Chapter 26: At the Royal Palace — Part 2
“Brian.
You pulled out the handkerchief he was hugging earlier, didn’t you?
Give it back.”
“That belongs to me.
He took it in the carriage, so I retrieved it.”
“It’s just a handkerchief.
What’s the big deal?
You’re strange.”
“It is special.”
“Whoa.
What’s that supposed to mean?
Let me see it.”
My heart pounded as my handkerchief became the subject of discussion.
My throat felt dry, and I drained my tea at once.
A servant immediately refilled my cup.
The tea was exquisite.
I could not help admiring how different the palace’s fare was.
As promised, His Highness and Brian-sama were clearly close, speaking without much restraint.
While they bantered, Chuck hopped down from his chair and came to me.
He tugged at my skirt, so I lifted him into my lap.
“Oh?
Chuck doesn’t seem reluctant.
That’s unusual.
What’s gotten into him?”
“Perhaps he felt relieved after being rescued when he was anxious.
He became attached very quickly.”
“Hmm.
He’s rather temperamental, dislikes maids, and even chooses among attendants.
It’s been troublesome… Would you consider working at the palace?
As Chuck’s caretaker?”
Alf-sama said it playfully.
How delightful that would be…
But now was not the time.
First, I must find the jewel with the eye pattern.
And determine the movements of the mysterious man who sought it.
The dreams were a mystery.
The return from death was a mystery.
Yet surely all of it was connected.
With genuine regret, I declined.
“I would love to see Chuck again, but for now it would be difficult.”
Alf-sama seemed sincerely disappointed and let his shoulders drop.
We continued our tea leisurely, and when it was nearly time to depart, Brian-sama addressed His Highness.
“You summoned only Maria-jou and not Eric, yet you have not asked about the incident at all.”
I had wondered the same, though it felt improper to ask.
I was grateful for the question.
“I simply wished to meet her.
I suspect many others feel the same.”
He winked casually.
“Still, I did not expect such a beauty.
I was so taken aback that I ended up chatting foolishly with Brian instead.
Maria-jou, you won’t think me uncouth, will you?”
What an amusing and charming person.
Chuck patted his chest with his front paws.
As I stroked them, I smiled.
“As expected of Chuck’s master.
You make the atmosphere most delightful.”
“Let us be off.
Your Highness, please be generous with the reward.
We shall invoice you for the dress and the handkerchief.”
Escorted by Brian-sama, I rose.
His Highness insisted on seeing us off and followed, holding Chuck.
“Let’s take this corridor.
Brian, did you truly guide such a beauty through the back entrance?”
For some reason, Brian-sama remained silent.
Walking alongside royalty—
It was then I first realized the weight of it.
Those in the corridor stepped aside and bowed their heads.
His Highness and Brian-sama were accustomed to it, but I stiffened with tension.
Brian-sama discreetly supported me, escorting me smoothly.
After we passed, whispers followed.
I wondered what they were saying.
Bell, walking some distance behind, appeared to be gathering information.
I would ask her later.
“Ah, Head Maid.
My Chuck has returned.
Please see to him again.”
The woman waiting nearby lifted her head.
“Understood.
We shall ensure no impropriety occurs.”
“This lady is the one who found Chuck.”
“Truly?
Thank you so very much.
You have saved us.”
Her gratitude seemed heartfelt.
Chuck must have been quite difficult.
“Moreover, Chuck has grown attached to her.”
“Oh my!”
The Head Maid’s eyes sparkled.
“A rare lady indeed.
You should try persuading her as well.”
Brian-sama laughed lightly and interrupted.
“She has already declined.
That will be all for today.
No need to see us further.”
He gently tugged my hand and led me away.
Chuck yelped.
“If you turn back, you will not be able to leave.
Walk straight ahead.”
He whispered that by my ear, stopping me before I could glance back.
This path felt far longer than before.
At last, we exited the palace and reached the waiting carriage.
As I was about to board, two Royal Guards hurried toward us.
“Vice-Captain.
We have urgent news to report.
May we?”
After helping me into the carriage, Brian-sama stepped aside with them.
Their expressions were grim.
When he returned, his face was tight with thought.
“Set off.”
He instructed the driver and fell silent.
Even in silence, the news would soon reach us.
“Jason has been killed.”
“What!?”
“He was found collapsed in the same vacant lot where Merry’s body was discovered.
Likely the same perpetrator.
But Jason was skilled.
To defeat him, the opponent must be more than a mere thug.”
In my mind, the image of the mysterious man grew darker and more terrifying.
He had appeared to be a mild merchant at first glance.
“How dreadful.”
“You are safe.
But what could Jason have been involved in?”
Seeing Bell tremble, I resolved anew to protect everyone at the estate.
“How does my brother Eric’s swordsmanship compare to Jason’s?”
“In pure sword skill, they were evenly matched.
But in overall combat, including other disciplines, Eric surpasses him.”
I touched Bell’s arm.
Her face was pale.
Mine likely was too.
After some time, Brian-sama spoke quietly.
“Is there anything I can do to assist?”
Of course.
Anyone seeing our agitation would sense something amiss.
We could not conceal it.
I resolved to reveal at least part of the truth.
“…We have done nothing wrong.
It seems that something belonging to me is being targeted.
By this unknown culprit.”
Brian-sama looked startled.
It was not what he had expected.
“What do you mean?”
“I must consult with my brother before saying more.
He should be at the estate.”
The rest of the journey passed in heavy silence.
When we arrived, several unfamiliar carriages were parked outside, and our servants were running about.
“What is happening?”
Bell peered out.
“They are unloading crates from the carriages, my lady.”
“I have heard nothing about this.”
I hurried down from the carriage.
Two footmen approached.
“Gifts of apology have arrived from the Marquis House.
It was so sudden that we are in quite a commotion.”
So abruptly?
Could this be related to Jason’s death?
I turned to Brian-sama.
“Has word already reached the Marquis House?”
“Unlikely.
It seems rather swift.
In any case, this is peculiar.”
His eyes turned the same cold blue as when we first met.
My tension rose under that gaze.