Chapter 179
Silence reigned.
Orland had been intently listening to the short exchange and, letting the pause set in their ambience, he sipped his wine leisurely to moisten his throat to convey the words that followed.
Giving a glance at the main topic of the conversation, he noticed without difficulty the nervous state his two dear daughters were in. One anxious by being who the Prince referred to, letting a tiny drop of sweat demonstrate her fluster as her visage did not change its expression. And the other, certainly uneasy for once again the Prince made less of her.
"... Indeed. My daughter Marianne has an exhausted tone. Yet I must differ with his highness’s statement."
"..." — Lifting his gaze from his cup, Zeleskiaz moved it to watch the Gracious Duke.
"Theressa’s company could be a part of it. Yes... However, if I am to blame someone... It would be You and Francois, Crown Prince."
Clatter!
"Father–!!" — Standing from her seat, horrified by her Father’s threatening attitude, Theressa turned pale. Once watching how impassive he was at her outburst, she flinched; aware that at that moment her Father had come to a point of anger she did not wish to prod in.
His eyes were cold as dying ashes, his countenance seemed relaxed, yet his inner temperature was escalating from rage.
’Marianne could barely stand a few days ago. And a simple afternoon with her sister is to blame for her low energy?... Don’t mess around unthoughtful brat.’
"... You mean ’His Majesty’, Duke." — Nonchalantly, Zeleskiaz answered, correcting the Duke.
’Oh God.’ — The foreigner got to say as she alternated between the two men.