(23) Feel it too, despair. (2)
Ariana entered the luxurious room and headed straight to the dressing room. The dressing room, much larger than Ariana's own room, contained several closets and display cases.
The display cases held expensive trinkets that ordinary people would never dream of, but Ariana didn't even pay them a glance.
Her gaze was drawn to the closet in the far corner, a closet where out-of-style clothes were hung.
Ariana opened the closet door and pulled out a brown fox fur coat.
A cold smile played on Ariana's lips as she patted the soft, voluminous lining of the fur coat. Just as she was about to rip it off, she heard,
Ariana entered the luxurious room and headed straight to the dressing room. The dressing room, much larger than Ariana's own room, contained several closets and display cases.
The display cases held expensive trinkets that ordinary people would never dream of, but Ariana didn't even pay them a glance.
Her gaze was drawn to the closet in the far corner, a closet where out-of-style clothes were hung.
Ariana opened the closet door and pulled out a brown fox fur coat.
A cold smile played on Ariana's lips as she patted the soft, voluminous lining of the fur coat. Just as she was about to rip it off, she heard,
"You really have the nerve to come in here and steal clothes under these circumstances."
A languid voice from behind her made her heart pound.
There wasn't much time. Rachel might return at any moment, and she didn't have time to deal with Cyrus.
There was no chance, except today, when the dedicated maids and servants who always patrolled Rachel's room were gone to attend to the ladies' tea party.
But Cyrus had certainly helped her in a crisis, so she suppressed the fleeting irritation that had welled up in her. Ariana hung the coat back in the closet as if nothing had happened and turned to Cyrus.
"Your Excellency."
"Are you trying to raise funds to run away?"
"How could I use my mother's belongings to raise funds for a getaway? I was just touching the fur coat I'd always wanted to touch."
"Why, when someone dies?"
"Because now is the only time I have the chance."
Cyrus studied Ariana's expression for a moment, then grinned.
"You're so good at lying to me, even to my face."
"Why would I lie to Your Excellency?"
"I don't know. Are you going to run away now?"
"No. I have no reason to."
"If you run now, I can help you."
“If I disappear now, the Duchess will do whatever it takes to frame me.”
“You left the Youngest Princess’s handkerchief there.”
“Even if it were really Victoria who killed that man, would she ever be properly punished? The handkerchief would only temporarily allay suspicion, but with the protection of the Countess and the Duke of Bronte, Victoria would be safe.”
“There are things in this world more frightening than punishment. Didn’t you even consider that?”
Ariana swallowed a sigh.
Cyrus was clever, but too clever.
Ariana had always supported Rachel when she eliminated her enemies. Ariana had seen enough of Rachel’s methods to undermine her thorn in her side, so she expected her to use a similar trick this time.
If that were to happen, Ariana had given Rosaline several instructions to ensure this incident wouldn’t be quietly swept under the rug.
First, send a letter in Rachel’s name, summoning Victoria to the vicinity of Pagora. Ariana had written the letter. She hadn't expected that the handwriting she'd copied while helping Rachel with her work would prove so helpful.
Second, if something unpleasant happened, she would secretly leave the mansion, depending on the situation, and spread rumors that Victoria was the culprit.
Rachel would send the ladies away, hide the handkerchief, and try to handle the situation. Even if she had the discerning eye to call in an investigator, it would likely be one under the Count's influence.
If the case was quietly buried, Ariana planned to send Rosaline to spread the truth.
Some ladies had witnessed Victoria near the pergola, so Rachel wouldn't be able to end the case unscathed, as she wanted.
"Now that I've seen the method, I can plan my next move. I don't know how long my past memories will serve as my weapon, though."
When Ariana remained silent, Cyrus spoke.
"The investigator is here."
"...Already?"
"Yes. Surprisingly, the head of the investigation department showed up in person."
"How...?"
A mischievous smile briefly appeared on Cyrus's face, then vanished. Ariana asked, her eyes wide.
"Did Your Excellency call them?"
Cyrus gently lifted Ariana's chin with his index finger.
"You look your age now."
Ariana blinked at his unexpected action, then slowly backed away, freeing herself from his grasp.
Ariana returned to her usual impassive expression, clasping her hands together in front of her.
"There must be a reason you're so kind to me. How can I be of any use to Your Excellency?"
"Interesting. But you're being too generous to yourself. Do you think you'll be of any use to me?"
“It may not be right now, but don’t you think it will be useful someday?”
A picture-perfect, elegant smile appeared on his face. A smile devoid of sincerity, but filled with purpose.
Any other woman would have been captivated by it, but Ariana’s heart froze. His smile was strikingly similar to Third Prince Harold’s.
Ariana knew that there was only one reason to be kind to others: because he wanted something. Because she hadn’t known this before, she was used and died a miserable death.
“Your Excellency, you helped me, so I will help you with whatever you want. But if you intend to use me, please don’t. I have no intention of being swayed by Your Excellency and swaying you to your will.”
“Oh.”
Cyrus let out a short exclamation and leaned closer to Ariana.
“Did I seem to be captivating you just now?”
“If Your Excellency thinks so, then so be it.”
“You seem to find it bothersome to talk to me.”
"Every woman longs to hear Your Excellency's voice. How could I be any different?"
"You have a remarkable knack for avoiding answers."
"You flatter me, Your Excellency. I only wish to serve Your Excellency."
Cyrus watched Ariana's fluid, fluid response with interest. It was time to return to the North, but for some reason, he couldn't move.
Curious about how far Ariana would go and what she planned to do, he forgot his own purpose and just watched her.
The incident at Pagora had been dizzying. He didn't want to imagine what might have happened to Ariana if he had returned to the North as planned.
Ariana waited for Cyrus to disappear, as usual, but he didn't seem to want to leave first.
There wasn't much time. Rachel might return at any moment, and she didn't have time to deal with Cyrus.
There was no chance, except today, when the dedicated maids and servants who always patrolled Rachel's room were gone to attend to the ladies' tea party.
But Cyrus had certainly helped her in a crisis, so she suppressed the fleeting irritation that had welled up in her. Ariana hung the coat back in the closet as if nothing had happened and turned to Cyrus.
"Your Excellency."
"Are you trying to raise funds to run away?"
"How could I use my mother's belongings to raise funds for a getaway? I was just touching the fur coat I'd always wanted to touch."
"Why, when someone dies?"
"Because now is the only time I have the chance."
Cyrus studied Ariana's expression for a moment, then grinned.
"You're so good at lying to me, even to my face."
"Why would I lie to Your Excellency?"
"I don't know. Are you going to run away now?"
"No. I have no reason to."
"If you run now, I can help you."
“If I disappear now, the Duchess will do whatever it takes to frame me.”
“You left the Youngest Princess’s handkerchief there.”
“Even if it were really Victoria who killed that man, would she ever be properly punished? The handkerchief would only temporarily allay suspicion, but with the protection of the Countess and the Duke of Bronte, Victoria would be safe.”
“There are things in this world more frightening than punishment. Didn’t you even consider that?”
Ariana swallowed a sigh.
Cyrus was clever, but too clever.
Ariana had always supported Rachel when she eliminated her enemies. Ariana had seen enough of Rachel’s methods to undermine her thorn in her side, so she expected her to use a similar trick this time.
If that were to happen, Ariana had given Rosaline several instructions to ensure this incident wouldn’t be quietly swept under the rug.
First, send a letter in Rachel’s name, summoning Victoria to the vicinity of Pagora. Ariana had written the letter. She hadn't expected that the handwriting she'd copied while helping Rachel with her work would prove so helpful.
Second, if something unpleasant happened, she would secretly leave the mansion, depending on the situation, and spread rumors that Victoria was the culprit.
Rachel would send the ladies away, hide the handkerchief, and try to handle the situation. Even if she had the discerning eye to call in an investigator, it would likely be one under the Count's influence.
If the case was quietly buried, Ariana planned to send Rosaline to spread the truth.
Some ladies had witnessed Victoria near the pergola, so Rachel wouldn't be able to end the case unscathed, as she wanted.
"Now that I've seen the method, I can plan my next move. I don't know how long my past memories will serve as my weapon, though."
When Ariana remained silent, Cyrus spoke.
"The investigator is here."
"...Already?"
"Yes. Surprisingly, the head of the investigation department showed up in person."
"How...?"
A mischievous smile briefly appeared on Cyrus's face, then vanished. Ariana asked, her eyes wide.
"Did Your Excellency call them?"
Cyrus gently lifted Ariana's chin with his index finger.
"You look your age now."
Ariana blinked at his unexpected action, then slowly backed away, freeing herself from his grasp.
Ariana returned to her usual impassive expression, clasping her hands together in front of her.
"There must be a reason you're so kind to me. How can I be of any use to Your Excellency?"
"Interesting. But you're being too generous to yourself. Do you think you'll be of any use to me?"
“It may not be right now, but don’t you think it will be useful someday?”
A picture-perfect, elegant smile appeared on his face. A smile devoid of sincerity, but filled with purpose.
Any other woman would have been captivated by it, but Ariana’s heart froze. His smile was strikingly similar to Third Prince Harold’s.
Ariana knew that there was only one reason to be kind to others: because he wanted something. Because she hadn’t known this before, she was used and died a miserable death.
“Your Excellency, you helped me, so I will help you with whatever you want. But if you intend to use me, please don’t. I have no intention of being swayed by Your Excellency and swaying you to your will.”
“Oh.”
Cyrus let out a short exclamation and leaned closer to Ariana.
“Did I seem to be captivating you just now?”
“If Your Excellency thinks so, then so be it.”
“You seem to find it bothersome to talk to me.”
"Every woman longs to hear Your Excellency's voice. How could I be any different?"
"You have a remarkable knack for avoiding answers."
"You flatter me, Your Excellency. I only wish to serve Your Excellency."
Cyrus watched Ariana's fluid, fluid response with interest. It was time to return to the North, but for some reason, he couldn't move.
Curious about how far Ariana would go and what she planned to do, he forgot his own purpose and just watched her.
The incident at Pagora had been dizzying. He didn't want to imagine what might have happened to Ariana if he had returned to the North as planned.
Ariana waited for Cyrus to disappear, as usual, but he didn't seem to want to leave first.
As time passed, she grew more anxious.
With the investigators here, Rachel would be held longer than Ariana had anticipated. But she couldn't stay in Rachel's dressing room forever, not knowing when or who might come in.
Ariana studied his overly handsome face.
He just watched Ariana silently, not saying a word.
Finally, Ariana, finally able to bear it no longer, asked,
"Aren't you busy?"
"I still have some free time."
"Then wouldn't it be better to enjoy your leisure time somewhere better than here?"
"It's nice here too. There's the pleasure of looking at beautiful jewelry."
It seemed Cyrus wouldn't be the first to leave.
She had to leave this room now.
Ariana glared at Cyrus and lowered her head.
"Excuse me first."
"Yes."
Ariana gritted her teeth as she left Rachel's room.
She hated Cyrus.
It was true that she had received help from him, but his inscrutable intentions were a burden. Right now, she couldn't even focus on dealing with Rachel.
In fact, his actions were only interfering with Ariana's plans.
She had to get the letter before leaving the mansion, but she wondered if she'd have another chance.
Ariana bit her lower lip and returned to her room.
Cyrus continued listening for a moment after Ariana left the room. His keen hearing pinpointed Ariana's footsteps as she walked down the hallway.
Each stride was powerful.
Ariana, who usually walked silently like a butterfly, was making such loud noises, and she must have been furious.
'So that means there's something Ariana wants here.'
Right now, what Ariana wanted was to leave this mansion and seek refuge with the Northern Duke.
Given Ariana's nature, she wouldn't be appealing to the Northern Duke for his fatherly recognition and help. She'd likely be seeking a weapon that would make the Northern Duke accept her. Perhaps that weapon would be Cyrus's.
Cyrus opened the closet door and pulled out the fur coat Ariana had been holding. He felt around the fur coat, feeling a rustle inside.
Cyrus ripped open the lining and examined the contents.
Inside were several letters.
Cyrus checked the contents. There was evidence of 'that day, that event' that Cyrus had been searching for.
A smile appeared on Cyrus's lips.
"You're useful, Ariana."
Rachel barely managed to come to her senses.
"Victoria? Did I misread you?"
Her voice didn't sound like her own. She didn't like the pitiful, unfamiliar mumbling, so she cleared her throat and spoke again.
"It can't be our Victoria."
“But it shows signs of use, and it clearly has the family crest and the name Victoria Bronte written on it.”
With the investigators here, Rachel would be held longer than Ariana had anticipated. But she couldn't stay in Rachel's dressing room forever, not knowing when or who might come in.
Ariana studied his overly handsome face.
He just watched Ariana silently, not saying a word.
Finally, Ariana, finally able to bear it no longer, asked,
"Aren't you busy?"
"I still have some free time."
"Then wouldn't it be better to enjoy your leisure time somewhere better than here?"
"It's nice here too. There's the pleasure of looking at beautiful jewelry."
It seemed Cyrus wouldn't be the first to leave.
She had to leave this room now.
Ariana glared at Cyrus and lowered her head.
"Excuse me first."
"Yes."
Ariana gritted her teeth as she left Rachel's room.
She hated Cyrus.
It was true that she had received help from him, but his inscrutable intentions were a burden. Right now, she couldn't even focus on dealing with Rachel.
In fact, his actions were only interfering with Ariana's plans.
She had to get the letter before leaving the mansion, but she wondered if she'd have another chance.
Ariana bit her lower lip and returned to her room.
***
Cyrus continued listening for a moment after Ariana left the room. His keen hearing pinpointed Ariana's footsteps as she walked down the hallway.
Each stride was powerful.
Ariana, who usually walked silently like a butterfly, was making such loud noises, and she must have been furious.
'So that means there's something Ariana wants here.'
Right now, what Ariana wanted was to leave this mansion and seek refuge with the Northern Duke.
Given Ariana's nature, she wouldn't be appealing to the Northern Duke for his fatherly recognition and help. She'd likely be seeking a weapon that would make the Northern Duke accept her. Perhaps that weapon would be Cyrus's.
Cyrus opened the closet door and pulled out the fur coat Ariana had been holding. He felt around the fur coat, feeling a rustle inside.
Cyrus ripped open the lining and examined the contents.
Inside were several letters.
Cyrus checked the contents. There was evidence of 'that day, that event' that Cyrus had been searching for.
A smile appeared on Cyrus's lips.
"You're useful, Ariana."
***
Rachel barely managed to come to her senses.
"Victoria? Did I misread you?"
Her voice didn't sound like her own. She didn't like the pitiful, unfamiliar mumbling, so she cleared her throat and spoke again.
"It can't be our Victoria."
“But it shows signs of use, and it clearly has the family crest and the name Victoria Bronte written on it.”
The Imperial Chief Inspector wasn’t intimidated by the fact that she was the Duchess of Bronte. His gaze, though polite, was firm, suggesting that this situation wouldn’t be easily avoided.
“Let me see where it is.”
“It’s evidence, so don’t touch it.”
The Chief Inspector unfolded the handkerchief from a suitable distance and showed her where the name was written.
Even before she could properly examine the handkerchief, Rachel knew it was Victoria’s. It was a high-quality fabric, rare to obtain, and the edges were embroidered with Victoria’s signature embroidery. It was Victoria’s handkerchief, embroidered by Victoria herself.
But why was Victoria’s handkerchief lying there?
Before proceeding, she had instructed the maids to clean it thoroughly, fearing that someone else might get entangled in it. If Victoria’s handkerchief had been left in such a conspicuous place, the maids would have found it and removed it.
“Is this Victoria's?”
Even if she denied it, it didn’t seem likely to be believed.
Rachel nodded slightly.
“It was my daughter’s. But just because the handkerchief fell there doesn’t mean Victoria killed the man.”
“Of course, I don’t think so. But it just so happened that the handkerchief fell on his arm.”
“...That means?”
“The handkerchief fell after the man died.”
A small gasp rose among the ladies who had been watching with bated breath.
Rachel smiled elegantly and said calmly,
“Even so, that doesn’t mean my daughter is the culprit. Perhaps someone stole the handkerchief and dropped it there to frame my daughter?”
Now that she had said that, her words felt true.
So who had tried to frame Victoria?
Only one name came to mind.
'Ariana. Ariana. Ariana!'
She didn’t know how Ariana had killed the man. She didn’t know how she had gotten her hands on Victoria’s handkerchief. She also didn't understand how she'd managed to summon the Chief of Investigation here so timely.
Even though she thought it was absurd, she couldn't shake the feeling that Ariana had orchestrated it all.
Rachel thought she'd grown up stupid, untaught. Indeed, Ariana had lived like a fool, desperately trying to win Rachel's affection, constantly on the lookout for her.
She never dreamed that beneath her dull facade, she harbored such a sharp blade.
Only now did Rachel realize that Ariana had escaped her grasp, had become an untamed beast. She wasn't just sixteen. She was sixteen.
At fourteen, the Northern Lord had pacified the chaotic Northern Territory and brought it under his control.
Those who harbored poison and aspirations, no matter their age, can unleash the blade hidden within their hearts with ferocity.
And now, Ariana was aiming that blade at Rachel, no, at the Bronte family.
'Then I must break it.'
“Let me see where it is.”
“It’s evidence, so don’t touch it.”
The Chief Inspector unfolded the handkerchief from a suitable distance and showed her where the name was written.
Even before she could properly examine the handkerchief, Rachel knew it was Victoria’s. It was a high-quality fabric, rare to obtain, and the edges were embroidered with Victoria’s signature embroidery. It was Victoria’s handkerchief, embroidered by Victoria herself.
But why was Victoria’s handkerchief lying there?
Before proceeding, she had instructed the maids to clean it thoroughly, fearing that someone else might get entangled in it. If Victoria’s handkerchief had been left in such a conspicuous place, the maids would have found it and removed it.
“Is this Victoria's?”
Even if she denied it, it didn’t seem likely to be believed.
Rachel nodded slightly.
“It was my daughter’s. But just because the handkerchief fell there doesn’t mean Victoria killed the man.”
“Of course, I don’t think so. But it just so happened that the handkerchief fell on his arm.”
“...That means?”
“The handkerchief fell after the man died.”
A small gasp rose among the ladies who had been watching with bated breath.
Rachel smiled elegantly and said calmly,
“Even so, that doesn’t mean my daughter is the culprit. Perhaps someone stole the handkerchief and dropped it there to frame my daughter?”
Now that she had said that, her words felt true.
So who had tried to frame Victoria?
Only one name came to mind.
'Ariana. Ariana. Ariana!'
She didn’t know how Ariana had killed the man. She didn’t know how she had gotten her hands on Victoria’s handkerchief. She also didn't understand how she'd managed to summon the Chief of Investigation here so timely.
Even though she thought it was absurd, she couldn't shake the feeling that Ariana had orchestrated it all.
Rachel thought she'd grown up stupid, untaught. Indeed, Ariana had lived like a fool, desperately trying to win Rachel's affection, constantly on the lookout for her.
She never dreamed that beneath her dull facade, she harbored such a sharp blade.
Only now did Rachel realize that Ariana had escaped her grasp, had become an untamed beast. She wasn't just sixteen. She was sixteen.
At fourteen, the Northern Lord had pacified the chaotic Northern Territory and brought it under his control.
Those who harbored poison and aspirations, no matter their age, can unleash the blade hidden within their hearts with ferocity.
And now, Ariana was aiming that blade at Rachel, no, at the Bronte family.
'Then I must break it.'
"We have to destroy it by any means necessary."
Rachel's eyes flashed coldly.
She forced herself to suppress the coldness in her gaze and spoke softly.
"I'm embarrassed to reveal a flaw in our family, but it seems our second daughter has had some bad thoughts."
Rachel's eyes flashed coldly.
She forced herself to suppress the coldness in her gaze and spoke softly.
"I'm embarrassed to reveal a flaw in our family, but it seems our second daughter has had some bad thoughts."
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