142: His return (part 1)

His return (part 1)

The morning after the extraordinary feast had already begun with a brush stroke of peculiarity.0

Adela, still rubbing the remnants of sleep from her eyes, found herself captivated by a painting the Baroness had just brought into her room to awaken her. It was a gift from Zephir, expressing his gratitude for being welcomed by House de Lanark the previous day.

The painting portrayed Adela in her elegant black dress, the neckline delicately fastened and her white gloves extending gracefully to her elbows. She was captured mid-waltz with the Archduke, yet in the background of the painting, Egon's back was visible, his dark hair blending artfully with his tailored suit, his features completely obscured.

"By far, this is the most confounding jest the eccentric man has concocted," Adela's voice was filled with frustration.

The painting masterfully froze the moment just before Adela was overtaken by that terrible premonition. She furrowed her brow, trying to decipher the hidden meaning the artist wished to convey.

"May I dispose of this, My Lady?" the Baroness inquired, noticing the perplexed expression on Adela's face.

Adela's gaze remained fixed on the painting, her mind lost in a labyrinth of thoughts. She slowly turned her attention towards the Baroness and spoke in a hushed tone.

"Baroness, please refrain from uttering such words. If anyone were to overhear, it could lead to misunderstandings."

Adela paused for a moment, her eyes shifting to the delicate bracelet around her wrist. With a sense of reverence, she lifted the ring to her lips and closed her eyes then bestowed a tender kiss upon it.

Please be well, Egon...

The von Conradies had departed the previous night without bidding farewell, and Adela had spent the majority of the night immersed in deep contemplation, desperately trying to unravel the enigma of Leopold's profound despair. Sleep eluded her as she pondered over the events that had unfolded in the past and the present, searching for answers that seemed to slip through her fingers like ethereal wisps.

"Isn't there a way through to Leopold?" Adela whispered to herself.

"Hmph," the Baroness scoffed, taking a seat on the bed next to Adela. "Attempting to purchase a young man's affection like that... suffocating my Arkin with ceaseless wealth and lingering resentments... What was he imagining? That he could substitute the days my husband dedicated to nurturing our son with love and care?... If Arkin has grown into the man he is today, it is solely due to the virtues exemplified by the Baron."

Adela placed a comforting hand on the Baroness's tense fingers, her voice filled with empathy. "During that difficult time, I wasn't able to be there for you, nanny."

The Baroness tenderly rested her hand on Adela's cheek, swallowing back her tears. "It's all in the past now," she whispered, mustering a reassuring squeeze on Adela's hands. "My Arkin has returned, and no one can poison his mind anymore. He has learned from his mistakes! I am sure!... When he comes to your side, my dear, don't push him away..."

"Alright," Adela smiled, embracing the woman who had raised her as a daughter with a tight hug.

"...That Leopold is heading towards a path of loneliness. But individuals like him will only crumble when they finally comprehend that there is no one left for them to target," the Baroness remarked with a somber tone as she got up from her seat once again.

A tremor ran through Adela's back as she contemplated the possibility. The consequences of whatever had unfolded with Leopold had reached far and wide, impacting her and Egon in unexpected ways. She couldn't bring herself to blame him, for she firmly believed that passing judgment on someone else's pain was unjust.

The Baroness let out a weary sigh. "I wish we had never hosted that feast."

"What are you saying? It was necessary." Adela countered.

Amidst the unease that enveloped the night, Adela and Arkin managed to share a dance, their movements were tensed, but deep within her, Adela held onto the belief that they could navigate the currents of change and discover a path that harmonized their lives.

The mere thought of losing him was unbearable, for he had been her companion since childhood, and now, as the revelation of their blood connection unfolded, their bond should only grow even stronger.

The Lady and the Baroness turned their gaze towards the door, their attention captured by the soft, rhythmic knock that resonated through the room.

"My Lady, it's Bernard," a voice called from outside.

"Come in," Adela responded.

Bernard entered the room with a parchment carefully balanced on a gleaming silver tray. "Good morning, My Lady, Baroness," he greeted with a polite nod, approaching Adela's bedside to deposit the parchment. Before he could even reach her, a gentle breeze swept in through the open window, carrying with it a familiar scent of pine that instantly tickled Adela's senses. As Bernard placed the parchment on Adela's bedstand and excused himself, she didn't need any confirmation as to who the sender was.

"A letter from Egon," a smile tugged at the corners of her lips, responding to the unspoken question in the Baroness's eyes.

She grasped the letter, the initial thrill transitioning into a mix of anticipation and trepidation. What secrets did the letter hold? What if it carried unfavorable tidings? Her heart pounded with each passing moment.

As she unfurled the parchment, her countenance softened melting into a tender expression as her eyes fell in love with the flawless penmanship of Egon's words.

Meet me at the top of the hill today. I will be waiting there from sunrise till sunset.

How could he simply waste his time like that?!

"Baroness, could you assist me in changing out of these garments?" Adela requested, her gaze drifting towards the soft morning light streaming through the window. An uneasiness settled within her, questioning the urgency of the impending meeting. Why couldn't it wait until night, when he could easily enter her room without arousing suspicion?

Surely, he wouldn't...

Adela was acutely aware that her words during their last encounter in her room had wounded him. She regretted insinuating that he had unrestricted access to the manor, when in truth, she didn't mind that in the slightest.

She scarcely registered the Baroness's efforts as she dressed her and styled her hair. When the Baroness declared her work complete, Adela bid her farewell and ventured out of the room.

Her heart thudded in her chest as she hastened down the stairs and stepped through the doorway. However, her steps faltered and time seemed to suspend as her eyes beheld a scene that sent a chilling shiver down her spine, causing her blood to run cold.

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