Chapter 56 - The Love Story
"This is strange. All I wanted was to correct my name and call for support for my organization..."
"You achieved your goals."
"That may be true... but what is this? 'Torn-Apart First Love! A Childhood Romance Crosses the Sea!'"
"As a romance novel, it's rather interesting, don't you think?"
Opal held the newspaper she had just finished reading and pointed to the headline in protest. But Claude seemed unconcerned, his demeanor nonchalant.
"As a novel, yes. Well, I'm glad Duke McLeod wasn't made out to be the villain."
"...Not causing trouble for anyone is the basic principle, after all."
There was no point in complaining about it now. Opal placed the newspaper on the table and let out a final, sigh-laden thought. Claude responded in agreement.
The article focused less on Opal's name or Marquis Rousel's identity and more on the story of how the two came to be married, which was featured prominently. It was the story of the first love between the daughter of the fabulously wealthy Count Holloway and the third son of a poor Baron's Family.
Their circumstances could be called a mismatch of status, and Claude stepped aside for Opal's happiness when a marriage proposal from Duke McLeod arose. Half in despair, Claude traveled to Taisey Kingdom, which was in the midst of turmoil, to meet his grandfather. From there, his rise to prominence began.
Opal, meanwhile, hoping to reduce the number of women who suffered as she had, began activities to support female independence. She also extended a hand to underprivileged children, contributing greatly to charitable works in her wish for people's happiness.
Later, Claude splendidly acquired status and fortune. Yet, his days were empty without his beloved Opal. Wanting to feel connected to her in some small way, he invested in the Mantest project and became acquainted with Duke McLeod. Duke McLeod, learning the depth of their love, decided to step aside. And so, Opal and Claude were reunited and finally, happily, joined in matrimony.
"...It's correct, but it's not. This is so frustrating."
"But well, it features your charitable organization prominently, so isn't it fine?"
In contrast to Opal, who was grumbling while tapping her fingers on the table, Claude was leisurely sipping his coffee. Watching him, Opal gradually began to calm down.
"I suppose so... I'll have to write a letter and apologize to Duke McLeod. We used his name without permission."
"I'll write it. I'm the one who told the story."
"In that case, may I ask you to?"
"Of course. You're going to see her now, aren't you?"
"Yes, I received a reply from my uncle saying it was all right, so I'm going to tell Beth."
Regarding Keimont's assets, she had petitioned her uncle, the legal officer Jonathan Kenjit, to exempt a portion from confiscation to cover the child support needed for his three children. Her uncle had completed the necessary procedures in a single day and sent a reply. Of course, the reason it could be done so quickly was partly due to Opal's prior preparations. A fortunate outcome of this affair was that because the assets had been confiscated by the Ministry of Justice, Keimont's consent and signature were no longer required.
"Shall I go with you?"
"No, it's all right. I'll ask for more guards than last time, and besides, we'll stand out if we go together, won't we?"
"You stand out enough on your own, don't you?"
"Actually, I'm going in disguise this time."
"Hm?"
"If it becomes known that Beth is associated with me, it will be difficult for her to start her life over, don't you think? So, I'm going to meet her in disguise."
"...Please be very careful."
"I will."
Claude looked as if he wanted to say more, but he seemed to have reconsidered. He offered a smile and kind words, and Opal smiled back in return.
That afternoon. Opal and Nadia slipped out through a back entrance and headed for Beth's place in a hired carriage arranged by a footman. The front entrance was swarmed with reporters and a large crowd of people. The reporters were seeking information about Keimont and new details about Marquis Rousel, while the people were either simple onlookers or those who wanted to see Opal. Among them, many women seemed to have been moved by this morning's newspaper article, feeling a mix of empathy, admiration, and respect for Opal's way of life.
"It's too late for them to realize how wonderful Opal-sama is now. Opal-sama has always been wonderful."
"Thank you, Nadia."
Once they were settled in the hired carriage, Nadia muttered in a sulky tone. Besides Nadia, two guards were inside the carriage.
"If Beth isn't grateful after this, I won't forgive her. But I can't stand how people are changing their tune either..."
Opal smiled wryly at Nadia's grumbling and gazed out the window. The city scenery gradually changed, the buildings growing shabbier. Today, Opal was borrowing Nadia's everyday clothes, so she shouldn't stand out too much even in this area.
"Well, let's go."
"Yes!"
With Nadia, who for some reason was more enthusiastic than Opal herself, Opal stepped out of the carriage. Just like last time, she climbed the old, worn-out stairs and knocked on the door.
"Hello, Beth. How are you feeling?"
"My lady..."
While Beth stood in shock, Opal slipped inside through the door, followed by Nadia who closed it behind her. Opal observed Beth, who stood there dumbfounded. Her complexion was poor and her belly was so large it looked as if she could give birth at any moment.
"You must be tired of standing, shall we sit?"
Beth did not try to stop Opal as she spoke and opened the bedroom door. On the contrary, she obediently sat down next to Opal. Opal regarded the now completely docile Beth with suspicion.
"Are you in pain somewhere? Your stomach? Your back? Or do you feel unwell?"
"No..."
Beth gave a small reply and then fell silent. As Opal sat beside her without speaking, she heard the sound of Beth's sobbing.
"Beth?"
"I... I'm scared..."
"I know."
There was no way she would not be scared before giving birth. And she was all alone. It now occurred to Opal to wonder about Beth's family, but it would be tactless to ask.
"Listen, Beth. If you'd like, why don't you move into the facility I support? This place is inconvenient with your delivery so near. There are many experienced women there who can help you."
"But..."
"You don't need to worry about money. I've also settled things with Lord Keimont. He's agreed to provide child support for the baby."
Deciding she could not leave her here alone, Opal made the proposal. She also told her not to worry about money, as it was a source of great stress. Beth wiped her tears with her sleeve and looked at Opal as if glaring at her.
"I saw in the paper that he was arrested. He's this child's father!"
Beth screamed, her voice like a shriek, and then closed her eyes.