Chapter 366: Chapter 366
The comment of the Crown Prince was not discreet enough for Orland to not hear it. And as he saw how Zeleskiaz walked away without concern on his provocations, the Duke rolled his eyes, weary as it was him who would have to deal with a diffident Paul, with who he had already discussed... Right after returning to the household’s tent from escorting Marianne back to the Emperor.
’Cursed be that Prince... and yet...’ — Glancing at his firstborn, Orland appreciated how his demeanour was now demonstrating the distaste he felt at Zeleskiaz’s taunts, which although as a father he disliked for the Prince was not of his devotion... could still comprehend...
For the glare at the mention of his wife and youngest had already been informed to the Duke, bothering his patience, just as the constant presence the Prince had with his eldest daughter even if it had been allowed somehow forcefully.
’If I were him, I would have used a royal’s power already... Theressa and Elenaide... those two...’ — Recalling how not long before the Prince approached them the other shadow pertaining to the Umbra Quadrigis the animosity his family had provoked on the Crown Prince... He deeply thanked the man while reluctant. For the fame of Zeleskiaz would have not left a head untouched before meeting Marianne.
"... that man has no selfawarance." — Suddenly, the ominous mutter of his son, broke him from the ponder.
"He does not need it. As one to own the Empire, it is to be like that... usually."
"... Marianne... to think she has to deal with such an arrogant man... I hope this changes his grace’s mind on allowing her to stay away for such a lengthy period."
"Paul. Don’t begin with your unbecoming reproaches. I am not going to tolerate them. I’ve had enough of this morning’s misconceptions of yours."
Reprimanding Paul because of his glare, Orland mounted his horse after sheathing the sword he had slightly taken out to peek at its sharp edge. Looking down at his son to demand a response on his part.
"I am not reproaching. It is only an opinion."
"Don’t be so opinionated then. Hah... It continues to infuriate my soul... you had never been so reckless in your comments. It is truly disappointing to see, Paul."
"... I have been on edge-"
"You have been for a long time now. It’s already enough."
"..."
"... This is not the time. Mount your steed, the hunt has commenced... did you not want to earn the prize too?"
Noticing how many of the men had already gone inside the hunting grounds, Orland decided to give their tense ambience a rest. Therefore, his expression softened as he waited for Paul to settle on his mount.
"... Yes." — Pacing by his side, the heir slowly galloped, only granting a bow before leaving on his own to his activities. — "I shall go for now... may his grace find good prey."
"... You too..." — Dedicating him a kind smile Orland watched the horse move into the green, allowing his concern to become apparent as it was solely him who remained. — "Or not... I am no longer certain of what to hope for, my son..."
"... A father ought to hope for their children’s best. Always." — Then, the discreet butler that had stood aside to not intrude on his master’s interactions said. Standing outstandingly beside the mount Orland rode. — "Even if one is not certain of their child’s decisions or wishes."
"... I suppose... that is how it’s been all along... only that I didn’t know I would have to hope for a better bad when it came to my children."
"... Let us continue keeping an eye on the young master, my Lord. As it is right now, we need to provoke him cleverly so his doings are further exposed."
"..... I know... I know but..." — Saddened by the hidden connections his heir had been discovered to have, Orland’s heart would ache every day stronger. Concerned for the activities he had while Marianne was away... and for which he had become adamant on maintaining her away from their residence...
Even as it meant staying ignorant of the lengths his son could go to for his sister. — ’He is still my dear firstborn... he who was so gentle while showing admiration... who said he wanted to be as correct as I appeared to him once older... Paulos... I am disheartened the more I learn of your treason... of the character you hid.’
"... Problems were sure to arise, my Lord... Until now, you have done perfectly. Bashaa’s eye has not been noticed. Do persevere."
"... Yes... yes... at the very least... I am not to lose hope for his psyche to find clarity. It may be difficult, yet..."
"We ought to hope for our children’s best."
"... Yes." — Once more, Orland’s heart was shaken as the grief tried to forbid his little hope.
Grateful again for the elderly right hand, which would place him back into a firmer stance while uncertainty destabilized his resolve. — "His letters have ceased for a while. He has been quiet... this event might let us find something else. I will go now... tell the shadows to follow each of us. What Elenaide and Theressa are to do is also to be informed."
"As you order. Have a nice hunt, your Grace."
The activity had finally started. The demarked space had been entered by the participants and the creatures were to be searched with careful and sometimes reckless measures.
Some had the luck to find a prey soon after entering the woods... as well as the bad luck, for different beasts meant different menaces.
And yet...
"... Should I use a horse? It might get in the way... although I can use it as a lure for the bigger beasts."
"Uhh... The Emperor said not to... Hey, aren’t you too calm? The hunt already started and here you are... Did the Ninth reject you–"
"Shut that muzzle. Don’t spit your bull, Biel." — To the unbecoming chatter of his right hand, Zeleskiaz glared, saving the blade and shoving the arrow and bow to the bored man attempting to tease his master. — "I won’t ride a horse today. I’ll mark my hunt with a hint of aura on the blade... I have to do well."
"Right. It’s been a while since the cages have entered your bedroom, hasn’t it? Your hand must be thirsty for blood. Haha~"
The naive Biel that had yet to understand completely the change of his master laughed entertained at the violence he expected from the Crown Prince, summoning his silence... one that was pleased to be reminded of his abstinence from the cursed blood thirst... and happy... that it was a different, more gratifying reason, his being had this time to use his hands in this wild event.