You Think I Won't Talk?-Chapter 685

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Back to the 29th of Syvusk — Earlier that evening, Sylfinnier’s Household.

"My Lord... do you believe the young master fled to a neighbouring country?"

"... I don’t think so. Paul’s mind did not seem sane enough to make such a wise choice... Marianne’s lack of opinion on the subject also makes it hard to believe."

"The young master... all of this has affected the manor. If not for young Miss Marianne’s fame, more difficulties could have stricken the name of the duchy."

"Yes... my child... little to no help I have been to her and yet she still supports the Sylfinnier’s name to prosper... at the very least we must find Paulos— ... I mean Paul. So she may sleep at ease and he may pay for his crimes."

"... Your Grace, you should retire and rest. We may continue in the morning."

Given the tasks of the Duke, the Emperor had ordered him to focus along with the Royal guard and Robus Pars in the search for the son on the run. No report from the borders was to stop at his manor unlike other nobles, only those resuming the assemblies to inform them of the decisions made so his place and power wouldn’t be diminished because of family matters.

"I don’t think I can rest." — Orland said with the last report from the palace in mind. — "The Prince of Latrishk has a plan and it seems to involve Marianne. Having him ask behind her back if she is allowed to go back with him to Latrishk seems like a taunt... the umbra quadrigis slow feedback is also unprecedented. Bashaa is having trouble. But by tonight he should be back at the very least."

"That’s correct, my lord... Yet even so, it is best to rest. The Duchess will appreciate it as well." — Thomas said, aware that complex feelings invaded the marriage of his lord. Cold stares and silent judging as well as unwitnessed discussions were experienced by Orland and Elenaide’s marriage. Rest was nowhere to be found for the man if beside the wife... nonetheless, to honour their vows, he still tried. Holding onto the love he still felt even though it pained him to endure his partner’s contradictory actions.

"Right... help me organise this, Thomas, please."

"It is no problem, do go ahead, my lord. Rest well under Fehuh again."

"... Thanks."

It was an awkward silence that would receive him again at his chambers. At least that’s what Orland expected, unless the wife wished to start an argument right away. The usual issue it would be: their daughter’s assumed evilness and his unfair treatment towards the rest of his family. Elenaide’s hatred would be told with nauseating despise and he would sleep on the couch, frustrated at the lack of love his wife now carried so shamelessly in every breath and step.

"... oh... you’re back." — Elenaide nonchalantly sighed as he walked in, finishing the change of her gown.

Orland’s eye glanced, feeling a brief delight to see the beautiful hair and clean visage of his wife. Although it was shaken away by the conscious thought that her insides were not as kind as what she granted to the eye.

"... not a word to your wife? It looks like that cursed child infected you. I have a mute husband now."

"Fuhh... Elenaide, I don’t think it’s healthy for us to fight again. Both of us are tired of that."

"Indeed. I am tired of fighting you." — She replied, calmer than expected. — "After tonight I have no will to fight anymore. Everything will be fine... since it’s time for those who broke us apart to disappear."

"?... what are you talking about?"

"... I love you, Orland." — Smiling, Elenaide walked to softly place her hands on her husband’s shoulders, confusing him further as this wasn’t the behaviour the wife had shown for the last years, much less the last few weeks.

"What are you scheming?"

"... tonight who must die will do so and those we deserve it will find freedom. I can already feel it, honey... we can go back to being happy—"

"Explain yourself." — Stopping her from reaching his lips, Orland strongly held her wrists. Frowning deeply as he saw a tad of pain in her face. — "What you’re saying is ominous. What have you done, Elenaide."

"... Nothing that a good mother should regret." — She said, satisfied with herself. Recalling the day of the courtship officialisation and how it helped her to gain this unique peace. — "It was I who freed our son, honey." 𝐟𝕣𝗲𝕖𝕨𝗲𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝗲𝚕.𝗰𝚘𝐦

"..... Elenaide don’t mess around. What you’re saying is not funny."

"It is true." — With unwavering gold, she smiled. — "I sneaked into prison with someone’s aid and gave him the way to freedom."

"..."

"Now... by now, your brother must be dead. And soon will that cursed child as well."

"?! Elenaide, what is this about?! You cannot be serious about this!!"

"I am!! Both deserve it!!" — Offended to not see delight in her husband’s eyes, Elenaide yelled back. — "Him for trying to humiliate me so many times!! I was never his and he still tried to defile the love I have for you!! It is all his fault!... his disgusting stares while pregnant with that demon. They surely made her more disgusting and evil!! Can’t you see?! These snakes! THESE SNAKES WILL ONLY FADE ONCE THEY DIE!!"

"WHAT SNAKES!? MAKE IT MAKE SENSE WOMAN!? WHY IS IT NOW ABOUT MY BROTHER THAT YOU’RE HOPING TO DIE?!" — Shaking her, Orland couldn’t resist the frustration. Holding her strongly, but quickly softening his grasp as he still wouldn’t dare to hurt his wife.

"... it is just that you’ve never seen them. Only I have, for I feel them every time that girl comes to mind... Orland, love... why can’t you love me as passionately as back then? I am lonely and... I miss the warmth of your smile whenever I wake to your side... having you sleep on the couch... My heart withers, husband."

"... you said they will die. Tell me how exactly."

"... why do you push me away to ask such a trivial matter? Can’t you understand that as cold as I have been it was all because of the sadness in my heart, love?"

"The reasons are uncalled for. Tell me what this atrocity is about."