Third Arc (Fallen Heart) - 290. The Duke's Opinions IV

The discussion among the nobles continued. The atmosphere in the room shifted from one of solemn contemplation to one of speculation and conjecture. It seemed that the veil of mystery surrounding the events in Asteria had ignited a flurry of theories and hypotheses, each more elaborate than the last.

"So, what do you think Princess Rose's role in all of this is?" one noble asked, his voice laced with curiosity.

The question hung in the air, prompting the others to exchange speculative glances as they contemplated the possible scenarios.

"I believe the king used Princess Rose to demonstrate King Angelus's willingness to reconcile with the Reinheart family," one noble ventured, offering his interpretation of the situation. "She may have sought to portray King Angelus as a benevolent ruler who harbors no ill will towards his adversaries. Maybe by trying to treat Prince Ilex."

The suggestion sparked a flurry of agreement from the assembled nobles, who nodded in silent acknowledgment of the noble's theory. It seemed plausible, given the delicate nature of diplomatic relations between kingdoms and the potential political ramifications of Prince Ilex's demise.

"Or perhaps it was Princess Rose's poison that ultimately led to Prince Ilex's death," another noble posited, his tone tinged with suspicion. "If the poison went undetected, it could have created the illusion of suicide, thereby destabilizing the Reinheart family's hold on power."

The notion sent ripples of unease through the group, prompting murmurs of apprehension as they considered the implications of such a revelation. It was a chilling possibility, one that underscored the precariousness of the political landscape in the wake of Prince Ilex's death.

" With the crown prince gone, the Reinheart family's hold on power becomes more precarious," one noble observed. "If King Gervis were to die, the throne would pass to Princess Ophelia. She could be easier to manipulate and control," another noble interjected, shifting the focus of the discussion to another key player in the unfolding drama. "It's no secret that she harbors feelings for King Angelus.”

The nobles contemplated the potential implications of Princess Ophelia's unrequited love. It was a tantalizing possibility, one that hinted at hidden motives and clandestine agendas lurking beneath the surface.

The discussion among the nobles evolved into a frenzy of wild speculation. The duke found himself growing increasingly silent. While the others indulged in conjecture and imaginative theories, he remained stoic and reserved, his mind occupied with more practical considerations.

While the speculation provided some entertainment for the nobles, the duke understood the importance of seeking out reliable information before drawing any conclusions. He knew that jumping to conclusions based on conjecture alone could lead to misunderstanding and misinformation.

Instead of participating in the speculative chatter, the duke focused his thoughts on devising a plan to obtain accurate and timely information about the events in Asteria. He considered reaching out to his network of contacts, both within the kingdom and beyond, to gather intelligence and insights that could shed light on the situation.

In his experience, relying on hearsay and gossip often led to misinformation and confusion. The duke was determined to take a more methodical approach, gathering facts and evidence before forming any conclusions about the events unfolding in Asteria.

Hidden from the sight of the nobles, a floating eye hovered discreetly behind the ornate chandelier, its presence unnoticed as the nobles engaged in their lively discussion. With keen focus, it observed their every word, capturing snippets of conversation and absorbing the speculation and conjecture that filled the air.

Meanwhile, in his study room, Angel reclined in his chair, casting his Evil Eye skill. With closed eyes, he projected his consciousness through the floating eye, using it as a conduit to observe the nobles from a distance. Though typically employed to surveil his adversaries, Angel had repurposed the Evil Eye for this particular task, finding intrigue in the nobles' discussions about recent events.

This wasn't the first time Angel had utilized his Evil Eye to monitor the nobles' discussions, and it certainly wouldn't be the last. From his perspective, it was a strategic move, allowing him to maintain a firm grasp on the political landscape and preempt any potential challenges to his authority. By staying informed of the nobles' sentiments and speculations, Angel could effectively manipulate the narrative to his advantage and thwart any attempts at rebellion or dissent.

His calculated maneuvers had yielded the desired outcome, with the nobles unwittingly falling into line and reinforcing his authority. The duke's astute analysis had provided an additional layer of validation, lending credence to the notion that Angel's actions were part of a larger test—a rumor carefully planted to sow doubt and prevent rash conclusions.

He understood the power of perception and the importance of maintaining a facade of strength and control. In his court, there was no room for incompetence or insubordination; only those who proved themselves worthy of his trust and loyalty would be permitted to remain by his side.