You Think I Won't Talk?-Chapter 36

Little after lunchtime, Zeleskiaz had been summoned to accompany his father at the Audience Hall. Ignorant of the real motive the Emperor had for requiring his presence, the Crown Prince assumed that one of the high nobles that are currently giving a hard time to his Father had requested a meeting at the last minute.

The Prince was often asked to assist such meetings as a measure to induce pressure on those nobles. That way, the ones that began to act according to their greed, by making profits in ways the Empire was clearly against, would act consequently to their position and put a stop to their foolish behaviour.

Yet, contradicting that assumption, it was Duke Sylfinnier who had shown up to their presence.

It was the first time that only the three of them were gathered together. He was well aware that both of them, the Duke and Emperor, were on good terms. In fact, the Duke had a neutral stance and had always approached political measures that were advantageous for the Empire’s progress, gaining the respect of nobles of different coalitions. His reputation was top-notch among the aristocracy.

As he began to question the necessity of his presence at this meeting, the conversation with the Duke commenced.

When the Duke announced what brought him there, Zeleskiaz could figure out what this was all about immediately.

The Emperor was expecting to meet the Lady. Knowing that both of them had shared a dance last night at the Ball, he most likely had summoned him for enjoyment.

Unfazed by the childish behaviour of the old man, his senses focused on Duke Sylfinnier’s words.

The "Fidgeting Emperor" scene, was quickly forgotten when the motive for the Lady’s absence was revealed. It was not because of the reason itself....but because of Francois’s reaction to it.

"She is not feeling well."

’... Of course she’s not.’

Having stayed all night on her balcony, the Crown Prince immediately associated the lack of rest with the cause of her ailment. His reasoning was natural. However, the man that had a gift for being tactless, was now acting solemnly with a hardened expression. The serious tone his father adopted from then on was as unfamiliar to him... as it was to Orland.

"Tell me what happened."

The serious response was unexpected for the Duke, and this was demonstrated by the difficulty he had as he organised his thoughts so he could answer the Emperor.

"..."

He blinked puzzled, but still proceeded to speak after a second of silence.

"Her personal maid informed that... after breakfast, she refused to get out of bed. She hasn’t moved from there since..."

"..."

In silence, Francois continues to listen to his friend.

"I... did not want her to... overwork herself, so I did not pressure her further... I am guessing that all the unknown experiences she had yesterday took a toll on her body. That is... what I wish to think, Your Majesty."

Francois slightly bit the inside of his lower lip. He felt guilty, since it was because of his persistence in making her assist this Royal Ball that this was happening. Knowing he was being selfish, he still used his power as a Monarch to force Orland to do as he wanted.

The Emperor did not have bad intentions. He sincerely believed that his old friend was making a big deal out of his daughter’s condition, and, even if that was not the case, it would be good for her to see the outside world and become aware of what surrounded her.

The image of a defeated Duke came to his mind. Francois recalled the day he met with Orland after a long time. The Duke had been busy searching for any source that could lead to a cure for Marianne’s condition. Taking a rest from political affairs, he dedicated himself solely to this task for almost a year.

The Emperor saw him a few days after it was confirmed that there was no disease nor explanation for her condition...and consequently... no cure.

There was no cure since basically nothing was wrong. The realisation that there was nothing he could do for his daughter, had his friend devastated.

Francois clearly remembered the sight, thanks to the strong impression it left. Even though he stood with the usual elegant prominence he always maintained... the tiredness in his eyes, the sunken cheeks, a body that had lost all hope... was all Francois could see then.

Until yesterday, he did not know the details of her condition. Orland never explained it, he just said she was not well. However, ten days ago, after bestowing the order of her participation, the Duke made a request as he agreed to his decree.

"... I understand... Then... Francois. Although you might not hear nor see anything... please... be comprehensive."

Although they were not alone, the Duke had referred to him by his name, meaning it was a personal request.

In all his life, the one thing he was certain Orland would never do, was ask a favour from him.

Nonetheless, it happened this easily.

Francois understood the meaning of his request when the silent child’s turn to greet him at the private ceremony came.

’... I see now...’

Truthfully, he was amazed by her whole existence.

As he observed the delicate lady in front of him, who was so humble to the point he said "please" when telling her to raise her head... because he felt uneasy having her bow for longer.

But then, when he saw the face of the child... he recalled the words "nor see anything" in the Duke’s request... and knew that they referred to the lack of life on that doll’s face.

At that moment Francois began to develop a weird feeling and, as the session continued, he figured out that it was the need to support the girl in front of him.

Not because of the friendship he shared with Orland, but because he could see from her actions that Marianne was special.

"..... I will send a physician. We must make sure it’s nothing serious."

After a moment of consideration, He openly blurted his concern as he stood up to personally go look for a servant to make this happen. The uneasiness he emanated as he passed by Orland’s side was palpable.

So much that, the Duke, bewildered by this odd attitude, took him by the back of the collar and stopped him in his tracks.

"Wait!"

Both of them locked eyes, widely stunned at their actions, and immediately calmed down, regaining some of the lost composure. However, Orland did not let go of him.

"You. Just what are you doing? Do you think it will save you if you act like this?! Huh? Maurice?"

The Duke shook him as he asked, mocking the emperor who hanged from the stretched collar.

"Aaaaaaah! Don’t! D*mn it! Don’t call me by my second name! You b*stard!!!!!"

Triggered by the provocations launched by the Duke, both began to quarrel in a childish manner, momentarily forgetting their cause of concern.

Although the Duke had the upper hand by far, he toyed with the Emperor thoroughly before giving him the beating he deserved. Too much time had passed since Francois received a lesson, so Orland was set to enjoy delivering the lecture.

While this scene progressed, Zeleskiaz watched with a pleased expression how ridiculous his father looked dealing with the Duke.

Now he knew, the good terms they were in, weren’t only because of compatibility on political views. They were close enough to bicker with each other. What’s more, his father seemed afraid of the Duke, something he would have never realized if not because he is seeing how they act when no one is around, by mere chance.

Standing in the same spot, he became a spectator of the amusing spectacle.

"Ha! You know this is all your fault! You f****** piece of sh**... you have the nerve to mess with my daughter?! You d*mn tw*t... I’ll make sure you don’t try any other stunt. Understood? Huh? Answer me!!"

"Aaaargh! God**** it all! Let go! Son of a– Aaaack!!!! I– I get it! I get it you prick!! Don’t! F***! Get off me!!! I’ll really kill you!"

"HA! I dare you to try! Maurice, not even in your dreams have you ever beaten me. Don’t spout nonsense, I’ll kill you before you even get to try. You flimsy excuse of an Emperor! Majesty my a**!"

"Don’t! Call! Me! Mauriiiiiiiice!!!! Ugh! F***! F***! F***! F*** off!!! You–!"

This exchange continued until Orland felt refreshed by the workout, clapping his hands and shaking the dust in satisfaction.

Gasping for breath, and holding the side of his ribs in pain while staggering on his feet, Francois manages to retort, not accepting his defeat.

"...haah... this- this is why... I avoid meeting with you in private... d*mn beast... you are just a facade..."

With a smug face, Orland ignored his childhood friend turning his back on him. However, his smirk faded when he met the eyes of The Crown Prince, who had an aloof expression that was too deign to let it fall on his pitiful Father.

"Ah...... Sorry, Francois."

"... What?"

Francois looked in the direction his bully was facing, wondering why he suddenly apologised.

"..." 𝓯𝓻𝓮𝙚𝙬𝓮𝙗𝒏𝙤𝒗𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝒐𝓶

"...You are dead Orland. I will certainly, definitely, absolutely cut your head for this."

Francois mumbled.

The pair of old men felt embarrassed by their unsightly actions and awkwardly averted their eyes from the excruciating gaze that fell on them.