Chapter 189 - 2-71
Prince Ricardo reported the incident to His Majesty, and Prince Faust was placed under house arrest. It took less than three days for the news to spread through the palace. Rumors grew wings, and soon everyone was whispering that Prince Ricardo's succession was a certainty. Nobles who had once backed Faust were now scrambling to switch sides.
"The palace has grown quiet these past few days," I remarked as I walked through the halls with Theodore-sama. Just a few days ago, these corridors had been bustling with dignitaries from various countries, but now that the festivities were over, most had already returned home. It felt like walking through a completely different place.
"Well, given the situation with Prince Faust, they're limiting access to the palace now. We can't stay in this country much longer either; looks like we'll be heading back next week."
"Yes, we have stayed quite a while. You're announcing Louis-sama's recovery the day after tomorrow, right?"
"Yeah. We only extended our stay to keep an eye on Minerva. Now that things have turned out like this, she probably doesn't have the energy for any more schemes, nor anyone left to help her. Besides, rumors about the misdeeds of Minerva and her family's ducal house are starting to surface because of Faust's incident. Prince Ricardo seems intent on bringing it all to light."
"It's becoming that big of a deal?"
"Apparently, the King is serious about taking action this time."
"If that happens, Lady Minerva will lose her standing entirely."
Knowing her personality, I didn't think she would back down quietly. However, if Orta's succession issues were settled, it would be a good thing for us as an ally.
"The rumors that the King and Queen Minerva are on bad terms are famous, so it wouldn't be surprising if she's sent to a detached palace or even divorced. Well, we can leave the rest to Prince Ricardo and his people. It's more important for us to settle our own country's problems."
I nodded at Theodore-sama's words and spent a moment in silence, thinking about the future.
"...Wait. Theodore-sama, do you hear something?"
I heard a faint voice coming from somewhere. I couldn't tell what was being said or who it was, but a woman's high-pitched, raised voice reached my ears.
"Sounds like an argument. I'm curious. Let's go, Lady Rachel." Theodore-sama narrowed his eyes and headed toward the sound.
"Wait, Theodore-sama! Where are you..."
"Come on, hurry. Watch your step and stay quiet."
Theodore-sama opened a door we weren't authorized to enter without hesitation. Feeling a mix of anxiety and fear, I followed him. Beyond the door was a corridor with narrow passages and corners, but Theodore-sama moved forward without getting lost. Gradually, the voices became clearer.
I was startled by a familiar voice. Is that... Madam Banks? Theodore-sama and I exchanged looks and stopped in front of a room.
"I told you, it's impossible!"
I jumped at the sound of Madam Banks shouting, a tone I had never heard from her before.
"Joanna, let's talk this through one more time. I told you I would never betray you. You should feel the same."
The person speaking to her was a man. I didn't know who it was, but they seemed to be on very close terms.
"I can no longer be your collaborator. I've given you enough information. I should have repaid my debt to you by now."
"That's not what I'm talking about. Joanna, you're mistaken. Debts have nothing to do with this. Do you doubt my feelings? You are the only one I have ever loved, then and now."
"...Our relationship ended a long time ago."
"That's not true. I've told you many times that I'm always thinking of you, even when we're apart. Let's talk properly later. I'll be waiting at the usual place tonight."
"I'm not going."
"I'll wait anyway. Until you come."
I covered my mouth to keep from crying out at the turn of the conversation behind the door. But as the sound of footsteps approached, I realized someone was about to leave the room.
I panicked, trying to get away, but my feet tangled and I almost slipped. Theodore-sama caught me just in time, preventing a fall. He pulled me around a corner, moving us out of sight of the door.
Just after we moved, the door opened and a man stepped out. A red cloak fluttered behind him as he walked away.
"...That's..."
I wasn't sure if the voice that escaped was mine or Theodore-sama's. We both froze, unable to even blink at the sight of the unexpected figure.
For that man was none other than the King of Orta himself.
"For now, we report to Louis. I'll use magic to get us back." Theodore-sama whispered in my ear, drawing a magic circle with his finger. He was likely going to use his specialty, teleportation magic.
I nodded and stepped toward him, but my hair ornament caught on the sword of an armor display nearby. Of all days to wear a silver-crafted ornament...
A faint metallic click echoed. Theodore-sama and I looked at each other, instantly knowing we were in trouble.
"Who's there!"
As expected, Madam Banks, who was still nearby, noticed us. At the sound of her approaching heels, Theodore-sama sighed and said, "Can't be helped. I'll handle this," as he stepped out toward her. I followed him.
"Ah... good day."
"Lady Rachel... and Viscount Frion?" Madam Banks's eyes widened in shock. But she quickly turned pale and looked toward where the King had gone. "Ah... I see."
She whispered blankly, then let out a sigh as she grasped her situation, smiling resignedly. "How careless of me. To meet with His Majesty in a place where people might be."
"Um... the relationship between you two is..."
I knew she and Lady Aurelia were childhood friends, and the King was too. But I couldn't exactly say I heard him say she was the only one he loved, so I looked away and trailed off.
As I wondered how to ask, Theodore-sama let out a breath and smirked. "Childhood friends?"
Though his expression was soft, his eyes were sharp and accusing. "The conversation we heard didn't sound like childhood friends. Besides, according to what I've gathered, you and the King are former fiancés."
"What!" I stared at Theodore-sama, who had spoken with such certainty.
Former fiancés? How did Theodore-sama get that information?
Madam Banks put a hand to her forehead and sighed deeply. Since she didn't deny it, Theodore-sama's words were evidently true.
"...I see. So you've been suspicious of me from the start."
She looked off into the distance for a moment. When she looked back at us, the hesitation was gone, replaced by a look of firm resolve. "...Do you have a moment?"
"Of course." Theodore-sama leaned against the wall and crossed his arms.