Bab 156: [Chapter 156] Neris Trued
Abelus coming to see Nerys was indeed an impulsive action, as she had thought.
"There's no need to worsen relations with the Elandria family. If the gemstone manifestation is unique to that child, it wouldn't hurt to gather some information. To do that, I need to foster friendly feelings towards the royal family."
Although Nellusion felt a bit uncomfortable with his slippery face now that he was a man, he was a necessary political partner from the royal perspective. Especially since Abelus was of a similar age, cooperation between the noble family and the royal family could be closer than ever.
So when Kamil was eager to deal with "the little girl Jan that Nellusion cherished," Abelus decided it would be best to take a different route from his sister. He was taken aback by the news of the child manifesting the gemstone, but well, what could be done.
After all, gemstone manifestations were not uncommon in the royal family. It seemed that the child also had royal blood. It was strange that she manifested it without the characteristic blue eyes, but once it had appeared, what could be done.
With these thoughts in mind, Abelus wandered near the interrogation room. He was slightly surprised when he saw the mention of "the little girl Jan that Nellusion cherished."
He was already aware of the term "gemstone manifestation." However, there had been no mention of her becoming so beautiful.
"Her name was Neros, right?"
He had heard it a few times but had forgotten. Nevertheless, her presence was now vividly imprinted in his mind for the first time.
This child had distinct features from a young age. That was a fact. Her slightly pointed nose, almond-shaped eyes, and thin, red lips had a unique charm.
Neros had a subtle charm and atmosphere that extended beyond her eyes, nose, and lips, making her appear more beautiful than the ladies vying for the title of the most beautiful in high society.
However, if she had a melancholic expression or if the observer harbored ill feelings, her beauty might not be so noticeable.
Nevertheless, Abelus was impressed by her. She had become a queen at the graduation ball, and it was indeed fitting. So, he complimented her.
Neros responded with a polite "Thank you." Of course, being of noble birth, especially when praised by a prince, she would feel honored. Abelus shrugged his shoulders for no reason.
The problem arose when an unwelcome person appeared right after.
Cladwin Maindland boldly approached the prince with a disrespectful attitude. Moreover, his greeting was merely a pretense.
What an arrogant fellow! Ugly―a man with big eyes, a sharp nose, and a small face when he grows up, Abelus claimed that Cladwin was ugly! That's why Abelus always disliked Cladwin!
"Madman! Murderer! Always scheming maliciously from behind! Should have killed him when I had the chance!"
Despite the rude attitude from the other side, Abelus was sternly and gracefully reprimanding Cladwin. Even Nellusion came looking for 'Neros'.
"Brother!"
A bright smile appeared on 'Neros's face. Perhaps due to his lower noble birth, that smile revealed a sincerity that was hard to find even in the royal family or the highest echelons of society. However, strangely, that sincerity did not feel lowly.
Abelus briefly felt envious of Nellusion, who received that smile. With such a beauty following him so devotedly, Nellusion must be pleased.
"Did the investigation go well?"
Nellusion seemed to have a kind heart too. Looking at 'Neros' with a smooth and warm smile, like a fox, he must have liked 'Neros'.
'No, was it Neres earlier?'
Come to think of it, that was the name. Neres smiled brightly like sunshine, but there was a hint of fatigue in his eyes.
"Yes. Have you been waiting long? I brought these two here to meet you."
Nellusion's gaze turned towards Abelus and Cladwin. Abelus greeted Nellusion with a prince-like demeanor.
"You used to admire him since you were young, so you followed him even for the investigation?"
"Your Highness, I greet you. It seems I am not entering the palace for a good reason, but I feel I need to be by my younger sibling's side. Since I have the opportunity to meet you like this, I must inform you, Your Highness, Neres is innocent. He claims to have no knowledge of the matter."
Abelus also knew that Neres did not kill the Tipyen Viscount. There was no one who knew his sister's ways better than him.
However, even if he promised not to break the friendship with the Elendria family, it was wise to note any weaknesses. So, Abelus extended his hand without sincerity.
"Such matters should be addressed by my sister, not me. It's a matter for the investigators to handle; I have no authority. Do you think being a prince gives me any power?"
"How can you say that? You are the little sun of this empire, are you not?"
"Still a 'little' sun."
While it sounded like a severe statement, no one in the empire would criticize the prince's rudeness. Nellusion maintained a polite but awkward smile.
'Like a fox. I know how to respond anyway.'
It was pointless to try to impress the beauty in front of him. Abelus could see through Nellusion's true intentions.
In fact, Nellusion was as cunning as Cladwin. However, he was not as unlucky as Cladwin, and Abelus was lenient towards him as he was worth promoting as a subordinate.
"So, why did you come? Did you bring a distant younger sister as well?"
"Something like that. She's not a relative, but I have a lady to meet."
The atmosphere in the room changed drastically as those words were uttered.
Nellusion positioned Neres behind him as if protecting her. Joseph, the knight who was with Nellusion, narrowed his eyes, and Cladwin's guard, Aidan, tensed up with a stern look.
Are they crazy? Creating a tense atmosphere as if they're about to fight in front of the prince! Abelus thundered with dignity.
"What are you all doing!"
Cladwin spoke with a maliciously relaxed smile.
"I believe there is a kidnapper in front of us."
"Ridiculous. Let me speak."
Nellusion also retorted without backing down.
Are two prominent nobles and potential suitors fighting over a woman in the empire? Abelus, now even more intrigued than before, scrutinized Neres's face. The calm demeanor faded, revealing a tiny, uncertain feature that seemed to tremble.
And among them, the deep purple jewel-like eyes exuded an overwhelming presence.
"She's quite charming."
If she were just a beauty, even if she was a distant relative of the Elendria family and excelled at the academy, there were limits to how high she could rise.
However, the moment her distinctive trait, clearly indicating a strong lineage from the most prestigious family, emerged from those jewel-like eyes, she became a significant symbol.
"If a duke adopts her, she could become a viscountess, or with luck, even a countess."
Duchesses or viscountesses might be a stretch. It could be possible based on political interests. But what about a princess?
"Real ducal heirs exist, so she might not win."
It seems like the position is already taken. Abelus felt regretful as he glanced at Neres shyly clutching Nellusion's sleeve. A background-less, beautiful, yet peculiar girl. She would fit well into the next emperor's court.
Cladwin's gaze lingered on Neres's hand. Abelus didn't miss the hardening of Cladwin's face and secretly relished it. He always wanted to see that usually smug face crumble!
Before anyone could react, Cladwin moved swiftly. He precisely grabbed the hand of Neres that was holding Nellusion's sleeve. Nellusion's eyes sharpened.
A cold and brief silence ensued. Now, who would cause a disturbance in the royal palace first... Abelus was silently predicting Cladwin's move.
Neres bowed deeply and parted her lips slightly. Her free hand, which was not held, detached from Cladwin's intertwined fingers.
"P-please... go back, Your Grace."
The silence shattered like glass.
Cladwin's face hardened slightly more than before. Nellusion smiled like a victor.
"Did you hear, Your Grace? My sister no longer wishes to be involved with you."
He wasn't one to show emotions like that. Neres seemed to have quite an effect on him. Abelus interpreted Nellusion's face, whom he had known all his life, in his own way. Despite being distant relatives, their connection was almost non-existent.
Cladwin didn't respond to Nellusion. His eyes remained fixed on Neres alone.
"Is it true?"
"Y-yes... P-please, if you have any conscience left, release our mother."
So that was the case. Abelus chuckled, thinking of what to say to Kamil later. Kamil's sister, Neres, had deliberately held hands with the Duke from the start? Looking at it now, he couldn't say such a thing! It seemed like she had been kidnapped, holding their mother hostage!
Cladwin's gray eyes darkened. He lightly bit his lip.
"...You'll soon find out too. Being by my side is best for you. I could have given you anything."
It sounded like a confession of love. Nellusion appeared slightly more attractive to Abelus than before. If Nellusion hadn't discreetly pulled his younger sister away from Kamil's sister, he wouldn't have witnessed this scene today.
Nellusion raised the corner of his mouth.
"There's no need for that. Please let go quickly. Have you not learned the code of chivalry, Your Grace?"
Cladwin slowly released Neres's wrist.
As if indicating he had no intention of causing harm, Cladwin raised both his hands, showing there was nothing in his palms. Nellusion looked at Cladwin with a contemptuous gaze.
"I will formally protest this rudeness. And please send our people back promptly. Your Grace, I did not expect you to resort to such despicable methods."
"If Lady Trude's words are true, she is under my protection. If you wish, I will have my squire come and escort her."
"It seems words won't work."
Nellusion spoke coldly and turned away. He gently wrapped his arm around Neres's shoulder.
"Let's go, Neres. Your Highness, please excuse us as we withdraw first."
"Very well, go ahead. Since there are unarmed individuals in the palace, they can at least have a drink before leaving, and we can't detain them."
Abelus quickly adjusted to the situation.
Nellusion, under Joseph's escort, left the place with Neres. Cladwin nodded slightly at Abelus and disappeared.
It took Abelus a moment to realize that Cladwin's manners did not sit well with him.
Neres sighed with relief as she took Joseph's hand and boarded the carriage. Since Dora had already met him and returned, she had bet on it just in case.
It was a perfect performance with perfect lines. Even Abelus and Nellusion, who had never rehearsed, were momentarily fooled. Moreover, not only did he let her go, but he also delivered a poignant line.
"It would be nice to follow the instructions on the note."
Earlier, Neres sent a signal to Cladwin by conspicuously grabbing Nellusion's sleeve, indicating "hold my hand."
Cladwin would eventually encounter his people at the palace, and the note he intended for the prince was hidden in her sleeve.
While the message could have been conveyed through Dora, Neres' current actions were quite complex, requiring Cladwin's consent. Therefore, she needed to roughly explain what she was aiming for and what assistance she needed to prevent him from acting rashly.
He seemed to have hidden the note well as if using magic. Neres flashed a dazzling smile at Nellusion sitting across from her.
"I could have said everything earlier with Brother here. He's even higher in rank than Brother, so I'm really grateful for his intervention."
"It's only natural for me, the direct heir of our family, to protect our people."
Nellusion spoke kindly as the carriage door closed and soon departed.
After a while, Neres realized that the carriage was not heading towards the Duke's residence and subtly asked.
"Brother, are we going straight to the Duke's residence now?"
"No, actually, I'm planning to introduce someone who can help you. It might be tough and tiring, but if they support you, it will be a great help, so be patient, Neres."
"Really? Who is it?"
Since the abilities of the jewel-like eyes are limited to once a day, Neres chuckled inwardly. Nellusion gently revealed the name of the person Neres had suspected.
"Lady Merrier."
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone