Chapter 44

"Considering the season is about to start, it’s quite surprising that it was rented, isn’t it?"

Standing in front of the mansion in the heart of the capital of the Kingdom of Sosie, Opal got out of the carriage and asked Claude.

The mansion itself is not particularly large, but it is quite old, and its good taste is evident from its exterior. It is also conveniently located, not far from the Holoway Manor. Many people in the upper class who do not own a mansion in the capital, where they will soon flock once the season begins, would find it difficult to rent such a fine mansion without reserving it from the previous year. Opal, impressed that the trip back to the village was decided at the last minute, reconsidered upon seeing Claude’s face.

"You bought it, didn’t you? And quite a while ago, too."

"I bought it as an investment. It turned out to be the right decision not to rent it out this year."

"Why didn’t you rent it out this year?"

"…Perhaps it was hope. Anyway, let’s go in."

"Yes, that’s right."

They know each other well, but there are still many things they don’t know. Opal decided to look forward to discovering these things and started up the steps to the entrance, placing her hand on Claude’s outstretched arm.

"The interior is quite lovely, too."

"I’m glad you think so."

The door opened at the right moment, and Opal was introduced to the butler and other servants as she stepped into the mansion. She quickly looked around the entrance hall and expressed her honest thoughts. Claude smiled and led her to the living room. Seeing Naja chatting with the maid, Opal decided to entrust the supervision of unpacking to her and entered the living room. She let out a sigh of admiration. The room was decorated with furniture and ornaments that suited Opal’s taste.

"It’s lovely…."

Opal sat down on the sofa and gently stroked the damask fabric. Claude watched her with a pleased expression. Although there were many things she wanted to say, the words that came out of Opal’s mouth were simple and important.

"Claude, thank you for bringing me to such a lovely house."

"You’re welcome. It was worth buying if you like it."

Opal felt nostalgic and excited, as if a prank had succeeded. Of course, he wasn’t always this kind.

(No, Claude has always been kind. It was just a bit hard to understand…)

Rather, Opal herself had been cheeky and selfish. Remembering this, she felt embarrassed but looked at Claude again.

"Is something wrong?"

"I was just thinking it’s a good thing Claude likes me."

After answering Claude’s question, Opal realized that her words might be misunderstood and quickly added:

"It’s not because the house is lovely, you know?"

"I understand. But can I ask why?"

Amused by Opal’s flustered state, Claude laughed and asked further. After a brief hesitation, she found the right answer to describe her feelings about Claude.

"Claude fights alongside me."

"Of course, I would even give my life for you, Opal!"

Opal burst out laughing at Claude’s dramatic gesture of pressing his chest. Claude looked offended and then smiled.

"So, how are the preparations for this battle going?"

"Anyway, I’ve found out where Beth is."

"Is she at the charity organization you founded—the facility for the protection and independence of women?"

"No. It seems she didn’t visit the facility. Apparently, Lady Northam gave her a substantial amount of money as a severance package. That’s a relief, at least."

After Hubert’s visit, Opal immediately wrote to her agent in the Kingdom of Sosie, asking him to investigate Beth’s whereabouts. The agent, introduced to her by her uncle Jonathan Kenzit, is quite capable and reliable. The investigation report was delivered to Opal by the agent’s messenger as soon as she and Claude landed in the port of the Kingdom of Sosie. It had only been two or three days since the agent received her letter, and Opal suspects he had been keeping an eye on the MacLeod family’s activities for some time.

"Then, do we need the results of the recent behavior investigation of the MacLeod family’s friends?"

"Thank you, Claude. It’s very helpful."

Claude is probably conducting his own investigation into Beth as well. It’s not that he doesn’t trust Opal, but he wants to be ready to help at any time.

"I’ll visit Beth tomorrow."

"Maybe it’s better if I don’t go with you?"

"Yes. It would be a comfort to me, but Beth might be frightened."

"Then I’ll arrange a carriage for you. A plain one without the family crest would be better, right? And I want you to take a guard with you."

"Yes, I understand. Thank you for everything, Claude."

After thanking him, Opal changed the topic to the recent situation in the Kingdom of Sosie, ending the conversation about Beth.

The next day—

Opal got out of the carriage at the outskirts of the capital and looked up at the old apartment building. It doesn’t seem to be well-maintained, but there is no scattered garbage or unpleasant odors. She has confirmed that the security is not too bad. Nevertheless, the driver and the servants are carrying guns, and a guard is following at a distance.

"Well, shall we go?"

"Yes, ma’am."

Opal called out to Naja, who was looking up at the building with her, and nodded to the driver as a signal. The driver responded by touching the brim of his hat and started the carriage. The carriage would wait at a distance, and the servants and guards would keep a low profile nearby, providing security.

The room mentioned in the report was on the west corner of the second floor. Opal and Naja ascended the stairs with a light step and stood in front of the target room. There was no name on the door, which was starting to corrode. Feeling a bit uneasy, Opal knocked firmly. She had already confirmed that Beth was at home, so there should be no mistake, but it took a while for a response. Just as Naja was about to say something, there was a noise from the other side of the door, and the sound of a key being turned was heard.

"---Yes?"

The face that peeked through the small gap was indeed Beth, but she looked much thinner and older than the last time Opal saw her. Shocked by the change in the once-strong Beth, Opal forced the door open with a smile.

"Hello, Beth."

"---What!?"

Surprised, Beth was momentarily dazed but quickly tried to close the door. Opal’s hand slipped off the door due to the force, but she quickly wedged her foot in. Ignoring the pain in her toes, Opal opened the door wide again.

"No, Beth. It’s been a long time, so let’s talk a bit."

"…Are you here to laugh at me?"

"Oh, I can’t laugh at something that’s not funny. But maybe it’s similar. I’m just a spectator."

Without even trying to comfort or sugarcoat her words, Opal’s blunt statement made Beth burst into tears.