You Think I Won't Talk?-Chapter 413

After breathing in a long and enraged mass of air, the Father closed his eyes to remain calm, opening them slowly to stare at the composed man sitting across. Ready to tell what this delayed approach made Orland understand.

"..... And yet... this encounter you mention is not the one that pushed you to come to my presence, Clemente."

Conflicted by the many small things he disliked about what Clemente had told, yet controlling it so more was to be shared, he then added. — "If this is not enough for you to come before me to speak... what is... Is what concerns me most."

"... While it was solely myself that was involved, I deemed it insufficient to cause Your Grace trouble. However, the Empire is involved this time... For yesterday, before the uproar the attack on your distinct daughter took place, I witnessed a unique meeting while hiding my presence with careful aura... One composed by no less than your son and the second prince... His Highness Sverre Hugo Di Frostchter."

"... The second prince?"

"Yes... and what I heard... even if brief, perhaps it may aid Your Grace to judge in a reasonable manner your youngest, for at this very moment, I have learned the ladies that experienced the chaos have been dubious of your youngest’s timely leave from the tent, also sowing doubt in the knights of the Emperor."

"..."

"... The words I heard were: ’Paul, everything has been prepared so you will get what you demand. Nonetheless, I cannot ensure success.’... such is what his highness told your son... before Paul assured his highness that even if it were to fail, if he could make it happen later your son’s support to attain the crown would be given without a doubt."

"... His... Support?"

"Yes... Even though we as Dukes are not allowed to support directly a prince."

"....."

Shocked, a pause traversed through Orland’s mind at the words the new duke was blatantly explaining. Holding his gaze without seeing a hint of dishonesty in the young man that even as he acknowledged Orland’s stunned demeanour, he did not keep his thoughts to himself in this matter.

"It is self-explanatory now, the motives of my visit... How I told you your youngest’s involvement could be clarified with this information, Your Grace, is because it is undeniable something had been schemed by your son with the aid of his highness the second prince."

"....."

"After hearing such exchange, I confess I became unsettled... What your son wanted was not in my knowledge... hence, as it appeared to be a scheme with ill intentions concealed... once your son separated from the second prince, I proceeded to follow his steps. For in their conversation they had agreed that Paul was to be somewhere else before the plan commenced... I suggest for you to talk with your youngest about this last, for as I traced his path, he met with the younger lady... She did appear to be waiting at said place... nevertheless, once he left her behind because of the attack’s notice, your youngest did not appear calm in the slightest."

"... For what I can tell, you were not able to listen to their conversation given this suggestion."

"That is correct."

At the time, there was not much for Orland to inquire for it was already clear in his mind. The acute stare he gave to the confident young Duke that had arrived before him out of goodwill to tell these facts, was only loosened in severity as Orland knew there was no meaning in hiding the whole truth from a man whose skill and intelligence would not be fooled as easily as any other guard’s.

Hence, he sighed... peeking at the tranquil man sitting across him to tell what the father could allow himself to share... Solely for he saw in this one he could be of use.

"... Clemente."

"???"

"It appears I ought to tell you a few things too after you’ve come this far for out sake."

From then on, Orland decided to include Clemente in his plans to unveil his children’s doings. Stealthfully, so no doubt would emerge in the offspring as he slowly made the new Noverrne’s duke become closer to their household as Clemente aided with the tools his household had in its possession to learn more of the conspiration ongoing between Paul and one of the princes to the Empire.

’The boy... No, he is a good man already...’

At this time, from the spot the parents watched, the young man Clemente is, appeared innocently pure as Orland learned how his secrecy was not only kind to himself but to his parents, who even if strict were known for loving their only child with abundant energy and pride.

The light chuckle he could discern in the young man as his daughter showed with adorable gentleness the delicacies and juices she had found tasteful, made him wholeheartedly satisfied... Only until his friend’s wife, one whose health had been regained slightly solely to assist her beloved son’s celebration had playfully joined their conversation.

"What are you men talking about?"

"Oh! My love, Norma... Look over there. Our son is enjoying his celebration. He is interacting plenty tonight. "

"Oh my... And who would that graceful lady be?... My love, our Clemente is smiling thoughtlessly... could it be he has found one to become his wife? Fufufu~ How lovely~"

"W-wife you say?? Haha, don’t say that~" — Nervous, Dolton stuttered aware of the dislike it could cause in his overprotective friend, leaning to whisper to his wife’s ear the truth of said lady’s identity. — "... Norma! That’s Orland’s daughter!"

"! My... that explains why our friend released his cup... Orland, you have yet to fix that custom I see."

"I don’t know what you’re talking about, Norma."

"... Hmph. When displeased if wine is near you would gulp it to numb your annoyance. Ever since you became a duke it has been like this."

"Your eye’s attention never leaves any alone."

"My appreciation."

Frustrated by the keen eye Norma has always had of those surrounding her, Orland sighed conflicted, grinning forcefully as he met their entertained gazes, for those close friends knew how his daughters were Orland’s treasure... one he was reluctant to grant anybody.