Chapter 15 -- After the Banquet (1)

"Ezekiel!" Duke Alpheus ran toward his son, who had finally returned. The banquet held for the emperor's birthday had ended early, disrupted by the catastrophe that had occurred. He was nervous for his son, who had followed the cause of that storm: Princess Athanasia.

"You also could have met His Majesty's wrath! Why did you follow the princess?!"

While the reason was unclear, it was readily apparent that Princess Athanasia had lost Emperor Claude's favor. No, it was still too early to judge whether or not she'd completely lost all of his affection.

Duke Alpheus groaned as he recalled how the young royal had confidently left the banquet hall, compared to how she'd been dragged in initially. Even after watching Princess Athanasia

Duke Alpheus groaned as he recalled how the princess confidently left the banquet hall, unlike how she was dragged initially. Even after seeing how Princess Athanasia freed herself from the knights, the emperor had allowed her to leave. Perhaps the emperor's heart had not yet wholly turned away from her...

"Let's get into the carriage for now."

Regardless of what had happened, Ezekiel being with Princess Athanasia after Emperor Claude's proclamations was quite dangerous. During their ride, Roger Alpheus droned on about how his son should keep his distance from the princess.

Being intelligent, Ezekiel should have come to understand his father's intentions. But for some reason, he was behaving unpredictably in matters related to the girl.

"Father." Finally, Ezekiel began to speak to Roger Alpheus. "You have always told me to behave rationally."

"That's right."

"I do not know if I have been a son who met Father's expectations, but to this day, I believe that I have been following your teachings very well."

Duke Alpheus couldn't agree more. Ezekiel had never disappointed him; he was incredibly proud of his son.

"But today, I…"

Then, Ezekiel said something Duke Alpheus had never expected.

"...for the first time, came to think all of this was worthless."

"What? What do you mean?" The elder Alpheus could not understand what his son was saying. But, when Ezekiel went on, the lord's eyes widened with surprise.

"Father, I do not have the courage to see her tears again."

Ezekiel gazed steadily at his father.

"Also, I do not have the courage to forgive the person who made her cry."

Not knowing what to say for a moment, Roger Alpheus stuttered; it was an action that was quite unlike the duke.

"Ezekiel, you…"

Shocked, he realized that the person Ezekiel was referring to was Princess Athanasia.

The light filtering through the window of the carriage painted a splendid gold across their faces. That same light was reflected in those eyes that were staring straight at him. He knew then that there was no convincing his son to change his mind.

"Are you certain?"

Ezekiel did not answer his father's question. His silence was all the confirmation that was needed. For a brief moment, there was no conversation between the two men in the carriage.

"As you know, I was not involved in today's incident."

"I know." Ezekiel did not stop there. "But that doesn't mean you might not be involved in the future."

Roger Alpheus flinched. The duke understood what his son was saying, but Ezekiel had always been loyal. Any shred of doubt that he might have had about Ezekiel's conviction was ripped to shreds when his son went on.

"If what father is planning somehow harms her, I don't think I can stand by and watch it happen."

"Do you mean that?"

"My apologies, Father."

Once more at a loss for words, Roger Alpheus stared at his son's face for a while.

"Ha…" He chuckled dryly. He had heard before that a parent could not fully control a child, but he had never expected Ezekiel to be such a case.

"We'll talk more about this later."

Ultimately, Roger Alpheus wiped his face with his hands. He was filled with overwhelming exhaustion. The duke had yet to choose a side, Jennette or Princess Athanasia. Whomever he chose, his plan wouldn't change much. But based on what he had seen in the banquet that day, Princess Athanasia's prospects didn't look good. Regardless, for the first time, his son had expressed an opinion of his own.

Duke Alpheus' thoughts were still racing when they arrived back at their manor. The day was not over yet, and he had much to think about. But the moment they entered the mansion, they were met with a sobbing Jennette.

"I RECEIVED A LETTER JUST NOW, BUT AUNTIE… AUNTIE…!"

Looking at her messy state, Roger Alpheus snatched the letter from Jennette's hand. Soon, his face hardened.