Chapter 448
"It is despicable of the Crown Prince to turn on the family of the victim under these circumstances. Would you at the very least tell us... how come my sister disappeared in what should have been a guarded Palace? How come the Prince’s first step is to face my Father in such a manner, blaming his children no less?? Doesn’t the Heir of the Empire know of bare tact for the affected?"
"... I am not here as the Heir to the Empire, little Duke. This time I am here as the one in charge of the Ninth’s Robus Pars. Having you and the other child of Sylfinnier to come with me is because of the previous accusations that fell on you last time the Ninth faced danger."
"If so, it should not be me who you seek but solely Theressa. Although, wasn’t that matter already taken care of, Father?" — Shameless in his prominence, Paul turned to the Duke wishing to gain the expected support based on his logic; however, Orland’s eyes simply scrutinized the sight of the son before him, glancing at the daughter that stood few steps away, holding onto the mother while the knights of the Emperor surrounded the place.
"..."
Orland remained silent for a moment, developing the headache concern ignited at the matters ongoing. Being pushed to reply as he felt Zeleskiaz’s roaring aura heighten in impatience and tension the more displeased his son’s presence made him.
’There’s no time to even think...’ — Orland contemplated with frustration, aware that even as the Crown Prince’s actions could be deemed as rude when ignorant... Rationality told him there was enough reason behind it. — ’If Marianne disappeared... Lamentably... he’s who I would also suspect of... bloody hell I am living... Izeneya, please...’
"It was indeed taken care of... However, Paul... Theressa..." — Looking at both of his children who shared the golden of the wife that was also present, Orland severely in his prominence as the Duke of Sylfinnier overcame the waver this determination shook his heart with. — "Both of you, don’t dare oppose to the Crown Prince’s orders this time. You will follow what he deems appropriate."
"... Orland..."
"?! Father! We talked about this already! I did not-!"
"I said not to oppose it, Theressa." — Making a blind eye to the desolation his wife and youngest daughter shared at his declarations, Orland stopped any word from Theressa that could stain her reputation further... for it was already doubtful for most of the nobles present. And glancing at the son who scowled at his Father’s determinations... — "Do not misunderstand what I am saying right now, Paul... Theressa too. Yet if there are suspicions, as your Father I will move the heaven and earth... so the truth may rise."
"..."
"We should be reasonable at times like these."
Paul remained silent, while Theressa cried disconsolately in her mother’s arms... Yet in the son’s serious stance that appeared to disagree with the Duke’s pledge, Orland saw a hint of laughter, to which his eyes darkened slightly... Fearsome of what the truth would tell about his son... or furthermore, what the lies that Paul could have covered the truth with could convey...