You Think I Won't Talk?-Chapter 385

*******

A heavy and loud sound, breathing deep and fast to the point of alarmed puffs along the hooves hitting the ground resounded throughout the fast gallop of the man.

Indifferent to having stolen the beast from its owner in the middle of a conversation, it was the reverberating danger the deity within his blood that had alerted of the distress his beloved was suddenly dragged to.

"It’s good to find you. I would appreciate it if you explained those orders you gave now that we found each other." — Orland said the moment they crossed paths during their hunt.

"... Your son? Where is he, Duke."

"Said he left something at the family’s tent. I doubt that’s the truth... Nonetheless, it’s timely. I heard from Francois something else was after my daughter."

The fortuitous encounter happened naturally between the father of the lady and the in-love Crown Prince.

Both engaged in the hunt, discussed matters concerning Marianne’s protection while heads of beasts were gained with a prize from the chosen child as goal.

"And so? Do I need to ask again why you gave me such instructions?"

"... You are aware the second prince desires the empire’s throne."

"The royalty’s history repeats itself as always." — Pacing tranquil on the prominent steed Orland released a sharp arrow, that far ahead hit a deer’s side cleanly. Meanwhile, the Prince walked by his side, sensing with his aura bigger beasts to hunt. — "... Yet what do royalty’s matters have to do with my child?"

Slightly aware of where the sudden mention of the second prince would bring the conversation, the Duke of Sylfinnier looked down menacingly at Zeleskiaz, daring him with the harshness of his glare to say the truth and admit the inconvenience his sentiments were.

"... Underhanded schemes are to be used as you well know." — Zeleskiaz told the Duke, who, taking a judgmental pause to scrutinize the disregard with which he heard the prince talk, jumped down the mount. Landing right before the wide Zeleskiaz threatening while coming closer to glare into the tranquil eyes of the insufferable man.

"... Be clear, brat. What underhanded schemes are these involving my precious daughter about."

"..."

"I’m not asking again."

The enraged grit of the Duke’s teeth made it to Zeleskiaz’s ears, while the growing displeasure enhanced in the deathly brilliance of unmerciful anthracite eyes.

Rigid, unmoved by the evident menace the Duke and respected knight Orland is, Zeleskiaz stood unfazed before him, maintaining tranquillity as the man was his beloved’s parent... yet letting out after a leisurely pause the truth Orland knew, yet abhorred.

"Simply put, Sverre is threatening me, the Empire’s heir, with the safety of the woman my love belongs to."

"... Gods be d*mned for letting you be this shameless, eff*ng brat." — Disgusted by the straightforwardness the prince once again demonstrated without remorse to the loving father, Orland’s scowl became deeper as he turned away, annoyed to get the small hunt he had recently earned. Mumbling to himself how the blood of his friend was the thickest in the disagreeable heir to his throne. — "Definitely his son. Annoying the sh*t out of me... cursed gift these two have..."

"..." — Aloof, Zeleskiaz observed the Duke’s fume without surprise at his insults. For within the few meetings they had, the prince had become accustomed to Orland’s bitterness, even confirming with his attitude that a part of his character resembled that of his progenitor. — "Your Grace appears to take advantage of it nonetheless."

"Huh?"

"If not for my soul being owned by your daughter, such insults you utter would not be overlooked, Duke."

"HAH... Perhaps this Empire doesn’t need an heir. You’re brazenly stupid, Zeleskiaz." — Standing furious at the insolence, Orland lost his composure. Taking the hilt of his sheathed sword with murderous intent.

"... I am not inclined to clash against you."

"There won’t be a clash, don’t worry." — With an unsheathed blade, he walked the prince’s way ready to take his head. — "I’ll do everyone the favour."

"Your daughter won’t like it."

"... Zeleskiaz, you boil-brained brat... Even with a blade to your neck, your mouth won’t shut, huh." — Inhaling deeply, Orland’s eyes narrowed as he observed the tranquil young man stay still as the tip of his sword grazed the prince’s chin, talking unsettlingly measured.

"Thank you."

"..." — Silent, Orland continued to watch the unbecoming calmness of the man. Suddenly with a clear mind that had forbid fury.

’Should I actually kill this idiot?’ — The Duke thought, actually curious about the little sense Zeleskiaz was showing. And honestly inclined to stain his blade with the Crown Prince’s blood. 𝕗𝕣𝐞𝐞𝘄𝐞𝚋𝚗𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹.𝚌𝕠𝚖

Nevertheless, reason was the Lucid Warrior’s gift. Therefore, after sighing exhausted by the mood the young Zeleskiaz easily provoked, the sword was lowered. Mumbling to himself to have patience, indifferent to the ears that could still hear his scheme.

"haa... not yet, not yet... maybe he can be of use... should do it later..."

"..." — The obtuse Zeleskiaz stared blankly, aware that no more taunt was to be told as he could perceive whilst tranquil, that the edge pointing to his throat did not tremble in the least and what is more, the movement that made it reach to such a deathly spot was admirable to any brute. — ’... No hesitation. He could’ve killed me with ease if I knew nothing.’

Light admiration for the Duke’s skill took form in the precarious lift of a smirk as he decided to follow him. Yet a nauseating sound hovered over the peace of his clear mind, stopping Zeleskiaz’s movement and breath... Just as Orland did, although because a distinctive sound was quickly played for his aura to notice.

"!?... Marianne?" — The poise of the Duke was shaken immediately, shocked at the waves his aura could discern becoming distant, yet not stopping... Aware that this occurrence was out of the ordinary, and that his loved child was the source of it.

Quickly the father turned, ready to run to aid his daughter... Focused and learning the direction the sound was guiding. However... More fury was to invade him.