173 No More (1/2)
Gloomy night turned to another morning at the Mendenhall manor. The Lord of this manor, Waleran Mendenhall, always rose with the first sign of sunlight. No matter how old he grew, he kept a disciplined schedule. He looked at the window with a calm look as he dressed himself casually. However, today would prove to be different. With the sun rising came the Empress's last-minute request for the Duke's presence in the later morning. Hearing the news, the Duke was a little surprised at the suddenness, but he still hurriedly re-dressed himself. Even if she was his daughter, there were etiquette standards that must be upheld. Once he dressed himself up, he went to have breakfast with the rest of the family. He looked on at the familiar faces that were already seated, however, there was an obvious opening in the spot directly to his right. Reserved specifically for his heir, the Duke knew that seat was always left open for Keaton. Frowning, he looked towards the servants who quickly informed him that the young master was not feeling well.
”He is sick? Wasn't he just fine yesterday?” Doubt apparent on his face, the Duke asked once again to be sure.
”...” Seemingly unsure how to respond, the servant could only hold his tongue.
”Father, it seems brother suffered a humiliation at training yesterday. He came back stomping and raving around in fury. Perhaps he still has not gotten over it.” Although the words seemed to be spoken out of concern, the cold mocking intent in tone could not be hidden. The Duke turned his gaze upon his younger daughter, Estrilda Mendenhall. She was born a year after Keaton from the same mother. However, their shared blood did not prevent her from harboring ambitious intentions. Ever since she was young, she competed with her older brother and was not resigned to allow Keaton to become the heir without a fight.
”Oh? Tell me more, Estrilda.” His interest piqued, he calmly sat down at the head of the table. While doing so, he motioned to the others that they could start eating.
”It seems that older brother made a bet with the His Highness, Prince Braiden, and his sister, Princess Aphina. It was a fight to see if the commoner would stay on the team and become the leader or have to resign the representative spot during the team battles. Lord Vervan, Lady Tatyana, and Earl Hildebrand were brother's teammates. While Prince Braiden, Princess Aphina, Lady Eris, and the commoner were on the other team. Brother's team lost and he was even knocked out by the princess who is a healer.” All too pleased to discuss Keaton's embarrassment, Estrilda did not hold back and quickly released the news. She had paid a lot of money to have someone buy the news from the Ashtree family. That Cherell always did have a big mouth.
The Duke's brows furrowed as his utensils clanked down on the plate.
”Preposterous! How could that be the truth? Who is spreading such false rumors?” Although Keaton lost fairly to Greyson before, one would be mistaken to think that meant he was weak. The Duke knew his son's strength was still not something that the princess could go against.
”Father, I don't think there is anything wrong with the news. The source is trustworthy. However, it did seem that there was more behind the defeat. They would not be completely honest. I could tell they were holding something back, but money would not open their mouth.” Estrilda did tremble a little under her father's anger, but she made sure to defend her information clearly. The maid she sent had mentioned that Cherell seemed to be hiding something, but that she could not dig deeper. Duke Winterbridge had ordered the rest of the representatives to keep a tighter lid on Aphina's ability to use illusions. The other countries had spies everywhere, so the less people knew the better.
The Duke's expression grew grim and scary-looking. The rest of the children at the table all felt like they could not breathe in the suffocating atmosphere. They all knew their father held the Mendenhall family honor with utmost importance. While fearful, they were also filled with feelings of schadenfreude. Even Keaton, the beloved son, would not escape from punishment this time.
They were right. Waleran was boiling with anger and had half a mind to go up and start scolding Keaton. However, the Empress called for his presence and he could not be late. He would leave right after breakfast. No longer in the mood to eat, he just slowly placed a couple bites in his mouth. He knew the rest were too scared to touch the food unless he ate. Breakfast passed precariously in this way.
”My Lord, I heard Amadea summoned you?” In private, both the Duke and Duchess still referred to their daughter by her name.
”Yes, I will be going right after breakfast to make sure I arrive on time. Wife, you should go up and discuss with Keaton about the specifics. I wish to hear from him personally after my return.” His voice turned colder at the end.
”I understand.” The Duchess did not speak anymore and continued eating her meal quietly. She also spoiled Keaton, but she would never go against her husband's decisions. The two were not an affectionate couple, but they gave each their due respect and did not bother with the other's affairs much.
...
After breakfast, the Duke quickly boarded his carriage and headed to the palace. With his position, he easily arrived in front of the Empress's guest room. The servant announced his arrival as the door opened. Without looking up, the Duke entered a couple steps so the doors could close behind him. At that spot, he bowed just the right amount.
”Your Majesty called for me?”