Chapter 230 - 3−34
Rose curled into a ball on my lap as the carriage rattled and swayed, letting out a wide yawn. The rhythmic motion seemed to invite sleep.
"I am surprised His Majesty Alec permitted me to leave the Imperial Castle."
"I enjoy the Emperor's trust, you see."
The reason I was currently sharing a carriage with Lute-sama traced back to this morning. I had been heading toward the Garden when Lute-sama visited me, simply saying, "Please come with me," before ushering me into the carriage.
"So, where is this carriage heading?"
"You will understand once we arrive. The Imperial Castle grounds are simply vast; our destination is actually quite close to the castle. It is near enough that you won't even have time for a nap."
I wasn't sure how much time passed after that. Though he smiled, Lute-sama didn't seem inclined to make small talk. The only sounds reaching my ears were the rhythmic clip-clop of the horses and the turning of the carriage wheels. The time spent in the carriage felt long enough to be hours, yet when Lute-sama announced, "We have arrived," only a few dozen minutes had likely passed since we left the castle.
Stepping out of the carriage, I found a modest, charming building. It was a two-story structure with cream-colored exterior walls and an emerald-green tiled roof. Many windows punctuated the walls, and the house was surrounded by carefully planted trees and greenery, complete with a small fountain. It felt like a place of warmth.
Lute-sama told the coachman to wait, as we wouldn't be long, then headed straight to the entrance and unlocked the door.
"Now, please, come in."
Following Lute-sama's lead, I stepped inside. Wood-grain flooring met white wallpaper. The light streaming through the windows evoked a sense of nostalgia and tranquility. Within the house, the large spiral staircase at the center of the entrance immediately caught my eye. A chandelier hung from the high ceiling, and the fine decorations were clearly the work of a master craftsman. Lute-sama ascended the stairs with grace and elegance. He looked like a figure from a painting, and I found myself momentarily captivated.
"What we seek is beyond these stairs. Please follow me."
Lute-sama looked back at me with a puzzled expression as I stood frozen at the entrance. Clutching Rose in my arms, I followed him, glancing around warily.
The stairs led to a spacious room. A round wooden table sat accompanied by a two-seater sofa and an armchair. Candles of various shapes and sizes rested upon the fireplace mantel. When Lute-sama opened the window, the lace curtains danced in the refreshing breeze.
"Kyu!"
Rose seemed to take a liking to the room, flying about energetically as if invited by the wind.
"I keep it clean, but I apologize if it is a bit dusty."
"No, it is very calming... a lovely villa."
At my words, Lute-sama offered a bashful smile, a rare sight for him.
"This is the Villa of the House of Duke Calria. However, it is my private residence; not even the servants are permitted entry."
"Does that mean you do the cleaning yourself? And the garden?"
"Yes. Maintenance was insufficient while I was studying abroad, so cleaning was quite a task after I returned to the country."
"Did you never think to leave it to others?"
"No, the thought never crossed my mind. I do not wish for anyone, regardless of who they are, to touch the things I hold dear."
"Why did you bring me here?"
"I will show you the reason now."
With a small chuckle, Lute-sama pulled back the cream-colored curtains covering an entire wall. A large bookshelf appeared. Without hesitation, he pulled a single book from the shelf and held it out to me.
"This is..."
The book felt incredibly old. The title embossed on the leather cover was so worn that it would take considerable time to decipher on my own. Opening the cover, I saw that the yellowed pages were stained with ink in places. However, it had clearly been managed with great care. Despite its aged appearance, the pages were surprisingly clean.
Let's see... what does it say? Dragonewt... Ability? Wait, this is!
"This is what you were looking for, isn't it? A book detailing the Dragonewt Ability."
I looked up at Lute-sama in shock. His usual smile had vanished, and a mysterious flicker danced in his eyes.
"Why... are you giving this to me?"
I looked back and forth between the book and Lute-sama. According to him, even the Library in the Imperial Castle didn't house books on the Dragonewt Ability. This meant it was a book requiring extreme confidentiality within the Empire. Why would he possess it personally, and why hand it to me so easily?
"Did I not say? I will help you restore Viscount Frion's memories."
"...Am I supposed to believe those words?"
"Well, considering I kidnapped you, Rachel-sama, it is only natural that you cannot trust me. However, this offer is not merely an act of atonement."
Turning back to the bookshelf, Lute-sama pulled out several more volumes and placed them on a nearby chest.
"...Restoring Viscount Frion's memories is not a bad thing for me, either."
"Why is that?"
When Theodore-sama had appeared with no memory, Lute-sama had been just as shocked as I was. However, this man was not one to act without a reason. He was someone who could deceive others with a smile. Without a convincing reason, I had to assume this kindness was a trap.
"Hmm, what should I do... Well, the Emperor likely won't mind if I reveal some internal affairs."
Lute-sama muttered to himself while looking at the ceiling, then turned his gaze back to me. The beautiful, mask-like smile remained absent.
"It is because the one who stole his memories was the First Prince of this country."
"...That isn't a sufficient reason. Please explain in more detail."
"He was originally the Crown Prince. Had His Majesty Alec not defeated the Former Emperor and seized the throne, the title of Emperor would have been his. Even now, the First Prince Faction is larger among the nobility than those supporting His Majesty Alec, who was the third prince. His Majesty suppresses such voices with power, so no one speaks out openly at the moment, but..."
I could understand why the Emperor's violent nature would cause backlash among the nobility. Still, several years had passed since his enthronement. It was honestly surprising that the First Prince Faction remained the majority.
"Even now...?"
"...It is embarrassing to expose the country's internal turmoil, but yes. Although His Majesty ascended the throne as the successor, he has not received the Crown, which serves as the proof of a legitimate Emperor. There are those who refuse to recognize him as Emperor for that reason."
In the Kingdom of Dutoit or the Kingdom of Orta, a king was only recognized after receiving approval from the Church. In the Tratia Empire, that proof was likely the Crown. But knowing His Majesty Alec, he seemed the type to simply eliminate a troublesome First Prince from the world immediately.
"Why does the Emperor allow the First Prince to remain free?"
"After killing the Former Emperor, His Majesty's target was the First Prince. However, by the time His Majesty reached him, the First Prince had already sensed the danger and vanished along with the Crown. Since then, His Majesty has searched the entire country thoroughly, but he has yet to grasp the First Prince's whereabouts."
So the First Prince and his followers had foreseen Emperor Alec's movements and escaped with careful preparation. And they had remained hidden from the Emperor for years.
"But a messenger from the First Prince came during the audience the other day, didn't they? Could you not find his location through them?"
"It is not that simple. Though they are followers of the First Prince, they are low-ranking individuals. They are people who never actually meet him. They provide no clues to his trail."
For Lute-sama to be this cautious, the man must be incredibly cunning.
"Is the First Prince's goal to reclaim the throne?"
"Yes, without a doubt. That man is like a snake. He is hungry, waiting for the perfect moment to strike."
Lute-sama glared out the window with eyes full of hatred, clearly loathing the First Prince. As he spoke of the Tratia Empire's internal affairs, I felt a sense of dread alongside a rising question. If he were such a person, why target Theodore-sama now? Normally, one would stay hidden until there was a clear prospect of reclaiming the throne.
"Lute-sama, you said the Dragonewt Ability is something to be kept secret. Then why did the First Prince reveal proof of his survival and an ability that should be hidden?"
At my question, Lute-sama wore a chilling smile.
"A provocation... perhaps. He likely wants to say he is ready to take His Majesty Alec's head."
"...A provocation. Then you believe the Emperor is in immediate danger?"
Lute-sama nodded solemnly in agreement.
"For His Majesty's sake, I would offer everything I possess... even this life. His Majesty is my everything. That is why I must pluck any bud of danger to him, no matter what it is."
Lute-sama's unwavering feelings were less like admiration and more like blind devotion. His eyes were entirely truthful as he spoke of the Emperor; his loyalty and worship were terrifying.
"Why go that far...?"
"Because His Majesty is the one who will fulfill my dream."
"Dream..."
"We shall discuss that another time."
Lute-sama smiled softly and pointed to the book I held. "Let us return to the main subject."
"Right, Theodore-sama's..."
Lute-sama nodded at my murmur.
"The First Prince is using a Dragonewt Ability called Memory Manipulation on Viscount Frion. As the name suggests, it can erase memories. Furthermore, if the ability is high enough, it is said to be possible to implant memories that never existed."
Implant memories that never existed? Such a terrifying thing is possible with a Dragonewt Ability?
If that were true, one could increase the seeds of conflict or even force someone to feel affection at will.
"It is unknown how far the First Prince's Memory Manipulation extends, but it is a very frightening and dangerous ability. If the First Prince were an ally, he would be reassuring, but as an enemy, he is a threat."
"If what you say is true... then it is as you say."
"I believe Viscount Frion's memories hold the key to finding the First Prince. And knowing how much power the First Prince possesses... knowing the extent of the enemy's strength is the key to crushing him for His Majesty Alec's sake."
"Is that your true intention?"
"Of course."
Lute-sama nodded firmly. His gaze held the same intense light as when he spoke of the Emperor.
"Because it is my true intention, I have told you about the Dragonewt Ability, which could be my greatest weakness. Besides, think about it. Is there any disadvantage to you if I help restore Viscount Frion's memories?"
"That... is true."
"For His Majesty's sake, I cannot let you return to your home country. However, in this matter, our goals align. And as I said before, without exception, it is impossible for anyone other than the caster to undo a Dragonewt Ability."
I felt a sting of shock even though I had heard it before. Yet Lute-sama was saying he would join forces with me despite that.
"You mean... to turn the impossible into the possible?"
Lute-sama answered my confirmation without hesitation. "Yes. We are about to create an exception. In that case, there is no one in this country better suited than me to help restore Viscount Frion's memories."
For the first time since the memory-wiped Theodore-sama appeared, I felt a glimmer of light. And it came from Lute-sama, my enemy. I must have wanted someone to tell me that nothing is impossible, to choose the path of not giving up. I never imagined the person to do so would be him.
"I have not given up on returning to my country. I intend to restore Theodore-sama's memories and go back together. ...And I will not forgive you."
I looked down, but Lute-sama simply replied, "Well, I suppose so," without a hint of remorse.
"But I will use anything I can. Even if it is an enemy."
I raised my head with determination. Before me stood Lute-sama, smiling enigmatically with an unreadable expression. He let out a soft chuckle, his shoulders shaking.
"Use me? Heh, Rachel-sama, you truly are an interesting person. That is exactly why you are fit to be His Majesty's consort."
Lute-sama snapped his fingers with a smirk. Rose, who had been flying around until a moment ago, landed quietly on his shoulder.
"Yes, please use me to your heart's content."
I had just made a major choice. Hiding the trembling of my clenched hands, I met Lute-sama's gaze head-on without looking away.