Chapter 89

Psychologically, inviting Derek was a great decision.

With a companion by my side, I can walk down the avenue of Carlam trees without being overly conscious of them. Besides, upon further reflection, I had something to discuss with Derek!

“Lord Derek, after the inspection, I would like to visit the Nightfellow Duke’s residence. Would that be alright?”

“Your residence…? The main house?”

The main house… It’s more like a castle than a house. Would I be able to learn more details at the main house of the Nightfellow Duke’s estate? But then again, wouldn’t it be strange to go straight to the main house? Even when I was extremely close to Uncle, I only went to the main house a few times…

“I want to thank Duke… Nightfellow.”

“In that case, it would be the secondary residence. He plans to stay in the capital for a while.”

“Then, could you invite me on his behalf?”

“It’s fine, but… there’s no need for thanks. My father wouldn’t mind.”

I want you to care! Otherwise, there’s no reason for the visit…

“Is the Duke busy?”

“No. Even if he is busy, I think he would make time for you, Lady Octavia.”

“It’s not just about thanks. I have something to ask as well.”

As I spoke, I realized something. If it’s just a question, the perfect person is right here—Derek!

I looked up at Derek, who was walking beside me.

“Lord Derek, do you know Duke Kilgren?”

“…………!”

Derek immediately turned to look at me, surprising me a bit.

“You mean the Duke of Nightfellow from two generations ago?”

“Yes. The great-uncle on my side.”

He is also the younger brother of the previous king. His appearance in his youth should be—just like Rust’s.

And, by extension, ‘that young man’s.’

Derek turned forward again and spoke.

“In that case—perhaps it would be difficult to get information from my father. …I’m sorry. First, let me answer your question. —No, I only know of Duke Kilgren’s appearance in his later years from portraits. There are paintings in both the main house and the secondary residence.”

Later years… I need to confirm his appearance from that time…

“What about his appearance in his youth?”

Derek turned to look at me again, his gaze probing. But I feel the same way. Despite not knowing, there is a reaction.

Derek sighed.

“…There is one.”

“What do you mean?”

“I remember seeing a portrait of him in his youth, but it’s gone. So, I’ve been trying to find it. —After other matters are resolved.”

“I would like to see that portrait as well.”

If you’ve seen a portrait of him in his youth—Derek must have noticed that he looks just like Rust? ……? Something feels strange… …Right. Uncle must have realized that Rust’s face is the same as the Duke of Nightfellow from two generations ago.

We stared at each other, trying to read each other’s intentions. I think Derek is on my side, but whether I can talk about my past life is another matter.

“Can you invite me to the secondary residence?”

“—Understood. I will invite you to my home. You can come anytime. I will inform the household.”

Just then, a gust of wind blew.

I couldn’t help but look. Pink petals from the Carlam trees scattered and danced in front of me. It had been years since I last saw the Carlam trees in bloom.

…Ah, they’re cherry blossoms.

Even after years, my impression hasn’t changed. My feet naturally moved toward the Carlam trees.

I remember. The first time I found a Carlam tree, I was starting to feel tired of my fake cheerfulness. So, “This is a cherry blossom!”

At first, I was incredibly happy… It felt like I was in Japan, and I was so happy.

If I just raised my face slightly and focused only on the tree, it felt like the cherry blossoms I saw on my way home from school.

Even though I know the result won’t change, I still want to try.

I had a slight misunderstanding. Confronting those hateful memories—so, I’m fine now. I know I’m Octavia and that I can’t go back. But probably, even if I live a long life and become a grandmother, this feeling won’t change.

Probably, every time I see the Carlam trees and feel like I’m in Japan, I’ll try.

“…Lady Octavia”

“They’re beautiful. I want to see them up close.”

“……”

Derek called out, but I didn’t stop and approached a Carlam tree. I touched the trunk and looked up.

In my field of vision were only the falling petals, the sky, and the branches of the Carlam tree.

…Beautiful.

Very, very nostalgic—.

Why did I laugh, even though I wasn’t happy?

…The emptiness remains the same.

‘They’re not cherry blossoms.’

I whispered. I know.

But still, I try.

I closed my eyes—.

Darkness enveloped my vision.

When I opened them—.

The scene of cherry blossoms falling spread out. For a moment, I felt a glimmer of hope. I’ve given up, but what if… What if I returned to my original world?

‘That young man’ and everything, everything, was just a bad dream. I have to go home!

But the hope—collapsed the moment I saw something other than cherry blossoms and heard a different sound.

It was the town. Something that doesn’t exist in Japan.

It was the clothing. Something no one in Makoto’s life ever wore.

It was the sound. Voices that were completely different from Japanese.

If I closed my eyes and opened them?

The world that appeared was exactly the same as the one before I closed my eyes. A world very similar to ‘The King of Integrity.’

—But.

Even though I’m disappointed, it’s not as deep as when I was a child.

I’ll probably keep trying, but even if the result is a failure, it’s not that painful.

…It’s strange.

I feel like I’ve had a good cry and feel relieved.

A vague scene floated in my mind.

A younger me… Octavia—and—.

Someone who knelt down to be at eye level with me.

…What is this?

I’ve never met anyone in front of the Carlam trees.

“Lady Octavia!”

I turned at the sound of my name being called strongly. Derek’s brown eyes showed concern.

—But I’m fine. I was just looking at the Carlam tree.

Derek slowly lowered his hand, which he had extended toward me.

He asked quietly.

“…Are you alright?”

Why?

I felt like he could see through my thoughts. Even though he shouldn’t know.

“…I’m fine.”

This is true.

In the past, this would have been a blatant lie.

“……”

Derek clenched his fist tightly. He smiled slightly.

“…If that’s the case, it’s good.”

His smile seemed forced, which worried me.

“D—”

I started to say “Lord Derek”—the next moment.

What I heard was a sound. I closed my eyes reflexively. A thud. A metallic sound. No, this won’t do, so I opened my eyes.

Clifford’s back was right in front of me. He deflected an arrow with his sword.

Arrows…? The first sound…? Looking at the trunk of the Carlam tree, I saw another arrow embedded in the upper part.

Derek also drew his sword and was fighting back.

We were being attacked by ruffians with weapons, both at close range with swords and from a distance with bows.

But wait! Among the guards in the uniform of my brother’s knights, some were attacking us. Derek and Hugh were fighting against enemies that included their supposed allies, the guards.

There were traitors among my brother’s guards! And now, living proof!

“Clifford, capture the enemies alive!”

“Yes.”

“Then, don’t get hurt!”

I know that giving such an order to Clifford is no problem!

“…Yes.”

From the angle, I could see Clifford’s lips curve into a faint smile for a few seconds.

What I can do is stay calm and be protected!

And… Right. My brother is…?

I found Guy and Erel first. They were fighting and trying to come to my side. They were also guiding the fleeing citizens. This is fine.

Guy, as expected, has Alek’s approval. Erel, despite our unusual meeting, has proven to be capable, thanks to being Rust’s brother.

—I found my brother. He was moving alone, a bit away from us.

Had he been separated during the fight?

“Brother…!”

I saw my brother fighting for the first time. His fighting style was flawless, but unfortunately, there were more enemies around him due to the betrayal of his allies.

“Clifford, protect my brother…!”

I called out to Clifford, who was protecting me.

“There’s no need to worry about the First Prince’s life.”

A very calm voice came back. Indeed, Clifford was swinging his sword with his right hand, showing no signs of strain.

But, from his perspective, there’s no need to worry about his life!

“It’s an order!”

In such situations, it’s best not to hesitate. The family heirloom, the ‘Master’s’ command!

“—If it’s an order…”

Clifford kicked an enemy away and simultaneously disarmed him. He threw the sword at the arm of a ruffian who was about to attack my brother from behind. If he wanted to, he could probably inflict a fatal wound.

My brother glanced at us for a moment. With Clifford’s help, he quickly defeated the enemy.

The battle lasted only a few minutes.

The attackers were quickly subdued, including the traitors among my brother’s guards.

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