Chapter 61 - The Right Choice (2/2)

A deep sigh passed her lips; usually, Allen's presence would make the atmosphere less stifling. However, after she accepted Kazuya's hand, she felt awkward being around him.

”So I shall get straight to the matter, Lyn and Allen,” her Mother spoke up, ”I hear both of you have your respective partners now.”

So Mother hears about Kazuya, well she supposes this situation can't be avoided now. Lyn nodded. Allen, however, frowned, ”It seems like interesting rumors reached your ear, Queen Orthez.”

A chuckle passed her Mother's lips, ”Indeed, I am well aware of the court's gossip,”

Well aware, Lyn wouldn't be surprised if her Mother asks for the daily updates.

”Indeed, the Mist Kingdom people truly love to gossip. However, I do understand where the misunderstanding came from. So I shall explain from the start,” and then once again she hears Allen repeat the same things he said to her that evening. At least that's what she thought. Her eyes widened when she listened to the additional details of the plan. Why? Why did he suddenly change his mind?

”I see, a well thought out plan,” Andrew complimented.

”But if we do that, then those eastern bastards will gain momentum.”

At that remark, the banquet hall turned quiet.

Somebody jabbed the person who said that, but the damage was done. The division between the west and east hasn't been mentioned in the Mist Kingdom in a while. Why would it? After all, Lyn's gaze fell on her father. However, as usual, her father wore a composed smile and laughed.

”What colorful language,” her father commented. Lyn sweat fell, and the banquet hall's awkwardness seemed to grow worse at her father's comment. That's his reaction?

The sound of clatter

Her Mother's dignified figure made her way across the room, to the source of the problem. Lyn got a bad feeling about this. Clearly, her second brother did too, since Kotaro proceeded to stand up - but her first brother stopped him.

”Do not bother, Mother is angry. Do you think you're capable of stopping her?”

The others in the room who were silently watching also nodded in agreement. Nobody dared to speak up, and the place was in silence not because of the shock somebody dares said those words. But because they were afraid of her Mother's reaction. Her Mother Queen Orthez always wears a sly smile on her face; her smile is compared to the light of the Gods but also a devil. Right now, however, her Mother did not hide her displeasure, as she frowned. The aura surrounding the woman grew, and eventually, she stopped in front of the man.

Usually, one would think to escape in that long walk down. The man could have quickly done so since he was right beside the door, but the moment her Mother's gaze fell on him, it was game over.

”Queen Orthe-”

The man's sentence fell short when Mother raised her hand and slapped him. People's eyes widened - members of royalty are seen as precious jewels. Nobody could get near them, let alone touch them. The fact that her Mother's hand made contact with a commoner man's skin surprised everyone. Usually, royals do not physically give out punishments. Even then, they use weapons when carrying out penalties.

”Filth,” her Mother's words were cold like ice, and the man was trembling so badly.

”Orthez,” a voice appeared directly behind her Mother. Lyn's eyes widened when she saw who it was.

When did her father stand up?