Chapter 74 - The Fortress
"Well, well. Did you sleep well last night?"
"...Julian, are you bored?"
"Not at all. I have been entrusted with guarding a very important hostage, after all."
"So you are bored."
Opal replied sarcastically to Julian, who had brought her breakfast. She didn't expect him to get angry, but she was surprised to receive a cheerful smile in return. As she spoke, Opal watched him warily. Nadia was already tasting the breakfast for poison.
"You seem to be in a good mood. It's unsettling."
"Say what you like. I won't rise to your provocations. But I'll tell you this anyway. The Anti-Royalist Faction has gathered with weapons around the Royal Capital. The fools over there haven't even noticed."
Julian's words were so shocking that Nadia dropped her spoon. But Opal merely gave a small shrug.
"How unfortunate for them. So, what are the numbers of this uprising? The Royal Capital has the knights under His Majesty's direct command and the Royal Army, you know. An attack with half-hearted numbers will only end in failure."
"What do you plan to do with those numbers? Send a letter? Go ahead. It's too late now anyway."
"Oh, but I'm in the middle of an elopement. Even if it's too late, wouldn't it seem unnatural if a record of me sending such a letter remained? Wouldn't it have been better to take me to the Royal Capital and use me as a shield, rather than locking me up in this remote place?"
"You have almost no value as a hostage against Alessandro in the capital. You're a hostage against Claude."
"...I see. So this place, Boccelli Duchy, is to become a fortress for the Anti-Royalist Faction in case of an emergency. In that case, I wonder if you have ships prepared at the capital's port for a retreat, just in case? Pasma Port is very convenient, isn't it? You can procure my assets, your war funds, and also receive support from Sosylle Kingdom."
"...You should be quiet now. Talkative people look foolish."
"I'm fine with looking foolish. That's why I'd like you to bring me another book to study, if you would."
"You're a troublesome one."
"But it won't be a waste, will it?"
At Opal's insolent tone, Julian snorted and left the room. The sound of the lock turning followed. Opal let out a deep breath and noticed Nadia's pale face.
"I'm sorry, Nadia. I frightened you. But don't worry, it will be alright."
"But he said soldiers are gathering at the capital... I'm worried about that, but if those soldiers were to flood into this land, what would happen to you, Your Grace!? You and his lordship should return to Sosylle Kingdom, even if it's just the two of you!"
"...Nadia, if you ever feel you're in danger, I want you to forget about me and ensure your own safety first."
"I would never do that!"
Nadia, who had been anxious, seemed to be roused by Opal's words and refused vehemently. But Opal shook her head quietly.
"If danger approaches, there are many people who will help me. Just as Claude has infiltrated this place, there are many allies here. But it's cruel to say, I know, but for those people, you will be a secondary priority."
"That is to be expected."
"Even if it is, I don't like it. You are very precious to me, Nadia. I'm sorry for getting you involved in this."
"No, no. You don't need to worry, Your Grace. I have no complaints at all. In fact, I'm glad I can be by your side right now. I'm tired of worrying from afar."
Nadia pleaded with tears in her eyes. She must have been so worried during Opal's marriage to Hubert. That was why she had served by her side ever since her marriage to Claude.
"Then promise me, for my sake. If anything happens, you will absolutely prioritize yourself and escape."
"...I understand."
Though reluctant, Nadia's agreement brought Opal a sense of relief. It was certain that something would happen soon, and Opal would be dragged out of this attic. Given that Claude had risked coming to see her last night and the triumphant way Julian had spoken, she could predict what was coming. Opal hurried to the desk and wrote a letter on the stationery Julian had so presumptuously brought out.
"Your Grace?"
Nadia was puzzled by Opal's sudden action, but she stopped herself from speaking so as not to disturb her. With no time to spare for revisions, Opal sealed the letter just as Julian returned with a new book.
"Julian, would you send this letter for me?"
"Hey, hey, did you actually write one?"
"I took you at your word."
Julian seemed irritated by Opal's brazen attitude, but he snatched the letter from her. It appeared he had no intention of going back on his own suggestion.
"Well then, Your Grace, please do amuse yourself with this book."
"Yes, thank you. This will help."
Ignoring Julian's sarcastic remark, Opal looked at the titles of the several books and chose one. After glaring at her, Julian placed the empty breakfast dishes on the tray, took the letter, and left the attic. He did not forget to lock the door. Nadia stared at the door with a worried expression.
"...Nadia, do you really think Claude would leave me in this attic if he didn't have a winning plan?"
At Opal's question, Nadia's eyes widened, and then a smile bloomed on her face. It seemed she had managed to lighten her worries a little.
"You're right. If there was any danger to you, his lordship would never leave your side, would he?"
"It's not quite like that."
From their engagement until their marriage, Claude had been almost overprotective, always by her side. Hearing Nadia's words, who had witnessed it all, Opal gave an embarrassed smile and denied it. Since coming to this country, since their audience with Alessandro, they had often been apart, prioritizing their respective duties. But that was Opal's choice, and Claude respected it. For the sake of this country, and above all for Claude, Opal renewed her determination to fulfill her role completely.