Chapter 72 - The Attic
"Nadia, it's about time for dinner. Come help."
"Am I allowed out of here?"
"If you're with me. Of course, don't think you can run. The people in this estate, not to mention the townspeople, won't lift a finger to help you."
Julian peeked into the attic and called to Nadia. She realized the sun had already set quite low. Opal had been so absorbed in the book Julian brought that she had lost track of time. In the meantime, Nadia had been tidying Opal's few clothes and doing some mending.
"The estate staff are cooperating, and the townspeople have been threatened, I suppose?"
"Don't stick your nose where it doesn't belong, Your Grace."
It seemed Nadia had been left with her to take care of her personal needs. Fortunately, the attic had two beds, so she and Nadia could eat and sleep together. She wanted to stay with Nadia as much as possible.
"Nadia, once you leave this room, don't leave Julian's side for any reason."
"But Your Grace, Julian is..."
"He's the most trustworthy person in this estate. Reluctantly so, I admit."
"...I understand."
"Hurry up."
Julian cut into their conversation, sounding irritated. Nadia, though clearly reluctant, nodded, understanding Opal's concern. After the two of them left, Opal stood up and gazed out the small window.
(Unfortunately, there are no trees close enough to jump to...)
Of course, she had no intention of escaping without Nadia, but it couldn't be helped that the thought crossed her mind. Climbing trees had been a favorite pastime of hers. But here, even the tallest tree only reached the third floor, not high enough for the attic. Besides, even if she could climb it, the branches would only support an adult's weight up to about the second-floor level.
Opal reached for the window and tried to open it. The rattling sound it made suggested poor construction, not surprising for a building of this age. She hadn't noticed any issues in the master bedroom, which just showed how they had cut corners with the attic.
"Don't get any reckless ideas about jumping to a tree to escape."
"...It would be less of a jump and more of a fall, wouldn't it?"
Opal turned and replied to Julian's mocking words. She had been so focused on the view outside that she hadn't noticed the sound of the lock turning. Then, it occurred to her, had she really not heard it?
"Your Grace, the meal is quite good."
"Thank you, Nadia."
Nadia entered carrying a tray laden with food. Opal thanked her, but her eyes were on the tray Julian was holding. It had a few empty dishes, a glass, and a water pitcher. Julian placed his tray on the table and left without another word. The sound of the lock turning followed.
"He didn't lock it just now, did he..."
"Oh, now that you mention it, you're right! You could have escaped, Your Grace. How careless of me..."
At Opal's murmur, Nadia, who was setting out the food, gasped and answered with regret. But Opal smiled and shook her head.
"I wouldn't have run even if I'd known. I was just being tested."
"Tested?"
"Yes. To see if I would abandon Nadia and run. To see if I was looking for a chance to escape."
Opal gave a wry smile. The thought of escaping through the door hadn't even occurred to her. How strange of her to have only considered the window. But Nadia seemed dejected again, feeling she was a burden.
"If I weren't here, you would have had more freedom to act..."
"Don't say such foolish things. Didn't I just tell you? Having you here keeps me from being reckless. It's because you're here that I can remain calm like this."
Opal took Nadia's hand and smiled encouragingly. She wanted to reassure Nadia more, to tell her there was no need to worry, but it was difficult right now. Help would surely arrive in a few more days. Opal was certain of it, but she didn't say it out loud. They shared the meal, even enjoying dessert, and decided to go to bed early.
"Nadia, could you leave the window as it is?"
"Won't you be cold?"
"I'll be fine. In fact, this room gets quite hot from the afternoon sun, so this is just right."
"I see."
Opal spoke up as Nadia was about to close the window, and then lay down on the bed. Being so high up, very few insects made their way in, and a pleasant night breeze flowed through the small opening. Nadia must have been exhausted. After a short while, Opal could hear her gentle breathing and felt relieved that she was able to sleep.
(It's been two days since my ‘elopement.’ Cole will have rushed my letter to Connally, and the knights will have been sent out on a search... Will seven days be enough for the news to reach the Royal Capital, to reach His Majesty Alessandro? No, it will be faster. It will probably take seven days for the rumor to spread throughout the country. The rumor must have been sent out before I was even locked up in here.)
Opal let out a soft breath, organizing her thoughts and planning her next steps. She knew Alessandro wouldn't believe the elopement story. He probably even anticipated it. Claude must have known that Opal wouldn't go to Boccelli Duchy without visiting the mines. The fact that he hadn't said anything meant...
Opal heard a faint noise and sat up with a start. She thought it might be the wind, but no, it was something else. She slipped quietly out of bed and was about to approach the window when she gasped, clapping her hands over her mouth to keep from screaming. A silhouette appeared outside the window, then slowly opened it wider and slipped inside.
"Well, hello, Opal. It's been a while."
Even in the darkness, illuminated only by starlight, there was no mistaking him. The soft, tiny whisper was his usual calm, slightly low, gentle voice. The nonchalant words, as if they had just run into each other in town, left Opal unsure whether to laugh or cry. But before she could think, she threw herself into Claude's arms.