Chapter 29

After waiting for Ashley to calm down, we decided to head to Rosetta's house together. According to Rosetta, it was to discuss follow-up measures. Well... I can somewhat understand her concerns.

Actually, Ashley should just return to the dormitory, but the fact that she's here with us suggests that she's thinking the same as I am.

"―Maurice might consider Ashley an enemy," Rosetta said.

"Me?" Ashley asked, still seated in the living room chair, with a puzzled look on her face.

"Meaning, because Ashley reacted to the mention of my mother, Maurice might see a connection between us. Once he gathers a bit of information, he'll likely learn why I left home."

Considering that I've severed ties with my family and am just a bastard, while Ashley is a lord, there's a possibility that Maurice might see Ashley as backing me. It depends on how Maurice interprets the reason for Ashley's anger, but I shouldn't expect him to be reasonable. He's the type who would try to impose his own ways on me, and I imagine he'd do the same in other situations.

Specifically, Maurice's close associates might harass Ashley, or worse, take direct action. It's only natural to ensure her safety before that happens.

"Even though he's a baron, he's still a baron. He's not without connections," Rosetta said.

"This incident will deepen the rift, but those who support Maurice, like the Cardiff family, have a sense of obligation and are more inclined to take drastic measures."

In short, the old-timers and those who share Maurice's views remain in the surroundings, which could be considered a bad sign.

"What should we do to ensure Lady Ashley's safety?"

"Exactly, that's the issue," Rosetta nodded in response to Grace's words.

I need to convey this to Ashley, even though it might cause her anxiety. It's necessary for her to be aware of the situation, as the person being protected needs to understand the gravity for the protectors to act effectively. Despite this, Ashley didn't panic; instead, she shook her head seriously.

"I don't want to cause trouble because of my own actions..."

Ashley is trying to say that she will take responsibility for her actions. She's not saying there's no way out. As the head of a baronial family, she can hire guards or seek help from nobles close to the Silin family.

"No, it's the opposite," I said.

"Opposite?"

"If Lady Ashley hadn't spoken up at that moment, one of us might have taken direct action."

"...That's true."

"Really. I need more training."

The three of us exchanged glances and let out a sigh that was a mix of relief and melancholy. Indeed, I need to be more composed in such situations.

"That's why we will fully cooperate with Lady Ashley in this matter. In fact, we want to."

I looked into Ashley's eyes, and she stared back at me for a moment before nodding.

"...Thank you."

"First, we need to decide what to do—"

The first thing to consider is how to ensure Ashley's safety until we can be certain that the Earl won't retaliate or cause trouble. If Prince Albert hears about it, he might act openly. Whether it's out of duty or self-interest, it depends on the Earl's next move. If the Earl distances himself from the incident, Prince Albert won't have a reason to act. Given that Prince Albert's position isn't solid, relying solely on him without taking any action would be overly optimistic.

"For now, I think it's best not to stay in a dormitory where many people come and go. It would be better to move to a different place."

"Like... returning to the Silin territory?"

That could be a solution, but Ashley's expression wasn't very enthusiastic. After all, she has paid tuition and came here for reasons beyond my involvement, including the plans of Kennel and Berline.

"If you're not keen on that, I'll work towards a different solution. This whole situation is due to the school's poor handling, and I'll do my best to arrange for your classes."

...Perhaps she'll have a private tutor. Ensuring her safety will be a priority, so that's a good arrangement for her classes.

Berline suggested Ashley study abroad at Termwillis partly to build connections. This information about her opposing the Earl will affect her surroundings, both positively and negatively. The enemy of my enemy is my friend, and vice versa. Those who dislike the Earl will lean towards her, while others will side with the enemy. For example, Maurice, Rosetta, and Prince Albert.

Talcott, based on what Rosetta told me, will likely side with Prince Albert. Rosetta didn't want to include Talcott or herself in the report, but Talcott was punished by Maurice just before being disowned. Maurice used magic to blast him away and then kicked him repeatedly, breaking several ribs. Rosetta treated him, and that's how she learned about the incident and reported it to me. While we were waiting in an empty room, there was considerable chaos on the other side.

Prince Albert will want to secure Talcott's loyalty and will likely discuss Maurice's intentions. How Talcott feels about it is unknown, but I would be angry if I were in his position, being used for dirty work to maintain my older brother's reputation. Prince Albert will handle this situation.

"So, I'll consider renting a house or a room."

Then, it's a matter of protecting that place. We could also consider having Shadow Silver guard her.

"Hmm... That's fine, but there are other options."

Rosetta glanced at Grace and me, then turned back to Ashley.

"Ashley... I think your life will be quite turbulent even after this incident. It might be wise to think about the long-term implications."

"Turbulent? Why?"

"First, you'll attract attention from those who oppose Maurice."

Hmm... If Maurice's opponents see you as an ally, they'll want to form a connection. Building connections means making allies, but it also means making enemies.

"As the head of the Silin family with notable healing magic talent and no fiancé, you'll inevitably attract attention. Even if you live in a dormitory or rent a house with servants, you can't avoid these issues. To resolve this, you might need to decide on a partner. Theo... or rather, the three of us—what do you think?"

I thought about it. Rosetta is considering this, and the "three of us" part is significant. Berline also thought this from the beginning. How do Grace and I appear to others?

Well... Indeed. Staying at my or Rosetta's house to protect Ashley is an option. I prefer Rosetta's house, given the current situation. Staying at my house would be seen as a declaration of a future relationship.

"No... Isn't this a bit too sudden?"

I understand that such discussions can't always wait, but Rosetta tilted her head.

"Oh? Since Ashley is the head of a baronial family and you're attracting attention, I don't think it's too fast or hard to understand. This is also about how to move forward given the current situation."

"That's..."

...The situation might already be moving. Maurice's camp might see a connection between Ashley and me, and if they take action, it will create a common perception regardless of the reality.

"Henry might have been thinking about Grace in your future. With your magical abilities, it's not just one person you'll need to consider."

Ah...

Rosetta is straightforward and doesn't mix in ulterior motives, so she wants to resolve things on the spot, leading to a direct approach.

Regardless of what my father intended for Grace and me, Rosetta will be teaching Ashley healing magic and knows why she came here. This isn't a conversation that can be postponed. With the Cardiff incident, attention will be on Ashley and me. Indeed, that's true.

Ashley's cheeks were slightly red, and Grace had her usual calm expression.

"The important thing is how the three of you feel. Why don't you all stay at my house tonight and talk it over? I don't mind if you stay, as it will give me more time to teach Ashley healing magic. But—"

Rosetta looked into the distance.

"I think it's better not to leave things unsaid. Whether you express your feelings or not, whether you understand each other or not, parting ways will happen regardless. But that's why, perhaps..."