Chapter 365: Chapter 365
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A palpitating head, full of aggressive thoughts continued to anger the Crown Prince as he stomped his way to the open grounds from where the men were to start their competition.
Mounts and their pompous riders awaited a second song of the horn, a traditional custom the Empire had continued even as majestic trumps were available to make as a marvellous start.
Its sound incited the men’s wildness, and as one who had been to war to satisfy his boredom, Zeleskiaz felt little to its archaic melody. For the encounters he had crossed on his way were enough to flare his beastly means... as it was not only his love for the woman but also the deity living within his bloodline that felt indignation at the impudence the duchess and her youngest daughter had to approach him a second time.
’It burns... bearing boundaries ignites my rage.’ — Trying to keep control of his anger the impatience of his hand made it clench with destructive force. And yet, his efforts would be meaningless. For at the open grounds where the spaces demarked to entail in the hunt were... the nobles he disliked along those he despised prepared in wait.
"Bloody hell." — The Prince grimaced, furthermore as he caught sight of that one sibling of his beloved, who while arranging his gloves glanced at him, nonchalant and void of meaning in his demeanour. — ’Cocky to meet my eye, the b*stard.’
Still unaware of the deepness behind the investigation the Duke of Sylfinnier had his children under, the animosity against the brother was profound for the Crown Prince. As simple as it was for an enamoured soul such as his, the little interactions and behaviours from Paul were enough for his instincts to despise the distasteful’s audacity.
Correspondingly, as in their last encounter... his aura dared to oppose his.
’Hah... madman fits more his guts... and yet I am called madman since I can easily slice them out of him.’ — Zeleskiaz scoffed to himself. Conscious of the fame he had, while the truly corrupted one hid under a proper facade.
Nonetheless, as shameless the meet of his eye was, Zeleskiaz could do more. More so, as near the Sylfinnier’s heir was its head, the lady’s Father, with who behind the eye of many the Prince has conversed with the purpose of protecting the lady after informing of another menace haunting her.
"Duke Sylfinnier."
"... Crown Prince. Greetings, I have heard you would join the hunt this year. May it be fructiferous for your weapon."
"Yes. It is a pity I cannot use the one I am accustomed to, however." — Glancing at Paul with an unsettling calmness his common demeanour easily carried, Zeleskiaz commented... and added. — "Your heir is also joining the hunt, I see... Have a good hunt, little duke."
"... His highness too."
"Indeed... I am certain we all are looking forward to the end of this event." — Continuing, wishing to test the young one’s patience, Zeleskiaz proved further, turning to look at Orland, mentioning that one who could trigger all of them. — "Your daughter, Lady Marianne is to grant the prize. As you well are aware I have not assisted these events in years... this occasion makes the difference of course."
"I am sure Marianne will be appreciative of his highness’s efforts." — As composed as Zeleskiaz, Orland responded. Vexed as it was not pleasant to listen to; yet reserved as the taunt was a good chance to continue to watch his son’s real character. — "Although, as her Father and brother, we also are to hunt with Marianne in mind. Isn’t that right, son?"
"Definitely."
"I do not doubt that is the case." — The Crown Prince then said, pausing to stare into Paul’s golden hues that threatened with brilliance Zeleskiaz’s continuation.
Who blatantly ignored it, wishing to incite his rage while flaunting the truth. — "After all, her support is reassured with who are her family. Sigh~... truly, I am honoured. The Lady has also encouraged myself on this day to earn this prize... Now my efforts must succeed. None of us would like to let down my Lady Marianne, am I correct?"
"Indeed-"
"Marianne gave her support to the Prince, huh."
"Yes. It is not long since I left her in the Empress’s company. Right after encountering the other ladies of your bloodline... Duke Sylfinnier."
Answering the interruption Paul had done on the Duke’s words, Zeleskiaz’s gaze glared at Orland. Conveying there had been distasteful exchanges with his wife and youngest. Intensifying the Duke’s reticence on carrying on with the tense exchange, although his offspring would interfere so it would not end as soon as he wished.
"It is no wonder Marianne would give her support." — Suddenly Paul’s response came.
"Hm? You don’t say... why is that, little duke?"
"... Marianne is a gentlewoman. Such is noticeable to anyone’s eye. Even the crown prince ought to be aware... who would not give their support to their land’s royalty? Duty demands it. Your highness."
"... Indeed." — Taking a moment to contemplate on the reasoning of the man, Zeleskiaz smirked, looking with contempt at the currently proud Paul. Proceeding to crash a tad of his confidence. — "I suppose there isn’t much difference between you and I."
"..."
"Duty also demands from her to support you. Paul. Such a gentlewoman she undoubtedly is..."
Mocking the Duke’s son for believing he had an advantage against him, Zeleskiaz smirked entertained at the apparent displeasure Paul’s nostrils displayed, attempting to control his disrupted temper. Timely listening to the horn announce the start of the hunt, so those present would enter the demarcated woods.
"Well, that is a saddening way to put it." — Orland said as the sound dissipated from their ears. Preventing any other response from his son and then place an end to the exchange.
"I agree." — Zeleskiaz convened, only looking at the duke as with Orland’s interference Paul’s awareness was reminded. — "Your daughter is an honest woman as far as my knowledge tells me."
"Indeed she is. Nonetheless, time to enter the woods has come. May we converse further afterwards, your highness."
"May it be that way." — Bowing in return, Zeleskiaz then gave a last glance to Paul.
"...."
Confident in expression, he gave another light bow the young Paul hardly bothered to return. Seemingly granting a last advise to the heir he should not only have in mind during this event.
"Until later, little duke... Your aura, place some attention on it. Any beast will be alerted if you enter the woods like this... Don’t incite peril to come."