Chapter 412
"As I suppose you are aware of, some encounters I have had with your offspring, Duke Sylfinnier. Today, I am here because, of these few I have experienced... Yesterday’s is one I believe the Duke should learn about for by casualty what I witnessed cannot be left ignored. Neither by yourself... nor the Empire itself."
The mention of the Empire lifted Orland’s brow lightly. Within the investigation he had placed two of his children under, suspicious letters had been exchanged with one he knew resided in the royal palace itself... nonetheless, whom and with what intentions... it became a mystery his watch could not decipher, for the one letter they had intercepted being exchanged was later discovered as a decoy... Of this fact, Orland doubted was learned by Paul, for if aware, during the many days he had deprived the son from meeting his eldest daughter on many occasions Paul would have given a hint about this to his experienced father’s eye.
’Many times I prodded his patience... his inestability was apparent and yet...’
— Is there a problem? —
—... When are you to send letters, your Grace? —
— Why? Who do you need to contact? —
— Who?... Are you truly asking me that... father? —
’... Even at that time, it was apparent in his eyes that I knew the answer was to Marianne... Never did he feel alluded to the fact I referred to someone else...’
— None I send to her personally is ever replied to! I am certain they get to the palace... If you are who sends it, I’m sure she’ll answer!! —
’Sigh... were he suspicious of us interfering he wouldn’t have come to me for aid in that matter... He’s careless even...’ — Orland thought later after listening to many things and letting the exhaustion settle down so sanity would not fail him. — ’Was he more clever he would not have let out that he has ways to learn his letters did arrive at the Palace...’