FaRtaL Chpt 42

==From a Ristar to a Lady - Chapter 42 -==
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===Deadly serious infraction===
Codina Estate, Inman
Kilbourne PDZ, Woodbine Operational Area
Federation Suns
6th October, 30612100 hours (0900 hrs on local 28 hr cycle)
In the end, I was not even able to attend the gathering at the palatial manor to commemorate Kentares Day. I hope Ana will be all right. On her bed, Venice tucked her knees in resigned contemplation, hugging them. She had been confined to the manor for more than a week now, and wondering if she would even be let out for the All Saints’ Day holiday.
When she revealed that Raymond Haynes and her were lovers, her parents’ expressions were truly a sight to behold. Her brothers’ ones too… Their silent accusatory glares, as though she had utterly crushed their plans and hopes for the future.
She rested her head on her knees. Even though I’m forbidden from sending or receiving any correspondence, they had even taken away her mobile phone, if Sir Raymond truly wished, he could have found a way to get a message to me.
Will he really come to my aid?, wondered Venice.
She sighed for the umpteenth time. Stuck in her room with nothing to do, she was only left with her own thoughts to accompany, chasing one another to irrelevance.
Her ears picked up the sound of stomping footsteps, and she raised her head to see Vince fling open the doors of her room, a thunderous look on his face.
“Venice! Get over here at once!”
She was shocked. She had not seen Vince for a few days, and he suddenly shouts at her?
“You…” he glared at her. “What have you done?”
“Vince…” she could barely speak, and squeaked in fear as he grabbed her by one arm and pulled her off the bed.
“You useless wench!” He roared. “How dare you! How dare you get in the way of my future!”
Venice trembled on her knees before him, panting from fright. She managed to ask, “What cause have you… to be so upset… Vince?”
“Stop acting dumb!” He pointed a finger accusingly. “You know that I wanted to secure a position in the Haynes Household Guards! And instead of strengthening your relations with Renard, you chose to behave like a wanton and ruined my plans!”
She gritted her teeth, and replied, “Vince, I could say the same for you. Exactly how many women have you dallied with over the years?” She stared back at him coldly. “Then is it not fair to say that you have been as much of a wanton as I have, if not more?”
His response came in the form of a slap across her face. “You should be reflecting on your actions, not mouthing off to me! Your insolence is infuriating!”
Venice collapsed back to the floor, but her fists were clenched in anger. “Even if I did behave like a wanton…” she trembled while tears flowed down her cheeks. “...it is still far less despicable than the way you raise a hand to others at the slightest provocation.”
“What!” Vince was even more incensed now. “You bitch! How dare you glare at me!”
“Enough with the excuses.” Her voice was cold and mocking. “Take a good look at yourself, brother!”
“What?”
“Even at this very moment, you fail to realize just how shameful it is for a warrior to raise his weapons in anger against those weaker than him!” She looked pointedly at his hand, which laid on top of his pistol holster.
“Why you little… shut your mouth this instant!”
“How can someone so ill-qualified to be a warrior be allowed to join any Household Guard, much less for House Haynes?”
“Venice, I told you to shut your mouth!” He whipped out his pistol, ready to bring it down to inflict more pain. She cringed in fear, her hands coming up to shield her head from the impending blow, her eyes closed in anticipation.
Nothing happened.
Why is it so quiet all of a sudden? A moment, then several more, passed. What now? Could it be…
“Ana?” She opened her eyes, expecting the slight form of her brave friend, but instead of Anastasia, she saw Raymond’s back, where he had positioned himself firmly between her and Vince. One of his hands gripped Vince’s right forearm, preventing it from moving. Vince stared at his arm, baffled at why it could not move.
Huh? She was confused now, but somewhat glad for the reprieve.
“I did not think you would be so willing to draw your weapon against Lady Codina over a petty, personal grievance.” His left hand clenched around Vince’s arm.
“My lord!” stammered Vince, “I… I can explain!”
Am I dreaming? Her hopes had not been in vain. Raymond did come for her after all.
“Are you all right, my lady?” Raymond released his grip, and Vince groaned a bit in pain as he massaged his forearm. “I became worried when I was unable to contact you.”
“Oh…”
“Please excuse my tardiness. I should have rushed over here sooner.” He stepped over to her, sliding a blanket over her shoulders. His expression was fond and gentle. “I missed you dearly, my lady.”
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===Discussions of future plans===
Thirty minutes later, they were seated in the greenhouse garden, a simple but elegant tea set arrayed on the table between them.
“It was not necessary to dismiss your maids,” commented Raymond. “Anyway, I must say the Codina garden is as lovely as always.”
“I beg your pardon?” Venice was still trying to get her bearings. Her sudden rescue and subsequent release from her enforced confinement had thoroughly disorientated her. “I thought you wished to discuss the matter of our arrangement. Was that not the case?”
“Hmmm?” He smiled at her, “Ah, of course.”
Venice felt puzzled at his distracted look. What in the name of God could he have been thinking about?
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Raymond chuckled as he recalled the meeting in his father’s office, before speaking. “Viscount Codina is quite a formidable man.”
“Ah yes,” Venice agreed. “As I was getting dressed, I heard you met with my father. What happened?”
“He asked me to show him my capabilities. I believe he wants to see if I am worthy of challenging Renard’s claim to the Countship.” He tilted his head at Venice, taking a sip of his tea. “It seems he loves you more than you think.”
Venice countered, “I do not think I can agree with that statement. Was attempting to force me into marrying Renard against my will, his way of showing love?”
Raymond winced. “Forgive me. I speak not of fatherly love, but of a nobleman’s love for his children. I apologize if I have offended you.” He placed his teacup gently on the saucer.
“So… are we still moving forward with our contract?”
“Ah yes…” He paused in thought. “It will be a little tricky to prove in such a short amount of time, but I will think of something.”
Venice stared at him appraisingly. “Are the conditions my father set really that difficult to achieve? Your serious expression doesn’t bode well.”
“Oh, it’s not that… I was thinking of something else.”
Something else? What could possibly be more important than what we have been discussing? Venice stared at her reflection in the tea, one hand rising to touch her cheek.
“Ah, is your cheek all right?” Raymond asked.
“Pardon?” Venice startled.
Raymond said, “I know most nobles prefer not to have a witness to such moments, and so I hesitated, but it only resulted in you getting hurt. I am sorry for not arriving sooner.”
“It’s quite all right. I understand.”
He frowned slightly. “But it seems as though Lady Kalinska didn’t hesitate the way I did.”
Venice blinked in surprise. “How did you know about that?”
“Hmmm? I heard you call out Lady Kalinska’s name earlier.”
“Oh, that’s…”
She noticed Raymond had a thoughtful look on his face, muttering to himself, “Was that out of a sense of honour? Hmmm…”
“What did you say?” asked Venice.
“Oh, it’s nothing…” His casual tone failed to convince her though. “More importantly, do you recall when you first noticed a change in Lady Kalinska’s personality?”
“What?” Venice was so surprised by the sudden turn in the conversation that she just barely managed to formulate an answer. “It must have been after she fell into the lake.” Whew, I only just managed to keep Ana’s secret. What would he think if he knew she had lost her memory?
“Indeed, I agree.”
Is that what he’s been so distracted about? He was thinking about Ana? Shouldn’t we be discussing our future together? She gave herself a mental shake. No, of course not. We are only together out of necessity, after all. She squeezed her hands in consternation. I suppose this is to be expected. But still…
===Thoughts of Claim a Lady's hand in Marriage===
Innerman City
12th October, 3061
2000 hours (1200 hrs on local 28 hr cycle)
Finn looked around him, observing the damage done by the fire to the northern part of the city. He asked, “Is this where the fire first broke out? The report I received said everything had burned to ashes.” He rode his hoverbike slowly through the wide thoroughfare, watching both the environment and the people closely.
This part of the city had been added on after the fall of the Star League, and its construction used lower quality materials, including even wood, which was why the fire had spread so rapidly.
Even now, Finn could see traces of the damage, but what was the real surprise was the rate at which the damage had been rebuilt. Construction gangs were hard at work throughout the area, while massive mover trucks transported prefab structures, to be fitted together like toy blocks. It seemed like the new construction would be several grades better than the previous one.
It did not seem like the aftermath of a fire disaster, but more like the construction of a new town.
Eric replied, “That’s right. It’s only been three weeks, but at this rate, the place will be fully restored in no time.”
“A fairly showy way for that bastard to take his first step towards the Countship.” Finn nodded. “Come to think of it, Raymond donated a huge sum to restoring this place, and he also directed the companies he owned to lead in the restoration efforts. I heard it’s thanks to him that their recovery has been so successful.”
“Yes, I heard it was thanks to Sir Haynes as well. And I can see the faces of the people here are bright and hopeful.” There were people on the street, but rather than mired in despair and helplessness, they all moved with purpose, eager to complete the task of rebuilding their homes and their lives.
“But since when has he that kind of money?” wondered Finn. “With such capital, it wouldn’t be difficult for him to claim the Countship for himself.”
He continued to grouse, “Why ask for help when he’s perfectly capable of helping himself?”
Eric concurred. “Yes, my lord. Very curious indeed.”
Finn thought hard. Raymond was shrewd and cunning. Finn knew Raymond had invested money into various businesses, both in the Trivet and outside of it. Could it be that these investments had yielded these returns? And the businesses involved, like the company now leading most of the construction, Steelman Enterprises… Raymond already owned a part of the company, but perhaps he had managed to buy it outright?
His eyes widened as they came across a temporary refuge, a massive tent erected in a large space. Civilians milled about, getting their chores done for the day. But something was happening.
“It’s Sir Haynes!”
“Lord Raymond is here!”
“He’s come to visit us!”
The civilians cheered as Raymond drove up on his own hoverbike, leading a convoy of trucks laden with food and supplies. He stepped off his hoverbike and walked to just outside the tent.
Finn stopped his hoverbike, and watched from a distance.
Raymond started to speak. “You all have endured much. I have brought you food and supplies for your daily needs.” One of his men pushed up a cart laden with a barrel of rich stew and bowls to dispense it in.
The excited civilians started shoving one another in a rush to get to the food. Finn had seen too many of these scenes back in the aftermath of Operation Bulldog, when the liberating Star League forces had to contend with the atrocious living conditions of the civilians who survived the Smoke Jaguar Occupation.
Finn could see a young girl get pushed, almost falling down as the adults around her paid no heed to their surroundings, all too eager to get to the stew.
“Wait! If they all rush over like that…” exclaimed Eric, “It’s dangerous!”
Before the child could fall down, Raymond managed to push forward into the throng of people and shielded her with his body, protecting her from harm. His aide quickly crouched down next to the girl to ensure that she was not hurt.
“There is plenty of food for everybody,” announced Raymond. “Please form a line to receive your food.” His voice turned stern, though he remained smiling, “If you do not get in line, you will not get your share.”
The people had stopped shoving one another, and instead quietly formed up into the lines he wanted. Raymond beamed as they obeyed his instructions.
What has gotten into him? That eccentric man is actually winning the people of the city to his side! Finn watched in amazement. Blue collar workers, domestic workers, even small merchants.
Finn watched as Raymond drew up his sleeves and helped with the distribution of the food, handing out bowls of stew, while every civilian who received food from him thanked him sincerely.
That, above all, is a strength that cannot be ignored. He has not forgotten the lessons from my father about leadership at the front. For a moment, their eyes met, then Raymond turned away to continue serving the food.
Hmmm… our eyes met, yet it doesn’t seem as though he wants to talk to me. Rather unusual for that chatterbox. “Let us head back to my estate. There doesn’t seem to be any problems here.” Finn revved his hoverbike.
“Are you going to visit Lady Kalinska?” asked Eric.
“After a shower and making myself more presentable,” answered Finn. He started riding off. It’s been two months since I left. Will you smile upon seeing me? Or will you grumble at me and complain that I took too long? Finn smiled. Ana…
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With the items distributed, Raymond sighed slightly.
“My lord?” Glenn commented. “You’ve been sighing quite often lately.”
Raymond shrugged. “It’s just that… I don’t know what to say to Finn when I see him next.”
Glenn looked surprised. “I thought you were friends? Did you have some quarrel with him?”
Instead of answering the question, Raymond said, “The Viscount turned his bike around just now. He’s probably going to see Lady Kalinska.”
Glenn nodded, “Yeah, I think I saw his group.”
“Will Lady Kalinska become my ally or the cause of my downfall?” mused Raymond openly.
“Pardon me?” Glenn was confused. “I’m sorry, my lord, but you’ve lost me.”
“Never mind, it’s nothing.”
They carried the empty boxes to the transport truck. Raymond remained deep in thought. If Anastasia Kalinska is truly Avryl Showers, then it is undeniable that she was a skilled mechwarrior and officer. And she surely hates the Inner Sphere… Is it really all right to leave someone like that be?
He got into the truck’s shotgun seat, while Glenn climbed into the driver’s seat. Should I keep her apart from Finn? He blanched mentally. No, no. That would be impossible at the moment. Moreover, she’s not a mechwarrior any more, but a lady. It would be very difficult for her to seize power, and she poses no threat at the moment. He decided he had to consider the issue more carefully and plot out a course of action with contingency plans before making his move.
“Glenn, take us back to the manor.”
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Chapter 42