บท 162: Voided
Louise was looking decidedly pale by Eleonore's words, but Henrietta just takes it in good stride, knowing that she was in the wrong here, even if she took Louise away for good reason. She nods to Eleonore, "I do realise my faults in all of this, but I hope to illuminate some of my actions for you. Though, I will say that I had nothing to do with Teiter Gramont's death. I suspect it was a foreign element wishing to cause strive amongst ourselves, make us easier pickings for them, you might say."
Karin squints at Henrietta for a moment, looking to see if there were any hints of deception, eventually nodding at not finding any. "Let us first prepare for dinner, we can discuss our future actions thereafter. Louise, Princess, please follow our servants to see to it that you are suitably dressed." she turns to Agnes, "Chevalier Agnes, I will send for you to assist in the defence of the estate, will that be a problem?"
Agnes shakes her head, inwardly cheering at not having to accommodate annoying Nobles at a dinner or some other formal event. "That will suit me just fine, Duchess."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Half an hour passes with Louise and the Princess walking down a hallway in new clothes towards the dinner hall. The former was pretty shocked that Cattleya hadn't visited yet, but suspected her mother and father were keeping her away so that they'd be in a better position to negotiate... After all, for all intents and purposes, the Princess was here to request assistance in taking back the country. And while oaths might suggest that'd be all that was required, the Duke and Duchess would be fools to not take advantage of the opportunity, much to Louise' chagrin.
The subsequent dinner was... Fine, is somewhat tense. Louise tried to make small talk with her family, but everyone was all too aware of the discussion that'd happen after they'd eaten, which prevented anyone from getting too comfortable.
Henrietta delicately leaves her knife and fork on her plate, signalling that she was finished eating, allowing the servants to take away the empty plates. "I believe you have some questions." the princess politely remarks, waiting for the Valliere family to begin.
The duke nods, "I will first ask why you thought it was necessary to take my daughter into your service? There were many others who, despite my not wishing to say so, were more qualified and suitable for such a position. Indeed, most wouldn't bring the political turmoil that my daughter did, after the demise of Guiche de Gramont under her. Familair's-" his face wrinkled slightly as he speaks of Michael, "-Hand."
Henrietta smiles, "I believe you are unaware of your daughter's true talents, Duke Valliere-"
Eleonore slams her hands down onto the table as she stands, glaring at the Princess, "Don't lie to us princess, we are all well aware of Louise' 'abilities', even with you 'tutoring' her I do not believe that such a thing gives you any allowance for taking her." she states, ignoring the indignant expression and moisture collecting in Louise' eyes at her comments. Eleonore had always been the most blunt about Louise' situation, but that didn't make it hurt any less.
Louise wipes her eyes with her sleeve and frowns, "I've finally discovered my element! And I've been learning with Henri! I'm not that useless little girl you remember!" she proclaims but is disappointed to find her family, even Cattleya dismissing her statement as just another outburst.
The duke shakes his head, "What little improvements Louise has seen with her magic does nothing to alleviate the troubles you've caused my family. You may be the rightful ruler of Tristain, but that does not excuse your incredibly childish actions since late... Your letter to Prince Wales? Foolish. Sending troops to interfere in Albion's Civil War? Indisputably incorrect. The assassination of Teiter Gramont? Idiotic to the Nth degree!"
Henrietta shakes her head, "I did not have Teiter Gramont murdered. I would stake my life and soul on it. Believe me, while I hated that disgusting man as much as it is possible, I was willing to sacrifice for Tristain's stability. Ask Louise if you must, as my attendant, she would have known if I were to send an assassin." she states as a matter of fact.
...
Everyone turns to Louise as she nods, "Henri didn't kill him, even if I thought she should have at many moments." she admits, causing the duke to rub his face at his daughter's inelegance.
Cattleya nods despite her families continued distrust of Henrietta's words. "I believe her, if Louise says so then that's that. If we can't trust our own, then who can we trust?"
Karin nods, "I agree. But I still wish for recompense for going against our families wishes and taken Louise." she states.
Louise stands with her hands trembling in both fear and anger, "Henrietta did nothing wrong! M-mother! Father!... I-... I'm a Void Mage!" she suddenly announces, causing everyone to go silent. Even Karin's fixed neutral expression breaks momentarily as she gapes at her daughter. "You... What?" she manages to get out despite her shock.
"I can use void magic like Brimir could! That's the reason why I couldn't use any other magic! I'm Void! Not fire! Not Wind, Not Water, Not Air!"
Eleonor shakes her head in disbelief, "Louise, you can't be seri-"
Henrietta nods, "It's true. I gifted her Brimir's prayer book so that should could learn real Void Spells from it. Please believe us, your daughter has come quite the way. A low powered spell of hers even collapsed one side of the royal palace."
Karin's eyes widen further, "The palace? Was it not protected with Brimir's enchantments?"
"Indeed it was, but Louise is of the Void, and has the capabilities to break such enchantments. If you need further proof, how about we have Louise demonstrate her abilities in the training yard?" Henrietta offers.
...
The duke shakes his head, "Perhaps another time... For now, I will trust in what you say... I did hear of the state of the palace, so that explains that-" he starts but is interrupted by a knock at the door, drawing everyone's attention.
*Knock, Knock, Knock!*
"Enter!" the duke commands, somewhat annoyed at having his train of thought interrupted.
"My lord! We've just received news! The false King Gramont has started marching towards the Magic Academy!"
...
Henrietta palms her face at the news, knowing that this could be the beginning of the end for Tristain... The one thing they could say for sure was that their Magic Academy was the best in the world... But after this? Who would dare send their children there!?
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