Post by Marianne de Hyrule on Nov 7, 2020 6:13:14 GMT
“As I was saying, My Lord Duke, your support in this matter will be greatly appreciated. I trust Lord Haakon have spared you the details.”
“This is madness! In this hard time I can’t even support my household! Not only the commoners, us nobles are suffering, too!”
Princess Marianne lifted her eyebrows high at the incensed Duke.
“Indeed we are in a hard time. But I think our definition of suffering does not...quite match.”
At this she pulled out a small scroll from her sleeves and started unrolling it.
“Four hunting trips in one month…. Six new horses… A half-birthday party for your son…?” She blinked. “Three renovations on the west tower, last one because dear Madame did not like the new tapestry…. Lavish celebration for three days and three nights for your son’s first bear of the season…. I say, Lord Duke-” she rolled the scroll and slipped it back in her sleeves, “-your standard for suffering is rather high. You can do without one less tapestry, I presume?”
The Duke, who wore a hurtful expression before, was now grinning like a hungry Wolfos.
“Spying on my household, are we?”
“My Lord Duke, I even know what happened inside your dreams, much less your household,” The Princess answered easily as she started to walk towards the door, which had her guards stationed on either side. One of them opened the oak door. “You will see that this ruling is very necessary. Please, just for a year or two, deign to suffer with our people. Our kingdom is in its most trying times, as you must have known.”
The Duke’s face was red as a beet, clearly angry. The Princess stopped near the door’s threshold, where hung a gallant portrait of a young man.
“Your son is an avid hunter, is he not?”
“Yes. What of it?” barked the Duke.
The Princess twirled her hair with a finger, “Oh, nothing. I am just saying that these are dangerous times to go out hunting so often. There are wild monsters…bandits, and other dangers….
...He might even get kidnapped for ransom.”
“What is this?” exclaimed The Duke, wary. “Is that a threat?”
“No, my Lord Duke. It is a cautionary tale,” The Princess answered nonchalantly, resuming her steps to the bright light outside without even looking back. “How can I ever threaten you? After all, it is my duty to ensure the safety of our…loyal nobles.”
The implication of what could happen to disloyal nobles didn’t escape the Duke’s attention.
The Princess stepped outside. “I will find your support in this Noble’s Tax by tomorrow, my Lord Duke. Lord Haakon himself will personally come to you. Worry not, by the time we overcome this crisis I swear on my name that I will reverse this ruling to what it was like before. We only need this measure for a short time, I assure you.
Farewell. And do send my utmost gratitude for Madame's hospitality. It was the best casserole I've tasted in years.”
And with that, The Princess entourage closed the door, leaving The Duke fuming alone in his hall.
***
Still, the reaction from the Duke of Eldin last day weighed heavily in Marianne’s mind as she rode her steed on the winding roads towards Death Mountain. Lord Haakon had warned her that some nobles would not be open to the idea of increased taxation towards their household, and Marianne had steeled herself for some opposition. Yet, she thought the Duke of Eldin would be a far wiser character than he was.
She was wrong.
Lost in her own thoughts, she let her walnut-colored Hylian warm blood carried her towards Death Mountain, her hands rarely steered the reins. Blessed be this unnamed horse, brought to her by Miss Eva from The Royal Stable two days ago. He had an easy temperament, yet was swift and quick to react without needing much direction. He was a perfect horse for someone like Marianne, whose mind often wandered while she travelled. She had to remember to give this horse a name later.
If the Monster Research Council was expecting a party, they would be sorely disappointed. While they would have no doubt known about the mass movements of guards and even a company of Hyrule Knights around Death Mountain, they would have only heard that The Princess’ convoy spent a night at the local noble’s manor, and then no more news from them. What was approaching from the horizon was only a lone rider on her horse, wearing a subdued red cloak and hunting attire with gold clasps, her face half-hidden under her hood. On her back was slung a quiver full of finest quality arrows and an gilded ornate bow. The magnificent bow, at least, would tell that its owner was no ordinary hunter.
