Count the Duke In or Out?

A wry smile tugged at the corners of the Duke's mouth, not surprised by the question; indeed, Antonin rather respected the younger man's courage in asking so directly. It was a refreshing change, this directness, though it would not always be viewed so by the diverse nobles of Archades. "I am here, Lord Delamara, and we are speaking rather frankly. I think that suggests that I have few reservations where business with you is concerned." His tone was mild, laced with amusement as he met Rik's eyes. "If I truly had concerns, I would not be offering these suggestions to you."

Business was one thing, though he was not fully certain how extensive a connection he desired with Dederik Delamara beyond business. Until Antonin knew the Count better, he was reluctant to tie their Houses more closely together. No insult was intended to the Delamaras, but the Duke was known to be a cautious and deliberate man. The subject of a potential bride came up, the question posed to him, compelling Antonin to consider. The compliment notwithstanding, he would give his honest counsel.

"For a specific suggestion, I do not have a name coming readily to hand, but I would suggest several options for you to consider pursuing. As a vassal to Deveraux, you might consider seeking a Deveraux bride, one of the cousins to the Crown Princess. There are also several Houses I would recommend to you. Cadag, perhaps. Orsini, in my region, might be a prudent choice. To the north, there are the Sforzas. But I will continue to think on its and see what I may learn on your behalf." He smiled, hoping that would get Rik started on a solid path of investigation.

He couldn't help a dry chuckle at the next remark. "They seldom do, my young friend. I am not very much like my late father, which may be boon or bane, I am not sure which yet. You will find your way with time, which no one likes to hear, but you are welcome to come to me if you have troubles or wish simply to talk."


Dederik Delamara

Courage came in a plethora of forms; sometimes overcoming the fear in speaking at all could be deemed courageous. That Dederik sought him out once more suggested the count bore him a measure of respect and welcomed the avuncular counsel Antonin dispensed. Considering it a successful meeting on both parts, the Duke hoped that he helped Rik to begin forging a more solid and credible reputation for himself. They could, he knew too well, take a long time to build, but once established, would serve Rik - and Lavigne - well.

"I have time enough," he reassured Rik quietly, giving him the simple truth. Antonin was fortunate in that he had capable people to whom he could delegate as the situation arose, including his lady. He had recently requested that Catalina work with Lia Orsini in a similar capacity to how he stood as advisor to Dederik. The Countess seemed more at ease with his lady, who was every bit as capable as the Duke himself. "One of the pieces of wisdom I would like to share with you is the art of delegation - finding one or two whom you can trust to handle details and arrangements so that you are able to enjoy some time to spend with family, friends or seek some solitude. No man, my father often reminded me, is an island unto himself. Try to do it all yourself," Antonin shrugged, "and you'll make costly mistakes or fall ill from the strain."

A nod appreciated the younger man's candor in accepting the wisdom the Duke dropped like pearls. He didn't want to lecture Rik, only to guide as the young man needed. Rik would still make his mistakes and learn from them; Antonin merely sought to prevent the most costly or humiliating mistakes that could interfere with a brighter future. Instead he chuckled quietly, "I try to give good advice, but as I said, you are your own man and you will make mistakes. So long as you allow yourself to learn from them, I think you will find you come out well enough."



Dederik Delamara