Tyrant's Obsession With The Heiress-Chapter 36: A Bewildering Statement From The Liege

Orpheus knew his knights and generals weren't reckless enough to challenge him, and never in his life did he ever feel the need to explain himself.

Yet, it had to be done now.

While his men would not act on the same opinions as Hendrix, they certainly shared it.

And Orpheus Van Merikh would not have his men deeming his lady a disease that weakened him.

"Let me be plain and frank so that there will be no further doubts or questions," Orpheus said, reaching for his own cup of wine.

"The lady of Moonveil serves her purpose in administering the wealth of this castle's riches since she is well-versed in it."

Orpheus downed the wine in one gulp and set the mug down, the thud making the table rattle.

"As we speak, she arranges for a harvest that will warrant a great deal of wealth into Moonveil's coffers. And as for the presence of other women, the male servants were either slain or have run off; thus, Moonveil cannot function without them," he added.

The knights and generals didn't even dare to comment or exchange glances until he was done speaking.

They could already notice his crimson brand flaring up, challenging them to speak if they would dare.

"These women handle valuable roles at this time. Those circumstances could change tomorrow, a week from now or a month from now. But at this time, they serve a necessary function. Do I make myself clear?" His tone brooked no room for argument.

Most of the men nodded without another question, while the others simply looked at their wine or food like children who were being reprimanded.

And Orpheus' dual-coloured gaze roamed over them with a sense of suspicion and satisfaction.

This wasn't uncommon for his armies.

He'd had to quell potential rebellions before and it never ended without bloodshed.

However, none of those rebellions have ever been the result of a woman.

This was much of a new experience and Orpheus found himself far more on the defensive than usual.

And it was perhaps because a part of him was well aware that his men were right.

That Hendrix was right.

Lady Karina Hyacinth Reinhardt did indeed control him.

"You will hear one more declaration from me and speak no more of this matter," Orpheus went on. "Whatever I do with the Lady of Moonveil is my affair. It is no business any of you, nor does it impact our goals in any fashion."

Orpheus poured himself another cup of wine before speaking.

"Our original plans and upcoming targets remain as steady as they are. We will continue our affairs through the usual methods. We will do as we did in Walcian: garrison castles, manage the operations of merchants, confiscate lands, and establish our own empire within this continent."

The generals and knights nodded once more, understanding that their liege had never deviated from his goals that were set and planned months in advance.

"None of this will deviate, irrespective of my intentions with Lady Karina. Do you understand?" Orpheus questioned, his crimson brand seething and unruly.

Everyone but Lyall had nodded.

The generals from the Walcian borders were far less involved in these affairs than he was, or Caelum or Gilghard Hughes, so the explanation and warning were mostly directed at them.

Lyall inhaled a deep breath.

"Your declaration and point are well understood, my Lord," he said evenly. "I am certain you comprehend that men of our nature become... displaced when circumstances are out of the norm."

Orpheus' gaze narrowed warily, but he did not interrupt Lyall.

"We are unfamiliar with you giving regard to anything else but your own agenda," Lyall added, crossing his arms. "The arrival of changes that are not routine within our world becomes a cause for question."

Lyall, as everyone knew, certainly had a way of soothing Orpheus; it was almost a backhanded way of controlling the man and his fire.

But Orpheus was well aware of it and knew better than to allow himself to give into Lyall's attempts to manipulate his train of thought.

He scrutinised the rest of the company, deciding to be clear with them so that there would be no further questions regarding Lady Karina or any ill attempts against her.

And since the rumours were already on the edge of the cliff, he knew very well he needed to stop them before they spread further.

Such rumours could undermine all that he had worked tirelessly to achieve.

The sooner his men understood everything, the better for them all.

"There is one more thing the lot of you should be made aware of," Orpheus said, eyeing each of them and pinning them with his gaze where they sat.

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"I intend to take Lady Karina as my wife. A man must have his heirs and I have decided she will be the mother of my sons," he added.

The final declaration was met with pure and utter shock. Siegmund and Lyall exchanged glances, stunned at the news.

"Therefore, the lady is to be regarded with the same level of respect you display to me. In fact, she is to be held in much higher respect than I," Orpheus declared firmly, his hand tightening around his empty cup.

"Any infraction against her will be dealt with severely. You've already met your example."

He was referring to Hendrix.

Orpheus did not lie when he told Lady Karina he did not wish to cut down any of his men for her sake, yet he had done so in a heartbeat.

He might have been a brute with little regard for manners and respect for women in general, but when it involved the woman who would mother his children, it was an entirely different story.

"But ..." Siegmund spoke, attempting to be tactful. "You are a man of war and conquests, old friend. You have never remained in one location long enough for the stability a wife requires and she certainly cannot be involved in this war machine nature we have."

"You attempted this one before and it did not end well—a failure. Have you considered it carefully?" Siegmund questioned, this time showing concern.