Chapter 52 - Explanation
Upon returning to the mansion, Opal entered the study, accepted a drink from Claude, and sat on the sofa. After everything that had happened tonight, she was more in the mood for alcohol than tea. Claude poured a drink for himself as well and sat down across from her.
"Where should I begin..."
"There is no need to wonder. I will ask what I want to know, and I would like you to answer. If you cannot, just tell me so."
"Understood."
It would probably be better to hear the explanation in order, but Opal was too confused with her own multitude of questions. More than the process, she wanted to know the outcome.
"Did you know about Lord Keimont from the start?"
"No, I only just found out today. I knew you would be at that ball, so I rushed over."
"I see... Then what about the bandits? And the fact that they were the sons of aristocrats?"
"It was suspected from the beginning that they might be young men of high birth. Eyewitness accounts indicated that although they wore masks, their clothing and the guns they carried were expensive. However, that meant the investigation had to proceed with caution. It would be a major incident if they made an arrest only to admit it was a mistake, would it not?"
"I understand why the information could not be leaked. Even so, why are you involved in this matter?"
"I suppose it just happened that way?"
At Claude's casual reply, Opal's expression turned doubtful. She wondered if he was teasing her or if he was unable to speak about it, but that did not seem to be the case. Seeing her expression, Claude explained with a laugh.
"It is true. I was gathering information about the bandits for a separate matter. Through that, I came to know the legal officer investigating the bandits who have been troubling the highways recently. We decided to cooperate by providing each other with information."
"And that separate matter is?"
"I cannot tell you that yet."
"I understand."
For Opal, the possibility of danger was a greater concern than Claude having secrets. But she did not press the matter further and instead feigned a complaint.
"So that is why you so readily suggested going to Sosylle Kingdom. You had business here all along. If it had not been for Beth’s situation, would I have been left waiting all alone in an unfamiliar country?"
"I would not let that happen. Someone other than me could have come to this country. It was seeing you at that time, after you heard about that woman from McLeod, that made me decide to come here."
"It seems I am just dancing in the palm of your hand. Even tonight, after all my preparation and groundwork, everything was overshadowed by Keimont’s arrest... Speaking of which, what will happen to his assets? What about the child support?"
In the shock of Keimont’s arrest, she had completely forgotten that a criminal’s assets are often confiscated. Regretting that she had not pushed the proceedings more forcefully, Opal watched as Claude smiled reassuringly.
"That will be fine. Keimont’s assets will likely be confiscated, but it should be approved if you go through the proper procedures."
"If that is the case, then good... What kind of punishment will Keimont and the others receive?"
"As I said before, there were fortunately few injuries. And all of them were minor, so the actual damages will likely be considered monetary only. Since those will be returned along with compensation, I imagine they will be released before long."
"What? So that... good for nothing will be out soon? And several more just like him? They are nothing but a menace to society. That is negligence on the part of the Ministry of Justice. I must protest to my uncle."
Though angry, Opal seemed to have avoided the word "scumbag" this time. Nevertheless, Claude could not help but laugh at her merciless words.
"This is no laughing matter, Claude."
"Yes, you are right. However, their assets will be confiscated, so from now on they will have no choice but to rely on their parents and siblings for support. By tomorrow, everyone will know, so it will likely be difficult for them to return to high society."
"I find it questionable that the thought of working to earn their own living does not occur to them, and I wonder if they truly will be unable to return to society. The victims were common people, were they not?"
Just as Keimont had looked down on Beth and the others, there were many who unjustly discriminated against those outside the aristocracy. Opal thought that in the end, people might forgive Keimont and his friends, but then she recalled the ball from tonight.
"Come to think of it, the atmosphere tonight seemed different from usual. It was not so stiff, and everyone listened properly to my impertinent accusations. Above all, Lord and Lady Croisel were such wonderful people. Well, with the exception of one couple."
Eight years ago, there would have been many more men who would have openly sided with Keimont. Of course, there were still many who were just as vulgar, but several of the titled nobles in attendance had accepted her without prejudice, and she had been able to converse with them as equals, regardless of gender. Claude nodded, as if affirming Opal’s thoughts.
"Lord Croisel seems to be a progressive man, so it is likely that like-minded people gather around him. The soirées he hosts are not formal, and many young people attend. But they are not so raucous as to make the old guard frown, so unmarried women can also attend with peace of mind."
"I have been away from high society for a while, but it seems to have changed a great deal. Or rather, I myself held a prejudice against society and did not try to learn about it. Not everyone is like Keimont or the Countess."
Opal had been trapped by the unpleasant memories of eight years ago, assuming that the new people she met would be the same. She realized that she herself had become an unpleasant person and felt a sense of remorse.
(No one would want to become friends with someone so stubborn, competitive, and sarcastic...)
Opal let out a deep sigh and, feeling a gaze upon her, looked up. Claude was watching her with a gentle smile.
"Is something wrong?"
"You are cute, Opal. Very cute."
"T, that is just your imagination! Besides, I will be twenty-eight soon, there is no way I am cute!"
"Is that so?"
"It is!"
Claude’s words made her happy, yet she was too embarrassed, so she turned away with a pout. She was aware that this was one of the things about her that was not cute. Just as she was about to feel down about her inability to be more honest, a thought struck her.
"Tonight’s incident... I am sure Roana-san is put off, do you not think?"
"Incident?"
"My accusation against Lord Keimont."
"Ah... Do you regret it?"
"I do not regret it. In fact, I think the drama of the arrest has probably overshadowed what I did. But this is a separate matter, is it not? No one wants to be friends with someone who is always causing a stir. They would rather keep their distance."
Anyone would be angry if someone caused a scene at their parents’ ball. Even if Lord Croisel was understanding, she would go and apologize properly tomorrow. It would be awkward to face them, but she had to do what was right. Opal resolved herself.
"It will be fine. I am sure you and Roana-jou will become friends."
Claude stated this with certainty to the pondering Opal. For some reason, his words pricked at Opal’s heart.
"...Are you acquainted with Roana-san?"
"No, I do not know her."
"Then how do you know?"
"Because I cannot imagine that someone you would want to befriend would care about such a trivial matter."
Realizing they were not acquainted, Opal felt a secret sense of relief. There was no need to be jealous, but her heart would not listen to reason. She was sure this would repeat itself every time she met an attractive woman. Even so, she could never leave her precious Claude.
"Thank you, Claude."
"...Yes."
Opal beamed at Claude for his kind words. She was unaware of just how much that smile captivated him. Instead, she abruptly changed the subject.
"By the way... were you acquainted with Lord Croisel?"
"I knew his name, but today was the first time we met. Why do you ask?"
"Oh, I was just thinking it would have been a bit foolish of me to introduce you in that setting if you were already acquainted."
"That certainly might have been a little odd."
Opal and Claude laughed, imagining such a scene, like something out of a caricature. Then, the two of them set down their glasses, stood up, and holding hands, slowly made their way to the bedroom.