Chapter 52

When Opal returned to the mansion and entered the study, she took a glass of alcohol from Claude and sat on the sofa. Tonight, with so much happening, she felt more like having a drink than tea. Claude poured himself a drink and sat opposite Opal.

"Where should I start...?"

"There's no need to worry. I'll ask you the questions I want to know, and I'd like you to answer them. If it's too much, just let me know?"

"Alright."

Normally, it would be better to hear a detailed explanation, but Opal was too confused by the many things she wanted to know. She just wanted to know the results more than the process.

"Did you know about Lord Keymont from the beginning?"

"No, I only found out today. I knew you were attending that ball, so I rushed over in a hurry."

"I see... Then what about the thief? That the thief was a noble's son?"

"The suspicion that it was a young man of high status had been there from the beginning. From eyewitness accounts, even though he was masked, his clothing and the gun he carried were expensive. But that made the investigation proceed cautiously. If they arrested the wrong person, it would be a big deal, wouldn't it?"

"I understand why you didn't leak the information. But why are you involved in this case?"

"It's just the way things turned out, I guess?"

Claude's casual answer made Opal's expression turn skeptical. She wondered if he was teasing her or if he couldn't say more, but it seemed to be neither. Seeing Opal's reaction, Claude laughed and explained.

"I'm serious. I was gathering information on a different case related to the thief. Recently, I met a magistrate who was investigating the bandits causing trouble on the road. We decided to cooperate by sharing information."

"What's this other case?"

"I can't say yet."

"Alright."

For Opal, the fact that Claude had secrets was less concerning than the possibility that they were dangerous. But she didn't want to delve into that and instead complained deliberately.

"So that's why you so casually suggested going to the Kingdom of Sosie. You had business there all along. If it weren't for Beth, I would have been left alone in an unfamiliar country."

"I wouldn't have let that happen. Anyone else could have come to this country, but when I saw how Opal reacted to the woman mentioned by McClain, I decided to come here."

"I feel like I'm being manipulated by you, Claude. I worked hard to prepare and lay the groundwork tonight, but everything was overshadowed by Keymont's arrest... What will happen to his property? The children's support?"

Opal, who had been caught off guard by the shock of Keymont's arrest, regretted not pushing the procedures more aggressively. Claude smiled reassuringly.

"Don't worry. While Keymont's property will likely be confiscated, it should be recognized through proper procedures."

"That's a relief... What kind of punishment will Keymont and the others receive?"

"As I mentioned earlier, fortunately, there were few injuries, and they were all minor. The actual damage will be limited to stolen goods, which will be returned along with compensation. I think they will be released soon."

"What? So those... scoundrels will be out soon? And there are many more like them? They are a nuisance to society. This is the negligence of the Ministry of Justice. I need to protest to Uncle."

Opal, though angry, avoided using the word "scum" this time. Claude couldn't help but laugh at her harsh words.

"This isn't a laughing matter, Claude."

"Yeah, I know. But their property will be confiscated, so they will have to rely on their families for living expenses. By tomorrow, everyone will know, and it will be difficult for them to return to society."

"Why can't they think about working to earn a living? Will they really not be able to return to society? The victims are ordinary people, aren't they?"

Just as Keymont had looked down on Beth and others, many people who discriminate against non-nobles are common. Opal thought they might end up forgiving Keymont and the others, but then she remembered the ball tonight.

"By the way, the atmosphere tonight was different from usual. It wasn't so formal, and everyone listened to my harsh accusations. Most of all, the Viscount and Viscountess Croiselle were wonderful people. Well, except for one couple."

Eight years ago, more men would have openly supported Keymont. Of course, there were still many vulgar people, but some of the nobles present accepted Opal without prejudice and conversed with her on equal terms, regardless of gender. Claude nodded in agreement.

"Viscount Croiselle seems to be a forward-thinking person, so he likely attracts like-minded people. The balls he hosts are not too formal and attract many young people. However, they are not so noisy that unmarried women can't feel comfortable attending."

"I've been away from society for a while, but it has changed a lot. Or rather, I had a bias against society and didn't try to understand it. Not everyone is like Keymont or the Countess."

Opal had been trapped in her unpleasant memories from eight years ago and had assumed that everyone she met would be the same. She realized she had become a bitter person and felt remorse.

(No one would want to be friends with such a stubborn, arrogant, and unpleasant person...)

Sighing deeply, Opal felt a gaze and looked up. Claude was smiling at her.

"Is something wrong?"

"Opal is cute. Really cute."

"That's just your imagination, Claude! And I'm almost twenty-eight, so I can't be cute!"

"Is that so?"

"Yes!"

Claude's words were flattering, but Opal felt embarrassed and turned away. She was aware that this behavior wasn't cute. Feeling down about her inability to be more open, Opal suddenly remembered something.

"About what happened tonight... Loana must think I'm a troublemaker, right?"

"What do you mean?"

"My accusations against Lord Keymont."

"Oh... Are you regretting it?"

"I'm not regretting it. I think my actions were overshadowed by the arrest. But that's a different matter, isn't it? No one would want to be friends with someone who always causes trouble. They would want to keep their distance."

If someone caused a commotion at her parents' ball, she would be upset too. Even if the Viscount Croiselle understood, she needed to apologize properly tomorrow. She decided to do so, even though it would be awkward to face them.

"Don't worry. I'm sure Opal and Loana can become friends."

Claude's confident statement made Opal's heart sting a little.

"...Do you know Loana?"

"No, I don't."

"Then how do you know?"

"I don't think someone Opal wants to be friends with would get hung up on such trivial matters."

Realizing they weren't acquainted, Opal secretly felt relieved. She didn't need to be jealous, but her heart wouldn't listen. She knew she would feel this way every time she met an attractive woman. Still, she couldn't bear to be apart from the important Claude.

"Thank you, Claude."

"...Yeah."

Opal smiled warmly at Claude's kind words, unaware of how much her smile charmed him. She quickly changed the subject.

"By the way... Do you know Viscount Croiselle?"

"I knew his name, but this was the first time I met him. Why?"

"No reason. I just thought it would be a bit silly if we had already known each other and I introduced you."

"You're right, that would be a bit silly."

Opal and Claude laughed, imagining such a comical scene. Then they put down their glasses, stood up, held hands, and slowly walked to the bedroom.