Episode 77. The Marquis of Danvers
Henry's fingers brushed the paper.
His vision was blurry, making it difficult to even write a single word.
No one here would write anything for Henry.
'I can do it.'
Hiloshine was full of Henry's enemies.
All Henry could do was run away.
Henry pressed hard with his pen, writing the words.
Wiping the cold sweat off with a handkerchief, he folded the paper and put it in his pocket.
Everything he needed was ready: a small amount of incense mixed with sleeping pills, an antidote, and even money.
He didn't need anything else.
Henry, carrying a small bag around his waist, tapped the floor with his cane.
"Henry?"
Isabella, recognizing the signal, peeked out.
"What's wrong?"
Behind Isabella, figures were moving. They must have been Helena and Jane.
Henry spoke in a low voice.
"You promised to take me to the doctor, didn't you?"
“Ah!”
Isabella clapped her hands.
"Yes. Come in."
Isabella smiled bashfully.
Her childlike smile brightened everyone's hearts.
Haylin sorted through the papers she'd been reading. Isabella's visit this time of day meant she had business.
Haylin narrowed her eyes and stared at the child's small face.
"What do you need?"
"It's not that!"
Isabella waved her hands.
"Then? I thought you'd be with Henry by now, or out on a trip to town."
"Mother, do you think I'm always playing?"
Isabella puffed out her cheeks and tapped the floor with her toes.
This made Haylin laugh.
Haylin let out a small laugh and stretched out her arms toward Isabella.
“Come here, Isabella.”
Isabella glanced at Haylin and buried her head in her arms.
Only after Isabella had fully flirted did she look up.
“I have a favor to ask, Mother.”
“I knew you would do that, you little brat.”
Haylin grabbed the tip of Isabella’s nose and shook it.
“What’s the favor?”
“Exactly.”
Isabella studied Haylin’s expression.
“Henry wants to see a doctor in the next town. I’d like to go with him. Is that okay?”
Isabella tried her best to look kind.
She blinked and took Haylin’s hand.
Haylin gently stroked young Isabella’s face.
“Let’s think about it.”
“Mother...”
"Isabella, going out with Henry is a whole other matter."
“...He can’t see any way. Henry can’t do anything without me.”
Haylin gazed intently into the child’s eyes.
They were filled with compassion for Henry.
Haylin let out a small sigh.
She knew Isabella found fulfillment in caring for Henry.
That’s why she was focusing more on him.
“...You have to be careful, Isabella.”
And Haylin was vulnerable to Isabella like that.
The child’s gray eyes were one of the things that hurt Haylin.
The guilt of not being able to protect her would often engulf her.
“Take the knights with you, Isabella.”
Isabella quickly nodded.
“Yes, Mother!”
Isabella smiled brightly.
Haylin couldn’t help but smile along with her, seeing her bright, cloudless expression.
The recovered remains were buried next to Count Calliot.
And the Marquis of Danvers was present.
The Marquis of Danvers, who had come secretly, stayed by Renisha's side with a stern expression.
The fact that Count Calliot was Renisha's man had already spread like wildfire.
That was why the Marquis of Danvers had kept himself aloof and remained hidden.
If it were revealed that he was Renisha's man, Laxus would be keeping him in check.
The Marquis of Danvers's activities would be restricted.
As a result, he hadn't even seen Count Calliot's final departure.
"...We must have met there."
"I suppose so."
To fulfill a lifelong wish only after death?
Renisha smiled faintly.
The Marquis of Danvers even delivered chrysanthemums, something he hadn't been able to deliver before.
"Rest in peace."
A heavy voice pierced Renisha's ears.
The Marquis of Danvers's shoulders seemed unusually heavy.
"...He was my friend, Lady Renisha."
"Friend?"
"Yes. Jales was a good man. He shouldn't have been so unjustly killed. He was a good knight, too. Jales risked his life on Emperor Laxus's blade to protect his children. He drove a nail into his parents' hearts..."
Marquis Danvers's voice grew quieter.
Renisha realized that the Jales the Marquis Danvers was talking about was Count Calliot's son.
Then she remembered that the Marquis Danvers and Jales Calliot were around the same age.
Marquis Danvers covered his eyes with his palm.
"I really liked that, Jales, too."
Renisha's expression grew strange.
"Marquis Danvers."
"I liked him a lot... but I didn't know he would end up like this."
Those words contained so much.
Renisha decided it was best not to ask any more questions.
The Marquis Danvers remained motionless for a long time.
Renisha silently watched him.
That was why the Marquis Danvers looked strangely lonely.
Even the Marquis of Danvers seemed ready to leave.
The sunset stretched out as he began his heavy steps.
His face, as he followed Renisha slowly, was soaked with moisture.
He wiped his face roughly with his palm.
He took a deep breath and said,
"I've assigned someone to Canary."
"I understand you've become Canary's patron."
"I heard you recently took Canary's maid with you. May I know what was discussed there?"
Renisha glanced behind her.
The Marquis of Danvers wore a loyal face.
Renisha was as suspicious as she was trustworthy.
She knew the pain of being betrayed by those close to her.
Count Calliot had trusted his subordinate and met his death.
There was no reason why that wouldn't be Renisha's future.
But today, instead of making such calculations, she wanted to give the Marquis of Danvers her side.
Renisha let out a slow sigh.
"...I found out that the child in Canary's womb wasn't Laxus's."
Marquis Danvers took a deep breath.
"Now, that means..."
"It means that Canary did something that would tarnish the royal lineage. I have that witness."
Securing the identity of the woman Barbara had mentioned wasn't difficult.
“Then it wouldn’t be difficult to overthrow Canary.”
“No. It’s just testimony.”
“Was there no evidence?”
“I found the records the woman wrote down. But that would only add to the scandal.”
“Then...”
“I’ll keep this card for now. I’ll wait for Canary to slip up again. Wouldn’t it be better to target the mother rather than the child?”
Renisha continued slowly.
“Your role is important.”
“...Canary is an emotional person. She’s pouring everything she has into establishing the orphanage that the Emperor has entrusted her with. She’s ready to pour every penny she has into it. She wants to succeed at any cost and earn the Emperor’s trust.”
“That orphanage must not be built.”
“I received the message. Canary is using that money to buy rotten wood and moldy materials.”
Marquis Danvers added coolly.
"I never thought the group Canary personally selected would turn out to be a group of swindlers."
His tone was not the slightest bit regretful.
Renisha smiled.
She had faith that Marquis Danvers would never fail.
Now, Canary must have known that Turiel and Renisha couldn't be on her side.
That's why she'd cling even more to Marquis Danvers.
"Do you think Canary trusts you?"
"Yes, Lady Renisha. Canary is on the edge of a cliff right now."
"That's enough. Use the money you extorted from Canary to build a new orphanage."
Marquis Danvers bowed his head.
He enjoyed following Renisha behind him.
It was the same unwavering support Marquis Danvers had held dear in the past.
He had a strong belief that Renisha would achieve her goals.
Marquis Danvers's eyes crinkled, and he bit his lip.
'Jales.'
Jales had come to see him the day before he died.
"I entrust my father to you, Danvers. My children too..."
"The Emperor is mad! You'd better run away. I'll help you take care of your family and escape. So..."
Jales shook his head.
"I'll be caught. The Emperor's eyes are everywhere. I'll definitely be caught. The Emperor wants to break the legs of the Countess of Calliot. They're keeping the military power they hold in check. So after I'm dead, the Countess will be safe for a while."
That calm, hard expression on Jales' face.
He didn't waver until the very end. Just like Renisha now.
Renisha wouldn't waver for a moment.
Marquis Danvers trusted Renisha's strength.
Renisha would definitely...
"Break the Emperor's neck and take his place."
Renisha hesitated.
Marquis Danvers spoke again.
That was Danvers' wish too.
The ignited anger burned brightly within her chest.
“May your will be fulfilled.”
Henry's fingers brushed the paper.
His vision was blurry, making it difficult to even write a single word.
No one here would write anything for Henry.
'I can do it.'
Hiloshine was full of Henry's enemies.
All Henry could do was run away.
Henry pressed hard with his pen, writing the words.
Wiping the cold sweat off with a handkerchief, he folded the paper and put it in his pocket.
Everything he needed was ready: a small amount of incense mixed with sleeping pills, an antidote, and even money.
He didn't need anything else.
Henry, carrying a small bag around his waist, tapped the floor with his cane.
"Henry?"
Isabella, recognizing the signal, peeked out.
"What's wrong?"
Behind Isabella, figures were moving. They must have been Helena and Jane.
Henry spoke in a low voice.
"You promised to take me to the doctor, didn't you?"
“Ah!”
Isabella clapped her hands.
It was her way of calming Henry down. She suggested he see another doctor so they could begin rehabilitation.
“I’d like to go and get checked out. There might be a doctor who can fix this eye.”
“Hmm. This requires going to the next village... I need permission from the adults.”
“I’ll wait.”
Isabella nodded at Henry’s calm words.
Honestly, she wanted to explore the other villages while she was at it.
Ever since she came to Hiloshine and started growing her hair out, Isabella had lost her freedom, like a caged bird.
The adults were so worried about something that they were wary of even letting her go out alone.
Seeing friends had become less frequent.
That was what had happened to Isabella ever since Renisha and Kassius left with part of the force.
Maybe she could be allowed to go out with the knights to the next village.
Isabella ran down the hallway, excited.
Haylin was probably in her office.
She'd been warned not to say anything to Henry, and to be especially careful about Haylin and Brixton.
Isabella seemed to understand why.
She looked around, holding her breath.
After confirming there was no one, she knocked on the door.
"Mother, it's me."
A small, whispering voice must have been heard from inside.
The door opened.
The one chosen as Haylin's aide greeted Isabella.
"Miss."
"Hey. Is my mother here?"
“I’d like to go and get checked out. There might be a doctor who can fix this eye.”
“Hmm. This requires going to the next village... I need permission from the adults.”
“I’ll wait.”
Isabella nodded at Henry’s calm words.
Honestly, she wanted to explore the other villages while she was at it.
Ever since she came to Hiloshine and started growing her hair out, Isabella had lost her freedom, like a caged bird.
The adults were so worried about something that they were wary of even letting her go out alone.
Seeing friends had become less frequent.
That was what had happened to Isabella ever since Renisha and Kassius left with part of the force.
Maybe she could be allowed to go out with the knights to the next village.
Isabella ran down the hallway, excited.
Haylin was probably in her office.
She'd been warned not to say anything to Henry, and to be especially careful about Haylin and Brixton.
Isabella seemed to understand why.
She looked around, holding her breath.
After confirming there was no one, she knocked on the door.
"Mother, it's me."
A small, whispering voice must have been heard from inside.
The door opened.
The one chosen as Haylin's aide greeted Isabella.
"Miss."
"Hey. Is my mother here?"
"Yes. Come in."
Isabella smiled bashfully.
Her childlike smile brightened everyone's hearts.
Haylin sorted through the papers she'd been reading. Isabella's visit this time of day meant she had business.
Haylin narrowed her eyes and stared at the child's small face.
"What do you need?"
"It's not that!"
Isabella waved her hands.
"Then? I thought you'd be with Henry by now, or out on a trip to town."
"Mother, do you think I'm always playing?"
Isabella puffed out her cheeks and tapped the floor with her toes.
This made Haylin laugh.
Haylin let out a small laugh and stretched out her arms toward Isabella.
“Come here, Isabella.”
Isabella glanced at Haylin and buried her head in her arms.
Only after Isabella had fully flirted did she look up.
“I have a favor to ask, Mother.”
“I knew you would do that, you little brat.”
Haylin grabbed the tip of Isabella’s nose and shook it.
“What’s the favor?”
“Exactly.”
Isabella studied Haylin’s expression.
“Henry wants to see a doctor in the next town. I’d like to go with him. Is that okay?”
Isabella tried her best to look kind.
She blinked and took Haylin’s hand.
Haylin gently stroked young Isabella’s face.
“Let’s think about it.”
“Mother...”
"Isabella, going out with Henry is a whole other matter."
“...He can’t see any way. Henry can’t do anything without me.”
Haylin gazed intently into the child’s eyes.
They were filled with compassion for Henry.
Haylin let out a small sigh.
She knew Isabella found fulfillment in caring for Henry.
That’s why she was focusing more on him.
“...You have to be careful, Isabella.”
And Haylin was vulnerable to Isabella like that.
The child’s gray eyes were one of the things that hurt Haylin.
The guilt of not being able to protect her would often engulf her.
“Take the knights with you, Isabella.”
Isabella quickly nodded.
“Yes, Mother!”
Isabella smiled brightly.
Haylin couldn’t help but smile along with her, seeing her bright, cloudless expression.
***
The recovered remains were buried next to Count Calliot.
And the Marquis of Danvers was present.
The Marquis of Danvers, who had come secretly, stayed by Renisha's side with a stern expression.
The fact that Count Calliot was Renisha's man had already spread like wildfire.
That was why the Marquis of Danvers had kept himself aloof and remained hidden.
If it were revealed that he was Renisha's man, Laxus would be keeping him in check.
The Marquis of Danvers's activities would be restricted.
As a result, he hadn't even seen Count Calliot's final departure.
"...We must have met there."
"I suppose so."
To fulfill a lifelong wish only after death?
Renisha smiled faintly.
The Marquis of Danvers even delivered chrysanthemums, something he hadn't been able to deliver before.
"Rest in peace."
A heavy voice pierced Renisha's ears.
The Marquis of Danvers's shoulders seemed unusually heavy.
"...He was my friend, Lady Renisha."
"Friend?"
"Yes. Jales was a good man. He shouldn't have been so unjustly killed. He was a good knight, too. Jales risked his life on Emperor Laxus's blade to protect his children. He drove a nail into his parents' hearts..."
Marquis Danvers's voice grew quieter.
Renisha realized that the Jales the Marquis Danvers was talking about was Count Calliot's son.
Then she remembered that the Marquis Danvers and Jales Calliot were around the same age.
Marquis Danvers covered his eyes with his palm.
"I really liked that, Jales, too."
Renisha's expression grew strange.
"Marquis Danvers."
"I liked him a lot... but I didn't know he would end up like this."
Those words contained so much.
Renisha decided it was best not to ask any more questions.
The Marquis Danvers remained motionless for a long time.
Renisha silently watched him.
That was why the Marquis Danvers looked strangely lonely.
Even the Marquis of Danvers seemed ready to leave.
The sunset stretched out as he began his heavy steps.
His face, as he followed Renisha slowly, was soaked with moisture.
He wiped his face roughly with his palm.
He took a deep breath and said,
"I've assigned someone to Canary."
"I understand you've become Canary's patron."
"I heard you recently took Canary's maid with you. May I know what was discussed there?"
Renisha glanced behind her.
The Marquis of Danvers wore a loyal face.
Renisha was as suspicious as she was trustworthy.
She knew the pain of being betrayed by those close to her.
Count Calliot had trusted his subordinate and met his death.
There was no reason why that wouldn't be Renisha's future.
But today, instead of making such calculations, she wanted to give the Marquis of Danvers her side.
Renisha let out a slow sigh.
"...I found out that the child in Canary's womb wasn't Laxus's."
Marquis Danvers took a deep breath.
"Now, that means..."
"It means that Canary did something that would tarnish the royal lineage. I have that witness."
Securing the identity of the woman Barbara had mentioned wasn't difficult.
“Then it wouldn’t be difficult to overthrow Canary.”
“No. It’s just testimony.”
“Was there no evidence?”
“I found the records the woman wrote down. But that would only add to the scandal.”
“Then...”
“I’ll keep this card for now. I’ll wait for Canary to slip up again. Wouldn’t it be better to target the mother rather than the child?”
Renisha continued slowly.
“Your role is important.”
“...Canary is an emotional person. She’s pouring everything she has into establishing the orphanage that the Emperor has entrusted her with. She’s ready to pour every penny she has into it. She wants to succeed at any cost and earn the Emperor’s trust.”
“That orphanage must not be built.”
“I received the message. Canary is using that money to buy rotten wood and moldy materials.”
Marquis Danvers added coolly.
"I never thought the group Canary personally selected would turn out to be a group of swindlers."
His tone was not the slightest bit regretful.
Renisha smiled.
She had faith that Marquis Danvers would never fail.
Now, Canary must have known that Turiel and Renisha couldn't be on her side.
That's why she'd cling even more to Marquis Danvers.
"Do you think Canary trusts you?"
"Yes, Lady Renisha. Canary is on the edge of a cliff right now."
"That's enough. Use the money you extorted from Canary to build a new orphanage."
Marquis Danvers bowed his head.
He enjoyed following Renisha behind him.
It was the same unwavering support Marquis Danvers had held dear in the past.
He had a strong belief that Renisha would achieve her goals.
Marquis Danvers's eyes crinkled, and he bit his lip.
'Jales.'
Jales had come to see him the day before he died.
"I entrust my father to you, Danvers. My children too..."
"The Emperor is mad! You'd better run away. I'll help you take care of your family and escape. So..."
Jales shook his head.
"I'll be caught. The Emperor's eyes are everywhere. I'll definitely be caught. The Emperor wants to break the legs of the Countess of Calliot. They're keeping the military power they hold in check. So after I'm dead, the Countess will be safe for a while."
That calm, hard expression on Jales' face.
He didn't waver until the very end. Just like Renisha now.
Renisha wouldn't waver for a moment.
Marquis Danvers trusted Renisha's strength.
Renisha would definitely...
"Break the Emperor's neck and take his place."
Renisha hesitated.
Marquis Danvers spoke again.
That was Danvers' wish too.
The ignited anger burned brightly within her chest.
“May your will be fulfilled.”
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