181: The Archduke's request

The Archduke's request

Adela headed straight back to the manor, resolute in her mission to inform Larissa about the recent encounter with Andreas.0

"Welcome home, My Lady," Bernard greeted her with a respectful bow.

"Thank you," she sighed, relieved that her visit to the adjacent estate was finally over. "Where is Larissa?"

"In the Archduchess's chamber."

Still?

Bernard bowed again, "Welcome home, Your Excellency."

Adela turned around to see her father ascending the stairs with a smile that seemed to erase the years from his features. "Adelaide," he called out as he reached her side, his voice filled with warmth, "walk with me to the library,"

"Certainly!"

Apart from his study, the Archduchy's grand library, nestled in the east wing of the estate, provided the setting for most of their lengthy conversations.

With her hand resting on her father's arm, they strolled together towards the grand library, meandering through the interplay of shadows and light that filtered through the manor's windows. Along the way, they passed a collection of strategically placed marble statues, each one a magnificent work of art portraying mythical creatures, legendary heroes, and revered figures from history.

"It has been far too long since we last visited," Kaiser remarked, his voice filled with a touch of regret, though his eyes sparkled with delight as he looked at Adela.

"You're right, we should make it a habit to come here more often!"

The entrance to the grand library welcomed them with its towering double doors, exquisitely crafted from rich mahogany. As they stepped inside, the air became infused with the unmistakable scent of well-preserved books.

"After you," he gestured, inviting her to proceed.

She maneuvered past the towering shelves that lined the walls, her gaze briefly lingering on the collection of books and the rolling ladder that stood nearby. As she circled the grand wooden table positioned in the center of the room, she reached their usual spots - the plush leather armchairs positioned by the unlit fireplace. Despite the absence of dancing flames during the current season, those seats enveloped her in a sense of cozy delight.

"I have missed sitting here with you," Adela admitted, her smile radiant as she settled into the chair beside her father.

"Well," he leaned back, settling into a more comfortable position, "Let me update you on my day. Gustav and I have prepared the final agreements necessary to initiate work on the industrial zone. They are now awaiting your signatures. I have already dispatched messages to the harbor and the adjacent estate. Although we have yet to receive a response from the von Conradies, Aldric's messenger extended an invitation to his ship for a celebration of our collaboration."

"...It's just like him, but we should have been the ones to arrange the celebration," 

Her father nodded affectionately. "Well, that's part of his charm. After lunch, you should make your way there."

"Are you not coming?" 

His expression darkened momentarily. "I will be staying by Larissa's side for the time being," he replied, his face softening again. "How was your day?" He swiftly changed the subject.

She took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts. 

"...I had a conversation with Andreas about Larissa," she finally responded.

"I see," her father's gaze sparked with a glint of hidden fire. "It is good that you went. I have denied him an audience until I receive word from your mother... What did he disclose?"

She sighed; the ladies of House de Lanark were keeping so much from their father.

"...That the matter is between him and Larissa,"

"...It sounds like the words of a man seeking reconciliation," 

Although Adela didn't perceive it that way, she refrained from arguing with her father, noblemen often have different perspectives on matters.

"Stay with me, now..." he suddenly said, his tone light and playful, "I have something for you," her father said, turning his attention to a nearby shelf. From it, he retrieved a rectangular-shaped gift box, elegantly wrapped in exquisite red and silver paper.

"Father?" Adela's curiosity ignited, her eyes fixed on the gift he held.

"I am one day ahead of your birthday, but I couldn't resist," he confessed, his eyes the color of a serene summer sky.

Grateful for her father's thoughtful gesture, Adela rose from her seat and embraced him. Over the years, he had gifted her with many books, each cherished and read until worn.

"Open it," he urged.

She unwrapped the box, her fingers handling the paper with care. Inside, a valuable book awaited her, its cover made of richly dyed purple leather, proudly displaying the emblem of the de Lanark family. However, as she eagerly flipped through the pages, her excitement turned to surprise. Each page was completely blank.

"This..." she pondered, her eyes searching her father's face.

"Adelaide de Lanark, you are a rare being—a Healer and Emorian royalty. So, this year, my gift to you is more than just a gift—it's a request... I would like you to write, only if you wish to share the knowledge that you have inherited," 

Surprised by her father's words, her eyebrows shot up, "I thought that we were trying to conceal my essence from the rest of the world?"

"The world shall remain unaware. Think of your children... It is a misstep we are correcting. Grace believes that you should share with your own bloodline everything she never shared with you," 

A gift from mother?

"But your mother and I are too young to become grandparents so soon, hm? Don't hasten it," he added, attempting to lighten the mood with a playful remark.

She smiled at his jest, yet her heart twinged slightly. The idea of children seemed distant, especially with the man who held her heart persistently pushing her away. It was a sobering realization that marriage might elude her altogether.

"Thank you so much for this wonderful gift, Father. I will treasure it," 

He patted her cheek affectionately, "I would give you the world if I could, Adelaide. Instead, I offer what I can,"

Returning to the shelf, her father retrieved a substantial book—one she had almost memorized in previous years. Adela was unsure of his intentions as he placed the Emorian Constitution on the table between them, an air of solemnity enveloping him.

"Change commences with a will. And kingdoms transform when their rulers do,"

Adela felt a shiver ripple down her spine as she absorbed his potent statement.

"House de Lanark traces its lineage back to the first Emorian queen, our heroic handless ancestress. The fact that we have deviated so far from our ancestors' vision troubles me deeply. We have veered from the path they envisioned for us," her father passionately explained. "Consider this... a venture," 

"A venture?" Adela echoed, her pulse quickening.

"I would like you to revise this book at your own pace, be it a year or five. Together, let us guide this kingdom back to the rightful course, the one our ancestors envisioned for us,".

Never before had Adela experienced such a surge of exhilaration at a suggestion from the Archduke but it was mingled with a profound sense of fear. It felt as if their endeavor held the potential to unsettle the very foundation of her uncle's reign, like a subversive quest aimed at overthrowing him from his throne.

"...I will give it my utmost," she vowed.

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