You Think I Won't Talk?-Chapter 448
"It is despicable of the Crown Prince to turn on the family of the victim under these circumstances. Would you at the very least tell us... how come my sister disappeared in what should have been a guarded Palace? How come the Prince’s first step is to face my Father in such a manner, blaming his children no less?? Doesn’t the Heir of the Empire know of bare tact for the affected?"
"... I am not here as the Heir to the Empire, little Duke. This time I am here as the one in charge of the Ninth’s Robus Pars. Having you and the other child of Sylfinnier to come with me is because of the previous accusations that fell on you last time the Ninth faced danger."
"If so, it should not be me who you seek but solely Theressa. Although, wasn’t that matter already taken care of, Father?" — Shameless in his prominence, Paul turned to the Duke wishing to gain the expected support based on his logic; however, Orland’s eyes simply scrutinized the sight of the son before him, glancing at the daughter that stood few steps away, holding onto the mother while the knights of the Emperor surrounded the place.
"..."
Orland remained silent for a moment, developing the headache concern ignited at the matters ongoing. Being pushed to reply as he felt Zeleskiaz’s roaring aura heighten in impatience and tension the more displeased his son’s presence made him.
’There’s no time to even think...’ — Orland contemplated with frustration, aware that even as the Crown Prince’s actions could be deemed as rude when ignorant... Rationality told him there was enough reason behind it. — ’If Marianne disappeared... Lamentably... he’s who I would also suspect of... bloody hell I am living... Izeneya, please...’
"It was indeed taken care of... However, Paul... Theressa..." — Looking at both of his children who shared the golden of the wife that was also present, Orland severely in his prominence as the Duke of Sylfinnier overcame the waver this determination shook his heart with. — "Both of you, don’t dare oppose to the Crown Prince’s orders this time. You will follow what he deems appropriate."
"... Orland..."
"?! Father! We talked about this already! I did not-!"
"I said not to oppose it, Theressa." — Making a blind eye to the desolation his wife and youngest daughter shared at his declarations, Orland stopped any word from Theressa that could stain her reputation further... for it was already doubtful for most of the nobles present. And glancing at the son who scowled at his Father’s determinations... — "Do not misunderstand what I am saying right now, Paul... Theressa too. Yet if there are suspicions, as your Father I will move the heaven and earth... so the truth may rise."
"..."
"We should be reasonable at times like these."
Paul remained silent, while Theressa cried disconsolately in her mother’s arms... Yet in the son’s serious stance that appeared to disagree with the Duke’s pledge, Orland saw a hint of laughter, to which his eyes darkened slightly... Fearsome of what the truth would tell about his son... or furthermore, what the lies that Paul could have covered the truth with could convey...
"As his Grace says. While the search for the Ninth is held, we shall reveal who the real responsible behind it is. This is simply a procedure, little Duke." — Zeleskiaz said as he saw fit during the exchange, gesturing with his head to the knights present so the siblings would be taken and their watch would fall on them while the Lady was missing. Telling one last thing to the unpleasant son of the Duke as the men went to escort him out of the Ballroom. — "You are to cooperate, am I correct? It is your little sister who this is about after all. Cooperating will aid our laws."
"... Although I would prefer to help while going personally in her search... As his Grace suggested I am to do. Crown Prince."
Taken under the knights’ custody Paul was guided out of the Hall calmly in offended demeanour while the youngest of the Sylfinnier tried to hold back the tears at such fate she was facing while following behind the older brother that walked indifferent to her demeanour.
Silence reigned the Hall in its vastness, and after the siblings had disappeared from sight as the buzz of those assisting commenced to grow, Orland in a placated growl spoke to the Crown Prince.
"Zeleskiaz." — Clenching every single one of his body’s muscles to remain controlled, his eyes glared at the nonchalant Crown Prince. — "This you’ve done... I won’t forget it."
"... Little do I care for your despicable son’s reputation. Duke. Lady Marianne could be in great danger while we lose time here."
"It’s not only my son you humilliated-"
"Orland!" — Suddenly, the yell of the Duchess was heard, stomping her way to the men’s side and glaring at the Crown Prince. Deciding to spit some retaliation to the royal heir after nothing could be done anymore. — "... Disgraceful man. You have no manners nor prestige! To take my children suddenly! Don’t you have shame-!"
"Elenaide. Stop."
"... Hah."
"... We shall talk further at the private room along with his Majesty." — Walking away without a wish to respond to a hysterical mother, Zeleskiaz left the Dukes on their own... not forgetting to call the one who last saw the Lady so he would also leave the married alone. — "Duke Noverrne, you should also join."
"... If you may excuse myself, Your Graces..." — Clemente bowed, allowing the Dukes to stand on their own while Elenaide’s demeanour judged the composed husband who had shut her words. Continuing to tell her thoughts without the high tone she came with before.
"How can you remain this unfazed? Our children walked out those doors as if criminals... What will happen to them, huh? The respect of their peers, OUR REPUTATION ORLAND... Couldn’t you at the very least oppose that madman for your children?! For us!? For me?!!"
"..... Woman." — Keeping silent to listen to her outrage, Orland’s wrath took form in the sound he let out that even though he wanted to restrain it, the Duke could no longer endure a wife’s selfishness.
