"Did Lord Peril come to the Empire first?"
At my words, Lily quietly nodded.
That couldn’t be.
He might be a self-centered Tower Master, but he was never the type to return alone without a word.
Besides, he was the one who suggested we track down Atkins' whereabouts first, wasn’t he?
Why would someone like that think of returning ahead of us?
"Lord Peril often falls asleep, you know. Maybe that time is approaching."
"But it hasn't been long since he woke up..."
Lily seemed to be thinking along the same lines as me. However, she held her tongue, perhaps because she couldn't think of any other reason.
After returning from Orphen, we headed straight to the Tower, but he was nowhere to be found.
"Where is Lord Peril?"
At Lily's words, the mage responded with a puzzled expression.
"Didn't he return from Orphen with you?"
Even when I visited the Sun’s Shop, he was nowhere to be seen.
"Did he really say he’d return to the Empire first?"
"Yes. He said he needed to rest."
...Strange.
This is too strange.
"Since there’ll be an auction at the Moon’s Shop soon, I figured he might want to rest before then."
"An auction?"
Lily nodded.
"It’s the biggest event hosted by Lord Peril."
That I knew. But it was much sooner than I’d expected.
Of course, comparing it to the original story now seemed pointless.
"He was always someone who vanished without warning, so let’s just wait a little longer."
"...Alright."
I said words I didn’t mean.
* * *
"Why don’t you just live outside?"
I couldn’t bring myself to lift my head at Cedric’s words.
"Didn’t you say you wanted to leave the family too?"
"...I’m sorry."
"This time, Bianca, you’re in the wrong."
Grandfather also raised both hands, as if to say he couldn’t take my side.
...Yeah, this time, it really was my fault.
I left with just a letter saying I was heading to Orphen with the Tower.
Ha, but it still felt unfair.
I did tell Grandfather about it.
Though, lately, he often forgot things.
"I let things slide a few times because you seemed stifled, and now you're running off to the Kingdom for fresh air...?"
Cedric let out a hollow chuckle, seemingly dumbfounded by his own words. But only for a moment—soon, he started scolding me relentlessly.
Did he go somewhere to take lessons in nagging?
It’s only getting worse with time...
While I was counting the floor tiles for no reason, Grandfather, seemingly drained from listening, stepped in to calm things down.
"Th-that's enough. I'm sure Bianca understands now. Right, dear?"
"Yes, yes!"
I clung to him as if he were my lifeline.
"I won't disappear again with just a letter left behind."
"Yes, yes. As long as you tell me, I’ll permit anything."
He gave me his permission. But it seemed like he didn’t remember doing so.
‘It’s okay. I’ll just remind him more often.’
So, it’s not a big deal.
I tried to brush off the creeping anxiety.
Knock, knock.
"Lord Blua."
At that moment, I heard Atticus’ voice from beyond the door.
"Come in."
His face as he entered the room was filled with urgency.
"Forgive the interruption, but Lord Harnen has arrived at the estate."
Grandfather’s expression stiffened for a brief moment. It was fleeting, but not something I, who had been watching him, would miss.
"I’ll go greet him in your stead."
At Cedric’s words, Grandfather shook his head.
"No. He’s an old friend of mine, so I should greet him myself."
He smiled and continued.
"Cedric, I’m sure you still have more to say to Bianca."
"G-Grandfather?"
You mean I have to listen to more of that dreadful nagging...?!
But Grandfather only chuckled heartily. Cedric, seemingly resigned, grabbed my arm and led me toward the door.
"N-no!"
I resisted with all my might to avoid leaving the room, but Cedric was stronger than I’d expected.
Thud!
The door shut, and Cedric’s eyes, now chilling, locked onto mine.
"Haha, I’m tired too, so I’ll just get going."
"Going where?"
In the end, my attempt to flee failed. As I was being dragged along by him, I quickly changed the subject.
"Aren’t you busy? I’m sure you’ve got a lot of work piled up."
"I’m not like you."
"Oh my. I said it knowing you’d say that!"
I forced a laugh to defuse the situation. At that moment, Cedric came to a halt.
I stopped as well and saw Harnen walking down the hallway.
"It’s been a while since the coronation."
He approached us with a warm smile.
"Have you been well?"
I quickly greeted Harnen with proper courtesy, and he replied with a hint of disappointment.
"Is there any need for formality between us? I still vividly remember when you two were just little children."
The gaze that had been on Cedric shifted subtly toward me.
"By the way, it’s a shame. I thought you and Ricardo made a fine pair."
"Ah, no. I'm not good enough compared to the Duke."
"……May I ask why?"
At that moment, something flickered in the eyes that were studying me. A chill ran down my spine, but I forced myself not to show it.
"As I said, I'm not on par with the Duke. We also have differences in personality."
As if trying to determine whether I was telling the truth, Harnen’s gaze never once left me.
"……Did that child perhaps give you some kind of signal?"
Signal?
I didn’t quite understand what he meant, and only then did he offer a faint smile. But the rapid pounding of my heart hadn’t calmed one bit.
"Come to think of it, that child once mentioned there was a woman he fancied."
Harnen gently touched his ear.
"If that hurts your feelings, let me apologize in his stead."
"It’s alright. It’s a common occurrence in social circles. I’m fine."
For a moment, the corner of his lips curled upward. But only briefly, before he murmured quietly,
"To want a breakup first—how impudent."
"I was the one who wanted the breakup. The Duke did not."
I didn’t know why, but it felt like I had to say it that way. Harnen’s gaze narrowed sharply.
"……You wanted it. Even though you said you were fine, why?"
"I told her to do it."
Just as I tried to answer while hiding my unease, Cedric interjected in a calm tone.
"Because the time spent with her brother is precious."
Say that with a straight face!
Goosebumps rose along my arm. As I stiffened, Cedric stepped on my foot firmly, as if telling me to get a grip.
"……You two always seem so close."
My foot throbbed, but I forced a smile.
"At times like this, I really envy Blua."
"Lord Harnen has a dependable Duke by your side."
At my words, he let out a small laugh. It was almost a sneer.
"I’m not so sure. I’ve never once thought of him that way."
〈Shall we call it the belief of the House of Hessen? Well, technically, it’s Lord Harnen’s belief……〉
Elliot’s words from the past filled my mind.
〈Even if His Grace doesn’t desire it, it’s something that must be done. Because he’s lived his entire life for it.〉
His entire life.
For something he didn’t even want.
At the time, I let those words pass without much thought, but strangely, they wouldn’t leave my mind now.
The countless scars left on Ricardo.
The only person who could lay a hand on the successor of the House of Hessen.
Scattered pieces began to come together one by one.
I quietly hid my trembling hands.
"If you ever wish for Ricardo, just say the word. I’m ready to welcome a lovely girl like you anytime."
"……Thank you."
"Harnen."
Just then, I heard Grandfather’s voice from behind. At his words, Harnen bid us farewell.
"Oh dear, I should be going. It was nice seeing you again."
"I hope you enjoy a peaceful time with Grandfather."
Harnen lightly tapped my shoulder and turned toward Grandfather.
Unconsciously, I clutched the shoulder where his hand had touched.