[Early afternoon]

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

Duke Silas: Do you not know any of their customs, Commander?

The Duke appeared sceptical in his questioning

Commander Maynard: Forgive my ignorance m'lord, I do not

Silas: Or rather, you care not to know.

Commander Maynard: ...

Silas: Not knowing your enemy is quite foolish. Would you not agree, Commander?

Commander Maynard: y-Yes..Your Grace

Silas: Do not appear so forlorn. You have brought me good news.

Commander Maynard: ...

Silas: Surely, you brought this in hopes that it would please me? And I...in turn, would reward you, no?

Commander Maynard: I- I had hoped, Your Grace,..to perhaps be reinstated

Silas: Ah, I see..

Ignoring the hopefulness regained in the Commander's eyes, he turned over the silver ring between his long fingers and added

Silas: Nobles in those southern parts, honour their young sons upon becoming a man by firstly participating in a hunt. Then, there is also a ceremony; a grand ball you could say, and there is also... this...

Commander Maynard: ...

Silas: ..And none of your men have any idea as to who he is?

Commander Maynard: No, none yet m'lord. My men, though they persisted in torturing many of them, for numerous days- no one disclosed their hidden camps or their King's plans or the boy's identity. In the end, my men's attempts came to nothing.

Silas: Of course not. That is simply because loyalty runs deep.

Commander Maynard: ....

Silas: They will, without hesitation, kill their own should one ever betray the clan. Readily they will sacrifice themselves as well...on the battlefield and by taking their own lives if captured. Perhaps, there is something to be learned from that...

Commander Maynard: ....

Silas: This ring belongs to nobility, Commander. I believe that the Emperor has been made aware of who he is, because your friend...Rícard informed him. Now they seek to keep him not only alive but unharmed.

Commander Maynard: Then, the Emperor plans to use him against the Southern Kingdom?

Silas: Hmm, perhaps..

Commander Maynard: ..As a bargain? To prevent future conflicts?

Silas then gave a small smile to the ring he held and said

Silas: How perceptive, Commander.

Commander Maynard: To spare those disgusting savages?...They're a nuisance! They're all deserving of death!

Silas: Again, agreed. But for now..

Within his palm, Silas firmly squeezed the cold ring and concluded

Silas: ..they are much more useful alive.

**

**

Commander Maynard: Your servant graciously thanks you

Silas: For now though, I shall appoint you to your former title as Commander, recognised only within our province of course..however, understand this..

Commander Maynard: ...

Silas: ..only when this item bears fruit.. I will see to it that you are fully rewarded accordingly.

The Commander unknotted his tense brows, relaxed and gave a little smile. And again he showed appreciation by saying as he bowed

Commander Maynard: Thank you, Your Grace

Silas: Loyalty, Commander. I demand this of you in the meanwhile. You will not utter a word of our discussion to anyone, not even to your sons. Am I understood?

Commander Maynard: Yes, Your Grace.

Silas: Until then, you are free to leave Commander.

Soon after the hopeful Commander departed, Henri questioned

Henri: m- m'lord?

Silas, distracted by the ring in his hand, responded absentmindedly

Silas: Yes, Henri?

Henri: Was it...wise to trust the Commander with your plans?

{Who says that I trust him..?}

The Duke turned.

And for a brief moment he glared at his manservant. However, swiftly and unexpectedly, his stern expression then converted into a bright smile and he said confidently

Silas: It is simply because in this game, you require...pieces. Persons, to play their parts..

Henri: ...

Silas: ..And now that I have what I want, I am able to have so much more. By means of this ring...I shall have more indeed.

[The next day]

*

[Morning]

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

Silas: "....Since our last engagement, there has been silence; Tense and palpable..."

Clear were both the air and sky.

The sudden shower had quickly given way to brilliant sunshine and this natural light and cool air filled the office.

With the rain clouds now swiftly whisked away, the surrounding greenery were left fresh and glistening as though dew were upon them. The grey waters of the Great River twinkled as it continued to snake its way ever southward. Still and serene.

And at his back, was this magnificent view. Seated at his master's desk was the servant, Henri.

Attentive and alert, he began gracefully penning the words spoken at first. But now, his mouth twitched and his attention waned

Silas: "..It is my desire to end this and regain our past friendship. Most respectfully, I request to meet with you and converse about-"

Henri: But Your Grace...?

Interrupted, the young Duke paused his pacing and looked upon the servant.

Henri: ...What if the Southern King disregards the letter?

Silas: ...

Henri: What if he resents you..after you betrayed him, m'lord?

Silas: I am most certain he already does, yes

Henri: Would it not be preferable to remain silent? Why wish to meet with him?

Silas: ...

Henri: And what if he decides to kill you? Will you still-

Silas: Henri?

Henri: y- Yes, m'lord?

Silas: Refrain from interrupting me further with all of your questions!

Henri: m..My apologies

Silas: ..Simply sit... and write what I say and no more.

Henri: ..yes, Your Grace

And yet, Silas further took notice of his shrunken form behind his large desk and questioned

Silas: Why is it you are this way?

Henri: ...

Silas: When you penned father's words you uttered not a sound. And yet here you are-

Henri: ...

Silas: ...should I begin treating you as he did?

Henri: ...

Silas: Be silent and write.

Henri: y...yes, m'lord

Silas: Thank you.

In an attempt at assuaging his associate's anxiety, he then gave reply to the question saying

Silas: ...It shall be difficult indeed. Southerners are a proud people; never seeking assistance from other nations..

Henri: ...

Silas: ..The agreement between us was a hard won exception and always considered a risk...and now, with the alliance broken, it will be difficult to reconcile fully...if at all.

Henri: ...

Silas: Words shall not be enough to mend, but it is a start and I believe it can be possible if we were to reunite on a common goal yet again...this time with a small incentive..

Henri: ...

Silas: ...and the Commander presented me with the possible means to persuade the proud King.

Henri: The ring?

Silas gave no reply. And though his master's eyes were upon him, Henri could tell that he did not perceive him

{Fair hair and blue eyes he said}

Silas: Hm.

Recalling the words on the inside of the ring, he gave further thought

Henri: y-Your Grace?

{..Perhaps a member of the branch family or-}

Henri: y-Your Grace?

Silas: ...?

The quill in his hand quivered as he slowly lifted it; silently questioning as to whether he should resume writing

Silas: Very well. Yes..

Henri: "c-Converse about..."

Silas: ...

Henri: ....it's where you left oh-

To his thin lips, Silas held a finger.

And his servant then timidly replied

Henri: ...yes, Sire

➵