Chapter 220: Chapter 220
Fortunately for the lonely Duchess, her husband was as she remembered: A thoughtful man.
The Duke of Sylfinnier had not only learned of their arrival but also learned the moment the two other beloved members of his family had left their domains to come to the place they have been residing for the past nine days.
It was the first and only report he had received from his trusty Butler. Wishing to ensure his eldest child of how much he trusted his skill to manage his household in his absence, Orland had requested to only be informed of his wife’s and son’s departure to the Palace for today’s event.
"Your Grace, it has been informed that your Family has entered the Palace’s grounds. Currently, they are being escorted to the West Wing where they are to reside." — Dazil, the young servant had informed Orland.
"Alright. Take care of these. We are to send it to the Emperor’s secretary." — He efficiently instructed. — "I am to stop here for today. Come meet me after you hand them in. I want to introduce you to my Son."
"Yes, Your Grace."
Giving the last order, Orland stood from his desk to hand the stoic servant the mentioned letters and watched him retreat.
The Duke listened to the silence left by the closure of his bureau’s door and ultimately, his piercing gaze arrived on the ring on his hand, that one representing his marriage.
’... My wife and son...’
Orland softly thought at the longing for the two.
"It has not been long... yet I miss them... Hah." — He mumbled with a scoff at the end.
The Duke thought of his wife’s and son’s personalities.
Both so different and unique in treatment... Orland was surprised at how his affection could place such difficult characteristics aside and hold such endearing sentiments towards the two.
’I wonder how these days were for them... I cannot imagine Elenaide and Paul sharing much of their time in each other’s presence, haha.’
"... Paul is not one who would be a good conversation partner for his mother..." — He then whispered fondly thinking about his son’s serious demeanour.
The Duke was well aware of their differences... yet ignorant to how this conviction he had, not only became true but also turned sour in the last pair of days.
His mind then drifted, only to think of his wife who had ridden their carriage alone this time.
’... Elenaide... Hopefully, my wife did not miss my presence...’ — Saddened to truly believe she had not, Orland rolled his wedding ring on his finger blankly before deciding to prepare to meet her soon.
’I should... fix myself up a bit.’ — As if his youth had come back, Orland thought to polish himself so his wife would see him in a good appearance after their separation.
... Eventually giving birth to another idea.
"... Maybe I could tell Theressa her mother is here... They usually prepare together, but..."
Doubt invaded him for he had matters to resolve with the mentioned child.
"..."
A tiny twinge on his temple attacked him with the thought, and sighing, he left his bureau. Leaving his intentions for fate to decide.
*******
"... Where is she..." — He coldly whispered.
The dull journey in his mother’s distasteful company and the neverending movement of the carriage that seemed to take longer the more they closed to their destination was menacing his edgy sanity with impatience and frustration.
The day before had been his torture and the two nights after hearing his Mother’s babbling had been chaotic for his psyche and soul.
Paul’s desire to meet his beloved sister had multiplied with desperation at the mention of her time being spent with the Man who stole her first dance from him... As well as the intent of his distorted ways to ensure his possession over her was not forgotten by his fierce hands... That also wished to touch her in wicked manners.
"Marianne... Sister..... When am I to see you?..... If only I knew where you are in that hellish Palace..."
His neck twisted as he loosened his sleeve’s wrist while facing his mirror without truly paying attention to his reflex.
"Sigh... Marianne... Curse the devil... F*ck..... Agh, DAMN IT–!!"
Halting his hand from reaching the expensive glass in front of him his neck reddened in rage at her absence.
The thought of her being so near yet not at his hand’s reach was maddeningly hurtful to his unstable mindset.
Desperation could have easily pushed him to invade the Main Palace in her search, yet his plans for their meeting would be placed in danger if he had followed his instincts.
’Bloody hell... Haah..... Sister... How can it be that I cannot meet you sooner?’ — In pain, the disrupted Young Lord thought.
’... Why am I even at the Guest’s Palace?... As her Family shouldn’t I stay near just as the Duke and that kid??’
"..... That man... He who took her from my side with that annoying invitation..... That cursed crown prince..."
His face distorted in disgust at the culprit of every minute he had been away from his goddess.
A flame of violence. One that would only subside by his hands bathing in the liquid the man’s blood could become had been burning strongly ever since he laid eyes on his Sister’s figure dancing with the Prince’s hands on her.
"Hhaa..." — The reminiscence only lifted its intensity, causing his sighs to become heavier as they left his blank demeanour.
However, he would need to change his mood promptly.
Knock knock. — the sound of his door announced.
"Paul, it is I, your Father. May I intrude?"
To the sound of the familiar voice coming through the closed entrance made his closed lids open abruptly... Portraying a gaze seemingly devoid of craziness.
"Come in." — He calmly let out, turning on his spot to welcome the unwanted presence of the Duke.
"Hello, my son..." — Orland delightedly greeted him giving him a firm squeeze on both of his arms’ sides. — "Were you resting, Paul? Am I disturbing you?"
"That is not the case, Father... It is good to see you."
"... Yes... It is good to see you, Paulos, dear." — Touched, Orland responded with sweetness to his grown son.
"... Who is this?" — Troubled by the sensation his nice father treated him with, Paul inquired to shake the oddness, noticing the man behind his Father.
"Ah... That’s right. Dazil this is my Son and Heir, Paul Khan Sylfinnier.
Son, this is Dazil, I have thought of him to be trained under Thomas so he can aid you as Thomas would once you inherit your Title."
"Nice to meet you, Young Lord Paul."
"... Nice to meet you... I see... Indeed. Thomas cannot last forever..."
"Oh, dear... Don’t say that, Paul... Thomas is getting old... If we don’t search someone ourselves he might do so on his own either way, haha."
"Indeed."
"... You seem tired, son. Has the work at the Duchy been taking your sleep away?"
"No... I solely... I have not recovered from the journey... It somehow felt endless on this occasion."
"I see..." — Pained that his son seemed exhausted, Orland softly accepted his words giving his arm light pats in a show of affection.
"Well, I should leave so you can rest for tonight. Your Sisters are already preparing their appearances, I am expectant to see our little women today, haha... They surely will be delighted to see you too Paul."
"Yes... I am also expectant to meet."
The softening of his Son’s countenance relieved him and lightly smiling the busy Duke announced his leave.
"Alright. I will see you at the Ball, Paul. Dazil shall come with me, I also want you to meet my wife, The Duchess."
"Yes, Your Grace. Until a later time, Young Lord."
Bowing to his two new Masters, the apprentice Butler followed The Duke with a proper expression. Nonetheless, Dazil could feel as he turned and left the Young lord’s lodgings how his lord’s unwavering gaze continued on him.
*******
"Could you please take us to my wife’s lodgings now?"
"This way, Your Grace."
Asking the guard that guided them to Paul, Orland now made his way to his wife’s whereabouts.
Slightly depressed for not being able to speak more with his missed son, the Duke commenced to feel nervous as now it was time to meet Elenaide, his life partner.
The two had been distant for some time, yet lately, after his declaration about his wish to get along as they did before, had made the distance feel tensed by unsaid words.
’Sigh... I only hope for our conversation to be peaceful...’ — He thought as he walked his way to her.
Their guide continued to lead them through the luxurious hallways and soon paused at the gates of the sought Duchess.
Elegantly, the guard announced:
"Your Grace’s Duchess can be found here."
"... Thank you. You may go back." — Orland told the respectful guard. —"... Dazil... Could you wait here for a moment? I shall come for you later."
"As you order, Your Grace."
"..." — Nodding composedly to the straight man, Orland knocked on his wife’s doors, waiting to hear her voice before announcing his presence.
A short second of silence traversed and...
"... Who is it?"
"... It is I, Elenaide... Your Husband."
Orland responded to the severe tone of his wife.