336: Torn by doubts (part 1)

Torn by doubts (part 1)

1The ride back to the mansion was markedly different from their journey to the countryside. Egon's warm embrace remained, but an uncomfortable silence enveloped the two of them. It was evident that Adela's reaction to his proposal of considering Bastian as a son had not met his expectations.1

It can't be helped.

Upon arriving at the manor, Adela noticed the increased security measures. The estate was now teeming not only with her father's knights and her husband's guards but also with reinforcements from the Western and Eastern kingdoms.

"Looks like it's going to be a bloody winter," Egon murmured with a sense of appreciation in his tone.

Adela's heart weighed heavy as she observed the multitude of men. Among them, who would be the ones confronting the warlocks of Varinthia? Was there truly no way to capture Aldric and his counselors without resorting to violence?

Egon dismounted and extended his arms, allowing her to slide into his embrace as he carried her down.

"Thank you," she expressed her gratitude, reluctant to break the physical connection even though his eyes were directed elsewhere.

"Here's your chance, Uncle Leopold is over there."

Following Egon's pointed finger, Adela waved enthusiastically at Leopold who stood observing her and responded with a nod.

"Adela," Egon's voice called out, drawing her attention once more. "I will have a brief conversation with my brother first. After that, we can proceed to Destan. I'll make sure the carriage is prepared so you can rest during the journey. Do you need to inform the Archduke?" 

Adela pondered for a moment. Larissa would likely have briefed her father about Bastian's situation by now. What if, during their discussion, her father insisted that she return to the de Lanark estate until the issue with Bastian was resolved? Her head began to ache with worry. 

"...Actually, I think I'll leave a message for His Excellency regarding our departure. I'll join you in your chamber to change, and then we can proceed with our journey. Does that sound acceptable to you?" 

Egon's eyes softened as he gently brushed his forefinger against her cheek. Then, without a word, he turned and headed for the southern back door, taking a shortcut to their chambers rather than the main route.

Adela approached Leopold with a warm smile and exchanged light greetings, pleased to see him in better spirits than the last time they had met when he had just received the news of the letter she had dreamt about. She felt a sense of satisfaction as she delivered Sasha's marriage proposal, especially when she saw his eyes gleam with subtle enthusiasm upon hearing the news.

"Where is the Princess now?" he inquired.

"They should be at my father's manor. Actually, I was supposed to go myself and convey your reply, but Egon and I will be departing for Destan soon."

Leopold's response was a rare, heartfelt smile that seemed to erase years from his face.

"I will personally speak with the Princess and inform your father of your plans if you're in a hurry," he offered.

Grateful, Adela reciprocated with a smile. "Thank you. I truly appreciate—"

"Adelaide!"

Before she could finish, Egon's voice resounded from within, capturing the attention of everyone present.

Leopold and Adela exchanged a concerned look as he opened the door for her and closed it firmly behind them. As soon as the door was shut, Egon stormed into her personal space, his face flushed, eyes red, and his hand trembling while clutching one of those ominous black Varinthian parchments.

"What is the meaning of this!" he roared.

Despite the shivers that raced down her spine, Adela met his furious gaze, showing no interest in the contents of the letter that had driven Egon to this explosive state. It was apparent that it contained more falsehoods and accusations, and Adela had grown weary of them.

"Egon," Leopold cautioned, "Everyone outside heard you shouting."

The Beast of a man seemed utterly oblivious to Leopold's presence. He unfurled the parchment right in front of Adela's face, but she continued to glare up at him with a steadfast resolve, refusing to allow his temper to dominate the room or let his accusatory gaze unnerve her in front of his uncle and the other men outside.

When neither of the two backed down, Leopold calmly took hold of the parchment and began reading it privately.

"Read it out loud, Uncle," Egon directed with a touch more composure.

Letting out a sigh, Leopold initiated the reading. "...Dear brother, I am writing you this to say what I never once did. That I wish I was the one to have died instead of mother and father that day. If giving my life back would bring them to you, I would not have hesitated..."

Leopold paused when his voice shook as he read further, and Adela's steady stare at Egon deepened in response to his growing fury and agitation, understanding the reason behind it all.

"...I will not force you to choose between me and her. Since you can't have us both, I've made the choice for you and left. Don't attempt to find me, as she will never feel safe with me around again."

Leopold lowered the parchment, his eyes locking onto Egon's,  "W-we must find him, he can't have left for too long... You know how talented he is at covering his tracks. We must hurry!"

"When was the last time you saw him, Uncle! Was anyone keeping an eye on him while I was away?"

Leopold clenched his teeth, "Enough with the shouting. The three of us...W-we should focus on finding him instead of arguing, right, Adela?"

Egon's response was immediate and stern. "Leave her out of this."

Adela's eyes, wet with emotion, finally left her husband's enraged expression to look at Leopold.

"Let us head to the adjacent estate, Uncle. We can meet with Father and Princess Sasha. Bastian's safety takes precedence over matters of war."

"Adelaide... You will go to your chamber, close the door, and stay there." Egon commanded.

Her heart sank, and her eyes refused to seek his face. "...My Lord, you must have mistaken me for someone else."

"If you dare to cross this threshold," he warned then paused, his resolve faltering for a moment.

Adela remained composed as she awaited the conclusion of his veiled threat. Yet, as the tense silence stretched on, she took it upon herself to put an end to the unspoken ultimatum. "...Then, I suppose I'll have to discover the consequences myself," she calmly retorted before turning and departing.

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