Chapter 22: The Charm? — Part 4
When we returned to the estate with our unexpected companion in my arms, Father was waiting for us.
“You’re late.
The Royal Guard came here as well to question us.
Now tell me what happened on your end.”
My brother said he would first send word to the palace and summoned a servant.
“This dog belongs to the Second Prince.
We were searching for it after it ran off.
We’ll return it tomorrow, but we must inform them we’ve found it.”
He handed over a letter and sent the servant off.
Father looked exhausted.
“And how did it go for you?”
“I was questioned thoroughly yesterday, so today was only Maria’s turn.
And we confirmed the luggage.
Only the jewelry had been removed.”
“So it was for money?
She gave up her place as Marchioness and turned to theft instead?
She lacked consistency to the end.”
That interpretation was possible, but something about it felt wrong.
Murdering someone to claim a Marchioness’s seat and stealing a handful of jewelry to flee were crimes of entirely different natures.
Besides, there had been no solid evidence, and there was no clear reason for Merry to run.
It made even less sense.
How would society interpret this incident?
How would the Royal Guard conducting the investigation?
And Brian-sama?
As I fell into thought, Father began describing the questioning at the estate.
“They called it suspicion of Luna Bath’s murder.
It caught me completely off guard, but the suspicion seemed thin.
It felt more like a formality.”
Remembering it, his tense expression eased.
“Since that day, none of us except Eric have left the estate.
That was confirmed through questioning the servants.
The murder apparently took place the day before yesterday.
Until then, Luna had been hiding at a viscount’s residence.”
My brother looked surprised.
So was I.
Had Jason truly cared for her that much?
I did not love him, but the difference in how he treated us still stung.
“So she did not simply vanish.
She must have been in contact with Jason.
Did the Royal Guard mention anything further?”
My brother asked Father.
“Jason apparently kept her whereabouts hidden until his punishment was decided.
After the decision, he sent her a letter outlining her future arrangements.
The next day, she left the viscount’s house, saying she would step out briefly.
She never returned.”
“Then the likelihood points to an acquaintance—or an accomplice.
So the questioning of our house was merely procedural.”
“It seems the investigation is now focused on her background.
The Cruz Count’s House has effectively been established as an uninvolved victim.”
At last, Father truly relaxed and leaned back in his chair.
“They explained the general situation.
It appears there will be no further harm directed toward us, but we are advised to remain cautious for a while.”
Before leaving here, she must have intended to settle matters with that man.
She likely never imagined she would be silenced instead.
Who was he?
“How many pieces of jewelry were stolen, Maria?”
The question startled me, and I lifted my head.
As I listed the items, Father began muttering under his breath.
“Even a single garnet necklace would fetch a considerable sum for a commoner.
But still… something feels off.
I don’t like it.”
My brother leaned forward.
“Our house is in the midst of public attention.
At times like this, unsavory individuals are more likely to strike.
I would like to strengthen security for a while.
Is that acceptable?”
“Yes… that would be wise.”
“I will take command.
Maria in particular will have proper protection.
Megan and Doug should suffice.”
Those were the two top knights of the Cruz household guard.
Father’s eyes widened.
“You believe Maria is in danger?
Why?”
“It’s a volatile situation.
Curious men will flock about as well.
We must be cautious for a time.
Noel too.”
Overwhelmed by his momentum, Father entrusted everything to him.
Two knights were immediately stationed outside my room.
More guards than usual patrolled the grounds briskly.
“It will be good training.
Perfect timing.”
My brother looked satisfied.
I felt as though I had tossed a ball and told a dog to fetch.
Then suddenly I remembered—what about the dog we had rescued?
When I returned to my room, Bell was bathing and brushing it carefully.
At the sight of me, it leapt up in delight and scampered over.
Even when jumping, Chuck barely lifted off the ground.
The sight made my face soften.
“Come here, Chuck.
Have you been good?”
It pressed its head against me, whining sweetly.
No wonder it was beloved by the Second Prince.
It was irresistibly charming.
I almost did not want to return it.
“It seems quite attached to you, my lady.
When I tend to it, it behaves as though it is graciously allowing me to serve it.”
As I continued playing with Chuck, Lloyd arrived with news.
“Brian-sama will be visiting tomorrow.”
“Surely today’s behavior from my lady has made him anxious.
A successful strategy, if I may say so.”
What nonsense.
“I do not particularly wish to see Brian-sama right now.
Every secret I carry feels dangerously fragile.
His gaze frightens me.
I feel he would see through everything.”
Lloyd smiled gently.
“Brian-sama will be coming to retrieve the dog we are sheltering.
Additionally, His Highness the Second Prince wishes to express his gratitude and has invited you to the palace.
Brian-sama has offered to escort you.”
I was so shocked that I could not speak.
I had seen the Second Prince from afar, but I had never once spoken to him.
“What shall we do?
We must prepare a dress.
Jewelry as well.
And… oh, we must hurry!”
It was Bell who cried that out.