There was an unimaginably tense silence as I glared at Grisbane, taking a few deep breaths to collect my thoughts; Grisbane was actively picking a fight from what I could tell. I looked around to gauge everyone’s reaction to the nonsense leaving Grisbane’s mouth, confirming the shock and surprise on everyone’s face. She, who actively and vehemently campaigned for Nil and me to be engaged for several years, now was saying it was a bad idea? Did she just thrive from being disliked? Did Grisbane just enjoy getting glared at?   Looks were flying across the table as everyone was trying to decipher the unexpected reaction of Grisbane. I saw Nautilus pinching herself before nodding as she confirmed that she was indeed awake.

  “I do not see why you all think this is some grand idea.” Grisbane added on, looking unbothered by how we were staring at her. Dad and Empress Senna looked at each other because neither of them were ready for this turn of events.

  “I am unsure why we would consult the opinion of a countess who no one likes on a matter that does not concern her narrow view.” I snapped at her. Several stares went between us as I was officially sick and tired of Grisbane.

  “Excuse me?” Grisbane asked in a pointed tone. Like I cared about her opinion.

  “I am sorry, I did not realize your hearing has degraded with your world experience. Let me repeat myself; I do not believe a countess should give their opinion on matters between a duke and empress.” I clarified for her, speaking in a slightly louder voice with a slower cadence to enunciate each word in the second sentence. Grisbane gave me an icy stare in return.

  “If I would like your opinion, I would speak to your father the duke on the matter. It is always unbecoming when children think they understand the implications of adults.” Grisbane retorted, clearly offended a physical child was arguing with her.

  “At least my opinion is formed by myself, not being a contrarian. I could see where being unable to follow a child would be embarrassing and perhaps my father could explain it better for you to be able to grasp.” I snarled back. Nautilus began smiling and took her ale as she leaned back into her chair to drink.

  “Do you know what you are saying, ” Grisbane inquired with venom dripping in her voice.

  “I am sorry Countess

  “Duke Dawnsfield holds the title, not you dearie. I understand such a distinction may be hard for you to understand, but you also do not possess any other title despite what may be promised or arranged for in the future.” Grisbane told me in a sickly-sweet tone. I let out a fake, condescending laugh.

  “I forget I am speaking to someone rooted in the past. As the sole heir to the Dawnsfield estate, I have the standing of one title less than that of my father, which would be marchioness I got plenty of experience and people to reference for this you cindelrock; even probably one of the few beings more unpleasant than you.

  “Do you think you are being cute?” Grisbane growled at me as her anger was seeping into her voice.

  “I am quite cute, thank you for noticing. It does warm my heart your eyes have yet to begin their decline; however, do answer the question I asked because I dislike when people are being rude to my face.” I replied. At no point did I let the smile slip from my face as her anger was rapidly rising.

  “Marchioness.” Grisbane answered through gritted teeth.

  “That is such an unbecoming tone. Tsk tsk tsk. I would expect someone with your experience and wisdom to know better.” I sighed while shaking my head. I discreetly gauged everyone’s reactions, seeing various stages of shock and amusement. Grisbane took a small breath before switching her smile.

  “I do understand that some of the finer things may have been missed as your father is a busy person; it is such a shame your mother could never teach you better.” Grisbane stated with fake sincerity. I clenched my jaw as she aimed for such a low blow. I felt Dad instantly fight to contain his reaction because that was an unimaginably cheap shot.

  “You seem to be getting cranky and lashing out at the moment. When Nil wakes up, did you want me to ask for his tea recipe? I hear it did wonders for correcting this kind of behavior last time.” I checked. Surdel, along with several other adults, went a bit wide eyed at that comment. Grisbane’s face however, was thinly contained rage.

  “Are you threatening me?” Grisbane inquired, sounding almost stunned that I brought up the tea.

  “You thought my mother was an appropriate topic of conversation for some reason. You either forgot your place or need help with your mood. From what I remember, Nil’s tea calmed you down for months. I am simply trying to offer solutions to the problems you cannot control.” I explained slowly, making sure to speak like she was hard of hearing.

  “Why would the Imperial Family want such an ill-behaved brat to marry in?” Grisbane challenged as she was attempting to incinerate me with her stare.

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  “I am the daughter of a Duke while also being supportive in the face of major crises; Nil and I are also great friends. Do we need to get you a notebook to document things with or an aide to help tracks things for you? Your memory slipping is a concerning sign given your advanced disposition.” I suggested sincerely to her.

  “I am fully aware of the events. My question was centered on the behavior of the individual.” Grisbane clarified, clearly getting irritated by my continuous implying of her age.

  “Again, why is a countess concerning herself with the matters of the Imperial Family and a duke? Being in the presence of the announcement does not warrant you much of a say on the matter.” I pressed, adding in a bit of a confused tone to make it seem like I was baffled by her voicing an opinion.

  “Duke Dawnsfield, please instruct your daughter to behave better. This rudeness is getting out of hand.” Grisbane tried. I fought the urge to smile at that.

  “Count Gaeas, can you please tell your wife to settle her emotional state? It is clouding her judgement.” I requested immediately after. Grisbane’s jaw dropped in shock as Nautilus clearly battled not to choke on her drink.

  “Excuse me?” Grisbane snarled.

  “Oh, you want to leave? Let me help you out of your seat; I know things can feel heavier when you have seen as many years as you have.” I offered immediately, jumping up to go pull out her seat.

  “I was not trying to leave. I was simply astonished by what you just asked my husband.” Grisbane clarified for me. The contempt on her face was priceless.

  “You were asking my father a similar question, so I assumed it was fair game by the standard you set. Or are you saying that kind of question is inappropriate? Why did you ask my father to when you are talking to me?” I inquired. To her credit, Grisbane was not one to give up easily nor admit she was wrong.

  “There is a difference when you are an adult in civilized society and a child who does not understand what they are saying.” Grisbane explained while I got back in my seat.

  “I apparently understand it well enough you resorted to attempting to ask my father to bail you out of our discussion. Are you sure you know this as well as you think you do?” I replied with the sincerest smile I could muster.

  “I think that is enough.” Empress Senna stated before our ‘conversation’ devolved much further.

  “I thin’ it coul’ keep goin’.” Nautilus suggested. Her face was transparent with how much she had been enjoying the back and forth, but Empress Senna gave her an unamused stare in return.

  Dad asked mentally as the table was tensely quiet once more.

  I answered innocently. The Burgomaster did have a few helpful habits for situations like these.

  “I am not going to be disrespected to such an extent by a child.” Grisbane hissed at Empress Senna.

  “Your behavior was just as unbecoming.” Empress Senna shot back in a disappointed tone.

  “Tha-“ Grisbane began.

  “Grisbane, please do not continue to argue with a child.” Surdel pleaded with her to cut her off.

  “Her behavior was wildly out of line.” Grisbane defended herself.

  “And you started it.” Dad snapped at her. Grisbane looked irritated that it was pointed out to her.

  Empress Senna praised me mentally.

  I apologized back.

  Empress Senna conceded, clearly wanting to focus on more productive points.

  “I was merely pointing out facts.” Grisbane attempted, not wanting to take accountability for how poor her behavior just was.

  “Hissy little hypocrite.” I said with a yawn. Her glare in return could have frozen the sea.

  “What did you just say?” Grisbane inquired while Empress Senna gave me a stare for that.

  “I did not say anything. Are you hearing things? You should get that checked by a doctor.” I retorted.

  “Enough, both of you.” Empress Senna declared as she was clearly finished with our bickering.

  “Despite the disruption to the main topic, I do believe it is justified that Luna have the written backup of the Archduchess title as well as moving forward being the Empress Apparent once Nil awakens and can agree to the arrangement.” Empress Mother Poam stated before anything could reignite the previous topic.

  “What all does that entail and require from here?” Dad asked politely, a bit quickly to make sure Grisbane and I didn’t resume our argument.

  “Typically, increased combat lessons as the Empress must be strong, with additional courses on diplomacy, statecraft, and especially etiquette.” Empress Mother Poam answered, a tad pointedly on the word etiquette as she looked directly at me for that part. Not that I would say such a thing out loud.

  “Understood. On the topic of lessons, do you think you could ask King Krahinn if it would be possible for her to also obtain a ?” Dad inquired. The room got eerily quiet while everyone fought the urge to look at Nez.

  “I’ll see what he says. I think it goes without saying no promises.” Nez agreed.

  The rest of dinner was small talk about moving forward as the idea proposed by Dad was smoothly agreed after the initial spat. It put a smile on my face as I thought about it. Hopefully when Nil woke up, he’d have a bit of time to properly ask me, after he was done probably having a minor freak out as it was a little sudden. Grisbane glared at me for a good chunk of dinner but didn’t say anything. There was a chance I somehow upset her, not that I was going to lose any sleep on the matter. The only question no one could really answer was when Nil was going to wake back up.

  Dinner had been finished for a little while now as the discussion continued, so I sat at my spot paying attention the best I could. That was likely something I may need to get used to because Nil would need my help on that front. I was smiling as I thought of how fast his eyes glazed over when laws or etiquette were involved; it was endearing how he could have great ideas or focus on but was a little helpless on these fronts. How much longer until he woke up though? Nil might be comatose for a while longer which was a major concern on a lot of our minds. My thoughts were jarred by the in the air fluctuating and shaking in an odd way as this odd presence seemed to engulf the castle. Everyone shot up and immediately rushed towards the source. I think everyone realized the rough location and began moving even faster.