Chapter 48 - Old Acquaintances
Opal, having come to the town of Nobori for the first time in a long while, was delighted to reunite with Omar, the administrator of the Duke McLeod fief. She could not very well set foot on Duke McLeod's lands, so she had asked Omar to come out to meet her. She had wanted to see Lind, the estate's butler, and Debby, the housekeeper, as well, but she unfortunately had to give up on that.
"Still, to think the town has changed this much. It certainly makes me feel my age."
"Let’s not talk about age. More importantly, I think this town has changed so much just in the last two or three years. It wasn’t this different the last time I came."
Apparently, Omar had not set foot in Nobori once in the past eight years. While answering the astonished Omar, Opal herself was surprised. She had visited Nobori several times since then, but she had not seen this much change.
Nadia, her attendant, had been quite excited upon their arrival, taking in the vibrant streetscape.
"So, was your trip this time a success?"
"Yes, thank you. It was very fulfilling."
Omar did not press for details, but he seemed to realize that Opal’s trip was not just for inspecting the fief. After confirming there were no issues with her lands, Opal had met with the owner of a railway company in Nobori. There was no need to mention that, so she and Omar had an enthusiastic conversation about the latest agricultural machinery and other topics. Just then, a familiar voice called out.
"Well now, if it isn’t the Duchess McLeod. It has been a long time."
Omar’s face soured at the sight of the man who appeared. Opal signaled to her guard, who had started to approach, that everything was fine, and then offered a bright smile.
"It’s been a long time, LeBeau. But I am no longer the Duchess McLeod."
"Ah, I believe I did hear something of the sort. In that case, what should I call you now?"
"—Mrs. Fred will do."
"My, have you remarried?"
"Yes, I have."
LeBeau, being so well informed, must have known about her remarriage, but since he was playing dumb, Opal decided not to mention Claude’s title. LeBeau, who had come to collect on Omar’s debt from Opal eight years ago, was as shrewd as ever. This reunion, though he feigned it was a coincidence, was likely a deliberate visit. She could not imagine LeBeau frequented this public salon.
The guard, having judged that Opal was in no real danger, sat back down at a nearby table. Nadia, who had been listening silently to the conversation with Omar, had a sparkle in her eye at LeBeau’s appearance. It seemed she was thrilled by his roguish demeanor.
"Since I am here, may I join you?"
"I don’t mind."
"I, I don’t mind either..."
"What’s this, Omar? You no longer owe me a thing, so you can hold your head high."
"Yes, well..."
Even if he had no debt, he was likely still uncomfortable. Opal was exasperated by LeBeau’s mean streak, deliberately bothering Omar knowing this. It was unfortunate for the guilt ridden Omar, but conversations with LeBeau were often informative. Besides, LeBeau, a self proclaimed legitimate moneylender, was a surprisingly friendly person despite his appearance.
That said, it was improper for a lady to associate with a moneylender, and merely being seen with one was a dishonor. In the town of Nobori, however, no one cared if you let your hair down a little. Of course, none of that mattered to Opal. She simply associated with whomever she pleased.
"I was just telling Omar, I was surprised at how much the townscape has changed."
"Ah, that’s because the town has been booming this past year."
"A boom?"
When she posed the question to LeBeau, who had plopped down next to Omar, she received an unexpected answer. As far as she knew, there had been nothing in this area in recent years to cause an economic boom. It was true that the Marquis who was the great lord of Nobori owned a gold mine in another of his fiefs, but that had been providing a steady, consistent supply for a long time, so it was unrelated.
"Are you familiar with the stories of the bandits that were making headlines a while back?"
"Yes. They were caught after some infighting, weren't they?"
Opal nodded, recalling her farewell conversation with Hubert when he had visited her in Taisey Kingdom. According to what Claude had told her afterward, the Marquis who was lord of this whole area had also been a victim. Apparently, his convoys transporting gold from the mine had been attacked several times and the gold stolen.
"It was those bandits, you see. They were spending money all over this town."
"My, what an unpleasant circulation of wealth."
"Indeed it is. Many people were killed, you know. Still, gold is gold. At the time, everyone just thought they were a bunch of free spending regulars. When they came to town, they were dressed like perfect gentlemen. No one ever imagined they were bandits. They lost a lot at gambling, too. That meant other customers won and got richer, and the establishments prospered. So, my business was terrible. No one needed to borrow money."
Listening to LeBeau, whose story ended in a complaint, Opal was reminded of Claude’s concern. On her way here, Claude had escorted her part of the way, warning her of bandits. These seemed to be different from the ones LeBeau mentioned, but that was a problem in its own right.
"The public order in this country has gotten considerably worse this past year, hasn't it."
"Times are changing rapidly. Everyone is desperate. But for those who can’t keep up with the changes, their only options are to sleep on the streets or to attack on the streets."
"That’s quite extreme."
When Opal murmured with a sigh, Omar replied as if to make an excuse. But for Opal, a crime was a crime. There were many people in the world who tried to live righteously no matter how hard things got. Crime was no excuse. Still, there was no point in taking her anger out on Omar, so she only let out a single word. LeBeau then continued, as if to defend Omar.
"No, Omar is right. I apologize for saying this, but you, madam, are one of the strong, one of the winners. You have had money and status since birth. And now as an adult, you have gained even more money and status."
"If you put it that way, there’s nothing I can say. I can’t even be angry at criminals."
"No, no, of course you may be angry, madam. Feelings are free."
"But I should be careful what I say and do?"
"You are in the public eye."
"I see. But I will use my status and my fortune to live freely. It is my life, after all. What the world thinks is irrelevant. Call it hypocrisy or what you will, I intend to help those who are facing hardship."
When Opal replied, her chest puffed out with pride, LeBeau laughed out loud. His laughter drew everyone’s attention.
"It seems you’re the one in the public eye."
At Opal’s playfully chiding words, even Omar, who had been looking awkward, began to laugh. It seemed he had felt guilty about the chilly turn the conversation had taken after his comment. Nadia, who had apparently been cross with LeBeau, was laughing too. But LeBeau, though he remained seated, bowed his head deeply to Opal. A murmur rippled through the surroundings.
"LeBeau?"
"I have always despised nobles. But you are different. You are a person worthy of respect."
"—Thank you."
Though startled by LeBeau’s sudden words, Opal replied calmly. LeBeau raised his head, his usual smirk returning to his face.
"It’s probably a nuisance to you, but I’ve been paying close attention to you these past few years. And you’ve provided me with a great deal of entertainment."
"My, how frightening."
When Opal feigned a shudder, LeBeau laughed loudly again.
"I have no father. My mother raised me all by herself through great hardship. So, you may not want the friendship of a vulgar fellow like me, but if anything should happen, please let me know. I will always be there to help."
"Vulgar? Not at all. That’s very reassuring. Thank you, LeBeau."
"I’ll be a great help too!"
"I, I will help as well!"
Opal happily accepted LeBeau’s gracious offer. Then Nadia and Omar, who had been silent until now, chimed in.
"Thank you, Nadia, Omar. I’m so happy to have so many reliable allies."
Though she answered with a smile, her words came from the heart. The townspeople, who usually did not meddle in others’ affairs, were now curious about the woman who had made even LeBeau say such things. Unconcerned by their gazes, Opal and her companions enjoyed their afternoon together.