“There’s no stopping her when it gets this far,” commented the steward.
“So it’s okay?”
“If it brings her joy, then why not? I daresay that sometimes it’s nice to have something to obsess over.”
Ha! Express permission! Full steam ahead!
“Oh, and please be on the lookout for the brown fermented foodstuff, made from the same beans,” I added.
“I think I know the one, but it’s quite pricey. Are you sure?”
“Yes. Money is no object.”
I had never believed the day would come when I would utter such words, but here we were. I’d only just awoken, and after five days of sleep, I could only stomach a small amount of the porridge, but all the same, I felt energized.
Once we were done and everyone headed off to do their own thing, we were left with me, Whateley, Geoff, Elena, Haring, and Wendel. Wendel looked as if he had made up his mind about something, and in his resolve were hints of his father, the margrave. He held his chin in one hand while he poked at Black Bird with the other.
“You wouldn’t tell me what this is if I asked you, would you?” he said.
“To be honest, I don’t know either...”
“And your hair? Emil didn’t mention it, but he’s worried about it.”
“I’m sorry, Wendel, but I really don’t know. But I would appreciate it if you didn’t say anything to your friends or anybody outside of the house. We might find ourselves undergoing another upheaval like the one not so long ago.”
“I had a feeling it was connected. I mean, I pretty much knew, but everybody keeps so many secrets from me.”
“Yes, I know there’s a lot you aren’t privy to...”
“And you’ve something to tell me, yes?”
It sounded like an accusation on the face of it, but I knew that wasn’t Wendel’s intent. The boy was still just a child in many ways, but he was exceptionally observant. He’d had to grow up fast, but he’d also had the benefit of Whateley’s guiding hand. I had no doubt he’d make for a fine head of the family when he was old enough. He’d seen fit to create this opportunity for me, and so I sat up straight and bowed apologetically.
“I might have... No, I did draw the attention of the emperor,” I said. “My decisions are going to put Conrad in some danger, and while I wouldn’t dare ask for your approval, I do ask that you at least look the other way.”
My original goal had always been to hand the Conrad name to Wendel unscathed, but now I was actively getting us wrapped up with Reinald and his schemes. Wendel was owed an apology.
“Does it have to do with Ern?” asked Wendel.
“I can’t say anything in any great detail lest I put others in the family in danger,” I replied, “but I have my reasons. All the attention is solely on me at present, and it would have been enough for me to simply leave the family, except that...I need you all. I can’t do it.”
Conrad belonged to Wendel. As such, he deserved to know what I was thinking. It was his family, his future. He took in my words and mulled them over as he looked up at the ceiling. His lips twisted as troubled thoughts crossed his mind, and his fingers absently pinched gently at Blacky’s ear.
“It’s too much for me too soon, isn’t it? I’m too young. When Whateley tells me what’s going on, he’s vague about what’s most important. And ever since Ern died, there’s been something of a scary air about Geoff.”
“Master Wendel,” stammered Whateley. “I swear it was never my intent to belittle you...”
“I know, Whateley. I know. Everybody’s just trying to protect me.”
“I apologize. That was presumptuous of me.”
“It’s okay, really. And more to the point, you didn’t have to tell me.”
By his tone of voice, it seemed like Wendel didn’t stand in opposition to my decision.
“I mean, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want to know,” he continued. “And if you were actively trying to take over the family or crush it into dust, then I wouldn’t just sit back and do nothing. But you’re the standing lord of the family, and you’ve made up your mind on a course of action. For me, it’s back to life as usual. I’ll go to school, and I’ll study.”
“You’re sure?” I asked.
“I’ve made up my mind too. I trust you with our family.”
Wendel had a level of understanding far beyond his years. Agreeing to leave things in my hands was something he did easily, but he was not without his reasons.
“Sven always said that while you’re a child, you should make the most of that time—play to your heart’s content, but study hard. So while I’m still a student, that’s where my focus is going to be. I’m going to keep my mouth shut for the most part.”
“I hope you don’t mind me asking, Master Wendel, but when was this?” asked Whateley.
“Before he died, of course,” said Wendel, dipping into nostalgia. “It was just after he got engaged. Nobody doubted that he was going to lead the family back then, and I told him that I couldn’t wait to grow up so I could back him up. That’s when he said it. I’d forgotten all about it for a while because I was so busy just getting used to our new home, but I dreamed about it the other day.”
It wasn’t often that Wendel spoke of his brother. Whateley was surprised, but there was no noticeable sorrow or grief in Wendel’s expression.
“But I do want to confirm one thing,” said Wendel. “The Conrads are going to play a part in the Arrendle succession, yes?”
“Yes. As you’ve probably already gathered, I’m going to make our support for the crown prince official. Many have already assumed as such, but sooner or later I’m going to have to make a public statement.”
“And then our support will be behind the new emperor, huh?”