Third Arc (Fallen Heart) - 291. The Duke's Opinions V

Cley and Claire, who were also in the room, exchanged a subtle glance as they observed Angel, their king, who sat in silence, his expression unreadable. Angel's demeanor was often enigmatic, leaving those around him to wonder about his thoughts and intentions. Without any indication from the king, Cley and Claire returned to their respective tasks, diligently attending to the documents spread out before them.

However, Cley found himself struggling to focus on his work, his mind consumed by curiosity about the king's actions. He couldn't shake the feeling that something significant was unfolding, and he longed to unravel the mystery shrouding Angel's silence. Glancing surreptitiously between the king and the papers strewn across his desk, Cley fidgeted in his chair, unable to suppress his inquisitiveness any longer.

Unable to contain his curiosity, Cley leaned towards his sister, Claire, who was engrossed in her own tasks. With a soft, barely audible whisper, he attempted to draw her attention away from her work.

“Psst!” Cley hissed, his voice barely above a whisper, as he nudged Claire gently. He shot a cautious glance towards the king to ensure they remained unnoticed. "Do you know what the king is doing?" he inquired, his tone filled with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension.

"Just do your job, Cley," Claire admonished, her tone firm as she continued to focus on the documents before her, the scratching of her pen filling the air. Despite her brother's persistent curiosity, she remained steadfast in her commitment to her responsibilities.

Cley couldn't help but pout at his sister's response, his curiosity still gnawing at him. Ignoring her advice, he leaned in closer to Claire, determined to share his thoughts with her.

"I'm just curious about what he's doing," Cley persisted, his voice tinged with frustration. He watched as Claire's hand moved methodically across the page, her expression serious and unwavering.

With a deep exhale, Claire finally relented, turning to face Cley as she considered his words. "Is it obvious?" she inquired, her brow furrowing slightly as she mulled over his suggestion.

Cley furrowed his brow in response, his mind whirling with questions. "But the question is, why?" he mused aloud, his confusion evident in his tone. "If he wants to hear their opinion, why doesn't he stay there and ask them to give their own opinion?" he wondered, grappling with the enigma of Angel's actions.

Claire leaned back in her chair, her expression thoughtful as she offered her insight into the situation. "Because some people wouldn't dare express their opinion if the king was there," she explained calmly, as if it were the most natural conclusion to draw. "Especially if the opinions conflict with the king's thoughts. They would prefer to discuss it with others," she continued, her tone measured and analytical. "Not to mention what they just discussed is a sensitive matter," Claire added, her words punctuated by a thoughtful nod.

Cley considered Claire's explanation, his brow furrowing as he absorbed her words. "So, you think the king is deliberately staying out of sight to encourage more candid discussions among the nobles?" he asked, seeking clarification.

Claire nodded in agreement. "Exactly," she affirmed, her confidence unwavering. "By removing himself from the equation, the king creates an environment where the nobles feel more comfortable sharing their opinions freely," she elaborated, her reasoning clear and logical.

Cley nodded in understanding, a hint of admiration in his eyes as he processed Claire's analysis. "That actually makes a lot of sense," he admitted, impressed by his sister's astute observation.

Claire smiled modestly, grateful for her brother's acknowledgment. "It's just a matter of understanding human behavior and motivations," she replied modestly, her gaze returning to the documents before her. "And in a place like this, where politics and diplomacy are at play, it's essential to consider all angles," she concluded, her focus shifting back to her work as she resumed her diligent efforts.

Cley's brows furrowed with concern as he mulled over Claire's response. The notion of punishment for opposition weighed heavily on his mind, and he couldn't shake the sense of unease that settled in the pit of his stomach. He cast a fleeting glance at Angel, whose stoic demeanor betrayed nothing of his inner thoughts.

"So... does that mean His Majesty will punish anyone who opposes him in his quest to make Princess Rose his queen?" Cley ventured, his voice laced with apprehension. The thought of Angel prioritizing his personal feelings over the kingdom's stability unsettled him. It seemed contrary to the responsibilities of a monarch, and he couldn't help but worry about the potential consequences.

Claire regarded her brother with a wry smile, her expression tinged with amusement at his apprehension. "He wouldn't go that far," she reassured him, her tone calm and matter-of-fact. "His Majesty is likely more concerned with maintaining order and preventing any potential disruptions," she explained, her words intended to assuage Cley's fears.