“You have arrived, Lord Jean.”
Ariel was residing in the summer house of the House of Erhardt. The House of Baden had never dwelled in the capital, hence the absence of its residence within the city.
“Yes, my lady.”
Furthermore, the lengthy two-hour carriage journey required to reach this summer house provided another justification. It was the perfect location for Ariel, who did not enjoy making an appearance in high society. It was also the perfect place to conspire clandestine schemes. Due to that, some of the brethren had already come and gone from the place.
“I have returned, Lady Ariel. ’Tis much pleasant to see you in a bright place, Cornell.”
Particularly, Cornell, an informant and gatherer of intelligence, frequented the place covertly to bring tidings to the brethren. And every time Jean saw Cornell, he recalled that night when he was greatly agitated and eager to relay his speculations about Maximillian. Jean was grateful that Cornell never mentioned it but continued his work without any whims. Indeed, Jean was grateful. Jean conveyed the words of Robert Joachim to Ariel, who nodded. She appeared brave in her chair, a pile of documents and papers arrayed before her.
“They would surely have arrived in the Baden domain on the day of our betrothal. I shall arrange the matters ahead. I have already informed other houses in the border provinces who share our cause. And here is the inventory of items that have of late been conveyed to Robert Joachim. Among them, it seems, is poison.”
“It must be for the emperor.”
“Still, the amount is quite significant, although not enough to be held and confiscated at the checkpoint. It has been brought into the city several times now. Well, I suppose you are right, but still, be wary when dining.”
Jean nodded. He then carefully took the piece of paper that Ariel handed him. It would be a significant article of evidence to be presented at a later time when accusing the Grand Duke of slaying the emperor. Jean was about to put the paper in his chest pocket after folding it when Cornell cleared his throat.
“’Tis right before the meal, yet you speak of naught but official affairs, my lord, my lady. I have heard that you have requested the archbishop to bestow a blessing at the ceremony. Pray, have you chosen your attire, selected the flowers, and prepared a list of those to be employed as well as your esteemed guests?”
“I have delegated the tasks to my steward and servants. The list of guests would be of no great hassle. All that is to be done is to unite our separate lists into one... It is not a wedding but a betrothal, a much simpler affair than a ceremony of marriage. And its modesty would fair favorably in the future too.”
Since it was a betrothal of strategic motives, Jean thought it best to proceed with it inconspicuously. Whether the deed succeeded or not, the betrothal would dissolve as a matter of natural course, and Jean believed that it would serve Ariel better if the ceremony were conducted with simplicity.
“You heard him, Cornell. Jean does not wish to be bound to me. Times like this, I miss the Jean who once shed tears upon his letters, desiring earnestly to meet me.”
“’Tis naught like that, Lady Ariel.”
Jean’s countenance reddened. As of late, Ariel has been amusing herself by teasing Jean about this subject quite frequently. In his correspondences, Jean had been brimming with excitement at the prospect of meeting the Little Pearl, eagerly envisioning the moment he would drop to one knee and propose marriage. Yet, as the time for their betrothal drew closer, his mind became consumed with speculation upon the uncertain prospects ahead, designing the dissolution of their engagement. Ariel couldn’t help but find amusement in this shift in his demeanor.
“If you so wish, I am prepared to be bound to you in wedlock at a moment’s notice. I simply deemed it wise to exercise prudence, mindful of the possibility that you may encounter someone more appealing in the days to come.”
Jean spoke, waving his hands in denial. It somehow sounded like an excuse for reasons unbeknownst to him. That was when Ariel burst into a peal of cheerful laughter.
“I decline the offer. I do not desire to be in wedlock with a man who loves another simply out of loyalty. However, I do appreciate the sentiment, Jean.”
Her tone was gentle, yet her message was not. Jean hastened to respond. They had previously held such discourse.
“I do not love another, my lady, for you are the sole owner of my heart.”
However, Ariel did not heed Jean’s words. She rose from her chair and looked at Cornell before speaking in a lighthearted tone.
“Well, is that so? In any event, I must beg your pardon, as I am compelled to attend the fitting of various gowns I must wear for the betrothal ceremony. May your discourse be delightful.”
Ariel slightly frowned, then relaxed her face. Jean, albeit with awkwardness, chuckled at the reaction. He had recently found out just how much Ariel despised having to bind her body in a corset and donning gowns and dresses. Soon, the door closed with a thump. Silence prolonged for a moment. He could feel Cornell’s gaze stinging him.
“Lord Jean.”
Cornell’s voice was laden with caution as he spoke, and it was not difficult for Jean to speculate what the man had in mind. Jean sat on the chair that Ariel had been sitting on just a moment earlier. Cornell was looking at him, his eyes full of concern. Jean mumbled his words.
“Please do not look at me with eyes as such. I am merely slow in adjusting to the changes.”
“...”
“I have been a fool to have believed such speculation without no certain evidence... These days, I even think of myself as having been a newborn chick freshly hatched from its shell, believing that the first being upon its sight was its mother...”