271: All the fires to put out (part 2)

All the fires to put out (part 2)

Egon responded without delay, "Sasha and Claude de Lanark share distant blood ties. It's unsurprising that the Emperor would extend his influence over him. Sasha won't waste any time seizing her opportunities."1

The hurried departure plans of others left an unsettled feeling within Adela.

"Was I the only one who noticed Princess Sasha's fascination with Leopold von Conradie? I assumed she had intentions to pursue him here in Lanark."

It was yet another revelation that struck Egon.

"…Sasha is interested in Uncle Leopold?"

Keen on guiding the conversation toward her desired direction, the Archduchess shifted uncomfortably in her seat.

"The political landscape after Emanuel de Lanark's time is complex. Connections shift, alliances change. We must prepare for any and all potential outcomes."

Recognition finally flickered in Egon's obsidian eyes.

"You're reluctant to send Claude to the Empire in his current agitated state because you believe he might have a chance at the succession, aren't you?"

Egon's words struck a chord in Adela's memory; this wasn't the first time she had come across such speculations. In fact, the late King had been quite direct in his assertion that marrying Claude would not only make her a queen but an empress.

The Archduchess's expression softened, Egon's straightforward manner reminiscent of Leopold's.

"The Emperor of Kolhis lacks a male heir, and his daughters remain unmarried without sons of their own. Rumors circulate that the heir may be chosen rather than born... With the lingering resentment toward Emanuel, Claude might well gain considerable support in this potential race. Lord knows he's also proven to possess a shrewd political acumen!" The Archduchess pondered. "Now think about it. Could someone like Claude truly set aside his ambitions to rule after experiencing all that he has?"

While the Archduchess focused on diplomatic concerns between Emoria and Kolhis, Adela's thoughts remained with Claude.

"It will be an immense struggle for Claude. He's innocent in all of this," she reflected, earning yet another disapproving glance from her husband.

As she took one final sip of tea to soothe her parched throat, the Archduchess delicately set down her cup with a sigh. Her hazel eyes shifted towards the Baroness, a silent exchange passing between the two women. The Baroness took her turn to speak after that, changing the topic.

"My Lady, I still hold the position of your designated Lady-in-Waiting, and it would be an honor to continue serving you here. If there is a vacant room available, I would be most grateful for your hospitality."

Adela pushed aside her initial surprise, her mind working fast to figure out the motivations behind the Baroness's request. She parted her lips, her expression thoughtful as she prepared to respond.

"Baroness Frieda, your well-being is of great concern to me. It would bring me immense joy to have you residing under the same roof. However, I also wonder about your own household. Shouldn't you be present there for the sake of the Baron, especially during such times?"

Their son had left Lanark indefinitely after all, and the Baron must be devastated.

Wouldn't he be?

A hint of resignation lowered the Baroness's shoulder. "My husband has been entrusted with overseeing not one, but two orders. On top of that, he is to depart for matters concerning the mutant hyenas. It appears prudent for me to stay here, ensuring that Lady Adelaide receives all the assistance required."

Adela sensed that there was more to the Baroness's request than met the eye. She detected a carefully chosen omission of certain details, particularly concerning Arkin. The Archduchess and the Baroness both acted as if they supported his departure, even though Adela knew that it broke both of their hearts.

Her mind raced, recalling the tearful conversation she had shared with Arkin in her room. The feeling of foreboding that had gripped her then seemed to resonate with the current situation.

Perhaps Arkin's decision to leave for a while was indeed for the best.

Adela exchanged a brief, meaningful glance with Egon. It was clear that their intuition aligned—Arkin's departure was more complicated than what was being openly discussed. And the Baroness's request, though ostensibly for Adela's assistance, was likely an opportunity for her to find some distance as well.

"I will ask the maids to prepare a room for you, then, Baroness."

The Archduchess opened her fan and began to gently fan herself, offering appreciative nods in her daughter and son-in-law's direction.

"Then there is one more matter to discuss, Adela," she addressed her daughter, her tone now more subdued and confidential. "But this particular topic requires privacy. I insist that you accompany me to the Archduke's estate."

Grace's gaze moved up and down Egon's form, her expression carrying a meaningful hint.

"We have capable physicians there who can ensure your well-being after last night."

The idea of a personal examination flushed Adela's cheeks, and she was about to voice her objection, assuring her mother that she felt perfectly fine. However, Egon's warm breath tickled her ear, his words persuasive.

"I would feel much better if you were looked after, just to be sure. Besides, I need to visit my uncle and brother. It's an opportunity for you to rest and recover in a more suitable environment," he murmured.

Before she could praise the restorative effects of the mana bath, his voice reached her again.

"Moreover, we can take advantage of this and clear the house for the attendants I've hired. They will take care of the cleaning and cooking."

What cleaning and cooking with all the maids that Grace de Lanark had brought?! 

Not wishing to give the impression that she was opposing Egon's suggestions at every turn, Adela shifted her attention back to her mother and mustered a tentative smile. "Very well, Mother. I will accompany you to the estate."

A sense of relief visibly washed over the Archduchess's features. "I'm glad to hear that, my dear."

While Egon's hand found hers across the table, their fingers gently entwining, Adela's heartbeat seemed to echo a different sentiment. Despite the appreciated grip of their fingers, an unsettling feeling nestled in her chest, making her question the wisdom of going to her father's estate after all.

What was this sensation that had taken hold of her?

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