Judge of Cosmos

CHAPTER 3

"Greetings, Lady Clarke. Please have a seat."

Count Clarke swallowed nervously as Moraine took her place in the single chair, its simplicity contrasting sharply with the formality of the meeting. His guilt, which he had tried so hard to suppress, resurfaced with full force. He had hoped to persuade her of the benefits of becoming Grand Duchess, but now that she was here, he found himself at a loss for words.

Finn, observing Moraine with interest, noticed the simplicity of her attire and the veil that obscured her face. He was genuinely curious about the daughter of the former Commander of the Imperial Knights, a renowned hero of the empire.

"I am fully aware of the situation," Moraine said calmly. "Count Clarke has briefed me thoroughly, so please, do not feel the need to guard your words in my presence."

Finn's lips curved into a subtle smile. He found her demeanor intriguing.

'She's not an easy opponent for my cousin to handle.'

"I see," Finn began, "I apologize for any rudeness on my cousin's part. I've come to address the matter directly with you, Lady Clarke. It appears that the Grand Duke does not wish for any ceremony, so it has been omitted from the forthcoming occasion."

Count Clarke's eyes widened in surprise. He hadn't expected Finn to be so blunt about the lack of ceremony. Despite the shock, he couldn't fault the prince for being honest—it was Moraine's future at stake.

"I see," Moraine replied, her voice steady. "I understand there will be no option for divorce? Am I correct in this?"

"Yes, I was informed as well," Finn said, his tone disheartened.

"Is that why neither of you will send Kathleen?" Moraine asked softly.

Her words, though gentle, carried an undertone that made it difficult to discern whether she was upset or not. Her voice was a soothing melody, unexpectedly pleasant, like a siren's song that could lure even the most steadfast sailor.

Kathleen, who had been mentioned, swallowed hard. She was caught off guard, as were her father and Finn, by the ethereal quality of Moraine's voice. It was enchanting.

"Cousin," Kathleen began, her voice trembling slightly as she approached Moraine. "I'm Kathleen Clarke. Forgive my rudeness, but I cannot marry the Grand Duke. I know I may seem presumptuous, but I will do everything in my power to assist you. Please, let me help you in any way I can."

Count Clarke, recognizing the gravity of the situation and the sincerity in his daughter's plea, bowed deeply to Moraine. "I am at your service, Moraine. Whatever you need, just say the word. I will provide everything in my power."

Finn also stepped forward, his expression earnest. "And I, Finn Arzhala Solitaire, offer my full support as well. I am committed to aiding you in any way I can. This situation is partly my responsibility."

A heavy silence fell over the room as the three of them waited for Moraine's response. They knew her reaction might not be positive, but they were eager to hear her reply.

"Please, cousin," Moraine said, her voice carrying a hint of warmth.

"This is why I prefer you to your brother, Kathleen," Moraine continued with a gentle smile. "You are stubborn yet straightforward, and I appreciate that."

Kathleen stared at the veiled woman, her eyes widening in surprise. Sensing their astonishment, Moraine's lips curled into a subtle smile. With a graceful motion, she lifted her gloved hands to her hat and removed it, revealing her radiant appearance.

Her bright white hair cascaded down like a breathtaking waterfall, shimmering in the sunlight streaming through the window. The rays made her hair sparkle as if it were a constellation of stars.

Moraine blinked, her white eyelids dancing, revealing her captivating ruby-red irises that seemed to draw the very soul from those who gazed into them. Her porcelain-white skin, pure as freshly fallen snow, exuded a delicate scent of winter that enveloped the room.

"It has been a while, Kathleen," Moraine said, her mellifluous voice stirring them from their trance. The three of them blinked in confusion, their faces flushed with embarrassment as they realized they had been staring in awe.

'An ethereal existence,' 

Moraine Eurydice Clarke was undeniably the most beautiful person any of them had ever seen. Her petite face was a masterpiece of exquisite features that seemed to surpass all known standards of beauty.

'Even my cousin Ajax, famed for his beauty as the son of the nymphs, would pale in comparison to Moraine. It was as if every aesthetic ideal had converged in her' Finn thought. 

The sheer perfection of Moraine left them struggling to compose themselves. Who wouldn't be overwhelmed by such an otherworldly presence?

Kathleen and Count Clarke were visibly unsettled, their composure shattered by the extraordinary presence of Moraine.

"Cousin Moraine, goodness. You look so beautiful," Kathleen blurted out, her words escaping before she could stop them. Realizing her mistake, she quickly covered her mouth and turned her head in embarrassment.

Moraine's smile was gentle and understanding. "Now, shall we talk business?" she said, her voice soft but firm, as if to guide the conversation back on track.