The Duke was declared missing, and all other organizers were detained.
Now that we've covered the scene, the evidence couldn't be more conclusive.
The rebellious nobles soon realized the reality and began to plot a way out.
Since the Duke had gone missing, there seemed to be some who thought they could take advantage of the confusion to make amends.
So, it was important to publicly arrest the other organizer, the First Prince, if only to set an example.
If the head falls off, the rest of the tails will also fall apart.
But, how on earth...
All the documents the Duke had been keeping, as well as the list of names that had remained in the Warlock's residence, were now in his possession..
But nowhere could I find any evidence that the First Prince was invoIved.
It didn't make sense, considering how involved he was in this matter.
"Did you do something about it in advance? I thought he would be sloppy in his handling of things because he was addicted to hallucinogenic drugs..."
I asked Raphael, who was helping me out, but that didn't mean he could create evidence that didn't exist.
"Let's check it out to the end first."
Vermont and Sarah were also gathered together and looking over the documents as if they were literally looking to borrow a cat's paw.
Rumors have probably already spread among the nobles, and it would be a problem if the Prince ran away overnight.
As I was resting my chin on my hand and searching for evidence that was nowhere to be seen, there was a knock on the door of my office, despite the late hour.
"It's probably Melua."
Raphael said so and opened the door and let him in.
The person who knocked was indeed Melua. He came in with a puzzled look on his face and delivered unexpected news.
"I apologize for the inconvenience. A guest is looking for Her Highness the Grand Duchess."
"At this time?"
"That is an urgent matter, so you have come to see me. This is Lady Martha Wintersoar."
Did you come to see me after hearing news of the Duke?
But I didn't frown like I used to when I heard she had come to see me. It was because I felt like there must be a reason.
"Take me to the reception room. I'll be there now."
When I got up, Raphael also got up naturally.
I thought he was overprotective, but considering that he had just been kidnapped, I understood. When he said he would just wait in the hallway, I ended up pretending I couldn't win and went with him.
***
As I entered the reception room, I saw her with no makeup on, as if she had come running in a hurry. Her clothes were also light.
"Sister!"
Martha must have been waiting for me eagerly because as soon as I entered the living room, she jumped up and greeted me cheerfully.
Perhaps because I was recalling memories from before time was turned back, I felt strange and a little happy about the sight all over again.
"What are you doing at this hour?"
"That's because I heard news about my father."
It was a statement that could be interpreted in many ways. I just hoped that she hadn't come to see me because she was worried about the Duke.
Even so, looking at Martha's expression, she seemed far from worried.
"So, that's..."
Martha hesitated for a moment, then finally took out the bag I had brought. It was dark and large, not the kind of bag that would suit a noblewoman or a young lady.
Although I found her sudden behavior strange, I waited in silence for the time being.
"My sister once told me something. You told me to find my own way out."
"Yeah, that's right."
"At first, I didn't know what it meant. So I just waited."
I nodded quietly and listened to Martha's continued words.
"All I could do from my position was watch for now. That's how I gathered these things."
After checking the contents of the bag, Martha handed it to me with a relieved expression. I accepted It in a daze and checked the content.
"....It smells like charcoal."
Even though I only touched it briefly, black soot appeared on my fingertips.
I carefully checked what was inside the bag. Surprisingly....
There were several sheets of paper tied together...
I opened my eyes wide in disbelief and checked the contents. The documents I had been looking for all evening were right here.
"I've collected the papers that my father often burned in the fireplace, and even the ones he tried to use as kindling just a few days ago. I copied down the parts that were not visible as best I could."
I could hear a faint hint of satisfaction in Martha's voice. My eyes grew wide as I quickly checked the contents of the document.
Not only was there a confidential document stating that the Prince was one of the organizers of the auction, there was also a contract with the Duke to prepare for possible be trayal.
Even if it was half-burned, it was clear evidence.
Once this thing falls into our hands, he can never escape.
"You might have guessed that this was coming, seeing as you were just gathering them up and trying to burn them."
She spoke calmly and didn't seem like the sister I knew.
"... I don't understand all the details. But I know that my father did something very bad. To my sister and to other people."
"And to you, too. I suppose. Martha."
I said, recalling the scar on Martha's cheek the other day.
Martha shook her head, saying that what happened to her was nothing serious.
"I didn't know anything until then. So I know that I am responsible for it. The dresses I wore, the jewelry I wore, the meals I ate every day..."
Martha, who realized the Duke's actions too late, said that it was difficult for her to enjoy the wealth she had amassed.
It was indeed a difficult problem.
Seeing her sobbing, I wanted to tell her that it wasn't her fault, but I wondered if the victims felt that way too.
My role was limited to handing Martha a handkerchief.
At least I've decided to forgive her for what she did to me.
Martha buried her reddened eyes in her handkerchief and said.
"Every minute is painful. But it's much better now than when I lived in the past, blindfolded and not knowing anything."
"..."
"I want to live my life learning a lot from now on. To do that, I think I need to change."
It was amazing how quickly Martha's values changed without anyone directly teaching her anything.
Maybe it was because she was still young. She was actually at an age where she could start anything new.
"So... I'm going to leave the kingdom."
It seemed that Martha had the same thoughts as me and made a decision accordingly.
"They say that among the people my father sold off, there were many children."
"Yeah, that's right."
She thought for a while, her face distorted with a bitter expression, and then said.
"I won't come back as a noblewoman. I'll work, see many things, and earn a living on my own."
There aren't many noble ladies who would be able to give up the life they've lived their whole lives and say something like that. It was a tremendous decision.
"But don't do that, sister."
While I was feeling strange feelings for her Martha said to me.
"Sis, you're different from me, so don't feel guilty and just move on."
Martha said her last words as she packed her light luggage.
We may need witnesses, so this may not be the end of what we see.
But it seemed like there was a hint at the end that was soon to come.
"It might be a bit presumptuous, but my older sister is a good fit for the Duke's household."
***
After seeing Martha off, I headed back to the hallway where Raphael was waiting.
"Raphaell... Aren't you bored?"
"It's okay."
"I have good news. Let's go first."
I smiled with a face so sparkling I couldn't hide it. Everyone must be happy to hear that I found the documents.
On the one hand, there was a slightly uneasy feeling in my excited heart.
'I said I was suitable for the Duke's household.'
At first, I started out with the idea of taking over the Duke's house and finding magical tools.
But when I thought about all the things my father had ruined and that I would have to rebuild from scratch, I felt responsible and, at the same time, overwhelmed.
I looked up at Raphael, and he smiled as if asking why.
As soon as I saw that scene, I felt a sense of relief. At the same time, I felt like I had found the answer, so I smiled and muttered.
"Well, even if I'm not good at it, it's better than being a Duke..."
Maybe it was a completely useles s worry.
Raphael strangely sympathized with what I was saying.
"You will go down in history as one of the greatest Dukes."
"Then I guess I should start by apologizing."
The victims, their families, and even the people of the realm who were shocked by the actions of the Duke they served.
I held the documents Martha had handed me once more tightly.
Starting tomorrow, I'm going to be incredibly busy.
Although I let out a sigh, a small smile filled with anticipation for the future spread across my lips.
"It's a long way to go, Raphael. Will you walk with me?"
Support Novellate!
Comments
Post a Comment