The Gentleman of Greenstoke

IV.

"I always admired his mansion, although our home is just as fabulous."

Ludwig listened as his older brother praised the Landlord's home while they were climbing out of the carriage. For several years Gilbert and Arthur had been friends. Even though the German often noted that the Englishman's patience with Gilbert was tested greatly. He himself had grown up with strong patience, thanking Mother Nature for gifting him with it; otherwise his older brother would have been extremely bothersome. His childish manner was nothing for poor and sensitive nerves. The siblings were in the military, the oldest brother being higher ranked than Ludwig and enjoyed to make orders to the soldiers who were under his command.

"It will be an entertaining evening," Gilbert commented, walking towards the main door. As usual they needed to wait in the drawing room before a butler would inform them of Mr Kirkland's approaching. Within a few minutes the two Germans were greeted politely by the master of the house. It did not take them long to strike a conversation while Ludwig thought about talking to Sakura who was seating on the settee near the window. Her uncle was more interested in engaging a conversation with the oldest German brother who was praising his own successful military interactions as a General of his birth country Prussia. Whilst Sakura was having a conversation with Ludwig, the oldest brother's loud voice was interrupting their talk permanently. This happened whenever the two brothers were visiting relatives, but Ludwig was certain that Gilbert did not intend to disrupt every person in the room with his pride and tales of being a great Prussian citizen.

After this joyful exclamation, Sakura's attention was caught and she wanted to ask Ludwig why he considered himself German while Gilbert claimed to have Prussian blood. Although she was curious, she did not dare to ask him about it.

"He was born in Prussia before our family decided to live in the Kingdom of Hanover, where I was born," Ludwig explained, having seen Sakura's questioning eyes. No one needed to ask him, he was aware of people's curiosity. "He is Prussian by birth and was given the citizenship due to his position and accomplishments in the Prussian Army."

"Oh, I understand," the female acknowledged, musing about her next words. "I have a different citizenship than my uncle."

Within a minute, the two were engaged in a friendly manner. While Ludwig told her of his difficult adventurous time with his beloved brother, Sakura enjoyed herself. The cultural interaction was a freshening occurrence for both. All the while the talking party had not noticed the intense stare of a pair of green eyes.

Arthur had ignored Gilbert and Alfred's exciting voices long ago; although the Prussian was entertaining, the Englishman was too distracted by observing Sakura and her new companion. He longed to have a share in their conversation, to sit near them when the Japanese smiled which she did occasionally during her talk with Ludwig. The moment Gilbert quietened, Arthur heard Ludwig uttering an interesting question.

"Is it true? You are familiar with martial arts?" Ludwig asked, a small smile gracing his face. "That is indeed very interesting."

It was new information about her that delighted Arthur. She certainly was different from women he knew; her character, interest and cultural background. He himself could barely fight – as Alfred told him; he liked to jest about Arthur's fighting skills – unless he was in possession of a gun or a knife and needed to defend a Lady's honour. The fascination which he had for Sakura increased, just like the little spark of admiration he had for her.

"Martial arts? Wow, I never thought I would encounter a pretty woman who knew how to fight," Gilbert expressed with a smirk while Alfred approved this compliment. "I hope I don't sound too bold in my inquiry, but would you show us a move?"