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Chapter 111 - Unwilling To Keep A Low Profile.

"Is all set and ready?" Diego asked, while walking towards the group of knights. There were just about six of them- if he were to exclude Theodore. The men payed obeisance In an instant, each of them giving a low bow, placing their right fist on the left chest. Diego simply gave them a curt nod; there were no further instructions to be issued unto them, anyways. Theodore walked towards his direction, with Douen to keep him company. "I am not fond of your choice of clothing, I have to say." Theodore voiced out, the instant he came into proximity with his cousin. Diego raised his brow- his clothes were formal enough, so what could this lad possibly go on about? "Do you wish for me to girdle Myself up in a fashion similar to yours?" Diego asked, shooting a gaze in the direction of the latter. For some reason, Theodore had adorned himself in an Armour. "We are going for hunting, Theodore, not preparing for war." Diego stated, as he gazed at the young Man pertuntantly. "Why, did you say nothing but permitted him to do as he pleased?" Diego asked, turning towards the mountain of a man before him. Douen sighed, gazing at Diego with solemn eyes. "I did attempt to dissuade him from his intentions; however, he found no cause to heed to my words." Douen stated, while glancing at his younger comrade. Douen was rather tall, so much so that even Diego had to slightly tilt his Head to speak with him. Apart from his majestic height, which immediately brought earned him glances at the instant he walked into a room, there was nothing remarkable about him, save for his remarkable skills as a swordman. His appearance could be rated as ordinary, but still, there were some factors that caused Diego to pull this man to his side, and even appoint him as the captain of the hosusehold, even. "Theodore, please take off that Armour, this instant- lest your decision about participating in the hunt has been altered." Diego stated, in a menacing voice. Theodore flinched for a brief moment. "But what If, in the process of capturing one of those beast, I end up becoming grievously wounded instead?" Theodore asked, his voice sounding pitiful to the hearing. Diego glanced at him with widened eyes. "If you are so concerned about your own personal well-being, then I best advice you remain within the confines of the manor, as it is not too late to change your mind." Diego's tone was straight forward. "But.. do you not see the size of those beasts?" Theodore continued to argue. "Their horns and tusks! It is capable of incapacitating any mortal man, even killing them!" Theodore continued to vociferate. Diego just simply walked past him. "If you are going to remain overly paranoid, then it will be the best for us all if you stay." The man simply stated, as he opened the lid of a chest. Upon witnessing its contents, he nodded his head slightly in satisfaction, before closing it shut once more. "Alright then, I will take it off, if you so desire." Theodore stated, grumbling as one that had been grievously offended. "The supplies are good to go." Diego stated, whilst patting the chest lightly with his hand. "Douen, it Is best if you take it to the carraige now; the probability of it being left behind is quite high." Diego instructed. "Of course, My lord." Douen stated, as he picked the box up in an effortless manner, making it seem as an easy Task to accomplish. "But still, I am still perplexed about that case." Theodore mumbled to himself, in the process of taking off the breastplate. Diego sighed once more. "You must refer to Natasha's case, yes?" He asked, seeking for an affirmation. "I had already given you my word, have I not?" Diego asked, while the young man battled with his boots, a slight frown on his feautures. "That I believe, but the issue is..." His movements came to a Pause, as he stared towards the direction of the gates. "Perharps we should increase the rate of security? What is your opinion, Diego?" The male asked, turning towards him. "For someone to successfully Penetrate through the manor's security without so much as a warning- does it not appear to you, that there is more to it that meets the eye?" The interviewed lightly placed his hand against his neck- for sure, the skin upon it had waxed hot. And why would it not be, when the sun had emerged once more, providing both life and torment to all lifeforms? As for Causeatus.. that being would surely have been reluctant make a move, since the Master of the flock had returned to keep watch over his sheep. "Or should we have them to be retrenched? That may serve as a clarium call for them." The man quoted. Diego glanced at him for a moment- he had taken note of how grave his voice sounded, and had noticed his clenched fists. The man may not appear as such- but he was very attached to his sister, despite the number of times both individuals bickered during the day. "You do know that will not be an easy feat, or don't you?" Diego finally unfolded his arms. "Having Egiel to keep them under constant surveillance is not going to be easy though." Diego exhaled,.almost feeling sorry for the aforementioned individual. "And what of the plagues?" Theodore asked, gazing upwards. "Well, if he is ignorant of their location, then how would you expect him to function?" Diego asked. Although the case was a dire one (In Theodore's perspective) He could not possibly go adorned relieving the staff of their responsibilities, especially Given that the identity of the true perpetrator was known to him. Besides that- The risk involved did not make the assignment to be worth it. Most of the servants which ministered their duties in the Raymond household were intergenerational, of some sorts. This implied that- all the servants in the manor had agnatic ties towards it. Using Lisa as a Case study- her mother had served faithfully in the manor, retired, and brought Her up her daughter to fill the void. "Just leave the issue to me." Diego had to grant his assurance to his younger cousin. "Oh, and by the way- before you leave for the final destination, you may need to refresh yourself." Diego stated, a wry smile on his lips, as he gazed at his seated cousin, whose undergarment had been utterly soaked from his perspiration.

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 Dennis ignored the woman who stood before him, with her hands folded. Cornelia stood diligently beside him, looking for a place to cast her gaze to. Beside his many documents(and duplicated documents) which endlessly formed a circle about his table, there was, in addition, a brown envelope at some inconspicuous corner- rendered close to its edge. Dennis glanced upwards, his eyes instinctively meeting Beatrice's steady gaze. "Katrina." He called out, tilting, glancing as much as he could, towards the space beyond the damsel. "Did I not instruct you, to take her away from here?" He asked. "Take Me away! I am not some captive, Dennis!" Beatrice interrupted, not permitting the maid a single second to speak. Dennis's blue eyes finally laid themselves on her. "Beatrice, you impede my field of vision. Move away- I would very much like to see who it is I speak with." Dennis stated simply. Beatrice gave a low sigh. "At Least ingest your medication at least... Where, is it?" Beatrice lecture came to a sudden halt, while her eyes wandered about wildly, searching for the item. "Here, my lady." Katrina, who had Crouched to the ground moments prior, stood erect once more, having picked up the item, which had laid close to her Mistress's feet. "Oh, my goodness." Bemonaned the woman, who gingerly accepted the brown envelope from the maid. 'Whence lies My attention these days? It is laid so close to me, and yet..' Beatrice thought, before subconsciously glancing In the direction of the man once more. She felt a light pang at her abdominal region, and she carefully placed her hand In the area, as though it would somewhat soothe the being which laid therein. During the period of crisis, she had been by his side for the entirety of it, to the extent that she had begun to neglect, her own self- much to the vexation of Sylvester. But, irregardless of her efforts, the man had never once deemed it fit to acknowledge her- Did he even gaze at her once? If ever he did, it appeared as though he was glancing at what Laid beyond her. She felt the same Identical pang once more, but Beatrice was not too bothered about it. What were the odds that the child felt the same exact emotions she did?

 "Will you not take your medication?" Beatrice asked, as she, once more, held the envelope out before him. A hand accepted it- Making a smile to appear on her face. "Take it." Dennis simply stated, passing the brown envelope to his secretary, who took it without the slightest of hesitations. 'I was of the opinion that it was a file.' Cornelia thought, as she forced herself to look away from the direction of the woman, who apparently had flames burning in her eyes. "Will you not take it?" Beatrice pursued once more, her voice becoming desperate and more high pitched. "Is it even a must for you to be in attendance? Sylvester is here, is he not?" "Sylvester is far too young to be sent out on his own- a prime subject of manipulation and deceit." Dennis simply replied, without even bothering to raise his head. 'All my lord appears to care about, is his work.' Katrina stated, as she sighed inwardly. 'Does he perhaps think that some noble would attempt to make a friendly bargain with him, why he is yet there?' She thought, before glancing towards her mistress once more. Her soles had begun to hurt- she needn't be surprised. If it was estimated to be roughly over an hour, since Beatrice had been in the presence of the master, cajoling and appealing to him as one would do for a child. Dennis glanced at the item in his file in surprise- Beatrice had just slammed the medicine on his table. "Take it, I beg of you." The woman pleaded, having no other available options in Mind. "You do not realise, how ghastly pale you look, at the current moment." She pressed on. "Ghastly?" Dennis mumbled that word, with a slight scoff. Cornelia exhaled loudly. "My master, I believe you should hearken to lady Beatrice's voice, just this once." She stated, before admitting. "You do appear as pale as death, afterall."She mumbled that latter part underneath her breath. "My goodness, Cornelia." Beatrice called out from the sidelines. "I never dreamt of the day, whereby we would begin to possess like minds." She added, glancing at the other curtly. "Apparently, such Is the case." Cornelia replied sarcastically, turning Her head away. She actually felt a slight bit of nausea- agreeing with this woman, that Is. Dennis glanced at the maid, for a brief moment. "I have no interest in taking this- whatever it may be. It is bitter on the tongue, brings waves of irresistible drowsiness upon my being." He further emphasized. "Why do you think, that I have twice the workload upon my desk?" He asked, gazing at her firmly. "I honestly Blame you, Beatrice, for spoiling him to this extent." A voice called out from the entrance. "Even our mother, did not pamper him as much as you do now." He added, before strolling in casually, as though that was his own personal space. "You will be worse than heartless, if you do not give into her pleas." Sylvester calmly quipped, as he glanced at his brother in the eye. Dennis had long laid his head against his chair- peering at his sibling with no emotion. Unless if someone took away the wretched pill, he would write no further, and that resolve hardened Into steel with each passing second. "So that I may collapse before all those people?" Dennis asked, with furrowed brows. Sylvester sighed, before placing both hands on the desk, leaning even closer to him. "If you turn out to be exhausted, then you could, always retire in the tent." Sylvester told him, a small grim on his face. "Your presence is the only thing that is needed. There was never much of a need, for you to be an active participant in the race." He explained further. "And besides.." He said, his bright blue eyes turning to gaze In Cornelia's direction. "Your little assistant here can finally prove, how valuable she is to you." He added, with the intention of mocking the maiden. "Pardon me, my lord?" Cornelia inquired in a lovely voice, her demanour warm. 'Goodness, she is such a shameless actress.' Sylvester simply clenched his fists Inside his pockets. "And what makes you think, that his majesty would permit her to run in my place, when the need so arises?" Dennis asked, a relaxed expression on his face. "Well, would he deny you of that privilege?" Sylvester asked, with an upraised brow. "The world knows naught of the true relationship, you share with her." Cornelia immediately adjusted her skirt; she felt slightly uncomfortable under Sylvester's glare. "Moreover, she Is a servant of the Lewis Household, is she not? I do not see any objectivity in that." He added, with a slight smile. "So, it is best if you take your medications now. We are already, as late as it is." He added. "Alright. Anything to get you to stop speaking." Dennis admitted, as he sat upright in his chair. "But I will need some fluid." Beatrice's eyes lit up lightly as she heard that, while Sylvester instantly turned away; intending to depart. He had more better things to utilize his time for. Indistinctictively, from the corner of his eyes, he could sight Beatrice mouthing words of silent appreciation to him, but he strode past her, without so much as nodding in her direction. "I will, get it for you, my master." She heard a voice say, while she was yet to break her stare from Sylvester's back. "Ah, Cornelia!" She could not Help but call out. The addressed halted before the threshold, her light brown eyes staring In her direction. "Would you get some orange juice, if you would please?" She asked. "My lady.." Katrina called out silently. "That is truly not the healthiest alterna.." But Beatrice appeared not to hear her, but glanced at her husband once more. "It should help alleviate the bitterness from the pill." 

 "What compelled you to do that?" Sylvester turned around,only to behold the maid, staring at him from the corridors. "What? Does it hurt your pride?" Sylvester asked. But the maid shook her head. "I asked you something earlier, and I demand an answer." She stated. Sylvester could not Help but scoff at her, inwardly. "You are an assassin, are you not?" He asked, as he approached her. "Your hands maybe small, but there is no knowing. How many souls it has taken." Cornelia was still engrossed in her thoughts, so she did not notice when the Lad had gotten to her In Close proximity, lightly touching her hands. "What new vocation is this?" She flinched, receding in her steps. Sylvester only smiled at her, causing Cornelia to feel somewhat intimidated. It did not help that he was taller as her as well- coupled with the Sharp mind and slanderous tongue of his, it only served to make her ponder as to whether or not he was actually fourteen. "Besides, I simply love to keep secrets. Unlike a certain someone." Sylvester shrugged his shoulders, before walking away. "So, you were aware, afterall." Cornelia mumured, as she lightly touched the wrist which Sylvester had grabbed earlier on.

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 Regaris felt a soft material coming into contact with his face. He recoiled lightly, however, his tense muscles relaxed when he knew who it was. "What is the matter, your highness? You perspire greatly." Indel who was by his side, simply stated. However, the man simply shook his head, staring with the utmost concentration, at the long list in his hand. Indel scowled lightly; ever since that fortune event, he had become awfully mute for some reason. Typically, she would have been the first to blabber his silly adventures to. "Your highness, the Household of Secroyan has arrived." Zephyr called out, as he flipped through the curtains, nearly tripping as he did. "Your high.." The man got fixated to the spot, when he noticed the presence of the other personality. Indel just stood behind Regaris like a protector, her hands folded. "How are you so certain that it was indeed the Household of Secroyan?" She asked. Zephyr rolled his eyes, at her. "By their family emblem, what else?" The man asked. "Oh, is that so? Well then, how is their family emblem symbolized?" She asked once more. "I was not speaking with you, I demanded for the attention of his highness." Zephyr refuted. "Would you two be silent?" Regaris Called out, in a calm voice. Indel and her nemesis immediately brought a halt to their Bickering. "My lord, the blame Is due to your most loyal maid... glance at her, she even wears a malicious grin at the moment." Zephyr stated, while Indel could not Help but shake her head. 'What a fool.' She cussed at the man in earnest, who had already gotten to his knees, next to Regaris. "The hosusehold of Secroyan was it?" Regaris asked, as he quickly ticked the name off from the long list. He was the one to play the role of the registrar this day- to wait till all the carraiges were assembled, then note the names of those who were actually present. But there was one name which he longed for that he hadn't seen, as of yet. 'They would not dare to blame so foolish, knowing quite well what the repercussions would be, will they?' Regaris thought, the lines on the center of his head increasing by each millisecond. "Your highness, you will get wrinkles." Zephyr, who was still Crouched on the ground, pointed out innocently. "Be silent." Regaris stated, without turning to him in the slightest. The matter at hand confused him- did the secretary forget to document the names down? "So, her royal majesty is not going to participate in the event?" Indel asked, but Regaris shook his head. "There is no need for her to do such- there are other activities that could bid her time at the castle, if ever she gets bored." He simply stated, before turning towards the maid. "What about you, Indel? I can tell that you would very much like to participate?" He asked. Indel has a simple expression on her face at first, but then she quickly lowered her head when she noticed that she was no more in control of her emotions. "I really appreciate the kind gesture, your highness- but you need not bend the rules because of me." Indel said, whist raising her head, her expression tranquil once more. "In Regards to my father, who would probably not be pleased once this news get to his hearing.." "Regaris." A voice called out, seemingly with much irritation. Zephyr, who was Crouched on the floor, sprang to his feet in an instant. "Your highness" "Your highness." Both Indel and Zephyr simultaneously paid their respects. But Lucille's eyes stayed towards the man, who remained as he was seated, as though he did not notice her entrance. "I want to speak with you." Lucille stated, loudly enough for the man to hear. "Alone"

 "What is it that you want?" Regaris asked, still searching for the name. He had flipped the two lists over, but he still could not attain what he craved for. "You have already driven the servants out, so please get to the point." Regaris mumbled on absent- mindedly. "Pay attention to me when I speak to you! This is of no importance." Lucille stated, as she seized the papers from his hand, sending them flying. Regaris just glanced at her, colly. "I know that you were not at the castle the entire time, Regaris." Lucille stated, with a slight frown. "I shall Pardon your insolence just this one time,.Lucille." Regaris stated, as he gently picked the papers up once more. "And what causes you to utter such despicable words from you mouth?" Regaris stated, seating himself back on the chair. "If you ever were to ask the servants which were present, they shall surely testify on my behalf." He stated simply. "Do not mistake me for a fool, Regaris." Lucille stated, walking up Close to him. "If it was really you; you would have surely recognized the minister of foreign affairs and diplomatic relations." She argued. "Unless, you are suffering from short term amnesia." She added. Regaris gazed at her, for some time. "Then perhaps, I do have short term amnesia." He stated simply. "And most of all, you thought you gave me flowers. When have you of all people, gifted me with flowers?" Lucille asked, a slight glare on her face. "Hmm." Regaris pondered, with a tilt of his head. "Perharps when father compelled me to, on the advent if your twelfth birthday?" He stated, as he glanced back towards her direction. "So it was indeed someone else." Lucille stated, feeling chills down her spine. Then who exactly, did she embrace the previous day? She long had her suspicions- but the embrace proved to be the height of it all. "Do you not care if I tell his majesty?" Lucille asked. "Do, tell." Regaris said, as he relaxed himself against the chair. "Do you believe that he would believe you over his own blood?" Lucille's green eyes flashed dangerously for a moment. She then stamped her foot against the ground, and Marched out of the tent. Regaris stared at her for a while. They had never been on good terms since childhood, and the issue deteriorated further even as adults. He sighed, before picking up the fallen Papers on the ground. But as he Crouched Downwards, his hands suddenly came to a halt. To think that he had Nealy ripped the sheets apart- and yet, there it was. "It seems I have a reason to commit my gratitude to Lucille, afterall." He muttered to himself, as a smile slowly formed on his face.

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