Chapter 51

In the midst of the cherry blossoms dancing in the wind, Misaki opened the old diary and read the words of promise written there.

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Apart from someone letting out a gasp, it was eerily quiet, and the vast hall was filled with silence.

However, a moment later, a loud and grating laugh echoed through the hall.

"That was quite an entertaining performance, Lord Lucel. Or... are you really the Duke of Lucel?"

While laughing, Kaimont's words turned into a question, and the people around also looked at Opal as if seeking an answer.

Given that an arrest warrant had been issued, it was probably hard for everyone to believe it right away.

Opal, too, was confused about the arrest warrant, but she could clearly answer this question.

"Yes, of course. ——Viscount Cruyzer, Viscountess, I apologize for the late introduction, but this is my husband, Duke Lucel Claude Fred."

While thinking about apologizing and making amends for causing a disturbance at the ball later, Opal introduced Claude to the Viscount and Viscountess Cruyzer.

Then Claude continued.

"Nice to meet you, Viscount Cruyzer, Viscountess. I apologize for not responding to your invitation and for suddenly barging in like this. I also apologize for causing a disturbance."

"Duke Lucel, it's an honor to meet you—"

"You can say whatever you want! No one here knows the real Duke of Lucel! What arrest warrant? Don't talk nonsense!"

Viscount Cruyzer had been responding with a smile even in this situation, but Kaimont, who was irritated, interrupted.

Interrupting someone in the middle of a greeting was already rude, but it was even more so to call Opal a liar.

Despite usually being strict about manners, the Countess did not reprimand her son.

"Y-Yes! What is this? Why is everyone letting those rude people do as they please!? Viscount Cruyzer and everyone else are acting strangely! I will never forgive you for such an insult!"

The Countess's shrill voice, which seemed to have forgotten all manners, caused a stir among the people who had been silently watching the situation.

While everyone was focused on what would happen next, Claude remained calm and announced:

"Several of the bandits who have been appearing around the capital were captured today. From their confessions, it was revealed that Lord Kaimont was also involved. Therefore, an arrest warrant was issued just now."

"L-Lies..."

"Since the bandits were all young men of noble birth, all the arrest warrants were issued by the Emperor's decree. Additionally, the police are waiting outside this venue to apprehend Lord Kaimont. My role was to take Lord Kaimont away without causing trouble for everyone, but I failed."

Everyone looked at Claude, who shrugged, in disbelief.

The hall was once again enveloped in silence, and only Kaimont's heavy breathing could be heard.

The Countess, who had lost all color in her face, stood motionless, and Kaimont did not even attempt to refute the accusations.

"Come, Lord Kaimont. Let's go outside—"

Claude's words were cut off.

Kaimont had fled.

He pushed past the women around him and ran towards the exit.

Screams erupted, and Opal, who had been stunned, suddenly came to her senses and followed Kaimont's movements with her eyes. By then, Claude and several other men were already chasing after him.

They caught him at the door.

"Let go, you insolent fools! I am Jeb Kaimont of the House of Kaimont!"

The men surrounding the struggling Kaimont were all of high status, and Viscount Cruyzer was among them.

As everyone watched in shock, Kaimont was led away, and Claude slowly returned.

"Claude?"

"I'll explain everything later."

"Yes, please do."

Feeling apologetic, Claude made it impossible for her to question him on the spot.

Claude smiled gratefully at Opal, then turned to the Countess.

The Countess, who had been staring blankly at the door through which her son was led away, suddenly turned angry when she noticed Claude.

"That boy... That boy is innocent. He must be! You... You must have framed him! Your husband will sue you—both of you!"

"I have done nothing. If anything, I have failed to do anything. But you could have done more."

"What are you talking about!?"

"A parent is responsible for their child's misdeeds, right? But what they did was not just a misdeed; it was a crime. They were threatening and robbing people on the road, imitating the bandits who had been terrorizing the area a few months ago. When the Emperor learned that these criminals were of noble birth, he was deeply saddened and angered."

"Such..."

"From now on, I hope you will think more about the unfortunate victims rather than yourself and your son. Excuse me."

Despite the Countess's angry outburst, Claude remained calm.

However, Claude was very angry.

Opal noticed this but said nothing, continuing polite conversation until they finished their greetings to Viscount and Viscountess Cruyzer and got into the carriage.

Once they were alone in the carriage, Opal spoke up.

"Alright, I sent Najia back in another carriage, so we're alone now. I'll listen to anything."

"I needed to explain tonight."

"That can wait. But if talking to me can help ease your anger, I want to hear it. If there's anything I can do, please tell me."

There were many things she was curious about, but she was more concerned about the reason for Claude's rare anger.

Too much had happened tonight, and it was hard to predict what had happened.

In the dimly lit carriage, as Opal spoke sincerely, Claude suddenly hugged her.

The embrace was unusually strong.

"Claude?"

"Sorry, Opal."

"Huh?"

"I'm angry that you were spoken ill of. I'm sorry for disrupting your plans. I'm furious that scum like Kaimont has been allowed to run rampant. I feel ashamed and powerless for not being able to do more as a Duke. I'm really sorry, Opal."

Claude's anger was for Opal and the victims.

Claude had always been kind and warm.

Opal hugged him back and sighed in relief.

"Thank you, Claude. But I'm fine. I don't care what a nobody says. As for Lord Kaimont, I achieved my goal. I wanted everyone to know how irresponsibly he had been hurting women, but he turned out to be even worse... a scumbag."

Unable to find the right words to describe Kaimont, Opal used Claude's words.

It was an unbecoming way for a lady to speak, but Claude chuckled.

"Maybe the prejudice against women in unfortunate circumstances will decrease a bit because of tonight. I hope the victims of the bandits will be helped..."

"Fortunately, most of the victims were not injured. They were robbed, but Kaimont and his gang will have to pay compensation. They left the stolen goods in the house they used as a hideout, which became evidence... Their goal was not the loot but the thrill and the pleasure of seeing their victims cower."

"Definitely a hopeless scumbag."

This time, Opal said it clearly and rested her head on Claude's shoulder.

"Hey, Claude."

"Uh-huh?"

"Claude isn't weak. I can handle things on my own, but I was so happy and felt so much stronger when you came to help me. And when you punched Lord Kaimont, it felt so good."

"I'm relieved to hear that. I acted out of anger, but I was worried that people would think I was a brute."

Opal looked up at Claude, wondering if he was serious.

Claude usually seemed very confident, but now he looked a bit vulnerable.

"...It's not just me. There must be many people who have been saved by Claude. Just having you around makes me stronger. But don't carry everything on your own. Remember our promise? To live together and support each other. I'll share your burdens too. So please rely on me more."

Claude, who had always tried to handle everything on his own, had not changed in that regard.

He always helped when Opal was in trouble, but he never asked for help when he was in trouble.

While it might be hard to change immediately, Opal hoped to help him little by little.

"...Thank you, Opal."

Claude's low, gentle voice touched Opal's ear, making her feel ticklish. She quickly raised her face and gave a mischievous smile.

"Anyway, you have to explain everything that happened tonight."

"Now?"

"The night is still young."

"That's deep."

Claude also gave a mischievous smile in response.

The two of them continued their playful banter, just like old times, until they reached the mansion.