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.