Chapter 60 - The Summons
"Opal, do you have a moment?"
"Yes, of course."
Opal, who was writing a letter in her room, put down her pen in response to Claude as he entered. His tone suggested he had something important to discuss. She stood up and sat down next to Claude on the chaise lounge where he had taken a seat.
"I just received a summons from His Majesty."
"Does that mean something has happened?"
"Probably. I hope it's not too serious, but I think I'll be late coming back. So I won't be able to escort you to the ball tonight."
"I understand. I'll attend by myself this evening."
"I'm sorry."
"There's no need to apologize. I've gotten used to the social scene here. I can manage perfectly fine on my own."
The events in Sosylle Kingdom had indeed been thoroughly reported in this country's high society. The invitations, which before her return had been mere formalities, had completely changed in tone. It was clear even from the wording that she was now warmly welcomed. Even so, she was disappointed to be attending alone. Hiding this feeling, Opal smiled brightly in reply, and Claude let out a sigh.
"You're so dependable, Opal. It makes me a little lonely sometimes."
"I'm just hiding my own loneliness and putting on a brave face. I know which of us must take priority."
"I'm sorry. That was selfish of me."
Claude immediately apologized upon hearing Opal's jokingly delivered words. It would have been nice if she could have sulked or acted spoiled in that moment, but for Opal, that was a considerable challenge. As she wondered how to respond, Claude suddenly kissed her and stood up.
"...Huh?"
"Forget what I said just now. After all, Opal is Opal."
"Wh, what is that supposed to mean!"
Perhaps because they had been childhood friends, like brother and sister, for so long, they rarely had the atmosphere of lovers. That was why a sudden kiss could leave her mind struggling to even process it. Leaving a stunned Opal behind, Claude headed for the exit, turning back at the door.
"Well, I'm off."
"Ah, yes. Take care."
Opal hastily stood to see him off, and Claude smiled happily before leaving. Only then did she realize she should have walked him to the entrance, but it felt awkward to chase after him now. Staring at the closed door, Opal sat back down on the chaise lounge and let out a long sigh.
"I'm still not used to this..."
It had been just over a month since their wedding. They spent much more time together, but their daily interactions lacked any sweet, romantic air, so when he ambushed her like that, she was always flustered. But Claude seemed to enjoy that, which was somehow frustrating.
Does Claude not feel lonely about tonight? ...No, that can't be true.
His earlier display of selfishness was probably an expression of his true feelings. But even if they were both lonely, there were many things they had to do apart. Opal had her social obligations, which she had stumbled with at first, and Claude had work that she didn't fully understand.
However, even if Claude didn't tell her the details of his work, she could vaguely imagine what it entailed. Taisey Kingdom had overcome the crises of plague and civil war and was now more prosperous than Sosylle Kingdom, but the Anti-Royalist Faction, supporters of the former prince, still existed.
For the past several days, Opal had attended as many tea parties and balls as she was invited to. At these events, she would smile as if she were merely curious. The women were then delighted to tell her all sorts of things, and among the rumors were many unsettling whispers that one wouldn't notice if not listening carefully.
But I wonder where the Anti-Royalist Faction gets its funding...
Any activity requires funds. Even if there were nobles secretly supporting them, where were they sourcing that money from? In the four years since King Alessandro ascended the throne, he surely would have investigated to ensure no hidden assets remained.
...Is that why Claude was investigating the bandits in Sosylle Kingdom?
The gold bullion and jewels the bandits were said to have stolen would amount to a considerable sum. Perhaps they had somehow funneled those assets into Taisey Kingdom, and the remainder was lost through gambling in Marquis Saymes's fief, in towns like Nobori. It was also plausible that the valuables stolen by Keimont and his associates had gone undiscovered for a time, leading Claude to suspect they were funding the Anti-Royalist Faction and prompting his investigation.
It's just speculation, but it all fits together, doesn't it?
Opal felt satisfied, convinced of her own theory as she rode home in the carriage. Claude probably wouldn't answer her questions yet, but he would surely tell her once the matter was resolved. Looking forward to comparing her notes with his answer then, Opal was disappointed when she returned to the manor. An urgent letter from Claude had arrived, stating that he would not be able to return for some time.
"For some time... I wonder how long that is..."
It wasn't as if she could have gotten her answers tonight, but Opal was quite disheartened. They had even promised to discuss tomorrow how to proceed with the reforms for the newly bestowed Boccelli Duchy. The duchy had vast stretches of land perfect for growing grain, but its modernization was delayed. Furthermore, because it had been a significant source of funding during the last civil war, its people were apparently exhausted from being subjected to impossibly heavy taxes.
And I'm sure there were a few mines there as well...
The Lead Mine at the northernmost tip was apparently still being mined on a small scale, but considering the health effects of dust and other factors, it wasn't profitable and would be better off closed. She had decided to go and inspect all of it soon. Opal could handle everything from planning to execution on her own. She just wanted to accomplish it with someone, with Claude. But since she didn't know how long Claude's "for some time" would be, she had no choice but to proceed on her own for now.
"Fine. I'll proceed on my own. After all, this is my area of expertise!"
Her resolve firm, Opal declared aloud in the empty room.