The Nobles Gathering
"Is it true that you know the princess?"
"There is no announcement yet but the fact that the Lady is residing here makes me think it's true."
"And the most controversial is the Duke, himself!"
"If the Lady is the princess then we must build a connection with her."
"Yes. I like my son and daughter working here in the palace."
The nobles were intrigued by the background of the Lady that was brought by the duke. They were chattering continuously made the head of the Marquess Lemaitre ache. The duke was ignoring the chattering of the nobles and waiting patiently for the emperor to arrive.
"The sun of the Empire, Emperor Ian Callis, is entering!"
The nobles stood up and lowered their heads."Glory to the sun of the Empire, His Majesty Callis."
"Let's get to the point. Why do you request a meeting? Is it about the Imperial Family?" asked Ian.
"Certainly, Your Majesty. We want to know if the Lady is truly the princess who died eight years ago," said Baron Anthes.
"Yeah, that's right, Your Majesty. These humble subjects of yours wanted to know the truth," agreed the Earl.
Ian raised his head and gave a death stare to the nobles. "It seems like you don't know when to shut your mouth."
The nobles stopped chattering. They were afraid to anger Ian.
But, that didn't apply to Duke Cohan who seemed to enjoy it when Ian got angry."That's unfair, Your Majesty. We also care about the princess so we want to know if the Goddess revives the princess! If she is the princess then we should treat her like one. After all, she had gone through a tragic death."
"Duke Cohan, be careful of what you're saying," Marquis commented.
"Oh, I'm sorry," Duke sarcastically said."I didn't know that it was offensive. I just thought that everyone in this hall knew what happened eight years ago so this Duke of yours believed that you'll not be sensitive. I'm truly sorry, especially for His Majesty."
The atmosphere got heavier. It was the first time that the Duke attended a Nobel gathering and he was making it uncomfortable. The nobles were scared that a fight between the Duke and Emperor would rise.
Ian stayed calm. He knew that if he let himself be swept by his emotions, he would be playing along with the Duke's play. "I'll accept your apology, Duke. Well, for over the past decades, your manners are still lacking. Even the first prince of the Empire is better than you."
Duke Cohan frowned as he heard the reply, Ian. It was a direct insult to him and he never thought that Ian would be as calm even when he mentioned the death of the princess."And as for Lady Oriana, I and the Empress handle it myself. You don't need to concern yourselves— "
Creak…
Someone opened the door.
Lady Oriana was at the door and was looking confused."I-I'm sorry, Your Majesty. I was lost when I was finding my way back to my room. I never intended to ruin your meeting."
All the nobles, except the Duke, were surprised at how Oriana resembled the eyes of the emperor and the crimson hair of the empress. It was indeed like she had imperial blood. The resemblance was uncanny.
"Greetings to Lady Oriana," greeted some of the nobles.
Oriana smiled to see how they respected her."It's my pleasure to meet you." She glanced at the Duke and smiled back at him."Nice meeting you again, Duke Cohan. I'm thankful for the gift you sent the last time we met."
"My pleasure is mine, My Lady," replied the Duke.
"Oh, I have something to give to His Majesty," Oriana said. She walked toward Ian and presented an embroidered handkerchief."I made it in my embroidery class. I hope you like it."
"...Uhm...Thank you, Lady Oriana. You don't have to do this," answered Ian.
"No, I want to do it for you. Since I met Your Majesty, the Empress, and the princes my heart was full of joy. I never thought about what it felt like to be with my family."
Everybody went silent.
They were waiting for the response of Ian.
"You should go back to your room, Lady Oriana. It appears that you're tired from your class."
Oriana's face became sad as he heard his response. He still didn't consider her as his daughter and what more was that everyone had a sight of it."I'll go now, Your Majesty. Thank you for appreciating my kind gift."
After Oriana left, Ian decided to call it an end for the noble gathering. It was a stressful day for him."You may all leave. The meeting is done for today."
All the nobles paid their respect before leaving. Duke Cohan was smirking as he left and it was visible that he enjoyed the scene of Ian being confused on how to treat Oriana.
After the nobles all left, Ian loosen her tie and placed her hand to his eyes. He was exhausted. Confused.
"How is the investigation going?" asked Ian.
"We didn't find any suspicious event that occurred between Duke Cohan and Lady Oriana. According to our investigation, the duke first saw the Lady in the Slave Auction of the Viscount. She was one of the commoners being sold and it was said she possessed healing ability equal to a priestess. The duke bought her as the means to save her. Duke Cohan was shocked to see the color of Lady's eyes. And, that was the time he introduced her to you, Your Majesty, " reported Helden.
"How funny, isn't it Helden?" said Ian."Has the Goddess revived my daughter or is it a kind of trick by the Duke? Did she forgive me for what I did? Or was it the punishment?"
"Don't blame yourself, Your Majesty. You're not the only one who should be punished. We also took part in it," Heldon said.
"...I should announce Lady Oriana as the princess," muttered Ian.
"But, Majesty, is it too fast to announce it? Maybe we should wait for the Head Priest's confirmation," object Helden.
"The child will be tired of waiting for eight years if we wait for Drystan. And I don't want to cause her pain anymore, waiting to be treated as part of a family," Ian said."I want to be a good father this time."