176: Fractured bonds

Fractured bonds

Holding steadfast to the promise she made to Bastian, Adela ensured she remained in the mews until twilight. However, as she made her way through the garden and reached the intersection where the fountain dominated the surroundings, she unintentionally came face to face with the last person she wanted to see at that moment—her mother.1

There was no avoiding it now; it was too late to pretend they hadn't seen each other. Adela curtsied formally before her mother. "Your Excellency."

"Adelaide," Grace's voice sounded tired as she addressed her daughter. "How was your trip, child? You come and go, and never once do you come to seek me out. I wish you would seek me more often."

Adela bit her cheek, feeling a surge of frustration. It was one thing for everyone to lie behind the Lady's back, but to do so right in front of her face felt like a direct insult to her intelligence. She decided to respond to the part of the conversation she could without risking a misstep.

"We eliminated the forest as a potential location for the industrial zone and reached a decision on the appropriate site," she replied flatly, her voice carrying the offense that she struggled to contain.

Grace gave her a sharp look that quickly faded. "...How is Aldric treating you?"

The question caught Adela off guard, but she welcomed the surprise in the midst of the tense atmosphere.

"Respectfully?" Adela responded, her tone slightly condescending. She failed to see the purpose behind the interrogation, especially since she knew exactly where her mother had been returning from.

The Archduchess either missed the disrespect or pretended that it never happened. "Does he treat you respectfully like everyone else, or is he extra sensitive toward you?" 

Adela tilted her head exaggeratedly, "And why would he be extra sensitive toward me, Your Excellency? He is polite to everybody."

"Alright. How are the dynamics between Egon and Aldric then? Were there any tensions between the two during your journey?" 

Adela shrugged, stifling her true answer. Internally, a part of her rebelled, tempting her to provide false answers to the Archduchess's questions.

"They are indeed quite different, but in a business relationship, gentlemen typically prioritize benefits rather than mental compatibility,"

The Archduchess either accepted Adela's words at face value or decided to overlook any potential tensions between Egon and Aldric, choosing to believe that they maintained a civilized relationship.

"...Egon is someone we have thoroughly assessed, and he has consistently demonstrated his worth. Despite his reserved nature, men like him tend to be the most genuine in revealing their true selves."

Adela stifled a sigh, finding it difficult to believe that her mother was defending Egon of all people and providing insights into his character. But her silence seemed to demand further explanation from her mother's side.

"Aldric is a friend of your father, but their bond grew through correspondence and shared interests. We don't truly know him as an individual. Egon, on the other hand, has been present for a longer time, allowing us to thoroughly assess his character. Just because a royal figure has captured the spotlight in Lanark's social scene doesn't mean we should overlook the important gentlemen who have assisted us in times of need."

"...What exactly are you implying, Your Excellency?" Adela challenged, wanting to dig deeper into her mother's words.

"I'm saying, don't trample on anyone's heart," the Archduchess's words seemed to carry a deeper meaning, but she didn't elaborate further.

Adela was perplexed, she wanted to ask if the Archduchess was planning to meet the young King anytime soon but refrained from doing so to avoid breaching royal decorum.

How far would they go to cover up their lies?

"Adelaide," Kaiser's voice called out from behind her as he approached from across the courtyard. "You haven't changed your attire yet. We have a business meeting shortly."

Adela glanced over her shoulder at her father, exchanging a brief look with Grace. Concern was evident in his blue eyes. She couldn't shake the feeling of being a mere obstruction, just in the way to her parents.

"In that case, if you'll excuse me, I will go and prepare myself for the meeting," she said, making a quick attempt to withdraw from the awkward conversation.

"I will ensure that the kitchen prepares dinner for the meeting, and we will send the trays to your study, Kaiser. Is that agreeable with both of you?" Grace inquired.

Kaiser smiled. "It's agreeable with me if it's agreeable with the two of you."

Adela didn't want to be lumped together with her mother, even in mere words. "Before I go," she hurried to add, "I wanted to inform you that I have invited Sir Bastian to join the meeting. He went to His Holiness's ship, so they will likely arrive together," 

"Well," Kaiser paused, deep in thought, "Egon is also joining us, so..."

Adela couldn't comprehend her father's train of thought. "So?"

"...I will enter first then," Grace declared, striding towards the stairs and ascending to the door held open by the Majordomo for the de Lanark family.

"Adelaide," Kaiser called out when he noticed her lingering gaze fixed on her mother's back.

She looked up at him, searching for any signs of feigned concern towards his wife, but found only genuine care.

Does he not get jealous at all?

"...Yes, Father," she replied after a moment's pause.

"My dear, I was actually on my way to find you. We have received official word from Larissa," Kaiser disclosed.

Her heart skipped a beat. "A wedding invitation?"

Kaiser's expression turned serious before brightening again. "It's news of her returning here, nothing about a wedding."

Adela struggled to determine whether Larissa's impending return was good news or bad news.

"I understand that you're going through a lot right now, but I also expect you to keep your sister in good company," 

"Of course, Father."

"Now go and change for the meeting. Your sister might be here any moment."

"Yes, Your Excellency,"

As she made her way up to her chambers, the impending return of Larissa along with the complex intricacies of royal affairs and her precarious standing within House de Lanark cast a shadow of doubt over Adela's confidence in making a meaningful contribution to the forthcoming meeting.

She couldn't help but feel like a featherless falcon once more, stripped of both, her strength and her significance.

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