Chapter 146: The Answer That Must Not Tremble
Chapter 145: The Answer That Must Not Tremble
Lyria’s POV
Baron Redwick did not look away from me as he spoke.
"It is quite obvious," he said, his tone measured, "to anyone with eyes, that the royal family is displeased that you are no longer a shadow."
The words settled between us with quiet certainty.
I felt them more than I reacted to them.
Duke Thorncrest did not interrupt this time. He simply watched, his gaze shifting briefly toward me before returning to the baron, as though he were allowing the thought to stand on its own.
Baron Redwick exhaled softly, as if setting the matter aside by will rather than resolution.
"However," he continued, giving a slight shake of his head, "this is not the time to dwell on such considerations."
His attention sharpened again, returning fully to me.
"Your Highness," he said, "I am going to ask you something."
I straightened slightly without meaning to.
"I would like you to respond as though you are already within the interview," he added. "Treat it as practice."
My fingers tightened faintly at my sides.
Then I nodded.
There was something steadier in that nod than I felt inside.
"I u-understand," I said softly.
A flicker of something—approval, perhaps—passed through his expression.
Beside him, Duke Thorncrest let out a quiet chuckle.
"Well," he said lightly, "that is quite the look."
I blinked, momentarily distracted.
"You appear as though you are preparing to march into battle," he continued, amusement touching his voice.
Baron Redwick’s lips curved ever so slightly, a restrained echo of the same thought.
Heat rose faintly to my face.
"I—" I began, but Duke Thorncrest raised a hand lazily.
"Do not trouble yourself," he said. "It is not a criticism."
His gaze lingered on me, thoughtful rather than teasing now.
"You are rather endearing when you look so determined," he added.
That did not help.
I pressed my lips together, trying not to react too visibly.
Baron Redwick cleared his throat softly, drawing the moment back into structure.
"Shall we proceed?" he asked.
Duke Thorncrest inclined his head.
"By all means."
Baron Redwick turned fully toward me again.
His posture straightened, his expression smoothing into something formal—something that felt immediately different from how he had been speaking moments ago.
"Your Highness," he said, his tone now unmistakably that of an interviewer, "what are your intentions in serving as a Moon candidate?"
My breath faltered, just slightly. That was not what I had expected him to ask.
I must have shown it, because Duke Thorncrest spoke at once.
"They will begin this way," he said calmly. "They will not lead with hostility. Not at first."
I glanced at him.
"They will start with something simple," he continued, "something that allows you to reveal yourself willingly."
Baron Redwick gave a small nod of agreement.
"And another thing," Duke Thorncrest added, his gaze sharpening just a fraction, "you must learn to control your expression."
I stilled.
Baron Redwick adjusted his spectacles.
"You are far too expressive," he said. "It provides more information than you intend."
My fingers curled faintly.
"They will use that against you," he continued. "Every hesitation. Every flicker of surprise."
Duke Thorncrest nodded once.
"You must assume a neutral expression," he said. "One that offers them nothing to grasp."
Baron Redwick’s voice remained steady.
"A composed face," he said, "that neither invites nor confirms speculation."
Duke Thorncrest tilted his head slightly.
"Something close to indifference," he added. "But not quite. Enough to be polite... not enough to be readable."
I swallowed.
That, at least, I understood.
Or perhaps... I had always understood it. I always kept a neutral face when the Queen and Jacinta tormented me.
"I... I c-can do that," I said quietly.
Baron Redwick inclined his head.
"Then we shall begin again."
I took a slow breath.
Held it.
Let it out.
And when I lifted my gaze once more, I made certain my expression did not betray the way my heart was beating.
Baron Redwick seemed to notice.
There was the faintest shift in his eyes.
Then he spoke.
"Your Highness," he said, "what are your intentions in serving as a Moon candidate?"
This time, I did not answer immediately. While I kept my expression neutral, I thought of a suitable answer.
And then, slowly, carefully, I began.
"My intentions..." I said, my voice quieter than usual, but steady, "are not separate from the role itself."
I paused briefly, making sure I did not stutter, though it made me speak slowly.
"According to the prophecy," I continued, "the position of the Moon is already defined."
"The Moon stands alongside the royal family," I said, "to ensure the continued prosperity of the kingdom."
My hands remained still at my sides.
"Peace," I added softly, "is not a passive state. It must be maintained."
I did not look away.
"It is therefore the responsibility of the Moon to support that balance," I continued. "To assist where needed. To act where required."
I paused again before I continued.
"And beyond that," I said, "the prophecy also speaks of healing."
I felt my throat tighten slightly at that, but I did not allow it to reach my voice.
"The alleviation of illness," I said. "The restoration of those who suffer."
I drew in a quiet breath.
"That, too, is a duty of the Moon."
I did not falter.
"My intentions," I finished, "are to fulfill that role as it was intended."
A brief stillness followed.
Then, more softly,
"To place the needs of the people above my own."
Silence settled after I finished speaking. I did not say anything, neither did they.
They were looking at me.
Duke Thorncrest’s brows had lifted slightly, surprise flickering across his features before it gave way to something warmer.
Baron Redwick was very still.
Then they exchanged a look.
A brief one.
"...W-was that... not a-acceptable?" I asked, my voice quieter again.
Duke Thorncrest was the first to move.
He gave a small clap.
Once.
The sound was soft, but it carried.
"Your Highness," he said, his tone lighter now, though not dismissive, "that was... unexpectedly excellent."
I blinked.
Baron Redwick inclined his head.
"I did not anticipate that response," he said honestly.
He paused, then added,
"Though I find," he said, adjusting his spectacles, "that there is very little within it that I would amend."
