Chapter 408
"Correct. I did."
"Then, it is apparent to my eyes that you are aware of the incidents involving the lady. For if not, that surprisingly free hand of yours would not have written to her this inquiry." — The more the Prince said the tenser the ambience felt... as expected of natural enemies, I guess.
I was nervous, but still curious about how they would continue to collide. Kind of even forgetting I was the subject of discussion until he got me into it, reminding me of how the "lady" was ourselves. — "Such events, I am to avoid from reaching her again. For as I pledged before the masses, I am to guard her and lead the lady’s troops, the Robus Pars. I am to be strict with the Ninth’s freedom as you referred to with such honoured pledge in mind."
"..."
"Is that not right, my lady?"
’?! What?!? Don’t bring me into this!!’
"... There is no need for confirmation. I witnessed such public pledge, Your Highness." — Probably covering for me, the duke said as calm as his cold and uptight character was to be. Adding more to give the subject an end... Although an end that I would call bitter for the Prince who was left without reasons to continue his hostile attack against a calm opponent. — "Being this the reason for your strictness, I can now comprehend it as well as I can feel relieved my first impression was mistaken. This means I am allowed to converse with the Lady as long as no harm reaches her, which of course I also would never allow if in her presence. Her household and very self are valued by the Noverrne’s lineage."
"... It is good no misunderstandings are left."
There was a pause that didn’t feel as if everything was clarified at all while they openly glared at each other.
"Yes, indeed." — The duke said, "agreeing" with the prince. Giving cue to the one I wondered why had not said anything until now to speak.