Chapter 85 - Growth
The Royal Palace was even more clamorous than usual, filled with a great number of people. To ensure the trial was conducted with fairness and transparency, anyone who could enter the palace was permitted to observe. As a result, not only nobles but also off-duty palace staff were present. Everyone was whispering, wondering who had sided with the rebels, who would be judged. And when they saw Opal and Claude, they quickly parted to make way, continuing their hushed gossip.
"Quite a turnout."
"They won’t all fit in the great hall."
"What will the people who can’t get in do?"
"His Majesty said all the windows and doors of the hall would be opened, so I imagine they’ll peek in from there."
"They won’t be able to see anything."
"It’d be much the same even if they were inside the great hall."
"That’s true."
It was doubtful they would even hear the voices, but Opal murmured a word of agreement. Just then, someone said, loud enough to be heard, "How can she be so shameless, standing with the Duke. I suppose unfaithful people have nerves of steel." They were clearly talking about the elopement. A ripple of soft laughter spread through the crowd, but neither of them paid it any mind and continued toward the great hall.
"Come to think of it, I wonder how Julian is doing."
"You don’t need to worry about him."
"I’m not worried. But it seems you’re keeping secrets from me again, Claude."
"I’m not hiding anything."
Claude gave a simple reply to Opal, who had remembered Julian because of the elopement rumors. If that was the case, he could have just told her sooner. As always, Claude was being difficult. Opal pinched his arm in protest.
"Ouch!"
"You’re being dramatic."
Opal turned her face away from the theatrically yelping Claude and entered the antechamber first. A lady-in-waiting was attending in the room, and upon seeing them, she immediately began to prepare tea.
"Are we allowed to relax and have tea?"
"They’ll be letting the audience, no, the observers into the great hall now, so it will take some time. I’m sure people will argue over getting the best seats."
"I feel sorry for the ushers."
"The Royal Guard will secure the central area, so it’ll be fine. Anyone who doesn’t comply will be forcibly removed."
"So the arguing will be between the audience members themselves."
"Yes. That would have been a sight to see as well."
"You’re terrible."
Opal replied with a laugh and thanked the lady-in-waiting who served her tea. Claude also expressed his thanks and picked up his cup. The lady-in-waiting bowed happily and retreated to a corner of the room. Just as Opal brought her own cup to her lips, the door burst open without a knock.
"Claude! What is the meaning of this!? The Royal Guard suddenly came to our estate this morning and arrested my brother and father!"
"…Because they are leaders of the rebellion."
"What nonsense is this! Just because my mother is the daughter of the Duke of Boccelli, this is a false accusation of the highest order!"
"You’ll find out whether it’s a false accusation or not if you observe the proceedings."
Baron Prado, Eric, who had suddenly entered the room, rushed toward Claude. It seemed he was shocked and could not accept that his father, Marquis Baphot, and his older brother, Viscount Amady, Thierry, had been arrested as leaders of the rebellion. To think that Eric had been told nothing, that he had been disregarded by both Claude and his own family, made Opal feel a pang of pity for him.
(His thoughts and actions are so childish.)
Her father and brother’s guilt was certain. Opal only did not know what sentence would be passed down. Even if the punishment did not extend to Eric, to his family, he would have to walk a difficult path from now on. But people can change, no matter their age. Just as Hubert had maneuvered skillfully in this affair and brought Marquis Saymes to justice, Eric, too, could surely grow.
As Opal was thinking this and setting down her cup, Eric’s attention turned to her.
"This is your fault! Everything went wrong after you came here!"
"Eric, you…!"
"It’s alright, Claude! I’m fine, I’m used to it."
Claude showed a flash of anger at Eric, who was pointing a finger at Opal and blaming her. But Opal quickly intervened, and Claude backed down, muttering, "Used to it…"
"Baron Prado, don’t you think it’s about time you grew up?"
"Wha—!"
"In your position, you must realize that your every word affects many people. Please remember that your words and actions are being watched and judged by many."
Eric started to protest Opal’s words but seemed to notice the lady-in-waiting in the corner, whose face had turned pale with fear. He closed his mouth and glared down at Opal. Just as Claude was about to lose his patience with this attitude, a knock echoed through the room. The lady-in-waiting went to answer it as if escaping and opened the door wide.
"Your Grace the Duke of Boccelli, my lady, it is time. Please come to the great hall."
"…Understood."
Claude took a breath, then responded to the attendant and stood up. He ignored Eric and offered his hand to Opal.
"Shall we go, Opal?"
"Yes. Thank you, Claude."
Opal, looking only at Claude, stood and headed for the exit. At that, Eric finally seemed to snap back to his senses. It appeared Opal’s words had given him pause. At the doorway, Opal glanced back, hoping that Eric would take this opportunity to grow.