sandwiches are delicious...really you made them?"
Noin nodded.
"I never thought that boys can cook..." Relena was a little bit disappointed, "especially you do better than me..."
Hearing this sentence, Noin suddenly became nervous. So, shouldn't a boy cook?
"That's because I have a younger sister, she taught me when I was at home..." She wanted to find an excuse.
"Younger sister?"
When she was about to lie, Noin lowered her head unnaturally, "My younger sister likes cooking, I watch too much, and I became a little interested, that’s why I learned from her..."
"It sounds wonderful. My brother has never learned any crafts from me. He is only interested in horseback riding, fencing and fishing." Relena felt a little more comfortable. She responded with a smile, "How old is your sister?"
"She is 15 years old, which is one year younger than me."
"You learn how to cook from her so you two must have a good relationship."
Thinking of the brother's matter, Noin suddenly felt depressed in her heart, and her voice became low.
Dixneuf Neunheim, the eldest son of the Neunheim family, unfortunately died in a hunting accident. Due to the agreement with Spain, the Neunheim family could only keep the eldest son's death secret. But before he died, he applied for admission to Sanc Collage. In order to keep the secret of Dixneuf's death, the Neunheim family had to replace their son with Lucrezia, the daughter to continue the studies. Just complete four years of study before returning to Sicily and that would be done. But how was the future going? Everything was unknown, and her future was also bleak...
Relena has been talking, but Noin didn’t care what she said. She was only deeply saddened in her thoughts, and then remembered the little bit of her brother’s past...
Until Relena tried to walk, but suddenly she let out a cry of pain. Noin returned to reality from her thoughts.
Seeing Relena still wearing an elegant long skirt when setting off, Noin, a girl, knew that she would suffer alive later. It was definitely not a wise choice to wear this kind of restraining rococo costume for an outing, and the reason why Relena was uncomfortable may be probably because—
"Actually, you can take off those high heels. Your legs must be very tired." Noin led the horse to the tree and suggested to Relena.
Relena's cheeks immediately flushed again. She never thought that this kind of speech would come out of a boy! She was really ashamed to be reminded like this by a "stranger".
"It's not a big deal." At first glance, she knew that Relena was embarrassed. Noin said in a gentle tone faster, "It is good to feel the breath of the wild when you come to the suburbs. It is actually very comfortable to take off your shoes and walk around.” After that, she took off her shoes and sat on the grass.
Relena was moved by Noin’s “heroic” performance. She was embarrassed to take off her high-heeled boots and let her feet step directly on the grass — finally she was relieved and her free legs came back.
Relena put her chin in her hands, quietly looking at the river not far away. Then there was another awkward silence.
"Do you know that Duo wrote a script for ‘Robin Hood’?" The silence between the two made Relena uncomfortable, and she changed the topic.
"I know that it will be performed on the second day of the school celebration." This was notified by Trowa.
"I heard my brother says about this." She fiddled with her hair. "From the school celebration drama to the second choice, he must be disappointed?"
Thinking of Duo's usual happy smile, Noin smiled softly, "I don't think he has been blow, he is still so cheerful."
"You are right, he is a cheerful person." Relena smiled in agreement, "He wants to be a playwright, so he often submits novels to the newspapers, but without success. But finally a newspaper published his work. He yelled with excitement when the short story came out, and he has been talking about this all year."
"Sounds like a very interesting and optimistic person." Noin also smiled at her. "It's hard to imagine that such an active person would love to write scripts."
Relena looked at her, hesitated for a moment. Then, the mouth that seemed to say something was closed again. Noin looked at her whose face changed, and when she was about to say something, Relena took the initiative to tell her one thing, "Actually, Duo loves to write because he was completely influenced by his elder brother. His brother Solo Maxwell liked dramas very much. Several works had won awards in the literary world."
"He sounds good at writing."
Relena continued, "Duo is just playing around. He is so active to really sit and write the script. It's just..." That kind of hesitation came again, and she paused for a while before continuing, "Solo died in the sea while traveling abroad. He left an unfinished script. Duo was affected by this incident and decided to become a playwright."
"His elder brother died..." The elder brother died and changed his younger brother's ambitions... it was a very familiar story. Didn't she also change her destiny because her brother died? "Duo and his brother must be very close to each other..."
After telling the story, Relena's face was relaxed again. She stretched and kicked her feet, which seemed to not belong to the lady in the gorgeous dress.
"It would be great if ‘Robin Hood’ could be performed successfully. It would also be a great encouragement to Duo."
Duo and his script "Robin Hood"...
They have a similar sad stories, Noin quietly pondered...
**************
"Relena and you seem to get along well."
In the evening, when Noin returned from the dining hall to the dormitory, she saw Milliardo Peacecraft, who had just returned from outside school. After saying hello, two people who were not familiar with each other walked back to the dorm together because of the same way. Noin felt embarrassed but she didn't know what to say to this imposing gentleman. On the contrary, Milliardo talked to her naturally.
"She is a very friendly and talkative girl." This was her sincere compliment.
"I'm glad she can meet new friend here." Milliardo was much taller than Noin, and he lowered his head every time when he spoke with her, "Thank you for staying with her all day."
"It’s other way round." Noin sensed that his words were a bit wrong. In addition, Milliardo was tall, his voice was deep, and he was born with a royal aura. Talking to him made her feel a little uneasy and nervous, and she became cautious. "I just think Miss Relena was too bored to sit alone. And— as you can see, I don’t ride horses like you do, so I stopped and chatted with her. In fact, I should thank Miss Relena for staying with me all day.”
"I think you are talented." Milliardo shook his head disapprovingly, "With a few hints, you can start to know how to ride. At least on the return journey, your posture is already improved a lot."
"Thank you for your guidance, Your Highness."
After listening to her words, Milliardo laughed. He shook his head, which surprised Noin.
"My friends call me Milliardo. In fact, you don't need to be too nervous, am I that scary?"
"No." Taking a deep breath, Noin said calmly, "But you get the point. Actually I'm just worried that Heero Yuy might be misunderstood."
"Huh?" Milliardo was puzzled.
Thinking of what happened today, Noin couldn't help but smile slightly, "Miss Relena mentioned the name Heero fifteen times today. I think they should be very close friends."
Milliardo chuckled. "So you realised it..." He sighed and smiled at Noin, "Don't worry too much about this, in fact, Heero doesn't really has any special feeling to her."
"Huh?" This time it was Noin to puzzled.
"Heero grew up with us. But I have to admit that Relena for him is just like a younger sister. He did not think about anything in romantic with her. Do you understand?"
Noin didn't understand. She didn't understand why the Peacecraft brother and sister were so strange that they would confide so much information to the stranger like her. Was she looking reliable? Or were they born to trust people easily?
"This has nothing to do with me..." She said high-profile, not wanting Milliardo to have any misunderstandings.
But the other party seemed to ignore her words. She didn’t want to paint too much on this issue, and she remembered one thing—
"About the performance of ‘Robin Hood’..." She whispered, "I hope to have the opportunity to participate."
She wanted to tell Trowa first, after all, he was the first person to invite her. But in order to end her previously meaningless topic with Milliardo, she chose to divert his attention with a new topic.
Milliardo seemed a little surprised. He looked at Noin, "What made you change your mind?"
Noin took a deep breath of cold air, and after thinking about it, she replied, "Occasionally, it seems to be a good performance."
"I will tell Duo. Looking forward to your performance." Milliardo stopped in front of the dormitory and smiled at her, "Good night, Noin."
Although the night was dark, Noin still saw his smile clearly. The English noble smiled really beautifully. She felt a blazing heat on her cheeks and immediately hugged her face and lowered her head into the house.
Closing the door, Noin sighed against the wooden door. She slapped hard her face to calm the hot cheeks.
"What's the shyness of such a girl..."
Today was the first time since enrolling in school to go out to play with many boys. She had anticipated that she might experience a terrible time, but in fact, today was pleasant and exciting. She always thought that as long as she tied her hair, lowered her voice, and remained silent, she should be able to dress up as a boy. Although her father had warned her of some female behaviours before enrolling in school, it turned out to be far from what she thought of as a girl to truly integrate into the male group.
I am too girly! She frowned and banged her head hard.
She went to the mirror and took a glance. Oh my god, how does Lucrezia Neunheim look like a boy today? She fiddled with her long ponytail and frowned in dissatisfaction. Milliardo and Dior also had long hair, but they didn't look feminine at all. When she removed the hair band, she looked like a girl.
She sat on the bed, staring into the mirror, and a wave of indignation emerged in her heart.
"I have the fate of the entire Neunheim family on my back. I can’t bear any mistakes." She said softly but she already made up her mind and waved her scissors to cut the hair.
Looking in the mirror again, the short hair is much more decent now. She smiled with satisfaction.
"Brother, I will definitely protect Neunheim on your behalf. I must forget that I am a woman." She leaned against the window and looked at the bright moon outside, and the haze in her heart gradually dissipated.
***********************
French was Noin's strengths and so was writing poetry.
Girls were inherently more talented in language and more sentimental than boys, and Noin's performance in grammar class was outstanding. Her performance was impeccable on how to write and speak correctly, express her opinions with rhetorical techniques such as metaphors and metaphors, and understand the works of poets and historians from a professional but more sentimental perspective.
"Excited, happy, and full of joy. I walked to the nearby stream and heard it rushing. There is no more beautiful place that can give me such comfort. A large and rapid stream of water falls from a nearby mountain. Gang, the stream is clear and cold, like water, and like a fountain. Although there is not Seine River, the water is more rushing and more rapid. I have never seen such a lovely stream before, seeing it so beautiful. My heart is in full bloom. The stream is clear and shining. I wash my face with my hands, and my whole body is cool. I see the gravel in the riverbed, and the vast and beautiful grassland extending to the riverbank. In the morning, it is quiet, lovely, warm, and the air is fresh, so People are happy, I stepped on the green grass, happily along the river, and kept walking forward. After a while, an orchard appeared in front of me. It was big and wide, surrounded by high walls, with a battlement, The exterior wall soil is painted and carved, full of various patterns.
There is a large field of roses there, so beautiful, you can't find it anymore. Some flower buds are small and dense, some are large and sparse, and some are of different sizes. They have just arrived in the season and are about to bloom. They are also so cute. The flowers bloom big and vigorously, but they will wither one day, but the buds are tender and fresh, which can last for at least two to three days. I think the most beautiful thing is the flower bud, nothing in the world can match it. If people can get it, love should be like treasure. If I could have it, I would have nothing else in this life. There is a special beauty in the buds, so beautiful that all other buds lose their value. When I looked at it carefully, I found that it was bright in color, pure and dazzling red, and it was the best in the world. It has four pairs of green leaves, arranged so uniquely, it is a natural miracle. The flower stems are straight, like reeds, with flower buds on them, not slanting or curved at all. Its fragrance spreads everywhere: the fragrance it emits permeates my surroundings. When I get to this fragrance, I never want to stay away. If I dare to reach out, I will pick it up. But the sharp and thorny stem makes me stand far away from it.
The thorns are full of thorns, and the nettle thorns are sharp. I dare not step beyond the thunder pond, because I don’t want to ask for pain. I love it with arrows. It has always wanted to track and monitor me. It stopped by a fig tree. When I found that I was fond of the rose that hadn't bloomed yet, it pleased me and surpassed anything else, so I immediately take out the arrow, lay the arrow lightly on the string, bend the bow to the ear, do the best, and then, accurately and skillfully, shoot the arrow violently. The arrow passes through the eye and falls into my heart..."**
When Noin finished the selective reading of the "Le Roman de la Rose", the class was full of applause, and even the teacher was amazed.
"Very beautiful speech, flawless pronunciation, and just the right pause. Thank you Neunheim for performing this elegant "Le Roman de la Rose" for us." The teacher's compliment made Noin a little airy. This love poem was one of her favourites. When she was at home, if there was a tea party, she would perform this selection every time. It could be said that she was familiar with such speeches.
When the teacher invited her to make a self-interpretation of the rhetoric and meaning of this ancient French poem in the Middle Ages, she readily accepted and expressed her own opinions.
"... Of course, in addition to reflecting social issues, if you simply look at the first part, I think Rose’s beautiful is because of its confident and own fragrance. Therefore, it is worthy of the knight to consider and overcome all difficulties to pursue. The charm comes from a lady’s own ability and self-confidence. If we can understand from this aspect, since the society recognizes that outstanding ladies are worthy of knights' pursuit, then we should recognize that women should have more autonomy, such as the right to study as men and even independence..."
Of course, this statement was not recognized by the boys, and Noin held this kind of consciousness. However, having a chance to be able to express her opinions in this kind of academic discussion, she was already satisfied.
More than that, she did not expect to receive Treize’s response.
"The beauty of a rose lies in those who cherish flowers. The rose has been waiting for those who cherish it, just like a lady waiting for a gentleman to pursue her."
Noin shook her head with disagreeing. "Why should a rose wait for a person who cherishes it? Who can ensure there is such a person? Roses are the same no matter there is a person cherishes or not."
Although this ancient poem describes the mood of a gentleman in pursuit of a girl, and Noin also likes the description of this artistic conception very much, she always felt that she could not fully agree with the meaning of the poem in her heart. Thinking about it now, maybe she didn't agree that a female identity would have to wait for a male-dominated relationship.
The debate with Treize made her see her thoughts and feelings more clearly, which made her very happy.
Sporadic speeches and discussions started in the class. As expected, everyone supported Treize’ statement. This was originally an angle brought out by the excitement, Noin breathed out indifferently. At the same time, another voice broke out in the messy discussion.
"My view is closer to that of Shakespeare. That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet." Milliardo interjected casually, "Even if the gentleman who intends to get close to the rose, no matter what he calls, the essence of the rose is the same. And the essence of the beauty of rose also lies in the quality of the soil. So if you cherish the elegant rose block, you should first provide better quality soil from the source, isn’t it?"
Noin was surprised at how close Milliardo's opinions were to her. Maybe because he had a younger sister? Or was it because he was from England? Although he spoke out his views lightly, it seemed that he did not simply relieve her.
"This is probably the difference between my opinion and yours. Roses are beautiful and delicate -even if they have thorns - and it’s beauty is developed by the current soul. If we are discussing weather the flowers themselves can grow awkwardly or not, the answer is yes while someone who cherishes the flowers protects them, the beauty of the flowers can be got the most out of it."
"Who can ensure that roses will fall into the hands of those who cherish them, but not those who destroy them?"
Noin's words drew a burst of laughter. Also this topic ended.
"I have a little research on medieval poems, and I am reading several collections of poems. If Peacecraft and Neunheim are interested, I would be happy to share with them." Treize seemed to express kindness to her. Inexpertly she could feel the kindness from him. Noin was very interested in the exchange of poetry collections in the Middle Ages, but if it was from Treize, she would have to handle it carefully.
***************************
In late May, Vienna has gradually warmed up again. The small theatre in front of the Rose Garden in the Southern District of Sanc Collage were full of energy.
"Everyone is rehearsing very well, and it's ok to maintain this performance." Duo took the rolled-up script and directed the actors on the stage mentally. He did not forget to encourage them, "Let’s take a break, everyone."
Heero who was sitting on the side, crossed his legs and looked at the dancing Duo. He exhaled.
"It's useless for you to dance under the stage."
Duo turned around because of this sentence. He looked indifferent, "I forgot to say thank you. Although you are just a passerby, you also attended our rehearsal. It is really professional." He smiled at Heero with irony expression.
Heero glanced at him coldly and said nothing. Of course, Duo knew that he had come to encourage him.
With limited resources, "Robin Hood" finally made up enough people to perform. Duo wanted Heero and Milliardo to perform, however Milliardo insisted to refuse to take the stage. After Heero read two dialogues, Duo found that he had no any talent on acting, so he rejected him as the protagonist. In the end, this Nordic character fell into the hands of Trowa of Eastern Europe.
This may be due to the fact that Trowa was good at archery. His appearance in picking up bows and arrows was professional and beautiful, and his calm and noble temperament unexpectedly hits Robin Hood. His interpretation of this role made Duo very satisfied.
The heroine in the play was the most mind-blowing. He had to be cautious when choosing a cast of teenage boys to play a girl...
Hearing to take a rest, Noin who was holding a bow and arrow, wiped the sweat from her forehead and sat aside. She looked at Trowa, who was the protagonist, from a distance, and sighed while resting her head with her hands.
The heroine... She could not understand, who should be able to play the role better than her among those young men. But Duo chose Quatre.
Well, she had to admit that Quatre, who is a Swede, was indeed white enough for an English lady. On the contrary, she was a little brownish as a southern European...Duo also had an explanation. In terms of height, Quatre was taller which was perfectly matching with Trowa. Therefore, he logically handed the role of heroine Marion to him.
"The child character around Robin Hood..." She sighed again. Her petite could only be a child in the end. There was only one match with Trowa. Thinking of this, she walked outside the theatre with a little disappointed, and walked slowly along the small lake. Since she promised to participate in the performance, she had to try her best to fulfil it...
"You cannot do this…"
A little sound came from the grass, and Noin turned her head and sneaked to the source of the sound. Those were the two young men beside Treize. They were Kira and Athrun. The two men seemed to be arguing about something. They seemed to be deliberately lowering their voices so that Noin could not hear the content clearly.
"It is not appropriate to peek at others..." she thought of this but the strange behaviour of these two people completely attracted her eyes. "Does the Spaniard think of any conspiracy? She hid behind a tree and observe the actions curiosity—
Athrun took Kira's hand. Were they going to fight? But the situation in the next moment made Noin too surprised to speak—
Athrun was kissing Kira! Kira wanted to push him away, but he was pressed against the tree trunk, and only struggled a little bit. Finally, he responded obediently to the other's kiss—
God-- Noin turned and lowered her head, pressing her mouth to prevent her from screaming.
She once read in the book that the so-called boy’s love was popular in medieval France. At the time, it was called "abnormal love", which was a taboo that violated the Catholic dogma. She didn't react too much when she saw the pictures in the book, but now when she saw the real situation with her own eyes, the 15-year-old girl who lived in deep boudoir was frightened.
She quickly crossed her chest and hold her cross in necklace in hand.
It was a little shaken, she took a deep breath, and finally calmed down with the utmost courage. She looked back again, and the two people were still snuggling together.
A gust of wind blew from the lake, and she took advantage of the sound of the wind to leave and immediately ran back to the small rose garden in front of the theatre.
Athrun and Kira... If they were found out, they would definitely be kicked out of school... No, it should be more than that. As a Spaniard who violated the Catholic dogma, She was afraid that they would be sent to the Holy See to be punished. For aristocrats whose reputation was more important than anything else, the fate of these two men must be very sad.
Such a thing would happen... Were they so absurd? Unknowingly, she put negative thoughts into the Spanish group. Noin put her hands on her chest. Although she did not want to have any relationship with the Spanish group, she was still a little worried.
Did Treize Khushrenada know about this?
** Le Roman de la Rose – this is a medieval poem in Old French. Sorry I can’t read or write French, so the translation of this poem was from traditional Chinese to English. The word may not accurate reflecting the original beauty and meaning.
Chapter 4: Chapter 4
Chapter Text
中世紀的貴族需要學習騎術及劍擊,還要坐在馬上以騎槍決鬥。雖然學科長說長槍決鬥的訓練是為了保持中古時代騎士的精神,但諾茵實在很難理解為甚麼連火槍都有的今天,「騎士們」還需要學習使用騎槍。以比武用騎槍將對方擊落馬的競技活動,實在古老得讓人失去興趣。
好吧,可能因為她在講求精準度的射擊課的成績無懈可擊,反之以力量為主導的騎槍課,甚至馬上比武的成績實在跟其他學科成績大相庭徑,所以她有偏愛,對學習騎槍一直採取避之則吉的態度。
然而,今天是馬上比武日,她很難逃避。並且,她被派到杜魯斯一方的藍組。
運氣真是有夠背的。
如預期般,馬上決鬥的壓軸戲是杜魯斯對美利安多。除了多諾的對戰,諾茵只對這場領袖級的決鬥有興趣。而她相信在場大部份人,包括老師也有同樣想法。在騎術和騎槍的能力上,班內有幾位同學的程度相若,都身手不凡,除了兩個陣型的領袖,希羅、迪奧、多諾、卡多魯,還有西班牙的阿斯蘭、基拉,這些人都是頂尖的高手。但畢竟是這兩個人,就像是真正的騎士一般的人物。
一般而言馬上騎槍的決鬥節奏可以很快,也可以拖延幾個回合,一切視乎雙方技術而定。
當遇上技術相當的對手,也可以延長至半小時,甚至更久。而杜魯斯和美利安多的決鬥已經足足戰鬥了十五個回合,但都未能分出勝負。雙方陣型都在叫喊加油,但諾茵卻有點矛盾。她身為杜魯斯的陣型,但心頭卻希望敵方的美利安多可以嬴出重挫西班牙的氣焰。
不過對戰鬥本身不感興趣,甚至覺得厭惡的諾茵卻開始有點心不在焉,她的眼睛開始搜索多諾的蹤影。就在同一時間,她聽到現場一聲呼叫聲。一支騎槍的頂端斷裂就插在地上。
斷裂的騎槍頂端屬於杜魯斯。但是,杜魯斯的騎槍的確描準了美利安多的胸口,而美利安多的則對準他的腰部,她可以想像到,應該是美利安多用騎槍阻擋了杜魯斯的攻擊,才會落下這個結果。
終於結束了。她內心輕嘆。就在此時,美利安多脫掉頭盔,向身後的希羅要了另一支騎槍,並想把它交給杜魯斯。
但杜魯斯卻脫下頭盔,看來沒有再繼續下去的意思。
「非常可惜。我們的戰鬥太長時間了,可不能防礙進程。」
「是這樣嗎?可是戰鬥沒結束是事實。」
簡直就如同無視其他人一樣的對話。然後他們的對戰就這樣落幕。
後續的對戰仍要繼續。希羅對基拉,還有迪奧對阿斯蘭,全部都是非常精彩的賽事。而她則一直等待著多諾下場。經過七對騎士的決鬥,終於輪到多諾。然後下一個就是他。而在這時,他才發現自己的頭盔裝滿了泥巴。
她受到了繆拉和阿歷士的欺凌。
這真是很幼稚。但是她必須要落場才可以得分。諾茵心有不甘的走到一旁去清理頭盔。
就在此時,一個高大的身影走近她。
「看來發生了不光明磊落的事?」是美利安多‧卑斯賴多。經過剛才一陣激烈的對戰,他臉上仍然流著汗水,並且在陽光下閃閃發亮。
「嗯…」沒精神的回應,諾茵必須在上場前把它清理好。
「需要我的幫忙嗎?」對身為騎士而自豪的美利安多而言,比武決鬥是件神聖而光榮的事,不應該有任何骯髒手段涉及其中,這就是所謂騎士精神。
「我沒關係。」繼續清理頭盔,仍然沒精打彩。
美利安多再靠近她。諾茵甚至能聞到他身上的汗味。
「要嬴得尊重必須先給敵人迎頭痛擊。」他認真的說,「你有這個覺悟嗎?」
諾茵也認真回望他︰「力量上我的確沒有他們強。」美利安多直直回望她。她嘆了口氣,「好吧,其實他們也不是沒有弱點。阿歷士的攻擊很單調,只要看穿了就可以避開;繆拉的話也只有第一次攻勢有盡力,如果敵人避開的話他的左胸就會出現致命空隙。這些是你想知道的?」
美利安多失笑。他搖搖頭。
「不,不過我得讚嘆你的觀察力,很精確。既然知道對方的弱點,就可以有效打擊他了。」
諾茵疑惑。她不可能天真的以為美利安多會幫她報復,所以她更不明所以︰「我跟繆拉和阿歷士同一隊。」她提醒對方。
美利安多給她一個充滿玩味的笑容︰「不想試試看教訓他們嗎?」
戴上了紅組頭盔的諾茵面對著阿歷士。她第一次慶幸身穿這種中世紀的騎士盔甲沒能讓人把她認出來,即使她身形是那麼細小。
當阿歷士發動第一次攻擊時,諾茵要求自己要變得比平常更冷靜。因為她在力量上根本不能與之較勁,而且,她從沒參加過實戰。
但她有觀察力,知道要如何窺避這種單調的攻擊。在向前衝刺時,到最後一步,諾茵將身體稍稍向左傾斜,果然她避開了阿歷士,並在迅雷不及掩耳的情況上,她回彈向右方,以騎槍撞擊對方。阿歷士因為失去了第一次攻擊的機會而準備好收槍,卻因為諾茵突如其來的回擊而墜馬。
力量上遠比對方柔弱的諾茵成功打擊了阿歷士。
所有事情都在短時間內發生。
紅組因為這名隊友的勝利而高呼,雖然大家都沒有在意這個盔甲背後的是誰。
諾茵回望墜馬的阿歷士,心頭一緊,覺得熱血沸騰。她沒想過自己把理論化為實際竟然可以成功。
「可以獲勝的!」第一次有這種感覺。頭盔也難掩她興奮的心情,她以騎槍指向在場邊的繆拉。
繆拉看到好友被迅速擊敗,本來已經心有難耐想要報仇雪恥,現在正合他意。也因此他失去了冷靜。
在他上場時,杜魯時拍拍他的肩膀,跟他耳語了一句。但從繆拉的表情看來,他根本沒聽入耳。
失去冷靜的騎士必敗無疑。諾茵心中暗喜。她覺得會成功的。
面對著衝動的繆拉,諾茵輕聲低哼著。
會覺得擔憂,但也很興奮。她嘴角微微向上。恐怕連她自己也不自知。
當繆拉向她衝去,諾茵根據了自己的觀察而調整了策略。這次也得到成功。繆拉也被迅速的擊下馬背。
諾茵以騎槍直直指向掉落在地上的繆拉,眼神帶點險惡。同時,她感受到從沒有過的滿足感。原來,嬴取勝利的感覺就是這樣。所謂的騎士戰鬥原來就為了這種感覺。一時間她感到自己內心有股很澎湃的感情想要宣示出來。這是她作為淑女生活十六年從沒感受過的情感。
這時,她緩緩的拉開頭盔,嘴角上揚,展示出勝利者的驕傲姿態︰「你已經輸了。」
在場的人在確認勝出者面具背後的真正主人,傳來一陣又一陣的驚嘆聲。
「這是怎麼回事?」課任老師跑過來,「諾因海姆,你不是跟繆拉一組的嗎?」
諾茵下馬,其實她不在乎。她還感受著剛上戰勝繆拉的感動。她並不想辯解,並準備接受任何懲罰。就在這時,美利安多站了出來。
「是我讓他這樣做的。」美利安多滿不在乎的道。
老師覺得很奇怪︰「是甚麼原因?」
「因為我同意這樣做。」這次是杜魯斯‧國斯里達。
「為甚麼連國斯里達也一樣…」
「因為要貫徹騎士精神。」杜魯斯沒有再多作解釋。
對於站出來為自己辯解的二人,諾茵覺得感激和不解,但她沒有深究。因為勝利的喜悅仍圍繞心頭。第一次,她運用了自己的觀察力和策略嬴得了勝利,而且是跟男人比拼的勝利。
可以的,在聖克學院,可以做得到。經過這次勝利,她總算開始感覺到,自己能夠充滿自信的在聖克學院生存下去。
倒是滿意地看著比賽結果的美利安多和杜魯斯二人,他們互相交換了個眼神,似是心領神會。
**************************
《羅賓漢》順利的落幕了。迪奧在現場熱烈掌聲之下領隊謝幕了足足五次。雖然被編排在校慶第二天才公演,而全場入座率只有七成多,但無損劇組裡眾人的賣力演出,也恰如其份的,得到在場貴族們的熱烈掌聲和高度評價。多諾的羅賓漢英姿颯颯,拉起弓箭時的模樣威風凜凜;卡多魯飾演的落難貴族千金儀態萬千,嬌麗可人,但一切似乎並不出乎意料之外。
戲劇已經結束。但諾茵心中還有著澎湃的感覺。眾人都已經離開了後台,準備參加美利安多的慶功宴,只有她一個站在後台看著正待收拾的道具,感覺自己彷彿仍站在舞台上一樣。
「羅賓,除了弓箭,請你也要帶同我一起奮戰…」她重覆著台詞,輕輕觸碰在舞台上所用的弓。
台上台下也在演戲,使得自己也分不清甚麼時候是真實的了。她拿起剛才皇后所穿的戲服,比併在身上,滿足的笑著。
試一下沒關係吧?她穿起比她大一號的長裙,隨便拿起個黑色卷假髮。在鏡子前仔看,很久沒穿過裙子,現在再將裙子穿在身上感覺有點奇怪,也有點懷念。她沉醉了,沉思於自我的回憶之中…
突然,她聽到腳下有些聲音,然後…感到有點毛毛的…看看腳下的情況,她臉色突變,然後尖叫了出來—
「老鼠!!!」
突發的情況令她暴走起來,拉起長裙,雙腿左右交叠的要避開腳下走動的小生物,她大小姐可從來沒遇過這種事!她慌煌得跳起來,邊大叫邊跑出那昏暗的後台,一推開劇院的門,她急不及待的向前跑,一直到陽光照射到的地方才邊喘著氣邊放下腳步停下來。
「怎麼…怎麼會有老鼠…」因驚魂未定而喘著大氣,諾茵依靠在大樹旁。那件大一號的長裙因奔跑而鬆開了,肩膀位置都掉下來了。諾茵伸手去整理,如此同時,一個剛走進樹林裡的男人跟她四目交投。
「啊、」雙方都因驚訝而叫了出來,並且同時轉身迴避了目光。
是美利安多‧卑斯賴多!諾茵拉著胸前的衣服,胸口極速的跳動著。糟糕了,竟然遇上他,難道、難道男裝的生涯就到此為止了嗎?
「抱歉,小姐,我不是故意的。」對方轉身過去,聲音聽起來有點不安,「我聽見有聲音,所以走過來看看…」
咦?他稱呼我…小姐?那表示他沒注意到我是誰了?應該沒錯了,就那一刹那,誰會看清楚對方容貌嘛!
「沒、沒關係…」諾茵故意提高聲調,回復女孩子時候的聲音了。
「妳剛才在呼叫吧?有甚麼需要幫忙的嗎?」不愧是英國紳士,看到女士的狼狽相,他不忘有禮的查詢道。但諾茵現在可沒閒情欣賞他的風度。
「我沒問題,只是、只是、衣服被勾破了…」
「希望那只是小問題…」美利安多想要繼續跟她對話,但機靈的他不知道要如何接下去。他不肯定自己現在的表情是否很奇怪,只是覺得站在這裡令兩個人都感到尷尬。
算得上幸運,草叢另一端傳來了一些腳步聲。
「是我的同伴…」他仍沒回過頭來,只是輕聲的向女孩說道,「別擔心,我現在就去會合他們,小姐,妳可以從後面離開回到廣場。」
「謝謝…」諾茵也輕聲的回應,並目送美利安多的背影漸漸遠去。然後,她呼了口氣…
〈幸好…沒被揭穿…〉她拉起長裙稍稍退避,腦海中正為另一件事煩惱…難道要回去那老鼠盤踞的後台嗎?
「我在這裡。」美利安多走出草叢向迎面而來的希羅揮了揮手。
「迪奧在等我們慶功去。你跟諾茵都不見人…」希羅瞄了瞄他身後的草叢,有點懷疑的問道,「剛才發生甚麼事了嗎?」
「沒有,沒甚麼。」美利安多輕輕推著希羅的手臂示意他離開。回想起剛才那個女孩子,雖然只有一刹那,但對方漂亮的長相可已記印在他腦海中了。漂亮的黑髮女孩,想必是某中歐或南歐貴族人家吧?可惜沒問她的名字…
「希羅,你先過去,我好像遺下了鋼筆…」
「遺下鋼筆…?」
「是的,你先跟迪奧說一下,我很快過去。」他停下來,打發希羅離開。當目送狐疑的希羅漸漸遠去後,他急不及待的折返,發現那女孩已經離開了。
真可惜。有點失望,低頭一看,卻發現某些閃亮的東西似乎被遺留在地上。
他小心的拾起來,原來是一條黃金十字架項鍊,上面還刻有名字…
「露洛莉亞…」真是個好名字。他心裡讚嘆,深信一定是剛才那位女孩遺下來的。再擦擦十字架上的調刻,發現背面還有個家徽…怎麼這麼眼熟?
***********************
得到校方的允許,美利安多帶領一眾伙伴首次離開校園,到市內的酒店去享受一頓豐富的美食。這也是為了慰勞這幾個月以來一直為校慶劇而努力的各位。笑逐顏開的迪奧就像主人家一樣歡天喜地的逐一跟演員們聊天敬酒,身位貴族的他早有訓練,酒量也著實不錯。
「很出色的歌劇,迪奧。」美利安多拍著他的肩膀跟他碰杯。
「沒讓大不列顛丟臉吧?」
「你今天是英雄!」在場的人為這句說話而喝采。
「不!這是大家的功榮,沒有各位就不可能成事!」迪奧站起來,神氣的舉杯,「乾!」
「嗨—」
背後樂隊的音樂跟人群聲夾雜著好不熱鬧,迪奧轉向美利安多,舉起酒杯︰「還有這杯,是敬給蘇洛的,跟我乾吧。」
迪奧仍是一張笑臉,似乎沒為蘇洛這兩個字而傷感,美利安多覺得很安慰。他用力抱著迪奧的肩膀,「作為你的兄弟,我也要向你兄長致敬!」
一起慶祝的莉莉娜小舉兩杯後便不勝酒力,靜靜的一個人撥開掛在玻璃門上的黑色天鵝絨走到陽台去。
輕閉上眼,裡面吵鬧的世界頓時跟她隔離了。微風輕拂,整個維也納就像一幅美麗的圖畫一樣呈現眼前。她凝視著那些隨風擺動的燈光,漸漸瞄起眼睛,令所有燈光在眼裡都連成一線…
「來吹風嗎?」一把低沉的聲音。
她被嚇了一跳,趕緊抓住陽台的大理石圍欄轉過身來。她竟沒察覺尚有另一個人置身陽台上。
在陰影之中站著一個人,他依靠著牆身,當莉莉娜向他眨眼,他才慢慢的走出來。
「希羅…」有點驚訝,怎麼剛才沒發現他不在會場內?「你也出來吹風?」顯然問了一個蠢問題。
她聽到對方輕輕的笑了︰「大概跟妳一樣,我們都是不勝酒力的人。抱歉,我嚇著妳了?」
「是的。」她帶點嚴肅的說著,然後聳聳肩膀,「不過反正你也經常嚇我。」
「我說了抱歉。」他走向圍欄,也享受著那陣維也納的微風。
莉莉娜站在一旁望著他,感到迷惘了。希羅的父親是他們家族的世交,在很多提案上都互相支持,這種親密的政治關係令她跟哥哥還有希羅,三個人自小一起長大。記得小時候她跟希羅兩個人相處得也很愉快,究竟由甚麼時候開始她喜歡向他發脾氣呢…
「妳甚麼時候回國?」打斷了沉默,希羅沒注視莉莉娜的向她提問。
「你想我早點離開嗎?」帶著開玩笑的意味。莉莉娜知道希羅沒有這種意思,只是,她就喜歡揶揄他。
「妳離開好一段時間了,卑斯賴多公爵一定很擔心妳。」平淡的回應,聲音裡甚至沒能聽出一點感情。莉莉娜早知道希羅是個含蓄的、不隨便表現感情的人,但聽到這樣滿不在乎的說話,她也有點氣了。
「你擔心我的事嗎?」她也扳起了臉。
「當然擔心,我們是好朋友。」淡然的回應令莉莉娜更氣結。
不要這樣,莉莉娜,氣氛會越來越僵持…心裡是這樣想著,但她瞄起眼睛盯著希羅。
「除了好朋友,還會因為其他的原因嗎?」她的說話令希羅猛然回過頭來。連她自己也為突然跳到這一步而後悔不而,她心裡有點慌張失措。
〈我、並沒有表白的意思!希羅,你不要回答、不要…〉
「莉莉娜,我想,妳對我們之間的關係一直存在一點誤會。」希羅的回答完全出乎意料之外,但他接下來要說的事更令莉莉娜驚訝不而—
「我跟妳們兩兄妹一起成長,妳跟美利安多就像我的親人一樣。妳是我們的小妹妹,妳明白我的意思嗎?」
僵化了的莉莉娜站在原地。〈他…說甚麼?〉因震驚而呆立當場,但淑女的尊嚴迫令她在這種尷尬時刻也必須保持冷靜和儀態。
「產生誤會的看來是你…」深深吸入一口氣,莉莉娜故作鎮定,但抖震的聲音出賣了她。
希羅聳聳肩。
希羅那淡然的舉動令她難過。莉莉娜退後到黑暗之中,至少,她不希望對方再望向她。震盪的腦海不斷叫喚著冷靜,雙方沈默了半個世紀,莉莉娜很不容易擠出了個笑容,盡管那是慘不忍睹的微笑。
「如果我的舉動令你誤會了,我向你道歉,希羅‧尤爾先生。」她拉起長裙,彎下腰,完成了一個完美的敬禮。不自覺的再吸入一口空氣,她安靜的退出陽台。
希羅目送她的離開,想要追出去的腿卻沒有行動。沒有說甚麼,他依靠著大理石圍欄,一口氣把手上的酒喝完。
由寂靜的陽台再次進入喧鬧的大禮堂,莉莉娜慘白的臉孔在橙白的燈光下反而顯得正常。熱鬧嘻笑的場面在這一刻起跟她已無緣。她低著頭急步的穿梭於人群中離開。現場唯一的女郎離開了大堂,但這舉動似乎只有一個人注意到。
為了遠離一班酒鬼而瑟縮大堂某角落的諾茵找不到多諾的踪影,卻看到莉莉娜由陽台回來後的表情而覺得不妥。無論如何掩釋,女人的心情也會不經意的流露於臉容上,尤其剛受到沉動打擊的小女生。也許莉莉娜發生了甚麼事也說不定,她趕急的跟上前去。
「莉莉娜小姐…」她在酒店前的花園其中一棵大樹下找到那位可人兒。
莉莉娜被嚇著了的望向她,然後立即別過臉去。
「我只是來吹吹風,不必理會我,請回去跟大家一起慶祝吧。」她轉過身去。
「我只是來確定妳安好…因為剛才看到妳由陽台回來時—」
「我一切安好,謝謝你。甚麼事也沒發生,請讓我靜靜一個人休息。」強硬的打斷她的話。
「我明白了。請原諒我的無禮。」莉莉娜的舉動印證了諾茵的想法,她彎身微微鞠躬退避。
〈真是…很丟臉…〉想到剛才硬巴巴的被人拒絕,莉莉娜雖然咬緊牙根,但淚水仍忍不著緩緩沿眼角流下。屈強的抺掉了一行,第二行淚又流出來了,雖然深呼吸了,但她仍抽泣起來。
想取出小手帕,才發現它不見了…
「真…真氣人,連手帕都不見了嗎…」她生悶氣的不斷在身上找尋那不知道失落在哪裡的小東西。
然後樹後卻遞來了一條白色的手帕。
莉莉娜接過它,邊抺淚邊抽泣的說︰「原來你還在嗎?」
諾茵緩緩的由樹後走出來,聲音帶點抱歉︰「讓傷心的女孩子獨處在外,我有點不放心。」
莉莉娜苦笑了︰「謝謝你的風度…但下次我說想要獨處時,請你不要躲在我身後…」
諾茵站在她跟前,為這個傷心的女郎送上了個親切的微笑。會讓一個少女突然哭泣,十居其九是為了感情事。
她跟希羅‧尤爾出現甚麼問題了嗎?這不是她有興趣的事,只是覺得,同樣身為女性,她看到莉莉娜一個人在傷心難過令她不能袖手旁觀。
「我甚麼都不想說,」莉莉娜背向她,「如果你想留下來,請你甚麼都不要問,甚麼都不要說。」她蹲下來,輕輕的將眼淚抺乾,呆呆的無目的地望著遠方。
「你一定覺得我很糟糕對不?」抽泣過後的莉莉娜邊拭淚邊輕聲吐出幾個字。
「沒有,我不會這樣認為。」諾茵由大樹後轉過身來,對她展示個溫柔的笑容,「妳是個優雅的女性,怎麼會糟糕?我意思是…除了那套洛可可裙…」
莉莉娜打量自己一身華麗的洛可可長裙,忍不著吐笑出來︰「這真的很糟糕嗎?」她總算破涕為笑了,「老實說,其實我也不喜歡這種打扮,只是…」
我明白,因為想引起某個特定人物的注意…諾茵輕輕點頭表示瞭解。
「反正以後都不需要穿這種裙了。」她眼角再流出眼淚。
「穿上自己喜歡的衣服就好了。」在安慰這位女孩的時候,諾茵感到自己的語氣有點像個男人了,「妳又怎麼知道別人不喜歡自然的妳?」
莉莉娜凝視著諾茵,臉頰突然嫣紅起來。諾茵有點不安,她不希望自己的舉動會引來誤會。
「謝謝你,諾茵先生。」莉莉娜深呼吸後給她一個微笑,「別擔心,我很好。」
這是正面的反應,莉莉娜的反應比她想像中要冷靜。諾茵點點頭,默默的坐在她身旁,內心輕輕的劃了個十字。〈願天父保守妳。〉下意識的想握著胸前的十字項鍊…咦…怎麼沒有了?
*****************************
酒店另一邊的花園受到月亮的照射下,噴水池的水顯得有點發白。
「我受不了迪奧的吵鬧。」多諾拿起酒瓶替坐在身旁、水池邊的卡多魯倒酒,「不過他今天的確值得狂歡一晚。」
「他寫劇本跟製造嘈音的本領同樣出色。」卡多魯向他舉杯。
他跟多諾一樣不喜歡嘈吵的環境,兩個人拿了一支白酒便稍稍的離開了熱鬧的大禮堂。在月光之下談天說地,對他們而言並不陌生,只是今天還增加了喝酒的雅緻,和諧的氣氛令本來沈默的多洛突然變得健談起來。
「俄羅斯的月亮也很明亮。」多諾望向天上的月亮感嘆的道,「我開始有點想念故鄉了。」
卡多魯輕輕的笑了出來︰「說得真感性,還沒回復狀態嗎?羅賓漢大人?」
多諾也淺笑了。羅賓漢是感性的嗎?大概他跟眼前人的理解有點不同。不過,這無損他的雅興,他向卡多魯伸出了手念出台詞︰「如果你相信我,請把手交給我。」
卡多魯放下了酒杯,他笑了,然後緊握著對方的手,換上了瑪莉安的腔調︰「自始以後,月亮之下互相扶持的只有我們兩人,羅賓。」
多諾凝視著他,感到內心有一股難以言喻的衝動。他拉著卡多魯的手,由輕柔的變成緊握,然後將他迅速的拉向自己。
卡多魯因這特如其來的舉動失去了平衡,「啊」的一聲整個人向多諾懷中跌去,當抬起頭時多諾的吻剛好投放而下。
卡多魯因驚訝而來不及反應,當回過神來,他用力將多諾推開。但多諾似乎早就預料他會反抗一樣,他用力握著對方的左手,另一隻手將對方緊緊的抱著,嘴巴沒有放過一刻的機會。卡多魯的反抗在多諾的強悍下顯得無力,多諾一直握著他的手,直至對方完全融化入自己的熱吻中…
****************************
剛下課堂,諾茵沒精打彩準備回到宿舍。發現失去項鍊第三天,她甚至不知道自己在甚麼時候、在哪裡遺失了這條爺爺送她的生辰禮物。
她嘆了口氣,感到很沮喪。
「你們的戲劇做得不錯。」
諾茵抬起頭望向聲音出處—
驚訝於說話的人,她先是一眐,「杜魯斯‧國斯里達!」很少時間會在回宿舍的路上遇上他,她今天的運氣還真背。
不愧是西班牙波旁皇族的分支,杜魯斯走到哪裡都跟著一大班的應聲蟲。這種既講排場又奢侈的做法也帶著法國的波旁皇族風格。但這在習慣獨自行事的南歐小貴族眼中,不是羡慕而是覺得可笑。
無視她的驚訝,杜魯斯站在她面前,是一個似笑非笑的表情。他來怪責自己參與英國人的活動?諾茵也不明白為甚麼自己也會有這種矮化思想。西西里島並不隷屬於西班牙,但她心裡一直也對國斯里達家有所顧慮,使得她一舉手一投足也擔心會觸動杜魯斯的神經。
「雖然只是小角色,但你做得不錯。」杜魯斯的語氣就像在逗弄一個年幼的孩子一樣,「算是演譯古詩以外的另一項才華?」
「謝謝你的讚賞。」諾茵鎮定地直直回望他。
杜魯斯身後的繆拉搶白︰「如果女主角由你來演效果應該會更好吧?由女性化的男人來演出效果一定截然不同。」
話音一落,杜魯斯身後的西班牙集團已呼應的笑了出來。諾茵並沒有感到尷尬,反正她本身也認為這女主角捨她其誰。問題是聽到「女性化男人」這形容時,她竟然有點生氣。
「即使再女性化也是個男人,談戀愛也只是戲劇裡的事。你可不會是將之看成是那些在現實世界中亂搞畸戀的人吧?」完結這句說話前,諾茵有意無意的瞄了瞄杜魯斯身後的基拉。
杜魯斯身後的集團有點微言了,都是怪責眼前人不識抬舉的說話。但杜魯斯沉默了。他顯然也注意到剛才諾茵的舉動。
諾茵回望杜魯斯,心裡突然有種勇氣湧現,她很想跟杜魯斯說出關於她所見的阿斯蘭和基拉的事。但很快她便打消了這念頭,微微點頭跟杜魯斯道別後便轉身離開。對於西班牙人的事,沒必要插手吧?
***************
連續三天放晴,今天的天空更是萬里無雲。在拉丁課完結後,諾茵沒在暴晒在陽光下的草地小徑上走動,她改由斐迪南紀念堂的小走廊前往拉斐爾大樓南翼。在路上,她遇上了同樣是躲避猛烈陽光的美利安多。
「諾茵,我需要你的幫忙。」迎面而來的人說是偶遇還不說是專程來等她。
自從比武日的鼓勵和幫助之後,諾茵對美利安多心存感激,雖然沒有掛在嘴邊,但她一直記在心中,總希望可以回報他這份情誼。所以當美利安多提出要求時,她聲音明快爽朗的回應著。
「怎麼了?」
美利安多掛著平穩的笑容向她走來。她也回應著一個擠出來的微笑。
「我聽莉莉娜說你家裡還有個妺妹,是真的嗎?」
怎麼突然說起這個?諾茵有點狐疑,但謊話既然開了頭也得接下去︰「是的,我還有個妹妹。」
「戲劇上演那天,她也有到場吧?」
他想要知道甚麼啊?諾茵皺起眉頭,她實在不想在這課題上落墨太多,也不想說謊,所以低下頭虛應了聲,一幅準備要離開的架子。
看到眼前人似乎要拒絕回答的舉動,美利安多為自己的失禮而笑了。
「其實早些日子我拾到了這個…」他由口袋中取出了一條白色手帕,「我一直覺得那個徽章很熟眼,卻想不起在哪裡看過。今天早上突然想起來…」手帕包裹著的是一條字架項鍊。
「啊!這個、」諾茵驚喜的叫了出來,「這不是—」
「項鍊上有諾因海姆家的徽章,還有一個名字—露洛莉亞。」美利安多打開了手帕。諾茵想要取回項鍊,但美利安多一手將項鍊握緊,似乎沒有將項鍊還給對方的意思。
「這…的確是舍妹的東西。」對於東西失而復得,諾茵憂鬱的臉容立即開朗起來,「為甚麼項鍊會在你手上?」
美利安多得意的笑了。
「在歌劇上演以後我跟令妹曾有一面之緣,這項鍊是她遺下來的。」
原來是那時候!諾茵嘆了口氣。無論如何可以找回項鍊也是值得高興的事。她呼了口氣︰「謝謝你保存它,請將它交給我—」
「你從沒告訴我你有一個漂亮的妹妹。」美利安多打斷她的說話。
諾茵皺起眉頭望著他。
「那位小姐跟你長得有點像,同樣是有如烏鴉羽毛一樣的黑色頭髮,真是漂亮極了。」
諾茵內心有不好的預感,她稍稍收起笑容,向他伸出手︰「謝謝你一直保存它。請把項鍊還給我。」
「不可以。」美利安多那帶笑意的眼神像在享受著戲弄別人的樂趣,「我得親自交還給露洛莉亞小姐才行。」
甚麼…?原來是這樣…你這個色鬼。諾茵收起僅有的笑容,幾乎是板起臉來。
「沒必要,你將項鍊交給我由我寄回家就可以了。」諾茵矮小的身形在美利安多臉前很沒氣勢,但她嚴肅的板起臉來卻同樣有著威儀。
美利安多嘴角微微上揚,他將諾茵伸出來的手拉下,然後靠他傾前︰「我得為自己當天失禮的行為向她道歉。」
「失禮的行為?」諾茵瞪大眼睛覺得很詑異,當日他有做過甚麼失禮的事嗎?失禮的應該是她吧?
看到諾茵一幅訝異的表情,美利安多大笑起來,他向諾茵靠過去,使得諾茵不得不後仰,「將你的地址給我。」
地址…?諾茵緊張起來,讓他將項鍊寄回諾茵家是可行的方法嗎?
***** English version ******
The nobles in the Middle Ages needed to learn riding and sword fighting, and they had to sit on horses to fight with lances. Although the subject leader said that the training of Jousting was to maintain the spirit of knights in the Middle Ages, it was difficult for Noin to understand why they still had to keep this traditional subject, especially there were even guns and muskets today. The competitive activity of shooting down the opponent's horse with a lance was so ancient that it made people like her lost interest.
Well, maybe because her result in the shooting was so impeccable, on the contrary, the strength-led rifle-riding class, and even the results of the jousting lesson were very different from her performances in other subjects, so she preferred learning to use a gun rather than the lance. Therefore, she has always adopted the attitude of avoiding this lesson.
However, this day was the Jousting competition, and it was difficult for her to escape. What made it worse was, she was assigned to the blue team which means under Treize's side.
It was not really a good day.
As expected, the most attractive battle was Treize vs Milliardo. Apart from the battle for Trowa, Noin was only interested in this leader-level duel. And she believed that most people present, including teachers, had the same idea. In terms of riding and lance abilities, there were several students in the class who were of the same level and were all very skilled. Heero, Duo, Trowa, Quatre, and even Athrun and Kira in Spanish group. These people were all skillful in battling with the lance. But after all, Treize and Milliardo, these two leaders were like real knights which were so attractive to all people.
Generally speaking, the rhythm of a duel with a lance could be very fast, or it could be lasted for several rounds, depending on the skills of both parties.
It could also be extended to half an hour or even longer when encountering opponents with comparable skills. The duel between Treize and Milliardo had fought for fifteen rounds, but they had not been able to tell the outcome. The formations of both sides were yelling for cheer, but Noin was a bit contradictory. She was in Treize's formation, but in her heart, she hoped that Milliardo could win and destroy the arrogance of the Spanish.
However, Noin actually was not interested in the battle itself, and even felt disgusted. She began not to focus on the battle but searching for Trowa. He should be somewhere. At the same time, she heard a call on the scene. The top of a lance was broken and stuck to the ground.
The top of the broken lance belonged to Treize. She looked at the broken lance and found that Treize’s lance indeed pinpointed Milliardo’s chest, while he was aimed at Treize’s waist. She could imagine that Milliardo used the lance to block Treize’s attack so the lance was broken.
It was finally over. She sighed inwardly. At this moment, Milliardo took off his helmet and asked Heero who was behind him for another lance. Apparently, he wanted to give it to Treize.
But Treize took off his helmet and seemed to have no intention of continuing.
"It's a pity. We have been fighting for too long to prevent the progress."
"Is that so? But it's a fact that the battle is not yet over."
It was just like a conversation that ignored other people around. Finally, their battle just ended.
The subsequent battle will continue. No matter the match that Heero vs. Kira or Duo vs. Athrun were all very exciting. But what she was waiting for was just Trowa. After a duel of seven pairs of knights, it was finally Trowa's turn, and she would be the next. At this time, she found that her helmet was full of mud.
She was bullied by Muller and Alex.
This is naive. But she must participate in the match to get a score. Unwillingly, Noin walked aside to clean the helmet.
At this moment, a tall figure approached her.
"It looks like there is something unconcerned has happened." It was Milliardo Peacecraft. After a fierce battle just now, his face was still sweating and shining under the sunshine.
"Hmm..." Responded without any energy, Noin had to clean it up before going on the court.
"Do you need my help?" Milliardo was so proud of being a knight. For him, a duel was a sacred and glorious matter. There shouldn't be any dirty means involved. This was the so-called Chivalry.
"I'm fine." Continue to clean the helmet, Noin was still not playing well.
Milliardo was approaching her closer. Noin could even smell the sweat on his body.
"Beat your enemy to win the respect." He said seriously, "Do you have this consciousness and preparation?"
Noin looked back at him earnestly. "I am indeed not as strong as them in terms of strength." Milliardo looked straight back at her. She sighed, "Well, in fact, they are not that perfect. They still have weaknesses. Alex’s attack is very monotonous, as long as you can see through it, you can avoid it; And about Muller, he put all his effort into the first offensive, if you avoid the first attack, there will be a fatal gap in his left chest. Are these things all you want to know?"
Milliardo laughed and shook his head.
"No, but I have to admire your observation ability. You got it very precise. You are clear about your opponent's weakness, you can effectively fight him."
Noin was puzzled. She couldn't be naive to think that Milliardo would retaliate for her, so she didn't know why he would say this. "I am on the same team as Muller and Alex." She reminded him.
Milliardo gave her a playful smile. "Don't you want to teach them a lesson?"
Noin who put on the red helmet was facing Alex. This is the first time that she felt good to wear a helmet so that she was not recognized, even though her figure was still so small to wear.
When Alex launched his first attack, Noin asked herself to become more calm than usual. Because she couldn't compete with him at all in strength. Also, she had never participated in actual combat.
But she was observant and she had an idea how to avoid such monotonous attacks. When sprinting forward, at the last step, Noin tilted her body slightly to the left. Sure enough, she avoided Alex’s attack which in a thunderstorm speed. She rebounded to the right and hit the opponent with the lance. Alex was ready to take off his lance because he lost the chance to attack for the first time, however, he did not expect Noin’s sudden return attack and he fell off his horse.
Noin who was far weaker in strength than her opponent was successfully hit Alex.
Everything happened in a short time.
The red team shouted because of the teammate's victory, although everyone didn't care who was behind the armor.
Noin looked back at Alex who has fallen on the ground. Her heart was running so speedy. Her blood was boiling. She never thought that she could succeed in turning the theory into reality.
"I can win!" This was the first time she had such a feeling. The helmet couldn't conceal her excitement, and she pointed her lance at Muller on the sidelines.
Seeing that his friend was quickly defeated, Muller was already impatient for revenge and shame. And battle with this anonymous was just what he wanted to do now. He even lost his composure because of this.
When he was on the court, Treize patted him on the shoulder and whispered to him. But from Muller's expression, he didn't calm enough to listen to him.
A knight who lost his composure will undoubtedly lose the victory. Noin could feel her confidence. She believed she can succeed.
Facing the impulsive Muller, Noin hummed softly.
She had a feeling of worry but more than that, she felt also very excited. The corners of her mouth were slightly upward. She never had this feeling before.
When Muller rushed towards her, Noin adjusted her strategy based on her observations. It was also successful this time. Muller was also quickly knocked off the horse.
Noin pointed her lance straight at the loser who fell on the ground. There was a little sinister in her eyes. At the same time, she felt a sense of satisfaction that she had never had before. It turned out that this was how she would feel for winning. The should be a feeling for the fighting as a knight. There was something in her heart that she really wanted to express. This was an emotion she had never felt in her past 16 years that lived like a lady.
At this time, she slowly took off her helmet and raised her head, showing the pride of a winner. "You lost."
No one thought that the winner was Noin, who should be in the same team as Muller and Alex. There were waves of exclamation after another when they saw her face behind the helmet.
"What's going on?" The class instructor ran over, "Neunheim, aren't you in the same team with Muller?"
Noin got off the horse and she didn't care anymore. She was still in the exciting mood of just defeating Muller and Alex. She didn't want to argue with the instructor and she was ready to accept any punishment. At this moment, Another person stood up.
"I made him do this." Milliardo’s tone was just like nothing special happened. He stood aside Noin.
The instructor felt strange. "What is the reason?"
"I also agreed to do this." This time it was Treize Khushrenada.
"It’s your team, Khushrenada. Why do you agree to do this?"
"Because we want to implement the spirit of chivalry." Treize did not explain further.
Noin felt grateful and puzzled for the two who stood up to defend herself, but she did not delve into it. Because the joy of victory still surrounds her heart. For the first time, she used her observation and strategy to win, and it was a victory against the men.
I can do it well in Sanc College. After this victory, she finally began to feel that she could survive in the Academy with full confidence.
Milliardo and Treize both looked at the results of the game with satisfaction. They exchanged a glance and seemed to understand each other’s thoughts.
**************************
"Robin Hood" ended with praise. Duo led the team for five full curtain calls under warm applause.
Although it was scheduled to be performed on the second day of the school celebration, and the audience attendance was only around 70%, the hard work performed by everyone in the non-destructive crew was just perfect. And they received warm applause and high praise from the nobles present. Trowa’s Robin Hood was sassy and looked majestic when he pulled the bow and arrow; Quatre's aristocratic daughter has was graceful and with demeanor. Everything did not seem to be unexpected.
The drama was over. But Noin still had a surging feeling in her heart. Everyone had left backstage, preparing to attend the celebration banquet held by Milliardo, but she was the only one standing backstage looking at the props waiting to be cleaned up, feeling as if she was still standing on the stage.
"Robin, in addition to bows and arrows, please take me to the fight..." She repeated her lines and lightly touched the bow she used on the stage.
For her, she was acting actually on both on and off the stage. Sometimes she also had a confusion to tell when was real. She picked up the costume worn by the queen and compared it to herself. Actually, it suited her well. She smiled contentedly.
It should be alright to try it on. She wore a long dress one size bigger than her and picked up a black curly wig casually. She signed when she look at the mirror. She had not worn a dress for a long time. It feels a bit strange and nostalgic to wear it. She was sinking in her own memories...
Suddenly, she heard some noises under her feet, and then she could feel a little hairy creature...When she looked at the situation under her feet, her face suddenly changed and then she screamed—
"MOUSE!!!"
The sudden circumstances made her go outrageously, pulling up her long dress, and crossing her legs to avoid the little creature walking under her feet. She had never encountered such a thing! She jumped up in a panic, yelled, and ran out of backstage. As soon as she opened the door of the theatre, she ran forward anxiously, panting and stopping until she ensured herself was safe.
"My god.. how can there be a mouse..." Panting for fear, Noin leaned against the big tree. The one-size-bigger dress was loosened by running, and the collar was fell off. Noin stretched out her hand to tidy up, and at the same time, a man who had just walked into the woods fought her.
"!" Both sides yelled out of surprise, and at the same time, they turned around to avoid the gazes.
It was Milliardo Peacecarft. Noin pulled the clothes on her chest. She could feel her heart beating extremely fast. Oh, he caught me. Could it be the end of my school life here?
"Sorry, miss I didn't mean to disturb you." The gentleman turned around, his voice sounded a little uneasy, "I heard a sound, that’s why I come over and take a look..."
Huh? He called me... Miss? Does that mean he didn't notice who I am? It should be right, he might not be able to recognize the face in such a short moment!
"It doesn't matter..." Noin deliberately raised her voice and returned to the girl's tone.
"Please pardon my disturbing. I heard a scream and it sounds like you need help. May I offer you my hand?" As expected, the English gentleman did not forget to offer his help politely when he saw the lady's embarrassment. But Noin has no leisure to appreciate his demeanor.
"I'm fine, it's just, it's just that my dress is torn..."
"I hope that's just a small problem..." Milliardo wanted to continue the conversation with her, but a clever man like him had no idea how to continue. He wasn't sure whether his expression was strange now, but he felt embarrassed for both of them to stand here.
Fortunately, some footsteps came from the other end of the grass.
"It should be my companion..." He still didn't turn his head, but said softly to the girl, "Don't worry, I will meet him now. Miss, you can leave from behind and go back to the square."
"Thank you..." Noin also responded softly and watched his shadow gradually fade away. After that, she exhaled.
She pulled up her long dress and retreated a little, thinking about another thing... Should she go back to the backstage where the rat may still be in?
"I'm here." Milliardo walked out of the grass and waved to the oncoming Heero.
"Duo is waiting for us to celebrate. Neither you nor Noin is missing..." Heero glanced at the woods behind him and asked suspiciously, "What happened just now?"
"No, nothing." Milliardo gently pushed Heero’s arm to leave. Thinking back to the girl just now, although it was only a glance, the beautiful appearance of her had already been imprinted in his mind. The beautiful black-haired girl must be from a noble family in Central or Southern Europe. It's a pity that he didn't ask her name...
"Heero, you go back first, I seem to have left a pen..."
"Left a pen...?"
"Yes, you go back to Duo first. I'll be there soon." He stopped and sent Heero away. After watching the suspicious Heero leaving, he eagerly turned back and wish himself a bit of luck to see the girl again.
When he found the girl was left, he was a bit disappointed. But when he looked down to the grass, there was something shining under the sunshine.
He picked it up carefully. It was a necklace with a golden cross. There was a name engraved on it.
"Lucrezia..." It was a beautiful name. He admired in his heart and trust it should be left by the lady he just met. After rubbing the engraving on the cross again, he found that there was a family crest on the back... and it looked quite familiar.
***********************
With the permission of the school, Milliardo led the team to leave the campus for the first time and go to a hotel in the city centre for a celebration. This was also to comfort everyone who had been working hard for the school anniversary drama over the past few months. Duo who was smiling and happily chatted with the actors one by one to toast just like the host. He was trained as a nobleman and good at drinking wine.
"Excellent opera, Duo." Milliardo patted him on the shoulder and clinked glasses with him.
"I have an honor for Great Britain, haven't I?"
"You are a hero today." The people present applauded the words.
" This is an honor for everyone, it would not be possible without you!" Duo stood up and raised his glass with an air, "Go!"
"GO-"
The music of the band and the crowd behind it were so lively, Duo turned to Milliardo and raised his glass. "And this glass is for Solo, do it with me."
Duo was still in a smiling face, and it seems that he was not sad for hearing his brother’s name anymore. Milliardo felt comforted. He hugged Duo’s shoulder hard, "As your friend, I also want to pay tribute to your brother!"
Relena also joined the celebration. But she was was overwhelmed with alcohol only by two glasses. Quietly, she pulled out the black velvet hanging on the glass door and walked to the balcony.
When she closed her eyes lightly, the noisy world inside was immediately isolated from her. The breeze was blowing, and the whole view of Vienna appeared like a beautiful picture. She stared at the lights that were swaying with the wind, and gradually closed her eyes, making all the lights connected in one line...
"You come for the night view?" It was from a low voice.
She was taken aback, quickly grabbed the marble fence of the balcony, and turned around. She didn't notice that there was another person on the balcony.
There was a person standing in the shadows, he was leaning on the wall, and when Relena blinked at him, he walked out slowly.
"Heero..." She was a little surprised, this is why she can’t find him in the venue. "You also come out for the night view?" Obviously, she asked a stupid question.
She could hear that he was smiling softly. "Probably like you, we are not good at drinking. Did I scare you?"
"Yes," she said seriously, and then shrugged, "but you often scare me anyway."
"I'm sorry." He walked to the fence, enjoying the breeze of Vienna.
Relena stood aside looking at him, feeling bewildered. Heero's father was a close friend of their family and two families supported each other on many proposals. This close political relationship made her, her brother and Heero grew up together since childhood. She remembered that when she was young, Heero and her got along very happily. And she has no idea since when she started to lose her temper to him sometimes.
"When will you return home?" After interrupting the silence, Heero didn't pay attention to Relena and asked her a question.
"Do you want me to leave soon?" It was a joke. She wanted to raise a joke. Relena knew that Heero didn't mean this, but she liked to tease him.
"You have been away for a long time, your father must be very worried about you." The flat response was without emotion. Relena had known that Heero was not good at expressing himself, but she was a little angry when she heard such nonchalant words.
"Are you worried about me?" She also lifted her face.
"Of course I am worried, we are good friends." Heero's indifferent response made her even angrier.
Don't do this, Relena, the atmosphere will become more and more stalemate... She talked to herself in her heart, but what she acted was different.
"Besides a good friend, are there any other reasons?" Her words made Heero suddenly looked back. Even she herself regretted jumping to this step suddenly. She was a little flustered.
I didn't mean to confess! Heero, don’t answer, don’t...
"Relena, I think you have always had a little misunderstanding about our relationship." Heero's answer was completely unexpected, but what he was about to say next made Relena even more surprised—
"I grew up with your brother and you. You both are like my siblings. You are our little sister. Do you understand what I mean?"
Relena stood still because of these words. what did he say? Standing on the spot because of shocking, but the lady's dignity compelled her to remain calm and decent at such embarrassing moments.
"It seems you are the one who has the misunderstanding..." Taking a deep breath, Relena pretended to be calm, but her shaking voice betrayed her.
Heero shrugged.
Heero’s indifferent behavior made her sad. Relena stepped back into the darkness, at least, she didn't want the man to look at her again. Her turbulent mind kept screaming to calm down. But these two people were silent for half a century. It was not easy for Relena to squeeze out a smile, even though it was a terrible smile.
"If my actions misunderstood you, I apologize to you, Mr. Heero Yuy." She pulled up her long dress, bent down, and completed a perfect salute. With another deep breath, she quietly exited the balcony.
Heero watched her leave. His legs wanted to chase her but he finally stood still. Without saying anything, he leaned on the marble fence and drank the wine in his hand in one breath.
Entering the noisy auditorium again from the silent balcony, Relena’s pale face looked normal under the orange and white light. The lively and giggling scene had no chance with her at this moment. She lowered her head and hurriedly shuttled through the crowd and left. The only girl on the scene left the lobby, and only one person seemed to notice this move.
Noin has shrunk in a corner of the lobby in order to stay away from a group of drunks. She could not find Trowa but saw Relena's expression after returning from the balcony. She felt something wrong. No matter how to conceal it, a woman's thought will be inadvertently revealed on her face, especially a little girl who has just been hit by a deep shock. Maybe something happened to Relena. She hurried to follow.
"Lady Relena..." She found the girl under one of the big trees in the garden.
Relena looked at her in shock, and then immediately turned her face away.
"I'm just here to enjoy the blowing. Don't pay attention to me. Please go back and celebrate with everyone." She turned around.
"I'm just here to make sure you are alright...because when I saw you coming back from the balcony just now—"
"I'm fine, thank you. Nothing happened. Please let me rest alone." She interrupted Noin forcefully.
"I see. Please forgive my rudeness." Relena's actions confirmed Noin's thoughts, and she bowed slightly to retreat.
Thinking of being stubbornly rejected just now, Relena gritted her teeth, but tears still couldn't help running down the corners of her eyes. She wiped out one drop of tear, and the second drop came out. Although she took a deep breath, she still sobbed.
She wanted to take out a small handkerchief, but she found that it was gone...
"Really... really annoying, where is the handkerchief..." She kept sulking and looking for the little thing.
Then there was someone to hand a white handkerchief behind the tree.
Relena took it, weeping, and said, "So are you still there?"
Noin slowly walked out from the tree with an apologetic voice. "I can’t let a girl with sadness stay alone."
Relena smiled bitterly. "Thank you for your demeanor...but next time when I say I want to be alone, please don't hide behind me..."
Noin stood in front of her and gave the sad girl a cordial smile. It was not that difficult to guess the reason why a young girl would cry alone.
Did she have any problems with Heero Yuy? This was not something she was interested in, but she just felt that, as a woman, she could not stand by when she saw Relena alone in sadness.
"I don't want to say anything," Relena turned her back, "If you want to stay, please don't ask any questions, and please don't say anything." She knelt down and gently dried her tears dumbly. And she let her sight to see far way as if her mind would go to some places far from here.
"I am daring to say.. you must think that I'm ridiculous, don't you?" Relena whispered a few words while wiping her tears after sobbing.
"No, I don't think that." Noin turned around from behind the tree and showed her a gentle smile, "You are an elegant lady, how could you be ridiculous? I mean...except for that rococo dress... "
Relena looked at herself in a gorgeous rococo dress and couldn't help but chuckle out. "Is this really bad?" She finally broke into a smile, "To be honest, I don't really like this dress, it's just... "
I understand because I want to attract the attention of a certain person...Noin nodded slightly to express her understanding.
"Anyway, I don't need to wear this kind of dress anymore." There were tears from the corners of her eyes.
"Just put on the clothes you like and suit you." While comforting the girl, Noin felt that her tone was a bit like a man, "How do you know that your attraction does not come from the natural you?"
Relena stared at Noin and her cheeks suddenly blushed. Noin was a little uneasy. She didn't want her actions to cause any misunderstandings.
"Thank you, Mr. Noin." Relena gave her a deep breath and smiled, "Don't worry, I'm fine."
This was a positive reaction, and Relena's reaction was calmer than she thought. Noin nodded and sat beside her silently. It made a light cross in her heart.
May Heavenly Father protect you.
She wanted to hold the cross on her chest...Huh...Why was it gone?
*****************************
The garden on the other side of the hotel was illuminated by the moon. The water in the fountain looked a little white.
"I can't stand Duo's noise." Trowa picked up the bottle to pour the wine for Quatre, who was sitting next to him by the pool. "But he is indeed worth a party today."
"He is as good at writing scripts as making noise." Quatre toasted him.
He didn't like noisy surroundings just like Trowa. The two took a bottle of white wine and left the lively auditorium. They used to share the moonlight with each other. But today they also with the elegance of drinking, and the harmonious atmosphere made Trowa who had been silent, suddenly become talkative.
"The moon in Russia is also very bright." Trowa looked at the moon in the sky and exclaimed, "I start to miss my hometown."
Quatre smiled softly. "It's really an emotional expression. Haven't you recovered? Robin Hood?"
Trowa also smiled. Was Robin Hood emotional? Probably his understanding was a little different from the gentleman in front of him. However, this didn't hurt his mood. He stretched out his hand to Quatre and said softy with the lines "If you believe me, please give me your hand."
Quatre put down the wine glass, he smiled and then clasped the other's hand tightly. He changed into Marion's accent. "From the beginning, only the two of us, Robin, we will support each other under the moon."
Trowa stared at him, feeling an unspeakable urge in his heart. He took Quatre's hand from a soft to a tight grip, and then quickly pulled him towards him.
Quatre lost his balance due to this peculiar movement. He fell into Trowa's arms. When he raised his head, Trowa's kiss was just dropped.
Quatre was too surprised to react. When he came back to his senses, he pushed Trowa away forcefully. But the Russian seemed to have expected that he would resist. He firmly held his hand tightly, his mouth did not let go for a moment. Quatre's resistance seemed weak under Trowa's strength, and he kept holding his hand until the other party melted into his own kiss...
****************************
Just after the class, Noin was slouched to go back to the dormitory. On the third day after discovering that she had lost the necklace, she didn't even know when and where she had lost this birthday gift from her grandfather.
She sighed, feeling very depressed.
"Your drama was doing well."
Noin raised her head and looked at the source of the sound—
Surprised by the person who spoke, she first said, "Treize Khushrenada!" She rarely met him on the way back to the dormitory. Today was not a lucky day.
Being a branch of the Spanish Bourbon royal family, Treize was always followed by a large group of “servants”. This ostentatious and extravagant approach also carried the French Bourbon style. But in the eyes of the southern European aristocrats who were used to acting alone, it was not envied but felt ridiculous.
Ignoring her astonishment, Treize Khushrenada stood in front of her with a smile. Did he come to blame her for participating in the activities of the British? Noin didn't understand why he also had this kind of thought. Sicily is not part of Spain, but she had always had concerns about the Khushrenada family, making her worry about touching Treize's bottom line.
"Although it's only a small role, you did a good job." Treize's tone was like teasing a young child, "Is it another talent besides acting in ancient poems?"
"Thank you for your appreciation." Noin looked back at him calmly.
Muller behind Treize robbed him. "It would be better if the heroine was played by you. The effect would be completely different if the heroine was played by a feminine man."
As soon as the voice fell, the Spanish group behind Treize laughed in response. Noin was not embarrassed, anyway, she herself thought that the heroine was giving her away. The problem was that when she heard the description of "feminine man", she was a little angry.
"Even if a man is feminine, he is still a man. A drama is still a drama. It is different with someone who messes with abnormal relationships in the real world." She glanced at Kira behind Treize.
The group behind Treize was murmured and some were starting to blame her impolite. But Treize was silent. He obviously also noticed Noin's move just now.
Noin looked back at Treize and suddenly there was a kind of courage in her heart. She wanted to tell Treize about the things she had seen about Athrun and Kira. But soon she gave up the idea. She nodded slightly and said goodbye to Treize. Then she turned and left. Finally, she should not worry about the Spaniards, shouldn’t she?
***************
It had been consecutive cloudy days, and today's sky was cloudless. After the Latin class was over, Noin did not walk on the grassy path exposed to the sun. Instead, she went to the south wing of the Raphael Building from the small corridor of the Ferdinand Memorial Hall. On the way, she met Milliardo who was also hiding from the violent sunlight.
"Noin, I need your help." The oncoming people looked like he has been waiting for her.
Since the encouragement and help on the day of the jousting, Noin had been grateful to Milliardo. Although she did not say anything about it, she has always kept it in her heart, always hoping to repay his friendship. So when the gentleman made a request, she responded with a bright and hearty voice.
"What's the matter?"
Milliardo approached her with a steady smile. She also responded with a squeezed smile.
"I heard from Relena that you have a younger sister."
Why does he talk about this suddenly? Noin is a little suspicious, but since the lie had started, it had to be continued. "Yes, I have a younger sister."
"She was there on the performance day, wasn’t she?"
What does he want to know? Noin frowned. She really didn't want to spend too much time on this topic, nor did she want to lie, so she lowered her head and responded with a low voice, and was about to leave.
When Milliardo found that Noin seemed to refuse to talk about this, Milliardo smiled.
"Actually, I picked this up on that day..." He took out a white handkerchief from his pocket, "I always think that the badge is very familiar, but I can't remember where I saw it. I suddenly remembered this morning..." Something was wrapped in the handkerchief. It was a necklace.
"Oh! The necklace!" Noin exclaimed in surprise, "This is my—"
"There is an emblem of the Neunheim family on the necklace, and there is a name- Lucrezia." Milliardo opened the handkerchief. Noin wanted to retrieve the necklace but the tall man held the necklace tightly as if he didn't mean to return the necklace to her.
"This... is indeed the necklace of my sister." Noin's melancholy face immediately brightened up when she found the necklace was found, "Where did you find the necklace?"
Milliardo smiled triumphantly.
"After the opera, I had a chance to meet with your sister. She left this necklace behind."
It turned out to be that time! Noin sighed. Anyway, she was still happy to find her necklace. She exhaled, "Thank you for keeping it. Please give it back to me—"
"You never told me that you have a beautiful sister." Milliardo interrupted her.
Noin frowned and looked at him.
“Your sister looks like you. She also has black hair like crow feathers. She is really beautiful."
Noin had a bad feeling in her heart, she put her smile away and stretched out her hand to him. "Thank you for keeping it. Please return the necklace to me."
"I am sorry I can’t." Milliardo's smiling eyes were enjoying the fun of teasing others, "I have to return it to Lady Lucrezia by myself."
What…? It turned out to be like this...After all, you are a man.. Noin put away her only smile and almost straightened it on her face.
"No. You just give me back the necklace and I will send it home." Noin's short stature was very imposing in front of Milliardo. However, her tone and stern face made her look serious enough.
The corners of Milliardo’s mouth raised slightly. He pulled Noin's outstretched hand and then leaned forward on him. "I have to apologize to her for my disrespectful behavior on that day."
"Disrespectful behavior?" Noin’s eyes widened and felt very strange. Did he do anything disrespectful that day? She should be the one who was rude and disrespectful.
When he saw Noin’s surprised expression, Milliardo laughed. He leaned towards Noin and caused her to lean back, "Please give me your address."
Address…? Noin becomes nervous. Was it feasible for him to send the necklace back to her home?
Chapter 5: Chapter 5
Chapter Text
1715年8月盛夏,維也納的白樺樹開得正茂。多諾在走廊遇上卡多魯是物理課後的事。
對方刻意的無視他快步離開他的視線範圍。多諾早就預料他會有這種反應。在上次慶功會的晚上,他們都做了不該做的事。第二天的早上,卡多魯認真的跟他說,他們那一夜都受到酒精的影響犯了荒謬絕倫的錯誤。然後,他對他冷淡起來。他知道他們兩個人的冷戰等同是對相互間的感情避而不談,這也是一種互相懲罰,但他們彼此都沒勇氣跟對方說清楚情況。
多諾在充滿著蟬鳴的斐迪南公爵大樓外的草原上靜靜的坐著。手上握著一封白色的信,若有所思的眺望著遠方,這不像是多諾‧班度一貫的表現。
「多諾!」從遠處走向他的諾茵用力在他肩上拍了一下。
手上拿著書信的多諾冷不防的被嚇了一跳,手上的信紙也隨即掉到地上去。
諾茵笑著,替他從地上拾起信紙,那個用紅臘封好、外加鮮紅色絲帶的蓋章吸引了她的注目。
「是沙皇陛下給我的信。」多諾知道諾茵準備要向他發問了,他主動向諾茵解釋道。
俄羅斯的彼得一世?諾茵想要追問下去,多諾已首先開腔︰「陛下在下月初會到達柏林進行訪問,他的秘書特別通知我去接見。」
「接見陛下?那真是一件大事。」諾茵由衷的驚嘆道。她知道多諾的父親是支持彼得一世繼位的其中一位將軍,雖然他已經逝世了,但不難想像沙皇仍會對班度家族有所卷顧。「你要在甚麼時候出發?」
「過兩天就得起程了,我要先過去準備一下。」
多諾微笑著,但諾茵感受不到歡愉,甚至覺得有點失落。多諾持續這種狀態已經一段很長時間了。她也忘記了究竟由何時開始他的笑容會帶著失落感。只有一點可以確定,卡多魯最近都沒有跟他出雙入對了。
她想要追問,又覺得不好意思,感覺就好像因為自己的好奇而揭開別人私生活的情況一樣。她不希望令多諾為難和難堪,卻又想知道當中發生的事,就在她陷入自我矛盾之時,一位「老朋友」已向她走近了。他不是誰,正是杜魯斯身邊的繆拉。
「終於找到你了。」繆拉似笑非笑的表情令諾茵感到很不舒服。
「有甚麼事嗎?」諾茵輕鬆的表情變得有點嚴肅。
自從在馬上比武擊敗繆拉後,繆拉和阿歷士二人似是對眼前這個矮小身形的「男性」帶有點敬意,不單再沒有欺凌和捉弄她,跟她說話時還保持了應有的禮貌。
「杜魯斯想邀請你下星期四一起下午茶。」
邀請我…?諾茵感到很奇怪,她跟杜魯斯近來也沒甚麼來往,為甚麼他突然請她見面?
站在一旁的多諾有點看不過去,他走到諾茵跟前將她稍稍推後︰「如果不想去就別勉強。」
看到多諾關心自己的舉動,諾茵內心投下一絲溫柔的微笑︰「沒關係。」她轉向繆拉,「我明白了,請代我向杜魯斯答謝,到時我會到你們那邊去。」
*************************
希羅跟迪奧在研究作業。跟美利安多不同,成績一直處於中游的二人在考試前夕會跟其他學生一樣拼命溫習。迪奧本來較懶散,希羅比較好一點。他會自覺溫習以期成績改進。迪奧有時候也會跟著他一起好好的溫習。
「乾脆我明天在斐迪南大樓放一把火,那麼經濟課考試就可以取消了。」迪奧受不了苦悶,合上課本後伸了個懶腰,便搖著椅子沒精打采的道。
「你又再說廢話了。」冷淡的回應,希羅早就知道迪奧一定沒耐性,說出這種戲言來自我安慰一直是他的強項。
「別人都說英國人沒幽默感,你就是其中的表表者。」迪奧用力拍打希羅的背部,站了起來再伸個懶腰,也順道舒活筋骨。
「我不同意你說的廢話是幽默感的表現。」輕撫著疼痛的背部,希羅盯著他,一副不滿的表情。
「無論以甚麼樣的成績畢業,反正畢業後我也可以回去繼承父親的公司。讀書對我而言只是件要交待的苦差。」他在希羅身後來回的踱步,「跟你們不同,未來的上議院議員非得從聖克學院以優異的成績畢業才行,要有名望也是要付出對等代價的。」
希羅猛然用力拉著迪奧的長辮子,令迪奧痛得哇哇大叫。
「讓你這種不學無術的人繼任一定會搞跨麥韋公司、害英國勞動人員失業。我要阻止這種事情發生,立即給我坐下來好好學習。」
迪奧邊抱怨邊乖乖坐下。他伏在桌子上一副懶洋洋的樣子,然後轉向希羅︰「其實我不想繼承公司。」
「我知道,你想成為劇作家。」希羅繼續邊做筆記邊隨意的回應他。
「不是,我真正的夢想是成為一個海員。」
迪奧的說話引起了希羅的注意。成為一個海員…希羅覺得這句說話很熟悉。這是迪奧小時候經常掛在嘴邊的一句話。在蘇洛死後,有一天他突然說要寫小說寫戲劇,然後全情投入的向作家之路邁進,令他幾乎忘記了迪奧還有過「當個海員」這夢想。
「繼承麥韋公司很適合你。」
「那是不同的,坐在安逸的陸地上指揮船務公司跟在漂流不定的大海上航行是兩碼子的事。」迪奧認真起來。
「你當個水手好了。」希羅輕輕的帶過,態度似是要結束這個話題。
「你真的一點情趣也沒有。」迪奧搖著椅子,仍是一副悠然自得的樣子,「早兩天我在市中心遇見一個人了。你猜是誰?」
希羅向他投以一副「我怎麼會知道」的眼神。
「是赫德拉姆‧柏格斯統。瑞典的提督,你聽過沒?」
赫德拉姆…希羅停下手上的工作。他從皇家私掠海盜克利福德口中聽說過這個名字。那個在六年前的俄瑞波塔瓦海戰中護送瑞典國王查理十二世全身而退的年輕提督。當年不愔海戰的查理十二世堅持親自領軍對抗沙俄,反而被全軍殲滅。事後他反過來將戰敗歸咎於柏格斯統提督。希羅小時候已經聽過這個故事了。
「他是很著名的瑞典提督,我當然聽過。可是,他怎麼可能在維也納出現?你認錯人了吧?」
「不會,那頭長長的銀髮是他的標記,再說,他身邊還有他的副官格爾哈特。我還上前查詢了他們的身份。」
希羅感到有點難以置信︰「柏格斯統離開了瑞典?」
「是的,他去年已經從海軍裡退役了。現在他準備到四方遊歷—」
「去年…怪不得瑞典在甘古特會戰中會大敗…」希羅開始組織起各種原因和資料,「他離開瑞典,表示瑞典海軍將群龍無首。瑞典在波羅的海的勢力範圍恐怕會守不住了。怪不得俄羅斯最近蠢蠢欲動,大概是知道他要離開的消息…」
「希羅!」迪奧吼出一句,用力拍打桌子,「我跟你說的是我的事,不要跟我說政治好嗎!」
「抱歉…」身為在政治上有影響力的貴族之子,希羅又犯職業病了。他呼了口氣,重新回應他,「因為見到柏格斯統所以你的海員夢又重燃了?」
「你也可以這樣說,事實上我的海員夢從沒熄滅過。」迪奧的表情又再認真起來,他嘆息,「你知道我的哥哥在海上喪生,我的父親一定反對我當個海員…」
「這也是理所當然吧?」希羅瞄了瞄他,低聲說,「你得要繼承父親的生意,一切都已經安排好。」
「給點年輕人的浪漫和激情行嗎?說話別像個老頭子一樣。」迪奧想要再拍打他的背部,這次被有所準備的希羅擋了回來。
「反而你的人生才被安排好,從聖克學院畢業後回去繼續家族莊園,然後加入上議院,再跟莉莉娜結婚,啊!真是事業有成情場得意的人生。」迪奧合上手掌作狀感動並且語帶諷刺的道。
希羅深啡色的瞳孔盯著他,也不客氣起來︰「別胡說八道,誰說我要跟莉莉娜結婚?」
「你們青梅竹馬,一看就知道莉莉娜喜歡你了。她是美利安多的妹妹,這是非常理想的婚姻哦。」迪奧對希羅的反應有點訝異,「難道…你不喜歡她嗎?」
希羅想起了那天晚上跟莉莉娜說的話。沉默了。
「只是覺得…她太別忸,也太任性了。」他低聲得近乎自言自語。
「看來你也想要反抗命運呢!」迪奧剩希羅沉思之際再次用力拍他的背部,令希羅整個人由椅子上掉下來。
「你這可惡的傢伙!」坐在地上的希羅爬起來準備好要向敵人作出攻擊了。
「我們一起努力的反抗命運吧!」嬉皮笑臉的回應,迪奧一奔一跳的避開希羅的拳頭。
雖然稍為將考試的緊張氣氛沖淡,但在這小房間內嬉笑著的二人,內心深處卻各自萌起了對往後的路向的不同想法。
*********************
在學期結束前,考試的成績再次公佈。
雖然全級頭三甲的人選已像必然的結果一樣,但一如所料,第一名仍然是迪斯奴夫‧諾因海姆。
「明明騎術、騎士課還有劍擊三科,諾茵的成績都遠排在杜魯斯和美利安多之後,為甚麼她仍然可以考第一?」
提出疑問的迪奧是真心的不解。如果多諾在的話應該很快能解答他這個問題。
因為諾茵的揚琴、音樂、棋藝、文法、拉丁文成績都是無懈可擊的。
成績公佈當日諾茵沒有到成績壁報板去查看。因為她覺得沒必要。她沒有必須保持良好成績的原因,對她而言,這只是單純反映自己的能力罷了。不過,身為女生但成績壓倒所有的男生,單是這個事實已使她很感自豪。並且,每一次公佈學科成績,她都感覺其他人越發對她尊重。
沒有去領成績的還有一個人。
諾茵呆坐在未名湖前已經一個小時了。烈日當空,幸好有頭上一片白樺樹遮掩著太陽,微風劃過湖水吹到身上也的確很清涼。只是,呆呆的坐著一個小時真的快要沉悶死了。
「別睡著。」身旁的美利安多瞄了瞄他,善意的提醒道。
諾茵打了個呵欠,想要伸個懶腰又怕弄到魚竿了。下意識的想去拉頸項上的十字架項鍊,才發現自己還沒改掉這習慣。事實上,自從由美利安多手上取回項鍊後,她已經偷偷將項鍊收藏好了。
一個月前,美利安多給諾因海姆家的露洛莉亞小姐寄了一封信。諾茵比他先一步通知了老管家帕岡,讓他把信偷偷轉寄回奧地利交給她。所有事情得隱瞞父親進行。如果讓他老人家知道自己在學校幾乎暴露了女性的身份,恐怕會把他嚇壞了吧?
她回覆了一封很有禮貌的答謝信,然後,問題出現了。
美利安多再給她寄了封回信,讚美了她秀麗的筆跡,然後開始向她作其他的攀談。
成為筆友嗎?諾茵重重的呼了口氣。這種事對於一位平常養在深閨的千金小姐來說的確很有趣,但置身於危機四伏的環境中的諾茵實在提不起勁來。她擔心再這樣下去會不小心被揭發秘密,然後一子錯,滿盤皆落索。
「再給點耐性吧。」美利安多再瞄瞄她,這次是個似笑非笑的表情。
他這句語帶雙關令苦悶的諾茵醒一醒神。「嗯…」敷衍的回應,諾茵重新握緊魚竿。
自從發現「露洛莉亞」後,大概是錯覺,諾茵總感到美利安多跟她好像親近起來。夏天剛到,他不是拉著她去參加騎術練習,就跟她去擊劍,又或者像現在一樣,把她帶到未名湖去釣魚。
「不知道多諾他現在在做甚麼呢,他已經離開六天了…」近乎自言自語,諾茵托著頭說道。
「大概跟沙皇和普魯士王在一起喝酒吧。聽說彼得一世是個酒鬼。」
「我說…沙皇這次出訪普魯士會跟芬蘭的爭奪有關嗎?」
「這是理所當然吧。」美利安多知道諾茵對於政治事件並不敏感,他歸因於西西島遠離中歐政治戰場之故,但作為一個男人,他認為有必要給諾茵補補課,「自從去年瑞典在甘古特會戰中被俄國海軍大敗被逼撤出芬蘭後,雖然查理十二世向俄國求和,但這兩國的關係一直未好轉過。這次波羅的海貿易權又起爭議,這兩個國家都積極爭取其他國家支持。雖然我看瑞典大勢已去…」
諾茵想起卡多魯和多諾,內心將無數的線索穿鑿附會起來︰「最近…多諾跟卡多魯會是因為他們的國家間交惡而影響彼此的友誼嗎…?」當美利安多向她解釋國際形勢時她竟問起了個人感情的事,她感到自己問了個不合時宜的問題。
美利安多凝視著她,眼神流露出苦惱。就像他腦海中已轉換過千千百百種表達方法後,他才回應︰「他們不會因為國家政治形勢而交惡。會影響他們關係的,恐怕會是其他事情。」
「其他事情?那會是甚麼?」她追問,但美利安多似乎沒有說下去的意思。
這不公平。她以為這幾個月來美利安多的舉動顯示了他跟她是好朋友了,但在這件事情上,很明顯他有事對她隱瞞。有甚麼事會令這位正直的領袖難於啟齒嗎?
腦海中閃過一個念頭,只是一刻,她想起阿斯蘭和基拉相互擁吻的那一幕。這兩個人在三個星期前退學了。當她聽到這個消息時難掩驚訝之色。為甚麼這兩個人會退學?難道是因為他們發生了畸戀的事爆光了?
多諾…難道會是…然而,她用力的揮頭揮掉這個不道德的想法。
「像個男人行嗎?」美利安多按著她搖動的頭顱恥笑道。嬌小身形的諾茵跟其他十七歲的男生比較起來已經矮小了一截,有時候他那種娘娘腔的舉動更令人感到可笑。但他頭腦好,做事認真卻不失幽默感,而堅守原則這一點跟他性情相似,令人覺得他「可愛」和可敬。這也是美利安多喜歡把他帶在身邊的原因。
諾茵停止了這個舉動。臉頰因不好意思而紅了。
「為甚麼你好像沒長高過似的?骨骼也小得可憐。即使站在最纖瘦的希羅旁邊,你也顯得骨瘦如柴。」有點教訓的意味,美利安多不滿意的打量著她的身形,令她感到很不自在。
事實上踏入青春期,十六七歲的男生都快速成長,高個十至二十公分也是等閒事。身為女生的諾茵跟他們之間身高的分別也越來越明顯。
「我有長高十公分了,只是你們長得比我更快。奇怪的是你們啊。」她拋了個不屑的眼神輕聲的回應,不想再在這個問題上糾纏,「莉莉娜小姐最近怎麼樣?」諾茵想起了在慶祝會第二天便離開的莉莉娜,正好可以轉換話題。想起來,她們已經有一段長時間沒聯絡了。
「她很好,最近在學跳小步舞。現在…應該在挪威旅行。」
「在挪威旅行,跟公爵一起渡假去?」
「不,她跟另外兩位朋友一起去。」
「三個人…三個女孩子?」諾茵感到訝異。
「是的。」美利安多轉向她,那是自豪的表情,「她說想要往外走走。」
「公爵就讓她們三個女孩子往外跑?」
「父親有點擔心,但我認為那問題不大。」看到諾茵驚訝的表情,美利安多反而感得奇怪,「她已經十五歲了,除了英語,還會說法語、德語和西班牙語,溝通上應該沒問題。」
「我不是這個意思,而是—」
「我相信她的能力。」美利安多臉帶笑容的回應她的疑慮,「不要少覻女性。就以莉莉娜來說,她比別人看到的更出色更堅強。不單如此,她最近好像有一些新的想法,正在跟幾個朋友構思一項活動 — 雖然她故作神秘的沒有向我透露。」
諾茵聽得目定口呆。不要少覻女性?她沒有聽錯吧?當世界都將女人當作為裝飾品看待的時候,她眼前這位貴族公子竟然跟她說…「不要少覻女性」?說起來,在她演譯《玫瑰傳奇》時,美利安多也曾透露了他的想法。
「為甚麼你會有這種想法?」
「認為玫瑰不需依賴賞花人而可孤芳自賞的你會覺得奇怪嗎?」美利安多笑了,那雙水藍色的眼睛好看極了,「我還以為我們想法很相近呢。」
「的確…」她有點尷尬,端直身子的坐了起來,「只是你的說話還是教我驚訝。」
她也覺得女性的能力不能少覷,因為作為女性,她露洛莉亞‧諾因海姆是出色的。她不是過份自信,而是簡單的接受事實。作為一個女性,她在家裡接受跟哥哥一樣的家教,但成績永遠比兄長好。而且她有語言和寫作天份,這都已經反映在她的拉丁文課上。連算是第二名的杜魯斯‧國斯里達,她知道他們之間也有一定差距,尤其在寫舒情詩上。
當初要進入學園學習,因為身負重任,她是很緊張沒錯,但同一時間她也很興奮。因為這個範疇是男人的世界,而她已證明,她的能力比起男人們也亳不遜色,她是出色的。也因為這個事實,她最近為自己身為女性的命運覺得不甘心。父權社會的現實諾茵非常清楚。任她能力再高,她都不可能成為領主,將來最多只會嫁個貴族,生兒育女,管理家中僕人而已。
她又可以怎樣做?
然而,當聽到美利安多說出這種開明的說話,她有一刻覺得宛如看到曙光。原來,這個父權社會中還有這種聲音的嗎?她覺得很不可思議。
換上個淺笑,美利安多想要說甚麼,突然他的魚竿動了。
「有魚!」看到有動靜,諾茵高興的拋下了剛才的思緒,還有自己的魚竿跑向對方,「是魚嗎?」
「是尾大魚。」美利安多站起來,稍為用力的拉著魚竿,然後便讓水中的獵物隨意的掙扎,「要來幫幫我嗎?」
他拉著魚竿,向身旁矮小的諾茵示意到。當諾茵拉著魚竿,才感受到原來這尾魚力度還真大,她幾乎被魚拉動了。美利安多趕緊從後用力拉緊魚竿,雙手剛好將她包圍著。
「得先讓牠再游一下,待牠累了就可以拉上來了。」
諾茵根本沒心思聽他的說話了。她感到臉頰一陣熾熱,卻又不好意思將身後的男人推開。
「好,現在拉上來。」在諾茵內心小鹿亂撞的時候,美利安多已經抓著她的手,用力將大魚由湖中拉上來了。
當看到一尺長的大魚躍起,泛起的水珠在陽光映照下閃出了金光,諾茵興奮的叫了出來,「真的是尾大魚呢~!」
美利安多熟練的將魚絲給剪斷,打好一個結後交給在他身邊高興莫明的諾茵︰「只要付出點耐性,總會有收穫的。下次換你一個人來試試看。」
諾茵由他手中接過魚,原來還真的很重。她望著閃爍的魚鱗,再望望擦著汗珠的美利安多,臉上自然的流露出個笑容。他這個人還蠻會照顧別人的。她真心的在內心讚美道。
**************
八月盛夏的天氣要把人熱昏了。諾茵被美利安多拉去練習擊劍,回到宿舍後第一件事就是洗澡。
她可沒忘記今天跟杜魯斯有個約會。
她跟美利安多談起過這件事,跟多諾的反應有點不同,他鼓勵她出席去,還跟她打趣的說︰「千萬別跟杜魯斯拿出紅色手帕。」
她不清楚杜魯斯的為人。事實上她跟他的接觸很有限,每一次他身邊都包圍著一大班人,而他總是高高在上的用淡然但高傲的語氣說話。不過,他似乎也忠於騎士精神,在上次的比武會中,他挺身而出為她解圍,她總算見識到他的領袖風範了。他似乎不是她原本想像的那種卑鄙小人,也不喜歡耍弄權謀。然而,這種領袖為甚麼要約見她呢?
安德魯大樓南翼傳統上是西班牙的基地。西班牙人也許天生對紅色有著偏愛,在紅磚建成的教學大樓旁的青蔥小草地上,一屆又一屆的西班牙學子種植了他們所喜愛的鮮紅玫瑰。諾茵喜歡以雛菊作為入浴香料,但當進入這個玫瑰園時,周遭濃烈的玫瑰香氣已將她身上的菊香遮蓋。
園內只有杜魯斯一個人。他在茗茶。
「你好。」園中只有他們二人,諾茵感到有點不自在,但還是有禮的催前向對方問好。
「很高興你來了。」杜魯斯放下手中的白瓷茶杯,示意諾茵在他對面的椅子上坐下。然後為她倒入一杯茶。
是一杯濃茶。諾茵將茶杯放到嘴唇邊喝了一少口,立即因茶的苦澀皺起眉頭。
「還是得加點牛奶。」她接過杜魯遞給她的牛奶瓶,吐了吐舌。杜魯斯看在眼裡忍不著輕聲笑了︰
「只有英國人和女人才會在紅茶中加入牛奶。」
說起英國人,諾茵的動作停止了。她稍稍抬頭望著杜魯斯。他果然是為了她親近那幾個大不列顛人的事而準備發難嗎?
「國斯里達,你找我來是為了甚麼事呢?」反正她人已經坐在玫瑰園了,也不到她膽怯了。她端直身子,以平和的語氣詢問。
杜魯斯微笑著,是個淡然的笑容︰「今天約見你,是為了表示對你的感謝。」
「感謝?」聽到這個詞,她感到很疑惑。
「對於你沒有張揚阿斯蘭和基拉的事。」輕描淡寫的說出重點。
原來是指那件事。諾茵明白了。她早就覺得這兩個人會突然退學當中的理由並不簡單,原來是杜魯斯在背後進行了「工作」。
「感謝你沒對外人宣示,讓我有足夠時間處理。」
「那只是出於對同樣身為天主教徒的人的同情。」諾茵聳聳肩表示不在意。事實上她為這件事有個平淡的落幕而感到高興,「怎樣也好,大家可以安然無羔就好了。」
對於這句說話,杜魯斯向她投以詑異的眼神。
杜魯斯的眉毛令他整個人充滿威儀,諾茵避開了他的目光。
「美利安多似乎把你訓練得很好。」
諾茵感到被冒犯了。她收起微笑︰「我想那一邊的情況跟你們有點不同。我跟美利安多的關係是朋友不是主僕。」
「我沒有冒犯你的意思。只是驚訝於發現你比上一次見面時更勇敢了。」
諾茵的臉頰頓時泛紅。她竟然得到杜魯斯‧國斯里達的讚賞?
「聽說你最近跟美利安多學劍擊,而且練得很不錯。下次有機會我們可以切磋一下。」
「不要太認真。」聽到杜魯斯這番說話,諾茵倏然笑出來,露出了泛白的牙齒,「只是美利安多閒來無事給稍稍指導,我跟你們的層次不同。」她記得劍擊課的第一和第二名,從來都只有美利安多和杜魯斯兩個名字,他們兩人之間的差距只有分亳,跟第三名的差距不一樣。
杜魯斯瞇起眼睛望著諾茵,那雙眼睛就像可以看穿別人心思一樣令諾茵感到不自在。然後,他緩緩的站起來了︰
「這是很好的午聚。希望下次還有機會跟你一起享受下午茶。」
事前亳無徵兆的情況下,杜魯斯突然單方面結束了茶聚,諾茵感到有點愕然。她也來不及反應,隨著杜魯斯的離席,她也站起來目送他離開。
然後,杜魯斯回過頭來,那猶如獵鷹般銳利的目光再次瞄著眼前的諾茵︰「你自己也得小心一點,這是給你的忠告。」
諾茵呆立的目送遠去的杜魯斯,腦海中充滿問號。「你自己也得小心一點…?」他是指甚麼?
在不知所云的情況下諾茵又再被勾起了惶恐的情緒。
*************************
多諾回來後的第二天約見了卡多魯。他不確定對方會否單獨見他,但這一次他有非見他不可的理由。
「很久不見了。別來無恙。」卡多魯跟多諾碰臉後,用平淡的語氣說出這句話。平凡得就像是兩個普通朋友打招呼一樣。只是多諾聽在耳裡由衷感到彼此著實有一道無形的牆在阻隔。
「你也是。」多諾回應了一句,給予一個淡然的笑容,跟對方平淡的臉容很相配。
「聽說弗雷德里希•威廉一世把琥珀宮送給俄羅斯。這次跟普魯士的外交得到大勝利,你的沙皇一定很高興吧?」
過去卡多魯跟多諾之間甚少會談及政治,因為俄國跟瑞典有戰爭和外交問題,一但說起國家關係恐怕也會觸及彼此的神經。
多諾輕輕搖頭沒有回答。
「琥珀宮漂亮吧?」沈默了半晌,卡多魯像逼迫著吐出個話題。
「很華麗。」多諾的聲音有點猶疑。
他發生了甚麼事…這是卡多魯的直覺。雖然跟多諾「冷戰」了幾個月,但對於多諾的個性,卡多魯還是瞭若指掌。
「陛下提議讓我迎娶普魯士的凱瑟琳公主。」
接著無意義的對答,多諾突然說出這令人驚訝的消息。他雙眼無神,聲音細小,看樣子他是經過幾番掙扎才下定決定說出來。當聽到這個消息,卡多魯瞪大眼睛一副難以置信的樣子。事實上他不確定自己是否有聽錯。
「你說—」
「陛下希望我跟凱瑟琳公主結婚。」他重覆著,這次說話比較鏗鏘,眼神也較堅定。
先是一眐,卡多魯本來冷淡的眼神起了變化,他呆呆的站立在多諾跟前,感到很震驚。
「你會有甚麼感想嗎?」像跟自己亳不相關一樣,多諾諷刺的道。
「那…恭喜你了。」生硬的吐出這句話,卡多魯低下頭來。
「會是由衷的祝賀嗎?」多諾的聲音裡沒有任何起伏。
卡多魯沒回應。
半個世紀後,多諾深深吸了口氣,他凝重的對他說︰「我拒絕了陛下。」
多諾的說話令沈默的卡多魯猛然回過頭來。
「我告訴他,我已經有喜歡的人了。」他凝視著對方,直至對方避開了他的目光。
「多諾,你何必—」
「我愛上我的朋友,他是個溫柔的人,雖然我們的國家處於敵對關係,但我們彼此真誠相處,由朋友變成知己,然後慢慢的…」
「別說了。」卡多魯叫住了他,雙手緊握拳頭,「你知道我們會犯罪。」
「那表示你跟我一樣有同樣的感覺?」
卡多魯為之語塞。
「這是為世所不容的關係。」他默認了,低著頭。
多諾明白他的苦惱。卡多魯是個溫柔善良的人,他總是先考慮別人才想到自己。他一定在擔心這種關係會為他帶來影響了。他也一定陷入了痛苦之中。再次深深吸了口氣,多諾堅定的道︰「我要帶你回俄羅斯。」
卡多魯驚訝的望著對方。
「我答應沙皇要回俄羅斯去,很遺憾沒法留在這裡直至畢業。」多諾向他靠近,卡多魯想要向後迴避,卻被多諾抓著雙臂,「跟我回去,只有俄羅斯容得下我們。」
卡多魯別過臉去。
「多諾,我們不可以這樣做…」他感到心亂如麻。他愛多諾,甚至感到有點不能自拔了。但他不希望這種畸戀的關係會毀了自己,更重要是會毀了他。
多諾抓著他手臂的力度稍為增加,使卡多魯失去平衡依靠在他胸前︰「我必須回俄羅斯去,而且不會再回來。如果你不跟我一起離開,你將永遠失去我。」
「不要迫我。」卡多魯推開了他,「你這樣做會毀了自己!」
「沒有你才會令我毀滅。」多諾緊握拳頭,聲音抖震的說出這句話。卡多魯內心一陣悸動,他回頭望著他。
「跟我走,跟我在一起。我需要你。」多諾伸出手拉著卡多魯的手,慢慢的將他拉入懷中。
同時間他們聽到「砰」的一聲。
小提琴盒因掉到地上而打開了。諾茵呆呆站在不遠處的草叢裡,驚訝的望著多諾,再望望卡多魯。當眼睛再回到多諾身上時,諾茵整個人凝住了。
「諾茵。」多諾叫她,但諾茵立即便轉身向後跑去。「諾茵…」他感到為難,不知道要如何解釋。他輕輕的放開卡多魯大步追了上去。
*****************
在白樺樹林中的未名湖旁邊坐著,諾茵抱著雙膝,心情還因為那衝擊而久久未能平復。
「為甚麼會沒想到呢…」當從前多諾跟卡多魯很要好的時候,她就覺得多諾對卡多魯的溫柔有著甚麼難以言喻的感情,她為自己一直沒發現當中的不妥當而自責。「如果早點發現,說不定可以幫助他們改正過來…」她在胸前畫了個十字,然後由衷期盼天父會原諒他們。
事情發生在外人身上,她可以淡然面對,但當發生在自己重要的人身上時,她陷入了迷局中失去了方向。一方面為朋友犯了宗教之罪而感到痛心;但當中也包含了部份私心,因為多諾的選擇令她感到受傷害了。所愛的人原來愛著別人,而且那個人跟他同樣是男性…
明明覺得很沮喪,卻又哭不出來,諾茵一個人坐在湖邊發著悶氣,感到迷失了。
「就知道你會來。」黑夜中傳來的聲音令諾茵打了個冷顫。即使不回過頭去也知道對方是誰。
「美利安多,你嚇著我了。」
美利安多走到她身邊隨意的坐了下來。當多諾向他查問諾茵的行踪時,美利安多知道她一定發生了甚麼事。而直覺告訴他,諾茵應該發現了些甚麼,而那件事他本來想要向她隱瞞。
「即使在學校裡,晚上一個人到這裡來也是很危險的。難道沒聽說過未名湖幽靈的事嗎?」他語調輕鬆,半開玩笑的說著。
「我不怕。」
美利安多苦笑了。他知道她不怕,因為她是一個虔誠的天主教徒。這也是為甚麼他想對她隱瞞多諾跟卡多魯的事,因為當知道好朋友發生了這種違反天主教教旨的事後,她一定會陷入苦惱之中。而事實證明,他猜對了。
「我知道發生甚麼事了,你想要聊聊嗎?」他選擇單刀直入。
「我就猜你一定知道。」諾茵仍緊緊的抱著雙膝,一副沒精打采的樣子,「你會怎樣做?我指,身為一個新教徒。」
美利安多輕輕的笑了。
「政治家都不是虔誠信徒,我也有這種特質。」他自嘲的笑著,看到諾茵因他這句話而不滿意的苦笑,他有點放心了,「對我而言,宗教更像是一套社會道德準則,而我自己也有一套個人的道德標準。我認為只要沒傷害別人,他們兩個人要幹甚麼都有他們的自由。」
不愧是出身於被喻為歐陸最自由之地的英倫人。「你身為皇位繼承人之一,我對你的宗教見解感到訝異。」諾茵放開雙腿,「我不能這樣想…背叛了神的人都犯了罪,而這次竟然發生在我的朋友身上…再說,單純以社會道德來看他們也犯了禁忌。」
「這次?」美利安多注意到這個用詞。
諾茵感到失言了。關於阿斯蘭跟基拉的事,她可不想讓第三個人知道。她搖頭。
看樣子諾茵還有難言之隱。但美利安多沒有再追問。他皺起眉頭︰「因為他們彼此相愛所以犯了罪?」
相愛…這是多麼沉重的一個詞。諾茵內心猛然一抽。眼前的美利安多可不知道,她為多諾選擇了卡多魯而難道,甚至更甚於他犯了宗教之罪。她也為了自己有這種可惡的想法而感到羞恥,因而產生了不能避免的自責。
「他們相愛是事實,難不成你想要從中破壞?」美利安多的說話令她怦然一動。
「不要胡說—!」她急不及待的否認,〈我可不想成為第三者破壞別人的幸福!破壞…破壞別人的幸福?對啊…那兩個人的表情是那樣的幸福…〉她又再陷入沉思。
「我不知道要怎樣做…美利安多…你會怎麼做…」
跟諾茵相識了差不多兩年了,她從來不曾要求過自己做些甚麼。當她向他提出求救時,他知道眼前的人感到迷惘了。諾茵似乎陷入了自我道德的陷阱裡。看到他失落的樣子,就像一頭弱小的小狗,需要被人保護和安慰。有那麼一刻,美利安多想要撫摸他的頭,但懸空的手很快便放下來。美利安多呼了個大氣。
「多諾跟卡多魯都不是天主教徒。你何必用自己的宗教教旨去規範他們呢?」
這句說話觸動了諾茵的神經,,望著美利安多的眼神像鬆綁了一樣。她苦笑︰「或者你說得對…」
美利安多為她想通了而感到高興。他笑著移向她,然後拍拍她的肩膀︰「別膽心,即使多諾不在,你還有我這個好朋友,我會照顧你的。」
諾茵臉頰泛紅,她稍稍移動手肘想要輕力的推開善意的對方,但終究沒有這樣做。在這失落的晚上,幸好還有這位好朋友在身邊支持自己。失戀的一夜,似乎也不是這麼難過。
而美利安多的內心,也為自己剛才那一剎那的思緒感到疑惑。
*** English version***
In the mid of August 1715, the birch trees in Vienna were blooming. Trowa met Quatre in the hallway after the physics class.
Another man deliberately ignored him and stepped away from his sight. Trowa had expected him to react this way. On the night of the celebration party, they all did things they shouldn't do. In the morning of the next day, Quatre told him seriously that they had made a ridiculous mistake that night under the influence of alcohol. Then he became cold towards him. He knew that the cold war between them was equivalent to avoiding talking about each other's feelings, which was also a kind of mutual punishment, but they didn't have the courage to explain the situation to each other clearly.
Trowa sat quietly on the grassland outside the building of the Duke of Ferdinand where was already full of cicadas. Holding a white letter in his hand, he looked thoughtfully. This was not like Trowa Barton’s usual performance.
"Trowa." Noin walked towards him from a distance. She patted him hard on the shoulder.
Trowa was holding the letter in his hand. He was shocked unpreparedly, and the letter paper in his hand fell to the ground immediately.
Noin smiled and picked up the letter paper from the ground for him. The stamp with red wax and bright red ribbon attracted her attention.
"It's a letter from the Tsar." Trowa knew that Noin was about to ask him questions, and he took the initiative to explain to her.
Peter I of Russia? Noin wanted to continue the questioning, but Trowa had already spoken out first. "His Majesty will arrive in Berlin for a visit early next month, and his secretary specifically notified me to meet him."
"Meeting with the Tsar? That's really a big event." Noin exclaimed from the bottom of her heart. She knew that Trowa’s father was one of the generals who supported Peter I's succession. Although he has passed away, it was not difficult to imagine that the Tsar would still look after the Barton family. "When are you going to leave?"
"I have to leave in two days. I have to go there and prepare."
Trowa smiled, but Noin couldn't feel happy. Instead, she felt a little disappointed and sadness from his smile. Trowa had been in this state for a long time. She also forgot when he smiled with a sense of disappointment. Only one thing is certain, Quatre had not stayed with him recently.
She wanted to ask but she felt embarrassed, as if she had revealed the situation of other people's private because of her own curiosity. She didn't want to embarrass Trowa, but she wanted to know what happened. Just when she fell into self-conflict, an "old friend" approached her. He was no one, but Muller from Treize’s team.
"You are here." Muller’s smile made Noin feel very uncomfortable.
"What's the matter?" Noin's relaxed expression became a little serious.
Since defeating Muller in the jousting, Muller and Alex seemed to have a little respect for the “little boy" in front of them. Not only did they no longer bully and tease her, they also maintained their due diligence when talking to her.
"Treize wants to invite you for an afternoon tea next Thursday."
Invite me…? Noin felt very strange. Treize and her hadn't had much contact with each other recently. Why did he suddenly invite her to meet?
Trowa was standing on the side. He walked to Noin and pushed her back slightly. "If you don't want to go, just tell them."
She was happy to find that Trowa was caring about her. Noin casted a gentle smile in her heart. "It's alright." She turned to Muller, "No problem. Please thank Treize for the invitation."
*************************
Heero and Duo were studying. Unlike Milliardo, the two who have always been in the middle grades would study as hard as other students for the exam. Duo was the lazy one, and Heero was better. He would consciously have revision to improve his grades. Duo sometimes followed him and sometimes not.
"Just let me set a fire in the Ferdinand Building tomorrow, then the economics exam can be cancelled." Duo couldn't stand the depression, and after closing the textbook, he stretched out and shook his chair listlessly.
"You're talking nonsense again." In a cold response, Heero knew Duo must be impatient for a long time, and he had always been his strength to say this kind of joke.
"Everyone says that the British don't have a sense of humour, and honest you are an example." Duo slapped Heero hard on the back, stood up and stretched his waist again. He was also relaxing his muscles and bones.
"I don't agree that your nonsense is a sense of humour." Caressing his sore back, Heero stared at him with an expression of dissatisfaction.
"No matter what grades I graduated with, I can go back to inherit my father's company after graduation. To me, studying is just a pain to confess." He paced back Heero, "Not like you, the future members of the House of Lords has to graduate with honours from Sanc College. Everything got a price. "
Heero suddenly pulled Duo’s braid hair and it made him scream in pain.
"If I allow someone like you to run your father’s business, it may cause the collapse of your company and raise up the unemployment rate for British workers. I should prevent this from happening. Sit down immediately and study hard."
Duo complained and sat down obediently. He lay down on the table with a lazy appearance, then turned to Heero. "Actually I don't want to inherit the company."
"I know, you want to be a playwright." Heero continued to respond casually while taking notes.
"No, my real dream is to become a sailor."
Duo's words caught Heero's attention. Becoming a sailor... Heero found this sentence very familiar. This was a sentence that Duo often said when he was a child. After Solo’s died, one day he suddenly said that he wanted to write novels and dramas, and then devoted himself to the path of a writer. He almost forgot that Duo had the dream of "being a sailor."
"Inheriting Maxwell company is very suitable for you."
"That's different. Sitting on a comfortable office and directing a shipping company are two different things from navigating on a drifting sea." Duo got serious.
"You cannot be a sailor." Heero gently led it, and the attitude seemed to end the topic.
"You really don't have any interest at all." Duo shook his chair, still looking at ease, "I met someone in the city centre two days earlier. Who can you guess?”
Heero casted a look of "how would I know" at him.
"It's Hoodlum Bergstrom. The navy admiral of Sweden, have you heard of him?"
Bergstrom…Heero stopped his work. He had heard the name from Clifford, the royal privateer. The young admiral who escorted King Charles XII of Sweden to retreat in the Battle of Poltava six years ago. Charles XII, who never fought at sea, insisted on personally leading the army against Tsarist Russia, but was annihilated by the whole army. Afterwards, he in turn blamed the defeat on Admiral Bergstrom. Heero had heard this story when he was a child.
"He is a very famous Swedish admiral, of course I have heard about him. But how could he appear in Vienna? Did you admit the right person?"
"Yes, that long silver hair is his trademark. Besides, there was his adjutant Gerhard Adern-Katz beside him. I also stepped forward to check their identities."
Heero felt a little unbelievable. "Bergstrom has left Sweden?"
"Yes, he was retired from the navy last year. Now he is ready to travel around the world—"
"Last year... No wonder Sweden was defeated in the battle of Gangut..." Heero began to organize various reasons and information. "He left Sweden, that means the Swedish Navy has no strong leader anymore. Sweden's influence in the Baltic Sea may not be able to defend. No wonder Russia has been about to move recently, probably because they know that Bergstrom was leaving..."
"Heero!" Duo yelled, slapped the table hard, "I'm telling you my business, don't give me a lesson of politics!"
"Sorry..." As the son of a politically nobleman, Heero had suffered an occupational disease again. He exhaled and responded to him, "Because of meeting Bergstrom, your dream of being a sailor has rekindled?"
"You can say like that. In fact, my dream of being a sailor has never been extinguished." Duo's expression became serious again, and he sighed, "You know that my brother was died at sea, and my father must oppose me to be a sailor... "
"This is a matter of course." Heero glanced at him and whispered, "You have to inherit your father's business. Everything has been arranged."
"Can you act like a young man, keeping some romance and passion on your future? Don't talk like an old man." Duo wanted to slap him on the back again, but this time he was blocked by the prepared Heero.
"On the contrary, your life has been arranged. After graduating from Sanc College, you will have to go back to continue the family estate, then join the House of Lords, and then marry Relena. Wonderful! What a successful career and a proud life." Duo closed his palms and wrote. The words were touched and sarcastic.
Heero's dark brown pupils stared at him, "Don't talk nonsense, who said I will marry Relena?"
"You childhood sweethearts, you know Relena likes you at first glance. She is also Milliardo's sister, this is a very ideal marriage." Duo was a little surprised at Heero's reaction, "Don't you...don't you like her? "
Heero remembered what he said to Relena that night. He kept silent for a moment.
"I just think... she's too wayward." He whispered almost to himself.
"It seems that you want to resist your fate too!" Duo slapped Heero on the back again while he was thinking, causing Heero to fall from the chair.
"You nasty fellow!" Heero was sitting on the ground. He got up and was ready to attack Duo.
"Let's work hard to fight against your fate!" With a happy smiled in response, and Duo dashed to avoid Heero's fist.
Although the tension of the exam was slightly diminished, the two people fighting and laughing in this small room had different ideas about the way forward.
*********************
Before the end of the semester, the exam results had been announced again.
The top three candidates in the whole class were as expected, the first place was still Dixneuf Neunheim.
"I don’t understand. In riding, jousting, and swordsmanship, Noin's grades are far behind Milliardo and Khushrenada. Why can he still get the first place?"
Duo who asked the question, was truly puzzled. If Trowa was here, he should be able to answer this question.
Because Noin's dulcimer, music, chess, grammar, and Latin scores are all impeccable.
Noin did not go to the results poster board to check the results. Because she didn't think it was necessary. There was no reason for her to maintain good grades. For her, this was simply a reflection of her own ability. However, she was proud of the fact that she was a girl but whose performance overwhelms all boys. Moreover, every time the result announced, she could feel that other people respect her more and more.
There is another person who hasn't gotten the grade.
Noin has been sitting in front of Lake of no name for an hour. The scorching sun was in the sky, but fortunately there was a birch tree above the head covering the sun, and the breeze across the lake was indeed very cool. It was just that, sitting there for an hour was really going to be dull.
"Don't fall asleep." Milliardo glanced at her and reminded her kindly.
Noin yawned, trying to stretch but was afraid of getting a fishing rod. She subconsciously wanted to pull the cross necklace on my neck, but she had realized that she hadn't gotten rid of this habit. In fact, since Milliardo retrieved the necklace to her, she has secretly stored the necklace.
One month ago, Milliardo sent a letter to Lady Lucrezia Neunheim. Noin informed the old butler Pagan ahead and asked him to secretly forward the letter back to Austria to her. Everything had to be done with her father hidden. If his old father knew that she had almost exposed her identity in school, he would probably be terrified.
She replied with a polite thank-you letter, and then the problem appeared.
Milliardo sent her another reply, praising her beautiful handwriting, and then began to talk to her in other ways.
Become a pen pal? Noin exhaled heavily. This kind of thing was indeed very interesting for a lady who was usually raised in a deep boudoir, but Noin, who was in a crisis-ridden environment, could not really enjoy about this. She was worried that if she continued like this, she would accidentally be exposed to the secret. She would make a mistake and lost everything.
"Be more patience." Milliardo glanced at her again, this time he saw her with a smile.
His words with puns awakened Noin who was depressed. "Already..." In a perfunctory response, Noin clenched the fishing rod again.
Since discovering "Lucrezia", it was probably an illusion that Noin always felt that Milliardo was getting close to her. When summer arrived, he started to take her to participate in riding practice, he also went fencing with her, or, like now, he took her to Lake of no name to go fishing.
"I just wonder what Trowa is doing right now, he has been away for six days..." The low voice was almost to herself, Noin said with her head raised.
"Probably having a drink with the Tsar and the King of Prussia. I heard that Peter I was an alcoholic."
"I also wonder... Will the Tsar's visit to Prussia this time be related to the competition in Finland?"
"This is a matter of course." Milliardo knew that Noin was not sensitive to political events. He attributed it to the fact that Sicily was far away from the political battlefields in Central Europe. However, as a man, he thought it was necessary to make up lessons for Noin. "Since after Sweden was forced to withdraw from Finland by the Russian navy in the battle of gangut last year, although Charles XII asked Russia for peace, the relationship between the two countries has not improved. This time there is another dispute over the right to trade in the Baltic Sea. All countries are actively seeking support from other countries. Although I think Sweden’s general trend is over..."
Noin thought of Quatre and Trowa, and attached countless clues in her heart. "Do you think… It will affect the friendships between Trowa and Quatre? You know recently they actions look different to previous.." When Milliardo tried to explain the international situation, she asked about personal feelings. She felt that she had asked an untimely question.
Milliardo was staring at her, her eyes were showing distress. Just as he had converted thousands of expressions in his mind, he responded. "I don’t think their friendship will be affected because of the country's political situation. If you found that there is something between them, it will be another thing."
"Another thing? What could it be?" She asked, but Milliardo didn't seem to have the intention to go on.
This was not fair. She thought that Milliardo's actions in the past few months showed that he and her were good friends, but in this matter, it was obvious that he had something to hide from her. Was there anything that would make it difficult for this upright leader to speak up?
A thought flashed in her mind, but for a moment, she remembered the scene where Athrun and Kira kissed each other. These two people dropped out of school three weeks ago. She couldn't hide her surprise when she heard the news. Why did these two people drop out? Could it be because they had an abnormal relationship that broke out?
Trowa...could it be... However, she waved her head vigorously away from this immoral thought.
"Can you act like a man?" Millardo sneered as she shook her head. Compared with other seventeen-year-old boys, Noin was already a little shorter, and sometimes the sissy behavior was even funny. However, Noin had a good mind, and she was serious in doing things without losing a sense of humour, also she was sticking to principles, which made her quite like Milliardo’s temperament. Because of that Milliardo found “this boy” was "lovely" and respectable. This was also the reason why he liked to take Noin with him.
Noin stopped this move. Her cheeks were red from embarrassment.
"Do you look after yourself properly? You look pitifully small. Even if you stand next to the Heero the thinnest, you still look skinny." Milliardo looked dissatisfied with her height. His sight made her feel very uncomfortable.
In fact, as they are in puberty, boys at their sixteen or seventeen were growing rapidly, and being ten to twenty centimetres tall is nosy. The height difference between Noin and them was becoming more and more obvious.
"I already get tall by ten centimetres, but you grow faster than me. It's strange that you guys get tall so quick." She casted a disdainful look and responded softly, she did not want to get entangled in this issue anymore, "How is Miss Relena? " Noin thought of Relena who had left the next day of the celebration. She would like to change the topic with Milliardo. Thinking of it, they haven't been in contact for a long time.
"She's fine. She's learning minuet dance recently. She should be traveling in Norway now."
"Traveling in Norway? Is she going on vacation with your father?"
"No, she goes with two friends."
"Two friends... are you talking about three girls?" Noin was surprised.
"Yes." Milliardo turned to her with a proud expression. "She said she wanted to go to northern part for traveling."
"I can’t believe that your father will let three girls to travel to Norway by themselves."
"My father is a little worried, but I don't think the problem is that big." Seeing Noin's surprised expression, Milliardo was surprised. "She is fifteen years old and she can speak French, German and Spanish. There should be no problem in communication."
"I didn't mean that, but—"
"I believe in her ability." Milliardo responded to her doubts with a smile, "Don't look down the women. For Relena, she is better and stronger than others have seen. Not only that, but she also seems to be having some new ideas, and she is conceiving an event with a few friends - although she pretends to be mysterious and she didn't reveal it to me."
Noin was dumbfounded. Don’t look down women? Did she hear it correctly? When the world treats women as decorations, the noble in front of her said to her... "Don't look down women?" Speaking of which, when they had a discussion of Le Roman de la Rose, Milliardo also revealed his thoughts.
"Why do you have this thought?"
"I remember you said that Roses are the same no matter there is a person cherishes or not." Milliardo smiled, and the aqua-blue eyes looked very beautiful, "I thought we had similar opinion."
"Indeed..." She was a little embarrassed, and sat up straight, "It's just that your words still surprised me."
She also believed that women's abilities could not be looked down, because as a woman, Lucrezia Neunheim was outstanding. She was not overconfident, but simply accepted the facts. As a woman, she received the same tutoring as her brother at home, but her grades were always better than him. And she has a talent for language and writing, which had been reflected in her Latin class. Even Treize, who is ranked second, knows that there was a certain gap between them, especially when it came to writing comfort poems.
At the beginning, she was going to study in the academy, and she was very nervous because of the heavy responsibilities, but she was also very excited at the same time. Because this category was the world of men, and she had proved that her ability was not inferior to men. She was still outstanding. Because of this fact, she recently felt unwilling to her destiny as a woman. Noin was very clear about the reality of a patriarchal society. No matter how high her ability was, she could not become a lord. In the future, she would only marry a nobleman, raised up children, and managed the servants of the house.
What else could she do?
However, when she heard Milliardo say such enlightened speech, she felt for a moment as if she saw the light. It turned out that there was still such a voice in this patriarchal society. She thought it was incredible.
With a small smile, Milliardo wanted to say something when suddenly his fishing rod moved.
"There is a fish!" Seeing the movement, Noin happily left behind her thoughts, and her fishing rod ran towards the other boy, "Is it a fish?"
"It's a big fish." Milliardo stood up, pulled the fishing rod slightly harder, and let the prey in the water struggle freely, "Would you like to help me?"
He pulled the fishing rod and motioned to Noin beside him. When Noin pulled the fishing rod, she realized that the fish was strong, and she was almost pulled into the water by the fish. Milliardo hurriedly tightened the fishing rod from behind, just surrounding her with both hands.
"You have to let it swim for a while, and when it gets tired, you can pull it up."
Noin didn't even bother to listen to him. She felt a hot glow on her cheeks, but she was embarrassed to push the man behind her away.
"Alright, pull it up now." When there is a little deer crashed in Noin’s heart, Millirado had already grabbed her hand and pulled the big fish up from the lake with force.
When he saw a one-foot-long big fish leaping up, and the rising water drops flashing golden light in the sunlight, Noin exclaimed excitedly, "It's really a big fish!"
Milliardo cut the fish shreds skilfully and tied a knot to hand it to Noin. She was happy beside him. "As long as you put in a little patience, you will always gain. Next time you can try it by yourself. "
Noin took the fish from his hand, it turned out to be really heavy. She looked at the twinkling fish scales and then looked at Milliardo, who was wiping sweat, with a natural smile on his face. He was quite good at taking care of others. She praised her sincerely.
**************
The weather in the midsummer of August will make people faint. Noin was taken to practice fencing by Milliardo, and the first thing she did after returning to the dormitory was to take a bath.
She hadn't forgotten that she had a date with Treize Khushrenada today.
She talked to Milliardo about this, and his reaction was a little different from Trowa. He encouraged her to attend and jokingly asked her "Don’t take out the red handkerchief in front of Treize."
She didn't understand Treize. In fact, she had very limited contact with him. Every time he was surrounded by a large group of people, and he always spoke in an indifferent but arrogant tone from aloof. However, he seemed to be loyal to the spirit of chivalry. In the last tournament, he stepped forward to help her out, and she finally saw his leadership style. He didn't seem to be the kind of despicable person she had originally imagined, and he didn't like to play tricks. However, why would such a leader ask to meet her?
The southern wing of the Andrew Building is traditionally the base of Spain. The Spaniards may have a natural preference for red. On the green grass next to the red brick building, successive generations of Spanish students planted their favorite bright red roses. Noin liked to use daisies as a bathing spice, but when she entered this rose garden, the strong scent of roses around her had covered her own scent.
There was only Treize in the park. He was drinking tea.
"How are you?" There were only two of them in the garden. Noin felt a little uncomfortable, but she still politely greeted him.
"I'm glad you are here." Treize put down the white porcelain teacup in his hand and motioned for Noin to sit down on the chair opposite him. He poured a cup of tea for her.
It was a cup of black tea. Noin put the teacup to her lips and took a few sips. She immediately frowned because of the bitterness of the tea.
"I prefer to add some milk." She took the milk bottle Treize gave her and stuck out her tongue. Treize couldn't help but smile softly in his eyes.
"Only British and women would add milk into black tea."
Speaking of the British, Noin's actions stopped. She looked up at Treize slightly. Was he really ready to blame her for getting close to the British?
"Khushrenada, why do you invite me for tea?" She was already sitting in the rose garden anyway, and she was no longer timid. She straightened up and asked in a calm tone.
Treize smiled, "I made an appointment with you today to show my gratitude to you."
"Gratitude?" She was puzzled when she heard this word.
"All is for the matter about Athrun and Kira." He said the point lightly.
It was clear now. He was referring to that matter. Noin had long felt that the reason for these two people's sudden withdrawal from school was not simple. It turned out that Treize did some arrangements behind the scenes.
"Thank you for not telling outsiders, so I have enough time to deal with it."
"It's just out of sympathy for those who are also Catholics." Noin shrugged and said like she didn't care. In fact, she was happy that the incident had ended in a dull manner, "Anyway, everyone can be safe now."
For this sentence, Treize cast a weird look at her.
Treize’s eyebrows filled with majesty, and Noin avoided his gaze.
"Milliardo Peacecraft seems to train you very well."
Noin felt offended. She put a smile away. "I think the situation on the other side is a little different from yours. The relationship between Milliardo and me is friendship, not a master and servant."
"I didn't mean to offend you. I was just surprised to find that you are braver than when we met last time."
Noin's cheeks flushed suddenly. Was she just hearing a compliment from Treize Khushrenada?
"I heard that you are learning fencing with Milliardo recently, and you practiced very well. Probably we can have a practice next time."
"Please don’t take it too serious." Hearing Treize’s words, Noin express a soft laugh, "It's just that Milliardo gives me some advices when he is free. I am at the junior level when comparing with you two." She remembered that the first and second place in the fencing class had always only been named Milliardo and Treize. The difference between the two of them was only a point, not the same as the third place.
Treize squinted his eyes and looked at Noin. Those eyes made Noin felt uncomfortable as if he could see through her minds. Then, he slowly stood up.
"This is a good afternoon gathering. I hope we will have another opportunity to enjoy afternoon tea together next time."
Without any warning beforehand, Treize suddenly ended the tea party unilaterally, and Noin felt a little stunned. She was too late to react, and as Treize left, she stood up and watched him leave.
Then, Treize turned his head, his sharp eyes liked a falcon once again aimed at Noin in front of him. "You have to be more careful. This is an advice for you."
Noin stared at Treize who was going away. She was with question marks in her mind. "You have to be more careful...?" What did he mean?
In unintelligible circumstances, Noin was again aroused panic.
*************************
The day after Trowa came back, he made an appointment with Quatre. He wasn't sure if the other party would see him alone, but this time he had a reason to meet him.
"It's been a long time. I hope you are doing well." Quatre said this in a flat tone. It's as ordinary as two normal friends saying hello. It's just that Trowa really felt that there was an invisible wall blocking with the person in front of him.
"So are you." Trowa replied, giving him a calm smile that matched Quatre’s plain face.
"I heard that Frederick William I gave the Amber Palace to Russia. This is a diplomatic victory with Prussia. I believe the Tsar must be satisfied."
In the past, Quatre and Trowa seldom talked about politics, because Russia and Sweden had wars and diplomatic issues. When it came to state relations, they might also touch each other's nerves.
Trowa shook his head lightly without answering.
"Amber Palace should be pretty enough to attract everyone’s eyes." After a long silence, Quatre seemed to force him to spit out a topic.
"It is gorgeous." Trowa’s voice was a little hesitant.
What happened to him... This was Quatre’s instinct. Although he had been in the "cold war" with Trowa for a few months, he was still clear about Trowa’s personality.
"His Majesty proposed me to marry Princess Catherine of Prussia."
Following a meaningless answer, Trowa suddenly said the surprising news. His eyes were dull and his voice was small, it seemed that he had made up his mind to speak after several struggles. When he heard the news, Quatre widened his eyes with an unbelievable look. In fact, he wasn't sure if he had heard it wrong.
"you say-"
"His Majesty wants me to marry Princess Catherine." He repeated, this time speaking more sonorously and his eyes firmer.
At first, Quatre’s cold eyes changed. He stood in front of Trowa blankly and shocked.
"Do you have any thoughts?" Trowa said sarcastically as if it was not related to him.
"...Congratulations." Quatre lowered his head as he spit out these words abruptly.
"Will it be a heartfelt congratulation?" There was no ups and downs in Trowa’s voice.
Quatre did not respond.
It liked to wait for half a century, Quatre took a deep breath, and he solemnly said to him. "I reject this offer."
Trowa’s words caused the silent Quatre to turn around abruptly.
"I told him that I already have someone I love." He stared at him until he avoided his gaze.
"Trowa, why do you—"
"I fall in love with my friend, he is a gentle person. Although our countries are in a hostile relationship, we get along sincerely with each other, from friends to confidants, and then slowly..."
"Stop please." Quatre stopped him, clenching his fists, "You know we will sin."
"Does that mean you feel the same as me?"
Quatre is speechless.
"This is an unacceptable relationship." He acquiesced, lowering his head.
Trowa understood his distress. Quatre was a gentle and kind person. He always considered about the others, especially Trowa himself first. He must be worried that this relationship will affect him. He must also be in pain. Taking a deep breath again, Trowa said firmly, "I want to go back to Russia with you."
Quatre looked at him in surprise.
"I promised the Tsar to go back to Russia. I regret not being able to stay here until graduation." Trowa approached him. Quatre wanted to avoid him, but Trowa grabbed his arms, "Follow me, only Russia Can tolerate us."
Quatre looked away.
"Trowa, we can't do this..." He felt confused. He loved Trowa and even felt a little overwhelmed. But he didn’t want this kind of abnormal relationship to ruin himself, more importantly, it will ruin Trowa.
Trowa’s grip on his arm increased slightly, causing Quatre to lose his balance and lean on his chest. "I must go back to Russia, and I won't come back again. If you don't leave with me, you will lose me forever. "
"Don't force me." Quatre pushed him away, "You will ruin yourself by doing this!"
"I would be destroyed without you." Trowa clenched his fists and said this in a shaking voice. Quatre’s heart throbbed, and he looked back at him.
"Follow me, stay with me. I need you." Trowa stretched out his hand and hugged Quatre tightly.
At the same time they heard a "bang".
The violin case opened because it fell to the ground. Noin stood in the grass not far away, looking at Trowa in surprise, and then she turned to Quatre. When her eyes returned to Trowa again, Noyin froze.
"Noin." Trowa called her, but Noin immediately turned around and ran back. "Noin..." He felt embarrassed and didn't know how to explain it. He gently let go of Quatre and chased her with a stride.
*****************
Sitting beside the Lake of no name, Noin hugged her knees and she was still unable to calm down for a long time because of the shock.
"Why didn't I realise it..." When Trowa and Quatre were very close in the past, she felt that Trowa had some unspeakable feelings for Quatre’s gentleness. She felt disappointed for her own self because she had never found the improprieties in it. "If I found out this relationship earlier, maybe I can help them to correct..." She drew a cross on her chest, and sincerely hoped that Heavenly Father would forgive them.
When things happen on other people, she could face them indifferently, but when it happened to someone who is important to her, she fell into a puzzle and lost her direction. On the one hand, she felt sad for her friend's crime of religion; but it also contained some selfishness, because Trowa’s choice made her feel hurt. The person she love that fell in love with someone else, and that person was also a man…
Obviously, she was feeling very depressed, but she was unable to cry. Noin sat alone by the lake. She was sulking and feeling lost.
"I know you will be here." Noin shivered from the voice coming from the night. Even if she did not look back, she knew who the person is.
"Milliardo, you scared me."
Milliardo walked to her and sat down casually. When Trowa asked him about Noin's whereabouts, he knew that something must have happened to her. But his instinct told him that Noin should have discovered something which was what he wanted to hide from her.
"Even at school, it's dangerous to come here alone at night. Haven't you heard of the ghost of this lake?" He said in a relaxed tone as half-jokingly.
"I'm not afraid of it."
Milliardo smiled bitterly. He knew she was not afraid of ghost because she was a devout Catholic. That's why he wanted to hide the secret of Trowa and Quatre from her, because she would definitely fall into distress when she knew that this was a kind of violation of Catholic rules. And she may not be able to accept the situation that had happened to her good friend. And it turns out that his concern was right.
"I know what happened, do you want to talk about that?" He chose to go straight.
"I guess you already know." Noin still hugged her knees tightly. She looked listless, "What would you do? I mean, as a Protestant."
Milliardo smiled softly.
"Politicians are not pious and faithful, and I have this trait." He laughed at himself. Noin was not satisfied by his answer and gave him a wry smile. Milliardo released. "To me, religion is more like a set of social ethics, and I also have a set of personal ethics. I think that as long as they don’t hurt anyone, both of them have their freedom to do everything.”
The Great Britain was always called the enlightened place in Europe. No wonder this comment came from a British.
"As one of the heirs to the throne, I am surprised by your religious opinions." Noin let go of her legs, "I can't think like this... People who betrayed God would be sinned, and this time it happened to my friends... Besides, they are breaking on social morality."
"This time?" Milliardo noticed the term.
Noin felt a flop. For what happened on Athrun and Kira, she didn't want other people to know. She shook her head.
It looked like Noin still has something to say. But Milliardo did not ask any more questions. He frowned. "Because they love each other so they have committed a sin?"
Love each other... what a heavy word this is. Noin's heart suddenly twitched. Milliardo didn't know that she was also sad because Trowa had chosen Quatre. She lost her puppy love and it hurt her more than the betrayal of religion. She also felt ashamed for having such a nasty thought, that’s why she felt unavoidable self-blamed.
"It's a fact that they love each other. Do you want to destroy their relationship?" Milliardo’s words made her startled.
"Don't talk nonsense!" She couldn’t wait to deny, "I don't want to destroy the happiness of them!”
Destroy...destroy the happiness of them? It is true that the expressions of them are so happy... She fell into thought again.
"I don't know what to do...Milliardo...what would you do...?"
They have been friends for almost two years, Noin had never asked for his help. When she asked him for help, he knew that the person in front of him was confused and helpless. Noin seemed to fall into the trap of self-morality. She looked like a weak puppy, who needs to be protected and comforted. For a moment, Milliardo wanted to touch her head to comfort her, but the dangling hand quickly dropped. Milliardo exhaled aloud.
"Neither Trowa nor Quatre are Catholics. Do you think it is suitable to put your religious rule on them?"
This sentence touched Noin’s heart, and she looked at Milliardo’s eyes as if she was released. She smiled bitterly. "You may be right..."
Milliardo was happy that she had figured it out finally. He smiled and moved to her, then patted her on the shoulder. "Even if Trowa is not there, you still have me. I will take care of you."
Noin's cheeks flushed, and she wanted to move her elbow slightly to push the benevolent gentleman lightly. But finally, she did not do so. On this sadness night, she was so lucky to have him by her side to support her. It made the night did not seem to be that sad.
On the other hand, Milliardo was puzzled by his thoughts when touching Noin.
Chapter Text
十月來臨之前,諾茵將多諾及卡多魯送離維也納了。
儘管一直很低調,但兩個形影相隨的人突然間一同退學,單是當中的猜測已產生無數的謠言。但這種謠言傳播的速度比阿斯蘭跟基拉的事件要迅速卻令人意想不到。
在安東尼奧廣場旁邊的小徑上峽路相逢,西班牙集團和英倫集團由入學至今已出現過無數次對峙局面,但每一次雙方都表現克制的迴避了。只是這一次不知道上承了哪個話題,站在杜魯斯身後的繆拉指著對面的英倫學子叫嚷道︰
「卡多魯和多諾一定是因為甚麼事而退學的,說不定是做出了羞恥的事!」
「你不要在這裡胡扯!」一向大情大性的迪奧忍不住發難。
事實上杜魯斯已回頭輕輕責難繆拉讓他閉嘴,但迪奧的舉動卻引來了其他西班牙學子的反感。人多勢眾的西班牙集團已出現了不滿的聲音,兩個站在杜魯斯身後的男生也說出了比繆拉更難聽的說話。
「這不是畸戀集團的老羞成怒嗎?」
伶牙俐齒的迪奧已作好了出口術的準備,但希羅眼見勢色不對,對方人強馬壯,而他們只有他跟迪奧及美利安多三個人對付對方七個人,算起來不甚有利。他拉著迪奧不讓他亂來。
「你不是打算忍讓下去吧?他們不單在侮辱多諾和卡多魯,還侮辱大不列顛!」迪奧在希羅手中不斷反抗,他轉向美利安多認真的叫嚷︰「閣下,只要你一聲命令,我會為捍衛大不列顛的尊嚴而戰!」
西班牙的挑釁越來越過份,加上周遭圍觀的同學們加以叫囂,杜魯斯已失去控制情況的能力。一直冷靜壓制迪奧的希羅也變得不耐煩起來。
美利安多給希羅打了個眼色,示意他要保持克制,但顯然,希羅也做好了要「作戰」的準備。
沿途看到趕往「觀戲」的同學群,還有聽到他們口中片言隻語的消息,諾茵已心感不妙。當她趕到現場時,兩邊的陣形已經開始對峙了。
看到這種情況,諾茵本能的就衝入人群之中分開了兩邊陣形。
「真是太胡鬧了!」她雙眼充滿怒氣,對杜魯斯怒目而視,一副不共戴天的表情令杜魯斯深知眼前的人對他產生了誤會。但現在顯然不是解釋的時候。
分成兩幫的男性都被這突如其來的介入弄糊塗了。
「不要生事了!現在是多事之秋,想給藉口被開除嗎?」她對著西班牙人怒吼,同時橫視迪奧和希羅。
「就算是諾茵,不也有這種疑問嗎?」西班牙陣形有人首先發難。但杜魯斯揮手示意他安靜下來。
迪奧和希羅都有點看傻眼了。性格一向低調的諾茵竟然在這時候衝出來,而且還對杜魯斯咆哮…
好不容易安靜下來,杜魯斯示意他的同伴離開。他回頭瞄了諾茵一眼,她仍是一副怒不可遏的樣子。
**************
杜魯斯為阿斯蘭的事感謝她時,她對他改觀了。可是這次事件再令他的形象大打折扣。諾茵感到被出賣了。她努力為阿斯蘭和基拉的事保守秘密,但杜魯斯卻揭發多諾和卡多魯的關係,原來待人以誠不一定有對等回報,這位大小姐感覺又上了一課。
「還以為他是個好人…」她坐在宿舍內發悶氣。雖然兩位好朋友已經離開了。但這種事情若傳開了難免會影響他們,當然還有美利安多一伙人的形象。
咯咯
她的房門傳來叩門聲。大概是美利安多吧,他們相約去釣魚,但現在似乎比原定時間早了一點點。
她開門,發現一個出乎意料的人物站在門外。
她抬頭跟門外的人四目交投,有點驚訝,她握著門柄呆了,然後眼神變得有點厭惡。
「抱歉打擾你了。」是杜魯斯‧國斯里達。他臉上是個溫和的笑容。雙方對望了片刻,他輕輕拍著門框,「可以進去嗎?」
「有甚麼需要討論的嗎?」她仍守在門前,語氣變得不客氣。
杜魯斯稍稍收起笑容,他強行進入,逼使諾茵向後退,然後,他關上了身後的房門。
「剛才的事很抱歉。」這是他進房後第一句說話。
「事情都鬧大了,現在說這些有用嗎?」諾茵直直回瞪他。
「我沒預料繆拉會知道這件事,也沒想到他會說出來。」比諾茵高出三十公分的他俯視諾茵的動作令他更有高高在上的感覺。
諾茵瞄起眼睛望著他,冷冷的說︰「感謝你專程來解釋,我已經瞭解了。閣下可以回去了。」
「你很倔強。」高大的男人輕輕一笑,整個氣氛又再緩和起來。「我像以怨報德的人?」
「我不知道。你們派系間進行鬥爭大概甚麼手段都會使出來。」她尖銳的眼神令杜魯斯也瞄起眼睛來。
「美利安多會這樣做嗎?」他向前進逼。
「他是個紳士。」幾乎是立即頂回去。然後諾茵發現自己已被他逼向書桌了。
「但你卻懷疑我?」笑容有點無奈,杜魯斯直直凝視著她。
諾茵為之語塞。她跟他不熟稔,但是,她心裡知道杜魯斯應該並不是這種人。
「我不知道…」她避開了他的目光。
「我不會做出這種事,因這樣做會傷害你。」他放輕了語氣,然後闊大的手掃過諾茵的臉強行令她望著自己,「這也是為甚麼我會站在這裡跟你解釋。」
諾茵臉頰立即紅起來。這種曖眛氣氛不對勁!她撥開杜魯斯的手,有點驚惶失措。
房門傳來叩打聲,同時間房門已被推開。
「諾茵你準備好了嗎?」
當推門而進的美利安多看到高大的杜魯斯彎身倚向那羞紅著臉一臉驚惶的諾茵時,他凝著了。
「嗨。」杜魯斯轉身面向他,平淡得像沒事發生過一樣。
「嗨。」美利安多卻板起臉來。他走近他,當雙方臉對臉時,他冷笑了,「要來招收會員嗎?」
「哼哼。」杜魯斯吐笑了出來,「如你所見。」
諾茵走到美利安多的身邊,避開了杜魯斯注視她的目光。
美利安多皺起眉頭笑了︰「竟然到我的地方來招攬,真令人傷惱筋。」他向前移進,遮掩住身後的諾茵。看到這種舉動的杜魯斯再次瞇起眼睛。
「改日你也到我那邊去,我會用干邑來招待你。」
「我沒有在酒裡加冰的習慣,只有女人和西班牙人才會這樣做。請你記住了。」
兩個男人相對而笑,但整個房間卻凝結著令人窒息的氣息。
當杜魯斯離開後,諾茵才舒了口氣,她整個人放鬆的坐在床上,胸口仍感到起伏不定。
「被嚇著了?」美利安多打量著她,忍不住笑了。他這個輕快的笑聲令剛才凝重的氣氛煙消雲散,「今天不是站在我跟他之間很有氣勢的咆哮嗎?」
「別笑話我…」想起今天那種不理智的舉動,她在這刻反而感到難為情。
「不…」他搭著她的肩膀,「謝謝你,不然我當時真的沒下台階了。」
諾茵定睛的望著他。
「在那裡起衝突雙方都吃虧,但因為雙方身後那班熱血份子在推波助瀾,誰都沒法在那時候退下來。幸好你出現了,我跟杜魯斯總算找到下台階。」他笑著,平常得就像訴說著別人的事一樣。
「是這樣嗎…?」
他點點頭,然後捉弄她的笑說︰「他剛才不會是來感謝你吧?」
諾茵低下頭來,想起剛才杜魯斯的說話,原來還不假啊。再想起剛才他撫掃自己臉頰的一幕,不由得打了個冷顫。
***********************************************
與杜魯斯的會面似乎是個偶然,但又像必然會發生。
杜魯斯跟美利安多兩個不同立場的人站在一起,在想像中應該會充滿火花。但事實卻不然。
嗨。
雙方只是輕描淡寫的打過招呼。就如同老朋友一樣,美利安多邀請對方坐下,給對方倒了杯紅茶,杜魯斯輕輕表示謝意,然後兩個人就這樣自然地坐著。
十月的維也納已經開始有點寒冷。但偶而出現的陽光還是挺怡人,值得坐下亨受那份暖意。所以坐在花園的二人,看上去就像單純的欣賞著眼前綠油油大草地的光景一樣。
很難得,兩個派系的領頭人身邊都沒有任何朋友和跟班。這不常見。
「還有大半年就畢業了。」杜魯斯幽幽的自言自語。
「實在有點不捨吧。」美利安多眼睛仍然注意著臉前的大草地。
「到最後,我還有機會跟英國的下任卑斯賴多公爵安靜地喝著茶。」杜魯斯輕笑出來,美利安多受他影響,也展現出一個意味深長的笑容。
「其實我們之間的共同點不少,本來應該可以成為好朋友。」
本來?對於美利安多這個用字,杜魯斯眉頭有個小小的動作。
「我沒覺得我們之間的誤會有那麼深。」
「應該不是誤會。」美利安多轉向他,「其實我也想跟羅姆菲拉的杜魯斯保持良好關係。」
杜魯斯聳肩。
當他們各自回國後,恐怕很難再見面吧。並且,英國聯同法國和奧地利一直制衡西班牙的事人所共知。他們之間的立場注定他們很難成為好朋友。
「我是覺得很可惜,如果不是這些身份,我們應該可以更自由更愉快的交談吧。」他感慨,「無論對你還是諾茵。」
諾茵。
美利安多瞄了瞄他。這個名字教他在意。
杜魯斯就像試探的向他提問︰「你不會覺得,諾茵…他有時候也會予人錯覺嗎?」
「你想說甚麼呢?」美利安多的回答像被敲響的鐘一樣。
「只是個忠告。」
他望著杜魯斯,思量著這句意義不明的說話。心裡突然有種難以言喻的感受。
**********************
十一月末,維也納迎來了冬季第一場雪。由寒冷的走廊進入溫暖的臥室,圍上圍巾的諾茵打了個冷顫。
「有好一點嗎?」把圍巾放在桌子上,諾茵走到床邊坐下來,望著睡床上那個眼睛迷離的男人,她沒想到向來健壯的美利安多也會生病。他似乎是那種跟病無緣的人。
「混身都不舒服…」沒有了幹勁,但美利安多仍努力擠出個笑容,「不過這種狀態應該還可以去釣魚。」
「還說逞強的話?」諾茵輕笑了,她將手背放在他額上探熱。
躺著的人突然感到胸口怦然一動,臉頰立即變熱了。
「還有點發熱。」諾茵沒有發現床上的人有任何不妥,她轉身過去洗毛巾。
美利安多轉過身去,感到自己有點怪異的感覺。
事實上,這種怪異的感覺在很早之前有時也會悄悄的出現。
「轉過身來。」諾茵將他的身體拉回來,將冷水毛巾放在他額上,「很快便會退燒。」
她是如此的接近,那粉紅的雙唇就在他嘴唇邊,他甚至能嗅到她身上獨有的雛菊香氣…
他猛然一個轉身,感到全身有股奇怪的血液在運行,令他胸口猶如小鹿亂撞。
杜魯斯的說話突然如鐘聲一樣叩響他的內心。
諾茵 … 他有時候也會予人錯覺。
「怎麼了,快轉過來。」諾茵不滿的皺起眉,硬巴巴的拉著他的手臂。
「我、我沒問題…讓我側身睡就好了…」美利安多拉著被子不肯放手,「我想要休息一下…可以請你先離開嗎?」
「真的沒關係?」諾茵有點狐疑。但美利安多沒給她任何反應。她笑著輕聲道︰「那麼,我參加樂團練習去了。回來時再來看你,你要好好休息啊。」
聽到關門的聲音,瑟縮在被窩裡的美利安多才轉過身來。怎麼會產生怪異的感覺呢…難道把諾茵跟他妹妹的身影重疊了?
離開宿舍大樓,諾茵獨個兒前往參加管弦樂團的練習,在途中卻遇上了杜魯斯‧國斯里達。
沒有過往大堆手下跟隨的格局,杜魯斯一個人在走廊上活動。兩人沉默地對望良久,對方首先釋出善意的打了個招呼。
「你好。」她以最平淡的語氣回應。
對於諾茵的冷淡,杜魯斯只報以一笑︰「在聖誕前夕,我們會準備一個祈禱會。你會來參加嗎?」
諾茵知道同為天主教徒的西班牙人每年聖誕前夕都會在小教堂舉行彌撒,但礙於要跟他們保持距離,在過去兩年她都沒有參加他們舉辦的活動。這次杜魯斯親自迎請,她感到有點受寵若驚。
「偶爾也跟大伙兒一起禱告去。」本來是平凡的一句說話,但出自杜魯斯口中總令人覺得是個軟性的命令。
「嗯,我會好好考慮。」她感到不自在,低頭隨意的道。同時間,那雙闊大的手再次托承起她的下巴。
「現在是羅姆菲拉候爵的繼承人杜魯斯‧國斯里達跟你在說話,能讓你認真的回答嗎?」
杜魯斯帶點粗獷的用力托著諾茵的下巴逼使她望著自己,這個熟悉的場景、那雙深沉的眼睛令人感到不安。她推開了對方,向後迴避了兩步,眼神像隻受傷害的小貓一樣。諾茵這個動作也觸動了杜魯斯的神經,他有點驚異的望著她。
只是一瞬間,諾茵的眼神又再轉變過來,她毅然撥開了杜魯斯的手。
「感謝你的邀請,國斯里達家的少爺,但相信我將無暇出席。那麼我就失陪了。」她緊握著手上的小提琴盒,優雅的完成整個致禮的動作,然後輕快的離開杜魯斯的視線。
杜魯斯仍是一臉訝異的表情。他望著諾茵漸漸消失的背影,眼神突然變得疑惑起來。
*******************************************
最後諾茵還是參加了子夜彌撒。
杜魯斯也是一份子。
為了保持低調,諾茵選擇坐在最後排的長椅上。她看到杜魯斯的背影,他就坐在最前排的長椅上。
本來祈禱會結束後準備轉身離開,但當她站起來時剛好跟轉過身的杜魯斯四目交投。
好吧,為了保持禮貌,打個招呼還是要的。諾茵稍稍向他點點頭。然後對方向她走過來。
「很高興你來了。」
「感謝你的邀請。」諾茵抿抿嘴,想以最平淡的回應結束他們之間的話題。
「一起走走吧。」這不是一個邀請,更像是命令。杜魯斯就這樣領著她向小花園走去。
「你有甚麼想要對我說的嗎?」諾茵也順從的跟在他身後。對於他的舉動有點疑惑。
杜魯斯輕輕笑出來。
「我就不可以單純的跟你散步嗎?」他望著諾茵,「在你心目中我就是那種滿腦子心計的人?」
諾茵輕輕搖頭。這不是恭維,事實上雖然她跟他不親近,但從過去種種事情看來,其實杜魯斯算得上是一個滿有騎士精神的君子。
「真是漂亮的夜空呢。」他抬起頭,頭上是一片熣燦的星河,「已經是十二月,冬季的星星清晰可見。」
看到這片星河,諾茵的語調也顯得比較明快︰「那是北斗星,最亮的那顆是大熊座,旁邊那顆是仙后座,就是看起來很像W字是那個。」
「然後,依據仙后座,應該就可以找到北極星了。」
對於杜魯斯的回應,諾茵像不可思議的望著他。
他回望她,是一個淡然的笑。「覺得我不似是會看星的人?」
諾茵抿抿嘴。事實上她對他並不熟悉。
「其實我對你也不了解。」杜魯斯稍稍彎腰跟她對望,「我希望你感受到我對你是善意的,並無惡意。我不希望因為歷史原由,使得我跟你之間必須出現對峙一般的局面。」
杜魯斯真誠的凝視著她,使得諾茵不好意思的迴避了他的目光。
這就是他的意思嗎?是想示好?
「我沒有覺得你有惡意。」她輕聲得就像自言自語一樣。
然後,杜魯斯拉著她的手臂,迫使她不得不直視對方。
「我希望不只這樣。我希望你也了解一下我。就像…」
就像對美利安多 ‧ 卑斯賴多一樣。
杜魯斯輕輕放開一臉訝異的諾茵,心裡的這句話終沒有說出來。
********************************************************
聖克學院的學子生涯最後一年,二月,莉莉娜從日內瓦到維也納來了。
沒通知任何人迎接,在得到聖克學院批准後她獨自到校園內等待兄長的到來。只是這位大小姐這次的形象有點不同。將長長的頭髮編成長馬尾辮,以往累贅的洛可可長裙改為普通的傘裙。沒有濃妝艷抹,她只輕輕的塗上了點口紅,這反而令她成為了充滿活力形象的小公主。
「會來是因為甚麼原因嗎?」迪奧邊大口大口吃著蘋果布丁邊詢問。
招待莉莉娜在休憩處休息,美利安多帶上了希羅和迪奧,當然還有諾茵,四個人在白樺樹蔭下享受著英式的下午茶。
「我來是傳送個消息。」莉莉娜帶來了遠東的茶葉,細心的為眾人倒茶,「韓德爾先生準備成立皇家音樂學會,受哥哥所托,我向他舉薦了諾茵先生。」
當莉莉娜說出這句話時,換來的是諾茵和希羅的一臉驚訝。
「原來是這回事嗎?」美利安多無視圓桌旁三人的訝異。
「下月初韓德爾先生便會到奧地利來,他說會抽時間跟諾茵先生見面。」
「辛苦妳了。」美利安多繼續無視一干人等訝異的表情,平淡的道,「如果成事,畢業後的秋天你就可以到倫敦去。」他望著諾茵,真心的為這件事而感到高興,致使一向心細如絲的他沒留意到她的表情。
「沒聽你說過…」這本來應該是諾茵的反應,但希羅卻搶先說出這句話。
「因為事情未辦妥,所以沒有告訴你們。」他轉向諾茵,「你彈奏小提琴的技術出眾,而且你不是說想在小提琴演奏方面更進一步嗎?皇家音樂學會是以英皇名義開辦的音樂研究所,如果通過考核進入的話對你也是好事吧?」
「這看來是不錯的主意。」迪奧贊同,「你到倫敦來研修還可以不時給我們做闊條麵,你上次做的肉醬闊條麵好吃極了~」
「如果諾茵先生到倫敦來,我可以帶你遊覽倫敦塔。」莉莉娜附和著迪奧,她稍稍依靠過去還展示出愉快欣喜的表情,看上去是比較親暱的表現。
冷眼旁觀的希羅注意到了。
美利安多竟然沒有跟他商量…莉莉娜竟然對諾茵如此親熱…
目光集中在諾茵身上的美利安多也注意到了。
莉莉娜甚麼時候跟他如此相熟…諾茵為甚麼一副欣然接受的樣子…
再看看諾茵…回報的淡淡微笑裡帶著點點的無奈。
下午茶後其餘三人都要上藝術課,選修了中古文學的諾茵趁有空閒跟莉莉娜一起散步去。
「跟你相處令我感到很輕鬆愉快。」淡施脂粉的莉莉娜淺淺一笑已經很吸引人,諾茵也忍不著多瞄了一眼。
「是妳平易近人。」諾茵也嫣然一笑,「老實說妳這次到來令我很驚訝。妳的形象跟以往不同了。」
「是怎樣的不同?」她展露個吊詭的笑容,彷彿在捉弄著眼前的人。
「不再別忸,感覺好像長大了。彷彿變成了另一個人。」
「我的本質仍然一樣。」莉莉娜拉起長裙轉了個圈,「只是因為不再介意某些特定的目光,感到身心開朗了。」
諾茵明白。她知道這段日子莉莉娜經常四出旅遊。時間是失戀的良藥;而旅遊可擴闊視線加速成長。眼前變得亭亭玉立的大小姐似乎在這短暫的時光裡快速的成長了。
「妳這樣反而更吸引人。」是諾茵真心誠意的讚美。但換來的卻是莉莉娜尷尬的臉紅。
她知道自己失言了。現在的她是以男人的身份對女生說出這種曖昧的說話,這是輕浮的表現。
就在她想著要如何補救時,莉莉娜已開控打破這尷尬氣氛︰
「謝謝你的讚美,你仍然喜歡在我失去自信的時候作出鼓勵。」她的眼光有點羞澀,卻又堅持凝視著諾茵,「所以我慶幸有你這位朋友。我由衷的期盼我們友誼長存。」
看來她果然誤會了。同樣身為女生的諾茵充分明白莉莉娜這段台詞的含意。這是拒絕男生追求的經典台詞。被一位女生當臉「拒絕」令諾茵百感交集,她竟然也產生了男性的失望。但很快她便回復正常。
「這也是我的願望。」她想要作出解釋,但又怕越描越黑,最後決定還是輕輕帶過。「我聽美利安多說,妳最近在構思一些活動?」
「是的,完全女性主義。」莉莉娜自豪的提出。
諾茵因驚訝而重覆著這個名稱。
「我要爭取女性享有同男人一樣的權利,首先要做的是,要求女性也能接受同等教育的權利。」
是很前衛的想法。
「因為我不覺得男女先天的能力有那麼明顯的差異。只要接受同樣的教育,女性的能力一定可以更好的發揮出來。」
諾茵真心感嘆,她內心突然覺得很激動,竟然有人跟她想法一致,並且,眼前這位女孩子還更進一步,將之歸納為一套女性主義。
「不單如此,如果是同樣的教育,女性甚至可以做得更好更出色。」她知道自己有點激動,但她自己本身就是一個例子。
接下來的兩個小時,莉莉娜一直向諾茵推銷她的想法。身為女性的諾茵很表認同,並交流了很多意見,旁若無人的發表自己的想法。
********
晚上在宿舍樓下的小花園裡,希羅在這裡等待回來的諾茵,足足呆站了半小時。當看到諾茵回來時,他目木表情的臉容變得有點凝重。
「你接近她有甚麼目的嗎?」幾乎不用想也知道這個「她」是指誰。對於希羅的質詢,諾茵感到非常意外。
「純粹是出於朋友之誼。」臉對帶點凶惡的希羅,諾茵仍舊是冷靜的回應。還以為希羅對莉莉娜的事沒感覺,但今天他的舉動看來卻不是這樣。
望著冷靜回應的諾茵,希羅呼了口氣,也嘗試令自己冷靜下來。
他不明白,無論是哥哥還是妹妹,為甚麼都喜歡親近這個娘娘腔呢?
「我意思是…如果你喜歡她…」突然缺少了平常的決斷,希羅漸漸消音了。
「我對她不是那種喜歡。」倒是諾茵沒有半點猶豫的回答,「不是男女之情,純粹是朋友間的友誼。」
「純粹是友誼?」希羅狐疑的望著她。其實他個人不太相信男女間有單純的友誼存在。
「我發誓,我沒有對她存有超越朋友以外的幻想。」這是真心話。但看在希羅眼裡卻有著異樣的感覺。她不喜歡莉莉娜…?這意味著甚麼?「我跟她有很多想法一致,所以樂意跟她交談,謹此而已。」
「反而是你…」在希羅俓自發呆的時候,諾茵打擾了他的思緒,「人家主動親近你時你不珍惜,現在卻胡亂吃醋…看來是你別忸。如果喜歡她便乾脆承認好了。」
被對方一針見血的識破,希羅詫異得縮起肩膀。他感到臉頰有點發熱,然後難堪的避開了諾茵的目光。
*******
當會見諾茵後,希羅覺得有必要跟莉莉娜見面。為甚麼要見面呢…?因為要莉莉娜自重;因為要提醒莉莉娜;因為要阻止莉莉娜…
「作為卑斯賴多家的小姐,妳不覺得自己的舉動太輕佻了嗎?」見面第一句便是斥責。事實上希羅很少會對莉莉娜訓話。對於希羅的指責,她感到莫名其妙︰
「你指甚麼舉動呢?」
「我指…妳跟諾茵在大家臉前的親暱舉動。」他刻意以持平的態度說話。但莉莉娜卻瞄起眼睛表現得不以為然。
「我不認為有任何失禮。」
「一個大家閨秀,胡亂跟男人拋眉弄眼是得體的行為嗎?」他皺起眉頭,「更何況諾茵也坦誠不是喜歡妳。」
「我們只是對一個議題提出不同意見和交流,哪有甚麼拋眉弄眼…」再仔細想想,莉莉娜感到很詫異,她瞪大眼睛一副不可置信的表情︰「天啊,你…不會是向諾茵先生質問吧?」希羅為之語塞,兩個人一時間也說不出話來。
「我對他也不是男女之間的感情,你不要老是用陳舊的眼光看一男一女的關係。」雖然有點生氣,但想到希羅竟然為了自己的事而向別人質詢,她內心感到既驚訝又感動。
「不是男女之間的感情…?」希羅重覆著,臉容寬容下來。
「我們是好朋友,有共同志向,我不可以跟他成為朋友嗎?」
「普通朋友需要將身子靠過去說話嗎?」不知不覺間他寬容的臉孔又再繃緊起來。
「跟你有關係嗎?」她刻意刁難他。
「他畢竟是個男人,妳得注意一下自己的舉動,免得被人誤會…」
「我跟他兩個人之間沒有誤會就可以了。」她打斷了希羅的話,「就算是跟他在一起那也不錯啊,用不著你來吃醋。」
「妳—」希羅之時間接不上。他開始找藉口掩飾了。
背著他的莉莉娜緩步離開,嘴角泛起一絲微笑。原來…他還會吃醋嗎?她愉悅的偷笑了。
*******************************************************
在莉莉娜返回英國後維也納連續下了兩天雨,今天終於放晴了。只是某位大少爺的心情卻沒因久違的陽光而晴朗起來。
美利安多苦悶了兩天。一想起莉莉娜跟諾茵親暱的表現令他內心出現了不正常的嫉妒反應,他便會打冷顫。他還想起了希羅對他的忠告︰你不覺得近來跟諾茵走得太近嗎?
最近連迪奧也有類似的忠告了。當天覺得這句說話不過是輕描淡寫,但今天再細意想來,這可能真的要注意一下。
當他再次寫信給露洛莉亞的時候,提出了一個請求。
當諾茵收到這個請求時,是信件寄出後半個月。美利安多在給露洛莉亞的信中表示接下來的假期要到墨西拿,希望能跟她見面。
關於這件事,連在美利安多身邊的諾茵也未聽過他提出。
她當然不可以讓美利安多到墨西拿去,露洛莉亞小姐根本不在那裏。她為自己一直視他們之間的書信來往為遊戲覺得很懊悔。她必須想個辦法令美利安多打消到墨西拿的念頭。
於是,她寫了封信回覆,告訴他他所指的那段時間,露洛莉亞會到維也納旅行。
她把這個瘋狂的想法告訴帕崗。帕崗給她寫了封信,語氣溫婉,但看得出他不贊成這個做法,他寧可任由卑斯賴多家的少爺到墨西拿後由他來應付。不過,到最後帕崗仍然依照諾茵的要求把露洛莉亞的所需準備好,並且讓露洛莉亞小姐的貼身侍女希爾妲來協助她。
在見面的當天,希爾妲穿上露洛莉亞的衣服,並戴上一頂添置了薄紗頭巾的淑女帽,並事前跟美利安多預示過自己的臉部因敏感而泛紅,不便吹風。讓跟她身形相似的希爾妲代替她去約會實屬非不得已。美利安多跟「露洛莉亞」只有一面之緣,如果用薄紗遮蓋臉容,他應該不會發現跟之前見過的女生有別的。
「小姐,妳這個是很冒險的計劃。」希爾妲在出發前仍然很擔心。
「只要盡量不作聲就可以了,我很擔心他會把聲音認出來。」幫希爾妲戴好帽子後,諾茵滿意的打量,看上去應該不會出問題,「我已經約莫的交待了我跟他的書信內容,所以希爾妲,聰明如妳可以隨機應變吧。」
修養根本不同!
希爾妲很想糾正大小姐,可是她也知道現在說甚麼也沒用,眼下的問題只有她可以幫助小姐。
美利安多在上午十二時來到飯店迎接「露洛莉亞小姐」。諾茵從二樓房間的窗向外望,正看見在飯店門前帶領希爾妲上馬車的美利安多。
有點擔心的在胸前畫上十字,希望可以順利隱瞞下去吧。她由衷期盼著。可是另一方面,她內心充滿了內疚、起伏和漣漪。她又再說謊了,而且是對美利安多。不但如此,她還有其他感受。
想站在他身邊的是我...
第一次有這種感覺。即使從前喜歡多諾時感覺也沒有這麼強烈。
她決定一整天都會待在房間內等待希爾妲回來。心緒不寧的她根本不能處理其他的事。只是她沒想到只消兩小時,希爾妲便回到飯店來。
當她進入房間時,眼淚幾乎要奪眶而出。
「小姐,卑斯賴多先生接下來要去博物館,真的沒關係嗎?我對藝術是一竅不通。」機靈地以飲料弄污衣物、要求回到房間的希爾妲急忙向諾茵求救,「那位貴公子還在樓下等我呢。」
那當然有問題,在書信中,露洛莉亞是個對藝術有熱忱並且會跟他討論爭辯的女性。
「傷腦筋…」諾茵扶著額頭。她仔細的詢問了早上至今發生的事,希爾妲如實報告。
「我開口說話的次數應該少於一隻手掌吧。我實在不敢跟他說話。小姐,我心裡覺得壓力很大,我真的不可以跟這位貴公子一起到博物館去,一定穿幫的。」
諾茵仔細思量,對希爾妲來說壓力是太大了。並且,她的私心佔據了這刻的冷靜。
「唯有…親自出馬。」幸好希爾妲有帶後備的長裙,知道小姐的決定,她高興得馬上脫掉身上的長裙,為小姐穿戴起來。
再出現在美利安多臉前的,已經換成諾茵。雖然身形非常相近,但這兩年來一直進行外展運動的諾茵已經比希爾妲要高出一點了。為了彌補高度差,她換了一對平底鞋。闊大的長裙剛好遮蓋了鞋子不致露出破綻。
美利安多凝視剛換過湖水綠色長裙的諾茵,在面紗後的女性很擔心他會看出分別。
「讓你久等了。」她試探式的行了個禮。
美利安多向她彎腰︰「讓妳有不好的回憶,應該是我感到抱歉,那麼,」他向她彎起手,「我們出發吧。」
他沒有發現。可以跟他一起 ....
既因為成功互換,但更多是她終於可以女裝跟他見面,一起活動。但是想像都覺得既驚心動魄又令人期待。
就這樣,露洛莉亞挽著美利安多的手步出了飯店。
維也納的博物館在歐洲非常注名,除了猶如展示自豪的奢華一樣,展覽著各式各樣的美妙精品外,還有大量美術品存放在展覽廳。
諾茵曾到過這個博物館,但是以男人的身份。那時候她對館內的展覽品已讚嘆不而。
這次舊地從遊,她的步徒更增添幾分明快。
美利安多知道露洛利亞的喜好,這次行程也是有意為之。他本身對藝術也很有興趣,一路上的行程他終於可以很好的跟她交流。
「這邊有美第奇家族捐贈的藝術品,偉大的羅倫佐對藝術很有研究,」諾茵帶領著美利安多在展館走動,面對眼前的展品,她感動得像是介紹自家展品一樣,「在眾多羅倫佐的畫像中,我最欣賞這幅喬爾喬‧瓦薩里的作品…」
她如數家珍的訴說著,美利安多淡然的笑,這個笑容使她有點不自在。
「怎麼了?」她低下頭,「我太多言了?」
「不會。」他低頭略笑,「今天早上妳一直默不作聲,我以為跟我一起使妳覺得無聊。」
「不會。」回答的是諾茵,不是露洛莉亞。
她覺得很內疚。無論如何她都騙了他。
「你的哥哥跟妳一樣,當上藝術史時,他總是一面自豪的介紹著不同的畫作,就好像是他自己的作品一樣。」美利安多吃吃的笑著,笑容是那麼溫柔。
諾茵的頭更低了。
「對於這樣的哥哥…」她輕聲得像自言自語,「你一直很照顧吧。」
美利安多眨動眼睛,輕輕嘆了口氣。但低著頭的諾茵沒注意到。
照顧嗎?對於諾茵。不止這樣 …
當步出博物館時,忽然一陣強風吹過,諾茵連忙按著要被吹起的帽子,同一時間臉紗被吹起了。她跟美利安多就這樣,有一剎那間的對望。
兩人都表現出驚訝的表情。
完了…諾茵低下頭,心跳加速。
半晌,美利安多才向她伸出手︰「已經夕陽西下了,我送你回去旅館吧。」
她看著他闊大的手,心情平復下來。然而…
為甚麼會感覺這麼不捨 … 還想再跟他見面 … 用露洛莉亞的身份 …
在回到旅館途中,兩人都沉默了。到達門口,美利安多禮貌地向她道別,比起今早見面時的熱情,他的反應竟然意外地冷淡。
接下來的事作為露洛莉亞的諾茵並不知道。美利安多獨自一人步行回宿舍。
那一剎那他看到的臉容是諾茵的樣子。即使今天跟他在一起的是妹妹露洛莉亞,但他心裡想到的一直是諾茵。無論在飯店還是博物館。
約會露洛莉亞小姐本來是想再確認自己原本的心意。但是,結果恰恰相反。
果然 … 我在追逐的 … 是諾茵的影子嗎?
目標是哥哥而不是妹妹?他自嘲的笑意浮在臉上。
*******************************
兩人再見面時是約會後的第二天。
在遠處的諾茵看到美利安多後向他奔跑過來,令他的表情有點複雜。他輕輕的別過了臉。
「今天下午要釣魚去嗎?」諾茵只有在美利安多臉前才會展露出活潑的笑容。
「…」他把目光移開,刻意的以冷淡回應她的說話︰「今天不行…」
對於她的邀請,他每次都是爽快的答應下來。今天的美利安多有點奇怪啊。諾茵皺了皺眉,有點失望。她還想要見美利安多,想再跟他待在一起︰「發生甚麼事了嗎?」
「沒有。」他的眼神有點閃失。
真的沒事嗎?諾茵並不相信。但她還是用輕快的聲音跟對方說話︰「沒關係,下次再一起去就好了。」
「嗯…我先回宿舍去了。」
整個對話內容平淡得像泛泛之交的交流,望著美利安多正在離開的背影,諾茵感到不對勁。他有甚麼煩惱嗎?作為朋友不可以置之不理吧?她跟著跑上去—
「美利安多!」昨天穿上平底鞋作為彌補她跟希爾妲之間的身高差,但這樣走路使得不習慣的她雙腿很疲累。跑動時雙腿一軟使諾茵踤了一交,剛好正回過頭來的美利安多把她扶住了。
美利安多心裡突然猛烈怦動。先呆若木雞,然後他立即抓著諾茵的肩膀將她推開—
諾茵被他的舉動嚇了一跳,抬頭望去,這位銀白色頭髮的男生是曝曬很久了嗎?臉頰赤紅得很不正常。
「你…幹嗎臉紅?」她笑了,由吐笑變成捉弄的笑意,「會是值得害羞的事情嗎?」
不說還好,聽到她的說話,美利安多抖動一下,臉容也繃緊起來。
看到美利安多緊張的神色,她竟然覺得有點自鳴得意。她笑得更樂了︰「不會是…把我當成妹妹了吧?」
「諾茵!」他叫了一聲,然後屏息靜氣,非常緊張。這樣措手不及不像是美利安多會出現的反應。
連帶諾茵也被嚇著了。
「說話不能太過份。」他板起臉來,內心還是混亂不而。
看到他嚴肅的表情,諾茵也收起了笑容︰「不過是說笑而已…」
「不可以開這種玩笑。要有點分寸!」近乎是抗議,美利安多嚴厲得跟平常很不一樣。他說出這句話後便轉身跑開,只留下諾茵一個人一臉茫然的呆呆站著。
***** English ****
Before October, Noin sent Trowa and Quatre away from Vienna.
Although it has been handled as low-profile as they can be, the two accompanying people suddenly dropped out of school at the same time, this was already enough to generate countless rumors. But this time the rumors was spreading much quicker than what happened on Athrun and Kira. This was out of everyone’s expectation.
The Spanish and the British had faced numerous confrontations since they were studying in the school. Both sides showed patience to avoid conflict each time. However, when they met on the George Road on the footpath next to Podium Antonio, the conflict was finally exposed. Muller who stood behind Treize pointed to the British on the opposite side and shouted.
"Trowa and Quatre must have left because they did something ashamed!"
"Don't bullshit here!" Duo couldn't help but shouted in return.
In fact, Treize had turned around and lightly accused Muller to ask him shut up, but Duo’s actions and attitude attracted the resentment of other Spanish students. Dissatisfied voices have appeared in the crowded and the two boys standing behind Treize also said something worse than Muller.
"Oh, the gay group is getting angry! See what the British group has done!"
Duo the sharp-toothed was ready to fight back, but Heero tried to stop him. There were seven people of their opponent but their group only have Duo, Milliardo and himself. If they got fight, it was not very advantageous. He pulled Duo to keep him from messing around.
"Are you going to bear it? They are not only insulting Trowa and Quatre, but also insulting Great Britain!" Duo kept resisting in Heero's hands. He turned to Milliardo and yelled in earnest. "Your Excellency, as long as you give an order, I will fight to defend the dignity of Great Britain!"
Spain’s provocations became more and more excessive, and with the clamour of the surrounding students, Treize had lost the ability to control the situation. Even Heero can’t be suppressing Duo. He also started to become impatient.
Milliardo winked at Heero and signalled that he should exercise restraint, but apparently, Heero was also ready to "fight".
Along the way, Noin found that a lot of classmates were rushing to "watch the show". She was already having a feeling that some bad things have happened. When she rushed to the scene, the formations on both sides had already begun to confront each other.
Seeing this situation, Noin instinctively rushed into the crowd and separated the two formations.
"It's so nonsense!" Her eyes were full of anger, and she glared at Treize. The expression of her made Treize to know that Noin was being misunderstood. But obviously it was not the right time to explain.
The men who divided into two groups were all confused by the sudden intervention.
"Behave yourself! Is there anyone want to be expelled? " She yelled at the Spaniard, and at the same time looked across Duo and Heero.
"Noin, you are also curious on the relationship between Trowa and Quatre, aren’t you?" Someone in the Spanish was raising this question. But Treize waved him to be quiet.
Duo and Heero were a little dumbfounded. Noin the low-profile was not expected to roar at Treize’s team.
After calming down, Treize motioned for his companion to leave. He glanced back at Noin and she still looked furious.
**************
When Treize thanked her for letting him time to handle the issue of Athrun and Kiri, she changed her impression for him. However, the incident in the morning had “further explain the trust”. Noin felt betrayed. She tried to keep secrets about Athrun and Kira, but Treize revealed the relationship between Trowa and Quatre. It turned out that treating people with sincerity may not have reciprocal returns. This young lady felt that she had another lesson learn.
"I thought he was a fair and honest person..." She sat in the dormitory and felt sulking. Although two of her good friends have already left, if this kind of rumour spread, it would inevitably affect their reputation, and of course affecting the image of Milliardo and the others.
She heard a sound from door side.
There was a knock on the door of her room. Probably it was Milliardo. They met to go fishing, but it seemed a little bit earlier than originally schedule.
She opened the door and found an unexpected person standing outside.
She looked at the people outside the door with a little shock. She held the handle of the door and stayed, and then her eyes were expressing an emotion of disgusting.
"Sorry to disturb you." It's Treize Khushrenada. There was a gentle smile on his face. Both of them looked at each other for a moment, and he lightly patted the door frame, "May I come in?"
"Is there anything we need to discuss?" She remained at the door and her tone was becoming tough.
Treize put away his smile and forced in, which forcing Noin to retreat, and then he closed the door behind him.
"I'm sorry about what happened this morning." This was the first sentence he said after entering the room.
"It has become a big mess. Your apology does not help for anything." Noin stared back at him.
"I didn't expect Muller to know about this, nor did he go to say it in public." He was almost 30cm taller than Noin. He moved forward to look at Noin, which made him feel more elevated.
Noin glanced at him and said coldly, "Thank you for coming to explain. I already understood. Your Excellency."
"You are stubborn." The tall man smiled softly, and the whole atmosphere eased again. "I'm like a person who retaliates for your kindness?"
"I have no idea. After all everyone know that you have a fight with Milliardo." Her sharp eyes made Treize glance up.
"Will Millardo do this?" He pushed forward.
"He is a gentleman." She fought back almost immediately. Then Noin found that she had been forced to the desk side by Treize.
"So tell me what makes you doubt on me." With a helpless smile, Treize stared straight at her.
Noin is speechless. She was not familiar with him, but she knew in her heart that Treize should not be such a person, or she hoped that she was right on Treize that this was all her misunderstood.
"I don't know..." She avoided his gaze.
"I won't do that because it will hurt you." He lightened his tone, and then swept Noin's face with his broad hand to force her to look at him, "This is why I stand here and explain to you."
Noin's cheeks flushed immediately. This atmosphere was not right. She pulled Treize's hand away with panicked.
There was a knock on the door, and the door was pushed open at the same time.
"Noin, are you ready?"
When Milliardo opened the door and saw Treize was leaning against Noin, especially she was blushing and panicking, he froze.
"Good day." Treize turned to face him, as if nothing had happened.
"Good day." Milliardo scowled. He approached him, and when they faced each other, he sneered, "Are you here to recruit members?"
"Humph." Treize chuckled, "As you can see."
Noin walked to Milliardo's side to avoid Treize. But he was still looking at her.
Milliardo frowned and smiled. "It's really irritating to see you come to my place." He moved forward to cover Noin behind him. Seeing this behaviour, Treize narrowed his eyes again.
"You should come to my side another day, and I will entertain you with Cognac."
"I don't have a habit of adding ice to wine. Only women and Spanish will do this."
The two men laughed, but the whole room was suffocating.
Noin breathed a sigh of relief when Treize left, and she sat relaxed on the bed, her chest was still feeling up and down speedy.
"Are you scared?" Milliardo looked at her and couldn't help but smile. His brisk laughter dispelled the solemn atmosphere just now, "You were just standing between he and me this morning with an imposing roar, weren’t you?"
"It is not funny..." Thinking of the irrational behaviour today, she felt embarrassed at this moment.
"I have to say..." He put her on her shoulders, "Thank you, otherwise I really have no excuse to step down at that moment."
Noin looked at him intently.
"There was a conflict where both sides would be suffered, but because of the people behind were impulse, no one could retreat at that time. Fortunately, you showed up in a right timing, so that Treize and I finally could find an excuse to step down." He smiled, causal as he was just talking about someone’s matter.
"I showed up in a right timing…?"
He nodded, then teased her with a smile and said, "I guess he come to say thank you?"
Noin lowered her head, remembering what Treize had just said, it turned out to be true. Thinking of the scene where he brushed his cheek, she couldn't help but shudder.
***********************************************
The meeting with Treize seemed to be accidental, but also inevitable.
Treize and Milliardo stood together with different position. Some may think that they should have a lot of conflict, or they would ignore each other. But it was not true.
Hi.
Both of them only greeted another lightly. Just like an old friend, Milliardo invited Treize to sit down and pour a cup of black tea for him. Treize gently expressed his gratitude, and then the two of them sat naturally.
Vienna in October was already a bit cold. But the occasional sunlight was still very pleasant, it was worth sitting down and receiving the warmth. Two gentlemen sitting in the garden seemed to simply admire the Autumn view in front of them.
It was rare that the leaders of the two factions did not have any friends or followers around them. This was not common.
"We will graduate in 9 months." Treize muttered to himself faintly.
"It’s really a short time." Milliardo eyes were still paying attention to the big garden in front of them.
"Fortunately, in the end, I still have a chance to have a cup of tea with the next Duke of Peacecraft." Treize chuckled lightly. Under his influence, Milliardo also showed a meaningful smile.
"In fact, we have a lot in common. We should have a chance to become good friends."
Should have a chance? Treize's brow made a small movement for the word.
"I didn't think the conflict between us would be so serious."
"It shouldn't be a conflict." Milliardo turned to him, "Actually, I also want to maintain a good relationship with Treize Khshuranada, the next Duque del Romefeller."
Treize shrugged.
When they return to their home town, there may not be a chance to see each other again. Moreover, it was well known that Britain, together with France and Austria, has been set up an alliance to Spain. The position between them was destined to be difficult for them to become good friends.
"I think it's a pity. If it is not because for these identities, we should be able to talk more freely and happily." He sighed, "Whether to you or Noin."
Noin.
Milliardo glanced at him again. The name made him aligned.
Treize asked him tentatively. "Do you have a feeling that there is a different illusion to Noin?”
"What do you want to say?" Milliardo's answer was like a bell ringing.
"Just a piece of advice."
He looked at Treize, thinking about this unclear sentence. Suddenly there was an unspeakable feeling in his heart.
**********************
At the end of November, Vienna ushered in the first snow in winter. Entering the warm bedroom from the cold corridor, Noin shivered in a scarf.
"Do you feel better now?" Putting the scarf on the table, Noin walked over to the bed and sat down, looking at the man with blurred eyes on the bed. She did not expect that strong as Milliardo would also get sick. He seemed to be the kind of person who never got a fever.
"Not really..." Lost the motivation, but Milliardo still tried to squeeze a smile, "But it should be possible to go fishing..."
"You are still able to show off, that mean you should be fine." Noin chuckled lightly, and she put the back of her hand on his forehead to detect his temperature.
The lying person suddenly felt a throb in his chest, and his cheeks immediately became hot.
"It's still a little hot." Noin didn't notice anything wrong with the person on the bed, so she turned to wash the towels.
Milliardo turned around. He felt a little weird.
In fact, this weird feeling sometimes quietly appeared long ago.
"Turn to me." Noin pulled his body back and put a cold water towel on his forehead. "You will be recovered very soon."
She was so close. The pink lips were right next to his lips, and he could even smell her unique scent of daisies...
He turned around abruptly, feeling a strange blood running all over his body, making his chest jump like a deer.
Treize's words suddenly rang his heart like a bell.
Do you have a feeling that there is a different illusion to Noin
"What's the matter?" Noin frowned dissatisfied, and stubbornly pulled his arm.
"I, I'm fine... just let me take a rest..." Milliardo pulled the quilt and refused to let it go, "I want to have some sleep... are you going for a lesson?"
"Are you really fine?" Noin was a little suspicious. But Milliardo did not give her any response. She smiled and whispered, "Alright, I'm going to practice in the orchestra. I'll see you when I come back. You have to take a good rest."
Hearing the sound of closing the door, Milliardo turned around from the bed. How could it feel weird...? Could it be that the figures of Noin and his sister overlapped?
Leaving the dormitory, Noin went to practice with the orchestra alone, but she met Treize Khshranada on the way.
There was not a large number of subordinates following him, and Treize moved in the corridor alone. The two looked at each other in silence for a long time.
"Hello." She responded in the plainest tone.
Treize only smiled at Noin. "On Christmas Eve, we will have a mid-night mass. Would you like to participate?"
Noin knew that the Spanish, who was also a Catholic, would celebrate Mass in the chapel every Christmas Eve, but due to the need to keep her distance, she did not attend their activities in the past two years. This time Treize personally invited her, and she felt a little flattered.
"Occasionally you should join the mass in Christmas." It was a mundane sentence, but it was always sounded like a soft command from Treize.
"Well, I will think about it." She felt uncomfortable and said casually with her head down. At the same time, those broad hands again forced her chin to face him.
"This is Treize Khushrenada the next Duque del Romefeller who is talking to you, can you take it more serious?"
Treize pressed Noin's chin with a bit of roughness to force her to look at him. This familiar scene and those deep eyes were disturbing. She pushed him away and moved two steps backward, her eyes looking like a scared cat. Noin's movement also touched Treize’s mind, and he looked at her with a little shock.
In just a moment, Noin's eyes changed again, and she resolutely pulled out Treize's hand.
"Thanks for the invitation, Your Excellency, but I believe I will not have time to attend. And now, may I be excused. "She clasped the violin case in her hand, gracefully completed the etiquette, and then briskly left Treize's sight.
Treize still looked surprised and confused. He looked at Noin’s gradually disappearing back, his eyes suddenly became puzzled.
*******************************************
In the end Noin attended the Midnight Mass.
Treize was also a part of it.
In order to keep low-profile, Noin chose to sit on the bench in the back row. She saw Treize's back, and he was sitting on the bench in the front row.
Originally, after the mass was over, she was going to turn around and leave, but when she stood up, she just met with Treize who had turned around.
Well, in order to be polite, it is still necessary to say hello. Noin nodded to him slightly. Then he walked towards her.
"I am glad that you are here."
"Thank you for your invitation." Noin pursed her lips, trying to end the conversation between them with the plainest response.
"Let's have a walk together." This is not an invitation, but more like an order. Treize led her to the small garden.
"Do you have anything would like to talk to me?" Noin followed him obediently. She was a little confused about his actions.
Treize laughed softly.
"Can't I just have a walk with you?" He looked at Noin, "Is it in your mind that I am the kind of person who is full of scheming?"
Noin shook her head slightly to deny. This was not a compliment. In fact, although she was not close to him, Treize can be regarded as a gentleman who full of chivalry from his action.
"It's a beautiful night sky." He raised his head, and there was a glorious galaxy above, "It is already December, and the stars in winter are clearly visible."
Seeing this galaxy, Noin's tone also appeared brighter. "That is the Big Dipper, the brightest one is Ursa Major, and the one next to it is Cassiopeia, which looks very similar to the word W."
"Then, based on the constellation Cassiopeia, you should be able to find the North Star."
For Treize's response, Noin looked at him incredulously.
He looked back at her with a calm smile. "You don't believe that I am a person who love stargazing?"
Noin pursed her lips. In fact, she was not familiar with him.
"Actually, I don't understand you." Treize bent over to look at her a little, "I hope you feel that I am kind to you and have no malice. I don't want to affect our friendship because of the historical reasons. It should not be a confrontational situation between you and me."
Treize stared at her sincerely, making Noin shy away from his gaze.
Was this what he meant? Did he want to show his kindness and friendship?
"I don't think you are malicious." She whispered softly as if talking to herself.
Then Treize took her arm, forcing her to look directly at each other.
"I hope we can be more than that. I hope you get to know me too. Just like..."
It's just like what you do for Milliardo Peacecraft.
Treize gently let go of the surprised Noin, but he didn't say the words in his heart.
************************************************** ******
In February, Relena came to Sanc College from Geneva to Vienna.
Without informing anyone, she went to the campus alone to wait for her brother's arrival after getting approval from the College. The image of this lady was a big different this time. The long hair was braided into a ponytail, and the cumbersome rococo dress in the past was changed to an ordinary long dress. Without heavy makeup, she only lightly put on a little lipstick, which instead made her look energetic and natural.
"Are you here for any reason?" Duo asked while eating apple pudding.
To entertain Relena to rest in the lounge, Milliardo brought Heero and Duo, and of course Noin to enjoy the English afternoon tea in the shade of the birch trees.
"I'm here to send a message." Relena brought tea from the Far East and poured tea carefully for everyone. "Mr. Handel is preparing to establish the Royal Music Society. Entrusted by my brother, I recommended Mr. Noin to him."
When Relena said these words, Noin and Heero looked surprised in exchange.
"So this is the case?" Milliardo ignored the surprise of the three people at the round table.
"Mr. Handel will come to Austria early next month. He said he would take time to meet with Mr. Noin."
"Thanks for your arrangement." Milliardo continued to ignore the surprised expressions of other people, and said plainly, "If it happens, you can go to London in Autumn after graduation." He looked at Noin, sincerely for this. He was so happy to not able to notice her expression.
"I haven't heard from you about this..." This should have been Noin's reaction, but Heero said this first.
"Because the matter was not settled." He turned to Noin, "You have outstanding skills in playing the violin, and didn't you say that you want to go further in violin performance? The Royal Society of Music is a music organized in the name of the King. If you pass the assessment, you can have further study on this aspect.”
"This seems to be a good idea." Duo agreed. "You can also make Carbonaro for us from time to time when you come to London for training. The one you made last time was delicious!"
"If Mr. Noin comes to London, I can take him for sightseeing. How about the tower of London?" Relena echoed Duo. She showed a cheerful expression which was an intimate expression.
Heero who was sitting on the opposite has noticed.
Milliardo didn't even discuss with him... Relena was so affectionate to Noin...
Milliardo’s eyes were focused on Noin, he also noticed.
When did Relena get so close to him... why did Noin look so gentle to accept her attitude...
But for Noin... the faint smile in return carried a little bit of helplessness.
After the afternoon tea, three of them were going to have an art lesson, and Noin who has taken Medieval Literature, took a walk with Relena when she had free time.
"It makes me feel very relaxed and happy to get along with you." Relena, who has been lightly applied with powder, smiled and was already very attractive, and Noin couldn't help but glance at it more.
"You are so friendly." Noin also smiled sweetly, "I have to honestly say that your coming this time surprised me. Your appearance is different from the past."
"What's the difference?" She showed a paradoxical smile, as if teasing the person in front of her.
"You look like you have grown up. I feel like you have become another person."
"My essence is still the same." Relena pulled up her long skirt and turned around, "It's just that I don't mind certain specific gazes anymore, and I feel cheerful when I do that."
Noin understood. She knew that Relena often travels around these days. Time is a good medicine for broken love; and tourism could broaden the horizons and accelerate the growth. The lady who became slim in front of her seemed to grow rapidly in this short time.
"You are more attractive like this." It was Noin’ sincere compliment. But Relena blushed awkwardly in exchange.
Noin knew that she had made a mistake. It liked a man has spoke such ambiguous words to a girl, which was a frivolous performance.
Just as she was thinking about how to remedy it, Relena had taken control to break the embarrassing atmosphere.
"Thank you for your compliment. You encourage me when I lose my confidence as always." Her eyes were a bit shy, but she insisted on staring at Noin, " I am fortunate to have you as a friend. I sincerely look forward to our friendship. Forever."
It seemed that she had misunderstood. Noin who is also a girl, fully understood the meaning of Relena. This is a classic line to reject the pursuit of boys. Being "rejected" by a girl made Noin mixed with different emotions.
"This is also my wish." She wanted to explain, but she was afraid that the more she tried to explain, the more would the girl misunderstood. Finally she decided to take it lightly. "I heard from Milliardo that you are planning for some activities recently?"
"Yes, I have a plan. I called it Perfectly Feminist." Relena proudly proposed.
Noin repeated the name with surprise.
"I want to strive for women to enjoy the same rights as men. The first thing I want to do is to demand that women have the right to receive the same education."
It is an avant-garde idea.
" I don't think there is such a significant difference in the innate abilities of men and women. As long as they receive the same education, women's abilities will definitely be better utilized."
Noin suddenly felt very excited in her heart. Someone had the same idea as her, and the girl in front of her went further and summarized it as a set of feminism.
"Not only that, if it is the same education, women may even do better." It is because she herself is already an example.
For the following two hours, Relena kept pitching her ideas to Noin. As a woman, Noin agreed and exchanged a lot of opinions, expressing her thoughts like no one else.
********
In the small garden downstairs in the dormitory at night, Heero was waiting here for Noin’s return, he has been standing there for half an hour. When he saw Noin was coming back, his expression became a bit solemn.
"Do you have any purpose in approaching her?" It is not hardly to know about who this ‘her’ refers to. Noin was very surprised by Heero's question.
"It's purely out of friendship." Noin responded calmly to Heero who was a little bit fierce in his face. She thought that Heero didn't have special feeling about Relena, but his behaviour today did not seem to be the case.
Seeing Noin who responded calmly, Heero exhaled and tried to calm himself down.
He did not understand, whether the brother or the sister, why do they like to be close to this sissy?
"I mean... if you like her..." Suddenly lacking the usual decision, Heero gradually muted.
"I don't like her in that way – I mean the way you think." Noin answered without hesitation, "It's not a relationship between men and women, it's purely a friendship between friends."
"Purely friendship?" Heero looked at her suspiciously. In fact, he personally did not believe in the existence of pure friendship between men and women.
"I swear, I have no illusions about her beyond a friendship." This is the truth. But in Heero's mind, there was a strange feeling. Noin doesn't like Relena...? What does this mean?
"We have similar point of view in some discussion, so I am happy to talk to her, that's all."
"Do you mean..." When Heero was in a daze, Noin interrupted his thoughts.
"You don't cherish when she took the initiative to get close to you, but now you are jealous...It seems that you should not be jealous. If you have special feeling of her, just simply admit it."
Seeing through the opponent sharply, Heero shrank his shoulders in surprise. He felt a little warm on his cheeks, and then avoided Noin's gaze embarrassingly.
*******
After meeting Noin, Heero felt it is necessary to meet Relena. But he has no idea why he wanted to meet her. It may be because he wanted Relena to respect herself. He wanted to remind her about this.
"As a lady in the duke family, don't you think your actions are too frivolous?" The first sentence of the meeting was a reprimand. In fact, Heero rarely spoke to Relena like this. She was baffled by his accusation.
"What do you mean?"
"I mean... the intimacy of you and Noin in front of everyone." He deliberately spoke in a calm manner. But Relena looked up and behaved disapprovingly.
"I don't think there is anything wrong."
"Is it a decent behaviour for a lady to flirt with a man?" He frowned, "Not to mention that Noin is frankly not liking you in that way."
"We were just proposing different opinions and exchanges on a topic. How can there be any flirting..." Thinking about it again, Relena was surprised, her eyes widened with an incredulous expression: "Oh my God, you...did you go and talk about this with Mr. Noin?" Heero was speechless, and the two of them couldn't speak for a while.
"My feeling for him is not a romance relationship between a man and a woman. Come on, don’t be that old school. Man and Woman can be good friends in ‘pure” way. " Although she was a little angry, she felt that she was also surprised and moved.
"Good friends in pure way..?" Heero repeated, his face relaxed.
"We are good friends and share common ambitions. Is there any problem for us to become friends?"
"I don’t think normal friends should lean over to speak." Unknowingly, his tolerant face tightened again.
"That is none of your business." She deliberately made things difficult for him.
"He is a man after all, you have to pay attention to your actions so as not to be misunderstood..."
"It's alright that there is no misunderstanding between he and me." She interrupted Heero. "I want to stay with him. You don't need to be jealous."
"You—"Heero was out of reach. He began to make excuses to cover up.
Relena walked away slowly with a smile on her lips. It turned out like this... Did he really feel jealous? She snickered happily.
************************************************** *****
After Relena returned to England, it rained for two consecutive days in Vienna, and the sky finally cleared today. However the mood of some teenager have not been cleared by the long-lost sunshine.
Milliardo was depressed for two days. He shuddered when he remembered that Relena's “intimate reaction” with Noin and it caused him to have an “abnormal jealous reaction” in his heart. He also remembered Heero's advice to him - Don't you think you have been too close to Noin recently?
Even Duo has given similar advice a few days ago. He thought this sentence was just an understatement that day, but when he reconsidered about it today, it started to get his attention.
Therefore, when he wrote to Lucrezia again, he made a request.
When Noin received this request, it was half a month after the letter was sent. In the letter to Lucrezia, Milliardo stated that he would go to Messina during the next vacation, and he was hoping to meet her.
Regarding this matter, even Noin who was always by Milliardo's side, had never heard him raise it.
Of course, she could not let Miliardo to go to Messina. Lady Lucrezia was not there at all. She regretted that she had always regarded the correspondence between them as a game. She had to think of a way to make Milliardo dispel the idea of visiting Messina.
So she wrote a letter in reply, telling him that during the time he was referring to, Lucrezia would travel to Vienna.
She told Pegan this crazy idea. Pegan wrote her a letter, with a gentle tone. But she could see that he did not agree of this approach, and he would rather let the young master of Peacecraft to go to Messina to deal with him directly. However, in the end, Pegan still prepared Lady Lucrezia’s needs according to her request, and let her personal maid Hilda to assist her.
On the day of the meeting, Hilda put on Lucrezia’s clothes and a lady's hat with a tulle turban. In the letter, Noin told Milliardo beforehand that her face was flushed due to allery, and it was inconvenient to blow the air. It is a must to let Hilda, who looks similar to her, go on a date instead of her. Milliardo has only one glance with "Lucrezia". If she covers her face with tulle, he shouldn't find that she is different from the girls he has seen before.
"Miss Lucrezia, this is a very risky plan for you, and also for me." Hilda was still worried before setting off.
"Just try to keep silent. I'm very worried that he will recognize the voice." After helping Hilda put on her hat, Noin looked at it with satisfaction, and it seemed that there should be no problems. "I have already told you about the content of my letter to him, so Hilda, a girl as smart as you, could be able to adapt."
But the cultivation is fundamentally different!
Hilda wanted to correct the lady, but she also knew that it was useless to say anything at this moment, and the only problem is, she is the only one who could help the lady.
Milliardo came to the hotel at 12 o'clock in the morning for "Miss Lucrezia". Noin looked out the window of the room on the second floor, and was seeing he was leading Hilda into the carriage in front of the hotel.
She felt a little worried and put a cross on her chest, hoping she can hide the secret. She sincerely looked forward to it. But on the other hand, her heart was full of guilt, ups and downs and ripples. She lied again to Milliardo. Not only that, but she also has other feelings.
I want to stand beside him... I want the one who stand beside him is ME.
This is the first time she has this kind of feeling. Even when she faced Trowa, the feeling was not that strong.
She decided to stay in the room all day and wait for Hilda to return. Uneasy, she couldn't handle other things at all. It's just that she didn't expect Hilda to return to the hotel in only two hours.
When Hilda entered the room, tears almost came to her eyes.
"Miss Lucrezia, is it really alright to go to museum with Mr Milliardo? I don't know anything about art." When Hilda heard about this arrangement from Milliardo, she cleverly soiled her clothes with a drink and asked to go back to the room. She hurriedly asked Noyn for help. "The noble is still waiting for ‘me’ downstairs."
Certainly, there would be a problem. In their communication, Lucrezia is a lady who is passionate about art and will discuss and argue with him.
"Finally..." Noin held her forehead. She asked carefully what happened in the morning so far, and Hilda reported the truth.
"Believe me, I should speak less than 5 sentences. I really don't dare to talk to him. Miss, I feel a lot of pressure. I really can't go to the museum with this noble man."
Noin thought carefully. It is indeed not fair to Hilda and the pressure was too much for her. Moreover, her selfishness occupied the calm at this moment.
"So the only way is ... to go out in person this time." Fortunately, Hilda has a long dress as a back-up. Knowing the young lady's decision, she was so happy that she immediately took off the long dress and put it on for the young lady.
The one who appeared in front of Milliardo again had been replaced by Noin. Although the body shape and figure are very similar, Noin who has been outreaching for the past two years, is a bit taller than Hilda. To make up for the height difference, she changed a pair of flat shoes. The long dress just covered the shoes without revealing the flaws.
Milliardo stared at Noin, who had just changed into the dress in a color of the lake, and the girl behind the veil were worried that he would see the difference.
"Sorry for keeping you." She tentatively bowed.
Milliardo bent over to her. "Pardon me for giving you bad memories." he bent his hand to her, "Shall we go now?"
He didn't notice. I can be with him...
Not only because of the successful exchange, but more because she can finally meet him in women's clothing and have activities together. She felt both thrilling and exciting.
In this way, Lucrezia walked out of the hotel holding Milliardo’s arm.
Vienna’s museums are very famous in Europe. In addition to exhibiting a variety of wonderful products, as if they are proud of luxury, there are also a large number of artworks stored in the exhibition hall.
Noin had been to this museum, but as a man. At that time, she was already impressed by the exhibits in the museum.
This time she travelled in the old place, and her walks were a bit brighter.
Milliardo was clear about Lucrezia’s preferences, and this trip was also planned intentionally. He was also very interested in art. He hope that he could finally communicate with her well during the journey along the way.
"Here are artworks donated by the Medici family. The great Lorenzo has a wonderful research on art." Noin led Milliardo around the exhibition hall. Facing the exhibits in front of her, she was moved as if introducing her own exhibits. "Among the many portraits of Lorenzo, I admire this work by Giorgio Vasari the most..."
Milliardo smiled calmly and looked at her, and this smile made her a little uncomfortable.
"What's the matter?" She lowered her head. "Am I talking too much?"
"Pardon me." He lowered his head and smiled slightly. "You have been silent this morning. I think being with me makes you bored."
"No." It was Noin, not Lucrezia.
She felt very guilty. She lied to him anyway.
"Your brother is the same as you. When he was in art history lesson, he always proudly introduced different paintings, as if they were his own works." Milliardo chuckled and smiled so softly.
Noin's head was lowered.
"For such..." She whispered to herself, "You have always taken care of him."
Milliardo blinked and sighed. But Noin didn't notice.
Take care of Noin? It is more than that…
When stepping out of the museum, a strong wind blew by suddenly, Noin quickly pressed her hat in the wind, and at the same time her face was blown, and finally Milliardo and her looked at each other for a glance.
Both of them showed surprised expressions.
It's over... Noin lowered her head and her heartbeat was faster.
After a while, Milliardo stretched out his arm. "It's almost sunset, let’s take you back to the hotel."
She looked at his offered arm, her mood calmed down. However…
Why do I feel so sad...I want to stay with him again...in Lucrezia’s identity...
On the way back to the hotel, both of them were silent. Upon arriving at the door, Milliardo said goodbye to her politely. Compared with the enthusiasm of the meeting this morning, his reaction was unexpectedly cold.
And the following thing was not for Lucrezia Noin’s notice. Milliardo walked back to the dormitory alone.
The face he saw at that moment was Noin. Even though he stayed with Noin’s sister the whole day, the lady he always thought that she was the one he was really interested in, he was always thinking of Noin during the dating, whether in the hotel or in the museum.
Dating with Miss Lucrezia was to reconfirm his original intentions. However, the result was quite the opposite.
Am I chasing... the shadow of Noin?
The one he would like to stay with is the elder brother but not the younger sister. His self-deprecating smile floated on his face.
*******************************
When the two met again, it was the day after the dating.
Noin ran towards Milliardo in a distance, making Milliardo’s expression a bit complicated. He gently turned his face away.
"Do you want to go fishing this afternoon?" Noin showed a lively smile only in front of Milliardo.
"..." He looked away, and deliberately responded indifferently to her words, "Not today..."
He almost accepted her invitation every time. Milliardo was a bit weird today. Noin frowned and felt a little disappointed. She wanted to talk to Milliardo and stay with him again. "What’s happen?"
"Nothing." His eyes flicked a little.
Was it really nothing happened? Noin didn't believe it. But she still talked to him in a soft voice. "It's no problem, we can go together next time."
"... I'm going back to the dormitory."
The content of the entire dialogue was as plain as a general talk. Looking at the leaving back of Milliardo, Noin felt something was wrong. Did he have any troubles? As a friend, she couldn’t ignore it, so she tried to run to him -
"Milliardo." Yesterday, she wore flat shoes to make up for the height difference between Hilda and her, but walking in this way made her unaccustomed to her legs. When she was running, her legs felt tired and Noin gave herself a kick. Milliardo who was just looking back held her immediately.
Milliardo’s heart throbbed suddenly and violently. Both of them were dumbfounded, and then he immediately grabbed Noin by the shoulder and pushed her away—
Noin was taken aback by his actions. Have this silver-haired boy been exposed to the sun for a long time? His cheeks were abnormally red.
"Why are you blushing?" She smiled, turning from a smirk to a teasing smile, "Could it be something worthy of being shy?"
Fortunately enough, when she heard what she said, Milliardo trembled a little, and her face tightened.
Seeing how nervous Milliardo looked, she felt a little smug. She giggled more happily. "Isn't it... you treat me as my younger sister?"
"Noin!" He yelled, then held his breath, very nervous. This was not like a reaction that Milliardo would have.
Even Noin was frightened.
"You speak too much." He scowled, still confused.
Seeing his serious expression, Noin also put a smile away. "It's just a joke..."
"You can't make this kind of joke!" It was almost a protest, and Milliardo was very harsh from usual. He turned and ran away, leaving Noin stood in the corrido alone.
**** to be continued****
Chapter Text
年終考試前夕,仍舊只餘下迪奧跟希羅二人。當希羅在認真溫習功課的時候,迪奧卻心不在焉的在玩弄著鋼筆。
感到受打擾,嚴厲的希羅忍不住要說教了。就在他正準備開口之際,迪奧首先拉開話題︰
「記得上星期我把莉莉娜送到南特港嗎?」
「…當然記得…」迪奧有很多原稿、雜物要托莉莉娜帶回國,所以他堅持親自送莉莉娜到南特去。本來希羅還打算跟在一起,可是莉莉娜卻意外地「拒絕」了讓他同行。為了這件事,他鬱悶了一陣子。
從前還嫌棄她又任性又礙事,但這次她再出現在他眼前時卻換了個人似的。獨立、自信、灑脫,最重要是換走了那「嚇人」的洛可可長裙和濃妝艷抺。怎麼從前不曾留意過莉莉娜的這點魅力呢?
他重重呼了口氣。
「我在南特重遇了柏格斯統提督。他的船正準備到遠東去。」
想起了鬱悶的事,希羅沒有留心聽著他的說話。他隨口附和虛應︰「噢,聽起來是個有趣的計劃。」
「我想跟你商量一件事。」迪奧沉默了一會,然後認真的望著希羅。
「不要告訴我你要上柏格斯統的船。」其實這句說話帶點諷刺意味。
「是的。我跟他談過,我想上他的船,他說兩個月後會再回到威尼斯去,會在岸上停留一個星期,如果我有興趣的話,可以再去找他。」
希羅有點驚訝的望著他,直到這一刻,希羅才正視起迪奧剛才跟他談論過的問題。「你是認真的嗎?你要跟他到遠東?」
「是的,這是很有趣的計劃不是嗎?」迪奧興奮的叫著,「只是,我不知道要怎樣跟父母交待—」
「我反對。」
迪奧訝異的望著一面冷淡的希羅。
「第一,你還未畢業。第二,你知道出海的風險。」
「兩個月後我已經完成這裡的課程,我覺得夠了。你知道我不是讀書的材料。」
希羅只是靜靜地認真的望著他。
迪奧交叉雙手一副不好惹的樣子。他就知道一向講求責任、對每件事都當任務要完成的希羅一定會反對︰「好,好極。你的態度跟你的政治立場一樣保守。我不該跟你商量,算我找錯對象了。」
「迪奧—」
越想越氣憤,迪奧皺起眉頭語帶諷刺的道︰「我留在英國對你們也會有幫助吧?提供政治資金?控制英倫海峽的航運權?」
「你在歪曲我的意思。」希羅也皺起眉來,他有點生氣了。
「這是很難得的機會,我可以跟著名的提督航行到遠東去,甚至可以環遊世界,作為朋友,我希望你明白我。」
「你的家族呢?」
「這是我最傷腦筋的事。」他拍拍腦袋,「我為自己設了個期限,一年時間在海上生活,然後我便會安心從海上退役回到英國。只是如我從前所言…我的哥哥在海上喪生,父親一定反對我的計劃。」
希羅交叉雙手,稍稍點頭鼓勵他繼續說。
「我不想放棄夢想,也不可以背棄麥韋家族,更不想放棄這次難得的機會。我認為自己的計劃已很好的在平衡各方因素了。」
希羅沒有反應,他仍然靜靜的望著迪奧。
迪奧別過臉去。「你不支持我就算了。但不要再潑我冷水。」
希羅凝視著迪奧,突然感到他今天跟平常有點不同了。過往玩世不恭的迪奧不像是個有計劃的人。無論是當個海員,又或是當個劇作家,希羅也不相信兒戲的迪奧會視為認真。但當迪奧再次重提海員這個夢想,而且又說出了他的計劃和顧慮,他看起來好像變得成熟了。
美利安多變得「自把自為」;倒是迪奧還會找他商量事情…希羅不由得苦笑了。
「或許…」他心中嘆了口氣,放軟了聲線,「我們可以商量一下做法…」
迪奧靈敏的耳朵豎起來︰「你說你願意幫我?」
「我是說可以商量一下…」
「謝謝你希羅!」他從後用力抱著坐著的希羅,感激的呼叫,「我們果然是摰友!我一定會在世界盡頭給你跟莉莉娜買一份獨一無二別緻漂亮的結婚禮物!」
希羅死命的要推開熱情的迪奧,當聽到結婚兩個字時,鬱悶的情緒又圍繞著他了…
*******************************
諾茵一個人坐在中庭。
手上雖然拿著書本,目光也似乎是看著文字,但她不是在閱讀。
無緣無故的跟美利安多「冷戰」進入第四日。
她似乎開了一個很過份的玩笑,使得一向豁然開朗的美利安多很「憤怒」,雖然她根本不知道自己開的玩笑有多過份。
她歎了口氣。
突然,一個身形坐在她旁邊,她猛然回望,心中希望是她想著的那個人。但這個坐下來的人出乎她意料。
「國斯里達…」面上訝異的表情代替了失望,「日安。」但聲音仍然聽得出沒甚麼朝氣。
「日安。」他語氣很輕,不過足夠在這個安靜而鳥語花香的環境中聽到他的說話。
打了個招呼之後,他只是靜靜坐了下來,沒有把話題接下去的意思。
諾茵繼續自己的「閱讀」,即使心思都不在書本上。
過了片刻,坐在她身邊的男生才再開口。
「難以相信這種集中力可以讓你在拉丁文得到第一。」
諾茵這才再望向對方,噢,原來他還在。噢,他手上有本書,應該也是在溫習吧。
反應慢了一拍,她才意識在杜魯斯‧國斯里達在跟她開玩笑。
「抱歉,我影響到你吧。」她把書本蓋起來,準備要離開。但對方突然拉著她的手。
「你沒有影響我,你只是影響了自己。」
諾茵帶點尷尬的望著他。杜魯斯的目光很銳利,而且經常是這樣。他經常可以看出別人真正的情緒。善於觀察的諾茵當然早已留意到他的這個特點。她同時可以聽得出,杜魯斯的說話帶著一點關心,他似乎在擔心她的情況?她不確定自己有沒有會錯了意思。
在她觀察和思考的同時,杜魯斯‧國斯里達卻對著她微笑。然後,他也蓋上書本,站了起來。
「要不要去散步?」雖然是個邀請,但在諾茵耳中,卻更像是命令。但這次她沒有反感。
杜魯斯帶領著她散步到山崗後,這裡的小山丘,諾茵曾經來過一次,當時還跟著英倫集團的大伙兒一起,卡多魯和多洛也在。
今天是個陽光普照的日子,金色的陽光透過白雲透射在草叢上,份外溫暖。即使是心情不好,但沐浴在這種環境下,還是能令人開懷的。諾茵深深吸了口氣,伸了個懶腰,感覺這幾天心中的鬱悶好像有點舒解。
「我感覺自己好像很久沒看過藍天白雲了。」
「眼前能看到美好的事情,心情就會換過來。」
諾茵微笑著點頭。微風吹起了她的頭髮,她輕輕把髮絲撥到耳後。一陣涼風劃過耳邊的回響,教她精神一振。沐浴在陽光下,她覺得自己好像漸漸精神起來。
杜魯斯向前走了幾步,在不遠處停了下來。他以手遮蔽著曬落的陽光,望著天邊。
「如果是秋天的晚上,在這裡可以看到不同的星。」
諾茵點頭回應。「我可以想像,躺在這片草地上觀星一定很舒服寫意。而且這裡遠離教學大樓,晚上一定很安靜。可惜我一直沒試過試過。」
「也許因為你最近只專注於釣魚,而遺忘了觀星的樂趣?」
原來他知道她跟美利安多一起去釣魚的事。
「沒有抵觸的,兩樣我都喜歡。」她笑著回應。而對方只是給予一個不以為然的淡淡微笑。
「那麼,如果我約你來觀星,你會應約嗎?」
諾茵有點訝異的望著他。但杜魯斯看來一臉認真,他不像是說笑,也不像是一句恭維。
「國斯里達—」
「你可以直接叫我的名字。」他插入一句,溫和而堅定,他凝視著諾茵,「如果沒讓你覺得不舒服的話。」
「不會…」反射性的迅速回答,諾茵倒抽了口氣。這樣謙遜不像是杜魯斯,但她可以感受到他的誠意。漸漸地,她釋出了一個真誠善意的微笑,「杜魯斯…我想謝謝你。我知道你察覺到我心情不好,謝謝你帶我來散心。」
他對她微笑,已經不是第一次,但這個笑容包含的意思似乎更多。像是對她呼喚自己名字的滿意,又像是覺得關係更像朋友的愉悅。她看得有點出神。
「我很高興在你難過的時候可以提供協助。」
「可是,為甚麼?」諾茵不明白。他們之間可能有共同的興趣,也同樣身為天主教徒。在去年聖誕第一次一起散步了,但似乎,過去種種發生的事,也並不使他們成為朋友,更不像會令她今天跟他那麼接近。
「因為我想幫助你。」他靠得更接近,但這次諾茵沒有躲開。
「為甚麼要幫助我?」
杜魯斯凝視著她。
「我想要這樣做。」
諾茵望著他,像是猜度著他這個句的意思,也像是因為聽到難以置信的話而一時間反應不過來。杜魯斯的說話簡短而有力,字面上不難理解。但教諾茵不解的,是為甚麼他想要這樣做?就是,他曾經說過的,他對她沒惡意,他想要跟她互相了解?
「我們可以成為朋友。」杜魯斯認真的進一步表達。
諾茵虛應了他,避開了他的目光,覺得自己心跳加速。
由入學之前她已經知道,杜魯斯‧國斯里達跟她的立場南轅北轍。他們的家族有不同的利益關係,他是她必須要小心對待和提防的人。可是另一邊廂,從她的觀察看來,杜魯斯是另一個很有領袖魅力的人,他身邊除了「手下」,也不乏朋友。即使是美利安多也不時會讚譽他。而且經過這三年多的相處,經歷過種種,她覺得對他的印像有翻天覆地的改變,其實杜魯斯‧國斯里達也是個值得交往的朋友。
她吸了口氣,轉過頭來。
「我覺得很榮幸。」諾茵微微一笑,她伸出了手。
杜魯斯也回報一個淡然的笑。他的手很寬大而溫暖,可能因為經常騎馬和練劍,他的手掌有點粗糙。古銅色的手掌跟諾茵的白皙截然不同。她感到杜魯斯握著她的手稍稍用力。
「說起來,我需要為自己之前的無禮而道歉。那次你專門來找我解釋,但我不由分說的向你發了脾氣。」
那件事…
回想起來,五味雜陳。杜魯斯輕輕吐笑了一下。
「我沒在意,並且,我很高興得到你的諒解。」他對她微笑,滲透著溫和而謙厚,很是好看。
突然間,她有點後悔,後悔之前一直沒留意到杜魯斯的善意。她不喜歡別人對她女性的身份存在偏見,她自己何嘗不是對他存在不應該有的偏見?在將要畢業的最後時光,因為他主動踏出一步,他們才沒有錯過這情誼。如果…如果可以早一點發現…
在確定自己將會對杜魯斯的笑容看得入神之前,諾茵轉移了視線。
*************************
美利安多從圖書館離開,就在門前遇到剛要進去、抱著一堆書籍的諾茵。
他們已差不多一星期沒跟對方說過話了。平常學校的考試他們都會在一起溫習,但這次年終考試他們卻分開自修。這不是諾茵所願,只是美利安多一直在莫名其妙的避開她。
但沒聯系不代表沒注意。美利安多這次停留下來了。
「我知道杜魯斯來找你了。沒特別的事吧?」
杜魯斯不會為難諾茵,他知道。如果是平常的時候,這是諾茵的私事,只要他不會受到傷害,他不會過度干涉。但是這次,他得承認,對於杜魯斯跟諾茵兩個人同站在一個空間,當兩個名字放在一起時,他因為內心的不確定性而動搖和在意。
他覺得很羞恥,並且很怪異。他不喜歡這種感覺。
因為他的關心,他們終於又再說話了。諾茵內心舒了口氣。
「杜魯斯跟我去散步了,因為他想要安慰我。」她不知道說出「安慰」這個詞時美利安多會有甚麼感覺。但她很想透露自己的情緒。她因為他而難過了。
但教美利安多在意的不單是「安慰」,而且是「杜魯斯」而不再是「國斯里達」。
並且,最近還有一件事教他在意的。
「聽說你拒絕了韓德爾的邀請,這是真的嗎?」互相對望了半刻,還是由美利安多先開口。
他已很長時間沒跟她說話了。他突然出現在她臉前,令諾茵既驚訝又安慰。只是當他提起這個令她為難和婉惜的問題時,她欣喜的神情也稍稍改變了。
欲言又止,最後諾茵決定正面回答。
「是的。」
「為甚麼會拒絕?」他不能想像她會拒絕的原因。進入皇家音樂學院是音樂界別裡很高上的榮譽。當韓德爾告訴他這個消息時,他還以為自己聽錯了。
「我不能加入。」很簡單的回覆,甚至連詳盡的藉口也沒有。美利安多對這個簡陋的解釋顯現不滿意。
「為甚麼?」他沒有強人所難的習慣,這樣追問別人一向被他視為無禮。但這次他實在沒法壓抑心中的疑問。
她臉上是個為難的表情。
「我得回西西里島去…有不得不回去的理由。」她凝視著美利安多,心中有鼓衝動想要跟他說明一切。因為我是個女郎所以不可以加入皇家學會,也不可以捨棄家族。
「老實說我有點失望。」美利安多的表情一直很認真,甚至有點板起臉來,「這是很難得的機會,我沒想過你會放棄。雖然,我得尊重你的決定。」
「對不起。」她也不知道為甚麼要道歉,只是覺得,她對他有太多的難言之隱,有太多的隱瞞,令她與他之間有不可消除的隔閡。她感到很抱歉。
這樣的對話,這種感覺很令人懷念,就好像甚麼都沒發過一樣。然後,她勉強擠出了一個微笑︰「我們有多久沒聊天了?」
他察覺到她無奈的笑容,還有失意的神情,他不禁流露出關懷之情︰「你看來有點憔悴。」
她輕輕搖頭︰「我很好。」
他無意識的踏前令他更靠近她︰「覺得哪裡不舒服嗎?」
她搖頭,再抬起頭來,是個羞澀的表情,「還以為你以後不再跟我說話了。」
一刻的沈默。他已很久沒看到她的笑容了。怦然心動的感覺換成難過。他懷念從前跟諾茵聊天的日子,還有兩個人一起玩樂的時光。「不會…」他深沉的呼出了口氣,「諾茵…」
「美利安多…」她同時開始說話,然後兩人都停了下來。諾茵低下頭來,淡淡的微笑,「請你先說吧。」
美利安多微微嘆氣。「諾茵,我要向你道歉。」諾茵仍然保持沈默,讓他繼續,「因為某些理由…因為我笨拙的做法傷害了你。」
她凝視著對方,像一切盡在意料之內一樣冷靜。
作為一個女性,她知道美利安多對她舉動的含意。他對這個他產生了不同尋常的感覺。雖然不確定是不是跟她對他一樣。
美利安多,我也要向你道歉。想必是我令你覺得有點混亂,一切都是因為我的謊言傷害了你。
而且,我想我愛上你了。
她想向他坦白,但理智告訴她這絕對不可為。為了保守秘密,她為他唯一所能做的,就是斷絕他「奇怪」的思念。但另一方面,她卻很捨不得。身為貴族女兒的她始終要嫁人,而且婚姻還不到她作主。她唯一可以肯定的,是身為西西里貴族的她,在西班牙的陰影下,相信很難可以跟英格蘭的皇位繼承人結婚。
她和他之間唯一的覊絆,就只有當下,美利安多‧卑斯賴多和迪斯奴夫‧諾因海姆的關係。
不想連這個也失去 …
「現在都想通了嗎?」在他作出反應之前,她首先向他提出了疑問,只想一切變回原狀。
諾茵看來沒有追問他原因的意思,也沒有追問著要一個交待。
「過去幾天,我用了很長的時間去思考。」美利安多停頓了。她輕輕點頭,鼓勵他說下去,「我想說…我很高興認識你,由衷的。」
美利安多只是陳述了事實。他的確有過奇怪的想法,而且他覺得這會是一個破壞他跟諾茵之間關係的想法。
面對多諾和卡多魯的事情上,諾茵已經表明了立場。天主教徒的他不能接受同性戀。事實上,他的身份也讓他有顧慮。他不肯定他對諾茵的感覺是否一時的迷失,但覺得很怪異很不舒服,古怪的感覺纏繞著他,而這是他不允許的。身為英國派系的領袖,他不可以迷失。
所以,我會無視這個感覺。必須 …
「然後呢?」諾茵加重了語氣追問。
不想連這層關係都失去,諾茵。
美利安多感到難堪,這是他有生以來第一次感到跟別人溝通存在著困難。他選擇以笑掩飾︰「所以,請原諒我過去幾天的失常。」
諾茵嘴角微往上揚,看到開懷笑起來的美利安多,她忍不著往他手臂上打了一打。無論甚麼原因也好,總算「冰識前嫌」了。這一刻在諾茵和美利安多心裡都各自如釋重膽的嘆了口氣。
*****************************
好不容易捱過了年終考試,再過一個月左右就可以正式畢業了。坐在教堂前的諾茵倚靠著白色大理石柱子,眺望著遠景。那似近還遠的翠綠山丘陪伴她渡過了將近四年的男校生活,這種光景很快會變為回憶,她將會離開這裡回到自己的家裡,回復千金小姐的身份。一切都會回復正常。
一切都因為家族而開始。
輕輕伸了個懶腰,過去種種回憶向她排山倒海的襲來,這一切彷彿在昨天才發生一樣。當初覺得這種生涯既可怕又艱苦,每一刻都如履薄冰。但臨別在即的這一刻她才發現原來已愛上了這裡的生活。她竟然有點捨不得。
這段日子,她已經成長到足以在男人主導的世界中生存,而她內心也產生了很多想法。回去之後要以貴族千金的身份活下去,可是,她應該可以做些甚麼,在她能力範圍內盡力做些改變。
再次抬起頭時,她已換上了一個樂觀的笑容。
「還有一個月時間。」眨了眨眼,她重新振作的站起來。今天要開始收拾好自己的行裝了。
在行畢業禮之前,迪奧偷偷的離開了。這件事在學校裡引起牽然大波。除了通知家長,被視為英倫集團領導人的美利安多當然也被邀請去問話。英倫集團的人走了一個又一個,這件事在學校裡被視為笑話一樣流傳。
但美利安多好像並不介懷。對於迪奧的事他沒有跟她說過。不過她明白美利安多重視朋友更勝於名譽,為了替迪奧完成心願,他才不介意被人在背後恥笑。只是他怕這件事會影響到她和希羅的情緒,所以他邀請他們一同到布達佩斯旅行。美利安多有一位朋友在那裡出差,他想跟這位朋友會合一同去遊玩。
也許這會是她最後一次跟美利安多一起行動了。她內心充滿著婉惜。就來個最後的瘋狂吧。
回到宿舍時她被宿舍總監夏亞先生叫住了。
「迪斯奴夫,有你的信。」在學校裡,只有夏亞先生會叫她的「名字」。同學們甚至老師們都習慣稱呼她為諾茵。
散發著雛菊香味的白色信封封口蓋了家族的蓋印。難道會是帕崗轉寄來的信…那會是美利安多寫給露洛莉亞的信嗎?道謝後她趕緊拿著信件跑回房裡去。
如果現在收到美利安多的信件,將會給與她很大的鼓舞。
只是當拆開信件的那一刻,她整個人都凝住了。
*******
「送到這裡就可以了。」到達出城的關口,諾茵安頓好馬夫後向美利安多說道。
本來準備出發到佩斯特去,但在臨行前一星期卻收到家中寄來的信。父親囑咐她要立即回到家裡。看來是發生了甚麼大事的樣子。她也不敢怠慢,收到信的第二天她便馬上動身起程回家了。
「一路上要小心。」彷如長輩給晚輩叮囑,美利安多對諾茵有著許多的不放心。不,與其說不放心,還不如說不捨得還貼切。
「很可惜,本來還以為會有個難忘的畢業旅行。」說起來還有點不甘心。
「別哭喪著臉,你會回來參加畢業禮吧?」面對著一陣離愁別緒的諾茵,美利安多連聲安慰,「畢業禮後我們再旅行去。」
諾茵低下頭,非常不願意的說︰「也許…我不能再回來。」她想說下去,但那句「以後不能再見」就是說不出口。
連最後的回憶也…離開了學園之後,迪斯奴夫‧諾因海姆的身份將不會再存在。她跟他的連繫會中斷,自始,她和他之間將會再沒有任何關係。
「如果是這樣的話,就換我去找你。」
美利安多堅定的說出一句。他凝視著諾茵,深深吸了口氣。
不想就這樣結束。但為甚麼會有這種感覺。美利安多拍拍她的頭,「一定會再見的。」這是他的期望,但他胸口一陣壓力。
美利安多 ‧ 卑斯賴多,我捨不得你。
她想對他坦白一切,但最後都沒有吐露出來。真的要放棄他們之間的所有回憶嗎?還有那份小小的感情嫩芽。於是,她選擇給予大家一個機會。
「如果下定決心,請你來找露洛莉亞。」
美利安多不明所以,他搖頭表示不解。
諾茵沒有解釋。
看著諾茵的馬車漸漸遠去,美利安多重重呼了口氣。
也許 … 我不能再回來。
諾茵的說話圍繞在他腦海裡。如果真的不能再見面的話…
不想再想下去,他轉身便離開了車站。
***************************
布達佩斯位於多瑙河兩岸,是個擁有豐富文化遺產、佈滿富麗堂皇建築物的城市。
諾茵喜歡古舊的文化,這也是美利安多想帶她到來的原因之一。雖然最終她不能隨行,美利安多還是按原定的計劃出發。
到達布達佩斯的第一天,在希羅留在旅館裡休息的時間,美利安多約會了他在這裡出差的好朋友。
「美利安多閣下,看到你精神弈弈的樣子,真是讓人高興。」奧圖站起來向美利安多行了個禮。
「彼此彼此。」美利安多示意他坐下來。在外地會見老朋友令美利安多感到很高興,諾茵離開的離愁別緒也暫時放下了。
「英國議會的情況如何?」這是他最關心的事。
「議會上月在討論新的財政報告。托利黨的諾邊特伯爵提出完備《人身保護法》,理所當然的,輝格黨以尤爾伯爵為首否決了這項法案。我說,卑斯賴多家族跟尤爾家族聯手的話,上議院,不,整個議會都在你們的控制之內。」
「你這種說法太誇張了。」
「知道你在夏天會回國,公爵很高興,上次獵狐見到他時這種情緒都寫在臉上了。」
他內斂的笑笑,輕輕搖頭。
「只是聽說麥韋家的少爺出海了,實在有點驚訝。」奧圖苦笑,「麥韋男爵氣得要跟他脫離父子關係呢。男爵說有美利安多在身邊,為甚麼會讓他做出沒分寸的事。我看你還得向他當面交待一下。」
「迪奧一向愛做瘋狂的事。」他也回報一個無奈的笑容,「這件事我也是到最後才知道。」
「連控制英倫海峽六成航運權的麥韋家族也屬於輝格黨,說你們在議會有絕對影響力也不為過。」
「太誇張了。麥韋家族從不涉及政治你是知道的。」
「說起來,你見過地中海的諾因海姆了吧?同樣以航運業起家的西西里貴族。」
「諾因海姆家的繼承人是個優秀的人才,只是身材太矮小了點。」想到諾茵的瘦小,美利安多到現在還有點不滿。
「太矮小了?」奧圖吃吃的笑著,「你的標準還真高。」
美利安多有點糊塗了,他凝視著正尷尬笑著的奧圖。
「早幾年前,就是他入學前,我才跟迪斯奴夫‧諾因海姆見過面,當時的他還比我高出一點點,他是個長得很強壯的紳士。雖然美利安多你比較高大,但以迪斯奴夫那種身形也不算是矮小吧?」
咦…?美利安多皺起眉頭。
「不會,諾茵怎可能比你高?」
對於美利安多的堅持,奧圖是失笑了。看到奧圖認真的反應,美利安多腦海中閃爍著一大堆疑問,深鎖的眉頭久久未能釋放。
*****************
Before the final examination, Duo and Heero were studying together. While Heero was studying very hard, Duo who sat next to him was playing with the pen.
It was quite disturbing. Heero couldn’t help but want to complain about it. Just as he was about to speak, Duo opened the topic first.
"Do you remember I companied Relena to Nantes last week?"
"...Of course." Duo had a lot of manuscripts and sundries to bring back to London. Since he asked Relena to help, he insisted on sending her to the port in person. Heero planned to be with them too, but Relena unexpectedly "refused" on his company. Because of this refusal, he was depressed for a while.
He used to despise her for being willful, but this time, when she appeared in front of him again, she seemed to be a different person. Independent and confident, the most important thing is that she finally replaced the "scaring" Rococo dress as well as the heavy makeup. He was so curious that he didn’t notice the charm of Relena before.
He exhaled heavily.
"I met Admiral Bergstrom again at Nantes. His ship was about to go to the Far East."
Thinking of the depressing thing, Heero didn't pay much attention to what Duo was saying. He casually chimed in. "That sounds like an interesting plan."
"I want to discuss something with you." Duo was silent for a while and looked at Heero seriously.
"Don't tell me you're going on the Bergstrom’ ship." This statement was ironic.
"Yes. I talked to him, I wanted to get on his ship, and he said he would go back to Venice two months later and stay ashore for a week. I can go join his journey if I am interested in!"
Heero looked at him with a little surprise. Until this moment, Heero faced up to the issue that Duo had just talked to him. "Are you serious? Are you really going to the Far East with him?"
"Of course, that's an interesting plan, isn't it?" Duo exclaimed, "It's just, I don't know how to tell my parents—"
"Objection."
Duo looked at the Heero’s cool face in surprise.
"You haven't graduated yet. Also, you know the risks of sailing on the sea."
"The course will be finished in two months. And I think enough is enough, you know I have no interest in studying at school at all."
Heero just looked at him quietly.
Duo crossed his arms in a nasty look. He knew that Heero has always been responsible and regarded everything as a task. He would definitely object. "Alright, great. Your attitude is as conservative as your political stance. I shouldn't discuss it with you, count me wrong."
"Duo —"
The more he thought about it, the angrier he became. Duo frowned and said sarcastically, "Am I helpful to you if I stay in the UK? Providing political funds? Controlling the navigation of the English Channel?"
"You're misrepresenting what I mean." Heero frowned as well, he was a little angry.
"This is a rare opportunity. I can sail to the Far East with the famous Admiral, and even travel around the world. As a friend, I hope you understand me."
"What about your family?"
"That's what bothers me the most." He patted his head, "I set a deadline for myself to live at sea for a year, and then I'll retire from the sea and return to the UK. Just as I said before, my brother was died at sea, and my father must be against my plan."
Heero crossed his arms again. He nodded slightly to encourage him to continue.
"I don't want to give up my dream, I can't turn my back on the Maxwell family but I also don't want to give up this opportunity. I think my plan has well balanced all factors."
Heero didn't respond, he still looked at Duo quietly.
Duo turned away. "It's fine if you don't support me. But don't throw cold water on me again."
Heero stared at Duo. He suddenly has a feeling that Duo was a little different than usual. Duo was used to be cynical and he didn’t seem like a man with a plan. Whether as a sailor or as a playwright. Heero didn’t believe Duo, who loves playing tricks, would take it seriously. But when Duo brought up the dream of being a sailor again, as well as he spoke out about his plans and concerns, he looked as if he has matured.
Milliardo went his own way with the matter about Noin, on the contrary, Duo would still ask him for discussion... Heero couldn't help but smile bitterly.
"Maybe..." He sighed inwardly and softened his voice, "We can discuss how to do it..."
Duo's sensitive ears perked up, "You said you would like to help me?"
"I mean we can think about a way..."
"Thank you Heero!" He hugged Heero and called out gratefully, "We are really good friends! I will definitely buy you and Relena a unique and beautiful wedding gift at the other side of the world!"
Heero desperately wanted to push away the enthusiastic Duo. When he heard about the "wedding gift", the depressed mood surrounded him again...
*******************
Noin sat alone in the courtyard.
Although she was holding a book in her hand and her eyes seemed to be looking at the text, she was not reading at all.
The fourth day of the "cold war" with Milliardo for no reason.
She seemed to have made a very excessive joke, which made Milliardo, who has always been open-minded, "very angry". Although she has no idea how excessive the joke was.
She sighed.
Suddenly, a person sat next to her, and she looked back, hoping that it was the person she was thinking of. But who sat down was beyond her expectations.
"Khushenada..." The surprised expression on the face replaced disappointment, "Good day." Her voice still sounded lackluster.
"Good day." He said softly, but enough to hear him in this quiet and fragrant environment.
After greeting, he just sat down quietly but not intended to continue any topic.
Noin continued her "reading" even though her mind was not on the book.
After a while, the gentleman sitting beside her spoke again.
"It's hard to believe that this kind of concentration can get you the first place in Latin."
Noin looked at him again.
Oh, he is still here.
He had a book in his hand, so he might be in his revision also.
The reaction took a beat before she realized that Treize Khushrenada was joking with her.
"Sorry if I'm affecting you." She closed the book and ready to leave. But the other party suddenly took her hand.
"You didn't affect me, you just affected yourself."
Noin looked at him with a little embarrassment. Treize Khushrenada's eyes were sharp, and he often did. He could always see the true emotions of others. Of course, the observant Noin had already noticed this feature of him. At the same time, she could hear that Treize spoke with a little concern. He seemed to be worried about her situation. She wasn't sure if she was right.
While she was observing and thinking, Treize Khushrenada smiled at her. Then, he also closed the book and stood up.
"Would you like to go for a walk?" Although it was an invitation, it sounded more like an order in Noin's mind. But this time she wasn't disgusted.
Treize Khushrenada led her for a walk to the hill. Noin has been here once. At that time, she was with everyone from the British group, Trowa and Quatre were also there.
This was a sunny day, and the golden sunshines went through the white clouds on the grass, which was extraordinarily warm. Even if a person was in a bad mood, bathing in this environment could still make him relax. Noin took a deep breath and stretched, feeling that the depression in her heart these few days seemed to be relieved.
"I feel as if I haven't seen the blue sky and white clouds in a long time."
"Bad mood will change when enjoying a good view."
Noin smiled and nodded. The breeze blew her hair, and she tucked it behind her ear. The sound of a cool breeze passing through her ears gave her a boost. Bathing under the sun, she felt as if she was getting refreshed.
Treize took a few steps forward and stopped not far away. He shaded the sun with his hands and looked up at the horizon.
"If it's an autumn night, you can see different stars here."
Noin nodded in response. "I can imagine that it must be very comfortable to lie on this grass and stargazing. And it is far from the teaching building, so it must be very quiet at night. Unfortunately, I have never tried it."
"Perhaps because you've only been focusing on fishing, and you've forgotten the joys of stargazing."
It turned out that he knew about her going fishing with Milliardo.
"No conflict, I like both." She responded with a smile. The other party just gave a disapproving faint smile.
"So, if I invite you to stargazing, will you accept it?"
Noin looked at him in surprise. But Treize looked serious, he didn't seem to be joking or making a compliment.
"Khushrenada—"
"You can just call me by my name," he inserted, gentle and firm, and he stared at Noin, "If it doesn't make you feel uncomfortable."
"No..." Reflexively replied quickly, Noin gasped. This humility was not like Treize Khushrenada, but she could feel his sincerity. Gradually, she released a sincere and kind smile, "Treize...I want to thank you. I know you sense I'm in a bad mood, thank you for taking me here."
It wasn't the first time he smiled at her, but this smile seemed to mean more. Like the satisfaction of her calling his name, or the pleasure of feeling more like a friend. She looked a little confused.
"I'm glad I can offer my help when you're sad."
"But why?" Noin didn't understand. They may have common interests and they are also Catholics. They took a walk together for the first time at Christmas last year, but it seemed that all that had happened in the past had not made them friends, at least not that closed as they were today.
"Because I want to help you." He leaned closer, but Noin didn't dodge this time.
"Why do you want to help me?"
Treize stared at her.
"I just want to do that."
Noin looked at him, as if guessing the meaning of his sentence, as if she couldn't react for a while because she heard the unbelievable words. Treize's speech was short and powerful, and literally not difficult to understand. But what made Noin confused was why he wanted to help her? That was, what he once said, he has no ill will towards her, he wanted to get to know her?
"We can be friends." Treize further expressed earnestly.
Noin responded falsely to him. She tried to avoid his gaze; she was feeling her heart beating faster.
She had known from before entering school that Treize Khushrenada was the opposite of her position. Their families had different interests, and he was someone she must be careful and watch out for. But on the other hand, from her observation, Treize is another very charismatic person. In addition to his "subordinates", he also has many friends. Even Milliardo praised him from time to time. And after more than three years of getting along, she has experienced all kinds of things, and she has a feeling that her impression of him has changed dramatically. In fact, Treize Khushrenada is also a worthy friend.
She took a breath and turned her head.
"I am flattered." Noin smiled slightly, and she held out her hand.
Treize also returned an indifferent smile. His hand was large and warm, probably a little rough due to frequent riding and sword practice. The bronze-colored palms were completely different from Noin's whiteness. She felt Treize was taking her hand a little harder.
"Speaking of which, I need to apologize for my rudeness before. Last time when you came to my room to explain, I lost my temper at you."
That matter…
In retrospect, the feeling was complicated and mixed. Treize chuckled lightly.
"It doesn’t matter. I'm glad to have your forgiveness." He smiled at her, oozing his gentleness and modesty.
Suddenly, she regretted that she had not noticed Treize's kindness before. She didn’t like other people's prejudice against her female identity. But she did the same on Treize. In the last moments of graduation, because he took the initiative to take a step, they did not miss this friendship. If, if it could have been found earlier...
Before she was sure that she would be fascinated by Treize' smile, Noin turned her eyes away.
******************
Milliardo left the library and met Noin in front of the entrance, while she was about to enter, with holding a pile of books.
They hadn't spoken to each other for almost a week. They usually studied together for school exams, but this time they studied separately for the year-end exam. This was not what Noin wanted, but Millirado has been avoiding her inexplicably.
However, no contact didn’t mean he didn't pay attention. Milliardo stopped this time.
"I know Treize was coming for you. Are you alright?"
Treize would not hurt Noin, he knew. It was Noin's private matter, as long as she wouldn't be hurt, he wouldn't interfere too much. But this time, he has to admit that when Treize and Noin stood in the same place, when the two names were put together, he was shaken and concerned by the uncertainty in his heart.
He felt ashamed and weird. He didn’t like this feeling.
Because of his concern, they finally spoke again. Noin let out a sigh of relief.
"Treize went for a walk with me because he wanted to comfort me." She wondered how Milliardo would feel when the word "comfort" was uttered. But she was eager to reveal her emotions. She was sad because of him.
But what made Milliardo to care was not only about "comfort", but also about "Treize" instead of "Khushrenada".
And, there was one more thing that has cause him to care recently.
"I heard that you rejected Handel's invitation, is that true?" After looking at each other for a while, Milliardo spoke first.
He hadn't spoken to her for a long time. He suddenly appeared in front of her, she felt both surprising and comforting. It's just that when he brought up this question that made her embarrassed and sympathetic, her happy expression changed slightly.
After hesitating to speak, Noin finally decided to answer directly.
"Yes, that is true."
"Could you give me a reason?" He couldn't imagine why she would refuse. Admission to the Royal Academy of Music was a very high honour in the music industry. When Handel told him the news, he thought he had heard it wrong.
"I can't go to there." Simple reply, without even a detailed excuse. Milliardo appeared dissatisfied with the crude explanation.
"Why?" He didn't have the habit of being a pushy man, and he was always regarded as rude to ask others like this. But this time he really couldn't suppress the doubt in his heart.
There was a troubled look on his face.
"I have to go back to Sicily...there is a reason why I have to go back." She stared at Milliardo, feeling the urge in the bottom of her heart to explain everything to him. Because I'm a girl, I can't join the Royal Academy of Music, and I can't leave my family.
"To be honest, I'm a little disappointed." Milliardo's expression has always been serious, even a little stern, "This is a rare opportunity, I didn't expect you to give up. Although, I have to respect your decision."
"I'm sorry." She didn't know why she had to apologize, but she just felt that she had too many unspoken things to hide from him, and her hidden secret has caused an inextricable estrangement between him and her. She was so sorry about that.
This kind of conversation and this feeling was so nostalgic. It was like nothing has ever been happened. Then, she forced a smile. "How long has it been since our last chat?"
He noticed her helpless smile and frustrated look, and he couldn't help showing concern. "You look a little haggard."
She shook her head lightly, "I'm fine."
He stepped forward unconsciously, making him get closer to her. "Do you feel any discomfort?"
She shook her head, then raised her head again with a shy expression, "I thought you would never talk to me again."
A moment of silence. He hadn't seen her smile for a long time. The pounding feeling was replaced by sadness. He missed the days of being with Noin, and the time when they had fun together. "No." He exhaled deeply, "Noin..."
"Milliardo..." They started talking at the same time, then they both stopped. Noin lowered her head and smiled faintly, "Please."
Milliardo sighed slightly. "Noin, I want to apologize to you." Noin remained silent, letting him continue, "For some reasons...because my clumsy actions hurt you."
She stared at him, as calm as everything was expected.
As a woman, she knew what Milliardo meant to her actions. He had an unusual feeling about her. Although she was not sure if it is the same as she felt to him.
Milliardo, I also want to apologize to you. I must have confused you, and it's all because of my lies that hurt you.
And, I think I'm in love with you.
She wanted to confess to him, but her heart told her that it was absolutely impossible. In order to keep the secret, the only thing she could do for him was to cut off his "strange" thoughts. But on the other hand, she was very reluctant. As the daughter of a noble, her marriage was not up to her. The only thing she could be sure of is that, as a Sicilian noble, under the shadow of Spain, it was difficult for her to marry the heir to the throne of England.
The only bond between them was the current moment, the relationship between Milliardo Peacecraft and Dixneuf Neunheim.
I don't want to lose this...
"Is it all figured out now?" Before he could react, she first questioned him, she just wanted everything to go back to the way it was.
Noin didn't seem to mean to ask him the reason, nor did she ask for an explanation.
"I've spent a lot of times thinking about it over the past few days." Milliardo paused. She nodded lightly, encouraging him to continue, "I want to say... I'm glad to have you be my side, sincerely."
Milliardo was just stating the facts. He did have strange thoughts, and he thought it would be an idea to destroy his relationship with Noin.
On the matter of Trowa and Quatre, Noin has already made her stand. She is a Catholic who cannot accept homosexuality. In fact, his identity also made him concerned. He wasn't sure if his feelings for Noin was lost for a while, but he felt weird and uncomfortable. The weird feelings entangled him, and it was what he could not allow to happen. As the leader of the British faction, he was not able to get lost.
So, I will ignore this feeling. I must to do that…
"So what?" Noin asked in a more serious tone.
I don't want to lose our friendship, Noin.
Milliardo was embarrassed. For the first time in his life, he had difficulty communicating with others. He chose to hide it with a smile. "So, please forgive my erratic over the past few days."
The corners of Noin's lips rose slightly, and seeing Milliardo who was smiling, she couldn't help but hit him on the arm. No matter what the reason was, it was finally “settled”. At this moment, both Noin and Milliardo sighed with relief.
****************
After finally passing the year-end exam, all students would officially graduate in about a month. Sitting in front of the church, Noin leaned against the white marble pillar and enjoyed the view. The green hills that seemed to be far away accompanied her through the boys' school life for nearly four years. This situation would soon become a memory. She would leave here and return to her home. She would return to her identity as a lady. Everything would go back to normal.
It all started because of the family.
Gently stretched her waist, all kinds of memories from the past came to her overwhelmingly, as if all this happened only yesterday. At first she thought this kind of life was scary and hard, and every moment was like walking on thin ice. But at the moment of her parting, she realized that she had fallen in love with the life here. She was a little reluctant to leave.
During these days, she has grown enough to survive in a world dominated by men, and she has a lot of thoughts in her heart. After returning, she will live as a noble daughter, but she should be able to do something and try to make some changes with her ability.
When she raised her head again, she had put on an optimistic smile.
"There's still a month." Blinking, she stood up and started packing her bag.
Before the graduation ceremony, Duo secretly left. The incident caused quite a stir in the school. In addition to notifying parents, Milliardo who was regarded as the leader of the British Group, was of course invited to explain. The people of the British Group left one after another, this incident was seen as a joke in the school.
But Milliardo didn't seem to mind. He hadn't spoken to her about Duo. But she understood that he valued friends more than reputation, and in order to fulfill Duo's wish, he didn't mind being laughed by others. It's just that he was afraid that it would affect her and Heero's emotions, so he invited them to travel to Budapest together. Milliardo had a friend there on business, and he wanted to join him for a trip.
Maybe this would be the last time she went out with him. She was full of pity.
When she returned to the dormitory, she was stopped by Mr. Char, the dormitory director.
"Dixneuf, there is a letter for you." Only Mr. Char would call her "name" at school. The classmates and even the teachers used to call her Noin.
The daisy-scented white envelope was with the family's seal. Could it be a letter forwarded by Pagan? Could it be a letter from Milliardo to Lucrezia again? After thanking him, she quickly took the letter and ran back to the room.
It would be a great encouragement to receive Millirado's letter now.
It's just that the moment she opened the letter, her froze.
******
"That’s fine Milliardo." After arriving at the gate out of the city, Noin said to Milliardo after setting up the carriage.
She was going to leave for Budapest, but a week before her departure, she received a letter from home. Her father told her to go home immediately. It looked like something serious has happened. She didn't dare to neglect, and the day after she received the letter, she immediately set off for home.
"Be careful along the way." Just as the elders told the younger ones, Milliardo had a lot of worries about Noin. No, it was more appropriate to say that he was unwilling to say goodbye to her.
"It's a pity, I thought I would have an unforgettable graduation trip." She was a little unwilling to say it.
"Don't be so sad, you will come back for the graduation ceremony, won’t you?" Facing Noin who was sad, Milliardo comforted her repeatedly, "We will travel again after the graduation ceremony."
Noin lowered her head and said reluctantly, "Maybe... I can't come back." She wanted to continue, but the phrase "I can't see you again" just couldn't be said.
Even the last memories... After leaving the academy, the identity of Dixneuf Neunheim will no longer exist. Her connection with him will be cut off, and from the moment, there would be no relationship between them.
"If that's the case, I will find you instead."
Milliardo said firmly. He stared at Noin and took a deep breath.
I don't want it to end like this. Milliardo patted her on the head, "See you for sure." It was his expectation, but there was a pressure in his chest.
Milliardo Peacecraft, I will definitely miss you.
She wanted to confess everything to him, but in the end she didn't reveal it.
Do you really want to give up all the memories between us? And that little bud of love.
So, she chose to give both of them a chance.
"If you make up your mind, please come for Lucrezia."
Milliardo didn't really understand, and he shook his head in puzzlement.
Noin did not explain.
Watching Noin's carriage go away, Milliardo took a heavy breath.
Maybe...I can't come back.
Noin's words revolved around his mind.
If we really can't meet again...
Not wanting to think any more, he turned around and left the station.
*******************
Situated on the side of the Danube, Budapest is a city with a rich cultural heritage and stately buildings.
Noin liked ancient cultures, which was one of the reasons why Milliardo wanted to visit this city with her. Although she couldn't accompany him in the end, Milliardo set off according to the original plan.
On his first day in Budapest, while Heero was resting in the hotel, Milliardo met his good friend who was here on business.
"Lord Milliardo, it's really my pleasure to see your here." Otto stood up and saluted to him.
"I am happy to see you." Milliardo motioned him to sit down. He was very happy to meet old friends in other places, and the sorrow of Noin’s leaving was temporarily put down.
"How is the situation in the Parliament?" This was also one of his greatest concerns.
"There was a discussion for the new financial report last month. Lord Nobent from Tory proposed a Habeas Corpus, and of course the Whigs, headed by Lord Yuy, vetoed the bill. I would say, Peacecraft and Yuy families lead the House of Lords. No, the entire council is under your control.”
"This statement is too exaggerated."
"The Duke was very happy to know that you will be returning home in the summer. I saw him in the Foxhunt last time. Everybody can feel how glad he was."
Milliardo smiled restrainedly and shook his head slightly.
"It's just that I was a little surprised to hear that the young master of the Maxwell family left to the sea." Otto smiled bitterly, "Baron Maxwell was so angry that he wanted to break away from their relationship. The baron said that he can’t image why it would happen while Milliardo was with him. I think you have to explain to him face-to-face."
"Duo has always liked to do crazy things." He also returned a helpless smile, "I didn't know this until the end."
"Even the Maxwell family, who control 60% of the navigation of the English Channel, belong to the Whig. It is not an exaggeration to say that you have absolute influence in the Parliament."
"Exaggerated. The Maxwell family do not involved in politics, you know that."
"Speaking of which, have you seen Neunheim of the Mediterranean Sea? A Sicilian nobleman who also started out in the shipping industry."
"The heir to the Neunheim family is an excellent talent person. The only thing I have to say is that he is too short." Thinking of Noin's thinness, Milliardo is still a little dissatisfied.
"Too short?" Otto chuckled, "Your standard is really high."
Milliardo was a little confused. He was staring at Otto who was smiling awkwardly.
"I met Dixneuf Neunheim a few years ago, right before he entered school. He was a little taller than me at the time. He was a very strong gentleman. Although you are taller than him, he shouldn’t be that short, should he?"
How does it say…? Milliardo frowned.
"No, how could Noin be taller than you?"
For Milliardo's insistence, Otto laughed. Seeing Otto's serious response, a lot of questions flashed in his mind, and his deep-locked brows could not be released for a long time.
Chapter Text
1716年仲夏。
到達西西里島的第一天,美利安多立即到墨西拿的諾因海姆伯爵府上拜訪,但卻遭到管家帕岡的婉拒。他感到奇怪,大概是當時府上仍有其他客人吧?老管家讓他先回去,並在當天晚上給他送來了另一份請帖,邀請他在第二天傍晚在艾瑪紐大道的噴水池旁等待。
諾茵的故作神秘令他有點不安。他跟他已經有四十五天沒見面了,他真的想念他了。想到這裡,他無奈的嘆了口氣。
站在噴水池旁已有半小時,美利安多一直望著晚霞落下,整個天空都變成了紫紅色,西斜的陽光曬在他面上時都變了暖人的橙黃色。道路工人開始點燈了,他坐在水池邊,看著這美麗的景色,想起了在倫敦聽過的一句話︰「凡見過這個城市的人,都會忍不住回頭多看一眼。」諾茵原來在這種浪漫優雅的城市中成長,怪不得他看來充滿著溫文儒雅的氣質。
看看鉈錶原來時間已經到了,一向守時的諾茵應該會隨時出現—
「美利安多。」
他聽到諾茵的聲音,轉過身去卻沒能在人來人往的廣場上發現好朋友的踪影。
「美利安多,我在這裡。」
沿著聲音方向望去,他發現一個熟悉的身影正向他漫步走來。只是,為甚麼會是她?
「露洛莉亞小姐…」出乎意料的人出現,他有點喜出望外。他站起來,驚訝中還記得向淑女脫下帽子行了個禮。
上次見面她因為臉頰敏感而戴上了闊邊帽。這是他第一次在正常的情況下面對這位筆友。漂亮、端莊、優雅,雖然只穿了一件款式簡單的粉藍色長裙,但她看起來沒有一點落俗的感覺。
「今天真是幸運的一天。」他微笑著,眼前的女孩越看越眼熟…「我本來約了令兄,沒想到能在這裡見到妳。」他疑惑的表情已經掛在面上,並且心裡萌起了一點想法。
對方也是個溫柔的笑容︰「不奇怪為甚麼來的不是迪斯奴夫嗎?」
美利安多有點錯愕,這聲音分明就是他熟悉的迪斯奴夫‧諾因海姆的聲音,但是眼前人明明就是露洛莉亞…
眼前的女孩仍保持著笑臉,只是,這次有點羞澀了。
她的態度令他感到奇怪,並且回想起過去的事,諾茵的舉動,還有奧圖的說話,他作了一個大膽的假設—
「難道—」
諾茵將手指放在他唇前,淺淺的笑了︰「我一直在等待你,已經四十五天了,謝謝你來找我。」
「諾茵,真的是你嗎?」他握著放在他唇前那細小的手,沒待對方回答,他已經因為喜出望外而忍不著掟放出喜悅的笑容。
諾茵望著他,兩人只是相對而笑,他們內心的千言萬語彷彿都化為這一刻的笑意。落霞剛劃過諾茵的的臉頰,她臉上的紅也分不清屬於晚霞還是她自己的了。
「有那麼高興嗎?」良久,她咬著下唇,害羞的笑容令她看上去地地道道像個妙齡女郎。
「妳明明知道我會很高興,」他緊握著諾茵雙手,像是感慨,又像是如釋重擔的嘆了口氣,「知道妳是個女郎我一定會很高興,妳知道為甚麼的。」他用力的將諾茵抱入懷中,緊緊的將她擁抱著。
一直擔心自己陷入畸戀,這下發現諾茵是個女人,他終於明白為甚麼自己會愛上她了。也不得不為自己一直以來多餘的擔心感到可笑。
諾茵也如釋重負。她的慌言背負得太久了,原本也不確定跟美利安多坦白後會引來甚麼反應。他會怪責她對他隱瞞事實?指責她欺騙他的友情?甚至她想過要如何解釋自己的苦衷 — 然後,他會嗤之以鼻怒斥她的偽善?不,他不會。只是她沒想過他會爽快的接受這個事實。她慶幸對方的反應很直接了當,把她的擔憂一掃而空。
「美利安多…」伏在他懷裡半晌,諾茵輕輕將他推開,笑容也稍稍收斂。「我遇到麻煩了…」
「是甚麼麻煩?」感到所有問題都已解決了的美利安多沒察覺到諾茵的困苦,「如果是為選夫婿的事煩惱,我想我可以幫忙。」他仍然沉醉在喜悅中,不願意放開對方的手。
「這不是玩笑。」剛經歷了最高興的時刻,現在她要回歸現實了。她跟她的家族可是有一大堆問題等她處理,「國斯里達公爵已經向我父親提出婚約了。」
愕然。美利安多臉上的笑容一下子收起來。
「杜魯斯知道了我女扮男裝入學的事。上個月國斯里達家送來了婚函,我就是因為這件事而被父親召回來。」
緊握諾茵的雙手稍稍放鬆,美利安多換了個神色凝重的表情。注視在她臉上的目光轉向遙遠海峽的天空保持著沉默。
諾茵仰望著這種表情,他那凝神貫注在沉思的表情多少透露出他對這件事的想法。她知道連這位一向擅於應付難題的王子也感到問題棘手了。她有點失望,她知道政治婚姻有多複雜,只是一廂情願的對美利安多抱持一絲希望。可是若果連他也感到為難…
「美利安多—」
「給我一點時間。」他突然回過神來,回復了原來的眼神凝視著諾茵,「我會想辦法阻止這件事發生。」
「你有辦法嗎?」驚訝於他態度的轉變,他的自信令諾茵重燃希望,只是,他真有把握?
「我會試試看。」沒有正面的回應,他輕輕拍著諾茵的肩膀,溫柔的道,「一切都交給我吧。妳只需要等卑斯賴多家的人送來婚函。」
沒有承諾,但他的笑容已經令諾茵安心下來了。諾茵解下頸上的十字架項鏈,交到他手中。兩個在夕陽的映紅下相對而笑。
***************************
美利安多很清楚自己的立場和難處。他身為一個新教國家的第五皇位繼承人;他的敵對國家西班牙比他先提出婚約;他有一位凡事以國家利益為先的父親。
父親馬爾提克斯‧卑斯賴多是這個聯合王國的公爵。卑斯賴多本來就是前朝斯圖瓦特的新興貴族,也是一個成功的企業家。當父親迎娶了喬治一世的親侄女卡特蓮娜公主時,更意外地令這個家族成為有皇位繼承權的貴族。但使父親真正成為聯合王國的風雲人物,是因為1709年英國跟荷蘭聯軍的馬爾普拉凱戰爭中,這個資產階級的代表卑斯賴多家族不但動員很多銀行界和商界人士損獻支持國家,而且還乘勢聯合不同的利業集團推動了很多便利商界的措施,自始以後卑斯賴多家在大不列顛便也相對建立起不可動搖的崇高地位。
那時候美利安多也見識到傳聞中,擅於用懷柔手段的父親強悍的一面。他雖然開明,但卻是那種萬事以家族和國家利益先行、對英國極端效忠的人。這是他這次「勸婚」計劃中最大的阻礙,但反過來說,也可能成為最有力的支持。這一切要視乎他的說服力。
「父親,我希望跟西西里王國諾因海姆伯爵的女兒訂婚。」個性獨立的美利安多一向是父親心目中成熟能幹的兒子。他小時候在貴族中已經很著名。社交界中有幾位貴族女孩都想要接近他,但他對任何一位女性都興致缺缺。所以當他突然提出要成家立室時,卑斯賴多公爵訝異的感到難以置信。
「西西里王國的諾因海姆…?」公爵在努力的回想著,他覺得這名字很耳熟,可就是說不出他的來歷。
「在地中海辦航運的貴族。」看到父親的反應,美利安多有點不安,但仍努力擠出點自信來。
「我記起了。」總算想起來了,公爵邊吸著煙斗邊瞄起眼睛,「那個瀕臨沒落邊緣的南歐貴族。」
「他們控制了地中海百分之十六的航運事業。」聽到父親口中的評價,美利安多內心打了個冷顫。
「為甚麼會突然想結婚?你在哪裡認識了那邊的小姐?」
「最近俄瑞在波羅的海的制海行動令我深深體會到制海權的重要性。當今英國雖然奉行光榮孤立外交的政策,也不可以完全不涉足歐洲大陸的事務,更加不可以對西班牙、奧地利、奧斯曼和俄羅斯的坐大視若無睹。為了制衡這幾個大國的發展並且掌握主導權,我認為英國有必然增加對地中海的控制。跟現行地中海利益既得者聯姻是最好的方法。」
對於美利安多能說出這種經過深思熟慮的說話,公爵並不感到驚訝。只是在他聽起來,一切就像是為了要締結婚約而想出來的籍口。並且對於他要涉足歐洲大陸的事務這個立場,公爵實在不表認同。可是,為甚麼要做到這種執著的地步呢?
「是個不錯的建議,我會好好考慮。」公爵嘴巴說著認同的說話,但他的眼睛閃爍著疑惑的神情。
急於求成的美利安多顯現沒注意到。他舒了口氣,感到父親釋出了善意。只要得到父親的支持,要向諾茵家提出婚事也不再是奢想。他努力壓抑著內心的興奮,但卻忍不著首先道了問題︰「為了不讓國斯里達家得逞,我們也得加緊行動了。」
「國斯里達?」卑斯賴多公爵瞪大眼睛望著兒子。西班牙傳統的大貴族國斯里達,他不可能不知道對方是誰。
「是的,他們已經向諾因海姆伯爵提出婚約了。」
哦,原來是這麼一回事。卑斯賴多公爵嘴角微微往上。這根本不是甚麼家族利益的問題。孩子畢竟長大了,男女之間情投意合也不是甚麼壞事,只是貴族間的婚姻或多或少帶著政治色彩。如今還涉及敵對的西班牙人,這宗婚姻的政治味道便更濃厚了。而且—
「跟西班牙拉上關係就變成影響深遠的政治問題。」
美利安多怎麼可能不明白。可眼前的事無論以哪種身份出手都必定會成為政治議題。既然必定會被政治化,他的想法是—
「直接向西西里的國王維托里奧‧阿梅迪奧二世提出婚約吧。」美利安多態度趨於強硬,「為了不讓西西里島落入西班牙手中,他會同意這宗婚事的。」
向西西里王國提出婚約?竟然想到這一步。公爵放下了手上的茶杯,對於美利安多這段說話,他感到有點可笑。即使是學有所成,但孩子畢竟缺乏實務經驗。不過,他仍不溫不火的對孩子說︰「你似乎忘記了,雖然只是皇位第五位繼承人,但你也要有作為皇位候選人的覺悟。皇室人員迎娶天主教徒會有甚麼後果你是知道的。」
〈我才不稀罕皇位繼承權!〉美利安多想要大聲明示自己的立場,但很快理智便制服了他。如果他說出這種等同孩子氣的話,他就再沒有條件和籌碼跟父親討價還價了。他壓抑了這鼓衝動,冷靜的道︰「宗教問題能夠解決的,這方面你可以放心。跟南歐的海運家族聯姻能有效拑制西班牙在地中海的海上霸權,這點我想父親你應該很清楚。」
「這提議已違反了光榮孤立的國策。」公爵皺起眉頭,這句說話顯然對兒子的要求提出反對立場,「我已說清楚,如果向諾因海姆家族提出婚約,很可能會演變成英國跟西班牙之間的衝突。你會分辨輕重吧?」
「父親—」
「夠了。」父爵打斷了他,「你先上房休息,仔細的想清楚,讓頭腦清晰一點後,我們再來商量吧。」
以英國大使的身份跟西西里王國談判是唯一的解決方法,美利安多確信這個做法最可行,現在只差勸服父親而已。即使坐在書桌前,他也沒辦法安下心神來,思前想後,他決定還是再跟父親商量一下。如果父親拒絕…那麼他便趁晚上逃往西西里去。
當推開房門時,他發現房間被鎖上了。
「少爺,公爵大人吩咐讓您好好在房內休息。」是守衛的聲音。
被擺了一道!父親果然早已知道他下一步的行動。美利安多為自己的大意氣得咬牙切齒︰「捷度!立即給我開門!」
「請恕我不能做到。」
棋差一著,沒想到父親已經將他關閉起來。美利安多望著被反鎖的大門,懊悔得大叫起來。
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西西里島‧墨西拿
兩個舊識見面,是在某一個晴朗的下午。
聽說國斯里達家由杜魯斯帶領著送禮團到來,諾茵第一個反應是驚訝得呆若木雞。雖然經常想著要跟對方說清楚,但當知道將會見到他時,諾茵的心情便不自覺的緊張起來。
有些事情必須盡快搞妥,不然會影響著幾個人的幸福。她內心重覆了十數次,然後才鼓起勇氣的讓帕崗通傳杜魯斯到後園去見面。
「這樣見面是第一次,很高興見到妳,諾茵。」穿上海軍藍色禮服的杜魯斯嘴角上揚,有著勝利者的姿態,「還是應該稱妳為露洛莉亞小姐?」
諾茵望著他,眼神雖然不至於冷漠,卻沒有帶著一點善意︰「為甚麼你會知道我的身份?」
早已預料會被討厭,但對於她的態度,杜魯斯心裡還是感到難過。
「我一直注視著妳。」他簡單的交待事實。
「這也是你突然跟我親近的原因?」諾茵的回應像敲鐘一樣立即反問。
這只是部份原因。杜魯斯不是沒有感受到她的抗拒,只是,在她的臉前他必須保持著一貫的皇者氣派,也必須保持著那高雅的自信笑容。
「除了身為一位漂亮高貴的女性,作為迪斯奴夫‧諾因海姆,妳也是很有吸引力的。一個知性堅毅,溫柔善良的優等生,怎麼可能不吸引人?」
這句恭維很湊效,諾茵一直深鎖的眉頭放鬆下來。她低下頭來,杜魯斯幾乎不用想也可以猜到她在想甚麼。他的說話令她感到內疚,因為這個結果是由她的謊言而來。
事實上,諾茵不時在不知不覺間做出了很多女性的舉動。也許她自己沒注意到,也可能因為他太在意,可以注意到她無意之間流露出來的女性媚態。
看到諾茵一幅既懊悔又苦惱的表情,杜魯斯靜靜的呼了口氣。他低聲道︰「玫瑰喚作其他名字也一樣擁有同一種香味。即使妳不是露洛莉亞也好…」他現在算是深深理解當時美利安多的意思了。
顯然,諾茵並沒有注意到他這句說話。面對著眼前這位西班牙貴族,她感到他沒有以往那種高高在上的感覺,令她減輕了畏惧感。
「杜魯斯,如果你可以注意到我的真實身份,觀察力優秀如你,也一定看得出…」她深深吸了口氣,「看得出我跟美利安多之間的感情。」
杜魯斯靜靜的望著她。
「我深愛著他。」
從眼前的「未婚妻」口中聽到一個他早已知曉、亦有心理準備會被告知的答案,仍然會教他感到一點難過。
「我對妳,就像妳對他一樣。」
諾茵深深吸了口氣。她凝視著杜魯斯的雙眼,突然覺得心中一陣苦澀。她不是不能看出他的真心,就是因為他的認真,她覺得很難過。她覺得他們可以成為朋友,杜魯斯會是一位可靠的朋友,她不是不喜歡跟他一起的時光,只是,那跟美利安多不同,那不是愛情。
「我不可以嫁給你。」她不想傷害他,不過她必須陳述自己的立場。
對於這句宣言,杜魯斯只報以一笑。他早知道會得到這個答案。
「我跟美利安多有穩固的感情基礎,很抱歉但我不是合適的國斯里達公爵夫人。」
「妳確定自己對我沒有一絲好感嗎?」
沒想過他會提出這個疑問,諾茵心虛的迴避了他的眼神,一時間不知要怎樣回答。然而,杜魯斯已經得到他想要的答案。
「我會等待。」
「杜魯斯…」她輕輕搖了搖頭,「美利安多已準備向我們遞上婚書。」
「那是沒用的。」馬上給諾茵潑上冷水是很殘酷的做法,但杜魯斯由衷的希望她瞭解現行的情況。他清楚知道這是行不通的做法。
「他會來的,我相信他。」
露洛莉亞小姐,這不是相信便能成事的。如果是聖克學院的諾茵,他一定可以理解現實情況。現在的諾茵因為身處其中而判斷力受到影響。感情用事,她一定是這樣的一個人。他想告訴她,但當看到她堅定的眼神後,他收起了這句說話。
「那我們來約法好了。」杜魯斯向諾茵靠去,「如果美利安多‧卑斯賴多來向妳提出婚約的話,我會立即退出。」
「是認真的嗎?」幾乎是緊貼著的回頂他。
「認真的。」杜魯斯冷冷一笑。美利安多不會來提出婚約,他肯定,正確來說他是不可能這樣做。要是互換立場的話,他也確信自己不會這樣做。只是當看到諾茵那一臉期待和堅定的神情,他心中很不是味兒。
沒關係。即使美利安多來了也沒關係,因為他已掌握了迪斯奴夫的事,他已經向諾因海姆伯爵提出了等同威脅的宣言 — 要麼跟國斯里達聯姻,要麼將西西里封地交出。
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被禁錮超過三天了。美利安多感到很沮喪,但他沒有別的辦法逃走。卑斯賴多公爵禁止所有人跟他接觸,連莉莉娜也不例外。
直到第三天,卑斯賴多公爵意想不到的讓莉莉娜跟希羅去探望他。
「哥哥,私奔吧。」噓寒問暖了幾句,莉莉娜字字鏗鏘的向兄長宣示自己的立場。
美利安多望著她堅定的眼神,內心反而動搖了。他低下頭。
私奔。雖然要放棄在英國的名譽和地位,但這也無不可。只是一想到諾茵的處境,他內心的沉重無法釋掉。她為了保護封地完整而冒著危險女扮男裝入讀男校,如果現在要她背棄家族跟他私奔,她之前所做的一切便會變成白廢。私奔會是對兩人最好的做法嗎?
因為這個原因,他無法下定決心。
希羅拉開了莉莉娜,他低沉的聲音也宣示著跟女孩不同的立場︰「別衝動行事。如果私奔,牽涉的不單是你跟諾茵兩個人,還有三個家族和三個國家,那是牽一髮而動全身的事。」
在希羅而言,他反對美利安多私奔,這種想法甚至反應在他投向莉莉娜的不滿眼神中。他自小就知道美利安多跟他兩個人不單是玩伴,長大後,他們將會是輝格黨內最忠實的同盟和戰友。擁有高貴的出身和高等教育的背景足以令他們在上議院眾多勢力中佔領重要的位置。他實在不希望他的戰友因「一時糊塗」而犯下這種只愛美人不愛江山的「低級錯誤」。
然而,眼前的美利安多只是冷冷一笑,然後將頭埋入雙手之中。
房間內的三個人沉默了將近半個世紀。
希羅不瞭解美利安多這刻的想法。他內心也擔憂不已。如果他同意私奔了的話他要怎麼辦?勸阻他?有用嗎?作為朋友,他應該怎樣做?
望著苦惱不堪的美利安多,他呼了口氣。「如果…」他吞吞吐吐的開口,甚至也不知道為甚麼自己要這樣說,只是一想到朋友兩個字,他覺得自己有義務這樣做,「你決定要私奔,我也會尊重你的決定,相助到底。」
美利安多抬起頭來,正好跟希羅四目交投。那一刻,希羅彷彿了解他的內心想法。兩個男人互相凝視著,眼神似乎已代替說話進行交流了。
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按照美利安多的指示,希羅先通知帕崗作安排,然後跟莉莉娜兩個人約見了諾茵。莉莉娜以露洛莉亞朋友的身份,帶同僕人希羅前來,一切都是帕崗的安排。
「以這種身份見面,今天是第一次。」希羅脫下帽子,向坐在窗邊的諾茵走去。背著窗戶的諾茵站了起來,背向陽光的她沒讓對方看到她的表情。
「很高興跟你們見面。對於之前一直隱瞞身份,我很抱歉。」聲音沒有昔日的輕快。
這個時候還要讓他們兩個偷偷隱瞞身份前來,即是意味著美利安多方面出了麻煩?
莉莉娜想要開口說甚麼,但希羅阻止了她。「我們沒時間,只能長話短說。」他走向前,這次終於看清楚諾茵的臉了。
「他出麻煩了吧?」
希羅點點頭︰「卑斯賴多家族不可以介入西西里和西班牙的婚事中。我相信妳明白當中的利害關係。」
其實她早已猜到了。只是當知道連一絲希望也要幻滅時,內心難免感到悲涼和憤慨。
看到諾茵緊咬著下唇,一副哀莫大於心死的樣子,莉莉娜忍不著說話了︰「私奔吧!哥哥也有心理準備了。只要妳同意,我們會馬上安排妳離開。」
「莉莉娜!」希羅拉著了激動的她。他可不想事情發展到這情況。美利安多無論對卑斯賴多家還是英國都很重要,而他也不願意看到他為了一個女人而前途盡毀。當提出所謂「私奔策略」時,他就是第一個反對。
只是一想到美利安多痛苦的表情,他也不得不為之動容。並且,他了解美利安多的想法。名利對他而言並不重要,他更看重自己重視的人的想法。他一直是這樣的一個人。所以,這次的決定權他才會交給諾茵 — 莉莉娜不了解,但希羅清楚美利安多的意思。
「美利安多已做好了私奔的準備。只要妳決定要走,我會馬上安排。只是…」希羅嚴肅的對諾茵說,「諾茵,這不單是兩個人,也是兩個家族前途的問題。美利安多是卑斯賴多公爵的繼承人,而妳隱瞞身份也要入讀聖克學園,我相信妳也有自己的顧慮。如果是諾茵的話,我相信妳可以作出理性的判斷。」
他深深吸了口氣,這全然是他的真心話。
「希羅!」他身邊的莉莉娜對他這番說話顯然不認同,「諾茵小姐,只要妳點頭,一切都會解決!」
希羅拉著莉莉娜,要她冷靜下來。
她不明白。雖然是兩兄妹,但莉莉娜似乎並不知道美利安多的心意。希羅望著一臉反抗的她,重重呼了口氣。說美利安多已做好私奔的準備,這說法似乎沒錯。只是希羅更加清楚,美利安多沒有私奔的打算,不是因為他臨陣退縮,而是他相信諾茵的做法。
「他沒有放棄。」這是他唯一能確定的事。這是事實,但站在英倫和尤爾家的立場他都不應該說出來。可是,身為美利安多的朋友,這是他應該要做的事。說出事實,這是最後一個機會。
諾茵低下頭,似乎是在沉思,但更像是接受無奈的事實。再抬起頭時,是個慘笑。
「謝謝你們到來。」她雙眼已經開始通紅了,「我不可以離開,至少目前是。」
「諾茵小姐!」莉莉娜拉著她的手,幾乎是呼叫出來,「不要放棄!這是關乎兩個人幸福的事!」
「如果我走了,將會有很多人失去幸福。」
莉莉娜凝住了。
諾茵低下頭,語氣溫和得像不當作一回事似的,這態度教莉莉娜感到驚訝。然後,她重重的噴了個鼻息,似乎在強忍著要爆發的情緒,她把目光轉向窗外,再也沒有回過頭來。
「諾茵小姐—」
這次希羅拉著莉莉娜的手臂阻止了她。她想要抗議,但回過頭去才發現希羅的表情是如此的沈重。這房間內的兩個人突然之間都變了。
「我明白了…很遺憾,但我會代為轉告。」
一直到離開伯爵府,希羅的臉容都是如此的繃緊,如此的嚴肅。事情結束了。諾茵放棄了美利安多,他將會繼續留在倫敦。在他的計算中,這不是最糟糕的三輸局面。可是…為甚麼內心感到如此鬱悶如此難受?
他低頭沈思著,雙腳沒意識的向前走動,也許,他沒注意到他身旁女孩的舉動。直至,他耳邊轉來了一陣微弱的抽泣聲。
他回過頭去,她在尷尬的拭淚。
「不要難過…」他向她遞過小手帕。希羅當然知道她為甚麼會哭。只是,他連自己也無法釋懷,現在他實在想不到要怎樣安慰她。
「怎、怎麼可以不難過…明明相愛…偏偏卻…偏偏卻被迫分開…」抽泣的她好不容易說出一句完整的話。
他望著她。手指輕輕拭去她眼角的淚。也許…他真的要好好珍惜。所謂幸福不是必然,他身邊出現了一個例子。喜歡的人就在身邊,就近在咫尺。他們不用遭受種種壓迫,也沒有宗教、種族問題的困擾,那是多麼幸福的事。
「不要哭了。」他強擠出個微笑。然後輕輕的拉著她的手。
那是一個愁雲密佈的下午。在那傷痛的時刻,他同時確信要掌握自己的幸福。不要故弄玄虛,也不要互相猜度了。人們總是這樣︰當眼前發生不幸,才會瞭解自己有多幸福。他也幾乎錯過了。現在這位女孩再次站在他身邊,他可不想再次錯失。他緊緊的握著女孩的手,然後輕輕的將她抱入懷中。
*****************************
Midsummer 1716.
On the first day of his arrival in Sicily, Milliardo immediately visited the Count of Neunheim in Messina. However, he was declined by Pagan, the butler. Probably there were other guests in the house at that time, he guessed. The old butler told him to go back first, and in that evening, he sent him another invitation. He has been invited to meet the young master of Neunheim by the fountain on Avenue Emmanuelle the following evening.
Noin's pretense of mystery made him a little uneasy. He hadn't seen Noin for forty-five days, and he really missed his friend. Thinking of this, he sighed helplessly.
Standing by the fountain for half an hour, Milliardo has been watching the sunset, the whole sky turned purple, and the west-slanting sunlight turned a warm orange on his face. The road worker started lighting the lamps. Sitting by the pool, looking at the beautiful scenery, he remembered a phrase he heard in London. "Anyone who has seen this city can't help but look back." Growing up in such a romantic and elegant city, no wonder Noin seemed to be full of gentle and refined temperament.
Looking at the pocket watch, he found that the time has come. Noin should appear at any time—
"Milliardo."
He heard Noin's voice and turned around, but he couldn't find any trace of his good friend in the crowded square.
"Milliardo, here I am."
Looking in the direction of the sound, he saw a familiar figure walking towards him. Just, why is it her?
"Lady Lucrezia..." The unexpected person appeared, and he was a little overjoyed. He stood up, took off his hat and saluted.
The last time they met, she was wearing a sombrero because of her allergy on skin. This was the first time he has faced the pen pal under normal circumstances. Beautiful, dignified and elegant, although she only wore a simple pale-blue dress, she was beautiful enough to catch everyone’s eyes.
"Today is really a lucky day." He smiled, and the girl in front of him became more and more familiar... "I had an appointment with your brother, but I didn't expect to see you here."
The lady also gave a gentle smile, "Isn't it surprising you that why it wasn’t Dixneuf to come?"
Milliardo was a little stunned. The voice was clearly from Dixneuf Neunheim, who he was familiar with, but the person in front of him was Lucrezia...
The girl in front of him still kept her smiling face, but this time she was a little shy.
Her attitude surprised him, and recalling the past, Noin's actions, and Otto's words, he made a bold assumption—
"Are you—"
Noin put her finger in front of his lips and smiled lightly, "I've been waiting for you for 45 days, thank you for coming to me."
"Noin, is it really you?" He held the tiny hand on his lips, and before he could get an answer, he couldn't help but let out a surprising grin because of his overjoy.
Noin looked at him, they just smiled at each other, and the thousands of words in their hearts seemed to be transformed into this big smile at this moment. The sunset just brushed across Noin’s cheek, and the redness on her face couldn't tell whether it belonged to the sun or her own.
"You look so happy to find out the truth." For a long time, she bit her lower lip, and her shy smile made her look really like a young lady.
"You clearly know that I will be very happy," he clenched Noin's hands, as if feeling emotional as well as signing with relief, "I will be very happy to know that you are a girl. And I believe you definitely know why. "He took Noin into his arms and hugged her tightly.
He had been worried that he would fall in love with a man, but now he found out that Noin was a woman, and he finally understood why he would fall in love with “him”. He started to feel ridiculous for his own unnecessary worries.
Noin was also relieved. She had been carrying the lie and secret for too long. She was not sure how Milliardo would react after her confession. Would he blame her for hiding the truth from him? Accusing her of cheating on his friendship? She even thought about how to explain to him - and then he would scoff at her hypocrisy? No, he won't. But she never thought that he would accept this fact readily. She was thankful that his response was straightforward and that swept away her worries.
"Milliardo..." Lying in his arms for a while, Noin gently pushed him away, her smile slightly restrained. "I'm in trouble..."
"What's the trouble?" Milliardo, who felt that all the problems had been solved, did not notice Noin's hardship. "If you are worried about choosing a husband, I think I can help." He was still intoxicated with joy, unwilling to let go of her.
"This is not a joke." She had just experienced the happiest moment, and now she was going back to reality. Her family and her have a lot of problems waiting for dealing with, " The Duque del Romefeller has sent a proposal to my family. Treize is asking me to marry him."
The smile on Milliardo's face suddenly disappeared.
"Treize found out about my disguise as a boy. Because of this, my father recalled me to come back immediately."
The hands that clenched Noin relaxed slightly, Milliardo changed to a dignified expression. The gaze on her face turned to the sky over the distant strait and remained silent.
Noin looked up at him, his concentrated, thoughtful expression somewhat revealing his thoughts on the matter. She knew that even the prince, who had always been good at dealing with difficult problems, found it is a problem that not easy to solve. She was a little disappointed, she knew how complicated a political marriage was, but she just held a glimmer of hope for Milliardo in wishful thinking.
"Milliardo—"
"Give me sometimes." He suddenly came back to his senses and returned to staring at Noin, "I will find a way to solve it."
"Do you have a solution?" Surprised by the change in his attitude, his confidence told Noin to rekindle the hope.
"I'll give it a try." There was no positive response, he patted Noin on the shoulder gently and said softly, "Leave everything to me. You just need to wait for the proposal from Peacecraft."
No promise, but his smile has made Noin feel at ease. Noin took off the cross necklace on her neck and handed it to him. The two smiled at each other under the glow of the setting sun.
****************************
Milliardo was well aware of his position and difficulties. He was fifth in line to the throne of a Protestant nation; his rival, Spain, had proposed before him; he had a father who put national interests first.
His father, Martyx Peacecraft, was the Duke of the United Kingdom. Peacecraft was originally a rising aristocraft and a successful entrepreneur from the former Stuart dynasty. When his father married Princess Katerina, the niece of King George I, the family unexpectedly became an aristocrat with the right to inherit the throne. But what made his father truly become a political figure in the United Kingdom was because in the battle of Malplacay between the British and the Dutch coalition forces in 1709, as a representative of the bourgeoisie, the Peacecraft family not only mobilized many bankers and entrepreneur to support the country, but also took advantage of the momentum to gather different interest groups to promote many policies to facilitate the development of business. This was the reason why the family can establish an unshakable lofty position in the Kingdom.
At that time, Milliardo also saw the powerful side of his father, who was rumored to be good at using conciliation. Although he was enlightened, he was the kind of man who put his family and country first in everything and had an extreme allegiance to Britain. This was the biggest obstacle in his "marriage persuasion" plan, but on the other hand, it may also become the most powerful support. It all depended on his persuasiveness.
"Father, I want to engage to the daughter of Neunheim, the Count of Messina in the Kingdom of Sicily." Milliardo, who has an independent personality, has always been a mature and capable son in his father's mind. He was already famous among the nobility since he was a child. There were several noble ladies in the society wanted to approach him, but he had no interest in any of them. Therefore, when he suddenly asked for a proposal, the duke was surprised of it.
"Neunheim of the Kingdom of Sicily...?" The duke was trying to recall. He thought the name was familiar, but he couldn't tell his origin.
"A nobleman in the Mediterranean." Seeing his father's reaction, Milliardo was a little uneasy, but he still tried to squeeze out some confidence.
"It rings a bell." Finally, the duke glanced at his pipe while smoking, "That southern European nobleman on the brink of decline."
"They control 16% of the shipping business in the Mediterranean." Milliardo shuddered when he heard his father's comments.
"Why do you suddenly want to get married? Where did you meet the lady over there?"
"Recently, the Russian-Swedish sea control operation in the Baltic Sea has made me deeply realize the importance of sea control. Although the United Kingdom today pursues a policy of honorable isolation diplomacy, it must not completely refrain from getting involved in the affairs of the European continent. It is inevitable to involve in the affairs of Spain, Austria, The Ottomans and Russia. In order to monitor the development of these major powers and gain dominance, I believe Britain should increase its control over the Mediterranean. The best way is to marry the existing interests of the Mediterranean.”
Martyx was not surprised that Milliardo was able to say such thoughtful words. It just sounded to him that everything seemed to be a pretext for the purpose of concluding a proposal. And for his position that he wanted to get involved in the affairs of the European continent, the duke really did not agree with him. But what made him so persistent?
"It's a good suggestion, I'll consider it." The father said to agree on this, but his eyes flashed with suspicion.
Milliardo, who was eager for success, appeared unnoticed. He breathed a sigh of relief, feeling the kindness released by his father. As long as he had the support of his father, it was no longer an extravagant idea to propose to Noin. He tried hard to suppress the excitement in his heart, but he couldn't bear to ask the question first. "In order to prevent the Khushrenada from succeeding, we have to step up our actions."
"Khushrenada?" The duke stared at his son with wide eyes. It was impossible for him not to know who the Khushrenada is. It is the traditional noble of Spain with a lot of glory.
"Yes, they have proposed to Neunheim."
That's what happened. The corner of the father’s mouth turned up slightly. It was not a matter of family interest at all. After all, the child had grown up, and it was not a bad thing for a man and a woman to fall in love. It's just that the marriage between nobles was political. Now that hostile Spaniards were involved, the marriage was even more political.
"It will become a conflict with Spain, that means it turns out to be a political issue."
How could Milliardo not understand. However he has to try his best to find out a solution. Since it was bound to be politicized, his made up his mind.
"We can send the propose directly to King Vittorio Amedeo II of Sicily." Milliardo became tougher. "In order not to let Sicily fall into Spanish hands, he will agree to this marriage."
Send the Propose to the Kingdom of Sicily? He even thought of this step. Martyx put down the teacup in his hand, and he felt a little ridiculous about Milliardo's words. Even if the kid successful in his studies, he lacked practical experience after all. However, he still told his son tepidly. "You seem to have forgotten that although you are only the fifth heir to the throne, you must also have the consciousness of being a candidate for the throne. What will be the consequences of the royal family marrying a Catholic? Do you think about it?"
I don't care about the right to inherit the throne! Milliardo wanted to make a big statement about his position, but reason soon overcame him. If he did it, this only showed his childishness and he would no longer have the conditions and leverage to bargain with his father. He suppressed this impulse and said calmly. "The religious issue can be solved; you can rest assured in this regard. Marriage with a maritime family in southern Europe can effectively restrain Spain's maritime hegemony in the Mediterranean, father, you should know this very well. "
"This proposal has violated the national policy of glorious isolation." The duke frowned, and this statement clearly opposed his son's request, "I have made it clear that if the Neunheim family is proposed, it is likely to evolve into England and cause the conflict with Spain. Do you understand what I mean?"
"Father-"
"I think the discussion should be over tonight." He interrupted him, "You should go back to your room and clear your mind. We can discuss it later."
Negotiating with the Kingdom of Sicily as the British ambassador was the only solution. Milliardo was convinced that this was the most feasible way, and now it was only necessary to persuade his father. Even sitting at the desk, he couldn't calm down. After thinking about it, he decided to discuss it with his father again. If the father refused...maybe, he should flee to Sicily tonight.
When he opened the door, he found that the room was locked.
"My Lord would like you to rest in your room." It was the guard's voice.
He was tracked! His father really knew what his next move would be. Milliardo gritted his teeth in anger for his own arrogance. "Open the door for me now!"
"I'm sorry I can't do it."
After a short chess move, he didn't expect his father to shut him down. Milliardo looked at the locked door and cried out in regret.
**************************************************** ****************
Sicily, Messina
The two old acquaintances met on a sunny afternoon.
Hearing that the Khushrenada team was led by Treize to visit her family, Noin's first reaction was astonishment. Although she often wanted to make it clear to Treize, when she knew that she was going to see him, Noin’s mood became tense unconsciously.
Some actions must be taken as soon as possible, otherwise it would affect the happiness of several people. She repeated it a dozen times in her heart, and then she mustered up the courage to let Pagan pass Treize to the back garden for a meeting.
"It's the first time we meet like this. It's a pleasure to meet you, Noin." The corners of Trize's mouth rose. He was in a navy-blue suit, showing a victorious attitude, "Should I call you Lady Lucrezia?"
Noin looked at him. Although her eyes were not indifferent, she did not carry any kindness. "How do you know my real identity?"
He had long expected to be hated, but Treize was still saddened by her attitude.
"I've been watching you." He simply stated the truth.
"Is this the reason why you suddenly got close to me?" Noin's response sounded like she was trying to hide the emotion.
This was only part of the reason. It's not that Treize didn't feel her resistance, but he must maintain his usual royal style in front of her face, and he must also maintain that elegant confident smile.
"In addition to being a beautiful and elegant lady, you are also very attractive as Dixneuf Neunheim. How could an intellectual, gentle and kind-hearted top student be unattractive?"
This compliment was very effective, and Noin’s deeply furrowed brows was relaxed. She lowered her head, and Treize could hardly guess what she was thinking. His words made her feel guilty because the result was a lie from her.
In fact, Noin made many female actions from time to time unintentionally. Maybe she didn't notice it herself, or maybe because he cared too much, he could notice her unintentional enchantment.
Seeing Noin's expression of regret and distress, Treize breathed out quietly. He whispered, " That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet. Even if you were not Lucrezia..." He finally understood deeply what Milliardo meant at the time.
Obviously, Noin didn't notice what he said. Facing the Spanish aristocrat in front of her, she felt that he did not have the lofty feeling he used to have, which relieved her from fear.
"Treize, you have excellent observation. If you can notice my true identity, you must be able to find that..." She took a deep breath, "find the relationship between Milliardo and me."
Treize looked at her quietly.
"I love him deeply."
Hearing an answer from the "fiancée" in front of him, even though he already knew it and he was mentally prepared to be told, the words from her still made him feel sad.
"I treat you like you treat him."
Noin took a deep breath. She stared at Treize's eyes, and suddenly felt a burst of bitterness in her heart. Either she couldn't see his sincerity, or she felt sad because of his seriousness. She felt that they could be friends, and that Treize would be a reliable friend. It wasn't that she didn't like the time with him, but it wasn't love, the feeling was unlike Milliardo.
"I can't marry you." She didn't want to hurt him, but she had to state her position.
Treize just smiled at this statement. He had known for a long time that he would get the answer.
"I have a solid relationship with Milliardo, I'm sorry but I'm not the right Duchess of Khushrenada."
"Are you sure you don't have a crush on me?"
Never thought that he would ask this question, Noin avoided his eyes guiltily. she was not knowing how to answer for a while. However, Treize has already got the answer he wanted.
"I will wait for you."
"Treize..." She shook her head gently, "Milliardo is ready to hand us the request of marriage."
"That's useless." It would be cruel to pour cold water on Noin, but Treize sincerely hoped that she would understand the current situation. He knew very well that was not going to work.
"He will come, I believe in him."
Lady Lucrezia, this is not something that can happen just by believing it. If it was Noin from Sanc College, “he” would understand the reality. But now Lucrezia's judgment was affected by her emotion. Sentimental, she was such a person. He wanted to tell her, but when he saw her firm eyes, he put it away.
"Let's make a deal." Treize leaned towards Noin, "If Milliardo Peacecraft comes to propose to you, I will withdraw immediately."
"Are you serious?" She almost pressed back on him.
"Seriously." Treize sneered. Milliardo wouldn't come to propose the engagement, he was sure that, correctly speaking, he couldn't. He was also sure he wouldn't do it if they swapped positions. It's just that when he saw Noin's expectant and determined expression, he felt very uncomfortable.
It doesn't matter. It doesn't matter even if Milliardo came, because he already has the matter of Dixnuef, he has made a declaration of equal threat to the count of Neunheim - either marry Khushrenada or hand over the fief of Sicily.
**************************************************** ****************************
Imprisoned for more than three days. Milliardo was frustrated, but he had no other way to escape. The Duke of Peacecraft forbade all contact with him, even Relena.
Until the third day, the Duke of Peacecraft unexpectedly asked Relena and Heero to visit him.
"Milly, let's elope." After a few warm greetings, Relena declared her position to her brother in a sonorous manner.
Milliardo looked at her firm eyes, but his heart was shaken. He bowed his head.
Elopement. Although it might give up his reputation as well as everything in the UK, this option was also possible. However, when thinking of Noin's situation, the heaviness in his heart could not be relieved. To protect the integrity of the fief, she took the risk of disguising herself as a boy and stayed in a boys' school. If she was asked to abandon her family and run away with him now, everything she had done before would be in vain. Would an elopement be the best thing to do for them?
For this reason, he could not make up his mind.
Heero pulled Relena away, and his deep voice also declared a different position from the girl. "Don't act impulsively. If you run away, it will involve not only you and Noin, but also three families and three countries. It is something more than you can handle.”
As far as Heero was concerned, he was against Milliardo's elopement, and this idea was even reflected in the dissatisfied eyes he casted at Relena. He knew from his young age that Milliardo and him were not just playmates, but that when they grew up, they would be the most loyal allies and comrades in the Whig party. With a noble birth and a higher education background, they occupied an important position among the many forces in the House of Lords. Giving up the country and family because of a lady, he really didn't want his comrades-in-arms to make this "low-level mistake" due to "momentary confusion".
However, Milliardo in front of him just smiled coldly, and buried his head in his hands.
The three people in the room were silent for nearly half a century.
Heero didn't understand Milliardo's thoughts at this moment. He was also worried. What would he do if Milliardo agreed to elope? Discourage him? Was that useful? As a friend, what should he do?
Looking at the distressed friend, he sighed. "If..." he said hesitantly, he didn't even know why he said it, but when he thought of the word "friend", he felt obliged to do so, "If you decide to elope, I will respect your decision and offer my help. You have me at your side."
Milliardo raised his head and just made eye contact with Heero. At that moment, Heero seemed to understand his inner thoughts. The two men stared at each other, their eyes seeming to have replaced words to communicate.
**************************************************** *****
According to Milliardo's instructions, Heero first notified Pagan to make arrangement, and then met Noin with Relena. Relena,was visiting Lucrezia as a friend with her servant Heero.
"This is the first time to meet you in your real identity." Heero took off his hat and walked towards Noin who was sitting by the window. Noin stood up with her back to the window, she turned her back to the sun. This position did not allow the others to see her expression.
"Nice to meet you again. I'm sorry for keeping my identity hidden for so long." The voice was not as light as it used to be.
At this time, Relena and Heero secretly concealed their identities to come here, which implicated that Milliardo was in trouble.
Relena wanted to say something, but Heero stopped her. "We don't have much time, so we can only make a long story short." He stepped forward, finally seeing Noin's face clearly this time.
"Is he in trouble?"
Heero nodded. "The Peacecraft family can't get involved in a Sicilian-Spanish marriage. I'm sure you understand the stakes."
In fact, she had already guessed it. It's just that when she knew that even a glimmer of hope would be disillusioned, she inevitably felt sadness and indignation.
Seeing Noin biting her lower lip, with a look of grief more than her heart, Relena couldn't help but said, "Run away! My brother is also prepared. As long as you agree, we will arrange for you to leave immediately."
"Relena." Heero pulled her slightly. He didn't want things to turn out like this. Milliardo was important to both Peacecraft and Britain, and he didn't want to see his future ruined for a woman. He was the first to object when the so-called "elopement strategy" was proposed.
However, when thinking of Milliardo's painful expression, he was moved. And, he understood Milliardo's thought. Fame and fortune were not important to him, he valued the people more. He has always been such a person. Therefore, he would leave the decision this time to Noin - Relena did not understand, but Heero knew what Milliardo mean.
"Milliardo is ready to elope. As long as you decide to leave, I will arrange it right away. It's just..." Heero said to Noin solemnly, "Noin, this is not only two people, but also the future of two families. Milliardo is the heir to the Duke of Peacecraft. And you, you have to go to Sanc College even you have to conceal your identity. I believe you also have your own concerns. If it is Noin of Sanc College, I believe you can make a rational decision and judgement."
He took a deep breath; it was all his truth.
"Heero!" Relena beside him clearly disagreed with what he said, "Miss Noin, as long as you nod, everything will be resolved!"
Heero pulled Relena again and asked her to calm down.
She did not understand. Although they are siblings, Relena didn’t seem to know Milliardo's intentions. Heero looked at her with a face of resistance and took a deep breath. It seemed true to say that Milliardo was ready to elope. However, Heero knew more clearly that Milliardo had no plans to run away, not because he flinched, but because he believed in Noin's approach.
"He didn't give up." That was the only thing he could be sure of. This was true, but he should not say it from the standpoint of England and the Yuy family. However, as Milliardo's friend, this was what he should do. Telling the truth for the last chance.
Noin lowered her head, as if in deep thought, but it was more like accepting the helpless fact. When she raised her head again, it was a miserable smile.
"Thank you for coming." Her eyes were starting to turn red, "I can't leave, at least not for now."
"Miss Noin!" Relena took her hand, almost calling out, "Don't give up! This is about the happiness of the two of you!"
"If I left, a lot of people would lose their happiness."
Relena froze.
Noin lowered her head, and her tone was as gentle as if it didn't matter. Relena was surprised by this attitude. Then, she snorted heavily, as if holding back her emotions, she turned her eyes out of the window and never looked back.
"Miss Noin—"
This time Heero took Relena's arm to stop her. She wanted to protest, but when she looked back, Heero's expression was so heavy. The two people in the room suddenly changed.
"I see... I'm sorry, but I'll tell him."
Until he left the Count's house, Heero's face was so tense and serious. It's over. Noin gave up Milliardo, and he would remain in London. In his calculations, it's not the worst three-lose situation. But...why did he feel so depressed and uncomfortable in his heart?
He lowered his head and thought, his feet moved forward unconsciously, maybe he didn't notice the girl next to him. Until there was a faint sob in his ear.
He turned his head, and she was wiping away tears in embarrassment.
"Don't be sad..." He handed her the small handkerchief. Heero certainly knew why she was crying. But when he also couldn’t let go of himself, and now he really couldn’t think of how to comfort her.
"How, how can you not be sad... They are obviously in love... but... but they are forced to separate..." She was sobbing with difficulty to say a complete sentence.
He looked at her. His fingers gently wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes. Maybe...he really needed to cherish it. The happiness was not long last, there was an example in front of him. The person he cared of was close by, close at hand. They did not have to suffer from all kinds of oppression, and they did not have to be troubled by religious and racial issues. How happy that was.
"Don’t cry." He forced a smile. Then gently took her hand.
It was a gloomy afternoon. In that moment of pain, he also made sure that he must to take control of his happiness. He did not want to make fool of himself and did not want to guess at each other anymore. People always do this - when someone’s misfortune happens in front of you, you truly know how lucky you are. He almost missed it too. Now that the girl was by his side, he didn't want to miss out again. He held the girl's hand tightly, and then gently hugged her into his arms.
******************
To be continued.
Chapter Text
1717年夏天,莉莉娜‧卑斯賴多正式回歸於社交界。
她的眼神要比之前明亮和透徹,因為她找到了自己的目標。她開始在上流社會推動貴族和中產女士們支持她的完全女性主義。
哥哥和諾茵的事使她對女性自主有了新的體會和看法。
她第一步的主張有兩點。
女性要有平等學習權
在婚姻上要有自主權
莉莉娜一邊在社交界向上流貴族小姐宣傳自己的主張,另一方面,她聯同幾位志同道合的女士一同舉辦講座和學習班,想要將這套女性自主主義推廣開去。
差不多同一時間,尤爾伯爵送來了婚書。理論上希羅‧尤爾和莉莉娜‧卑斯賴多的婚約,早在他們小時候已經默認地定下來。卑斯賴多和尤爾都是上議院輝格黨的中堅,又是世交,對於加深關係親上加親,雙方都沒有反對的理由。
但這次,提出反對的竟然是莉莉娜。
早餐時,美利安多本來想保持沉默,但父親卻首先拿出來討論。
「為甚麼妳會反對?對方是希羅,妳以前不是跟他很親近嗎?」
「我有其他的事要處理,沒時間想結婚的事。」
「我知道妳在搞那個完全女性主義。莉莉娜,妳在外搞這種運動我可以一笑置之,但妳不應該因為這種閒餘玩意影響正事。」
「那不是閒餘玩意,爸爸,我是認真的。」莉莉娜直直回望父親,「我不想跟希羅結婚第二個原因,是因為我和他之間不是那種戀人的關係。」
聽到這裡,一直沉默的美利安多倏地笑出來。
「美利安多,你是有意見準備發表嗎?」
坐在一旁的美利安多本來也是被責備的對象。賈登洛利家本來有意跟卑斯賴多家聯姻,但美利安多‧卑斯賴多自己拒絕了。他知道兒子心中仍有那個南歐千金小姐的倩影。好吧,情傷都要時間治療,他本來也沒有再強迫兒子成婚。但他竟然投身軍隊了。
半年前,美利安多從溫布頓的卑斯賴多莊園搬到他們在倫敦的住所。他說要獨立生活。然後同一時間,他選擇投身軍隊。
英王喬治一世在大約10年前聯合了英格蘭和蘇格蘭王國,組成了大不列顛王國,從那時開始整備了大不列顛的軍隊,大不列顛的軍隊開始了更有規模的發展。身為貴族,他本來不需要稀罕騎士的身份,但美利安多堅持要以自己的能力嬴得頭銜。而且只消半年的時間他便因為軍功而嬴得了男爵的頭銜,並且因為出手快狠準而被軍中美名為閃光男爵。
卑斯賴多公爵本身也是依靠自身的手段而迎娶王家的公主,並且得到公爵的爵位。對於兒子有這份氣慨,他內心也很感安慰。所以雖然他明白兒子的心思 — 他是想要建立自己的名譽以擺脫父親的影響力 — 年輕總是浪漫的,也總要犯錯。但如果這種「反判」能使他成長,甚或爭取榮譽,那又何嘗不可?
美利安多輕輕搖頭,轉向妹妹︰「我想希羅會明白的。」他離開坐位,從侍從手上接過外套,準備要離開了餐室。
兩個都變成令人頭痛的孩子。凝視著已經離家半年,上星期才回來「渡假」的孩子的背影,作為父親心情實在百感交集。並且,他今天竟然又提早離開了。
「哥哥你為甚麼要急著回倫敦呢,我下星期也要回去,難道你不可以等等我嗎?」
為了推銷自己的主張,莉莉娜在上個月開始也搬到倫敦去跟美利安多同住。
對於妹妹的提問,美利安多頭也沒回的回答︰「迪奧四天前回到倫敦,我跟他有約。」然後好像想到甚麼似的,美利安多終於回過頭來︰「我會見到希羅,妳的意思需要我幫妳轉達嗎?」
**********************
在倫敦,美利安多跟希羅有特定的會面和活動場所,他們相約迪奧在這裡相聚。
當迪奧進入大廳時,美利安多和希羅都難掩興奮之情。三個人又聚頭了,是非常令人懷念的情境。離開超過一年,迪奧不單變得更健碩粗壯,臉上還有不一樣的沉穩和成熟。要不是開口仍然是那副輕佻幽默的口肳,實在令人懷疑這個迪奧與之前的年青人是同一個人。
三人互相噓寒問暖,迪奧交待了一點點近況。他跟柏格斯統提督遠洋到亞洲東南亞,了解了不少當地的風土人情,也學會了跟當地的政府或是歐洲政府代理人協商進行商品交易,並且在海上遇上海盜時如何進行海戰。因為這些經驗,他成長為一個更可靠的人。
在四個月前他回到歐洲,留在地中海一陣子才回到北海。
「說來奇怪,我在馬拉加港口看到了幾艘新的戰船。聽說是西班牙首相阿爾貝羅尼開始了整頓西班牙海軍,相信那幾艘就是新設計的船艦吧。」迪奧分享著他的所見所聞。「很可惜,我動用了很多人脈都不能拿到設計圖。」
希羅和美利安多互相對望。
作為島國的大不列顛遲早要對外擴張,在海洋上的對手必然會遇到西班牙。事實上在兩個世紀前,英國跟西班牙已經因為航海權的問題發動過戰事。理所當然地西班牙將會成為大不列顛未來的強勁競爭者。
「然後,我在回來的短短幾天已經知道了你們的傳聞。」迪奧張開雙手,「有甚麼是你們想親自告訴我的嗎?」
希羅選擇無視,而美利安多則是淡淡然的一笑。
他們兩個一向都不太喜歡表達自己。
迪奧拍拍頭顱表示理解。
然後,他不懷好意的投向希羅︰「明明最初是不願意迎娶卑斯賴多家的小姐,現在竟然被拒婚,這件事恐伯會變成社交界的笑話了。」
希羅眼神銳利的盯著他。心裡重重嘆了口氣。
「你不要怪莉莉娜。」美利安多抿抿嘴,「她有自己想做的事,她需要時間。」
「我知道,也沒怪她。」不知道是真心話還是口不對心,希羅沒有正視二人。
莉莉娜提出的完全女性主義開始流行,有女性支持,但更多的是被男性主導的社會所反對。其實就連希羅自己的抱有疑問。可是,當他見識過莉莉娜在倫敦會所跟上流貴族婦女的座談會,大力推銷她的想法,他不得不為之佩服。
他甚至覺得應該給予支持。
卑斯賴多兄妹做事都很自我,這大概是血緣驅使吧。
迪奧消費完希羅,他再轉向美利安多。
「至於諾茵,我沒有想過她會是個女郎。雖然 — 老實說,在《羅賓漢》選角時我的確有考慮過讓她出演女角,而且她有時會流露一點媚態 — 好了美利安多,你不要用這種眼神看我。」迪奧深深噴了個鼻息,「竟然四年來都在隱瞞女性的身份,還真是厲害的人。」他真心讚嘆。
「但是既然她已經跟杜魯斯‧國斯里達有婚約,你也需要放棄了吧。」
「她的婚約還未執行吧。」美利安多給他一個弦外之音的笑容和眼神。
旁邊的希羅瞄一瞄他,就默默的喝下杯中的紅酒。
迪奧看到這個笑容,有點失笑。但他如認同一般點頭。
美利安多一直是那種即使單打獨鬥都不會放棄的人。迪奧在發表以上言論前也不是沒有考慮過各人的情況。如果美利安多早已放棄諾茵,那麼他準備要說的話對他而言反而是負擔。如果是這樣,他寧願默默將之記在心上。
其實我覺得自己還挺貼心的呢。
不過,如今美利安多的態度,就不需要擔心了吧。
「其實我在巴勒莫有見到她。」
因為他這句話,美利安多認真的望著他。連希羅也抬起頭來關注。他已經很久沒有聽過諾茵的消息了。
「大小姐有訊息給你。我本來是打算看一下你的態度才決定要如何處理的。」迪奧轉為溫和的聲調,「她說無論如何都不會說再見。」
聽到這個消息,美利安多難掩臉上的訝異和驚喜。
「她沒有放棄?」
「聽起來很堅毅,不像是一時興起。」迪奧繼續,「事實上她現在正式執行公司的管理,就如同一個男人一樣。諾因海姆的航運發展整頓過後有了新的發展方向和改革,作為行家我當然跟她交流了不少意見。只可以說不愧是聖克學院的高材生,她的想法很有前瞻性。身為女性能做到這種地部,真是非常令人敬佩。」
希羅注意到美利安多臉上明快的表情。作為多年朋友,他當然知道他不是那種容易放棄的人。投身軍隊是他其中一個反抗。只要得到軍功,建立自己的名譽,他就可以控制自己的婚姻。
迪奧當然沒有注意到這一點。
「諾茵也好,莉莉娜也好,現在的女性真的太厲害了,我們再不加把勁可就要被迎頭趕上了。」
*******************
比兄長遲了一星期才回到倫敦的莉莉娜開始了她組織的婦女講座。
「…所以,男女能力上的差異只是源於教育不同所致。女性的判斷力和觀察力等等不見得會被比下去。如果可以接受同樣的教育,女性的能力也能夠被大量釋放。只要配套得易,即使是女性也能有自己的工作,在社會上都會有獨立的角式。這將是我們這代女性應該研究的議題。」
當她結束演講,場下的眾女聆聽者都與以熱烈掌聲。
來聆聽的都是受過教育的貴族婦女,又或是新興的中產階級的女兒。當中有人真心支持她的建議,但更多的只是想來趕潮流,看一下這位皇親國戚、對世界苦況亳無概念的貴族少女有甚麼發表。
莉莉娜很清楚這個情況。但是,推行新的運動必須一步一步進行。
當她離開講台走進人群之中,有一位貴婦人向她走來。
「很精彩的演講,莉莉娜‧卑斯賴多小姐。」
莉莉娜向她道謝。這位貴婦人是第一次見面,之前的座談會並沒有見過她。
對方是一位高佻身型,流有長長金色秀髮,眉毛很「別緻」地在尾端分開的少女,年紀看來跟她差不多。她身邊還有一位身穿深紅色的華麗禮服,臉容高雅,年齡大約在三十上下,談吐充滿氣質的貴婦人。看來是位身位高貴的貴族夫人。
「可是,如果婦女的勞動力都被釋放,家裡母親的角度又由誰擔當呢?大不列顛的孩童又應該由誰去照顧呢?」深紅禮服的女士提出了自己的疑問。
「我並不是想挑戰傳統家庭崗位的角色,而是強調婦女的選擇權。」
「選擇權?」
「是選擇成為一個母親,還是成為一個職業從業員,甚至兩者兼備。」莉莉娜對這個題目很感興趣,她很樂意提出自己的觀點,「甚至,是否可以創造新的職業,集中一定數量的孩子進行照顧,釋放更多女性勞動力。」
對於她提出的建議,在場很多婦人都竊竊私語。
莉莉娜再次成為眾人焦點。有一點其實她一直想提出︰「長遠來說,女性主義應該是要爭取男女平等。」
深紅色禮服的女士張開眼睛,覺得這個主張很有意思。她向莉莉娜趨前。
「真是宏大的理想,但這種主張在這個時代未必有人會支持,將會是非常艱辛的道路呢。」
「我明白。但即使再艱辛,只要願意踏出第一步,一定會有成功的一天,並且,即使在我這一代未能成功,但只要堅持下去,我們的後人總會成功的。女性自主並不是依靠別人賜予,而是要自己爭取的。」
金色長髮擁有別緻眉毛的少女用力的鼓掌。
「殿下,我說得沒錯吧,這位莉莉娜‧卑斯賴多小姐的主張很有意思吧。」
「的確如此。」深紅禮服的女士向她微微點頭。
「請問兩位是…?」
金色長髮少女靠近莉莉娜,自豪的說︰「我是賈登洛利家的多洛絲。至於這位,她是威爾斯親王的夫人卡羅琳殿下。」
賈登洛利…哥哥拒絕婚事的貴族
威爾斯親王的王妃,她是太子妃…安斯巴赫的卡羅琳。
深紅禮服的卡羅琳殿下向她微微傾頭示好,她的眼神充滿睿智和壓迫感,跟傳聞中那種親切幽密的形象有點不一樣。
「看到你,我就覺得自己好像回到年青時代一樣。我小時候住在柏林的夏洛滕堡宮,曾經跟耶穌會的教士,還有新教的神學家學習過,他們教授我豐富而淵博的知識,使我受用不淺。當時我也有對於身為女性的不甘心,也覺得這世上總會有用得著自己才能的地方。」
「殿下,我的想法也非一日而成,只是結合了很多人的不同經歷,因為感慨而產生。」
接下來的半個小時,她跟卡羅琳殿下分享了她在聖克學院的見聞和意見,甚至還主張仿傚聖克學院建立一所全歐洲女性都可以就讀的女子學院。
「莉莉娜小姐,妳的主張很有見地,我非常佩服,希望將來有更多機會跟妳作更深入的探討,看看我們大不列顛要如何走在時代尖端。」
站在一旁的多洛絲亦趨前向莉莉娜︰「我覺得留在莉莉娜小姐身邊一定可以學很更多,請一定要讓我在妳身邊多多學習。」
對於多洛絲的熱情,莉莉娜感到很有成功感,如果她真心相信女性主義,大家就會變成志同道合的同伴。而另一方面,跟卡羅琳殿下的會面反應很正面,莉莉娜為此而感到很驕傲。她對前境越來越樂觀了。
**************************
國斯里達公爵府要求在冬天來臨前完婚。
在定立了婚期之後的一個早晨,巴勒莫的分公司傳來了電報,說一位名叫迪奧‧麥韋的英國人想要拜訪迪斯奴夫少爺。
知道朋友的來訪,回應著的諾茵聲音有幾分明快。她答應見面的要求,並立即從墨西拿乘坐公司的船在當天趕到巴勒莫。
當迪奧看見身穿女裝的她時,下巴幾乎要掉下來。
「所以,妳是妹妹露洛莉亞小姐。哎呀,我應該怎樣稱呼妳好呢大小姐?」當時迪奧打趣地問。
諾茵淡淡的笑著搖頭,對她而言,她只是諾茵。心情不一樣,已經回不去了。她當時這樣回答。
互相交換了近況,她拜托迪奧給英國帶去一個消息。已經是兩星期前的事,相信對方應該收到了。她內心投下一個淺笑。
我是不會放棄的,美利安多。會想辦法回到你身邊去。
也因為這樣,她主動接手了諾因海姆的工作,並且提出一系列的改革計劃。她的表現很出色,改革也漸見成效,使得父親對於是否要過早將她送到國斯里達家出現猶豫。
露洛莉亞‧諾茵千方百計的推遲,本來這與她父親諾貝‧諾因海姆的想法完全不同。不過大家目標都是推遲婚期。
為了一時的安穩,他希望女兒嫁到國斯里達家之後為他爭取時間,使他以五十歲之齡還可以多生下幾個繼承人。他甚至乎跟女兒要求,即使嫁到國斯里達府,在諾因海姆家仍未誕下新繼承人之前,千萬不可跟杜魯斯生下任何孩子,否則,這個孩子都有可能被「派送」過來接管本家。
對此,諾茵感到非常憤怒。
她已經不是當年那個只會受人擺佈、任意犠牲的千金小姐了。她有自己的想法。
她給杜魯斯寫了一封信解釋自己的立場。但杜魯斯拒絕她的要求。這迫使她不得不親自前往西班牙去見她的未婚夫。
「我很高興妳能前來。」
這是杜魯斯見到她後的第一句說話。跟對方已經很長時間沒見面,看到諾茵精神奕奕的前來,一切安好,他滿意的笑了。
她為對方友善的笑容而客套地報上一個微笑。
在他帶領下,她到了他的花園散步。
「妳喜歡雛菊,所以我在這裡種了一片雛菊花園。」
在四周都是紅玫瑰的莊園,在中心的位置偏偏種了米白和米黃色的雛菊田。雛菊被小心的打理,開得很茂密,看得出花了不少心機。當諾茵看到這遍景象時,心裡很是感動。
「為甚麼要做到這種地步。」她略略低下頭。
「因為對象是妳。」杜魯斯彎身凝視著她,「我想妳在這裡住得愉快,希望妳會覺得幸福。希望妳眼中可以看到我。」
諾茵回望他,眼神充滿抑鬱。
不要這樣。
她本想要開口,但內心不無感動,她始終沒有說出來。杜魯斯是個紳士,一直對她以禮相待。如果不是美利安多…
她用力搖頭。
「要你費心了。」她深深吸了口氣,回復了堅毅的神態,「可惜是周邊的玫瑰香味太濃烈,雛菊的味道都被遮蔽了。」她輕輕推開杜魯斯握著她的手。
杜魯斯不情願的放手。
「所以,露洛莉亞,妳這次來的目的是甚麼?」他也回復了平常的聲線。
「我接手了諾因海姆公司的運作。現在正在處理公司業務。」
「我知道,妳在信上已寫了。」
「所以請給我一點時間,起碼等我的計劃完成,公司能上軌道。」
杜魯斯直直望著她,似是要看穿她一樣。這樣教她感到不自在。
「我不可以無止境的等妳。」他走近她,「我們可以先結婚,以後妳再繼續處理諾因海姆的改革。」
不可以。
「你知道這不可行。如果我已嫁給你,就不可能再管理諾因海姆。」她深深吸口氣,「我到時是國斯里達公爵夫人,只能給你打理這個家。」
這是事實,她不想承認。但她知道,跟杜魯斯硬碰是沒用的。
她放溫柔的聲音很湊效。杜魯斯淺笑,似乎是滿意的點頭。他用手抬起諾茵的下巴。輕輕吻上她的唇。
那是一個溫柔如雨的吻。
她合上眼睛,沒有反抗。
對不起。
連她自己都不確定這句道歉是對誰說的。
「我知道這不是妳的真心話,但我喜歡妳這樣的回答。」杜魯斯以手指輕輕撫摸著他剛才親吻過的唇瓣,溫柔的說,「我可以給妳一年時間,婚期就定在明年五月夏天來臨之前。到時,我希望妳能抱持這個覺悟來到我身邊。」
有一年時間。
諾茵腦海裡只有這句。
「到時,」他放在她下巴的手稍稍用力,迫使她認真回望對方,「妳眼裡和心裡只可以有我。」
「我明白了。」抱持覺悟的諾茵深深吸口氣點頭。
****************************
多洛絲最近跟莉莉娜很親近。
賈登洛利家在上流社會中很著名。多洛絲的父母早逝,她跟爺爺賈登洛利伯爵住在一起。雖然只在家中接受淑女教育,但多洛絲是個非常聰明的人,頭腦很好,在莉莉娜提出的完全女性主義上,她提供了很多自己的意見。莉莉娜很高興能交到這樣一個有共同志向的朋友。
多洛絲甚至開始在她的指導下組織一些地區婦女活動,希望拉攏更多的貴族婦女支持她們的主張。
「多洛絲,妳真是個出色的人。對於我哥哥的事…我很抱歉。但我相信妳一定有更好的選擇。」
某一天,莉莉娜終於按耐不住提起這個話題。她是卑斯賴多,多洛絲應該很清楚她就是拒婚的美利安多的妹妹才是。對於多洛絲一直沒有提起過這件事,莉莉娜認為是對方體貼沒有說出來做成尷尬。但是,這個心結還是很解開才行。
「美利安多先生那件事,我一點都不在意,」意想不到地,多洛絲只是聳聳肩,「莉莉娜小姐。那是因為我對他根本沒任何意思。」
是這樣嗎?
莉莉娜覺得有點疑惑。婚約是賈登洛利伯爵府提出的,她最初還以為多洛絲在社交場合見過哥呵的英姿而對他產生愛慕。這一點不奇怪,她自幼就知道哥哥的俊俏和氣質很受女性歡迎,在社交界,有時候也會有一些貴族少女為了接近哥哥而跟她友好,她都習慣了。
可是當相處過後,莉莉娜覺得多洛絲跟其他少女有點不同,她是有思想的人。所以就算她今天說對這位沒有跟她相處過的美利安多沒有愛慕之情,似乎也可以理解。
就在她細想的時候,多洛絲輕輕掃過莉莉娜的臉龐。這動作使莉莉娜有一刻抖震。多洛絲靠向她,眼睛直直凝視著她的眼睛。
「我由衷的期盼著女性自主的時代可以降臨。」
她跟多洛絲一起的時間很多,反而,最近她都沒有跟希羅見面。
一個下午,同樣身在倫敦的希羅拜訪了莉莉娜。這是莉莉娜拒婚後他們第一次會面。
希羅如同平常一樣,看來沒有任何尷尬。莉莉娜為此很是感激。雖然她不想現在結婚,但不代表她心中沒有希羅。
只是,在兩人的關係中,莉莉娜一直是主動的那一個,很多時希羅眼中並沒有她。她不想要這樣,她覺得這樣的關係是不公平的。
但是當這次希羅前來,他竟然主動談起了她的女性主義主張。
「所以妳的女性主義是不分宗教和種族的,是吧?這就是問題所在。妳第一步就提出這麼宏大的藍圖,只會樹敵者眾。就以不分宗教為例,作為新教圖家,我們的皇位繼承人連天主教徒都不可接受,妳提出的平等權利是有缺口的,教會不會支持。」
莉莉娜直直回望希羅,很感驚訝。
「我提出的女性主義你都知道內容…你有注意嗎?」
「…這已經成為英倫的潮流,我又怎會沒聽說過。」
「我很感謝你提出的意見,真的。」莉莉娜不無感動,「謝謝你支持我的想法。」
莉莉娜的確很感動。她跟希羅已經有很長時間沒見面,更惶論討論她的想法。但當她知道原來希羅一直有留意自己的動向,她內心已經可以感受到那份溫柔。
「事實上妳的方向是正確的。一個國家要發展起來,能動員全員去做當然是最好。我們的朋友已經證明男女能力上的差別並不是我們想像中大,所以,妳的主張可以說是未來時代進步的方向。」希羅輕輕嘆了口氣,才慢慢說出今天到來的原因,「下星期的議會,我會提出《皇室婚姻法》和《女性普及教育法》,所謂女性普及教育法,就是先讓女性接受寫字教育。我就是為了這份綱領來向妳取材的。」
「希羅…」原來是這樣。不單是單純的討論,而是要將她的主張在國會提出。她從來沒有想過這件事呢。莉莉娜感動的握著他的手,「很感謝你…」
「因為美利安多拜托在這件事情的推動上要多照顧妳…」希羅有點腼腆,感到現在的氣氛很尷尬,「並且,我也認同妳的主張…」
莉莉娜輕輕把自己的唇壓上他的,阻止了他的說話。那是個蜻蜓點水的吻。
「我很高興。」並無害羞,莉莉娜凝視他的眼睛,真心感激。
********
In the summer of 1717, Relena Peacecraft officially returned to the Society.
Her eyes and mind were brighter and clearer than before. It was because she had found what she wanted to do. She began to push noble and middle-class ladies in Society to support her Perfect Feminism.
The story of her brother and Noin gave her a new understanding and view of feminism.
There are 2 main points on her first claim.
Women should have equal rights to study
Women should have right to choose her marriage
While Relena promoted her ideas to the upper-class aristocratic ladies in the Society, on the other hand, she held lectures and classes with several like-minded ladies, hoping to promote her Perfect Feminism.
At about the same time, Earl Yuy delivered the marriage certificate to her. Theoretically, the marriage contract between Heero Yuy and Relena Peacecraft had been tacitly agreed upon as early as when they were children. Both Peacecraft and Yuy were the backbone of the Whig party in the House of Lords, and they were friends after all. Neither side had any reason to oppose the deepening of the relationship.
But this time, it was Relena who objected the marraige.
At breakfast, Milliardo had wanted to remain silent, but his father was the first to discuss it.
"Why do you reject? He is Heero, you have a good relationship with him, aren’t you?"
"I have other things to deal with and don't have time to think about getting married."
"I know you're doing that Perfect Feminism. Relena, I can allow you doing this kind of movement as a play, but you shouldn't be distracted by this kind of idle stuff."
"This is not an idle thing, Father, I'm serious." Relena looked straight back at her father, "The second reason I don't want to marry Heero is, because I'm not that kind of romantic relationship with him."
Hearing this, Milliardo, who had been silent for a while, burst out laughing.
"Milliardo, do you have an opinion to express?"
Milliardo, who was sitting beside him, was also the one to be blamed. The Catalonia family had intended to marry Peacecraft, but Milliardo refused also. He knew that in his son's heart there was still the shadow of the Southern European lady. Well, lovelorn needs time to heal, so he didn't force his son to get married. But he was stock that Milliardo joined the army.
Six months ago, Milliardo moved to their apartment in London from Wimbledon's manor. He said he wanted to live independently. Then at the same time, he chose to join the army.
King George I of England united the kingdoms of England and Scotland about 10 years ago to form the Kingdom of Great Britain. Since then, the army of Great Britain has been built, and the army of Great Britain has begun to develop on a larger scale. As a nobleman, Milliardo did not need to be a knight, but he insisted on winning the title with his own abilities. And in only half a year, he won the title of Count because of his military exploits, and because of his quick and accurate shots, he was called the Lightning Count in the military.
The Duke of Peacecraft also relied on his own means to marry the princess of the royal family and obtain the title of Duke. He was also very comforted by his son's ambition. He understood his son's mind — he wanted to build his reputation away from his father's influence — youth is always romantic and always makes mistakes. But if this "counter-judgment" could make him grow, or even won an honor, why not?
Milliardo shook his head slightly and turned to his sister, "I believe Heero can understand." He left his seat, took the coat from the attendant, and was about to leave the dining room.
Both turned into “naught kids”. Staring at the back of the child who has been away from home for half a year and only returned for "holiday" last week, the father has a complicated feeling. Moreover, he left early today.
"Brother, why are you in such a hurry to go back to London? I'm going back next week. Will you wait for me?"
To promote her idea, Relena also moved to London last month to live with Milliardo.
To his sister's question, Milliardo didn't reply, "Duo came back to London four days ago, and I have an appointment with him." Then, as if thinking of something, Milliardo finally turned around and said, "I will meet Herro. Do you need me to help you convey what you mean?"
*********************
In London, Milliardo and Herro have a specific meeting place, and they meet Duo there too.
When Duo entered the hall, both Milliardo and Heero couldn't hide their excitement. They were so happy to reunite again. After leaving for more than a year, Duo had not only become stronger, but also had a different calm and maturity on his face. If it weren't for the frivolous and humorous rhetoric, it would be doubtful that this Duo was the same person as the young man before.
The three greeted each other, and Duo explained a little about the recent situation. He went to Far East with Admiral Bergstrom and learned a lot about the local customs. He also learned how to negotiate with the local government or European government agents for commodity transactions, and how to conduct naval battles when encountering pirates at sea. Because of these experiences, he grew into a more reliable person.
He returned to Europe four months ago and stayed in the Mediterranean for a while before returning to the North Sea.
"It's strange, I saw several new warships in the port of Malaga. I heard that the Spanish Prime Minister Alberoni started to reorganize the Spanish Navy. I believe those ships are newly designed." Duo shared what he saw. “It's a pity that I was not able to get the drawing even using my networks.”
Heero and Milliardo looked at each other.
As an island, Great Britain would sooner or later expand, and its rivals on the ocean would inevitably encounter Spain. In fact, two centuries ago, Britain and Spain had already started a war over maritime rights. It stood to reason that Spain would be a strong contender for the future of Great Britain.
"Then, I already knew about your rumors in just a few days back." Duo opened his hands, "Is there anything you want to tell me personally?"
Heero chose to ignore it, while Milliardo smiled lightly.
Both of them have never been very fond of expressing themselves.
Duo patted his head to show his understanding.
Then, he turned to Heero with bad intentions, "Evidently, you were unwilling to marry the young lady of Peacecraft family at the very begining, but now you are refused marriage. I fear that this matter will become a joke in the society for a while."
Heero stared at him sharply. He sighed heavily in his heart.
"Don't blame Relena." Milliardo pursed her lips. "There is something she wants to do, and she needs time."
"I know, and I don't blame her." He did not know if it was true or not, but Heero avoid to look at them.
Relena's Perfect Feminism became popular and had strongly supported by women. However, it was more opposed by a male-dominated society. In fact, even Heero himself had doubts. But, when he saw Relena meeting with noble women in the London clubhouse and vigorously promoting her ideas, he had to admire it.
He even felt that his support should be given.
The Peacecraft family always stick to their idea, which is probably driven by blood.
After ridicule Heero, Duo turned to Milliardo.
"As for Noin, I didn't think she was a girl. Although - honestly, I did consider casting her for a female role in Robin Hood, and she was a little bit coquettish at times - well, Milliardo, don't look at me with this look." Duo snorted deeply, "She's been hiding her identity as a woman for four years, she's really amazing." He truly admired.
"But since she is already engaged to Trieze Khushrenada, you need to give up, needn’t you?"
"Her engagement hasn't been carried out yet." Milliardo gave him a smile and a look that made no sense.
Heero next to him glanced at him and silently drank the red wine in the glass.
Duo giggled when he saw this smile. But he nodded in agreement.
Milliardo had always been the type of person who never gives up, even if he went it alone. Duo did consider everyone's situation before deciding if he should tell them what he was going to say. If Milliardo had already given up on Noin, what he was about to say would be a burden to him. If so, he would rather silently take it to heart.
Actually, I think I'm pretty sweet.
However, with Milliardo's attitude now, there is no need to worry.
"Actually I saw her in Palermo."
Because of his words, Milliardo looked at him seriously. Even Heero raised his head to pay attention. He hadn't heard from Noin for a long time.
"The lady has a message for you. I was going to see your attitude before deciding how to deal with it." Duo turned to a gentle tone. "She said she would never say goodbye anyway."
Hearing this news, Milliardo couldn't hide the surprise on his face.
"She didn't give up?"
"Sounds gritty, it doesn't sound like a whim," Duo continued. "In fact, she is now officially running the company, just like a man. Neunheim's logistic development has been reorganized and has a new direction and reform. Of course, as an expert, I have exchanged a lot of opinions with her. I can only say that no wonder she was the top student at the College. Her ideas are very forward-looking. As a woman, it is really admirable that she can run the business that good."
Heero noticed the bright look on Milliardo's face. As a friend for many years, he certainly knew he wasn't the type to give up easily. Joining the army was one of his resistances. As long as he got military merit and establishes his reputation, he could be able to control his marriage.
Duo certainly didn't notice that.
"Neither Noin or Relena, women nowadays are really powerful. If we don't work harder, we will be caught up."
*****************
Relena, who returned to London a week later than her brother, started her women's lecture.
"...So, the difference in the abilities of men and women is only due to the difference in education. Women's judgment and observation skills are comparable. If we can receive the same education, women's capabilities can also be greatly released. Even women can have our own jobs, and there will be independent roles in society. This will be an issue that our generation of women should study.”
When she finished her speech, all the audience gave warm applause.
The people who came to listen were either educated aristocratic women, or daughters of the emerging middle class. Some of them really supported her idea, but most of them just wanted to follow the trend and see what this relative of the royal family and a noble girl who had no concept of the world's hardships, had to say.
Relena was well aware of this situation. However, the introduction of the new movement had to be done step by step.
When she left the podium and walked into the crowd, a lady came up to her.
"Excellent speech, Lady Relena Peacecraft."
Relena thanked her. This was the first time she met this the lady, and she has not been seen in previous forums.
The lady opposite her was a tall girl with long blond hair. Her eyebrows were "chic" separated at the end. She seemed to be about the same age. Next to her was a lady in a gorgeous crimson dress with a gentle face, about thirty years old, and she looked with an elegant temperament.
"However, if the women's labor force is released, who will be the mother in the family? Who should take care of the children in Great Britain?" The lady in the crimson dress asked her own question.
"I'm not trying to challenge the role of traditional family, but to emphasize women's right to choose."
"Right to choose?"
"It is a possibility to choose to be a mother, a professional practitioner, or even both." Relena was very interested in this topic, and she was happy to put forward her own views, "even, whether it may be possible to create a new profession, gather the children and take care all of them in a place when their mother are working. It should be able to free up more female labour.”
Many women whispered about her suggestion.
Relena was in the spotlight again. In fact, she had always wanted to make one point, "In the long run, feminism should strive for equality between men and women."
The lady in the crimson dress opened her eyes and found the proposition interesting. She moved towards Relena.
"It's a grand ideal, but this kind of proposition may not be supported by anyone in this era. It will be a very difficult road."
"I understand. But no matter how hard it is, as long as you are willing to take the first step, there will be a day of success, and even if my generation fails, as long as we persevere, our descendants will always succeed. The Perfect Feminism is not given by others but earned by us.”
The girl with long blond hair and fancy eyebrows applauded vigorously.
"Your Highness, I'm right, ain’t I? Lady Relena Peacecraft's proposition is interesting."
"Indeed." The lady in the crimson dress nodded slightly to her.
"May I ask who the two of you are...?"
The blond long-haired girl approached Relena and said proudly, "I am Dorothy from Catalonia. As for the lady here besides me, she is Her Royal Highness Caroline, Princess of Wales."
Catalonia...the noble whose her brother turned down the marriage.
The princess of Wales, she was the Crown Princess... Caroline of Ansbach.
Her Royal Highness Caroline in the dark red dress slightly tilted her head to show her sympathy. Her eyes were full of wisdom and oppression, which was a little different from the kind and secretive image in rumors.
"When I see you, I feel like I'm back in my youth. I lived in Berlin's Charlottenburg Palace as a child and studied with Jesuit priests, as well as Protestant theologians, who taught me richly and profoundly. The knowledge I gained was of great use to me. At that time, I was also unwilling to be a woman, and I felt that there would always be places in this world where I could find my talents.”
"His Royal Highness, my idea was not created in a day, it is just a combination of the different experiences of many people, and it is born out of emotion."
In the next half an hour, she shared with Her Royal Highness Caroline her experience and opinions at Sanc College, and even advocated to follow the example of it to establish a women's college that all women in Europe could study.
"Lady Relena, your opinion is very insightful. I admire it very much. I hope to have more opportunities to have a more in-depth discussion with you in the future, and see how we, Great Britain, can stay ahead of the times."
Dorothy, who was standing by the side, also stepped forward to Relena, "I think I can definitely learn a lot by staying with you, Lady Relena. Please let me learn a lot by your side."
For Dorothy's enthusiasm, Relena felt satisfied and successful. If she truly believed in Feminism, everyone will become like-minded companions. On the other hand, the response to the meeting with Her Royal Highness Caroline was positive, and Relena was proud of it. She was increasingly optimistic about the future.
****************************
The Duque del Romefeller requested that the marriage be completed before winter.
One morning after the wedding time was set, a telegram came from the Palermo branch saying that an Englishman named Duo Maxwell wanted to visit Dixneuf, the young master of Neunheim.
Knowing the friend's visit, Noin's voice was somewhat bright in response. She complied with the request to meet, and immediately took the company boat from Messina to Palermo on the same day.
When Duo saw her in dress, his jaw nearly dropped.
"So, you are actually lady Lucrezia, the young sister in Neunheim. Oh, what should I call you, my lady?" Duo asked jokingly at the time.
Noin smiled lightly and shook her head. To her, she was just Noin. Her mind was no longer the same, there was no way to go back to the past. She replied.
After the gathering, she asked Duo to bring back a message to England. It was already two weeks ago, and she believed the other party should have received her message. She casted a small smile inwardly.
I won't give up, Milliardo. I will definitely try to get back to you.
Because of this, she took the initiative to take over the family business of Neunheim and proposed a series of reform plans. Her performance was excellent, and the reforms were going smoothly, causing her father to hesitate to send her to Khushrenada too soon.
Noin tried every method to stay in Sicily. Although the reason was completely different from what Nobe Neuinheim, her father had planned. But her target was also to delay the wedding.
For the sake of temporary stability, Nobe hoped that his daughter would buy time for him after marrying into the Khushrenada family, so that he could give birth to a few more heirs at the age of fifty. He even asked his daughter that not to have any child with Treize before the Neunheim family had a new heir. It could avoid the Khushrenada to take over their land.
Noin was very angry about this.
She was no longer the young lady who was only at the mercy of others and sacrificed at will. She had her own ideas.
She wrote Treize a letter explaining her position. But Treize refused her request. This forced her to travel to Spain in person to meet her fiancé.
"I'm glad to see you here."
This was Treize's first words after seeing her. They hadn't seen each other for a long time, and when he saw Noin coming in spirited, and she looked fine, he smiled with satisfaction.
She smiled politely for his friendly smile.
Led by him, she went for a walk in his garden.
"The daisy garden here is prepared for you, as a gift."
In a manor surrounded by red roses, a field of beige and yellow daisies is planted in the center. The daisies were carefully taken care of, and they bloomed very densely, and it was obvious that a lot of time and effort had been spent. When Noin saw this scene, she was very moved.
"Why do you do this..." She lowered her head slightly.
"Because it's for you." Treize leaned over and stared at her. "I want you to have a good time here, and I hope you'll be happy. I hope to see myself in your eyes, I hope you can look at me." He held her hand.
Noin looked back at him, her eyes were full of depression.
Don’t do that, please.
She wanted to speak, but she was deeply moved so that she could not open her mouth. Treize was a gentleman and always treated her with courtesy. If Milliardo was not here…
She shook her head vigorously.
"Thank you for preparing the lovely garden." She took a deep breath and replied with a determined expression, "It's a pity that the fragrance of roses around is too strong, and the smell of daisies is covered." She gently pushed Treize’s hand away.
Treize reluctantly let go.
"So, Lucrezia, what is the purpose of your visit this time?" He also returned to his usual voice.
"I take over the operations of Neunheim. I'm running the business now."
"I know, you wrote it in your letter."
"Please give me a little time, at least until my plan is completed and the company is on track."
Treize looked straight at her, as if to see through her. This made her to feel uncomfortable.
"I can't wait for you indefinitely." He approached her. "We can get married first, and then you can deal with the Neunheim business afterward."
I can’t do that.
"It's not feasible, you know it. After getting married, I am no longer run the Neunheim business." She took a deep breath, "I'll be the Duchess of this land. I can only take care of your family."
It was a fact, she didn't want to admit it. But she knew that it was useless to go head-to-head with Treize.
Her gentle voice worked well. Treize smiled softly, nodding as if satisfied. He lifted Noin's chin with his hand. Then he kissed her gently.
It was a gentle kiss like rain.
She closed her eyes and did not resist.
I am Sorry.
She wasn't even sure to whom this apology was addressed.
"I know this is not a truth, but I like your answer." Treize gently stroked the lips he had kissed with his fingers, and said softly, "I can give you a year to deal with it. We will get married in the next Summer. When the time comes, I hope you will come to me with this awareness. Make it becomes a truth."
There is a year.
There was the only thing in Noin's mind.
"At that time," he put his hand on her chin a little harder, forcing her to look back at him seriously, "You can only have me in your eyes, and in your heart."
"I know." The enlightened Noin took a deep breath and nodded.
****************************
Dorothy had been very close to Relena lately.
The Catalonia were well-known in the Society. Dorothy’s parents died a long time ago when she was still a child, and she lived with her grandfather, the Earl of Catalonia. Though only educated at home as a lady, Dorothy was a very smart person with a good mind, and she offered a lot of her own opinions on the Perfect Feminism that Relena put forward. Relena was delighted to have made such a friend with common aspirations.
Dorothy even began to organize some regional women's activities under her guidance, hoping to win more noble women to support their ideas.
"Dorothy, you're a wonderful person. As for the affair of my brother... I'm sorry. But I'm sure you will have a better choice."
One day, Relena finally couldn't hold back the topic. She is Peacecraft, and Dorothy should know very well that she is the sister of Milliardo who refused to her marriage. As for Dorothy never mentioned this matter, Relena thought it was embarrassment because Dorothy was so considerate to say about this. However, this issue was still need to be unraveled.
"I don't care about Sir Milliardo at all," Dorothy just shrugged unexpectedly, "Relena, that's because I don't have any feeling on him at all."
Is that so?
Relena felt a little puzzled. The engagement was proposed by the Earl of Catalonia, and she initially thought that Dorothy had seen her brother’s heroic appearance in social situations and had a crush on him. This was not surprising. Since she was a child, she knew that her brother's handsomeness and temperament were very popular among women. In the Society, sometimes some noble girls would be friendly approaching her in order to get close to her brother. Actually she was used to it.
But after getting along, Relena felt that Dorothy was a little different from other girls. She was a thoughtful person. So even if she said that she has no affection for Milliardo, it seems understandable.
Just as she was thinking about it, Dorothy swept Relena's face lightly. The movement made Relena tremble for a moment. Dorothy leaned towards her, staring straight into her.
"I sincerely hope that the era of feminism can come."
While she had spent a lot of time with Dorothy, she didn’t see Heero recently.
One afternoon, Heero, who was also in London, visited Relena. It was their first meeting since Relena refused to marry him.
Heero, as usual, didn't seem to have any embarrassment. Relena was very grateful for that. Although she didn’t want to get married now, it didn’t mean she has no feeling with Heero.
In the relationship between them, Relena had always been the one who took steps forward, and she could not find herself in Heero’s eyes. She felt that the relationship was unfair.
But when Hero came this time, he took the initiative to talk about her feminist ideas.
"Your feminism is non-religious and racial, isn't it? That's the problem. Your first step with such a grand blueprint will only make enemies. Take the example of non-religion, as a Protestant country, our heir to the throne is not acceptable to Catholics. Your proposal for equal rights is flawed and the Church will not support it.”
Relena looked straight back at Heero with surprised.
"You know the content of the feminism I propose...I don’t even think that you have pay any attention on it."
"...This has become a trend in England, how could I have not heard of it."
"I appreciate your opinion, really." Relena was touched, "Thank you for supporting my idea."
Relena was really moved. Heero and her hadn't seen each other for a long time, and they were even more anxious to discuss her thoughts. But when she knew that he had been paying attention to her movements, she could already feel the tenderness in her heart.
"In fact, you are in the right direction. To develop the country, it is the best to mobilize all members to do it. Our friend have proved that the difference in ability between men and women is not as big as we imagined, so your proposition can be said. It is the direction of progress in the future era." Heero sighed softly, and then slowly explained the reason for today's arrival, "In the parliament next week, I will propose the "Royal Marriage Law" and "The Right of Women's Education Law", The education law is to let women receive gentle education first. Therefore, I want to get more information about this aspect from you.”
"Heero..." Not just a mere discussion, but he was coming to bring her claim to Congress. She never thought about it. Relena held his hand tightly, "Thank you very much..."
"It is because Milliardo asked me to take care of you." Heero was a little shy, feeling the current atmosphere was awkward, "and of course, I also agree with your movement..."
Relena gently pressed her lips to his, preventing him from speaking. It was a delicate kiss.
"I'm glad." Relena stared into his eyes with grateful, "Indeed."
**** to be continued****
Chapter Text
與國斯里達公爵的婚約已定下來,婚禮定於明年5月初夏之際。就在此時,諾因海姆航運前線的水手傳來了一個改變眾人命運的消息。
「西班牙正在大量製造運輸船?」當接到這個消息時,諾茵的震驚反應使父親諾貝不解。
「西班牙都在哪個船廠做船?我們的造船廠可以接下這張訂單嗎?」諾貝安即要求身邊的秘書去打聽,「可以透過杜魯斯接下這張訂單嗎?」
諾茵以驚訝的眼光投向父親,覺得既難以置信,甚至不屑︰「問題是西班牙為甚麼要做大量的運輸船!父親,這才是重點!」
諾貝對於諾茵突如其來的激烈態度不解。
諾茵沒有再理會父親。早前迪奧告訴她關於在馬拉加看到的新型戰艦,今天收到的消息是西班牙正在大量造船。看來事情向著不得了的方向發展了。
諾茵無視父親的訝異,冷靜地直接指示秘書︰「去打聽一下交船日期,還有數量。這個消息一定隱藏著天大的秘密。」她轉身望向父親,他仍是一臉無知。她忍不住心裡冷笑,「父親,這件事已經不是杜魯斯可以控制的了。」
我們絕對不會接到這張訂單的,也不可以接受。
諾茵有種不祥的預感,而她的預感一向很準確。
「為甚麼?露?妳有甚麼想法嗎?」
「恐怕將會發生大件事。」諾茵輕聲回應父親的提問,不想再多作解釋。她腦海裡有另一個想法。並且,她接二連三的直接向屬下下達指令。
必須先搞清楚…如果如我所想…我必須要去見薩伏衣公爵。
站在一旁的諾貝沒有再追問。他看著自信指揮公司運作的女兒,實在令人眼前一亮。
真是可惜。諾貝伯爵真心感到遺憾。比起迪斯奴夫,露洛莉亞很多方面都更要出色。她的學術表現是首屈一指的,家庭教師早已對此讚嘆不而;她有商業頭腦,早在她十二歲時已經開始兼任家族航運的財務管理;她有絕對音感,弦樂的措藝很高。如果她是一個男人的話,比起迪斯奴夫,諾因海姆家更應該由她繼承。
可惜,為甚麼她就身為女孩。
每當他有這種感慨,都不免向女兒投向遺憾的目光。諾茵早就習慣,但最近卻發現,她比以前任何時候都覺得討厭。身為一位女性,以她的能耐,在這個時代中究竟可以走得多遠?想到這裡,她不禁冷冷一笑。
接下來的事,也算是她向女性命運的宣戰吧。
兩個星期後,諾茵來到西西里皇宮,晉見了薩伏衣公爵。
就在一星期前,她把所有搜集到的資料,透過自己的分析,寫了一封密函給薩伏衣公爵維托里奧‧阿梅迪奧二世。
早上,當二小姐穿上一身男裝出現在早餐會時,服侍她的侍女和傭人們無不驚訝不而。二小姐自從從維也納回來後,已經沒有再穿過男裝了。曾經見識過二小姐男裝儷人扮相的侍女雖然很感可惜,但當今天才看到這裝扮時,感受到的不是久別重逢的感動,反而有一絲不安。
穿上天藍色男裝的露洛莉亞小姐一臉英氣的站在門前,指示馬伕準備。這是她在聖克學院時經常穿著的男裝。今早在鏡前仔細打量時,感覺是那麼的熟悉。但是,她的心情完全不一樣。
「露,晉見的事妳為甚麼沒跟我商量?」在出門之前,諾貝讓她坐下,父女二人面對面的對視著,「作為父親,我竟然比帕崗更遲知道!」恐怕這才是他最在意的事。
諾茵搖搖頭。告訴他不但沒用,父親一定會阻止她。他的眼光只有如何把生意做大,如何保持諾因海姆領土的繼承權。她很想糾正他,但她知道就算說出自己的想法也沒用。父親他眼中只有生意和地位。
作為商人,父親的表現只可以說不過不失,但她也有想過,憑藉商人的獨特觸角,父親會否也注意到這次西班牙不尋常的舉動,背後可能發生的事?但這兩星期以來,父親的舉動告訴她,眼光這回事,跟年齡是沒有直接關係的。
九月的西西里島已帶有微寒。
當諾茵站立在薩伏衣公爵維托里奧‧阿梅迪奧二世和他的夫人奧爾良的安妮‧瑪莉跟前,她的裝束一如所料教她的君主訝異。眼前人英氣迫人,一臉自信,令人懷疑她是否就是寫信的那位諾因海姆小姐。
「我記得約見的是諾因海姆伯爵和他的千金小姐。以你的年紀看來,並非諾因海姆伯爵。你是伯爵的兒子?」維托里奧‧阿梅迪奧的眉頭輕皺,他不斷打量眼前的少年。
「我是諾貝‧諾因海姆的女兒,墨西拿的露洛莉亞。」她向公爵和夫人行了個鞠躬禮,如同一位紳士一樣。
「真是一臉英氣的大小姐呢。」安妮‧瑪莉夫人的語氣並不是諷刺,反而更多是難掩好奇和興奮之情,「為甚麼妳會穿成這個樣子?」她上下打量著眼前的少女,透露出友善的氣息。
夫人的反應使諾茵安心。她也不是沒想過君主會對她的扮相反感,畢竟,無論穿著如何,經歷過甚麼,她的一身打扮也是背經違道,不是每個人也可以接受。當夫人向她釋出善意,這賦與她勇氣把自己女扮男裝的原因原原本本道出,當然也包括她到聖克學院入學的事。因為那是必須要提到的,她必須要讓眼前的國君知道她的背景和能力,因為她接下來的要求,可是非得擁有令人信服的背景,才可以被信賴。
在簡單介紹自己後,她才道出自己的來意。
「西班牙因為失去意大利地區的皇位繼承權而感到不滿,已經是公開的事,眾人皆知。費利佩五世一直伺機而動。春天時他對奧地利的野心已經呼之欲出。奧地利現在深陷與鄂圖曼的戰事中,無暇管理南歐的事,如果我是費利佩五世,一定會覺得這是天賜良機。而現在西班牙大舉製造運輸船,如果是為戰事做準備,目標必然是意大利的土地。」諾茵加重語氣,「恐怕無論是薩丁尼亞還是西西里島,都可以成為目標。」
她說得頭頭是道,但公爵不置可否。跟夫人不同,目光如禿鷹般銳利的公爵一直打量著眼前的男裝儷人,仿佛要把她的內心看穿一樣。無可否認,這帶給諾茵一點壓力。
「露洛莉亞小姐,妳的推測很有趣,聽起來也很合理。可是,也許妳是不知道—」他對諾茵剛才的分析是很佩服,但眼中仍流露出對女性男裝並過度干涉政局的不滿,「因應這個情況,英國、法國、荷蘭早已結成同盟。妳還會認為西班牙會冒著開罪三國同盟的風險入侵奧地利的勢力範圍嗎?」
諾茵知道要由女性之身說服君主不是易事。但她必須要這樣做。並且,一向觀察入微、擅於分析的她也有自己的獨特觀點。
「英國的喬治一世剛兼任為大不列顛、愛爾蘭及漢諾威的國王,可能無暇兼顧歐洲大陸事務,法荷亦互有心病未必真實的聯成一致,這些都是不穩定因素。如果是失去面子的西班牙,奧地利與鄂圖曼的膠著簡直是千載難逢的機會。」她轉向公爵夫人,希望得到她的支持,因而語氣變得倔強,「說到底,公爵大概並不相信一個女人所說的話。英國可以有女皇,連法蘭西也有美第奇的凱瑟琳。這些都是比之男子亳不失色的女性。我在聖克學園讀書之時,與國斯里達還有卑斯賴多,也能與之爭一日長短,以學級第一名畢業。」
她深深吸口氣︰「我的經驗使我知道,人的才能不應以性別為分,身為女人亦具有理性思辯能力,男女的不平等只是習俗和教育不公所做成。只要接受同質的教育,男女的才能差異遠比不上性別差異。」
一口氣說完想說的話。房間內的人都屏息靜氣。能否說服公爵就全憑剛才的說話,諾茵知道自己一向有辯才,但由於內心的激動和緊張,她實在無法判斷自己剛才的表現,是否有足夠的說服力使西西里島最高的領袖有信心?她抑壓著想要發抖的雙手,在對方表態前,她發現自己竟然連深呼吸都不敢。
然後,超過她預期的反應,安妮‧瑪莉夫人站起來鼓動掌聲。
「很精彩的發言,露洛莉亞小姐,我很佩服。」她走到諾茵跟前握起她的手,「這樣前瞻的想法,我實在很感動。就憑藉這個思想這番偉論,我相信妳在聖克學院的表現一定也很出色。」她轉向公爵,「我覺得露洛莉亞小姐的分析很有道理。」
得到夫人的肯定,並且明確支持,諾茵實在喜出望外。
公爵一時為之語塞,他心裡也為眼前這位女性頭頭是道的發言而讚嘆不已。只是,他不能輕易表露出來。
「依照妳的分析,西班牙將會對我們發動戰事,那麼妳的應對方法是?」
「諾因海姆已全力投入運輸船和戰船的生產。」
「但我聽說妳已經跟杜魯斯‧國斯里達訂下婚約,明年初夏就會完婚。現在妳針對西班牙的發言,是想得到甚麼?」
終於,這才到達她最想發展的方向。這次她是忍耐著因快要達到目的而興奮得抖動的手。
「自由。我想要自由。廢除國斯里達與我的婚約,還有諾因海姆與國斯里達簽訂過的領土契約。」
原來是這麼回事。
諾因海姆家想要廢除與國斯里達的婚約。他知道兩個家族之間有類似軍事協定的「條約」,萬一諾因海姆家沒有男性繼承人,他在墨西拿的領地就要歸納於國斯里達家之下。這是很多年前受制於人的諾因海姆伯爵簽下的不平等條約,身為西西里領主的他,在立場上當然也反對這種他在任前簽下的、會為王國帶來不利的條約。
當收到諾因海姆伯爵的通知、知會他伯爵千金要跟國斯里達聯姻,維托里奧‧阿梅迪奧二世還以為伯爵跟西班牙有多親近。現在看到眼前伯爵府二小姐的態度,薩伏依公爵不得不表現出讚賞。難得諾因海姆亦有意趁機廢除這個條約,西西里的國王就可以名正言順的介入其中了。這是對雙方有利的要求。
但公爵還未回覆,夫人已替他宣佈︰「為自由而戰的露洛莉亞小姐,西西里的國王會答應妳的要求。」
對於夫人的搶白,公爵深深呼了口氣,他補充︰「如果如妳所料,西班牙與我們發生戰事,我會立即以君主的命令廢除國斯里達家與妳的婚約。條件是諾因海姆所有戰船要歸入國家指揮。如果戰事得到勝利,我會要求廢除妳的領土契約。」
因為之前參加了西班牙王位繼承戰爭,薩伏依面對強大的法國,連都靈都失陷了。如果不是神聖羅馬帝國的歐根親王支援,薩伏依已經成為歷史名詞。作為參戰回報,他得到了西西里島,但他想要更多。如果這次西班牙再引爆戰事,他要成為西西里和薩丁尼亞的君主。
並且,眼前的諾因海姆家小姐,跟其他的女人不同,她卓越的分析力和洞察力,似乎跟她在聖克學園的成績和傳聞一致。她是不是女人已不是最重要的事,如果一如她所說,西班牙的目的是開戰的話,她的能力和背景,將會成為他手上的一張王牌。
「我表示由衷的感激,陛下。」
諾茵向君主深深鞠躬行禮。
終於等到機會了。美利安多。
雖然戰事是殘酷的,諾茵也不想有任何粉爭,但此刻,她心裡如此期盼著與情人再見的日子。
1717年11月,一如所料,西班牙的勒德侯爵率領一支100艘運輸船的艦隊運送9000人入侵薩丁尼亞島。西班牙與三國同盟的戰事正式拉開序幕。
*******************
對薩丁尼亞的戰事開始後,國斯里達家要求露洛莉亞提早成婚,一連寫了三封書信,都被維托里奧‧阿梅迪奧二世以戰事為由擱置。除了跟諾因海姆家的協議,這位西西里國王也有他的考慮。萬一西西里受到入侵,諾因海姆家的小姐會成為他手上其中一張牌。
諾茵當然明白,但她對此仍表示感激,相反諾貝卻覺得很不安。西班牙已經兵臨城下,只有與國斯里達聯姻,才是生命財產安全的保證。他是這樣認為。
「就算答應了婚約也沒用,諾因海姆家的危機並沒有解除。一旦失去繼承人,家族的領土一樣會斷送。」接下來要做的事是防守,諾茵知道父親未必同意,但她覺得那是正確的選項,必須要提出,「已經不單純是婚約的問題了,是西西里島的存亡。」
事情越發展下去,諾茵的態度就越明確,並且她對父親的取態也更加嗤之以鼻。
1718年4月,勒德侯爵率軍入侵西西里島。西西里島動員全島去抵抗西班牙的入侵。
因為早有準備,西西里的正規軍率領的諾因海姆戰船守在西西里巴勒莫海岸線。薩伏依公爵信任諾因海姆家,並且以地中海航運起家的諾因海姆在戰事開始時,已經牢牢站在西西里—薩丁尼亞一邊,他們的戰船延綿不絕的遍佈西西里的沿岸。
最開始,西西里海軍堅守了差不多三個月的時間。但西班牙的戰鬥能力始終比較強,在源源不絕的大軍壓境下,7月7日,西班牙攻佔了巴勒莫,然後兵分兩路佔領墨西拿和其他地區。
諾因海姆家就在墨西拿,當軍隊退守致此,諾因海姆家的二小姐露洛莉亞‧諾因海姆身穿軍裝站立在薩伏依公爵大軍之中。
「露,妳是一個女人,怎麼可以投身軍中呢?」諾貝一開始非常反對,「並且,你是國斯里達的未婚妻,妳應該保持中立,不要跟西班牙正面對抗!」
對於父親這番言論,諾茵表示不屑和鄙視。都已經兵臨城下,誰會在乎你是誰家的未婚妻。
諾茵換上一身男裝,提著步槍,率領諾因海姆領地的群眾組織起民兵,被薩伏衣公爵授命堅守墨西拿。
以女性之身站立在戰場不是沒有前例,法國的貞德亦曾帶領法國農民抵抗英國的入侵。
可是連貴族的女兒都披衣上陣,的確很能鼓勵人心。
「露洛莉亞小姐,西班牙軍的動向已經收集到了。」手下的副官如是說。
「叫我諾茵,戰場上無分男女,這裡沒有大小姐。」她則如此要求。
然後,墨西拿攻防戰正式開始。
薩伏依公爵知道,墨西拿的失守會引發戰線崩潰,但最初他並沒有即時向外求援。
這種情況很尷尬。英國的議會也在爭議,是否要履行三國同盟的協議,大家抱持不同的意見。當議會辯論結束,唯一得到贊同的,是聯合法國和奧地利發表一紙聲名,要求西班牙撤出西西里島。
「美利安多,你剛才的表現太激動了。根本失卻了冷靜。」上議員的會議結束後,在離開議會的路上,希羅帶著責備的質疑他剛才的表現。
美利安多重重噴了個鼻息︰「墨西拿,諾茵就在那裡。」
希羅當然知道他的心情,但他不能認同他的做法︰「你的決定帶有私怨,抱持私人感情。這不理智。」
美利安多回過頭的神情帶有一絲自嘲︰「我會繼續帶著私人恩怨去處理這件事,請你當為我的原則吧。」
*********************
在戰事開始之前,諾茵因應墨西拿的地勢,擬訂了兩個作戰方案,目的是要拉長西班牙的戰線,然後在海上偷襲西班牙的補給船,再聯合陸地上的墨西拿軍隊內外夾擊,消滅這支在墨西拿的西班牙前線部隊,為薩伏衣公爵遊說三國同盟出兵解救爭取更多時間。
這個作戰方案很成功,由諾茵帶領的陸上部隊成功因為奇襲而擊退了西班牙軍,一夜之間「墨西拿的諾茵」也因為這場戰事一舉成名。
然而就在暫時得到寧靜不足一星期,西班牙從巴勒莫派了另一支軍隊前來,而帶領的將軍就是杜魯斯‧國斯里達。
在收到這個消息的同時,諾茵收到杜魯斯給她的信函。
他要求諾茵前去見面。
當然不可能。諾茵沒有回覆。戰事在前兩軍交峰,她也身為墨西拿守軍的將領,怎麼可以去見敵方的將軍?並且,她明白杜魯斯的用意。
然而,令她意想不到的是,當天晚上,一個熟悉的身影竟然潛入了墨西拿的諾茵莊園。
「杜魯斯!」即使對方披上斗蓬,諾茵也認出了這個身影。難以驚訝之色,當諾茵看到他時整個人也呆著了。
她一直以為再跟杜魯斯見面時,雙方都會在戰場上。她甚至考慮過到時應該要如何表現,要如何應對。即使雙方已經訣列成敵人,但名義上,到這一刻為止,她的身份仍然是國斯里達家的準夫人。她所帶領的將士當中,甚至還有人質疑過她是否可以對杜魯斯‧國斯里達下手。
杜魯斯拉開斗篷。他身邊沒有其他人,看來就孤身一人前來。「露洛莉亞。為甚麼妳要拒絕我的保護。」聲音平淡,但他的眼光流露出一絲落寞。
他們是敵人,但諾茵從沒懷疑過杜魯斯對她的真誠。他對她付上了真心,只是她不想作出回應。當現在他以身犯險來到她的跟前,她心裡無不感動。她走向他,凝視著他的眼睛。
「你為甚麼要過來,都不知道危險嗎?被發現了怎麼辦?」
聽到她擔憂的語氣,杜魯斯才舒心的輕笑出來。他用力把諾茵抱入懷中,彷彿這就是他此行的唯一目的。
「我很擔心妳。我不能放妳在這裡,妳是我的夫人,我必須帶妳回去。」他抬起頭,輕輕的愛撫著諾茵的臉頰。他拉起諾茵的手,深深吻了下去。
杜魯斯眼裡盡是深情,這使諾茵內疚。與他為敵,這是她的選擇,除了因為對國家的忠誠,還有很大一部份是私心。只要戰勝西班牙,她就會自由,她就有機會回到美利安多身邊。但是,杜魯斯不顧安危的跑到這裡來,只為救她離開,她又怎能不感到羞愧。
她輕輕推開杜魯斯的手,心虛的別過了臉。
杜魯斯再次緊握她的手。
「跟我回去。」
諾茵輕輕搖頭。「這裡是墨西拿,我的家人就在這裡,我有守護他們的責任。」
杜魯斯深深吸口氣︰「這是無意義的抵抗,墨西拿會陷落,如果繼續堅守,這場戰事再繼續下去,遲早會血流成河。」
諾茵再次搖頭。這次堅毅的目光代替了她的說話。
「來我身邊。」杜魯斯握著她的手再加重了力度,「只要妳回來我身邊,我答應墨西拿可以無血開城。」
對於杜魯斯這個提議,諾茵受到了衝擊。
她心裡明白,要堅守墨西拿不是一件容易的事。軍中士氣低落,還出現糧草短缺,陷落也是遲早問題。但是,如果她現在投降,之前犠牲的同袍不就白白送命了?西西里不就要臣服於西班牙之下嗎?
她要做的事,是堅守為陛下爭取向盟軍求援的時間。
她推開杜魯斯,不再迷茫了。
「我會堅持到最後。」
杜魯斯不情願的放開了她。他內心呼了口氣,牢牢的凝望著諾茵。
「妳知道我為甚麼會一個人前來嗎?」
她又怎麼可能不明白對方的深情。這也是最令她難過和內疚的地方。如果他放棄她,甚至直接對她出手,把她殺個片甲不留,諾茵反而覺得舒坦。但就因為杜魯斯對她的不離不棄,她才感到難過。
「我明白…你想保護我,我很感激。但是很抱歉,我不可以接受。」這次她眼裡沒有半分迷惑。她不可再傷害杜魯斯,不可以讓他再為自己冒險了。她寧願對方對她痛恨、失望。這就是她保護他、回應他的方式。
「即使現在,我心裡想的人也不是你。」她深深吸了口氣,使自己有勇氣繼續說下去,「你對我的愛令你今天處身於危險之中,我感到很抱歉,因為我根本不打算回應你的深情。我一直在拖延,心裡想的是如何解除婚約。」說到這裡,她竟然覺得自己有種想哭的衝動。
「我就是這麼卑鄙的一個人,一直利用你的信任。」她甚至不敢直視他,那個一直以來正人君子地對待她的男人,一直是個值得交的朋友,「所以,不要為我再犯險,不值得這樣做。」
出乎意料的,杜魯斯沒有憤怒,沒有怒不可遏。他只是眼中充滿哀傷。他心裡一直都明白,露洛莉亞‧諾茵愛的人不是他。她像是高嶺上的一朵玫瑰,他很愛惜,很想把它摘下據為己有,即使他知道玫瑰屬意的人不是他,他也用盡手段把它摘下來。
諾茵說自己是個卑鄙的人,他何嘗不是?
即使諾茵在國斯里達莊園中對他說的那段話,他明明知道是藉口,並不真誠,甚至當中有計謀的意味,但是她說了他最想聽的話,她答應一年後會帶著覺悟成為他的妻子,他最終會得到她。就因為這句話,他看到了一絲希望,即使她心裡有其他人,她仍然會留在他身邊。他太期待這結局,才會答應她的要求。
當時兩個人心裡都不坦白。反而如令在兩軍交戰之時,諾茵終於倘開心扉,把話都說明白了。他感到一絲苦澀,卻又竟覺得如釋重擔。終於,諾茵到最後都說出了她的真心話。
「明白了。」
苦澀的回應,杜魯斯深深吸了口氣。
諾茵眼中不爭氣的溢出了淚光。
「在聖克學院最後的時光中,我最感到欣喜的,是在畢業前跟你成為朋友。杜魯斯,」她也深深吸了口氣,「我到現在仍把你視為珍惜的朋友,不管你是否相信,我珍視你的友誼,我希望跟你可以成為好朋友。」
「是我的榮幸。」他笑著,臉容純真得諾茵不敢正視。
他的目光始終停留在諾茵的臉上。她的淚光不是假的,她說出了今晚最真誠的說話。杜魯斯用力的托起她下巴,給她一個深刻而沉重的吻。淚珠劃過諾茵的臉頰,她雙手放在杜魯斯胸前,本來想要輕輕推開的手最後卻沒有反抗。她閉上眼睛任由淚珠沿臉頰再次落下。
就在此時,花園裡傳出了嘈雜聲。
諾茵首先反應過來,她輕推杜魯斯,緊張的望向聲音出處。「他們要來了,你快點回去。」諾茵推著杜魯斯催促道,「被發現就麻煩了。」
杜魯斯卻握著著她的手。
「為甚麼像妳這麼天真單純的人會站在戰場上呢?為甚麼我們就一定要是敵人呢…」
在這一刻,明明是敵人的身份,明明是被迫要嫁的男人,明明只要一聲令下他就會就擒。
「再見了,露洛莉亞。」
諾茵呆呆的望著消失於黑暗中的背影,撫摸著還在麻痺的嘴唇。
再見了,杜魯斯。
就像是正式道別。她在胸前劃了一個十字。
進攻墨西拿的軍隊由杜魯斯指揮。因著出色的軍事才能,只消半個月便攻下了三分一個墨西拿。
對方是杜魯斯,所以不可以大意。西西里的將領都知道他的來歷,但在兵、糧均缺,士氣低落的情況下,一切都變得不樂觀。大家都只祈求三國同盟的盟軍可以下定決心出兵支援。時間對雙方來說的非常重要。
在西西里的將領和諾因海姆家民兵的堅守下,雖然墨西拿守住了三分二的領土,然而,慘勝的戰事使墨西拿元氣大傷。看著眾多的傷者,連諾茵都感到傷痛和壓力。
在休息處的地方,諾茵抱著雙腿,寂寥的晚上使她陷入了沉思。
「你會怎麼做?美利安多…如果你在這裡就好了…」
終於在三日後,再有半邊墨西拿被攻陷。
******************
The marriage arrangement with Khushrenada has been finalized, and the wedding was scheduled for the next May before Summer. At this moment, the sailors on the frontline of Neunheim's vassel received a news that changed everyone's fate.
"There are a large number of transport ships manufactured by Spain." When receiving the news, Noin's shocked reaction made Nobel, her father puzzled.
"Which shipyard does Spain make ships in? Can we also share this order?" Nobel immediately asked the secretary beside him to inquire, "Can we get this order through Treize?"
Noin looked at her father with surprised eyes, feeling unbelievable and even disdainful, "The question is why Spain wants to build a large number of transport ships! Father, this is the point!"
Nobel was puzzled by Noin's sudden fierce attitude.
Noin ignored her father. She remembered that Duo told her earlier about the new warships he saw in Malaga, and the news received today was that Spain was building a lot of ships. It seemed that things were going in an unexpected direction.
Noin ignored her father's surprise, and calmly instructed the secretary directly, "Go and inquire about the delivery date and quantity. Obviously a big secret is hidden." She turned to look at her father, who still looked ignorant. She couldn't help but sneered in her heart, "Father, this matter is beyond Treize's control."
We will never take this order, nor will it be acceptable.
Noin had an ominous premonition, and her premonition was always accurate.
"Why? Lu? Do you have any ideas on this matter?"
"I'm afraid something big will happen." Noin responded softly to her father's question, not wanting to explain further. Another thought came to her mind. Moreover, she directly issued instructions to her subordinates one after another.
We have to figure it out...if it's what I concern...I have to go see the Duke of Savoy.
Nobel, who was standing aside, didn't ask any more questions. He looked at his daughter who confidently directed the company's operations, which was truly eye-catching.
What a pity. Nobel was sincerely feel sorry about Lucrezia. Compared to Dixnuff, Lucrezia was better in many aspects. Her academic performance was excellent, and her tutors had long admired her; she had business acumen, and she had already started to take on the financial management of the family shipping as early as the age of twelve; she had absolute pitch, and her string skills were very high. If she were a man, she should inherit the Neunheim family more than Dixnuff.
It is a pity that Lucrezia is a girl.
Whenever he felt this emotion, he couldn't help but look regretfully at his daughter. Noin had long been used to it, but recently she found that she felt it more annoying than ever before. As a woman, with her ability, how far could she go in this era? Thinking of this, she couldn't help but sneer.
What happened next could be regarded as her declaration of war on the fate of women.
Two weeks later, Noin came to the Sicilian Royal Palace and met with the Duke of Savoy.
Just a week ago, she wrote a confidential letter to Duke Vittorio Amedeo II of Savoy through her own analysis of all the collected information.
In the morning, when the lady put on men's clothing and appeared at the breakfast meeting, the maids and servants who served her were all surprised. Lady Lucrezia had not worn men's clothes since she came back from Vienna. When Noin saw this outfit today, what she felt was a little uneasiness.
Lady Lucrezia, who was wearing a sky blue men's attire, stood in front of the door with a heroic face, instructing the groom to prepare. This was the men's clothing she used to wear when she was at Sanc College. When she looked carefully in front of the mirror, the feeling was so familiar. However, her mood was completely different.
"Lu, why didn't you discuss your arrangement with me?" Before going out, Nobel sat her down, and the father and daughter looked at each other face to face, "I am your father, I actually knew about it later than Pagan!" This was what he cared most about.
Noin shook her head. Not only was it useless to tell him, her father would definitely stop her. His vision was only on how to expand the business and how to maintain the inheritance rights of Neunheim's territory. She wanted to correct him, but she knew it was no use even speaking her mind. His father only had business and status in his eyes.
As a businessman, her father's performance can only be said to be fair, but she had also wondered, with the unique tentacles of a businessman, would her father also notice this unusual move in Spain and what may happen behind it? But in the past two weeks, her father's actions had told her that eyesight has nothing to do with age.
Sicily was already slightly cold in September.
When Noin stood before Vittorio Amedeo II, Duke of Savoy, and his wife Anne-Marie of Orléans, her attire as expected surprised her sovereign. The person in front of them was heroic and confident, making them wonder if "he" was the Neunheim who wrote the letter.
"I remember meeting Count Neunheim and his daughter. Judging by your age, you are not Count Neunheim. Are you the count's son?" Vittorio Amedeo frowned slightly Wrinkled, he kept looking at the boy in front of him.
"I am Lucrezia of Messina, daughter of Nobel Neunheim." She bowed to the Duke and Duchess like a gentleman.
"You are such a heroic young lady." Duchess Anne-Marie's tone was not sarcasm, but she couldn't hide her curiosity and excitement. "Why are you dressed like this?" She looked up and down at the girl in front of her, revealing a friendly tone.
Madam's reaction reassured Noin. It's not that she didn't think that the monarch would have a negative reaction to her attire. After all, no matter what she was wearing or what she had experienced, her attire was also against the rules, and not everyone could accept it. When the Duchess showed kindness to her, it gave her the courage to tell the reasons for her disguise as a man, including, of course, her admission to Sanc College. That must be mentioned, she must let the monarch in front of her know her background and ability, because her next request must have a convincing background before she could be trusted.
After a brief introduction of herself, she revealed why she came.
"Spain is dissatisfied with the loss of the Italian region's succession to the throne. It is a public matter and everyone knows it. Felipe V has been waiting for an opportunity. His ambitions for Austria were ready in the spring. Austria is now deeply involved with Ottoman Empire so they had no time to manage the affairs of southern Europe. If I were Felipe V, I would definitely feel that this was a godsend opportunity. But now that Spain is manufacturing transport ships on a large scale, if it is to prepare for the war, the target must be the land of Italy. "Noin emphasized her tone, "I'm afraid whether it is Sardinia or Sicily, they can all be targets."
She spoke confidently, but the Duke was noncommittal. Unlike the madam, the duke, whose gaze was as sharp as a vulture, kept sizing up the lady in men's clothing in front of him, as if he wanted to see through her mind. Undeniably, this put a little pressure on Noin.
"Lady Lucrezia, your speculation is very interesting, and it sounds reasonable. But, maybe you have no idea—" He admired Noin's analysis, but his eyes still showed that he was not too fond of a girl in men's clothing. "In response to this situation, Britain, France, and the Netherlands have already formed an alliance. Do you still think that Spain will take the risk of offending the Triple Alliance to invade Austria's sphere of influence?"
Noin knew that it was not easy to convince the monarch by a girl. But this was what she had to do. Moreover, she, who has always been observant and good at analysis, also has her own unique point of view.
"George I of the United Kingdom has just assumed the concurrent post of King of Great Britain, Ireland and Hanover. He may not have time to take care of the affairs of Europe. France and the Netherlands may not be able to truly unite with each other. These are unstable factors. If it is Spain that has lost face, The Austrian-Ottoman stalemate is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity." She turned to the Duchess, hoping to gain her support, and her tone became stubborn. "After all, the Duke probably doesn't believe what a woman says. England can have a queen, even France has Catherine of the Medici. These are women who are not inferior to men. When I was studying in the Sanc College, I was able to compete with Khushrenada and Peacecraft and graduated in the first in class."
She took a deep breath, "My experience has taught me that a person's talent should not be divided by gender. Woman also has the ability to think rationally. The inequality between men and women is only caused by customs and unfair education. As long as you accept the homogeneous Education, talent differences between men and women are far less than gender differences."
She expressed what she wanted to say in one breath. Everyone in the room held their breath. Whether she could convince the Duke depends on what she said just now. Noin knew that she had always been eloquent, but due to the excitement and nervousness in her heart, she really could not judge whether her performance just now was enough to convince the highest leader of Sicily. She suppressed her trembling hands, and before the other party made a statement, she found that she didn't even dare to take a deep breath.
Then, more than she expected, Duchess Anne-Marie stood up and applauded.
"It's a wonderful speech, Lady Lucrezia, I admire it, indeed." She walked up to Noin and shook her hand, "I'm really touched by such a forward-looking idea. With this thought and this great theory, I believe you must have performed very well at the Sanc." She turned to the Duke, "I think Lady Lucrezia's analysis makes sense."
Noin was really overjoyed to get the Madam's affirmation and explicit support.
The Duke was at a loss for words for a moment, and he was also amazed at the eloquent speech of the woman in front of him. It's just that he could not show it easily.
"According to your analysis, Spain will launch a war against us, so what is your countermeasure?"
"Neunheim has put all its efforts into the production of transport ships and warships."
"But I heard that you have already engaged to Treize Khushrenada and will get married early next summer. Now what do you want to achieve by speaking against Spain?"
Finally, this reached the direction she most wanted to develop. This time, she was enduring her hands that were shaking with excitement as she was about to achieve her goal.
"Freedom. I want freedom. Annull the marriage contract between Khushrenada and me, as well as the territorial contract that Neunheim signed with Khushrenada ."
It turned out to be the case.
It was interesting to know that the Neunheim family wanted to annul their engagement with Khushrenada . He knew that there was a "treaty" similar to a military agreement between the two families. In case the Neunheim family did not have a male heir, his territory in Messina would be included under the Khushrenada family. This is an unequal treaty signed many years ago by Count Neunheim, who was under the control of others. As the lord of Sicily, of course, he also opposed this kind of treaty that signed before his rule, which would bring disadvantages to the kingdom. .
When he received the notice from Count Neunheim, informing him that the count's daughter was going to marry Khushrenada, Vittorio Amedeo II thought how close the Count was to Spain. Seeing the attitude of the lady of Neunheim, the Duke of Savoy had no choice but to express his appreciation. It was rare that Neunheim also took the opportunity to abolish this treaty, and the king of Sicily could justifiably intervene in it. This was a requirement that beneficial to both parties.
While the duke hadn't replied yet, the lady announced for him. "Lady Lucrezia who fight for freedom, the king of Sicily will grant your request."
The duke took a deep breath for his wife's confession, and he added, "If, as you expected, there is a war between Spain and us, I will immediately annul the marriage contract between the Khushrenada family and you by the order of the monarch. The condition is that all warships in Neunheim must be brought under the national command. If the war is won, I will demand that your territorial contract be revoked."
Because he participated in the War of Spanish Succession before, Savoy faced the powerful France, and even Turin fell. If it were not for the support of Prince Eugen of the Holy Roman Empire, Savoy would have become a historical term. In return for his participation in the war, he was given Sicily, but he wanted more. If Spain detonates another war this time, he will become the monarch of Sicily and Sardinia.
Moreover, the young lady of Neunheim in front of him was different from other women, her excellent analytical ability and insight seem to be consistent with her grades and rumors in Sanc. Whether she was a woman, was no longer the most important thing. If, as she said, Spain's purpose was to start a war, her ability and background would become a trump card in his hand.
"I express my sincere gratitude, Your Majesty."
Noin bowed deeply to the monarch.
Finally this is the opportunity I have been waiting for. Milliardo.
Although the war is cruel, Noin didn't want to have any fights, but at this moment, she was so looking forward to the day when she would see her lover again.
In November 1717, as expected, the Marquis de Ludre of Spain led a fleet of 100 transport ships to transport 9,000 people to invade Sardinia. The war between Spain and the Triple Alliance officially kicked off.
*******************
After the war against Sardinia began, the Khushrenada family asked Lucrezia to get married early, and he wrote three letters in a row. However Vittorio Amedeo II put them aside on the grounds of war. In addition to the agreement with the Neunheim family, the Sicilian king also had his considerations. In case Sicily was invaded, Neunheim would be one of his cards.
Noin certainly understood, but she was still grateful for it, while Nobel felt very disturbed. Spain was already approaching the city, he believed that only completing the marriage with Khushrenada can guarantee the safety of life and property.
"It's useless even if you agree to the marriage. The crisis of the Neunheim family has not been resolved. Once the heir is lost, the family's territory will also be ruined." The next thing to do was to defend. Noin knew that her father might not agree, but she believed that was the right choice, "It's not just a matter of marriage contract, it's about the survival of Sicily."
The more things went on, the more clear-cut Noin's attitude became, and the more she scoffed at her father's attitude.
In April 1718, the Marquis de Ludre led an army to invade Sicily. Sicily mobilized the entire island to resist the Spanish invasion.
Because of the early preparations, the Neunheim warship led by the Sicilian regular army guarded the coastline of Palermo, Sicily. The Duke of Savoy trusted the Neunheim family, and Neunheim, who started with Mediterranean shipping, had firmly stood on the side of Sicily-Sardinia at the beginning of the war, and their warships stretched endlessly all over Sicily along the coast.
In the beginning, the Sicilian Navy held on for almost three months. However, Spain's combat capability has always been relatively strong. Under the pressure of an endless stream of troops, Spain captured Palermo on July 7, and then divided its troops into two groups to occupy Messina and other areas.
The Neunheim family was in Messina, and when the army retreated here, Lucrezia Neunheim, the daughter of the Neunheim family, stood in the army of the Duke of Savoy in military uniform.
"Lu, you are a woman, how can you join the army?" Nobel objected very much at first, "Besides, you are the fiancée of Khushrenada, you should remain neutral and not confront Spain head-on!"
Noin expressed disdain and contempt for his father's remarks. They were already at the gates of the city, who cared whose fiancée you were.
Noin put on men's clothes, carried a rifle, and led the people in Neunheim's territory to organize a militia, and was ordered by the Duke of Savoy to defend Messina.
It was not unprecedented for women to stand on the battlefield. Joan of Arc in France also led French farmers to resist the British invasion.
But when the daughter of the noble put on clothes to go into battle, which was indeed very encouraging.
"Lady Lucrezia, the movement of the Spanish army has been collected." The adjutant said so.
"Call me Noin, there is no distinction between men and women on the battlefield, and there is no a noble lady here." She requested.
Then, the offensive and defensive battle of Messina officially began.
The Duke of Savoy knew that the fall of Messina would lead to the collapse of the front, but at first he did not ask for help immediately.
This situation was embarrassing. The British Parliament was also debating whether to implement the agreement of the Triple Alliance, and everyone held different opinions. When the parliamentary debate was over, the only thing that got approval was a joint statement from France and Austria calling for Spain to withdraw from Sicily.
"Milliardo, you were too agitated just now. You lost your composure at all." After the councilor's meeting, on the way to leave the parliament, Heero questioned his friend's performance with reproach.
Milliardo snorted heavily, "Messina, Noin is there."
Heero certainly knew how he felt, but he couldn't agree with his approach. "Your decision is too personal. It's irrational."
Milliardo looked back with a hint of self-mockery. "I will continue to deal with this matter with personal grievances, please take it as my principle."
*********************
Before the start of the war, Noin drew up two battle plans in response to the terrain of Messina. The purpose was to lengthen the Spanish front, and then attack the Spanish supply ships at sea, and then join forces with the Messina army on land to attack in both sides. She tried to eliminate the Spanish front-line force in Messina, and buy more time for the Duke of Savoy to lobby the Triple Alliance to send troops to rescue.
This battle plan was very successful. The land force led by Noin succeeded in repelling the Spanish army because of the surprise attack, and "Noin of Messina" became famous overnight because of this battle.
However, less than a week after the temporary peace, Spain sent another army from Palermo, and the general who led it was Treize Khushrenada.
At the same time as receiving this news, Noin received a letter from Treize to her.
He asked Noin to meet him.
Of course she could not do that. Noin didn't reply. The battle was at the peak between the two armies, and she was also the general of the defenders of Messina. How could she go to meet the enemy's general? Moreover, she understood Treize's intentions.
However, to her surprise, that night, a familiar figure sneaked into the Manor in Messina.
"Treize!" Even though the opponent was wearing a cloak, Noin recognized him. Unsurprisingly, Noin froze when he saw him.
She always thought that when she met Treize again, both sides would be on the battlefield. She even thought about how to behave and how to deal with it when the time comes. Even though the they had become enemies, nominally, up to this moment, her identity was still the fiancée of the Khushrenada family. Among the soldiers she led, some even questioned whether she could attack Treize Khushrenada.
Treize pulled back his cloak. There was no one else around him, and he seemed to have come alone. "Lucrezia. Why did you refuse my protection?" His voice was flat, but his eyes showed a trace of loneliness.
They were enemies, but Noin never doubted Treize's sincerity to her. He paid her sincerity, but she didn't want to respond. When he came to her at the risk of his own life, she was all moved. She walked towards him and looked into his eyes.
"Why did you come here? This is so dangerous. What if you are discovered?"
Hearing her worried tone, Treize smiled comfortably. He hugged Noin into his arms forcefully, as if this was the only purpose of his trip.
"I'm very worried about you. I can't let you here, you are going to be my wife, I have to take you back." He raised his head and gently caressed Noin's cheek. He took Noin's hand and kissed it deeply.
Treize's eyes were full of affection, which made Noin feel guilty. It was her choice to be his enemy, not only because of her loyalty to the country, but also because of her selfishness. As long as Spain is defeated, she would be free, and she would have a chance to return to Milliardo. However, how could she not feel ashamed that Treize ran here regardless of safety, just to save her from leaving.
She gently pushed Treize's hand away, and looked away guiltily.
Treize squeezed her hand again.
"Come with me."
Noin shook her head lightly. "This is Messina, my family is here, and it is my duty to protect them."
Treize took a deep breath, "This is a meaningless resistance. Messina will fall. If you continue to hold on, the war continues, sooner or later there will be bloodshed."
Noin shook her head again. This time her firm gaze replaced her words.
"Come to my side." Treize shook her hand even harder, "As long as you come with me, I promise Messina can open the city without blood."
For Treize's proposal, Noin was shocked.
She knew in her heart that it would not be easy to stick to Messina. The morale of the army was low, and there was also a shortage of food. It would be a matter of time before it fell. However, if she surrendered now, how could she face the comrades who sacrificed before die in vain? Sicily would be going to surrender to Spain.
What she had to do was to stick to the time to fight for His Majesty to ask the Allies for help.
She pushed Treize away. She was no longer confused.
"I'll stick to it till the end."
Treize let her go reluctantly. He breathed out inwardly, and stared at Noin firmly.
"Do you know why I come here alone?"
How could she not understand his affection. This was also the place that made her most sad and guilty. If he gave up on her, or even shot at her directly, killing her completely, Noin would feel more at ease. But just because Treize never left her, she felt sad.
"I understand...you want to protect me, I appreciate it. But I'm sorry, I can't accept it." There was no confusion in her eyes this time. She couldn't hurt Treize any more, and she couldn't let him take any more risks for herself. She would rather he hated her and be disappointed with her. This was how she protected him and responded to him.
"Even now, I'm not thinking of you." She took a deep breath and found the courage to continue, "I'm sorry that your love for me put you in danger today because I don't intend to respond to your affection at all. I've been procrastinating, thinking about how to dissolve the engagement." At this point, she actually felt an urge to cry.
"I'm such a despicable person, I've been taking advantage of your trust." She didn't even dare to look at him, the man who had always treated her gently, had always been a worthy friend, "So, don't take risks for me again, it's not worth it this way."
Unexpectedly, Treize was not angry, not raging. He just had sadness in his eyes. He has always understood in his heart that the person Lucrezia loved was not him. She was like a rose on the high mountain, he cherished it very much, and wanted to pick it off for himself, even if he knew that the rose was not for him, he still wanted to try his best to pick it off.
Noin said that she was a despicable person. It was the same for him.
Even though what Noin said to him in Khushrenada Manor, he knew it was an excuse, it was not sincere, and even had a hint of conspiracy in it, but she said what he wanted to hear most, and she promised that after a year, she would become his wife with awareness, and he would have her in the end. Just because of this sentence, he saw a glimmer of hope that even if she had someone else in her heart, she would still stay by his side. He was looking forward to the ending so much that he agreed to her request.
At that time, neither of them confessed. On the contrary, when the two armies were fighting, Noin finally opened her heart and explained everything clearly. He felt a bit of bitterness, but he felt a heavy burden relieved. Finally, Noin spoke her truth.
"I understood."
Responding bitterly, Treize took a deep breath.
Tears welled up in Noin's eyes.
"In the last days of Sanc College, I was most happy to befriend you before graduation. Treize," she also took a deep breath, "I still regard you as a cherished friend, whether you believe it or not, I value your friendship and I hope to become good friends with you."
"It's my honor." He smiled, his face so innocent that Noin dared not look at it.
His gaze remained on Noin's face all the time. Her tears were not fake, she spoke the most sincere words tonight. Treize lifted her chin vigorously and gave her a deep and heavy kiss. Tears ran across Noin's cheeks, and she put her hands on Treize's chest, but the hands that were about to be pushed away gently did not resist in the end. She closed her eyes and let the tears fall down her cheeks again.
At this moment, there was a noise in the garden.
Noin was the first to react. She nudged Treize and looked nervously at the source of the sound. "They're coming, you have to go back quickly." Noin pushed Treize and urged, "It will be dangerous if you are discovered."
Treize held her hand.
"Why would someone as innocent as you stand on the battlefield? Why must we be enemies..."
At this moment, he was an enemy, he was a man who was forced her to marry, and he would be arrested as long as she was given an order.
"Goodbye, Lucrezia."
Noin stared blankly at the figure who disappeared into the darkness, and stroked her numb lips.
Goodbye, Treize.
It was like saying goodbye formally. She made the sign of the cross across her chest.
The army attacking Messina was commanded by Treize. Because of his excellent military skills, he took three points of Messina in just half a month.
The generals in Sicily knew Treize's ability. To make it worse, with the shortage of soldiers and food and low morale, everything became not optimistic. Everyone only prayed that the allied forces of the Triple Alliance can make up their minds to send troops to support. Time was very important to them.
Under the insistence of the generals of Sicily and the militia of Neunheim's family, although Messina held two-thirds of its territory, the tragic victory of the war severely damaged Messina's vitality. Looking at the many wounded, even Noin felt pain and pressure.
In the resting place, Noin hugged her legs, and the lonely night made her fall into deep thought.
"What would you do? Milliardo... I hope you are here..."
Three days later, half of Messina was captured.
*** To be continued***