Chapter 34

"Your Majesty, your words are too kind."

"But you're not denying it, are you?"

"I merely wish you would refrain from making disparaging remarks about Opal."

It was Claude who protested against Alessandro's sudden words.

Only a few people were supposed to know about Hubert's assets at that time, but Alessandro must have somehow investigated it.

He might not know the exact details of the transactions, but from the state of Hubert's assets at the time, the fact that Opal's uncle and his colleagues, the legal officers, had dealings with the ducal family, and Opal's subsequent actions, it wasn't hard to make some inferences.

Given that Claude couldn't have told him, Opal was impressed by Alessandro's sharp insight.

He must have even investigated Omar, the land manager of the ducal family, and his debts.

"May I express my opinion on your Majesty's words?"

"Go ahead."

Even if the current words were true, she should still object.

Opal didn't care what others thought of her, but she didn't want to cause trouble for Claude.

"I don't know how you came to know about the MacLaud Duke's assets, but they became mine through proper procedures. Therefore, I have no reason to feel ashamed. However, there are many inconveniences if it becomes public, so it's not something I would boast about. That's why everyone has remained silent."

"Hmm. It's a somewhat boring response, but it's safe enough."

With these words, Opal realized she was being tested.

She smiled, but regretted her dullness.

Seeing this, Claude directed a stern gaze at Alessandro.

"Your Majesty, please be reasonable."

"Don't be angry, Claude. I admit it was a bit mean. But if a woman would be intimidated by this, she wouldn't be fit to be your wife. I'm sorry, Opal."

"---No, there's no need to apologize."

"See, Claude? Opal forgives me. So you shouldn't be so upset."

It was a matter of forgiveness, but that was an issue in Opal's heart.

Opal changed her mood and smiled at Claude, assuring him it was fine.

Alessandro, seeing her smile, continued with a playful tone.

"There are still many enemies in this country for both you and me. In that regard, I don't think you need to worry, Opal. You've got a wonderful woman, Claude."

"I proposed to Opal because I like her, not for the sake of this country or for your Majesty. Therefore, I have no intention of using Opal, and I hope you don't think that way either."

"But Opal seems to have that intention, doesn't she?"

Even as Claude firmly stated this, Alessandro calmly smiled at Opal.

He seemed to have concluded this from her continued smile.

"---I don't intend to stop Opal's actions. No, I can't stop her. If Opal were the kind of woman who would hide behind me, it would have been easier, but she isn't. Moreover, I fell in love with her precisely because she isn't. I might end up hiding behind her instead."

"If you do that, I'll pull you out myself."

Claude, who had been answering with a hint of resignation, was smiling by the end.

In essence, this audience was not to grant permission for the marriage or to judge Opal's character, but to tell her that she could act as she pleased.

In other words, it was a message to come out into the public eye instead of hiding.

The marriage proposal to Alessandro's niece, the princess and the last surviving heir of the previous king, was probably a voice of the resistance.

Simply put, the marriage of Claude, the right-hand man of the current king, to the princess would strengthen the bond between Claude and the royal family and silence the resistance.

However, if a male child were born to them, it could become a new source of conflict.

Moreover, Claude might stand up to make his own son king.

Even if Claude had no such intention, the suspicion would arise in Alessandro and others, leading to discord.

(The princess is turning twenty-two this year... If she were to marry into another royal family, she might be used in the same way. It's a difficult problem...)

The princess's marriage had been put on hold due to the plague and civil unrest.

Now, the situation was delicate.

Alessandro has two sons, but they are still in their early teens, so even with support, they need to grow more before any rash moves can be made.

Alessandro's wife, who was supposed to become queen, died in the previous plague, and Alessandro himself has received many marriage proposals.

From the outside, it might not be apparent, but the country is still unstable.

"Then, I'll ask Opal directly. Will you attend the ball the day after tomorrow? It's to celebrate the opening of the new railway line."

If challenged, Opal would accept.

Alessandro seemed to have grasped her character.

"---I want to follow Claude. No one else can escort me."

"That's what she says. What do you think, Claude?"

"If Opal says so, I will attend. I don't want to be seen as running away."

"Then it's settled. I think I understand how to handle you."

"Don't get too cocky. I'll cancel the previous agreement. We'll take our leave now."

Claude sighed, as he had done several times that day, and made his farewell.

He stood up, apparently satisfied, and offered his hand to Opal.

"Thank you, Opal. I look forward to seeing you the day after tomorrow."

"Thank you, Your Majesty. We'll take our leave now."

With Claude's help, Opal stood up, greeted Alessandro, and left the room.

They returned to the waiting room, escorted by Claude.

Despite the interested gazes from those around them, she felt a sense of relief and composure.

Indeed, coming to the royal palace and meeting Alessandro directly had helped her understand the current state of the country, which she couldn't grasp from books and research alone.

As Eriq had said, many women must have approached Claude.

There weren't many single men as well-qualified as Claude, and he himself was very attractive.

(Well, that might be a bit biased...)

Even if Claude got married, not all the women would give up easily.

Not just women, but men with ambition and hostility would also try to approach Claude.

If so, there would be those who would try to use Opal.

(I can understand why the king had me investigated, but it's not something that could be done in just a few months...)

Opal wondered when Alessandro had first taken notice of her.

She glanced at Claude casually, and their eyes met.

"Are you tired?"

"No, I'm fine. I was just wondering when you first knew about me..."

"Ah, about eight years ago, I think."

"Eight years?"

"Probably around that time. I talked about Opal not long after I first met the king. It came up occasionally after that."

"---I won't ask about the details."

"Okay?"

She wanted to know, but decided it was better not to bring it up.

Claude seemed to have no ill intentions and was smiling.

He must have talked about her as an old friend. Five years ago, when Claude sent investment and engineers to Mantez, Alessandro must have met Hubert and investigated him in detail.

At that time, sending engineers to other countries was still a gamble.

She had wondered if she was really suitable for Claude, but now Opal was determined.

She had no backing in this country and might not be able to have children, but she had connections in the Kingdom of Sosie, wealth, and the ability to manage her territory.

With the king's permission, she could fight in the social circles of this country as she pleased.

Whether they were part of the resistance or not, Claude's enemies were her enemies.

(But I have to be careful not to turn Claude's friends—my allies—into enemies...)

Thinking of Eriq, Opal swallowed her sigh and looked up at Claude walking beside her.

She hadn't expected such happiness just a year ago.

"Opal... If you keep looking at me like that, I can't control my impulses. Can you stop?"

"Huh?"

"Or do you want me to kiss you right here?"

"Stop saying such silly things!"

"I'm serious."

Opal hurriedly turned forward, her ears ringing with Claude's playful laughter.

She glared at Claude lightly and finally entered the room where Najja was waiting.