Chapter 12

"From Neil, to me?"

"Yes."

"What, what do you mean...?"

I couldn't understand why Neil would send me a letter. Confused, I looked at Gerald, who continued, "I'll explain everything in order."

– According to Gerald's investigation, there was only one young noble named Neil in this country. Incidentally, there were six Elizas and three Normans.

Currently, the Marquis family is checking with the same-named individuals to see if there have been any recent changes. However, it will take some time.

We were told that there is no way to swap bodies, so we have to act on our own from now on. We can't just rely on Gerald and the Marquis family; I need to find something I can do.

In any case, it seems highly likely that the body of this Neil is the one of the Neil we know.

"A few days ago, I sent a letter to Neil Basset, asking to meet and talk. By the way, he is the only son of a border baron."

"Border baron... Yeah, he might have mentioned that."

"Yes. I received a quick reply saying he would come to the capital next month for a ball and would like to meet then. The letter came with this. Even though I didn't mention you at all."

"Huh?"

"Perhaps, if he had returned to his original body at the same time as us, he might have guessed from the letter being sent in my name and the recent rumors about us."

Still, Gerald said it was too unnatural. He decided to open the letter and read it.

"Hmm... What? It's blank."

However, no matter how many times I looked, the note was completely white. Gerald peered at the letter and tilted his head.

"Did I get the wrong one?"

"I don't know. It's creepy."

Even when held up to the light, there was nothing written. By the way, my image of Neil was that of a smart and reliable person.

"Anyway, I'll let you know if I find out anything else."

"Thank you. You're amazing, Gerald."

"I'm two years older than Sadey, and I spent three years less time in that place than you did."

He said he would contact me again, gently patted my head, and left. I'm really glad he's here for me.

After seeing him off, I returned to my room alone. I picked up the blank letter that had been left on the table, intending to keep it just in case. Then I couldn't believe my eyes.

"Huh...?"

The paper, which had been blank just a moment ago, now read, "Be careful of Gerald."

◇◇◇

"What happened to your face?"

"I was hit by my father."

"Huh? Why?"

"Because I was involved with Sadey."

One morning, Rufus came to work as usual, but his right cheek was visibly red and swollen from a distance. When I asked what happened, he casually replied and began changing into his knight's uniform as if nothing was wrong.

I suggested he go to the healer, but he refused. I reluctantly brought out an ice pack, filled it with ice made from water and my magic, and handed it to him. He quietly applied it to his cheek, saying only, "Sorry."

"He said he would disown me if I didn't cut ties with her."

"…I see."

The story of how Sadey Arkwright, along with her former fiancé and bodyguard, rescued a child from a magical outburst in a fire had become the hottest topic in high society. Of course, the Marquis must have heard about it.

Indeed, considering the magnitude of what she did and Rufus's obvious inability to let go, it's understandable why the Marquis would say such a thing. In fact, it's surprising that he didn't break off the engagement in the past ten years.

"Still, she saved a life. She should be praised, not hit."

"…Have you heard about the strange state the High Priest was found in?"

"Huh? I've heard rumors."

I nodded, wondering why he suddenly brought up Sadey Arkwright and then the High Priest.

The High Priest, a key figure in the church, had been missing for a while. When he was finally found, he seemed to have been involved in some incident, and his mind was so damaged that he didn't even recognize his family and began acting strangely.

He has since been stripped of his position and is being treated in a remote area.

"…And now, it seems the Pope's health is also deteriorating."

"What?"

"The Langridge Marquis family is a staunch supporter of the church. My father is probably anxious because of that. He's been in a bad mood lately."

The nobles in this country are divided into the royal faction, the church faction, and the neutral faction. The Langridge Marquis family has always been part of the church faction.

The church has a long history, and even the royal family cannot interfere in many of its affairs.

This is because the Pope, a miraculous figure said to have existed since the founding of the country, resides there. That's why the church has always had a large number of followers and wielded immense power.

I've never heard of the Pope, who is treated like a god, being unwell. If something were to happen to the Pope, the power dynamics in this country would change dramatically. It's no wonder the Marquis is anxious.

I glanced at the clock; there was still plenty of time before the start of the workday. I made coffee for both of us and sat down.

"…Was it really Sadey Arkwright who used water magic to save the child?"

"Yes."

"She really has been acting strange lately."

From what I saw at the café the other day and what Rufus told me, she seemed like a completely different person.

The girl who used to yell at children without mercy rushing to save a life—unless she had been replaced, it seemed impossible.

"Is there a way to swap bodies?"

"…As far as I've investigated, there isn't."

"Right."

If such a method existed, the world would be in chaos. No one would believe anything.

That's why, no matter how much her behavior has changed recently, it's impossible to believe such a story. Rufus must understand that much.

"What are you going to do now?"

"I will avoid any further contact with her."

"That's probably for the best."

His profile looked incredibly sad.

Clearly, he still had feelings for her, but he had made this decision for the sake of his family and himself. It hurt to see him like this.

However, that afternoon.

Sadey Arkwright's visit to the knight's guild would easily break Rufus's vow.