Chapter 42

The day after Opal and Claude returned to the capital.

Before meeting Hubert, who had come to visit, Opal took a deep breath in front of the living room door.

Claude squeezed Opal's hand tightly once before letting go.

"Thank you, Claude."

"No, I'm nervous too."

"Claude too?"

"I still can't believe my good fortune. But I've gotten better at bluffing, so watch me."

Surprised by Claude's unexpected words, he playfully announced before opening the door. In the parlor, only Hubert was there, standing up as Claude and Opal entered. Hubert, whom Opal hadn't seen in about a year, hadn't changed much but looked a bit tired.

"Hey, it's been a while, MacLaud."

"Rouselle. ... You really got married, huh?"

While shaking hands with Claude, Hubert's gaze was fixed on Opal. Claude quickly released Hubert's hand and put his arm around Opal's waist, pulling her close.

"I don't think an introduction is necessary, but this is my wife, Opal."

"It's been a while, Your Excellency."

"Ah, yes... So, the two of you met through the Mantes investment?"

Opal hesitated at the question and glanced at Claude, unsure whether to reveal Claude's true identity as the third son of a baronial family in Sosie. However, her gesture seemed to cause Hubert to misunderstand, and his expression turned stern.

"How long have the two of you been meeting?"

"MacLaud, Opal and I have been childhood friends."

"... Childhood friends? The two of you?"

When Claude answered, Hubert's eyes widened in disbelief. It seemed that Claude's origins were still unknown in his homeland. Judging that Claude himself didn't intend to hide it, Opal began to explain in detail.

"Claude is from the Kingdom of Sosie. The baronial estate of Claude's family and my father's Holoway earldom are adjacent, and the manor houses are close enough for us to visit each other frequently, so we became friends."

"Rouselle—no, Claude Fred..."

Hubert murmured Claude's name, as if comparing it with the Sosie noble directory in his mind. Although they held a title, Claude's parents didn't attend the social season in the capital every year, so they might not be well-known among the younger generation. Still, Hubert seemed to have figured it out and looked at Claude intently.

"... How did a baron from the Kingdom of Sosie become a marquis in the Kingdom of Taisei?"

"My maternal grandfather was the head of the Rouselle family. The heir unfortunately passed away eight years ago due to an epidemic. Because of internal conflicts, I wasn't well-known in foreign countries."

"But if that's the case, at least five years ago, when I sought support and met you... So, the Earl of Holoway introduced you to me? Have you been in contact all along?"

Hubert, who had been muttering bitterly, suddenly turned to question Opal and Claude sharply. It felt as if he was accusing them of past infidelity, and Opal felt indignant.

" Claude and I only met once when I returned to the earldom after my marriage... and I hadn't heard from Claude for months until just a few months ago. Yet, my father was in contact with him, and he was even the Marquis of Rouselle..."

As she explained to Hubert, Opal gradually became angry with Claude and her father. She always felt left out when it mattered most.

"Even the development of Mantes, which led me to know the Marquis of Rouselle, made me worry a lot."

"I'm... I'm sorry..."

"It's not something that can be resolved with an apology. I'm still angry."

"Y-Yes, but what should I do..."

Hubert, taken aback by the sudden shift in topic and the accusation, was at a loss. Opal's gaze shifted sharply to Claude.

"And Claude!"

"Uh-huh."

"Not 'uh-huh'!"

"Okay."

Claude seemed somewhat amused, perhaps because it was nostalgic. Opal was more pouting than angry. Realizing how childish she was being, she quickly regained her composure.

"I have a lot to say to you, but I'll save it for later. For now, I'll listen to your request, Your Excellency. Your letter mentioned that you wanted to consult me about Stella's future. What's the matter?"

Hubert's letter had asked for Opal's advice on Stella, despite them being strangers. Opal, who was disliked by Stella, and whose involvement was opposed by Lady Northam, couldn't understand why Hubert would seek her advice.

"Actually, I'm considering remarriage to produce an heir. I've chosen a suitable candidate, but—Miss Marienne of the Ruffon earldom has set a condition for the marriage."

Upon hearing this, Opal managed to turn her strained face into a smile. It sounded selfish, but it was common in noble marriages. The condition was likely proposed because the other party was aware of it.

"What kind of condition?"

"To cut all ties with... Stella, in writing."

"—So, it's a formal contract that requires a signature?"

"Yes."

Miss Marienne, or perhaps her mother, seemed quite shrewd. Knowing the rumors about Stella being Hubert's mistress, this was a condition to secure her position as wife. Even without a formal engagement, it was already a known fact. If the engagement were to be broken now, it would cause a minor scandal—especially for the woman. If the reason involved Stella, it would publicly acknowledge their relationship, even if it wasn't true.

(What does he want me to do about it...)

Swallowing a sigh, Opal glanced at Claude, who returned a sympathetic look. With Claude's support, she could do as she pleased. Deciding on this, Opal exhaled lightly and turned her gaze back to Hubert.

"In other words, Your Excellency must choose between Stella and Miss Marienne?"

"Yes."

Hubert nodded, looking somewhat relieved. Opal smiled at him.

"Then, I can't help you with this decision. Please make your own choice."