章 35: Studying With Ronan

Arielle placed back the empty plates and glasses on the tray while Ronan returned to his work chair. Now, Arielle was ready for her first lesson.

Ronan tidied up several piles of books beside him to make room for Arielle to study. The man didn't forget to drag a chair which was then placed beside his work chair.

"You'll study here," said Ronan.

Arielle sat and waited for Ronan. The king checked on some of his papers which he prepared as his materials for her, but then glanced at her.

"You know the alphabet?"

"Um… just a few," Arielle replied shyly.

Ronan took out a thin book and in it were several types of simple alphabets.

"Don't feel sad. A process starts from the starting line. There isn't a creature in the world that goes straight to the finish line without running."

Finally, Arielle's smile returned. Ronan patiently introduced Arielle to the alphabet. Arielle was quite fast in learning. The girl at least knew a few letters which made it easier for Ronan to teach her.

When Arielle took a bit of time to remember the letters he taught, Ronan took it as the opportunity to read some of the royal reports that awaited him, but whenever Arielle was unsure and asked for help on the correct pronunciation, Ronan didn't hesitate to put down his work and give the girl his full attention.

"Do you want to rest?" Ronan then offered after some time. He didn't want Arielle to force herself. They could drink tea for a few minutes then continue studying again if the girl wanted.

"If Your Majesty wishes to rest, so be it. I still need to distinguish these two alphabets. They often get me confused," answered Arielle casually. She didn't even lift her face from the paper he gave her which made Ronan smile widely.

Ronan didn't want to force it either. If Arielle felt tired, the girl would definitely stop herself. He returned to work diligently.

The clock was ticking and before they knew it, it was now their afternoon tea. Ronan glanced to the side of the studying princess and smirked. The man suddenly rested his head on Arielle's shoulder and effectively made the girl stop memorizing the alphabet in front of her.

"Your Majesty?" Arielle asked. She was confused to find the man resting his head on her shoulder.

Ronan simply closed Arielle's book and said. "It's lunch break. We will finish today's lesson here. Tomorrow you will learn to write and spell."

There was a brief knock on Ronan's door and then William stepped inside of the room. When she saw William's presence, Arielle immediately got up from her chair and tidied up her book nervously.

This made Ronan click his tongue in annoyance. Why did this guy come here?

"Your Majesty, it will soon be time for you to come to the Main Hall. Several people have been waiting for your arrival," William informed him dutifully.

Ronan didn't forget about his schedule. Every month the palace was always opened for some ordinary people to convey their problems. Several dukes who were in charge of certain areas were also present to listen to some of the wishes of their citizens.

Ronan was a resolute king. He could be cruel if needed. He would resolve the existing conflict in his own way. He also punished people according to their deeds.

Often, he didn't care about the dukes demanding their 'rights' when there was some problem between the common people and the nobility.

Ronan cared more about the concern of his people than some parasitic nobles.

During his reign, several noble families left the Northendell kingdom due to being ignored by Ronan when they asked for an expansion of the territory.

Ronan didn't think much of it. He still had another family to take over the abandoned territory. Until now, what remained in the North were people Ronan could truly trust.

Since then, Ronan was known as a strict king, and some nobles didn't dare take risky steps against the king's wishes.

"Then I ask permission to resign for today, Your Majesty," said Arielle. She realized that the king needed to take care of his royal duties.

"Come back tomorrow to study again."

Arielle nodded and bowed respectfully towards the man. She took the book Ronan had lent her. Before she left the room, Arielle had time to greet William as she passed the man.

Soon enough, she returned to the Whitethorn palace. Arielle used the rest of her time to continue memorizing the alphabet that she hadn't been quite able to learn for a while. Tania brought her a pot of tea to the balcony of the room.

"Your Highness, please have some tea first. You've been studying so hard." Tania smiled as she poured the tea into a porcelain cup and didn't wait for the princess to say yes because she was immersed in her studies.

As she poured the princess a drink, the old maid watched the steam from the hot liquid rise high. It was really perfect for chilly weather.

Arielle, who was focused on her book, suddenly heard a small explosion sound from a distance. Her lips parted as she raised her head and saw the colorful splashes in the sky. From the minuscule size, she could tell that it was someone who had set off fireworks in the city.

Tania also saw the sight and smiled.

"A chef said this morning that there was a festival in town."

"What festival?"

"Every mid-year after two full moons, they will celebrate the day the Northendell kingdom was founded."

Arielle really wanted to see the festival in Northednell. In Nieverdell, she often saw celebrations. Many people sold about the streets, lit fireworks and Arielle never missed each one.

She loved to watch the attractions that the actors put on in the middle of the square as well. Arielle was really curious what the festival celebrations in this snow-filled kingdom would look like….

"I want to see the festival," Arielle muttered.

"Why don't you ask His Majesty King Ronan? I'm sure he will allow you to leave the palace."

"The king is busy at the moment."

Tania snapped her fingers when she remembered something.

"Today is the day the palace opens to the public, so King Ronan must be in the palace main hall to meet the royal guests."

"You know about that, Tania?"

"Of course, princess." The old woman smiled gently. "The people in the north are quite friendly, and we made friends quickly."

Arielle touched Tania's wrinkled hand. "I'm pleased to hear it. But I hope you don't work too hard and push yourself, Tania."

"Princess, there is no need to worry. Now I'm getting used to the cold north, and it turns out that moving around more and more makes my joints healthier."

Arielle just smiled and took another sip of the tea that Tania had poured. Even though when Tania poured it earlier, the liquid was still so hot that it gave off steam, yet after being left to talk for a while, the tea started to get cold.

Even the tea inside of the pot grew cold.

"Oh my, it became cold so fast. Let me heat it up again."

As Tania left to warm the tea again, she left Arielle with her book. When the young woman saw Tania walk away, suddenly, an idea crossed the princess's head.

"Tania, rest today because I will return to the Blackthorn palace."

"What will the princess do?" Tania turned and looked at her master with a look of astonishment.

"I will stand in line to meet the king," Arielle said firmly.

The princess put her coat back on and left her room.