CHAPTER 62: CHAPTER 62 - CONVERSATION IN THE HALL

When Morena stepped back into the hall, a few eyes drifted in her direction, as they had ones before. Some gazes slid over her with feigned indifference, others lingered a moment longer, as if looking for a reaction.

But Morena paid no attention to any of them; instead, she walked past the crowds that had gathered, brushing against the next in line, and returned to her table.

Morena let her gaze sweep the room. Carrow returned from his turn sweating through the collar, lips pressed so tight they almost vanished. The Estholm twins were broken up and forced to go in one at a time; it was something neither of them liked, but they complied nonetheless.

They walked back in together, muttering complaints to each other as they found a corner to sit in. Marset held a conversation with others, loudly chatting away in the hall with forced laughter, but it was clear that the man held his reserve.

Brenle, however, was different. Emerald pin bright under the lamplight, she moved with calm poise, lips set in a polite curve. Morena noticed the sharp glances she drew from others—yet the woman carried it like armor.

Morena had barely lifted her cup again when Brenle approached.

"Lady Ravenscroft."

She greeted softly, her tone carrying curiosity more than courtesy.

"Lady Brenle."

Morena inclined her head slightly, her own tone even.

Brenle’s smile curved faintly.

"An odd performance, don’t you think? All that effort, all that theater—and yet so little asked of us."

Morena’s lips thinned just slightly.

"You noticed as well."

"They drag us here, summon us like children to the headmaster’s bench, and then... a few questions, a few moments, and nothing more."

Brenle swirled the wine in her cup. Her voice was low, but her tone expressed the doubt and distrust she had towards them.

"Why bother at all, if they never intended to press?"

Morena motioned her cup, using it more as an expression than a drink.

"Perhaps it’s only a show. A reminder. Dominance doesn’t always need to be spoken aloud after all."

Brenle tilted her head.

"That is one way to see it. But I wonder if there’s more. A leash doesn’t need to pull tight to choke, Lady Morena. Sometimes it only needs to exist."

Morena’s gaze moved past her and fell onto the priest behind, standing near the door to the chamber. Her mind was more focused on the hooded figure, though, and what they could do.

"Perhaps you’re right."

Outwardly, she agreed. Inwardly, her mind was elsewhere.

She didn’t for a second believe that the questions themselves were the focus of that meeting; in fact, she doubted they mattered at all. If anything, it was more likely that the unknown energy that the AI detected played a bigger role.

The true purpose may have been something no one else in the hall could feel.

But she did.

Brenle broke the silence first, her smile returning.

"You carried yourself well today. I know that it is your first time attending something like this. Many thought you’d stumble, but you did not. You’ve shown more promise than most gave you credit for."

Morena turned her head just slightly.

"I appreciate the kind words."

"They’re not kindness."

Brenle replied easily.

"Just truth. I’d like to know more about you, Lady Ravenscroft. Perhaps we should meet outside these walls, so that we can discuss collaboration between our houses."

She leaned in slightly, voice lowering to a more private tone.

"If you ever find yourself free, you would be welcome at my estate. My fiancé will be out of the city next week."

Morena raised her brow faintly at that. An open invitation, it was odd given the fact that they hadn’t interacted much, but she had no reason to turn it down.

"I’ll keep it in mind."

"Do."

Brenle said with a small smile, before stepping back gracefully, her emerald pin catching the lamplight again as she melted into another circle of nobles.

Morena watched her go, eyes narrowing faintly.

’These nobles and their games. I wonder what she’s up to.’

The doors at the far end opened again; another noble’s name was called. The process continued, one by one, each dragged into the back room, each returning silent or strained.

Morena stood quietly, her hands steady on the cup she never drank from. By the time the final noble returned, the priest stepped forward again, his voice smooth.

"You have all met with our adviser. Your patience is appreciated. We will continue to ensure safety in the days ahead. Inspections will proceed, as will searches. But tonight, you may all return to your estate and get some well-deserved rest."

His words were nothing but filler, his attitude even somewhat demeaning to the nobles, yet no one dared call him on it.

The nobles began to file out, some in pairs, some silent, some muttering about the hours. Morena drifted with them, Adolf at her back, his hand stern to his side.

The night air outside was cold, a vast contrast to the warm, suffocating hall. Carriages lined the yard, lamps burning faintly.

Morena’s own waited near the edge, and as she stepped toward it, she noticed some of the nobles still spoke outside, some even went as far as leaving together.

’Gathering amongst yourselves to discuss the church?’

She chuckled to herself at the idea. These nobles were not the type to take disrespect lying down; it was clear that today had rubbed many of them the wrong way, and they had already begun planning something.

While she was curious as to what they might be planning, she had no intentions of going to another gathering tonight.

Adolf opened the carriage door and aided her to climb up. Morena stepped inside without a word, settling into the seat as the wheels began to turn.

Only then did Adolf speak, his tone low.

"What did they ask, my Lady?"

Morena leaned her head against the cushioned seat, her fingers tapping along the window’s frame. Her lips curled into a small twisted smile.

"A bunch of nonsense questions. It seems the church is just looking for an excuse to make a move; things may get a lot worse soon enough. Help me keep an eye on the other houses during this time, report back to me anything that stands out."

The carriage rattled on, leaving the estate behind. Morena’s gaze stayed fixed on the streetlamps flickering past, her thoughts turning inward once more.

"Ah, and Lady Brenle mentioned visiting her. She says her fiancé will be out of town for a while. What do you think?"

"Lady Brenle has always been a figure that stood out amongst the houses. From a young age, she took the lead in her house and refused to listen to her family’s elders. While some may say it was foolishness of youth, it cannot be denied that her actions have helped the family."

Adolf explained a little about the woman, a mixture of compliments thrown in.

"So you’re saying we take her up on the offer?"

"You should discuss it with your father, my Lady, he will know better than me."

Morena nodded at his statement and couldn’t agree more. It had been some time since she visited her father, even though they stayed in the same estate; she had just been too busy with other things.

She should visit him and see how he is doing, as well as discuss some things with him.