Chapter 15 - The Duke's Mansion
Trevor must have judged it better to remain standing, given Hubert's attitude. Just then, Romit appeared with tea. He wore a mocking expression as he looked at the still-standing Trevor, but he silently prepared three cups of tea on the table. Ordinarily, Opal, as the lady of the house, should have been the one to pour the tea, but it was clear no one had any intention of that. Presently, Romit left the study, and Hubert, as if growing impatient, spoke again.
"So, what is it you want to say, that you went to the trouble of bringing this man here? A complaint about the duchy? Apparently you've been complaining that the duchy isn't prosperous and went off to the town of Nobori to amuse yourself."
"...From whom did you hear that?"
"From Omar. He sent me a letter as soon as you left for Nobori. He must have felt it was his duty to report to me about you as well. Omar is diligent and keeps me informed about everything."
At Hubert's words, Opal nearly laughed. Did he think that because the man contacted him frequently, he was worthy of trust? If so, Hubert was far too pure and immature. Trevor looked down and coughed, seemingly to hide his laughter.
"Then, allow me to be frank. Omar cannot be trusted. I am told there have been no disasters in the duchy for the past several years. Therefore, I suspected that Omar might be embezzling funds--"
"Ridiculous! There's no need to say any more!"
"But we did, in fact, find evidence. Omar was pouring embezzled money into gambling and had even fallen into debt."
"Is that your claim? If you conspire with that man there, you could fabricate plausible-looking evidence! Omar is a man my late father trusted and hired. It's unbelievable that you would insult him after he has worked for the ducal family for so many years!"
It was Opal who found it unbelievable. She stared at Hubert in stunned silence as he refused to listen to a word she said, dismissing it all as ridiculous and shouting at her. It seemed Trevor, too, was uncharacteristically surprised. What was more, Hubert seemed to be growing more agitated by the sound of his own voice.
"It's true, this mansion and that land were saved by your money. But the title is mine, and it will remain mine! I decide who to hire. I have no intention of letting you and your father, the Count, have your way! This conversation is over. Get out of here!"
"...Very well. We will take our leave."
Hubert must have been in a bad mood. Opal thought, trying to be charitable, that perhaps something had happened with Stella. Maybe if she gave him some time, he would calm down and listen to her. Thinking this, Opal left the study, but her feelings changed when she saw Stella and Lady Northem on the other side of the hallway. Perhaps they had heard Hubert's shouting, for Stella wore a very malicious smile, while the lady wore a look of satisfaction.
"Oh, is that the rumored...?"
"Yes, it is. But I'm sorry. I can't introduce you. My husband has told me not to meet with her."
"She's quite a malicious-looking angel, isn't she. It may be improper for me to say this, but is her life truly in danger?"
"Why do you ask?"
"Because she certainly doesn't look it. If it's a traditional family doctor, he must be quite elderly, no? It might be a good idea to have another physician examine her once."
"...You're right. I will suggest it when my husband is in a better mood. More importantly, I am truly sorry. To think this would happen after you came all the way to the Royal Capital."
Opal and Trevor spoke in low voices as they walked toward the entrance. It was also infuriating that the butler, Romit, made no move to show himself.
"It doesn't matter at all. I was able to take a refreshing trip to the Royal Capital. The Count's fief has been running so smoothly lately that I was getting bored. So, how do you plan to convince His Grace the Duke? We could bring Omar here, or I think we could have the butler of the duchy's estate... Lind, testify."
Trevor stopped as they reached the entrance. A footman stood waiting with the door open, as if to say 'leave quickly'. Opal hesitated for a moment, then smiled sweetly and replied.
"...No, that's alright now. But, I think I will be going to the Count's fief again in a little while. If you could, I'd like you to think about whether there are any candidates for a new administrator by then."
"--Understood. I... we are on your side, my lady. We are cheering you on in this battle."
"Thank you, Trevor. Be careful, then."
Opal spoke without concern for how much the footman might have overheard. Trevor, too, left a clear word of encouragement before departing the mansion. Opal saw him off at the entrance until the carriage he rode in turned the corner, then immediately withdrew to the attic room. Neither the butler nor Hubert appeared in that time.
Sitting before the shabby desk, Opal did reflect that her approach had been poor. Omar was the administrator hired by Hubert's father, and to insult him was likely tantamount to insulting the previous Duke. Although, one couldn't know what would have become of Omar if the previous Duke were still alive. A feeling of sympathy for Hubert welled up in her again, but still, Opal wrote a letter. The reply arrived the very next morning, and surprised by its speed, Opal broke the seal and read it immediately.
"I'll be going out this afternoon, so please have a visiting dress ready."
"Where will you be going, madam?"
"...Why must I report my every destination to you? Tell me, Beth?"
"I... I spoke out of turn. Please forgive me."
"You are forgiven."
Normally, Opal would not speak to anyone in such a way, but seeing Beth's constantly sullen face had pushed her to her limit. She did not know if Beth could read, but perhaps she had noticed the sender was a man. That might be why she had asked such a question. If so, Romit must have also noticed the sender was a man, and it was possible he would report it to Hubert. Her prediction proved correct. Just as she had a carriage prepared and was about to leave, Hubert stopped her.
"Where are you going?"
"...You have never shown any interest in my actions before, so why such a question now?"
"Because it would be a problem for you to go meet a man in a carriage bearing the ducal family crest. If it's a tryst, please be discreet."
"I am sorry to disappoint you, but I am on my way to my uncle's residence. He has apparently returned to the Royal Capital after a long absence and has expressed a wish to see me."
"--Then do as you please!"
"I shall."
In truth, her uncle, having learned of her marriage, had invited Hubert as well, but she did not mention it. He would likely refuse anyway, and it was too much trouble. Besides, Hubert seemed to have genuinely no interest in Opal. He didn't even notice, let alone grow suspicious of, the heavy bag she was carrying, a bag filled with IOUs and other documents, which was hardly appropriate for a simple afternoon visit.
And so, Opal visited her uncle's house and they rejoiced at their reunion after a year. However, when Opal brought up her proposal a short while later, her uncle was aghast and objected. She managed to persuade him only by explaining the current situation and vowing to protect things in the future. Afterward, Opal promised to meet her uncle next at the Count's estate. Upon returning to the Duke's mansion, she departed for the Count's estate the very next day.
When Opal returned from her uncle's residence, she did ask for permission to go to the Count's fief, but Hubert once again said only, "do as you please," as if to say he had no interest. The only thing that had changed was the attitude of the ducal carriage's coachman, Cayve. Cayve alone treated Opal properly as the Duchess, with respect. Smiling at the irony, Opal felt her frayed nerves begin to soothe as the estate came into view.