162: Another business proposal (part 1)

Another business proposal (part 1)

The soiree became the talk of Lanark the following day, but for Adela, it held a different significance.1

Her heart felt broken, quietly bleeding within her chest, while her mind remained preoccupied with her father's friend. His words about the role of women in his kingdom lingered in her thoughts, and with the reforms she envisioned for Emoria's social system, she looked forward to spending more time with the young King and learning from his experiences.

She believed there was no better way to understand how women had achieved success than by hearing their stories firsthand, and who better to represent the people than their own King? Emoria, true to its usual fashion, was no exception when it came to the greed and neglect displayed by its nobles, with Emanuel serving as a prime example.

"My Lady, would you like to reschedule the meeting for another time?" The Baroness inquired nervously. It was a question she wouldn't have dared to ask if it had been just the two of them. However, they were in a morning staff meeting that Lady de Lanark herself had requested.

Adela smiled apologetically, "On the contrary, Baroness, if my mind seems occupied, it is because of the eventful soiree we had yesterday," she made eye contact with the maids, butlers, kitchen and garden staff, and finally settled on Bernard. "Your efforts have not gone unnoticed, and I wanted to personally express my gratitude. We have guests joining us for lunch today as well, and I hope you continue to represent us in a manner befitting the bright image of Emoria."

The staff's excitement was palpable, evident on their faces. It was a welcome change from the weariness they had brought with them. Adela hoped that with Aldric and Egon's investments in Lanark, the economy would improve slightly, allowing them to provide better benefits for their loyal subjects.

"Very well then!" The Baroness exclaimed. "You are all dismissed!"

Soon, the only ones left in the conference room were Adela and the Baroness.

At that moment, Count Sirius entered and saluted Adela with a thump to his heart, then nodded at the Baroness. "Blessings to the jewel of Emoria," he greeted.

"Count! Good morning!" She responded with excitement but soon noticed the seriousness in his expression.

"My Lady, the guests you were expecting for lunch have already arrived. They are waiting for you in the Archduke's study."

"I beg your pardon!" The Baroness exclaimed. "This is unheard of! How could one make plans and change them without giving notice!"

"The young King said he didn't want to trouble you two days in a row," Count Sirius explained.

"This very statement is troubling, My Lord!" The Baroness continued to object.

Adela pondered that for a moment. The condition King Aldric had placed upon the gathered aristocrats and merchants, requiring them to express gratitude to her before approaching him, could have been an exaggerated courtesy on his part. As empowering as it was, it also felt burdensome.

Wasn't he repeating the same thing today?

She gave the Baroness a sideways glance for losing control and speaking out. "Baroness, please ask the kitchen to swiftly prepare a brunch instead of the originally planned lunch. We can handle this."

The Baroness swallowed her objections, curtsied, and left to carry out the task.

"May I accompany you to the study, My Lady?" Count Sirius asked.

Adela looked down at her simple white dress and the side braid she wore. Her appearance did not match that of someone greeting a foreign King.

"My Lady, if I may say, you look exceptionally beautiful today," Count Sirius remarked.

She gazed upwards, smiling as their eyes met. He was a true gentleman, someone who could read the room extremely well. His words, though possibly empty, were just what she needed to hear in that moment.

"Count, I believe women who handle diplomacy in Varinthia don't always have the luxury of looking impeccable, do they?"

He smiled knowingly and extended his hand towards her.

As much as she enjoyed his company, which shortened the journey between the manor and the annex, Adela couldn't help but miss Arkin, who was once again out of sight. She and his mother had been so busy preparing for lunch that she hadn't even had a chance to inquire about him.

What a waste of time.

What is this feeling?

"My Lady, this is as far as I am allowed to go," the Count said, accepting the salute from the two guards at the annex's door.

Adela curtsied and proceeded alone. Her feet seemed to move not connected to the ground but rather directed towards her father's study. Her heart pounded with anticipation.

He's here.

He has to be.

She took a steadying breath and knocked on the door.

"Come in, Adelaide," the Archduke's voice welcomed her.

When she opened the door, the three men inside stood up. The scent of pine filled the room, and she made a deliberate effort to avoid looking in the direction of the pull she felt. She curtsied, focusing on her father first, "Blessings be with the shield of Emoria," she greeted him formally. Only then did she shift her gaze towards Aldric and offered another curtsy. "Your Holiness," she said, managing to hide any hint of a frown.

Amidst all that had transpired and the speed at which it had happened, she had forgotten to ask her father why the young King was addressed as a priest when he was not.

"Adela, now that you are here, I can begin with my business proposal," Aldric stated.

She swallowed nervously and looked at Egon, unsure of what to expect. The King had a peculiar set of rules by which he operated, but she still felt the need to acknowledge Egon's presence.

"Sir Egon," she said with a curt nod, to which he simply returned the gesture.

It left a bitter taste in her mouth.

She suddenly realized with a sense of awkwardness that there was no seat for her in the study, a room not meant for casual conversations or meetings. The only chairs available were the two already occupied by the gentlemen. To her horror, both men seemed to have the same realization and simultaneously stepped away from their seats, gesturing with their hands to offer her their places.

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