Chapter 285: Chapter 285
The dismay of Marianne at her sister’s touch the first day at the Palace, the words she uttered to his Lady in his presence and lastly... the hideous aura Paul never ceased to showcase when in front of him along with his beloved change of demeanour once he appeared before them during a wonderful dance... It was all told bluntly to Orland, whose animosity ceased solely to listen carefully to the words being said.
"A gaze like his is what true madness looks like. I bet you’ve seen enough of those. You fought on battlefields too before gaining your title... Your son’s madness is sickening even to myself."
"Your Highness." — The butler, interrupted their conversation, surprising both severe nobles. — "As much as you are a royal guest. I ask of you to mind the way you speak to my Lord."
Composed and polite, Thomas stood calmly at his Master’s side, flashing a severe glare to the Prince, for he could feel the pain Orland was experiencing at his words.
"Sympathy. I hope you can exercise such characteristics in your personality. An Emperor ought to have it, although controlled."
"... Hm..." — Holding the elder’s gaze, Zeleskiaz sighed heavily after also catching a glimpse of an appreciative smile from the hurt Duke who concealed it while looking down.
Frowning, thinking about that one the man before him had brought to this world, the Crown Prince then decided to reckon the elder’s words. — "The displeasure at the reminiscence made me heartless. I am to keep this advice in mind, experienced man."
"... Wise of you, Crown Prince."
Taking advantage of the silence, Zeleskiaz reached for the tea he had not touched, flinching surprised at the first sip.
"I heed every order from my Lord. Cold tea was served." — Unfazed, Thomas informed the young prince, noticing his surprise.
"Hmph... A loyal server, I see." —Sipping on the cold tea, the amused Prince smirked at the brazen actions of the elder who continued to stand proudly as his Lord took a moment to continue the exchange.
"Ahem... Zeleskiaz, I appreciate your honesty. I will act accordingly and reach understanding about this sickly madness you say my son is under... The orders are currently to not let him nor Theressa on their own with Marianne. As you are aware, there is also a member from the Umbra Quadrigis surveying her days and nights... I am telling you this as it is only polite after you told me what you knew. Nonetheless..."
Raising from his seat, admirable as he could not let the Prince mistake his shortcomings as him being powerless, Orland clearly stated his opinions and intentions.
"The matter about your feelings towards my child... I could not care less about it at this time."
"..."
"My child is indeed to decide. Yet she has a Father that will not feel satisfied with mere pretty words. Act accordingly if you so feel it... My lovely child... The source of my will to continue... I am to make sure the man who gains her heart is proper and values her whole being like the unreachable heaven she is.
I warn you now, Zeleskiaz.
Do not dare take advantage of her pure soul and heart in these circumstances she faces... I will not have any mercy and the lucid warrior I was known as... Will forbid lucidity when dealing with you if you harm a whiff of the air my child breathes. Never mind touching her. For then the sickening madman will be myself."
"..."
"... This applies to the other two of my offspring too... Solely I am to correct them and... End their any misdeed... That is how it ought to be."
"I understand. Yet I won’t abide by these last convictions, Duke." — Also raising from his seat to portray himself as the tension provided, Zeleskiaz respectfully spoke to Orland with sincere eyes. — "I am to behave properly, for that is what my Lady Marianne deserves. May it come a day that I harm her... Do dismember me to death for that is a mere speck of what anybody deserves for hurting her fairness.
Nonetheless... I am not complying with this legit wish of yours when it comes to her siblings... I am not in the least inclined to let them breathe calmly when my beloved has already been harmed."
"..."
"The next time I witness my lady being hurt. Even if it is by their mere presence... Solely know that my hands... will not hesitate to take their blood in vengeance immediately if Lady Marianne is not there to witness it."
Showing his busted hand to Orland, disturbingly composed as his deathly threat was told, Zeleskiaz finally lowered his lids to dismiss the tension and conveyed one last thing that would somehow relieve the Duke.
"Be at ease that, my restraint this time can be repeated if it means my Lady’s eyes won’t be tainted."
"I wouldn’t expect less... And as it is... It is displeasing to recognise, yet I would do the same."
"It is a relief we finally agree on something."
"More or less... It is."
"Then. I believe this conversation has come to an end. I am taking my leave this time. Farewell, Duke Sylfinnier. It was a tasteful cold tea under this weather."
Turning to leave Orland’s bureau, Zeleskiaz finalised their exchange graciously with a hint of sarcasm. However, the voice of the Household owner did not take long to reach him before the royal man vacated the place.
Plain, yet essentially gentle as his soul was, Orland’s sound detained the Crown Prince’s steps as his hand reached the door to open it.
"Zeleskiaz." — His name was called to meet his eyes. — "Make sure to treat that hand at the very least..."
"..... I will."
Deeply into the Duke’s hues, Zeleskiaz understood what was not told through their silent pause.
Orland was aware. Much too aware... That his retreat was solely from his office... and that from here, the man would make his way to his daughter, indifferent from getting any kind of permission.
Hence, Orland conveyed it in the harshness of his coal hues.
— Don’t let her see it... and I will allow it this time. —
"Farewell, Crown Prince. Go back safely and save me the trouble by informing your father of our arrival."
"I have no other choice. He will probably summon me the moment I step foot on his grounds."
The prince’s aloof comment, made Orland laugh. And lifting his eyes one last time to dismiss the Prince he told him sincerely a comment that would remain in Zeleskiaz’s thoughts.
"Francois... He’s a good man, Zeleskiaz. I hope you will comprehend his ways one day."