Agatha, who had gone out to attend a social gathering at the palace with a light heart, returned to the mansion after hearing unexpected news.
Although most of his vassals had been sent to their fiefdoms for the territorial war, Henry Insidio's work could not be neglected.
“Where is Ethel?”
“The first assistant is in the office, Ma’am.”
When Agatha went to find Ethel, the head butler, Allen, reported his whereabouts.
“It seemed like she had something to report.”
“Yes, Allen. I’ll be eating dinner in the office tonight, so keep it simple.”
“Yes, Ma’am.”
Agatha, who had been assigned to stay up until dinnertime because she thought she would be busy, went straight into the office without even changing her clothes.
Since both the advance of the army and the supply of supplies were done through the direct control of the imperial territory, not only was the time shortened, but the efficiency in the field also increased as it became safer from raids.
However, this does not mean that the amount of paperwork that had to be processed has decreased.
First Assistant, Ethel Maslow, who was buried under a pile of scrolls and reports, greeted Agatha with a slightly pale face.
“Madam, are you here?”
“Thank you for your hard work, Ethel. First, I have something to ask you.”
“Please speak.”
Agatha sat down at her desk in her office and started to speak.
“Have you done any research on Henry Insidio recently?”
“Henry Insidio... are you speaking?”
It was clear that, like Agatha, Ethel had pushed the name into a corner of her memory and lived forgetting about it.
She seemed puzzled by Agatha suddenly bringing up the name of her fourth ex-husband, but then quickly brought up something she already knew.
“I remember checking on his current situation occasionally for three years after he was exiled. There had been no significant activity until then, so I haven’t looked back at him at all recently.”
It was just as Agatha knew.
“What happened?”
“On my way back from the palace today, I met Marquis Leonard Shinjere and heard a strange story.”
Ethel straightened her posture. Agatha told her the story Leonard had told her.
“I think we need to figure out who is entering and leaving the place of exile.”
“Shall we request an inspection by the Department of Justice?”
“That’s a good idea. Just in case, try to find out what’s going on in the place of exile. Also, check out the Insidio family.”
"All right."
She thinks this will be enough.
Only then did Agatha sigh and sink deeper into her chair. If nothing special had happened, it would have been easy to find out who was entering and leaving the place of exile.
Maybe he's from the Insidio family.
“Oh, by the way, I heard from Allen that you had something to report to me.”
Ethel immediately got up and took out the report and presented it to me.
“Yes, my lady. I hear that the Marquis has arrived near the territory.”
"Then..."
“He is planning to launch a preemptive strike on the Jennings family’s territory as planned. He has not given me the exact time of the attack.”
To that extent, it was something that could be moved flexibly on-site.
It's finally starting.
“Did the doctor and the herbalist get enough?”
“Yes. Additional personnel and supplies are also expected to arrive after the first battle.”
"Great."
Please make sure you don't get hurt this time either and have a safe trip.
“Thank you for your hard work, Ethel. Go and take care of business.”
“Yes, Ma’am.”
Ethel left the office after submitting the documents that needed final approval. Agatha looked through the documents and let out a long sigh.
Should I tell him the story about Henry Insidio?
It's not that important, so she wonders if she really needs to tell this to a man who's about to go into battle.
What made her hesitate more than anything was that it was about her ex-husband.
'But you'll be upset when you find out later, right?'
“...I’m not the type of person to hesitate like this.”
Agatha, who had been thinking for a while with a slight smile on her face, finally picked up the quill.
The recipient was her husband, Enoch Aratus.
The next day, Agatha went out to socialize as usual.
Today's schedule included an opera performance at the Armand Hall.
There was a prima donna who appeared like a deity in the capital recently.
“Have you heard that Katie Morris has a voice like a nightingale?”
“They say he has the skill to span four octaves.”
“I heard that the masters praised each and every note for being very precise, and today we will be able to see the true meaning of that.”
There were so many nobles looking forward to today's performance that their excited voices could be heard even from the balcony seats.
Madame Iris, sitting next to Agatha, was also one of those looking forward to Katie Morris' performance.
“This is her first solo performance. I looked at the program list and it seems to consist of a diverse repertoire.”
“There is also an aria that Lady Iris likes.”
“Yes. In fact, this is what I’m most looking forward to.”
Soon the red curtain covering the stage slowly rose.
“I guess it’s starting now. The stage is opening over there.”
As she spoke, Madame Iris's eyes lit up.
Agatha smiled and waved her fan.
As soon as the show started, a bunch of lights came down from the ceiling.
Below, a young prima donna was seen with her eyes wide open and her body bathed in light, taking a deep breath.
A chillingly clear and beautiful voice struck the first note.
The orchestra's performance began at the same time, filling the concert hall with loud resonance.
Aaaah-
Drumroll-
It was a great song that could temporarily soothe even Agatha's complicated mind these days.
“Oh my God.”
The beautiful singing voice soon rose to the tune and began to move up and down in a higher and more technical manner.
Three or four songs passed by in an instant swept up in the melody and passion that made it impossible not to focus.
It was definitely enjoyable to the ears though.
Agatha felt a little dizzy, perhaps because she had been worrying about a lot of things lately and was not feeling well.
“Madam Iris, I’ll be back in the break room for a moment.”
“Yes, have a nice trip.”
The perceptive Marie quietly approached and supported Agatha.
“Are you okay, Ma’am?”
"It's okay."
As Agatha opened the door and came out, answering the whispering voice, the eyes of the First Vice-Captain, Leon, and the knights who were guarding her outside were drawn to her.
As soon as the door closed, Leon opened his mouth.
“What is it, Ma’am?”
“I’m not feeling very well. I think I’ll go to the break room.”
“I will call the staff.”
An employee came running and guided them to the break room.
As the Armand Hall was intended for the nobility, it had a formal lounge.
“This is a resting place for ladies. However, as this is a lady's area, knights are not allowed to enter.”
“I know. I’ll be back.”
“I will be guarding at the door.”
Agatha left Leon and the knights behind and entered the lounge with her maids.
Beyond the door, down a short hallway, there was a quaint, curtained lounge.
A soft sofa and table, and even a small bed on one side.
As it was early in the performance, there were no guests who had arrived earlier. As Agatha leaned back on the sofa, Marie quickly approached and squeezed Agatha’s hand.
“Would you like me to bring you some water?”
“Would you do that?”
Jessie quickly stepped forward.
“I’ll get it, Ma’am. Marie, you stay with me.”
“Yes, I’ll be back.”
Jesse quickly left the break room. Marie rubbed her hands together and carefully moved her hands to her calves.
“Are you okay?”
“It’s much better. Thank you.”
It seemed like he was secretly feeling a lot of pressure in the current situation.
Agatha closed her eyes and reached out her hand to Marie.
“Madam, ah!”
Agatha opened her eyes wide at the urgent scream. The last thing she saw was two men dressed as staff members and Marie about to collapse.
“Re, uh...!”
“Put the gag on!”
Agatha hands were tied behind her back as the rough cloth dug into her lips.
A black sack was hanging over his head.
“Ugh, ugh...!”
There are knights right in front of you!
Puck-
'Ah...'
Agatha, who had her back of the head struck, lost consciousness. The intruders could be faintly heard muttering.
“Just take a deep breath and wake up.”
The intruders, carrying sagging sacks on their shoulders, cautiously made their way down the hallway and to the staff-only door off to the side.
They left the Armand Hall and quietly disappeared into a carriage that had been waiting in advance.
The escort knights noticed something strange when Jesse, who had returned with the water, saw Marie unconscious and screamed loudly.
“Whoa!”
“What’s going on!”
Although it was a completely impolite action, Leon and the knights ignored it and entered the lounge, raising the curtain.
“Le, Leon, Sir. Marie, Madam…...!”
Jessie was sitting on the floor, having dropped her glass of water.
Marie, the maid collapsed in front of him.
The First Vice-Captain, Leon, and the knights of Aratus let out suppressed groans as they realized the existence of Agatha who had disappeared without a trace.
The Madam was kidnapped.
Leon calmly gave the order.
“Divide into groups of four. Search the hall quietly and secretly so that the madam’s disappearance is not known.”
"All right."
Leon then gave Jessie a couple of knights as well. He wanted to send the unconscious Marie back to the mansion first, and at the same time, request knights to be dispatched to the castle gates.
“When the maid wakes up, ask her what happened. Send knights to all four gates and tell them to track down the suspicious individuals. Hurry!”
Although most of his vassals had been sent to their fiefdoms for the territorial war, Henry Insidio's work could not be neglected.
“Where is Ethel?”
“The first assistant is in the office, Ma’am.”
When Agatha went to find Ethel, the head butler, Allen, reported his whereabouts.
“It seemed like she had something to report.”
“Yes, Allen. I’ll be eating dinner in the office tonight, so keep it simple.”
“Yes, Ma’am.”
Agatha, who had been assigned to stay up until dinnertime because she thought she would be busy, went straight into the office without even changing her clothes.
Since both the advance of the army and the supply of supplies were done through the direct control of the imperial territory, not only was the time shortened, but the efficiency in the field also increased as it became safer from raids.
However, this does not mean that the amount of paperwork that had to be processed has decreased.
First Assistant, Ethel Maslow, who was buried under a pile of scrolls and reports, greeted Agatha with a slightly pale face.
“Madam, are you here?”
“Thank you for your hard work, Ethel. First, I have something to ask you.”
“Please speak.”
Agatha sat down at her desk in her office and started to speak.
“Have you done any research on Henry Insidio recently?”
“Henry Insidio... are you speaking?”
It was clear that, like Agatha, Ethel had pushed the name into a corner of her memory and lived forgetting about it.
She seemed puzzled by Agatha suddenly bringing up the name of her fourth ex-husband, but then quickly brought up something she already knew.
“I remember checking on his current situation occasionally for three years after he was exiled. There had been no significant activity until then, so I haven’t looked back at him at all recently.”
It was just as Agatha knew.
“What happened?”
“On my way back from the palace today, I met Marquis Leonard Shinjere and heard a strange story.”
Ethel straightened her posture. Agatha told her the story Leonard had told her.
“I think we need to figure out who is entering and leaving the place of exile.”
“Shall we request an inspection by the Department of Justice?”
“That’s a good idea. Just in case, try to find out what’s going on in the place of exile. Also, check out the Insidio family.”
"All right."
She thinks this will be enough.
Only then did Agatha sigh and sink deeper into her chair. If nothing special had happened, it would have been easy to find out who was entering and leaving the place of exile.
Maybe he's from the Insidio family.
“Oh, by the way, I heard from Allen that you had something to report to me.”
Ethel immediately got up and took out the report and presented it to me.
“Yes, my lady. I hear that the Marquis has arrived near the territory.”
"Then..."
“He is planning to launch a preemptive strike on the Jennings family’s territory as planned. He has not given me the exact time of the attack.”
To that extent, it was something that could be moved flexibly on-site.
It's finally starting.
“Did the doctor and the herbalist get enough?”
“Yes. Additional personnel and supplies are also expected to arrive after the first battle.”
"Great."
Please make sure you don't get hurt this time either and have a safe trip.
“Thank you for your hard work, Ethel. Go and take care of business.”
“Yes, Ma’am.”
Ethel left the office after submitting the documents that needed final approval. Agatha looked through the documents and let out a long sigh.
Should I tell him the story about Henry Insidio?
It's not that important, so she wonders if she really needs to tell this to a man who's about to go into battle.
What made her hesitate more than anything was that it was about her ex-husband.
'But you'll be upset when you find out later, right?'
“...I’m not the type of person to hesitate like this.”
Agatha, who had been thinking for a while with a slight smile on her face, finally picked up the quill.
The recipient was her husband, Enoch Aratus.
The next day, Agatha went out to socialize as usual.
Today's schedule included an opera performance at the Armand Hall.
There was a prima donna who appeared like a deity in the capital recently.
“Have you heard that Katie Morris has a voice like a nightingale?”
“They say he has the skill to span four octaves.”
“I heard that the masters praised each and every note for being very precise, and today we will be able to see the true meaning of that.”
There were so many nobles looking forward to today's performance that their excited voices could be heard even from the balcony seats.
Madame Iris, sitting next to Agatha, was also one of those looking forward to Katie Morris' performance.
“This is her first solo performance. I looked at the program list and it seems to consist of a diverse repertoire.”
“There is also an aria that Lady Iris likes.”
“Yes. In fact, this is what I’m most looking forward to.”
Soon the red curtain covering the stage slowly rose.
“I guess it’s starting now. The stage is opening over there.”
As she spoke, Madame Iris's eyes lit up.
Agatha smiled and waved her fan.
As soon as the show started, a bunch of lights came down from the ceiling.
Below, a young prima donna was seen with her eyes wide open and her body bathed in light, taking a deep breath.
A chillingly clear and beautiful voice struck the first note.
The orchestra's performance began at the same time, filling the concert hall with loud resonance.
Aaaah-
Drumroll-
It was a great song that could temporarily soothe even Agatha's complicated mind these days.
“Oh my God.”
The beautiful singing voice soon rose to the tune and began to move up and down in a higher and more technical manner.
Three or four songs passed by in an instant swept up in the melody and passion that made it impossible not to focus.
It was definitely enjoyable to the ears though.
Agatha felt a little dizzy, perhaps because she had been worrying about a lot of things lately and was not feeling well.
“Madam Iris, I’ll be back in the break room for a moment.”
“Yes, have a nice trip.”
The perceptive Marie quietly approached and supported Agatha.
“Are you okay, Ma’am?”
"It's okay."
As Agatha opened the door and came out, answering the whispering voice, the eyes of the First Vice-Captain, Leon, and the knights who were guarding her outside were drawn to her.
As soon as the door closed, Leon opened his mouth.
“What is it, Ma’am?”
“I’m not feeling very well. I think I’ll go to the break room.”
“I will call the staff.”
An employee came running and guided them to the break room.
As the Armand Hall was intended for the nobility, it had a formal lounge.
“This is a resting place for ladies. However, as this is a lady's area, knights are not allowed to enter.”
“I know. I’ll be back.”
“I will be guarding at the door.”
Agatha left Leon and the knights behind and entered the lounge with her maids.
Beyond the door, down a short hallway, there was a quaint, curtained lounge.
A soft sofa and table, and even a small bed on one side.
As it was early in the performance, there were no guests who had arrived earlier. As Agatha leaned back on the sofa, Marie quickly approached and squeezed Agatha’s hand.
“Would you like me to bring you some water?”
“Would you do that?”
Jessie quickly stepped forward.
“I’ll get it, Ma’am. Marie, you stay with me.”
“Yes, I’ll be back.”
Jesse quickly left the break room. Marie rubbed her hands together and carefully moved her hands to her calves.
“Are you okay?”
“It’s much better. Thank you.”
It seemed like he was secretly feeling a lot of pressure in the current situation.
Agatha closed her eyes and reached out her hand to Marie.
“Madam, ah!”
Agatha opened her eyes wide at the urgent scream. The last thing she saw was two men dressed as staff members and Marie about to collapse.
“Re, uh...!”
“Put the gag on!”
Agatha hands were tied behind her back as the rough cloth dug into her lips.
A black sack was hanging over his head.
“Ugh, ugh...!”
There are knights right in front of you!
Puck-
'Ah...'
Agatha, who had her back of the head struck, lost consciousness. The intruders could be faintly heard muttering.
“Just take a deep breath and wake up.”
The intruders, carrying sagging sacks on their shoulders, cautiously made their way down the hallway and to the staff-only door off to the side.
They left the Armand Hall and quietly disappeared into a carriage that had been waiting in advance.
The escort knights noticed something strange when Jesse, who had returned with the water, saw Marie unconscious and screamed loudly.
“Whoa!”
“What’s going on!”
Although it was a completely impolite action, Leon and the knights ignored it and entered the lounge, raising the curtain.
“Le, Leon, Sir. Marie, Madam…...!”
Jessie was sitting on the floor, having dropped her glass of water.
Marie, the maid collapsed in front of him.
The First Vice-Captain, Leon, and the knights of Aratus let out suppressed groans as they realized the existence of Agatha who had disappeared without a trace.
The Madam was kidnapped.
Leon calmly gave the order.
“Divide into groups of four. Search the hall quietly and secretly so that the madam’s disappearance is not known.”
"All right."
Leon then gave Jessie a couple of knights as well. He wanted to send the unconscious Marie back to the mansion first, and at the same time, request knights to be dispatched to the castle gates.
“When the maid wakes up, ask her what happened. Send knights to all four gates and tell them to track down the suspicious individuals. Hurry!”
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