The cold summer of 1881, a poet, hailing from the southern isles of a kingdom, goes to the west, where grass and sand collide.
Gerono De'Lithesia is his name, a poet— but never quiet.
He spent his days writing his dreams and fictions of love and tragedy, straying from his noble family's traditions, medicine.
He chose to leave his place in search of a lover... And maybe a job— His family disapproved of his journey and gave him very little allowance.
One day, he finds himself purchasing the cheapest bread he could find in Erinsberg, the capital. "What an interesting life to unfold." He tells to himself, sarcastic.
As he reaches for the bread, a voice called out to him, another Felosieß of his kind.
(Felosieß means noble in the old language, these people are characterized by their natural platinum hair passed down genetically.)
"Gerono? Why are you here?", he asks, clearly shocked at Gerono's state.
"William Veilßhän.", he then clears his throat. "I'm looking for an occupation here in Erinsberg.", he sighs.
"Any luck?", he asks, tilting his head to the side a little bit.
Gerono looks away, defeated in his tone, "Well, God has yet to give me a blessing."
William taps him after realizing something, "Back in Rußwäll, we need someone to take care of a huge library.".
Gerono's eyes light up, "Oh really?",
William nods, "Yes, it even provides you quarters to rest for no expenses at all".
Gerono fixes his long platinum hair, making ready for the day, "Sign me up, William!"
William shakes his head, grinning, "It's been a very long time since we last met."
"T'was in Magnerstied, a decade ago", replies Gerono.
"Come with me, we have a long way to travel.".
They both start walking, Gerono asks, "How far is it?", as he takes a bite out of the loaf of bread.
"Quite far, we'll have to take the train station.", he continues walking, "How've you been?", he asks, checking the time on his pocket watch.
"My state's been low, I barely have money to keep myself breathin'.", he says before sighing.
William raises an eyebrow, "At least your father would've given you some cash, right?"
Gerono replies, "And guess what, William?", his tone a bit weary, "They're— pinches air — this close to disowning me.", he adds.
"Disowning a child yearning for a journey?", William scoffs, utterly surprised, "That's the De'Lithesia for you, they treat men as delicate pieces too.", he smirks.
Gerono groans, "And look at you, all of the freedom in the world!", he wraps the loaf and shoves it into his bag.
William points at a building, "That's the train station. Good thing I saw you right in time before I go home.".
Then they walked into the station, Gerono looked a bit worried, "William, I think my Girsel are insufficient for this ride."
(Girsel is their currency, roughly amounts a dollar.)
William turns around and looks at him, "I got Rußwäll's personal train incoming, every time I go here, I tell my assistants to operate it at a given schedule."
Gerono breathes a sigh of relief, "Good lord."
William looks at the rails, then spots the locomotive, "Get ready, they're here.", He waves his hand.
A few minutes pass, they board the train— The lights pristine, upholstery new, the seats are soft and red as velvet.
Gerono looks around, amazed, "Beautiful."
"Heh, if you only knew how much this cost." Says William, also looking around.
He places his luggage down as the train starts moving, "About the library, are the quarters integrated with it?", he asks.
"Ah, yes." Answers William. "And right outside, there is a bakery and a coffee shop, all locally produced. Very cheap."
"So... Is your father the Count of Rußwäll?", Gerono asks.
William scratches the back of his head, "Quite a long story even way before we were born.", he tells him, "So there's this agreement that two noble families share the same power and rule of Rußwäll. Good news, we're friends with the Elisaviths."
"Elisaviths? Isn't that the woman with the red eyes?", Gerono asks.
"Good thing you still remember, she's one of the best fencers in town.", he smiles, looking suspiciously proud.
Gerono knowingly smirks, "Is this the time for the two families to unite?", he teases.
William points a finger to his own chest, his gloved hand barely colliding with the leather vest he was wearing. "I do not plan to marry." He says calmly, smooth.
"Afraid of her dueling skills?", asks Gerono, "Perhaps it's the thought that she will threaten you to a duel if you do not approve of something she requests?", he continues.
William exhales, saying, "You do not humor me." in a cold tone. "You do not dare, nor do I court the Elisaviths.".
"And why not?" He wonders, then takes off his hat.
"They're a little too stingy.", he scoffs, then stands up to walk towards the other cabin.
"Is that it? Stingy? Perhaps grumpy too— but really, why?", he asks, following him.
William opens the door, "I just don't want to. And the fact they don't really like people from the south.", he answers.
Gerono smiles, light and carefree, "Don't, worry, it won't be that much for me.".
William suddenly turns back, "Are you saying you want to court one of the Elisaviths?"
"Maybe? Wherever destiny takes me." He shrugs.
William shakes his head in disbelief, "What an impossible man.", smiling.
Time passes, they reach Rußwäll.
Gerono gets off the train after William does, a few townsfolk notice the new face, one shouts, "Sir Veilßhän! Who's the new guy!?"
William yells back, "Gerono De'Lithesia! An old friend looking for a job!"
Edward Brünswick, one of William's acquaintances steps up next to them.
He asks, "How long have you known him?,
William answers, "Years, Eddy.", and then they continue walking.
And so, the ballad has only finished a bit of its first stanza, a story of flamboyant person, finding his way of life, has played its first note.
The chapter ends.