Chapter 78 - Hostage
"It’s been quite lively since this morning. Something must be happening."
"My lady, are you sure it’s all right to be so relaxed?"
"It might not be, so, look?"
Opal, who had been reading a book to pass the time, lifted her skirt to show the fidgeting Nadia. Seeing the trousers she wore underneath, Nadia burst out laughing.
"My lady, when did you get ready? I didn’t even notice."
"A little while ago. When you and Julian had stepped out of the room. Trousers are so convenient. I can put them on by myself."
"It’s so true. I’m always envious of men. Not just for their clothes."
"Well, I’m sure men have their own hardships."
They shared a laugh, easing the tension, before Opal stood up and walked over to the window.
"You should get ready too, Nadia. I think things are about to happen here."
"I, I understand."
Nadia had also made a pair of trousers, though not as well-made as Opal’s. Convinced that she would be escaping with Opal, they had sewn them together in a single day. They were moved the very next day, and they had laughed in the carriage about how glad they were to have finished them in time. Opal was definitely more tense now than she was then. Sensing this, Nadia hurried to prepare.
"This town of Pasma was a stronghold for the anti-Alessandro faction during the time of the previous Duke of Boccelli. They must have thought it was still under rebel control."
Opal murmured to no one in particular as she gazed out the window. Wondering what she meant, Nadia also approached the window and gasped at the sight outside.
"My lady…"
"He would have preferred not to shed any blood…"
Opal clenched her hands tightly, as if enduring a great pain. Outside the window, the main street leading to the port was filled with a multitude of soldiers. Nadia was frightened at the sight of them, but then her face lit up as she recognized their uniforms and the banner they carried.
"It’s the Royal Army! My lady, His Majesty has come to rescue us!"
"Even so, we are still prisoners. Nadia, are you prepared?"
"Of course!"
Just as Nadia replied spiritedly, though she was trembling, the door was thrown open with great force. It was not just Julian who entered, but several soldiers, soldiers from the rebel army.
"Well, hello, princess. It's finally your turn."
"…I was tired of waiting."
"Still got a sharp tongue, I see."
Julian grinned, showing a false sense of composure, and gestured to the soldiers with one hand. They immediately seized Opal and Nadia, who were by the window.
"My lady!"
"It’s all right, Nadia. If we stay calm, I’m sure everything will be fine."
Two soldiers restrained Nadia, but they were only holding her by the arms. Opal, however, had her arms bound with a rope and was handed over to Julian.
"Coward."
"Say what you want."
"My lady!"
"Don’t worry, Nadia. I’ve had plenty of practice with this sort of thing."
Julian, who held the rope and roughly pushed Opal’s back, kept his mocking smile. Opal truly despised that smile of his. Hiding her feelings, she too put on a composed smile and called out to the worried Nadia. But the moment they left the room, Nadia’s mouth was covered, and she was dragged away in a different direction.
"Wait! What are you doing with Nadia!?"
"Shouldn’t you be more concerned about yourself, my lady?"
"Don’t be ridiculous."
"Cole and the others only need you, right? Just be a good little hostage."
Hearing Julian's words, Opal realized he was right and complied quietly. With the main street filled with so many Royal Army soldiers, Cole and his men had no escape route. Their only option was to use Opal as a hostage to get out of this place. Their destination would be either the Lead Mine or the ducal estate.
The Lead Mine has probably been secured by Claude already. Is there no news of it because the rebels don’t know? Or is it that I don’t know?
Claude would not fail. Such a thing could not happen. Opal told herself this as she considered the actions of the cornered men. The Royal Army must have entered Pasma Port flying the rebel flag. If they then quickly secured the port, the railway must also be under their control.
But if they use me, they can get the station opened and escape to the estate where Connally is. I don’t know how many troops Connally has, but if they join forces, it could become troublesome.
As Opal was pondering various things, Cole came running up, his footsteps thudding loudly. His face was pale and slick with sweat.
"Julian! We’re surrounded!"
"Don’t worry, it’s all right. I’ll open a way out."
Julian’s calm words seemed to slightly soothe Cole. He looked at Opal with an expression of relief.
"I thought it would be better to kill you off quickly, but it was the right decision to listen to you after all."
So it was Cole’s simple-minded idea to kill her in a staged accident during the Lead Mine inspection, Opal thought, as she followed Julian without resistance.
"So, what do we do now?"
"We negotiate, of course. A hostage must be used effectively."
"What are the terms?"
"The opening of the station, the preparation of a train, and we will join up with Connally and his men."
"But if they pursue us…"
"We can drop explosives on the tracks from the rear car. You’re good with blasting, aren’t you?"
"I see. We can buy time and wait for reinforcements."
"Yes. We also need to regroup."
It was as if Julian were the commander. Opal glanced at Cole as she listened to their conversation, but he showed no sign of noticing. Then, the rope was pulled, and she was led outside the inn. The Royal Army had spread out, surrounding the building. Yet Opal’s eyes were fixed on just one person.
"Claude…"
"Well, hello, Opal. Sorry I’m late picking you up again."