131: Two Ladies who brought about change (part 1)

Two Ladies who brought about change (part 1)

The week following the massacre proved to be disastrous. If Adela was honest with herself, the main reason was Egon's complete disappearance from sight and news.2

She tried to convince herself that it was for the best, believing that her inclination to leave and Egon's lack of initiative meant they should accept the distance that now separated them and return to their respective lives as they were before they had ever crossed paths.

Unless...

The notion that her mate could stand against Leopold and choose to be with her was a dead end she inevitably reached whenever she contemplated the prospect of remaining in Lanark and embracing a life together.

In a twisted way, the additional reasons that added to the prevailing despair during that week provided a strange semblance of relief.

Two days after the King's departure for Destan, Lanark received a royal edict.

The forest, which had suffered extensive damage and was deemed unfit for public access, was declared off-limits until further notice. As a consequence, any land to be sold in Lanark was subjected to a staggering tax of 100% on the agreed-upon price between the buyer and seller. This sudden and substantial tax burden effectively halved the value of the land, forcing potential buyers to pay double the price they would have paid merely a week earlier. The edict sparked widespread upheaval and frustration among the residents of Lanark, exacerbating an already challenging situation.

Driven by a combination of factors, including the influence of the royal edict and his own pledge in the dungeon, Arkin took decisive action by organizing an auction for the lands that had come under his possession.

Sir Arkin Grosvenar solidified his position as the rightful heir of Leopold by relinquishing his father's baronhood and embracing the esteemed surname von Conradie along with the associated wealth and privileges. His noble title was upheld due to his knighthood, and he fearlessly assembled the Second Order in alignment with the Archduke's previous directives. As a result, Arkin garnered both acclaim and condemnation from the aristocratic circles throughout Emoria, with opinions ranging from admiration to scorn.

As is often the case, the stories circulating about Arkin were far from accurate.

The son of a Baron, who had been proclaimed as another heir to the von Conradies following his heroic act of saving Leopold's life in the forest, took credit for the triumph in the assault on the rebels. He led the knights of the Second Order in the pivotal battle, capturing numerous enemy combatants. However, all the imprisoned rebels in the dungeon opted for suicide driven by their extremist ideologies. This unfortunate turn of events resulted in the missed chance to penetrate their core and eradicate them once and for all, squandering a priceless opportunity.

Setting aside Arkin's glory in battle and his noble status, the auction and its profound implications ignited a fierce controversy among the commoners.

"The greedy son of a Baron, prioritizing money over honor, and he had just been appointed a Commander, it's preposterous!" whispered someone in disapproval.

"It is unheard of! How can he retain a noble title and adopt another surname simultaneously?" whispered another in disbelief.

"Did you hear? Lady Adelaide dismissed him from her service; he's no longer her knight," said a third, sharing the latest gossip.

Adela clutched the edge of her black hooded cloak tightly, pulling it further over her hair as she made her way through the teeming market, her steps deliberate and unhurried on her way back to the manor.

"Pay them no attention, My Lady," Count Sirius urged. "I apologize for burdening you with this excursion."

Adela managed a small smile. "I'm glad I could be of help to you, Count."

He returned her smile with a grateful nod. "Having a physician visit my sister was risky due to the rumors, and I was uncomfortable with the idea of her going to the commoner's infirmary."

Adela's gaze shifted ahead, her stomach knotting at the memory of a certain beast in that infirmary.

Count Sirius noticed her reaction. "Don't misunderstand, My Lady. I didn't take her there because I didn't want to knock on von Conradie's door. It has nothing to do with status," 

Adela relaxed a little, grateful for Count Sirius' distinctiveness among the other noblemen.

Word had spread among the knights of the Archduke that Lady Adelaide possessed a unique gift as a Healer. This revelation only heightened the significance of their duty, prompting them to recommit themselves to protecting the royal family and upholding their secrets.

Although she had been instructed to refrain from attending to patients without her father's knowledge, the Archduke himself granted Adelaide permission to offer her assistance to the families of the knights if the need arose. Today, Count Sirius had accompanied Adela on a visit to his sister, who had been confined to her bed for some time. It was revealed that she was carrying a child conceived outside of wedlock with a commoner, a fact that had remained hidden until now.

"Is he a good man?" Adela asked hesitantly, unsure of how to address the man involved with Count Sirius's sister.

"I have conducted an investigation and he appears to be an honorable man," Count Sirius sighed. "...According to Claire, he couldn't resist when she offered to engage in a relationship with him." His voice carried a hint of struggle as he tried to come to terms with the situation.

"You should bring him into the Order," Adela suggested, thinking of the possibilities.

Count Sirius blinked several times, then chuckled. "If the Archduke won't knight him, perhaps your Ladyship could." His eyes sparkled with mischief, his hand placed over his heart.

A soft giggle escaped Adela causing her cheeks to flush. Amidst the lively market ambiance, her laughter was barely audible. She observed the way Count Sirius looked at his younger sister and felt touched as she noticed the same warmth reflected in his eyes when he regarded her.

"My Lady, if I may say... You and Lady Larissa, both of you are changing the concepts around Emoria. I am in awe of both of you for..." Count Sirius's words were interrupted when two men in hooded brown coats suddenly blocked their path.

"Mademoiselle, may I have a word?" the taller man among them spoke, addressing Adela directly.

Count Sirius tightened his grip on the hilt of his sword and stepped forward, shielding Adela. But his tension eased when the second man removed his hood, revealing a bright smile on his tanned face.

"...Sator?" Adela exclaimed in surprise.

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