Chapter 83 - The Royal Palace
Opal and Claude returned to the Royal Capital by ship and went directly to the palace. Claude had said he could go alone since she must be tired, but Opal insisted she was fine and wished to accompany him.
Inside the Royal Palace, the chaos caused by the rebels lingered. Government officials scurried about, and nobles whispered in secretive huddles here and there. They all looked surprised to see Opal and Claude, and though they seemed to want to speak, the couple’s unassailable smiles kept them at a distance.
"Ah, Opal. I am glad to see you have returned safely."
"…To receive such gracious words is more than someone like me deserves. I am truly humbled."
"So you are still angry."
In the same room where she had her first audience, Opal reported her return to the capital, and Alessandro addressed her as if nothing had happened. Opal smiled brightly, curtsied lightly, and bowed her head, but it seemed her inner fury had been properly conveyed. Despite this, Alessandro appeared amused.
"I was the one who insisted on using you as a decoy. Claude was quite against it, so please do not blame him."
"I do not blame Claude at all. I am certain you took great care to ensure my safety, were you not? But I imagine he could not be at ease, since there are no certainties in this world. Even so, Claude respected my wishes and allowed me to go to the duchy."
In essence, Opal replied with a smile that Claude had respected her will, not Alessandro’s. And for that, she was not angry with Claude. Opal continued, maintaining what Claude would call her deep smile.
"It is just that, I cannot help but feel frustrated that I could have handled things much better had I been informed beforehand."
"Nonsense, you did more than enough. What more could have been done? Thanks to your efforts in securing the cooperation of the moneylender through Duke McLeod and his servant, we were able to cut off the rebels’ funding without interfering in the internal affairs of Sosylle Kingdom."
"That would be the land administrator Omar and the financier LeBeau."
"I see. For those two… particularly the one named LeBeau, please convey my sincere gratitude. After all, he even managed to secure clear evidence. With this, we can finally bring those responsible to justice. Yes, I shall grant you a reward. Opal, is there anything you desire?"
"In that case, may I make just one request?"
"Yes, what is it?"
Of course, Opal had no desire for a reward. She had only done what was necessary, and she would properly thank Hubert, Omar, and LeBeau herself at a later date. She understood that Alessandro’s haughty demeanor was necessary and could not be helped. But it was Opal’s creed to see things through once she had decided on them. When she glanced at Claude, he grinned as if he had read her mind.
"Then, please allow me to strike you."
"What did you say?"
"Just one blow will suffice. I will, of course, ask for nothing else."
Alessandro’s eyes widened in astonishment, but then he burst into loud laughter. As expected, Claude was neither surprised nor did he try to stop her.
"Very well. I did put you through a frightening and restrictive ordeal. Considering all you have done for this country so soon after marrying into it, a blow or two is nothing. Come, I do not mind."
With that, Alessandro offered his cheek. Opal took a few steps forward, approached the seated Alessandro, clenched her fist, and swung.
"Ugh!?"
"Opal, is your hand alright?"
"I’m wearing gloves, so it’s fine."
"Don’t be so reckless."
"I held back, you know."
Claude was more concerned about Opal’s hand than about Alessandro, who was bent over, clutching his cheek in pain. Opal also ignored Alessandro, opening and closing her hand to show the worried Claude that she was fine.
"…Claude."
"Yes, what is it?"
"You’re worrying about the wrong… person…"
"Is it not natural to worry about a delicate woman, my wife?"
Alessandro grumbled in pain and frustration. But Claude not only ignored him, he sighed and began to lecture him.
"In the first place, you brought this on yourself. To be honest, I’d like to give you about ten punches myself, but I’m restraining myself. What person in their right mind would agree to use their precious wife as a decoy? No one, right? Yes, I didn’t. I didn’t even oppose it. I accepted the role of decoy, but you arranged to keep me from meeting up with Opal, didn’t you? The only reason I fulfilled the role assigned to me was because I knew it was what Opal would want. Please stop with these unreasonable demands. Otherwise, I’ll go into exile."
"…My apologies."
"Well, I suppose we can forgive you for now. Shall we get some ice for that cheek?"
When Alessandro grudgingly uttered something resembling an apology, Claude went to summon an attendant waiting in the next room. While he was gone, Opal covered her mouth to stifle her laughter.
"Is it swollen enough to be funny?"
"Just a little… But it’s not that noticeable. As long as it doesn’t turn red."
What Opal found so amusing was hearing Claude’s lectures again after so long. She used to be on the receiving end quite often in the old days. Alessandro surely knew this too, but he was sulking theatrically.
"A well-matched couple, I see."
"Thank you."
"That wasn’t a compliment."
"I am still angry. About you letting bandits attack Claude. And I’m sure there were many other dangers he faced, were there not?"
"…I am sorry. But I do not regret it. I have many flaws, but I am confident in my ability to judge people. I do not engage in battles I cannot win."
"Now you’re the one praising yourself."
When Opal laughed, Alessandro laughed too. But he immediately groaned in pain. Just then, Claude returned.
"Well then, we shall take our leave."
"Ah, yes. See you again tomorrow."
"Yes. Understood."
"Please take care of yourself, Your Majesty. We shall be on our way."
Opal followed Claude’s lead in bidding farewell. The attendant who entered the room with ice cried out in surprise upon seeing Alessandro’s cheek. Alessandro explained that he had "bumped it on a chair."
"We need to ice your hand too, Opal."
"I’m fine."
"No, you’re not."
"…Alright."
She felt no pain and did not think it needed icing, but Claude would not yield. It was just like the ever-worried Claude, and this time, Opal decided to obey. She knew how much he must have worried while they were apart. She, too, had been filled with worry and anxiety. To be here, by his side like this, was a miracle.
Opal took Claude’s hand, not his arm, with her uninjured right hand. Claude seemed surprised for a moment, but then he laughed out loud. Opal laughed out loud as well, and just like when they were children, the two of them walked hand in hand on their way home.