[January]

*

[Early afternoon]

[NORESTA: Eastern Province - Belleverde Castle Grounds]

As the young lord enjoyed a quiet stroll around his lush green gardens, he finally had the peace he required to ruminate on future plans.

At his side Henri quietly followed; his brows furrowed and mouth twitched as though many words would soon burst forth.

But with a sigh, the lord of the estate could not help but think

{Playing the part of a dutiful and loyal son was easier. Considerably so.}

But with victory at the border acquired, he envisioned himself at his goal. A true ruler. Everyone surely took note of his ability to lead. Though not on the battlefield himself, his subjects certainly trusted in him.

The northern territories. All of Farsla. The Imperial Palace. Certainly it had secured that for him.

Ahead of himself these high thoughts were.

And with a shake of his head he continued to ponder. More planning was required. More time and loyal subjects were needed towards his cause. More

-- Your Grace!

Unexpectedly, a manservant suddenly appeared, approaching him with much haste

Duke: Has the former Commander finally arrived?

Manservant: He is my M'lord. He waits for- for..

Abruptly, the Duke came to a stop and turned. He headed off in the opposite direction with much purpose in his strides.

Manservant: Your Grace?

He then beckoned behind him

Duke: Join me Henri, I want you there as I speak with him.

Henri: Yes, M'lord

[Early afternoon]

[NORESTA: Belleverde Castle - Inside the Duke's Office]

Maintaining his gaze fixed upon the floor, the Commander hurried himself to stand. Humbly paying respect as the young lord, and the man who followed closely behind entered.

Seeing this, Silas smiled to himself and addressed his guest saying

Duke Silas: Good afternoon.

Commander: Good afternoon, Your Grace. Congratulations on the victory at the border, and kindly accept my deepest condolences as well.

He next spoke with the gentle smile still upon his face and with a small wave of the hand, he offered the man a seat, before intentionally making most certain that his next words irked his guest.

Duke Silas: Thank you, ..Commander Maynard, or rather...former Commander..

With a sense of satisfaction in seeing the man's eyes lower and jaw clench, he continued

Duke Silas: From what I have heard, this matter with The Emperor more or less discarding you soon after the battle was all done..

Commander Maynard: ...

Duke Silas: ..was to protect...southerners?

Commander Maynard: ...

Duke Silas: Do feel free to correct my understanding of this.

Commander Maynard: You are correct in your understanding my lord..

Eyebrows raised, he took a seat facing his guest; a low round table sat between the two men. And Henri, standing off to one side, listened intently.

Commander Maynard: ..however, it was all for only one southerner...a boy.

Duke Silas: Oh?

Commander Maynard: ...

Duke Silas: Go on then. You have the floor and my attention, you may speak freely.

The Commander's pale face immediately became splotched. Then suddenly, he spat

Commander Maynard: That bastard Rícard!

Henri: ..!

Duke Silas: ...

Commander Maynard: Should I ever set eyes on him again, I swear, I'll kill him. Figure he could take what belongs to me? That self righteous cunt!

Duke Silas: Commander..

Commander Maynard: Pardon me, Your Grace

But Silas was not seeking an apology, in fact, he was very much interested in and wanted to know

Duke Silas: ..What of the boy?

Commander Maynard: That, boy...I am not entirely certain of what became of him after.

Duke Silas: ...

Commander Maynard: Even so,..my men say that he was taken from the pit and placed into one of the towers. Because of that stinkin' Rícard. That filthy little southerner rat deserved to die -

Duke Silas: Yes, indeed, but instead his life was preserved. But answer me this Commander..

Commander Maynard: ...?

Duke Silas: Who is he? What rank did he hold?

Commander Maynard: He... I am uncertain, my lord

With a tilt of the head and a slight frown, the Duke leaned back into his seat and continued

Duke Silas: You are not even aware of his station? What of his appearance then?

Commander Maynard: I saw little of him, only once. Though I can indeed recall his fair hair and extremely sharp eyes..which were blue...

From within his breast pocket, the Commander withdrew a pale grey handkerchief

Commander Maynard: ..however, some days ago..a few of my men visited my residence. They gave me this..

Untidily folded, he placed the fabric onto a low table between them.

Without a single movement in an attempt at retrieving it, Silas sternly asked

Duke Silas: What is it?

Commander Maynard: They say that it belonged to the boy

Interest piqued, Duke Silas leaned forward and took hold of the handkerchief which had an unexpected weight to it; for something small was wrapped inside.

As he unfolded it, the item within glittered; its craftsmanship stunning.

His yellow-green eyes sparkled at the sight, while a sly and slow smile played upon his lips.

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