Inside Prince Claude's room, the air was charged with tension as Alphonse and Alexander barged in, their expressions a mix of anger and frustration. Claude sat by his desk, his features composed, but his eyes carried an understanding that seemed to anticipate their stormy entrance.

"You!" Alphonse's voice erupted, his tone seething with anger. "How could you do this to Elise?"

Alexander's jaw was clenched, his eyes flashing with a mixture of disappointment and outrage. "We thought you cared for her," he added, his voice a sharp accusation.

Claude looked up at his brothers, his gaze steady and calm. He knew he had some explaining to do, even if their anger was justified. "I understand why you're upset," he said, his voice measured. "And I won't make excuses."

Alphonse's fists tightened, his anger unabated. "You left her alone while she was pregnant!" he spat out, his frustration spilling over.

Before the situation escalated further, the door opened, and the figure of the duke entered, his presence commanding attention. "Enough," he said firmly, his voice carrying the weight of authority.

Alphonse and Alexander turned their gaze to their father, their expressions still marked with anger, but they showed a willingness to listen.

Duke Visconti looked at his sons, his eyes stern yet understanding. "Before you take any further action, let me explain," he began, his tone steady. "There's more to this situation than you know."

Claude's eyes shifted to his father, his expression a mix of gratitude and acceptance.

The duke continued, recounting the truth – Elise's pregnancy, her relationship with Claude, and the complex circumstances that had led to her departure. As the duke's words unfolded, Alphonse and Alexander's anger seemed to morph into confusion, their brows furrowing as they processed the information.

"You didn't... abandon her?" Alexander's voice was softer now, the edges of his anger softening.

Alphonse's features shifted from rage to bewilderment, his fists slowly unclenching. "We didn't have the full story," he muttered, his frustration waning.

Claude's gaze remained on his brothers, a mixture of understanding and apology in his eyes. "I should have been more open about it," he admitted, his voice carrying a hint of regret.

The duke stepped forward, his presence a bridge between them. "It's a complex situation, and emotions were high," he said, his voice resonating with wisdom. "But it's important to remember that Elise needs support, not more conflict."

Alphonse and Alexander exchanged a look, the intensity of their anger subsiding as they absorbed the truth and the duke's words.

Claude looked at his brothers, his gaze unwavering. "I know my actions were wrong, and I won't deny that," he said, his voice filled with a sincerity that carried a weight of responsibility. "But I'm here now, and I'll do whatever it takes to make amends and support Elise and our child."

Alphonse and Alexander exchanged another glance, and a sense of unity seemed to take root among them. The tension in the room had shifted from hostility to understanding, from accusations to a shared commitment to be there for their sister.

As the room settled into a contemplative quiet, the bonds of the family held the promise of healing and growth, a promise to support each other through the trials that lay ahead.

~~~

Inside Prince Claude's room, the air was charged with tension as Alphonse and Alexander barged in, their expressions a mix of anger and frustration. Claude sat by his desk, his features composed, but his eyes carried an understanding that seemed to anticipate their stormy entrance.

"You!" Alphonse's voice erupted, his tone seething with anger. "How could you do this to Elise?"

Alexander's jaw was clenched, his eyes flashing with a mixture of disappointment and outrage.

Claude looked up at his brothers, his gaze steady and calm. He knew he had some explaining to do, even if their anger was justified. "I understand why you're upset," he said, his voice measured. "And I won't make excuses."

Alphonse's fists tightened, his anger unabated. "You left her alone while she was pregnant!" he spat out, his frustration spilling over.

Before the situation escalated further, the door opened, and the figure of the duke entered, his presence commanding attention. "Enough," he said firmly, his voice carrying the weight of authority.

Alphonse and Alexander turned their gaze to their father, their expressions still marked with anger, but they showed a willingness to listen.

Duke Visconti looked at his sons, his eyes stern yet understanding. "Before you take any further action, let me explain," he began, his tone steady. "There's more to this situation than you know."

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Claude's eyes shifted to the Duke, his expression a mix of gratitude and acceptance.

The duke continued, recounting the truth – Elise's pregnancy, her relationship with Claude, and the complex circumstances that had led to her departure. As the duke's words unfolded, Alphonse and Alexander's anger seemed to morph into confusion, their brows furrowing as they processed the information.

"You didn't... abandon her?" Alexander's voice was softer now, the edges of his anger softening.

Alphonse's features shifted from rage to bewilderment, his fists slowly unclenching. "We didn't have the full story," he muttered, his frustration waning.

Claude's gaze remained on the brothers, a mixture of understanding and apology in his eyes. "It's alright, I have faults too," he admitted, his voice carrying a hint of regret.

The duke stepped forward, his presence a bridge between them. "It's a complex situation, and emotions were high," he said, his voice resonating with wisdom. "But it's important to remember that Elise needs support, not more conflict."

Alphonse and Alexander exchanged a look, the intensity of their anger subsiding as they absorbed the truth and the duke's words.

Claude looked at his brothers, his gaze unwavering. "I know my actions were wrong, and I won't deny that," he said, his voice filled with a sincerity that carried a weight of responsibility. "But I'm here now, and I'll do whatever it takes to make amends and support Elise and our child."

Alphonse and Alexander exchanged another glance, and a sense of unity seemed to take root among them. The tension in the room had shifted from hostility to understanding, from accusations to a shared commitment to be there for their sister.

As the room settled into a contemplative quiet, the bonds of family held the promise of healing and growth, a promise to support each other through the trials that lay ahead.

With a measured tone, Duke Visconti addressed his sons and Prince Claude, "Given the circumstances and the urgency of the upcoming monster expedition, I suggest that we put aside these matters for the time being. Prince Claude will be staying here for half a year, as ordered by the emperor, to aid in our efforts against the monsters."

Alphonse and Alexander exchanged glances, a silent understanding passing between them. The urgency of the expedition was clear, and they realized the importance of focusing on the immediate task at hand.

Claude nodded in agreement, his expression composed. "I understand," he affirmed, his voice carrying a note of acceptance.

Alphonse and Alexander's expressions softened, their initial anger beginning to ebb away.

"Then let us direct our efforts toward the expedition," he said, his voice carrying a sense of resolution. "Afterward, we will address any remaining concerns with a clearer perspective."

As the weight of their earlier confrontation seemed to dissipate, the room settled into a sense of temporary understanding. The impending monster expedition loomed large, a shared responsibility that bound them together in a common purpose.

~~~

Under the cover of the night, the castle was quiet as Claude made his way to where Elise was staying. He found her sitting by the window, a soft glow from the moonlight casting delicate shadows across her features. As he entered, she turned her gaze toward him, her eyes holding a mix of emotions – surprise, relief, and a touch of hesitation.

"I couldn't sleep," Elise admitted softly, a faint smile playing on her lips.

Claude approached her, his steps quiet, his gaze unwavering as he looked into her eyes. "Neither could I," he confessed, his voice carrying a sincerity that echoed his emotions.

They settled into a comfortable silence for a moment, the weight of their unspoken words hanging in the air. And then, Claude began to speak, his words honest and unreserved.

"I want you to know that I've thought long and hard about everything," he said, his voice gentle yet resolute. "The moment I return to the capital, I will annul my engagement. I'll make things right."

Elise's eyes widened, a mixture of surprise and hope washing over her. "Claude..."

He continued, his voice steady as he reached for her hand. "I can't change the past, but I can change our future," he stated, his grip gentle but firm. "I want to be there for you and our child. I want to marry you."

Tears glistened in Elise's eyes as she listened to his words, her heart swelling with a mix of emotions. "But what about the nobility?" she whispered, her voice tinged with worry.

Claude's gaze held a warmth that was unwavering. "You're not just a commoner," he said, his tone confident. "You're the daughter of a duke, and that carries weight. Our love will speak louder than any objections."

A soft smile graced Elise's lips, her doubts starting to dissipate in the face of his unwavering commitment. "And what if people talk?"

Claude leaned in, his eyes locking onto hers with an intensity that left no room for doubt. "Let them talk," he said, his voice low and filled with determination. "I love you, Elise. That's all that matters to me."

Her heart swelled as his words resonated deep within her. She reached up, her fingers gently touching his cheek. "I love you too, Claude," she whispered, her voice carrying a quiet certainty.

With their emotions bared and their intentions clear, they leaned in, their lips meeting in a tender and passionate kiss. At that moment, their connection felt unbreakable, their love a powerful force that could overcome any obstacle.

As they pulled away, their foreheads resting against each other, Claude's hand cradled her cheek. "No more doubts, no more hiding," he murmured, his voice a promise.

Elise nodded, her eyes shining with a newfound strength. "No more hiding," she echoed.

As their whispered promises hung in the air, Elise's voice trembled with a request, a blend of vulnerability and longing. "Claude, would you stay with me tonight?"

Claude's gaze met hers, a mixture of affection and understanding in his eyes. Without hesitation, he reached out, his fingers brushing against her cheek. "Of course," he replied softly, his voice carrying a warmth that mirrored his feelings.

Elise's lips curved into a grateful smile as she scooted over on the bed, making room for him. He joined her, their bodies finding a comfortable closeness as they settled against the pillows. The moonlight filtered through the window, casting a gentle glow that illuminated their shared space.

As Claude's arm encircled her waist, Elise nestled into his embrace, finding solace in his presence. With her head resting against his chest, she could hear the steady rhythm of his heartbeat – a reassuring reminder of their bond.

For a while, they simply lay there, wrapped in each other's arms, the world outside their cocoon of warmth and intimacy fading into the background. Their fingers intertwined, their breaths synchronized, they shared a quiet closeness that spoke volumes without the need for words.

Time seemed to lose its grip as they basked in each other's company, finding comfort and reassurance in the intimacy of the moment. And as sleep finally began to claim them, they knew that this night was a turning point.