Chapter 48

It had been a long time since Opal had come to the town of Nobori, and she was delighted to meet Omar, the steward of the MacLeod dukedom, again.

Of course, she couldn't step into the MacLeod dukedom's territory, so she had asked Omar to come out specially.

She really wanted to see the butler, Lind, and the housekeeper, Debbie, but unfortunately, she had to give up on that.

"Still, for the town to change so much, I must be getting old."

"Let's not talk about age. I think the town has changed a lot in the past two or three years. It wasn't like this when I last came."

Omar apparently hadn't set foot in the town of Nobori for eight years.

While answering Omar's surprised words, Opal herself was also surprised.

Opal had visited the town of Nobori several times since then, but there hadn't been such a change at those times.

Naja, who accompanied her, was quite excited by the lively streets and was quite lively upon arrival.

"So, how was your trip this time?"

"Yes, thank you. It was very fulfilling."

Omar didn't ask in detail, but he seemed to realize that Opal's trip wasn't just an inspection of the dukedom.

After confirming that there were no problems with the dukedom, Opal had met with the manager of the railway company in the town of Nobori.

Since there was no need to mention this, she and Omar talked enthusiastically about the latest agricultural machinery.

Then, a familiar voice called out.

"Hey, Duchess MacLeod. It's been a while."

Omar's face darkened at the sight of the person who appeared, and Opal signaled to the guard who was about to come over that everything was fine, then smiled at him.

"It's been a while, Rubeau. But I'm not the Duchess MacLeod anymore."

"Oh, I think I heard something like that. Then, what should I call you now?"

"――Mrs. Fred."

"Oh, you've remarried?"

"Yes, I have."

Rubeau, who was well-informed, should have known about the remarriage, but he asked in a pretentious way, so Opal didn't mention Claude's title.

Rubeau, who had come to collect Omar's debt from Opal eight years ago, was as shrewd as ever.

This meeting was probably not a coincidence, and he had come specially to meet her.

It didn't seem like Rubeau usually used this public salon.

The guard, apparently judging that there was no real danger to Opal, sat back down a little away.

Naja, who had been listening silently to the conversation with Omar, lit up at Rubeau's appearance.

It seemed she was excited by Rubeau's unscrupulous appearance.

"Since we're here, would you like to join us?"

"I don't mind."

"Well, I don't mind either..."

"What's the matter, Omar? You don't owe me anything anymore, so you can be more confident."

"Yes..."

Even without owing anything, he probably felt uncomfortable.

Opal was exasperated by Rubeau's maliciousness in deliberately getting in the way.

Although it was bad for Omar, who felt guilty, conversations with Rubeau were often fruitful.

Moreover, Rubeau, who called himself a legitimate moneylender, was a surprisingly friendly person despite his appearance.

Still, it was improper for a lady to be close to a moneylender, and being seen together would be dishonorable.

However, in the town of Nobori, even if one acted a bit out of bounds, no one cared.

Of course, it didn't matter to Opal, who simply associated with those she wanted to.

"I was talking to Omar, and I was surprised at how much the town has changed."

"Yes, the town has been booming for the past year."

"Prosperity?"

When she turned to Rubeau, who had plopped down next to Omar, he gave an unexpected answer.

There hadn't been any significant economic upturn in this area in recent years.

Certainly, the Marquis, the major lord of the town of Nobori, owned gold mines in other territories, but they had been supplying a steady amount for a long time, so it wasn't related.

"Have you heard about the bandits who were causing trouble a while ago?"

"Yes. They were caught due to infighting, right?"

Recalling the conversation with Hubert when he left after visiting the Kingdom of Taishi, Opal nodded.

According to what Claude told her later, the Marquis, the lord of this area, had also been a victim.

The gold mined from the mines had been attacked and stolen several times while being transported.

"Those bandits were spending their loot in this town."

"Oh, that's a nasty circulation."

"Yes. Several people were killed. Still, money is money. At the time, everyone just thought they were well-off regular customers. They came to town dressed like gentlemen, and no one suspected they were bandits. They often lost at gambling, and that money enriched other customers and the shops. So, my business was booming. But now, there are no more people borrowing money."

Listening to Rubeau's complaint, Opal remembered Claude's concern.

When she came here, Claude had accompanied her part of the way, warning her about the bandits.

They seemed to be different from the bandits Rubeau mentioned, but it was still a problem.

"The country has become much less safe in the past year."

"Times are changing rapidly. Everyone is struggling. But those who can't keep up either sleep on the streets or attack on the streets."

"That's quite extreme."

When Opal sighed, Omar defended himself.

But to Opal, crime was still crime.

There were many people who tried to live honestly no matter how hard it was, and crime was no excuse.

Still, it was pointless to vent her anger at Omar, so she just said one thing.

Then Rubeau continued, as if defending Omar.

"No, Omar is right. I apologize for saying this, but you are a strong and successful person, madam. You were born with money and status, and now as an adult, you have even more money and status."

"Being told that, I can't say anything. I can't even get angry at criminals."

"No, no, of course you can be angry. Emotions are free."

"But be careful with your words and actions?"

"You are in the spotlight."

"Yes. But I will live freely using my status and wealth. It's my life. I don't care what society thinks. Whether it's hypocrisy or not, I intend to help those facing hardships."

When Opal answered proudly, Rubeau laughed out loud.

Everyone turned to look at the sound of his laughter.

"It seems you are the one in the spotlight."

When Opal playfully scolded Rubeau, even Omar, who had been looking uncomfortable, laughed.

It seemed Omar felt responsible for the cold conversation that started with his comment.

Naja, who had been angry with Rubeau, was also laughing.

However, Rubeau, still seated, bowed deeply to Opal.

Suddenly, a murmur went through the crowd.

"Rubeau?"

"I used to hate nobles. But you are different. You are a person worthy of respect."

"――Thank you."

Surprised by Rubeau's sudden words, Opal answered calmly.

When Rubeau raised his head, he wore his usual sly smile.

"I know it must be a bother for you, but I've been paying attention to you for the past few years. You've entertained me a lot."

"Oh, that's scary."

When Opal pretended to shiver, Rubeau laughed again.

"I don't have a father. My mother raised me alone with a lot of hard work. So, you might not need the friendship of such a vulgar person, but if anything happens, please let me know. I'll always be there to help."

"Vulgar? Not at all. It's very reassuring. Thank you, Rubeau."

"I'll be a great help too!"

"Me too, I'll be a great help!"

Opal happily accepted Rubeau's generous offer.

Then, even Naja and Omar, who had been silent until then, joined in.

"Thank you, Naja, Omar. I'm so happy to have so many reliable allies."

While answering with a smile, her words were heartfelt.

Even the people of the town, who usually didn't interfere with others, were curious about the woman who had made Rubeau say such things.

Without worrying about such gazes, Opal and her companions enjoyed the afternoon.