You Think I Won't Talk?-Chapter 411

A whiff of laughter was released by Orland, who in his admirable demeanour continued to converse with the previous Noverrne’s Duke.

"Don’t exaggerate. The kid is very polite even as I tell him to loosen up."

"Hmph, he should be. As amiable as you are, he was taught to respect those who deserve it." — Strict, Dolton Noverrne conveyed serious yet with a hidden hint of playfulness in his statement, opening one eye to peek at Sylfinnier’s Duke, whose gaze had drifted back to the young men and women conversing with each other at a certain corner of the marvellous Hall. — "... and I see your daughter is one he deems deserving, how glad I am. Our children being friends was a dream we used to have, remember?"

A soft smile was drawn in Orland... although it felt sadness as he recalled the younger days of his daughter, continuing to talk with a trustworthy friend whom he valued in his warm comprehension.

"... Of course I remember... It is still a wish I keep in me. However, even if late... a friendship might already be growing between them without us getting involved."

"Fufufu~! Indeed, indeed, my friend... back in the day it wasn’t just the right time. Don’t get gloomy after something we could not change, Orland."

Awareness to Dolton’s words was quickly gained by the Duke and his nod was appreciative to the pat his friend’s hand gave to his arm, deciding to change the subject, although still wishing to talk about their children.

"You are right, it is useless to think about it after so many years have gone by. However, I would like to tell you how appreciative I am of your son’s help."

"Oh, do not mention it. He told me about it and he seemed excited to be of help to you."

"... haha, was he now?"

"But of course he was. It is not every day that an opportunity to participate in developing further the Royalty’s and Calla’s Confidant’s protective troops strength is required."

"... Right. That is true."

"Offering himself to do so is already a sign of his care to build his own name as Noverrne’s Duke, as well as his determination to serve this Empire to his fullest as his Title entails. If anything, I am grateful that you have allowed his young self to get involved."

"Don’t say that... He might be young yet already earned his Title. You are demanding too much from him, Dolton."

"Hahaha! Says that one who pampers yet is the strictest when angered!... We parents ought to demand great things from our children, if not, won’t they believe we have no faith in what they can become?? You used to say these words the most to me, my friend."

"And I cannot object... Sigh..." — Lightly chuckling at his friend’s lively responses, Orland smirked as the taste of the wine came to cleanse the taste in his mouth. For guilty he felt even if grateful for Clemente Noverrne’s lie to his long-time colleague and friend.

’The child is a caring one even if apparently cold.’ — Orland thought, remembering a certain meeting he had with the new Duke of the Noverrne’s lineage... One that took place not long after the terrible incident his daughter had at the hands of deathly roustabouts.

"I shall understand if this visit appears odd in His Grace’s eyes." — The young man told the experienced one at the bureau owned by Orland himself at the Royal Main Palace. Standing solemn and respectful at its entrance until the voice of the owner would come to allow his stay.

"Odd... It may be. Certainly, I did not expect your visit, your Grace Clemente. Nevertheless, please do not stand at the door, come in and make yourself comfortable."

"If you allow it, then I shall. Pardon me." — Stepping inside with elegant motion, Clemente came forward to shake the offered hand Orland held in wish for greeting. Glancing at the luxurious study for a moment, before going directly to his visit’s objective... Not without making sure the ears he could discern near were ones trustworthy to Orland. — "... From those who are hiding while watching and listening to our talk, how many do you trust, Duke Sylfinnier."

"... If you ask for those under my instruction... two of the three."

"... Reason behind the third one?"

"His aura."

"..."

"Don’t worry." — At Clemente’s silence, Orland calmly said as he sat down, showing with his hand his invitation for the guest to follow. — "After you’ve asked this, now I should say I trust all of them."

"... As expected of your men, Duke Sylfinnier. Being that the case, I shall tell you without restraint the motive behind this visit. No time is to be wasted off of our days." — A different kind of severity was discerned in the young Duke Noverrne who did not forfeit from his demeanour during the length of their exchange. Commencing with stating the facts that would ensure no misunderstandings in his approach. — "What I am about to tell you is sincerely myself informing what by chance whilst in ignorance I have learned. No other reason besides my desire to inform you of these matters is involved, there is no gain for myself in the slightest yet your person is one I admire, Duke Sylfinnier... from a young age. Hence it appears in my morals proper to tell."

"... It must be something serious for you to take these many precautions... young Clemente." — Confident, Orland grinned at the youth hiding his nervousness behind a severe attitude. Also changing his usually warm presence to one imposing his calm power.

Intently, the anthracite hues inherited from an honourable ancestor flared their magnificence to the young man, pressuring him with its clarity as the Sylfinnier’s Duke demanded no more useless politeness. — "Dont give it more thought. What you’ve come to say... Say it."

"..."

"As you said, I’ve got no time to waste."

The pause to observe the threat in Orland was taken by the apparently calm Clemente, who acted consequently to the demands of the once known as Lucid Warrior.

"... Alright. I became unable to feign indifference to what I’ve heard and seen after the attack suffered by Lady Marianne, your respectable daughter, yesterday during the hunting competition."