228: A finger of accusation (part 1)

A finger of accusation (part 1)

Apprehensive about the possibility of being witnessed within Egon's residence while in seclusion, Adela cautiously opened the door to the room, permitting the sounds from the first floor to reach her ears.0

"Leave it open," came a woman's authoritative voice. "Emorian traditions dictate that a single woman and a single man cannot stay under one roof with a closed door."

"You're old enough to be my mother, Princess," said Egon, seemingly unfazed.

Princess Sasha?

"You're old enough to know not to speak of a woman's age so casually," came Sasha's sharp remark. "I was appointed to protect you, but you are never in your house. And you appeared busy extending your condolences to Lady Adelaide at the fortieth yesterday?"

Adela was taken aback when the princess turned her last sentence into a question.

"Your protection is unnecessary," he replied confidently.

"Really? Well, I have news for you. I have a witness who claims to have seen you near the crime scene that night. Care to explain?"

A shiver of unease coursed down Adela's spine as she hastily adjusted her dress one last time, preparing herself to confront Princess Sasha. Adela and Egon had agreed not to reveal his presence in her room that fateful night. Nevertheless, recognizing the importance of facing the situation directly, she steeled herself to present his alibi if the need arose.

"I know exactly what you're talking about. And you must also be aware that this man holds a grudge against me. If you need proof, feel free to investigate his background," Egon retorted, his tone disrespectful. "You're welcome to leave now."

"Wow. You seem eager to be rid of me. Am I interrupting something?"

"Do you make a habit of asking questions when you already know the answers?" Egon retorted.

That's it.

Staying inside the room felt even more embarrassing at this point. Adela stepped out and descended the stairs, meeting the princess's gaze head-on.

Egon was right. Sasha didn't appear clueless about Adela's location at all.

Adela's eyes drifted to the door that was left ajar. A man that must be accompanying the princess stood by, closing it fully with his back.

"Since when do Emorian women enter the houses of single men?" Sasha inquired, directing her question at Egon, who was heading towards the stairs and offering a hand to Adela.

Placing her hand in Egon's, Adela took a couple of steps onto the first floor, her glare fixed on Sasha. It seemed extremely impolite for the princess to inquire about Adela's conduct while directing the question solely at Egon. Patiently, Adela waited for the princess to meet her gaze before responding to the question that Egon had chosen not to dignify with a reply. With composure, she observed how Sasha's eyes shifted from Egon's empty expression to the promise ring on Adela's finger, before finally locking onto Adela's eyes.

Now to put her in her place.

"You studied with Father in Latora, that much I know. However, Princess, much has changed since then,"

"Perhaps it is wise to shape the environment before the people change their behaviors," Sasha retorted before glaring at Egon again.

Adela held her head high, weary of these women from Kolhis who acted arrogantly. "The environment can only change when the people do," she countered, standing her ground.

Raising an eyebrow and displaying an annoyingly impressed expression, Sasha shifted her gaze to Adela again. Suddenly, her expression softened, adopting the look a Baroness might wear before scolding someone.

"Don't do anything that would break Kaiser's heart, Lady Adelaide," 

Another surge of annoyance coursed through Adela; she did not appreciate another woman speaking so freely about her father's heart, especially not one who hailed from Kolhis. A frown creased her brow as she recalled a previous conversation with her father, during which he had mentioned a woman who once held his heart before the Archduchess.

Could it be Princess Sasha? The thought lingered in Adela's mind, adding a new layer of strangeness to their encounter.

"Fine, I was not expecting an answer anyhow. Sir Egon, you will come with me if you don't want to complicate things here any further. Lady Adelaide, my bodyguard will get you home safely," 

Egon let out a snort, "Your bodyguard will accompany you back to the inn you are staying at, I will accompany the Lady back home."

Arms folded across her chest, Sasha questioned, "Under what title? What are you to her?"

Egon took a menacing step forward. "I'm her —"

"Knight!" Adela interjected, her voice faltering slightly. "Sir Egon... he is my knight," she said, her voice growing softer.

Sasha narrowed her eyes, unconvinced. "Your knight... The descendant of the last Emperor of your continent pledged his loyalty to you as an Emorian knight? Him, going down on one knee and kissing your robe. Is that it?" She grinned, as if she found the notion highly amusing.

A staring contest ensued between Adela and Sasha, brought about by Adela's inability to offer a convincing answer. Her tongue felt tied in a knot, rendering her unable to speak about the matter. The notion of Egon bending a knee and kissing her robe seemed far-fetched, even to her.

Amidst this tense moment, Egon let out a hearty chuckle, perplexing both women.

"Allow me to prove it,"

He went down on one knee, but instead of holding the bottom of her dress, Egon surprised Adela by doing something different. He gently wrapped his hand around her summer shoe, slowly lifting it to help her find her balance, and then he planted a tender kiss on the front of her foot. Afterward, he placed her foot back on the ground and stood up, wearing a smug expression on his face.

Adela's mind went blank, her thoughts completely scattered by the unexpected gesture.

"My, my…" Sasha singsonged, her tone teasing. "That changes things." The princess mused, considering the implications of Egon's display. "Well, even if your intentions are that serious, you still have to come with me. Let's take her home to Kaiser before that, all of us."

The days when Adela would allow herself to be brushed aside were long gone.

"I won't be going home; I am going to the inn with you two, we need to talk more about that witness."

"You shall do no such thing," came the Archduke's discontented voice from outside.

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