201: Collecting Collateral (part 1)

Collecting Collateral (part 1)

It took a full week for Lanark to round up and find its way back to a semi-normal state. However, this new normal had little to do with the usual operations of the Archduchy. The already stringent security measures were now intensified tenfold.2

The official story circulating the streets was that there had been a second raid on some rebel factions who had abandoned the forest and established a dormant cell within the Archduchy. These rebels had planned to sabotage the festivities but were intercepted by one of the allies directly connected to the town square. The situation was so sensitive that the Archduke himself had to intervene, accompanied by the magnificent King of Varinthia, who was seen suspended mid-air at the spot of the interception.

But that wasn't the sole focus of the gossip.

Amidst the rumors surrounding the incredible gift Lady de Lanark received from King Aldric, everyone eagerly awaited an announcement of an engagement between the two kingdoms. For the Lanarkians, such a collaboration made perfect sense. Lanark would manufacture new weapons for a land where magic ruled, and Aldric of Varinthia would bring them new knowledge and prosperity.

People were wary of the potential existence of dormant cells, but they also felt a sense of enthusiasm about the direction their rulers were taking on behalf of every citizen in Emoria. However, those within the Archduke's manor were different, lacking the excitement found on the streets and instead carrying a tense and uneasy atmosphere.

The heads of the noble houses, their representatives, the estate staff, the knights, and every service provider who had set foot in the manor on Adela's birthday underwent individual interrogations conducted by the Archduke and his two Commanders. Anyone involved in the incident, no matter how remotely connected, was apprehended and taken into custody at the Knights' annex for further questioning.

The level of fear within the Archduke's estate reached unprecedented heights, causing a shift in the dynamics of casual interactions that used to occur. It was as if the event had made history, leaving nothing unchanged.

Adela, too, underwent significant changes throughout this past week.

"I don't understand, Father. This is completely unnecessary," she remarked as she took her seat in her father's study, settling into the oversized leather chair behind his bureau.

Kaiser's gaze fixated on the healing inflammation on her forehead, now taking on a greenish shade. His eyes narrowed, and his neck veins bulged as he shook his head.

"I insist. I want you to be comfortable," he replied with a solemn tone.

Adela attempted to sit properly in the oversized chair that seemed to dwarf her frame, but true comfort eluded her.

He circled around the bureau and settled in the seat closest to her left. "Before they arrive, I would like to provide you with an update on the investigation," he said.

Finally?

Adela had been confined to her chambers for an entire week, permitted no visitors apart from the royal physician and her father. It was only after she requested a meeting concerning the industrial zone with Aldric and Egon in attendance that she was granted permission to leave her bed.

She nodded cautiously, feeling the throbbing in her forehead. "I am listening, Your Excellency,"

Kaiser let out a deep exhale, his broad shoulders slumping. "It was my fault,"

Adela, having a clear idea of who was truly responsible for the incident, wanted to object, but she held her tongue. They locked eyes for a prolonged moment, she maintaining a patient expression on her face, while his grew progressively redder.

"...After you collapsed in the dungeon, Arkin wanted to execute the man you saved. I..." Kaiser's hands balled into fists in his lap. "I asked for him to receive further treatment in the knights' infirmary... I showed leniency." He swallowed. "I assure you, he was shackled at all times under heavy surveillance."

"The knights guarding him..." Adela prompted.

"They are missing," he admitted, sounding defeated.

Leaning forward, she expressed earnestly, "We will uncover the truth. However, in the meantime," she took a calming breath, "I implore you not to treat me like a prisoner in my own home."

Kaiser rubbed his face roughly. "I told you. I wanted you to get better."

"Thank you. I am truly better now." 

While his attention returned to her head seemingly disagreeing with her statement, Adela's thoughts shifted to her heart. This week of isolation had been essential for her.

"His Holiness, King Aldric of Varinthia, has arrived!" announced the guard at the door.

"Let him in," Kaiser responded, devoid of emotion.

As the door swung open, Aldric strode into the room, dressed in the same white attire Adela had observed him wearing on his ship, but what caught her attention most was his now fully white hair.

His mother would have been pleased with this change...

Aldric's midnight blue eyes briefly assessed the condition of her head before drifting down to her wrist, where his bracelet rested. He disregarded any customary greetings or direct eye contact, choosing instead to focus his gaze on Kaiser.

"I wouldn't have come here if it weren't for the Healer's invitation, you have immensely disappointed me,"

Kaiser glared up at him. "You wouldn't be welcome here if it weren't for Adelaide's request."

Aldric clenched his teeth, his jaw tightening, and then released the tension. "Kaiser! Enough is enough! I implore you to consider the prophecy!"

"Stay out of it!" Kaiser snapped.

Adela cleared her throat softly, interjecting in the tense exchange. "I'm sure you both have important matters to discuss, but if Your Holiness would please take a seat, I would like to begin the meeting."

Kaiser frowned. "Sir Egon is yet to arrive."

She suppressed a scoff.

"That's quite alright. Sir Egon's punctuality is as erratic as his temperament. He needs to learn the value of timeliness; we shall begin without him," Adela stated confidently.

You just wait and see what I will do about all of it...

"Weapon manufacturing is undoubtedly highly profitable for both of our countries," she stated impassively, her insides churning as she recalled the gun pointed at her face a week ago. "However," her eyes darted between her father's furrowed face and Aldric's half-smiling expression, "I believe my role in this agreement has reached its conclusion. The land has been chosen, the work plan is in motion, and this project is neither suitable nor agreeable to the noble ladies of Emoria. Therefore, my partnership, unlike Sir Egon's, is entirely futile."

As expected, no objections were raised.

"Well then, I'm extremely pleased that we share the same view on this matter," Adela said, looking at Aldric who rubbed his lower lip thoughtfully. "I would like to have a word with you in private," she declared.

"I cannot permit that," her father objected.

"Please, Father,"

His eyes widened momentarily before returning to their original state. "I will be by the door," he declared, implying that he intended to listen to everything.

The Archduke rose from the seat that didn't suit him and walked out, leaving the door wide open.

"Adela," Aldric began, "I still stand by every word I said about protecting you. Do you believe me now?"

She gave him a flat look. "Your Holiness..."

I know you're behind all of this.

Deciding to emulate his lopsided smile, she displayed a faint self-satisfied grin, relishing the sight of his disturbed expression.

"...It is indeed about what transpired in the captain's room. While I don't wish to press charges, and you will receive your precious weapons, I do want to collect on our collateral,"

"Fair enough," Aldric replied, settling more comfortably in his seat. "Ask, and you shall receive."

She nodded. "Tell your crew to dock the ship and set up camp in the harbor. They are also welcome in the knights' annex in the Archduke's estate."

His face turned serious as he listened, gradually darkening.

"The ship you trapped me in, Your Holiness," she said, wiggling her wrist on which the bracelet still rested next to her half-smiling face. "I'm sinking it." 

Now, all she had to do was go and collect the collateral from Egon von Conradie.

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