They Knew All Along
The dining hall was now down to just the four of them.
The maids and butlers waited outside.
“They let us hear that on purpose, didn’t they? They knew we’d report it back to the capital.”
“We three may be young, but we’re heirs—and betrothed heirs at that. With the ties we have during the social season, they must have wondered why we came all the way to Westland. Based on Reinhardt’s words and Young Master Hubert’s warnings, he must have realized what was going on.”
“Then… have we lost his trust?”
“No. I think he understands that we’re worried from him. The fact he’s willing to talk at all shows he knows the upper echelons of the kingdom aren’t keeping him under surveillance.”
“And how can you be so sure they aren’t watching him?”
“Because Westland is full of their familiars. I don’t think they’d allow such a thing.”
“That’s right. Varshe taking down those spies proves it. But you three, being close to him, might get caught up in unpleasant things yourselves. Are you truly fine with that?”
“Young Master Hubert, the only reason House Garuda still stands is because of Reinhardt. If he hadn’t sat beside me at that tea party, I wouldn’t have found a true friend I could open my heart to. It’s the same for you—your engagement to me will only bring more danger. Are you certain?”
“I’m his cousin. Northtrad’s been wrapped up in Reinhardt’s affairs from the very start. Uncle Davit gets roped in constantly, after all. Besides, he’s our benefactor—he’s the one who urged me to try cultivating new tea.”
“Young Master Hubert, Diane… save the flirting for when you’re alone, please. It’s hard on the eyes.”
“My, Brigitte. To be honest, I always thought you would be Reinhardt’s first fiancée candidate.”
“Don’t joke. He’s fine as a friend, but I couldn’t stand being dragged along forever. Coming to Westland has been one shock after another—just acting normal was exhausting.”
“Hahaha, Brigitte, really? You always looked so composed, I thought you were remarkable. That’s a relief to hear.”
“Raphael, you didn’t look very surprised either.”
“I’d already seen his energy in the curry business. There’s no point being shocked every time. It’s busy, but fun—and more than that, I’m grateful to have found a friend I can speak openly with.”
—
Until Grandfather arrives, I ought to do what I can. Best to hear from Bale.
“Bale, thank you for your hard work. Even with wounded men, bringing bandits all this way must have been rough,” I said when we met in the reception room.
“Not at all. Varshe had already left them unable to move. Just in case, I kept them confined with my defensive magic.”
I asked if he’d noticed the bandits’ intrusion. He said he’d heard cries, but they soon stopped, so he thought little of it—until morning, when he went outside and found the intruders collapsed.
It seemed they’d broken the gate lock to get in.
Varshe had given him the sense of “hurry up and take them away,” so he’d tied them up and brought them along. He hadn’t used healing magic on the wounds—didn’t want to risk them recovering enough to cause trouble en route.
“I am relieved you are here, Young Master Reinhardt. If you don’t mind, could you ask Varshe directly?”
Of course. I’d have to. Grandfather would insist too.
“More intruders are bound to come. Varshe will usually put them to sleep with their cry, then trample them. If you hear something at night, don’t step outside.”
“Yes, we were told that, but after last night, my whole family understands now.”
“Are you managing daily life without trouble?”
“For now, yes. Since the town isn’t finished, we still go to the capital twice a month for supplies. But our house is comfortable, so it’s no hardship.”
“No one in your family says they’d rather go back to the village?”
“Not at all. The new home is so comfortable no one wants to leave. Once the new town is finished, we’ll be able to meet relatives there.”
“I must ask—please don’t speak of Varshe even to your relatives.”
“We understand. After seeing yesterday’s intruders, my family knows it’s best kept quiet.”
I asked if he’d eaten lunch yet. He hadn’t, so I told him to join the butler for a meal in the dining hall. On his way back, I’d make sure he took some sweets for his family.
Then Meyer entered the reception room.
“There were six intruders in all. Each had been trampled in several places by Varshe, leaving them unable to move on their own. Of the six, three regained consciousness on the way here—and committed suicide.”
“And the other three?”
“They don’t appear to have poison hidden in their mouths. To be safe, we’ve gagged them to keep them from biting their tongues. Wilson and Kamuela are handling them now.”
“Then all that’s left is to wait for Grandfather. I expect we’ll have to consult Varshe, so prepare for that.”
“And what about our guests?”
“It looks like they’ll need to stay the night. If we head back to the capital after Grandfather arrives, it’ll be far too late by the time we reach the manor.”
What do you think about this chapter?
