Chapter 78

"Today has been quite lively from early morning, hasn't it? There must have been some movement, I suppose."

"Madam, is it really alright to be so relaxed?"

"It might not be, you see?"

Opal, who had been reading a book to pass the time, lifted her skirt to show the fidgeting Naja.

Seeing the pants she was wearing underneath, Naja burst out laughing.

"Madam, when did you prepare these? I didn't notice at all."

"A little while ago. When Naja and Julian were out of the room. Pants are convenient. You can put them on by yourself."

"That's true. I always envy men for that, not just for their clothes."

"Well, men have their own troubles, too, I suppose."

After sharing a laugh, Opal stood up and headed towards the window.

"Naja, you should get ready too. I think something will happen here soon."

"Y-Yes, I understand."

Naja, though not as neatly as Opal, had also made pants. She had been persuaded to make them to escape together with Opal, and they had sewn them in one day. When they had to move the next day, it was a relief that they had finished in time, and they had laughed about it in the carriage. Opal was definitely more tense now than she had been then. Sensing this, Naja hurried to prepare.

"This city of Passma was a stronghold of the anti-Alessandro faction during the time of the former Duke Bottselli, so you thought it was still under the control of the rebels, didn't you?"

Opal muttered to no one in particular as she gazed out the window. Naja, curious about what she meant, approached the window and gasped at the sight outside.

"Madam..."

"I wish it didn't have to come to bloodshed..."

Opal clenched her hands as if to bear the pain. Outside the window, the main street leading to the port was filled with soldiers. Naja, who had been trembling in fear at the sight of the soldiers, suddenly brightened when she saw their uniforms and the flags they were carrying.

"They're the King's Army! Madam, His Majesty has come to save us!"

"Still, we are prisoners. Naja, are you ready?"

"Of course!"

Just as Naja answered with a spirited voice despite her trembling, the door was forcefully opened. Not only Julian, but several soldiers—rebels—entered the room.

"Hello, Princess. It's finally your turn."

"...I've been waiting."

"You're as talkative as ever."

Julian smiled confidently and gave orders to the soldiers with one hand. Immediately, the soldiers restrained Opal and Naja, who were by the window.

"Madam!"

"It's alright, Naja. If we act calmly, everything will be fine."

Naja was restrained by two soldiers, but only her arms were held. However, Opal's arms were tied with rope and handed over to Julian.

"Coward."

"Say what you will."

"Madam!"

"Don't worry, Naja. We've practiced this many times."

Julian, who was holding the rope and pushing Opal's back roughly, continued to wear a mocking smile. Opal, hiding her feelings, also put on a calm smile and spoke to the worried Naja. But as soon as they left the room, Naja's mouth was covered, and she was taken in a different direction.

"Hey! What are you going to do with Naja!?"

"Perhaps you should worry about yourself first, Madam?"

"Don't joke around."

"All we need is you. Just be a good hostage."

Hearing Julian's words, Opal thought he was right and obediently followed. With so many of the King's Army filling the main street, there was no place for Cole and the others to run. The only option was to use Opal as a hostage to escape this place. If they were to escape afterward, it would be to the Lead Mine or the Duke's residence—

(Probably Claude has already taken control of the Lead Mine. The lack of news is either because the rebels don't know, or because I don't know.)

Claude couldn't fail. Such a thing couldn't happen. Opal reassured herself and thought about the actions of the cornered Cole and the others. The King's Army must have entered Passma Port with the rebels' flag still flying. After quickly taking control of the port, they likely secured the railway as well.

(But if they use me, they can free the station and escape to the residence where Konari and the others are. I don't know how many soldiers Konari and the others have, but it could become a troublesome situation if they join forces...)

While Opal was thinking, Cole came running with heavy footsteps. His face was pale, and he was sweating.

"Julian! We're surrounded!"

"Don't worry, it's fine. We'll find a way out."

Julian's calm words seemed to slightly calm Cole, who looked relieved to see Opal.

"I thought it would be better to kill her quickly, but it seems you were right to follow your plan."

While thinking that the idea of making Opal's death look like an accident during the inspection of the Lead Mine was Cole's, Opal followed Julian without resistance.

"So, what are we going to do now?"

"Of course, we'll negotiate. Hostages must be used effectively."

"What are the terms?"

"Opening the station, preparing the train, and we will join Konari and the others."

"But if they pursue us..."

"We can drop explosives on the tracks from the rear. You're good at demolition, right?"

"I see. We can buy time and wait for reinforcements."

"Yes, we also need to get organized."

It almost seemed like Julian was the commander. Opal, listening to their conversation, looked at Cole, but he didn't seem to notice. As she was pulled by the rope and stepped outside the inn, the King's Army had surrounded it. But Opal's eyes were only on one person.

"Claude..."

"Hello, Opal. I'm sorry for being late again in coming to get you."