Chapter 463: A Melodramatic Tone

Chapter 463: A Melodramatic Tone

"Provoking the Queen like that," Magda shook her head, her voice laced with both admiration and concern as she followed Rosalind out of the opulent palace and into the awaiting carriage. "You truly are a courageous soul."

Rosalind merely chuckled in response, her mind consumed by the words that had passed between her and the formidable Queen. The weight of their conversation lingered, intertwining with her thoughts. "Have you participated in the Hunting Games before?" she inquired, her voice filled with genuine curiosity.

Magda paused for a moment, her gaze turning inward as she reflected on her memories. "Hmmm," Magda mused. "It is an annual tradition. Previously, it was only our family against the four ruling families. A thrilling spectacle, indeed."

Rosalind's curiosity was piqued further. "So, the Duke always emerges as the victor, then?" she ventured, her voice tinged with anticipation.

A knowing smile played on Magda's lips. "Oh no, the Duke refrains from participating. It would be deemed unfair if he were to join the games. Thus, he stands aside, observing the prowess of others."

Rosalind nodded, absorbing this newfound information. The puzzle pieces of the Hunting Games began to form a more intricate picture in her mind. Why had the other Empires suddenly agreed to send their representatives this year, when they had previously abstained from participating?

Not long after, Rosalind settled into the carriage, departing from the resplendent palace and making her way back to the familiar embrace of Luca's estate. The man himself awaited her in his study, his back turned to her as he peered out the window, his gaze lost in the snow-covered landscape.

"You look refreshed," Lucas's voice greeted her, a hint of intrigue lacing his words. He must have observed her arrival from the study's vantage point.

A playful smile curled on Rosalind's lips as she approached him, her eyes mirroring the joy that danced within her. "Indeed, I feel invigorated," she confessed. "Engaging in conversation with the Queen proved to be unexpectedly delightful." The mere thought of their exchange brought forth a lightness within her spirit, a spark that ignited a desire to delve deeper into the mysteries surrounding the royal court.

"Perhaps," Rosalind mused, her voice brimming with amusement, "I should make it a habit to visit the Queen regularly, indulging in the intricacies of courtly affairs." Her gaze swept over the sprawling landscape, where people braved the thawing snow to engage in various activities. The world outside seemed alive, pulsating with possibilities.

Lucas regarded Rosalind with a playful glint in his eyes, a hint of mischief tugging at the corners of his lips. "Ah, so that would mean spending more time away from me," he remarked, feigning a melodramatic tone. In response, Rosalind pursed her lips and playfully made a face at him, unable to suppress a teasing smile. His chuckle echoed through the room, creating a warm and intimate atmosphere.

"I must admit," Rosalind admitted, her tone tinged with a mix of amusement and affection, "I did not expect to discover this side of the feared Duke that strikes terror into the hearts of many. But since you are already my husband, I suppose I have no other choice but to accept it, don't I?" Her playful jab was met with yet another bout of laughter from Lucas, his eyes shining with genuine mirth.

Lucas's brows furrowed, a flicker of indignation flaring within his eyes. "Such matters are beyond the scope of the four families," he retorted, his tone laced with both frustration and determination. Settling into his chair, he poured himself a cup of tea, the liquid cascading smoothly into the porcelain vessel. "If the Queen wishes to provide aid, she should rely on her own forces."

Denys hesitated for a moment, carefully choosing his words before continuing. "Your grace, if I may speak my mind?" he sought permission.

Lucas nodded, gesturing for Denys to proceed. "Go ahead."

"It seems to me," Denys began, his voice cautious yet tinged with concern, "that the Queen is deliberately seeking faults within the Four Great Pillars. Her actions appear to be a means of provocation, a way to antagonize and undermine the standing of the four families. Perhaps she aims to rally support from other noble houses, fueling further unrest."

Denys's words settled in the room, the implications of the Queen's actions beginning to unfold. Lucas's gaze hardened. "If the Queen desires a battle, then a battle she shall have," he declared, his words resolute. "But let it be known that the four families shall stand firm in the face of her provocations. The Four Families existed to protect the estate."

Hearing this, Rosalind said nothing as she made herself comfortable on the couch. "I believe you should agree to the Queen's request," Rosalind suddenly spoke.

"Hm?" Lucas and Denys looked at her.

"If she wanted to send soldiers then let her send soldiers. What can her soldiers do?" Rosalind smiled. "By the time that they get there, the Duke of Duance already succeeded. It is best that you send the General with gifts to send your congratulations to the new Emperor."

"You truly believe the Duke of Duance will succeed?" Lucas questioned, his curiosity piqued.

Rosalind's smile grew wider, a glint of confidence in her eyes. "They will," she affirmed. "Without Federico, Martin and the Emperor are mere puppets. The Duke's cunning and strategic prowess will ensure his victory. Furthermore, the other Empires have their own troubles to deal with. They cannot afford to divert their attention and resources to aid the Emperor and the Lux Family. By the time the Queen's soldiers arrive, the confrontation between the Duke and the Emperor will have reached its climactic end."

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Hello, I have been very sick lately. I am going to write 1 chaps for now. I am going to my province to spend some time with family and hopefully feel better. The environment in the city is not really good for my health. I am not sure if this is hormones or not.