Meeting on Meeting Part II

This time, a man with slightly gray hair was sitting on the armchair in the meeting room. When he saw me, he got up and greeted me with a sincere smile. Don't be fooled by the graying of his hair. Haruel Wonright is the same age as me. His hair is like this because of familial characteristics.

You may remember Haruel from the chapter “Six Years Ago”. He was the person whose name was mentioned in the conversation I overheard in the library. D.D's friend named or nicknamed Elene adored him and took advice on communicating her feelings to Haruel.

We haven't seen each other for five years as Haruel was studying at a university in our cultural city of Nisepa and the war in the north broke out soon after. Of course, in the process, Haruel got married and became a father after obtaining the title of duke.

Haruel wasn't one of my closest friends. However, the relationship between us was more than a prince-noble citizen. That's why I can say that I am happy to see Haruel, especially the sincerity in his eyes.

I got a brief information about Haruel's marriage life. Four years ago, Haruel married a country nobleman he met in Nisepa. This means that his wife, Kalehie, did not attend the academy in the capital. I'm a little depressed that Kalehie isn't connected to Elene, but I'm not really thinking about that right now. In this meeting, I will both relieve my longing with my friend and ask questions about Haruel's work area.

“I heard that your daughter Asilia said her first words at the royal picnic four months ago, Duke Wonright.” This is the sentence I said after briefly talking about what we did in the five years we didn't meet.

“Yes, your majesty! When I came back from the small hunting party, she stretched out her arms towards me from where she was sitting and said, "Dad!" That day may be one of the happiest moments of my life.” Haruel replied. Then, without hesitation, “I'm not used to you calling me duke. I wish you would say Haruel directly, like the days at the academy.” he added.

"Why not if you call me Eadred like the old days?" I replied.

“Okay, Prince Eadred,” he replied with the same friendly smile. A respectful, sincere and kind-hearted nobleman… I am very happy to have such citizens in our kingdom.

“Being a father seems like a great feeling.” I said.

“Because of my academic career, I am a late married person compared to many of the nobles around me. The only thing that would make me regret my late marriage was the thought that I could not become a father sooner.” he replied.

Haruel, you made it clear right away that you stopped by the queen before meeting me. Anyway, without showing that I understand it, I will touch on the subject I want to talk.

"You and Duchess Kalehie's work for the benefit of our kingdom has delayed your becoming parents. For that, the royal owes you its debt of gratitude." I said.

“You, my prince, put aside your personal happiness and went to war for the sake of this royal. What we do is small in comparison to your sacrifice.” he replied. Then without hesitation, “It even seems to me that you are still single for the sake of a sacrifice.” he added.

Then, realizing that he was raising a very personal issue with a bang, he pressed his stomach with both hands and bent down from his seat and said, "I'm sorry for speaking out of my place in personal matters."

“It's okay, Haruel. On the contrary, it is nice that you spoke, knowing that I have a serious responsibility in this matter.” I replied.

Haruel's comments about my private life strengthen my gamble. Because I also have something I want to ask about his private life.

“The transport water system developed by the Duchess was a project that I liked very much.” I changed the subject.

“Yes, we both have a common goal. Simple machines to make life easier for non-magical citizens... We develop our projects and inventions based on this purpose. But my wife is always a few steps away from me.” he replied.

The respect you have for your wife only increases my love for you, my friend. Of course, I can't say that directly.

“I think this common purpose made you fall in love with each other in college. Whereas I always thought you would marry someone you met at the Royal Academy.” I said.

He looked at me with a surprised expression and smiled shyly. “Your memory may be deceiving you, sir, but I was not a very popular person in academia. It was a mockery among the girls that I was studying hard.” he replied.

I pretended to be surprised and said, “Is that so? I remember that on our graduation day, you received a lot of congratulatory messages and gifts from the girls. Some close friends even received love letters from them. I thought you were one of them too.” I said.

Embarrassed even more, he brought a hand to his neck and said, “Most of it was just a matter of formality. No woman took a special interest in me, Prince, from the academy until I met Kalehie.” he replied.

I was a little upset with this answer. Meeting with Haruel to relieve the longing was my priority. However, I regretted that I had gone this far to reach a woman named or nicknamed Elene. I was distracted by Haruel's smile as I planned to change the subject.

He smiled and said, “Being short and early graying of hair was not an obstacle to being admired by a woman. I learned this through my wife.” he continued his speech. I am happy that he is at peace with himself.

“You never mentioned it in the academy. Where did you get the idea to design simple machines that would make things easier for people with low magic power?" I asked. Then, "I'd like to hear about the Duchess's motivation, too." I added.

“I would really like you to meet her. She will tell you quite entertaining stories when you are at an invitation or when you visit our house.” he replied.

“It all started with seeing a machine that another duke brought from abroad when I realized that I could not be a military noble like my father after graduating from the academy. The machine was weaving cloth without using any magic power. Its mechanism was simple and attracted a great deal of attention from the common citizen. Thanks to our magicians specialized in tailoring, we can dress up today. In fact, if a nobleman with very high magic power like you wants, he can even design his own clothes. However, such machines are very lifesaving for people with low or no magic power. That's what the duke who brought the machine from abroad said." he continued.

“An admirable motivation.” I said. It really was.

“The fact that Duke Sariante brought a fabric weaving machine for such a purpose caused me to develop an area of ​​interest as well.” he said.

Sariente? This is the second time I've heard this man's name today. I've heard it many times since I arrived. Although I don't remember his face clearly, he seems like a really good person with business acumen. If he uses his intelligence for the benefit of the citizens, this is fine for me, though. I would like to meet him one day.

Anyway, I couldn't find a clue from this meeting today either. I'll have to move on to other plans and speed up.