144: [Bonus chapter]Ripples of grand gestures (part 1)

[Bonus chapter]Ripples of grand gestures (part 1)

The dilemma of leaving her young falcon outside without its mother at such a tender age posed a risk that Adela couldn't ignore. However, accommodating the falcon in her room presented its own set of challenges.1

To address this, Adela took several steps to create a suitable environment for her feathered friend. 

First, she meticulously cleared the western area of her room, painstakingly removing any potential hazards that could pose a threat to the bird's safety. With great care, she ensured that the space was free from sharp objects, toxic substances, and anything that could potentially harm the falcon.

Next, she procured a spacious cage, specifically designed to accommodate birds of prey. This carefully selected enclosure provided ample room for the falcon to stretch its wings, move around comfortably, and even practice short flights within the confines of the room. Adela positioned the cage strategically, allowing for natural light to filter in and create a sense of openness.

Sturdy perches of different sizes and textures were thoughtfully arranged, providing the falcon with options for comfortable resting positions. She also introduced toys and enrichment items that catered to the falcon's instinctual behaviors, such as puzzle feeders and objects to manipulate and explore. These additions aimed to keep the falcon engaged, mentally stimulated, and physically active, mirroring the freedom and diversity of the bird's natural habitat.

As the workers and maids diligently attended to their tasks under the watchful eye of the majordomo to implement these adjustments, Adela worked closely with Bernard to establish a routine. Whether she was present or not, the falcon would be taken outside for supervised sessions to stretch its wings and maintain its physical well-being.

"You will be happy and healthy in here, I promise to take good care of you,"

Adela murmured when the two of them were finally alone, her fingers moved gently through the feathers of the young falcon and he closed his eyes, surrendering to her touch without resistance.

It was remarkable how quickly the bird had grown comfortable with her. But what intrigued her even more was the falcon's unusual behavior of willingly coming down to her arm when she beckoned, for such responsiveness was not common among wild birds.

"Who trained you so well before?"

She pondered aloud with a smile on her face while the falcon's two curious yellow eyes wandered around her room.

"This will be our space for now, but I will release you soon. You belong under an endless sky, not confined by something man-made."

She winced and clenched her teeth at the series of hesitant knocks that echoed through the room. Taking a deep breath to steady herself, she mustered her patience, "...Come in,"

As the door swung open, revealing the figures of her mother and the Baroness, she braced herself for the forthcoming conversation.

"Adelaide de Lanark, what is the meaning of this?" The Archduchess took a step back and accidentally collided with the Baroness.

"My apologies, Your Excellency!" Frieda was mortified that she hadn't managed to step back in sync with the Archduchess.

"I bumped into you, Baroness!" Grace exclaimed, flustered. She then clutched Frieda's elbow, her gaze shifting nervously to the animal that regarded her with a cold stare.

Adela remained composed despite the impending interrogation about her recent actions.  Her mother and father, being well aware of her whereabouts and activities, were certainly cognizant of the unfolding events under their own roof.

"Adelaide," Grace's foot tapped impatiently against the floor. "I am still waiting for an explanation. Whose falcon is this?" Her hazel eyes briefly flickered with emotion before she composed herself. "It is a beautiful creature indeed, but I want to know its origin and who it belongs to," she continued, her tone softening. "...It reminds me of Kannen."

It was strange how the tightness in Adela's throat was nonexistent. There was no pain or discomfort when she heard Kannen's name. 

She smiled, her voice gentle, "They are indeed similar in character. As for the species of this falcon, I'm not familiar with it myself... And to answer your question, Mother, this falcon is a gift."

"A gift..." Grace repeated, stating the obvious. "And who, pray tell, gifted you with such a rare falcon?" she asked, already aware of the answer.

"Was it perhaps Sir Egon!" the Baroness interjected suddenly, feeling the need to come to Adela's defense. "Congratulations on receiving such a thoughtful gift, My Lady," her eyes welled up with tears as she observed the genuine happiness in Adela's eyes. "It truly suits your arm," 

"...Adelaide, why are you keeping it here?" the Archduchess voiced her concern.

"He is too young," Adela gently brushed her finger over the mix of young and mature feathers on her nameless falcon. "Creatures like him require a mother's care at this age, not just an owner."

"I see," Grace acknowledged. "Does this gift hold any other significance?" she inquired, finally asking the question that had been on her mind since the beginning.

Adela averted her gaze, aware that Egon was approaching this situation in his own way and not adhering to the Emorian customs.

"I don't know, Mother," she replied sincerely.

Grace rolled her eyes, "What are you waiting for? Tell me everything! How did it happen? What did he say when he gave it to you? When he said that this falcon is a gift to you, didn't he add something else to it?" She flushed red with her emotions, lowering her guard as nobody was around. Her hand motions were too impulsive, and her entire poise was not fitting for an esteemed Archduchess of Lanark.

She took quick steps towards her daughter, looking deeply into her almond-shaped olive-green colored eyes. "...Tell me the truth now. Did he propose to you before talking to your father?"

Adela walked over to the western part of the room and let her bird inside its cage. After securing the door, she returned to where her mother was and folded her arms against her chest. "...I felt that he was about to add something before this bird here...attacked him..."

A simultaneous gasp escaped the Baroness and the Archduchess in unison.

Adela had no idea why, but her falcons truly never liked her mate.

"What happened after that?!" her mother pressed further.

Adela's expression turned somber as she recounted, "He asked me to take the falcon away from him, and I complied..."

"Is that all, My Lady?" came the Baroness's inquisitive yet embarrassed question.

Adela's chin slightly raised in objection, "As I said, Baroness, in that fleeting moment before the falcon's aggression, I felt that he wanted to say something more, but we were abruptly cut off... You all know the fate that befell Kannen, Sir Egon carried the weight of that tragedy upon his shoulders all along."

The Baroness approached and gently placed a hand on Grace's forearm, her voice filled with a compassionate plea. "Your Excellency, Sir Egon has once again proven his good intentions towards our Lady. How about we give him the benefit of the doubt going forward, hmm? It is only right to extend such grace at this point."

She turned her gaze towards Adela, her eyes supportive. "If I may be the one to point it out, I find his gift to be incredibly...romantic." Her words carried a hint of playfulness.

Grace's face contorted with a flabbergasted expression, "For the love of everything holy, Frieda! What on earth are you saying?!" 

The Baroness looked at Adela with a fond smile. "What I am saying is that it often takes grand gestures to capture the heart of someone as special as our Lady."

Worry clouded Grace's hazel eyes as she regarded Adela. "Your father wants you to meet him in his study, promptly... I completely forgot about that."

Adela let out a sigh.

"Be prepared for it," Grace continued, "If he asks you to give that falcon back to Egon, I won't find it surprising at all."

Adela steeled herself for the forthcoming conversation with her father, knowing that the outcome could drastically alter the course of her relationship with Egon.

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