The betrothal with Ariel was a strategic decision that Ariel herself had suggested, for it was the surest way to quell the Grand Duke’s suspicion toward the House of Baden. Jean attempted to stop her, fearing it might taint her in the future. However, the lady, whose age was inclining toward spinsterhood, did not let herself be convinced otherwise. In the end, it proved to be a very prudent decision, for upon hearing the news of the betrothal, the Grand Duke Robert showed a change in his demeanor right away.
“Lord Jean Erhardt.”
The Grand Duke Robert seemed to be under the impression that the Count of Baden had chosen to stand by his side, for he did not abstain from offering his congratulations and wishing Jean well. He took the time to introduce Jean to every one of the houses who had sworn loyalty to him, the Grand Duke. He invited Jean and held tea parties or took him to a hunting contest. In that contest, a young and fierce hound replaced the one that had died prior and cornered the prey.
“Count de Palatine.”
In the gatherings that the Grand Duke hosted, the guests were mostly either Robertians, or ones who were in the middle, leaning on neither side of the power. The supporters of the Crown Prince were too meager to be reckoned as a force, and most of them resided in regions far from the capital. Lastly, the prince himself had seldom been observed outside of the Royal Palace in recent days.
“I thought you were at the Royal Palace.”
Surprisingly, the House of de Palatine was one of those in the middle. To be precise, de Palatine was one of those in the middle who wished to shift his allegiance to the Grand Duke. Jean had only recently gained knowledge of this piece of information. Only then did he understand why de Palatine had looked so glad upon coming across the tidings of Jean’s betrothal prior in the church.
“Your Highness, how could I miss your invitation and the honor of being in your presence?”
Every time Jean saw de Palatine’s face, he was reminded of the simpleton who had brought de Palatine to his bed based solely on his comely countenance. Jean made an effort to ignore the mental image of the said simpleton. Recently, de Palatine had been attempting so very hard to befriend Jean.
“Did that Crown Prince let you go without any trouble?”
Someone asked in a bright tone. The question was explicitly loaded. Jean, occupied with rolling tobacco, did not even bother to look at the speaker. They had convened upon receiving the Grand Duke’s invitation to partake in luncheon.
“His Grace should be slumbering as we speak. I have given him some calming potion. As you well know, his temper is much too tempestuous when he is awake.”
“Oh, my, does he throw a tantrum even with you, my young lord?”
“I am afraid so. Today, he had hurled an oil lamp and nearly put the palace on fire.”
De Palatine spoke while glancing at Jean from the side of his eye. It was no challenge for Jean to understand his intention. De Palatine was waiting for Jean to agree, asking him a subtle question of confirmation. He was trying to form a bond with Jean. And just as Jean had suspected, the people who had gathered burst into laughter before moving on to other tables. De Palatine had a loaded smile as he stared at Jean. Jean shook the ash from his cigarette, pretending to have noticed nothing. De Palatine cleared his throat.
“How fares Lady Ariel, my lord? I have heard that the betrothal will be held soon.”
“She fares well. ’Tis unfortunate, but she has been unable to make an appearance at any gatherings, for not only is this her first visit to the capital in a long while, but she is much occupied with the preparations for the ceremony.”
“As I have guessed. I envy your fortune, my lord. Lady Ariel of Baden has been known for her beauty and wisdom since childhood. She had already completed her education by the time I entered the academy, yet even then, stories of her excellence circulated like myth and legend.”
“Ah, well, she deserves the praise.”
Jean made an answer with a grin on his face. He was reminded of the elegant and sophisticated letters of the Little Pearl. That was enough to tell Jean the kind of childhood Ariel had had. She must have surely been an excellent student, and Jean was certain of it.
“Not only have you been freed from the confines of the Royal Palace, but furthermore, you have encountered the fortune of a betrothal to such a lady. Should I regard this as yet another instance where your talent in trade has proven effective?”
“Well.”
“Or perhaps, ’tis the fruit of your tolerance, for God blesses those who have endured His trials and the ridicule of men. I assume you know what I mean, my lord.”
Jean had interjected his speech several times. However, de Palatine seemed to be determined to bring the subject of the Crown Prince to the table. Jean kept silent at the seemingly desperate attempt. He was suddenly reminded of the man who would give him pecks of kisses whenever Jean ruffled the man’s red hair.
“...He must prove troublesome to you.”
Would he be doing the same to this man standing before Jean?
“I propose that you assist the prince in facilitating his progress with the painting. He would leave you in peace sooner.”
Jean tried to ignore the emotion inside him that had morphed into a beast, opening its ghastly mouth as soon as the inquiry was made. His voice did not shake, and his hands did not shake either. He recalled Ariel, the old letters, the coats, the warmth, and the freedom that she had given him long ago one winter. The affection and the reverence they entailed did not belong to Maximillian. Jean had all but briefly mistaken that they did.
“If I could, I would. However, he does not paint a new piece these days. The prince has been merely applying colors to an existing piece. He has been using so much paint of lapis lazuli that the entire place reeks of toxic scent. It would suffice to numb your nose. But rest aside, spiteful words every day, objects hurled my way—I find myself unable to endure it any longer. Surely, my lord, you are aware of the difficulties of the task.”
Jean found himself briefly frowning at de Palatine’s words. Maximillian was indeed acerbic in his speech, so Jean would acknowledge the spiteful words. Yet, the act of hurling objects seemed out of character for him. He did mock and jeer, but never had he been violent. And that he was not painting... Jean was beginning to get lost in his own thoughts when he heard someone clear their throat. De Palatine jumped up to his feet.
“The Count de Palatine, Duke of Erhardt. I am pleased to see both of you present.”
It was Robert Joachim. Jean extinguished his cigarette, which emitted smoke and burned. He saw the Grand Duke gazing subtly at de Palatine, which was evidently a dismissal. Palatine was not slow to read the room. He excused himself politely and disappeared.
“A good lad. Since the Lady de Palatine’s demise, he has faithfully tended to his blind brother for over a decade. Though talkative, he bears no ill will.”
I could not say he bears no ambitions, however. Robert Joachim added a short remark while taking a seat. Jean smiled lightly.
“Did I have such a weary look upon my countenance, my Lord Duke?”
“You seemed vexed. Show some patience. After all, is he not the man who had freed you from Maximillian?”
Jean kept silent at the words. He could not tell if his lips were curved upward, but he made every effort. The Grand Duke Robert proceeded to speak of insignificant affairs before subtly letting Jean know of the location of the army. His men had advanced to the very walls of the Baden stronghold. Once they crossed the fortress and began their patrol along the border, the emperor would be relieved from his debilitating sickness and be brought to his final rest. And then—
Jean ceased his contemplation. He knew well that if he should continue, he would be tormented by the red hair and gray eyes. Thus, he uttered whatever came to mind in haste.
“I shall inform Lady Ariel. She will open the gates to welcome the soldiers.”
“Indeed. And do try to take on the task yourself if possible. The lady is said to be smart, yet... This old man’s mind would be put at ease, knowing that a man worthy of trust is looking over the task. I hope you understand.”
To this, Jean did not respond. He did not have to join Robert Joachim in his attempt to belittle Ariel. Instead, Jean rose from his seat, for the hour had arrived to embark upon his tasks.