272: Inconsistencies between acts and words

Inconsistencies between acts and words

"I believe that concludes our examination, My Lady, and I extend my heartfelt congratulations once more."0

"Thank you, Count Logan."

Adela's composed demeanor during her interaction with the de Lanark family physician stood in stark contrast to the visible tension held by the Archduchess and the Baroness, who lingered outside her chambers, clearly eager for any news. The doctor's thorough yet reasonable examination had remained entirely verbal and reassuring.

"Then I shall take my leave now."

"Of course, and please accept my gratitude for your attention."

With a nod, Count Logan opened the door to usher Adela out, only to find the two women with anxious expressions waiting for any update.

A faint blush crept onto Adela's cheeks as she spoke, "I shall entrust you to the care of Count Logan then."

Grace de Lanark appeared poised to object, but the Count preempted her by delving into his findings, creating an opportune moment for Adela to make her escape. She embarked on her next mission, the urgency of conversing with her father about Claude de Lanark's departure to Kolhis and its implications for Kaiser's role in their kingdom pressing on her mind.

Through the corridors of the manor, Adela moved swiftly, maintaining a pace just shy of a run. As she navigated the halls, she encountered Bernard by the door, his kind smile greeting her.

"My Lady, it is a pleasure to see you."

"Thank you, Majordomo. I'm seeking my father."

Bernard adjusted his monocle thoughtfully.

"Regrettably, the likelihood of that happening in the immediate moment is quite low. Your Ladyship may be aware of Commander Arkin's situation—His Excellency's current private meeting with the Commander and leaders from both orders has taken precedence."

"Ah, I see. I understand the significance of his ongoing commitments."

A quick glance up the stairs filled Adela with apprehension at the thought of returning to her chambers. The manor's walls seemed to close in on her as she envisioned the impending barrage of embarrassing questions that would undoubtedly come her way if she were left in private with the Archduchess and the Baroness.

"Did you happen to hear that young Kannen has returned, My Lady?"

Adela's lips twisted up as she regarded the loyal man who had dedicated himself to House de Lanark for so many years.

Bernard inclined his head, "Following Sir Egon's instructions, young Kannen has been restored to his rightful place. During your wedding activities, I took it upon myself to oversee his well-being. I can assure you that he is thriving."

The typically composed Majordomo's eyes gleamed with a rare emotion.

"A visit from his owner would undoubtedly lift his spirits."

"...Thank you, Majordomo, I shall take my leave then."

A deep sense of gratitude appeared on Adela's face as she quickly stepped through the door Bernard held ajar. The value of the man's dedication to her was undeniable, and she carried this realization with her as she ventured forth.

The path to the hill offered her an opportunity to witness the aftermath of the morning's unusual summer rain. The mud-strewn surroundings stood as proof of the heavy rainfall, although her peaceful moments next to her slumbering husband had prevented her from noticing its occurrence.

A gentle smile curved her lips as she glanced down at her sturdy boots. Egon had been considerate enough to provide them before she left their house, earning approving nods from Grace, Frieda, and even a few maids who happened to be nearby.

"...I miss you," she murmured with a shy smile, feeling a bit silly about it.

The rain had transformed the typically solid pathway into a treacherous and uneven trail, yet Egon's thoughtfulness remained her shield, even in his absence.

"Adelaide!"

Her name echoed through the air, and her contemplative stroll came to an abrupt halt as she turned towards the source of the urgent call. A rider on horseback emerged in her line of sight, his snow-white hair making his identity apparent even before his facial features could be distinguished.

Her heart sank.

The impulse to flee surged through her veins, but the horse's troubled arrival stopped her. The powerful steed struggled against the muddied ground, its hooves sinking into the soft earth.

"Stop!" she yelled as Aldric seemed intent on pushing the horse harder. Yet, the horse's powerful strides were reduced to sluggish, torturous motions, as if each step was a battle against the sucking grip of the mud. Its nostrils flared with labored breaths.

In a last-ditch effort, the horse attempted to gain momentum, its hooves churning the mud in a frenzy. But one hoof became ensnared in the mire, blocking its motion with a terrible force.

The sudden stop catapulted Aldric from the saddle. He was launched mid-air, a fleeting blur against the backdrop of mud and sky.

"Fly, you fool!" Adela's inner plea matched her outward scream.

Gravity exerted its power, and Aldric collided with the ground in a jarring sprawl.

"No!" Adela's voice cracked as she sprinted towards him.

The impact was brutal, knocking the air from Aldric's lungs as he landed with a heavy thud. The force of the fall left him utterly silent, sprawled amidst the muddy aftermath.

Kneeling by his side, Adela clenched her teeth, anxiety clutching at her heart.

Is he dead?

Desperation clouded her thoughts as she tried to focus her Healing abilities, but once again, a barrier within Aldric's being seemed to block her efforts. Like the forest incident, his vitals remained elusive, and she was left to tend to him as a human physician would.

With a composed hand, she pressed her fingers to the area between his ear and neck, her breath held as she searched for a pulse.

"You're alive," she exhaled.

Aldric's hand shot out with a loud groan, gripping her wrist with a fierce intensity. His eyes, wide with primal terror, met hers.

"A-Adela..."

As recognition set in, his grip weakened, his arm falling back to the mud beside him with another shriek of pain.

"Don't move! You might have broken bones that could puncture your organs."

Amidst the eerie silence of absent knights—each attending the meeting with the Archduke—Adela's attention remained solely on Aldric's suffering. Empathy and frustration mingled within her as she watched him struggle, her gaze tracing his chest, her hands hovering helplessly over his shirt as she searched for a way to aid him.

"G... Go... Let me... die alone!"

She shot him a glare, her green eyes burning with anger.

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