Chapter 42 - A Consultation
The day after Opal and Claude returned to the Royal Capital, Hubert came to visit without delay. Before facing him, Opal stood in front of the drawing room door and took a deep breath. Claude gave her hand a firm squeeze before letting go.
"Thank you, Claude."
"No, I’m nervous too."
"You are?"
"I suppose I still can’t believe my own good fortune. But I’ve gotten good at bluffing, so just watch me."
Surprised by his unexpected words, Opal watched as Claude announced this mischievously and opened the door. Hubert was alone in the reception room. He stood up upon seeing Claude and Opal. It had been about a year since Opal had last seen Hubert. He had not changed much, though he did look a little tired.
"Well, it’s been a while, McLeod."
"Rousel. …So you two really got married."
Even as Hubert shook Claude’s hand, his gaze was fixed on Opal. Claude quickly released Hubert’s hand, wrapped an arm around Opal’s waist, and pulled her to his side.
"I doubt an introduction is necessary, but this is my wife, Opal."
"It’s been a long time, Your Grace."
"Ah, yes…. So, did you two meet through the Mantest investment?"
Opal hesitated at the question and glanced at Claude. She was unsure if she should reveal Marquis Rousel’s true identity, that he was the third son of a Baron’s family from Sosylle Kingdom. However, her hesitation seemed to have caused a misunderstanding in Hubert, whose expression turned menacing.
"How long have you two been meeting?"
"McLeod, Opal and I are childhood friends."
"…Childhood friends? You two?"
When Claude answered his question, Hubert’s eyes widened in disbelief. It seemed news of Claude’s origins had not yet reached his home country. Judging that Claude himself had no intention of hiding it, Opal began to explain in detail.
"Claude is from Sosylle Kingdom. His family’s barony and my father’s, Count Holloway’s, fief are adjacent, and our estates were close enough to visit easily, so we became good friends."
"Rousel, no, Claude Fred…"
Hubert murmured Claude’s name, seemingly cross-referencing it with his mental list of nobles from Sosylle Kingdom. Although they held a title, Claude’s parents did not attend the social season in the Royal Capital every year, so perhaps he was not well known among the younger generation. Even so, something must have clicked for Hubert, as he stared at Claude anew.
"…How did someone from a Baron’s family in Sosylle Kingdom become a marquis in Taisey Kingdom?"
"My maternal grandfather was the previous head of the Rousel family. His heir unfortunately passed away in an epidemic eight years ago. Things were chaotic with the civil war and all, so my existence isn’t widely known in other countries."
"But if that’s the case, then at least five years ago, when I met you seeking support… Is that why Count Holloway introduced you to me? Were you two in contact all that time?"
Hubert, who had been muttering bitterly, suddenly snapped his head up and questioned Opal and Claude accusatorially. Feeling as if she were being accused of past infidelity, Opal bristled.
"The only time Claude and I met after I was married was once when I first returned home to my father’s fief… Until just a few months ago, I hadn’t heard a single word from Claude since that day. To think he was in contact with my father all that time, and was a Marquis Rousel no less…"
Though she had started by explaining things to Hubert, Opal found herself growing increasingly angry at Claude, and at her father as well. When it truly mattered, she was always left out of the loop.
"Even the Mantest development, which was how I learned about Marquis Rousel in the first place, do you have any idea how worried I was?"
"I, I’m sorry…"
"An apology won’t fix this. I am still angry, you know."
"W, well, then what should I…"
Suddenly being blamed as the topic shifted, Hubert recoiled. Opal’s glare moved from Hubert to Claude.
"And you, Claude!"
"Yes."
"Don’t just say ‘yes’!"
"Yes, ma’am."
Claude seemed somewhat amused, likely because this was familiar territory. Opal was less angry and more pouting. Realizing how childish she was being, Opal hastily regained her composure.
"I have a lot to say to you, but I’ll save it for later. For now, let’s hear His Grace’s business. Your letter mentioned a consultation regarding Lady Stella’s future. What did you mean by that?"
Hubert’s letter had, for some reason, stated that he wanted to consult Opal, who was now a complete stranger, about Stella. In the first place, Stella disliked her, and Lady Northem would surely resent any involvement Opal had in Stella’s affairs. Opal could not understand why Hubert would go so far as to come see her in person for advice.
"The truth is… I’ve been thinking that I must remarry soon to produce an heir, and I have selected a candidate from a list of promising prospects. But her family, Lady Marienne of the Count Lefond Family, has put forth a condition for the marriage."
Hearing Hubert’s words, Opal managed to force her twitching face into a smile. It sounded incredibly self-centered and selfish, but such things were to be expected in a marriage between nobles. Perhaps the other party had agreed to it, which was why they presented the condition.
"What sort of condition is it?"
"She has requested, in writing, that I sever all ties with Stella… with Stella completely."
"So, this is a formal contract that requires a signature, then?"
"Yes."
Lady Marienne, or more likely her mother, was quite shrewd, just as the rumors suggested. Aware of the gossip about Stella being Hubert’s mistress, she was likely setting a condition to solidify her own standing and position as his wife. The fact that marriage conditions were being discussed meant that even if they were not formally engaged, it was common knowledge. If the engagement were broken off now, it would cause a minor scandal, a major one for the woman. And if the reason was related to Stella, it would be tantamount to a public admission of their relationship, regardless of the truth.
(So, what does he want me to do about it…)
Swallowing the sigh that threatened to escape, Opal glanced at the man beside her. Claude met her gaze with a subtly sympathetic expression. He was here by her side, supporting her and telling her to do as she pleased. So she would do just that. Having reached her conclusion, Opal let out a soft breath and turned her eyes back to Hubert, who sat opposite her.
"In short, Your Grace, you must choose between Lady Stella and Lady Marienne, is that correct?"
"That’s right."
Seeing Hubert nod with a somewhat relieved expression, Opal gave him a bright smile.
"In that case, consulting me will be of no help, so please make the decision yourself."