Life Becomes Duke's Beloved
Tulips and Roses

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Orlando daydreamed in the horse-drawn carriage that led him to the Armand residence. Lui butler sent a letter containing Armand ordering Orlando to stay in Duchy for a while. Her mother is still in the palace.

Orlando doesn't mind that. But the rumors about his mother and Armand he could hear even inside the academy. His mother's abduction and a failed monster expedition. Orlando just wanted an explanation. From whoever he'll take.

Orlando was unconscious when his carriage opened from outside. He looked at the Armand warrior who was smiling kindly. Orlando calmly descended the horse carriage and was greeted warmly as usual. Bastian was waiting for him at the door.

"Congratulations, you're the highest-ranking occupant again" said Bastian, smiling broadly at his welcome.

"Hn. Thank ye. What about dad?" asked Orlando hesitatingly. Somehow calling Armand that, made him feel bad this time.

"He'll have dinner with us" Bastian replied.

"Him alone?"

"Hn. You wish there was another coming?" Bastian is still smiling.

"Of course ...." Orlando avoided Bastian's gaze.

"Then tell dad. He'll grant it if it's you."

Orlando fell silent before following Bastian into the castle.

"Have you met him?" ask Orlando.

"Your mother?" Bastian raised his eyebrows. "Yes he's fine. Don't worry."

"I still don't understand. Why did you go to the expedition? What's for?" Orlando uttered the contents of his head that he had been quieting all this time.

"I didn't ask him that. It's enough for me if he's okay." Bastian answered without looking at Orlando.

"Do you know anything?" Orlando asked carefully.

"No, other than what Duke Armand and him told me. I don't know." Bastian makes boundaries with his own father by mentioning his title and name. Makes Orlando understand that there is a little disappointment felt by his good friend.

Orlando did not ask any more, until the moment he entered the room he had always occupied while in this house. Bastian followed him inside him and threw his body on the bed. Orlando followed as if it had become a habit.

"I heard our parents fighting?" Orlando started again with the rumors he heard.

"You heard about that too?" Bastian answered with a question.

"What I hear is crazier and nonsensical. They say dad pulled a sword at mom and beat her, "Orlando's story greeted by Bastian's flat face.

"I know it's impossible, but you don't have to look at me like I'm a lunatic." Orlando somehow felt embarrassed.

Bastian smiled obliquely and stared silently at the ceiling of the room.

"What would you do if I wanted to keep you away from your mother?" ask Bastian.

It was a bit surprising because Orlando did not answer right away. Bastian glanced at him with his eyes tails.

"Depends on what reason you're gonna give me."

"And what does that mean?" ask Bastian again.

"Of the many men who approached my mother. Only your father tried to look good in front of me." Orlando answered no in the context Bastian asked. But Bastian was just listening.

"Usually those who approach motherhood are arrogant people with higher degrees but no money. It was easy for me to be suspicious of their false attention. Then your father came. Someone with a high degree and position in this kingdom. And have a lot of money. I never denied his sincerity."

"You feel that way because you want to know what it's like to have a father" Bastian said, raising his eyebrows.

"How's your. You're always more attached to my mom, too, because you want to know what it's like to have a mom." Orlando answered.

They both laughed with their empty arguments. Then stop together and drift in each other's minds.

"If I were you ... I won't believe anything Duke Armand says ...." Bastian said softly.

"That thought scared me. But Bastian, she doesn't look like a mother."

"I know you're aware of that too" Bastian replied without pausing.

"I'd feel better if you denied it, you know that." Orlando closed his eyes. His face looks sad in Bastian's eyes.

Bastian was shocked when Orlando suddenly sat down.

"Let's tell dad to take him to dinner too" Orlando said in a cheerful tone. Make Bastian smile.

"Father must have granted this request to her favorite child" Orlando said.

"What favorite child? Who?" Bastian.

"I ... Duke's favorite son ... Armand ..." said Orlando slowly.

"Hearing you say that somehow embarrassed me. More embarrassed to see your red face." Bastian said that with a flat tone and face. Making the red hue on Orlando's face even more noticeable.

...----------------...

Armand sat quietly in the horse-drawn carriage that brought him home. In front of him Abela did the same. Armand felt dejavu with their awkwardness. The difference this time, the tension was more pronounced between them.

If at that time they were arguing about his marriage to the daughter of Wilhemn, as a couple. This time they both looked like they were really hostile.

Abela stroked the black cat curled up in her lap. Ever since he was locked up in the cat palace it was kept away from him by Armand. Eventually the cat returned with some terms and agreements that Abela had to follow. And a magic necklace that cannot be removed from the cat's neck. Keep from transforming into big.

Armand acted as usual when they arrived. Get down first and help Abela down. Abela just followed. Before they reach the door. A golden-haired person ran towards them. Dropped himself and hugged Abela.

"Mother ..." said Orlando in a carefree tone.

"Hn. You look bigger than ever" commented Abela stiffly.

"Huh? I don't know if I don't feel that way" Orlando replied. "Whose cat is that? What did mom hug?"

"Mother found it in the witch's castle."

"You mean the witch who killed you first?" ask Orlando again. His eyes that were as blue as Abela stared fixedly at Abela. As if not wanting to miss anything from Abela's face.

"You're right. But if this cat doesn't ...." Abela paused for a moment to think. "If this cat hadn't gone to see your father back then. Your father won't be able to save me."

Orlando did not immediately respond to Abela's comments. He just smiled with a disappointed expression.

"Mother, usually hates anything related to her," Orlando muttered making Abela petrified in her place.

"Let's go in, it's getting cold outside" Armand said, ending the awkward conversation.

Orlando smiled again and took Abela's hand into the house.

"Cats ... Operate that cat to me." Armand extended his hand, asking Abela to give her the cat.

Abela just obeyed in silence. Mossi - the cat - was seen welding in the lap of Armand.

"When will you be in the palace?" ask Orlando when they get to the dinner table.

"Mom can't answer that. I'll let you know if you can go home."

"I hope not too long ... You know it ... I'm rarely home." Orlando smiled broadly. Made Abela spontaneously extend a hand stroking her hair.

Neither Armand nor Bastian spoke much. There were only the voices of Orlando and Abela answering occasionally and as short as she could when Orlando asked. The dinner ended peacefully.

Orlando and Bastian left the dining room first on the grounds of playing chess. While Armand nailed his gaze to Abela who was still enjoying the dessert.

"Thus ... I'm sleeping in jail tonight?" abela asked sarcastically, returning Armand's sharp gaze.

"Aren't you kidding me about missing out?" Armand smiled his slanted smile.

"I thought you wanted to lock me up somewhere" Abela replied coldly.

"Yes. Never leave our room" Armand ordered. Not with the usual tone of temptation but rather his cold tone that might not scare Abela. But it makes the servants tense.

"All right." Abela answered briefly. He cleaned his mouth with a napkin. Then he looked at Armand.

"Guard me then ...."

...----------------...