Chapter 72

"Naia, it's time to eat. Help me out."

"Can I come out of here?"

"Sure, as long as you're with me. Of course, don't think you can run away. The people in this mansion, and even the townsfolk, won't lend you a hand."

Julian poked his head into the attic and called out to Naia.

Before she knew it, the sun had already set.

Opal had been so engrossed in the books Julian had brought her that she had lost track of time.

During that time, Naia seemed to have been tidying up Opal's few clothes and doing some mending.

"The people in the mansion are cooperative, and the townsfolk are intimidated, right?"

"Don't stick your nose where it doesn't belong, madam."

It seemed Naia had been left behind to take care of Opal's daily needs.

Fortunately, there were two beds in the attic, so she could sleep and eat with Naia.

She didn't want to be separated from Naia as much as possible.

"Naia, when we leave this room, don't ever leave Julian's side."

"But, madam, Julian—"

"He's the most trustworthy person in this mansion. Not that I'm happy about it."

"...I understand."

"Hurry up."

Julian interrupted Opal and Naia's conversation, sounding irritated.

Naia, though reluctant, nodded, understanding Opal's concern.

After they left, Opal stood up and looked out the small window.

(Unfortunately, there's no tree to jump to...)

Of course, she had no intention of leaving Naia behind, but it was natural to think about it.

Tree climbing was one of Opal's favorite pastimes.

However, even the tallest tree in the mansion only reached the third floor, not the attic.

Moreover, even if she could climb the tree, it would only support her weight up to the second floor.

Opal reached out to open the window.

The rattling sound suggested that the window was poorly fitted, though the building wasn't that old.

It wasn't noticeable in the master bedroom, but it was clear that the attic had been neglected.

"Don't even think about trying to escape by jumping to a tree."

"...It would be more like jumping down, wouldn't it?"

Opal turned to answer Julian's mocking words.

She hadn't noticed the sound of the lock being opened while she was focused on the window.

Then, she wondered if that was really the case.

"Madam, the food is quite good."

"Thank you, Naia."

The tray Naia brought in was filled with food.

While thanking her, Opal glanced at the tray Julian was holding.

It contained several empty dishes and a glass with a water pitcher.

Julian placed the tray on the table and left without a word, the lock clicking behind him.

"You didn't lock the door just now..."

"Oh, that's right! Madam could have escaped, but I was careless..."

Naia, who was setting out the food, suddenly realized and answered regretfully.

But Opal shook her head and smiled.

"I wouldn't have run away even if I knew. I was being tested."

"Tested?"

"Yes. Whether I would leave Naia behind and try to escape."

Opal chuckled, having never considered escaping through the door.

It was strange that she had only thought about the window.

However, Naia seemed to be feeling down, thinking she was a burden.

"If I weren't here, madam would have more freedom to move..."

"Don't say such silly things. I already told you, didn't I? Because Naia is here, I don't do anything reckless. Because Naia is here, I can stay calm."

Opal took Naia's hand and smiled encouragingly.

She wanted to reassure Naia more, but it was difficult at the moment.

Help would surely come in a few days.

Opal was confident of this, but she didn't say it out loud.

They shared the meal and even enjoyed dessert, deciding to go to bed early.

"Naia, can you leave the window open?"

"Isn't it cold?"

"It's fine. The room is warm from the sunlight during the day, so it's just right."

"That's true."

Opal called out to Naia, who was about to close the window, and lay down on the bed.

Being high up, insects rarely entered, and a pleasant night breeze came in through the small gap.

Naia must have been tired.

After a while, Opal heard her soft snores and felt relieved that Naia was sleeping.

(Two days since I 'ran away.' The knights have surely started searching, and Cole will rush to deliver my note to Konary... It should take about seven days for the news to reach the capital—King Alessandro. No, it will probably be sooner. Rumors spread across the country in seven days, and they must have already started before I was locked up here.)

Opal took a light breath, organizing her thoughts and considering the future.

She knew Alessandro wouldn't believe the elopement story.

He had probably anticipated it.

Claude must have known that Opal would head to the Bocelli duchy and visit the mine.

The fact that he hadn't said anything—.

Opal heard a faint noise and sat up.

At first, she thought it was the wind, but it was different.

Slipping out of bed, she approached the window and gasped.

She covered her mouth with both hands to stifle a scream.

A shadow appeared outside the window and slowly opened it, entering the room.

"Hello, Opal. It's been a while."

Even in the darkness, there was no mistaking it.

The soft, gentle, and slightly low voice was unmistakable.

Opal didn't know whether to laugh or cry at his casual greeting, as if they had just run into each other on the street.

But before she could think, Opal threw herself into Claude's arms.