Chapter 74

"Hey, did you sleep well last night?"

"…Julian, are you free?"

"I’m not free. After all, I’ve been assigned to guard an important hostage."

"You’re free, then."

As Julian brought breakfast, Opal spoke sarcastically.

Of course, she didn’t expect Julian to get angry, but she didn’t anticipate his cheerful smile in response.

While answering, Opal stared at Julian warily.

Naja was already tasting the breakfast for poison.

"You seem to be in a good mood. It’s creepy."

"Say what you want. I won’t fall for your provocations. But I’ll tell you this: the anti-royalists are gathering around the capital with weapons. Those fools haven’t even noticed yet."

Julian’s words shocked Naja, causing her spoon to fall.

But Opal only shrugged slightly.

"That’s unfortunate. So, how many troops are gathering? The capital has the king’s direct knights and the royal army. A small number will only lead to failure."

"What do you plan to do with the number of troops? Send a letter? I don’t care. It’s too late anyway."

"Oh, I’m on the run. Even if it’s too late, sending such a letter would seem unnatural. Wouldn’t it have been better to take me to the capital and use me as a shield?"

"Your value to Alessandro in the capital is almost zero. You’re a hostage for Claude."

"…I see. So this place—the Duchy of Botticelli—is a stronghold for the anti-royalists in case of an emergency. Does that mean you have a retreat ship prepared at the port in case something happens? Passa port is very convenient. I can gather funds—military funds—and receive support from the Kingdom of Sosie."

"…Shut up already. Talking too much makes you look stupid."

"Being stupid is fine. So, could you bring me some more books for study?"

"You’re a hassle."

"It’s not a waste, is it?"

With Opal’s cheeky tone, Julian snorted and left the room.

The sound of the lock being secured followed.

Exhaling deeply, Opal noticed that Naja had turned pale.

"I’m sorry, Naja. I scared you, didn’t I? But don’t worry, everything will be fine."

"But, troops are gathering in the capital… That’s worrying, but if those troops invade this land, what will happen to you, madam!? You and Sir Claude should return to the Kingdom of Sosie!"

"…Naja, if you feel in danger, I want you to prioritize your safety without worrying about me."

"I won’t do that!"

Naja, who had been looking anxious, seemed to be roused by Opal’s words and strongly refused.

However, Opal shook her head calmly.

"If danger approaches, many people will help me. There are many allies here, like Claude who has infiltrated. But, to be honest, I think Naja will be secondary to them."

"That’s only natural."

"Even if it’s natural, I don’t like it. Naja is very important to me. I’m sorry for involving you."

"No, no. There’s no need for you to worry, madam. I have no complaints. On the contrary, I’m glad to be by your side. I don’t want to worry from afar anymore."

Naja pleaded with teary eyes.

During her marriage to Hubert, she must have been worried a lot.

That’s why she has been serving Opal faithfully since her marriage to Claude.

"Then, promise me. If something happens, prioritize your safety and escape."

"…I understand."

Reluctantly, Naja agreed, and Opal felt relieved.

Something was bound to happen soon, and Opal would be pulled out of this attic.

From Julian’s enthusiastic talk and Claude’s risky visit last night, she could predict the next moves.

Opal hurried to her desk and wrote a letter using the stationery Julian had taken without permission.

"Madam?"

Naja, confused by Opal’s sudden action, stopped calling out when she realized it might be a hindrance.

Without even sparing a moment to review, Opal sealed the letter just as Julian arrived with new books.

"Julian, could you deliver this letter for me?"

"Hey, you really wrote it?"

"I’m taking you up on your offer."

Julian seemed irritated by Opal’s brazen attitude but took the letter as if snatching it, apparently not intending to go back on his word.

"Then, madam, please enjoy this book."

"Thank you. I appreciate it."

Ignoring Julian’s sarcasm, Opal chose a book from a few on the desk.

After glaring at Opal, Julian loaded the empty breakfast dishes onto a tray, took the letter, and left the attic, making sure to lock the door.

Naja looked at the door anxiously.

"…Naja, do you think Claude would leave me in this attic without a plan?"

Naja’s eyes widened at Opal’s question, then she smiled.

It seemed she had managed to ease some of her anxiety.

"That’s right. Sir Claude wouldn’t leave you in danger, would he?"

"Not to that extent."

From the time they were engaged until they married, Claude had been overly protective, always by Opal’s side.

Hearing Naja’s words, Opal smiled awkwardly and denied it.

Since coming to this country—since meeting Alessandro—Opal and Claude often prioritized their duties and spent time apart.

But this was Opal’s choice, and Claude respected it.

Opal renewed her resolve to fulfill her role for the country and, above all, for Claude.