Chapter 586: Chapter 586
Orland’s eyes narrowed at her sayings, feeling within the need to grant her request although conscious it could not continue as he usually did out of respect and care for her hidden ways.
"What is this belief? This time I cannot simply help you without knowledge, Marianne." — He said, firm in the stare he demanded from his daughter to be returned as sincere and certain.
"... Something is odd when it comes to Theressa’s behaviour. I have noticed this for some time ago yet now it is clear in my eyes that she has no true clarity over what she did to me over the years."
"... She could be lying, pretending not to know."
"That is what I will discover if this request is allowed. Whether she’s lying or not, the truth will come out."
"..."
"Clearing up these incongruences could lead me to important information, Dad... and if it is like I believe..."
"... what is it?"
"If my beliefs are correct like I fear, then Theressa may not be as guilty as we and herself believe."
"..."
"She may actually... be a victim, dad."
The tension over the what-ifs that still made her insecure since danger could come closer to her being with this decision was transmitted to the parent who could discern the effort this meant for his child. Feeling a weight augment at the last Marianne conveyed, for what it meant... for how the truth could eventually hurt everyone again.
Nonetheless, there was hope they wanted to achieve... Ever since learning of the darkness in his bloodline and the chosen, the Father always hoped for the gods to clear the sight he’s been blinded from... Ever since gaining confidence with the arrival of her other soul even as reluctant and cautious, the child has hoped to rightfully live this life fully... finding happiness even if difficulties blocked her path.
Both hoped for the truth. Both hoped for the good to fall upon their loved ones.
"What you ask, may not work out if it is I who requests it..." — Orland in the end said, unsure if this was the correct decision although he knew if it was not granted... his youngest could meet an end sooner than initially announced and now, perhaps an undeserved one. — "You need to make the request yourself. As the Ninth, they might make exceptions because of the bond you share with the first Empress Calla... However, you need to convince them it has nothing to do with the blood you two share. If they believe this even for a second... We cannot save Theressa from her destiny."
"If so, there is no problem. I will present myself before them and explain it. Do lead the way."
"Sigh... It never crossed my mind that this was what you summoned myself for, sweetie..."
"... Being honest with you, dad... Saving Theressa from prison never crossed my mind either... until this morning, that is."
"... Just as admirable as you welcomed me today, you need to face the elders. Your voice is still a secret, hence, be thorough in what you write for they will certainly keep what is written as a pledge."
"I understand."
"... Alright. Let’s go."
Like this, father and daughter shared an ironic sigh. Moving so the needed formalities could be met as time was scarce.
The audience was ordered to be informed the moment they crossed the Burgundy Calla’s chambers doors, making sure that the men Marianne was to convince would remain at the audience Hall before today’s session reached a conclusion.
Once at its doors, she was immediately welcomed into the holy place. On her own... just as it was warned by a father for it was by herself that she needed to convey this seemingly stretched request...
"What you have written here... You say the message you received from Izeneya became clearer after these visits you paid your siblings, dear Ninth, Lady Pristina? That it is the divine instruction to take the youngest that shares your blood out of prison as she needs to pay the guilt under your watch?"
’Yes... That is what I came up with at the very least, good sir...’ — Marianne nodded as the eyes of many severe men fell on her. Judging from above if their power would give in to the lies she delivered elegantly.
The stillness as they shared glances to rule on the matter made her shrink slightly... nervous as it was the best excuse she could use without exposing the whole truth.
"... If it is Izeneya that demands this through you who was promised, then we must abide by their wishes."
’?! R-really?! Is it that easy?!’ — She flinched surprised at the quick resolution, seeing soon how it was not as she believed.
"Wait. How do we know it is true?" — One of the elders stood, gazing at her with doubts. — "How can we know the Ninth is not faking this so-called instruction?"
’Oh, shoot... so there’s still some who won’t give in as easily...’
"The Ninth cannot be faked. The First Empress Calla made the Burgundy Chamber a tool for such purpose."
"Yet the ones in jail are her siblings. She could be simply using her status in their favour."
"They are also who harmed her. Besides she is only requesting for the youngest to be released. The one called Paul Sylfinnier and the worse of both is not included in the Ninth’s request. Any with common sense would prefer to let them both rot in jail. Yet she has instructions from further above that we simple men cannot reach."
"Nevertheless, a lie this could be! How will the people react to this!?"
"It is clear in her demeanour that fulfilling a promise is also difficult for herself! Can’t you see?!"
"..."
"... Even if we cannot prove this is an instruction from the divines we also cannot prove it is not. It is best if we obey for otherwise we could earn Izeneya’s wrath. Aren’t we old enough to know such?"
The silence that followed made those who had stood to go back to their seats, shaking the hall with the tension once more as she remained composed and seemingly unfazed by the discussion happening in front of her.