Episode 19. Tesha's Secret
Kassius quenched his thirst.
What the heck is this...?
Kassius glared at the teacup, which had evolved from simple poison to a poison from hell, as if he were looking at it with hostility.
In truth, this mansion lacked any proper furnishings.
How could there be a chef when we couldn't afford one?
The knights were cooking, just as they had learned on the battlefield: slicing, roasting, boiling, and salting.
Compared to the days when they couldn't even eat comfortably on the battlefield, this place must be heaven...?
The black tea the knights had bravely brought down tasted like hell.
Kassius sighed and put down his teacup.
Turiel, on the other hand, remained as unfazed as before.
"...Will that go down my throat?"
The sharp words escaped him without his knowing it.
Turiel glanced at Kassius and burst into laughter.
“Yes. It goes down my throat so easily. My Lord, you seem quite honest.”
Kassius frowned.
There seemed to be an underlying intention behind those words, but he couldn’t discern any.
Are all women in high society like this? Kassius stuck out his tongue.
Still, Renisha...
Renisha, whom he had been relying on, revealing all his feelings, suddenly came to mind.
He had been trying desperately to forget Renisha.
There were days when he greeted dawn in the training grounds, swinging his sword in a feast of thoughts that kept him up at night.
And yet, Renisha...
He brought her to mind so casually.
“Why did you come?”
Kassius asked, irritated without realizing it.
Then, realizing his own state, he rubbed his forehead.
“...I’m sorry.”
“I understand you were surprised, given my sudden visit.”
Turiel smiled lightly.
Kassius was a rare type of person in this social circle.
He spoke his mind and showed his emotions so casually.
That meant he was vulnerable.
Of course, if Kassius became strong enough to resist attack.
Could Kassius possess that kind of power?
Was there a reason why Renisha would put so much effort into Kassius?
Turiel felt she couldn't judge yet.
It wasn't something she should jump to conclusions about...
If Kassius was an obstacle to Renisha's path, she should consider eliminating him.
Even if she was smiling on the outside, she wasn't truly smiling.
Inside, she was diligently tapping away at her calculator.
Turiel had staked her life on Renisha.
"I've come again on her errand. She asked me to tell her that I received the gift you sent her a while ago."
"A gift?"
Kassius looked puzzled.
Kassius turned his head sharply to look at Terion.
Terion quickly shook his head.
"It wasn't me."
Turiel tilted her head.
Lindy looked genuinely delighted as she relayed these words.
She couldn't help but think Kassius must have sent a great gift.
Lindy's delight meant that Renisha had been pleased.
"What's that reaction?"
Kassius spoke before Turiel could ask.
"Please wait here for a moment. Sir Terion will be Madame's conversation partner."
Kassius nodded and left.
Terion, suddenly pushed aside, awkwardly sat down in his chair.
"Hmm!"
Terion awkwardly lifted his teacup.
He had forgotten what was inside and was gulping down the contents. Turiel said nonchalantly.
"Oh. You're suddenly taking on me. Oh dear, I made sure to send back the cute kids you sent behind me."
Turiel cut herself off and locked eyes with Terion.
Terion coughed violently.
“The only person who would do such a thing in this mansion is you... Rather, please ask me what you’re curious about. The lady doesn’t particularly enjoy having her secrets discovered.”
“Cough!”
Of course, Terion knew what Turiel was talking about.
It was Terion who sent someone to Turiel.
He thought there must be a reason why Turiel continued to act as a messenger.
And why would Renisha continue to show such kindness without a reason?
Terion knew that high society wasn’t that easy.
Kassius seemed to think he could just hang out with them as they pleased and then leave for Hiloshine, but... that might not be the end of it.
“...Will you answer my questions?”
“If there’s a question I can answer, I will.”
Turiel smiled.
“...Actually, we’re practically isolated right now.”
Terion’s expression darkened. He’d never felt so frustrated before.
Even in war, gathering information about the enemy comes first.
Without information, even a war couldn’t be won.
But now, Terion and Kassius were floating like isolated islands in this social circle, without any information.
If things continued this way, even a small war would be lost.
Kassius’s ability to repair the broken battle lines and lead the war to victory was in part due to the information Terion possessed.
Terion wanted to make Kassius a victor.
“This place is so closed off. No one wants to stay by our side.”
“Everyone is just burying their heads. Even if the Emperor seems mad, there’s one thing he does right. The Emperor’s eyes are everywhere. He must know I come and go here.”
Turiel’s voice softened slightly.
Judging by Terion’s demeanor, Kassius and Terion weren’t completely oblivious.
“The Emperor must have some ulterior motive for keeping Sir Kassius here. But since there’s no way to figure it out, Sir Kassius and I are frustrated. That’s why I’ve been rude. I apologize.”
“I accept your apology. I understand Sir Terion’s frustration.”
Turiel set his teacup down on the saucer.
It was inevitable.
The nobles, fearful of being caught by the Emperor, had closed their doors.
Aside from clandestine meetings, they were abstaining from even the most sensible social gatherings.
The Emperor’s eyes were everywhere.
The Emperor was a suspicious man.
He had become Emperor by holding Lottera’s hand, but he had maintained his position.
There was no way to know what kind of evil words might reach the Emperor's ears.
The meeting Turiel had previously attended had also been held secretly, with only a select few present.
Most of the nobles there had clung to Renisha's skirts, seeking comfort.
"And I don't know what the Empress is thinking. Why are you sending us a madam to show us her kindness?"
Terion asked bluntly.
"That's a question I can't answer."
Even things you already know shouldn't be spoken lightly.
Terion ruffled his hair.
"However, I can tell you one thing. As I've said before, the best you can do is trust Her Majesty the Empress."
Turiel spoke with confidence.
"Her Majesty..."
"Don't disappoint her. That's all."
"We are about to depart for Hiloshine. How can we be of any help to Her Majesty?"
Turiel tilted her head.
Her cold gaze swept over Terion.
Terion felt like meat in a slaughterhouse before Turiel.
"That's the same question, so I have no answer."
Same question.
Terion chewed on the words.
What Turiel couldn't answer was the Empress and the Emperor's ulterior motives.
That, and their trip to Hiloshine, and their being helpful to the Empress.
'Same question?'
Terion calmly collected his thoughts.
The Emperor had gone mad.
Terion was well aware of the Emperor's inferiority complex toward the Empress.
How could he not know why Duke Lottera had been forced into battle?
Hadn't Terion witnessed with his own eyes the great Duke's death?
And the Emperor hated the Empress.
The Emperor had killed Duke Lottera. And what if the Empress was next?
What if he was trying to... remove the Empress from his presence?
Terion raised his pale face.
The Empress had maintained a gentle attitude toward Kassius throughout.
And if the Emperor was trying to oust the Empress, then the Emperor didn't like Kassius.
His ill-treatment of him thus far was a clear indication.
If the Emperor was trying to insult the Empress...!
Furthermore, he heard Kassius had been given the title of Duke of Lottera.
All the confusion was pointing to a single answer.
"Perhaps the Empress is Sir Kassius...!"
Kassius quenched his thirst.
What the heck is this...?
Kassius glared at the teacup, which had evolved from simple poison to a poison from hell, as if he were looking at it with hostility.
In truth, this mansion lacked any proper furnishings.
How could there be a chef when we couldn't afford one?
The knights were cooking, just as they had learned on the battlefield: slicing, roasting, boiling, and salting.
Compared to the days when they couldn't even eat comfortably on the battlefield, this place must be heaven...?
The black tea the knights had bravely brought down tasted like hell.
Kassius sighed and put down his teacup.
Turiel, on the other hand, remained as unfazed as before.
"...Will that go down my throat?"
The sharp words escaped him without his knowing it.
Turiel glanced at Kassius and burst into laughter.
“Yes. It goes down my throat so easily. My Lord, you seem quite honest.”
Kassius frowned.
There seemed to be an underlying intention behind those words, but he couldn’t discern any.
Are all women in high society like this? Kassius stuck out his tongue.
Still, Renisha...
Renisha, whom he had been relying on, revealing all his feelings, suddenly came to mind.
He had been trying desperately to forget Renisha.
There were days when he greeted dawn in the training grounds, swinging his sword in a feast of thoughts that kept him up at night.
And yet, Renisha...
He brought her to mind so casually.
“Why did you come?”
Kassius asked, irritated without realizing it.
Then, realizing his own state, he rubbed his forehead.
“...I’m sorry.”
“I understand you were surprised, given my sudden visit.”
Turiel smiled lightly.
Kassius was a rare type of person in this social circle.
He spoke his mind and showed his emotions so casually.
That meant he was vulnerable.
Of course, if Kassius became strong enough to resist attack.
Could Kassius possess that kind of power?
Was there a reason why Renisha would put so much effort into Kassius?
Turiel felt she couldn't judge yet.
It wasn't something she should jump to conclusions about...
If Kassius was an obstacle to Renisha's path, she should consider eliminating him.
Even if she was smiling on the outside, she wasn't truly smiling.
Inside, she was diligently tapping away at her calculator.
Turiel had staked her life on Renisha.
"I've come again on her errand. She asked me to tell her that I received the gift you sent her a while ago."
"A gift?"
Kassius looked puzzled.
Kassius turned his head sharply to look at Terion.
Terion quickly shook his head.
"It wasn't me."
Turiel tilted her head.
Lindy looked genuinely delighted as she relayed these words.
She couldn't help but think Kassius must have sent a great gift.
Lindy's delight meant that Renisha had been pleased.
"What's that reaction?"
Kassius spoke before Turiel could ask.
"Please wait here for a moment. Sir Terion will be Madame's conversation partner."
Kassius nodded and left.
Terion, suddenly pushed aside, awkwardly sat down in his chair.
"Hmm!"
Terion awkwardly lifted his teacup.
He had forgotten what was inside and was gulping down the contents. Turiel said nonchalantly.
"Oh. You're suddenly taking on me. Oh dear, I made sure to send back the cute kids you sent behind me."
Turiel cut herself off and locked eyes with Terion.
Terion coughed violently.
“The only person who would do such a thing in this mansion is you... Rather, please ask me what you’re curious about. The lady doesn’t particularly enjoy having her secrets discovered.”
“Cough!”
Of course, Terion knew what Turiel was talking about.
It was Terion who sent someone to Turiel.
He thought there must be a reason why Turiel continued to act as a messenger.
And why would Renisha continue to show such kindness without a reason?
Terion knew that high society wasn’t that easy.
Kassius seemed to think he could just hang out with them as they pleased and then leave for Hiloshine, but... that might not be the end of it.
“...Will you answer my questions?”
“If there’s a question I can answer, I will.”
Turiel smiled.
“...Actually, we’re practically isolated right now.”
Terion’s expression darkened. He’d never felt so frustrated before.
Even in war, gathering information about the enemy comes first.
Without information, even a war couldn’t be won.
But now, Terion and Kassius were floating like isolated islands in this social circle, without any information.
If things continued this way, even a small war would be lost.
Kassius’s ability to repair the broken battle lines and lead the war to victory was in part due to the information Terion possessed.
Terion wanted to make Kassius a victor.
“This place is so closed off. No one wants to stay by our side.”
“Everyone is just burying their heads. Even if the Emperor seems mad, there’s one thing he does right. The Emperor’s eyes are everywhere. He must know I come and go here.”
Turiel’s voice softened slightly.
Judging by Terion’s demeanor, Kassius and Terion weren’t completely oblivious.
“The Emperor must have some ulterior motive for keeping Sir Kassius here. But since there’s no way to figure it out, Sir Kassius and I are frustrated. That’s why I’ve been rude. I apologize.”
“I accept your apology. I understand Sir Terion’s frustration.”
Turiel set his teacup down on the saucer.
It was inevitable.
The nobles, fearful of being caught by the Emperor, had closed their doors.
Aside from clandestine meetings, they were abstaining from even the most sensible social gatherings.
The Emperor’s eyes were everywhere.
The Emperor was a suspicious man.
He had become Emperor by holding Lottera’s hand, but he had maintained his position.
There was no way to know what kind of evil words might reach the Emperor's ears.
The meeting Turiel had previously attended had also been held secretly, with only a select few present.
Most of the nobles there had clung to Renisha's skirts, seeking comfort.
"And I don't know what the Empress is thinking. Why are you sending us a madam to show us her kindness?"
Terion asked bluntly.
"That's a question I can't answer."
Even things you already know shouldn't be spoken lightly.
Terion ruffled his hair.
"However, I can tell you one thing. As I've said before, the best you can do is trust Her Majesty the Empress."
Turiel spoke with confidence.
"Her Majesty..."
"Don't disappoint her. That's all."
"We are about to depart for Hiloshine. How can we be of any help to Her Majesty?"
Turiel tilted her head.
Her cold gaze swept over Terion.
Terion felt like meat in a slaughterhouse before Turiel.
"That's the same question, so I have no answer."
Same question.
Terion chewed on the words.
What Turiel couldn't answer was the Empress and the Emperor's ulterior motives.
That, and their trip to Hiloshine, and their being helpful to the Empress.
'Same question?'
Terion calmly collected his thoughts.
The Emperor had gone mad.
Terion was well aware of the Emperor's inferiority complex toward the Empress.
How could he not know why Duke Lottera had been forced into battle?
Hadn't Terion witnessed with his own eyes the great Duke's death?
And the Emperor hated the Empress.
The Emperor had killed Duke Lottera. And what if the Empress was next?
What if he was trying to... remove the Empress from his presence?
Terion raised his pale face.
The Empress had maintained a gentle attitude toward Kassius throughout.
And if the Emperor was trying to oust the Empress, then the Emperor didn't like Kassius.
His ill-treatment of him thus far was a clear indication.
If the Emperor was trying to insult the Empress...!
Furthermore, he heard Kassius had been given the title of Duke of Lottera.
All the confusion was pointing to a single answer.
"Perhaps the Empress is Sir Kassius...!"
Turiel smiled.
"Shh."
“I told you there were many ears to hear, sir.”
Terion shut his mouth tightly like an obedient dog.
Just as Turiel had said, it was something he couldn’t utter anywhere.
“What on earth is going on?”
"Shh."
“I told you there were many ears to hear, sir.”
Terion shut his mouth tightly like an obedient dog.
Just as Turiel had said, it was something he couldn’t utter anywhere.
“What on earth is going on?”
He was having a hard time adjusting to this crazy world.
Kassius abruptly rose from what was supposed to be the drawing room because a memory flashed through his mind.
The knights were free to come and go from the mansion, but they weren’t the ones who could use Kassius’s name to do anything.
They had known nothing but swords their entire lives, and there was no reason to send a gift to Renisha in his name.
Then all he had to do was find the peculiarity that had been present in the mansion for the past few days.
Kassius walked quickly.
By now...
“Tesha.”
Kassius, having found the child in the place he had been looking for, called out softly to Tesha.
Tesha, who had been organizing the cupboard, turned to Kassius. Tesha hastily put on the hat he had taken off.
As expected.
The tea served to Turiel was Tesha's handiwork.
Tesha's eyes widened.
"Weren't you meeting a guest?"
"I have something to ask you."
Kassius swallowed.
Tesha was a child with amnesia.
Perhaps because of this, he was afraid of the world.
Even after arriving on the island, he hadn't gone out once.
Recently, Tesha had gone out without saying anything.
He hadn't specifically asked where she had been.
It was Tesha's freedom, and Kassius hadn't hired him, so there was no reason to restrict his freedom.
But then, thinking about it, where had a child with amnesia gone?
Why had Turiel come to visit him after she left and brought up a "gift"?
Coincidence rarely happened in this world.
Just as the Duke of Lottera's presence between Kassius and Renisha had sparked curiosity between them.
"Shall we talk?"
Tesha's face turned terrified.
Kassius had a hunch. His instincts were usually unerring.
Tesha has a secret.
And Tesha may not have lost his memory.
***
Kassius abruptly rose from what was supposed to be the drawing room because a memory flashed through his mind.
The knights were free to come and go from the mansion, but they weren’t the ones who could use Kassius’s name to do anything.
They had known nothing but swords their entire lives, and there was no reason to send a gift to Renisha in his name.
Then all he had to do was find the peculiarity that had been present in the mansion for the past few days.
Kassius walked quickly.
By now...
“Tesha.”
Kassius, having found the child in the place he had been looking for, called out softly to Tesha.
Tesha, who had been organizing the cupboard, turned to Kassius. Tesha hastily put on the hat he had taken off.
As expected.
The tea served to Turiel was Tesha's handiwork.
Tesha's eyes widened.
"Weren't you meeting a guest?"
"I have something to ask you."
Kassius swallowed.
Tesha was a child with amnesia.
Perhaps because of this, he was afraid of the world.
Even after arriving on the island, he hadn't gone out once.
Recently, Tesha had gone out without saying anything.
He hadn't specifically asked where she had been.
It was Tesha's freedom, and Kassius hadn't hired him, so there was no reason to restrict his freedom.
But then, thinking about it, where had a child with amnesia gone?
Why had Turiel come to visit him after she left and brought up a "gift"?
Coincidence rarely happened in this world.
Just as the Duke of Lottera's presence between Kassius and Renisha had sparked curiosity between them.
"Shall we talk?"
Tesha's face turned terrified.
Kassius had a hunch. His instincts were usually unerring.
Tesha has a secret.
And Tesha may not have lost his memory.
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