Chapter 17

“I would like to apologize for the tremendous disrespect my father and younger brother have shown. I know this might be unpleasant, but… please let me take the blame for it.”

Angelica was leading the way. As soon as we left the terrace and the Marquis was out of sight, she turned around to me, then lowered her head.

Her voice wasn’t trembling, but rather her tone was firm.

“No… I was a bit surprised, but I’m not going to blame you.”

I told Angelica not to apologize, then she slowly raised her head.

“Thank you for your generous treatment. My father isn’t always like that either… It’s just that he hasn’t been able to sleep for a while now, so he’s quite sensitive. He’ll be calmer by the time you get back, so let’s talk until then.”

Angelica smiled softly as she said so and walked through the garden again. It seemed that she was really going to give me a tour of the flower garden.

I gazed at her back while following her. Her slender body and her smile. It was definitely that of a teenage girl. However, earlier, her words and actions were precisely chosen to match the situation, and I could sense that there was something unnatural in her intent.

“You’re not just a young lady who is sheltered.”

I said this as a confirmation as we walked, the young lady in front of me nimbly looked back at me and blinked.

“What do you mean by sheltered?”

”

”

“I’m talking about… all sorts of rumors about me. You were smiling so defenselessly, so I thought you were quite the sheltered young lady.”

“Certainly not.”

“Fufu.” An odd sigh escaped from her. It was so natural, as if she was just having a pleasant conversation with a friend. It didn’t seem to contain any fear.

“I am still the daughter of a marquis. I attend social gatherings to establish connections. That way, I’d hear all sorts of rumors, whether I like it or not. …Though, we intentionally shelter my younger brother.”

“You haven’t told him anything?”

Did that mean that Vim was the only sheltered son in this family? We were living in a world like this, so it wasn’t hard to see why they would want to raise him with great care…

“Eventually… No, I plan to tell him before I get married. That child is still young, so I don’t know how much he can understand in a short period of time… However, he would eventually learn, as he lives to become the next head of the family.”

“Why didn’t you tell him from the beginning? From the situation earlier, it seemed like you were his teacher.”

It wasn’t something she could keep hidden forever. Vim is the eldest son of a marquis family and will certainly be in the position to become the next head of the family, as long as Angelica is married.

Not letting him know anything, wasn’t that such a terrible thing to do? It wasn’t an excuse to use for deceiving Eberhardt, but it was like dropping Vim from heaven to hell.

Angelica shook her head slowly at my question.

“He is bound to experience painful things in the future. That’s why I had to let him know a kinder world exists, else he won’t be able to laugh anymore, don’t you think?”

“…Knowing a kinder world could cause him to despair at reality.”

“Even so, it would be miserable not to have any happy memories. It is a sin not to understand good and evil. All the beautiful things he believed in will end up hurting him later on, but that’s just the fate of those who stand on top. I don’t think we should protect him from it, no matter how cruel it may be. …Well now, here we are.”

Angelica stopped walking when we arrived at what probably would be the back of the mansion.

Prompted by the words, “Please take a look.” I turned my head from Angelica to the flower garden.

As soon as I did, I was so fascinated at the spectacle that jumped into my sight that I forgot to breathe.

“…It’s beautiful.”

A vibrant flower garden that spread beyond the horizon. It had certainly been arranged by human hands, but each one asserts itself as if they were living freely. Paradise was the most appropriate word in the world for this place. That was the impression I got.

It was too beautiful to say anything else, and Angelica laughed delightfully at me when I said just a single word of praise.

“I’m pleased. As a matter of fact, His Majesty has given me his compliments as well.”

“Eberhardt… His Majesty came here?”

I managed to gloss over when I was so absentminded that I almost forgot about my place.

How surprising. Was it possible for that tyrant to also be captivated by the beautiful scenery?

“Yes. I’m sure you’re aware of this, Lord Heinreid… But my father was supposed to be executed as a member of the royal family.”

…No, I wasn’t aware of that. Huh. Wasn’t he just overlooked because they were distantly related?

What does that have to do with this flower garden in the first place?

“It was these flowers that deterred him from thinking about it. His Majesty came here, perhaps to tell my father directly of his execution, and I was allowed to guide him. At that time, he complimented me, just as you did now, Lord Heinreid. Then, he said, ‘I want to see this beautiful landscape wither away with poison.’ …If I was resolved to drink the poison, then he will let my father live.”

“…”

The uplifting atmosphere faded all at once. In the end, I was reminded that evil will always be evil.

If there was something lovely, he would want to torture it; if there was something beautiful, he would want to defile it.

Both Eberhardt and Heinreid had that kind of a distorted sense of value to the utmost. I was a fool for expecting humanity from him.

She was about to be sacrificed to such a horrible monster, and yet… how could this young lady speak in such a calm voice?

“Aren’t you afraid? I’m certain none of the rumors you’ve heard were exaggerated, and it might rather be worse in reality.”

I threw her a question. I was sure it wasn’t the kind of thing you’d expect to hear from the object of fear himself, but I really wanted to know what Angelica’s thoughts were.

“Hmm,” with a troubled voice, Angelica put her hand over her mouth.

“If I said no, it would be a lie. I feel uneasiness and sorrow, too. If I were to disappear, this flower garden that I’ve inherited will fall into ruin. I know I prepared myself for it, but in the end, I’m just a young girl who has lived her whole life without knowing any real pain.”

“Then–“

“However.”

Angelica looked straight at me, interrupting my follow-up question.

I wasn’t sure since she had been squinting and smiling the whole time, but I didn’t know until this moment that her eyes were crystal-clear purple.

“My father cried. It was decided that I would be married, and when he learned that it was to keep him alive, he cried out ‘I’m sorry’ and ‘Forgive me’. When I saw him… there was no way I could afford to cry.”

I strongly empathized with her words.

I thought back to the image of my younger sister and mother weeping on the pure white sheets. I saw a family who could only apologize in tears in the midst of a helpless situation… What did I think and decide to do?

Ah, not good. This young lady is just like me. In other words, if things go on like this, she will choose the same way I did.

I couldn’t let that happen.

“We’ve been talking too much. Please forgive me, but I am glad I had the opportunity to do this. From what I’ve heard from the rumors, you were much more…”

“Craig.”

Before I could hear what words would follow, I called out to the person behind me.

Craig, who hadn’t interrupted us so far like a servant, but had followed behind us precisely as an escort, replied.

“Yes.”

“Give us a moment.”

I waved my hand towards Craig, shooing him away.

Being treated like a dog, Craig frowned and complained.

“However, protecting you is my–“

“What’s going to jump out at me from such a beautiful place? Wouldn’t it be easier to deal with it if you were a little farther away? Just shut up and do as I say.”

When I gave the order with those words, he didn’t complain anymore.

“…Please don’t do anything unreasonable.”

Instead, he gave me advice that was more like a scolding and left the scene. Are you my mother?

I said farther away, but he didn’t go away to the point where we’re completely out of sight. It didn’t seem like he would be able to hear us, but… it was a delicate distance. It might be better to be more careful.

“Lord Heinreid…?”

“Just bear with me for a minute.”

As I took Angelica’s hand, she had a doubtful look on her face since I had driven out my escort, then I pulled her close. Her slender body was pulled with little resistance and settled onto my chest.

Angelica raised her face to see what had happened, and when her eyes met mine at a close distance, her face turned red.

“W-What are you–“

“Shh…! Be quiet. This is confidential, so I want you to listen to me as is.”

At first, I was planning to tell the Marquis. However, after the tea party and our conversation, I felt that Angelica’s brightness was genuine.

I didn’t know if it was just in his nature or because Eberhardt almost had him killed, but the Marquis seemed to lack composure.

It would be better to entrust the decision to her when the time comes.

“…Perhaps not too long from now, there will be a rebellion against the crown in various parts of the country. This place is no exception. King Eberhardt will certainly give you orders to fight them… However, there’s no need for you to comply. Just take your family and run.”

I spoke in a voice that only Angelica could hear, whispering privately.

She was confused by the tremendous details, but she probably perceived the seriousness and took in the advantages and disadvantages of the action first before checking its authenticity.

“To leave our people behind and run away…”

“The one who commands the rebels is a benevolent person who fights to save his people. As long as you don’t try to resist too much, your life will be spared… I’m sure even the people in this territory are dissatisfied with me and the King, so they will surrender immediately as long as their lords don’t force them to fight.”

It was Sieg who marched directly into Sekles territory and persuaded their people. If possible, it would be best to accept his persuasion and turn their backs against the crown together. The Marquis wouldn’t have the courage to do that.

Angelica thought it over.

“…But to where?”

“There is an abandoned church in a remote area of Rodvelia territory. There’s no one there right now, but if you slide the bookshelf located in the farthest right side of the room, you will see a small hole. Lean towards there and say, ‘Craig Bauer helped me and referred me to this place’. After that, I want you to respond according to the situation.”

I gave her a map, drawn on a small piece of paper.

The location of the church was what Carl had tracked down. It was the refuge where the prisoners who escaped from Prison One, as well as Carlos and the others, had escaped into. The fort prepared by Craig, was a remnant of a religion that was prohibited after Eberhardt’s accession to the throne.

I had no idea if Karl was an ally or not, but the fact that he was the one who tracked it down means that I should have zero concern that the information will be leaked… However, I also learned one thing from watching Karl. If my hunches were right, then Eberhardt probably wouldn’t find out about the location of the church.

After receiving the map, Angelica stared at it for a while, but she eventually hid it inside her sleeve stealthily and nodded once.

I was relieved and stroked her hair just like I used to do with my younger sister, as if telling her she was a good child, and… I saw, at her temples and behind her dark hair, a different color.

“…Red?”

In response to my murmured voice, Angelica suddenly pressed her ear. She patted and stroked her hair as if to put it back and tried to say something in a hurry.

“T-This is… You know, uhm–”

It felt like her smiling calmly like a goddess until a while ago, was just a lie.

…But I kind of guessed it.

Her red hair was the same color as that of former Kings Albert and Sieghardt. She would, of course, know the story of Eberhardt and Heinreid’s assassination of the former king, and must’ve dyed her hair black to avoid incurring their wrath.

How commendable… She has been keeping her head down. Even her smile must’ve been a shield to protect herself.

She laughed a little to compose herself, as she couldn’t seem to find a good excuse yet.

“When it’s all over, there will be a day when you can live as you are. I’m sure that this garden won’t disappear either. That’s why… please try to hold on for a little longer.”

When Angelica heard that, she blinked with a flabbergasted expression that was not typical for a young lady.

“Just what are you…”

Angelica was about to say something, but her words were interrupted again.

I felt a grip on my shoulder and my body was pulled back. I stumbled a step or two, yet I was still pulled and forced away from Angelica.

“That was dangerous. What do you think you’re doing?”

I complained to the man who pulled me away, as I removed his rough hand from my shoulders. I looked up and saw Craig, rudely glaring down at me, his master.

“…I told you not to do anything unreasonable.”

“Did I do something that warrants this? To begin with, Craig, whose escort are you? Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten about it.”

I resolutely glared back at him, trying to put him in check.

Sparks were flying as if delinquents were glaring at each other, but it was the soft voice of the young lady who had regained her composure that reproached them.

“Excuse me… Sir Escort. I don’t think he’s done anything unreasonable. He’s my future husband, isn’t he? I appreciate your concern, but please don’t get so angry.”

She had a smile that was enough to get rid of the poisonous air.

…My anger had subsided. Isn’t this already a talent? Angelica, the genius of mediation.

Craig also seemed to have cooled his head a little because of her smile. He fixed his knightly appearance and bowed to Angelica.

“I’ve overstepped my bounds. Please forgive me.”

But hey, you’re apologizing to the wrong person. I’ll definitely get you for this, just you wait.

”

”

Before returning to the terrace, I parted with Angelica since I had something important to discuss with the Marquis. As someone who could read between the lines, she stayed in the flower garden, saying that she will return after checking on the flowers.

I burdened a young lady with such a huge responsibility, so I also had to support her as much as I can. However, I just kind of… didn’t want to be seen that way.

“Lord Heinreid! I apologize for my disrespect earlier…!”

“Ah, really. You were so distraught, it’s almost as if you had forgotten that I was here. It was hilarious, but it was still disrespectful, don’t you think?”

I tilted my head and stroked the iron whip at my waist to show it off.

I felt bad for the Marquis who was trembling so noticeably, but it wasn’t just a meaningless act, so I had no choice but to endure it.

“Anyway… Let’s cut to the chase, shall we?”

His eyes were filled with fear.

Regardless, I just kept going.

“My lord is very fond of me. The reason for this is because he’s craving for excitement. It’s my duty to provide him that… and I need you to become a piece to fulfill that duty.”

“What do you mean by that…?”

“Rather than following my lord’s commands, you must follow mine first.”

The Marquis widened his eyes at the outrageous order.

Well, it was definitely an outrageous thing to say. However, villains with no common sense were very flexible in these situations.

It was possible to make sense of logic that would normally be unreasonable.

“But…”

“Didn’t you hear me? You’re not very good at this, Ralph Sekles. I work for my lord. This means that your obedience to my words will eventually lead to his satisfaction. If you think on your own and want to usher your own ruin, I won’t stop you. However, I’m giving you the choice now out of mercy.”

The reason why the Marquis couldn’t betray Eberhardt was because he was bound by the fear engraved in him. But it was difficult for me to break those chains. Even Sieg couldn’t do it, so it would be extremely impossible for Heinreid, who was evil.

Then, what should be done? …The only way to do it was to entangle another chain and pull it.

“…What do you suggest I do?”

“You don’t have to do anything special. However, I just taught your daughter something a short while ago. It’s a seed that will bloom when the time comes. And at that moment… If you don’t disregard the whispers of the flowers, everything will work out.”

I placed both my hands on the Marquis’ shoulders.

I fixed my stare at his eyes and put strength into my fingers, not allowing him to avert his gaze.

“I trust that… you’re not too foolish.”

Threaten them, hunt them down, then overcoat them with fear. I also took advantage of his fear of Eberhardt to highlight Heinreid’s poison. Angelica’s voice should reach his head, which had been dulled by poison.

After seeing him swallow down his saliva with his throat bobbing up and down, I turned my back on the Marquis and said, “Now, if you’ll excuse me. I have to go.”