kscans

Chapter 33 - Let It All Out, Part 2

How long ago was it? Gerald closed his eyes, recalling a conversation with his brother.

Lupia was heading to the Alcioni Count Family's territory for convalescence, passing through the ducal lands on the way. When Aristerios had told him this, Gerald hadn't spoken to his niece directly, but he had observed her from a distance and let out a sigh of relief.

Thank goodness. It's the same girl as always.

He was incredibly relieved. That Lupia was Lupia.

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Gerald had heard briefly from his brother that his 'niece's behavior was odd.' Although they didn't interact frequently, when they did meet, their conversations flowed without awkward silences. They were close enough that he would even join her for martial arts practice. Gerald hadn't quite understood his brother's standard for 'odd,' but he had been pleaded with: 'Please, just go and see her, then you'll understand.' His brother, who usually maintained a dignified demeanor as a duke, a father, and an older brother, had seemed so desperate it gave him pause.

With a sense of foreboding, Gerald paid a secret visit to the ducal estate. He had expected to find nothing out of the ordinary, but Lupia's eyes were too beautiful. They were like glasswork—smooth, polished, and devoid of any will or even vitality.

"…Hey, brother… What is… that…?"

"I told you…"

"Since when?"

"Probably since the start of her third year."

"Probably?"

Gerald gave Aristerios a suspicious look at his noncommittal reply.

"Her daily life is unaffected, but her responses to questions are odd. It’s like she’s a toy that just repeats programmed phrases."

"What?"

"At first, everyone just thought it was a little strange. But in response to our concerned questions, all she would say was ‘There’s no problem’ or ‘I’m fine’."

"Wait, let me ask again. Her normal conversations are fine? Are you sure?"

"…Yes, completely fine. But, as I said before, only when you ask about her well-being or show concern does she reply with ‘There’s no problem’ with a force that’s like she’s saying, ‘Nothing is wrong, so don’t ask any more’."

Aristerios, clearly at his wit's end, looked slightly exhausted. Lupia’s grades at the academy were fine. Her conduct, her social life—nothing unusual had been observed. This had never happened before. When asked, he said the change had occurred after she became a third-year student.

To any question about her well-being, she would only reply, "There’s no problem." As if it were predetermined.

Regarding her health, both she and those around her were always careful, so she rarely caught even a cold. Being a duke's daughter, everything she ate was thoroughly managed. Furthermore, the meals served in the academy cafeteria were also strictly managed due to the Crown Prince's attendance. So, an upset stomach was almost unheard of, unless she overate.

There were no issues with her health, her grades, or her usual relationships. With her safety also guaranteed, there was little reason to ask, "Are you okay?"

And so, they failed to notice.

People are told to look others in the eye when speaking, but since people smile and change expressions, one doesn't just stare fixedly at their eyes. It was only when the maids who had pointed out her odd behavior, and Aristerios who went to check on her himself, firmly grasped her shoulders and stared intently into her eyes without letting her look away, that they finally noticed the state of her pupils as she robotically replied, "I’m fine."

"Has some kind of magic been cast on her?"

"I don’t know… I thought so at first, but that doesn’t seem to be the case."

Aristerios sighed again, and Gerald was at a loss for what to do. With the atmosphere heavy with uncertainty, Gerald promised to investigate himself and contact him immediately if he found anything, then returned home for the day.

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Some time later, he received word that his niece, Lupia, had returned to her normal self. Apparently, on the day of the Crown Prince and Princess's wedding, after the reception, ‘the light had returned to her eyes.’

He heard the whole story and, while he hadn't thought her to be so bold, he couldn't help but be impressed by his niece… though at the same time, he wished she hadn’t been so reckless. However, it seemed the ordeal had taken a toll on her body and mind, leading to this convalescence. He was asked to provide a trustworthy escort to ensure nothing happened on the way to the ducal lands, a request he gladly accepted.

"…Just what in the world is going on…?"

No magic had been cast on Lupia. This was an undeniable fact. So, was someone suggesting that a duke's daughter had been put under hypnosis or suggestion? If so, the caster would have to be an incredible master of their craft. While at the academy, Lupia had been the Crown Prince's fiancée. There was no doubt that she was being discreetly but thoroughly protected by the royal guard.

"……It’s no use, I don’t get it."

In the guest room assigned to him at the estate in the Calmond ducal territory, Gerald ruffled his hair in frustration. There was undoubtedly ‘something’ going on that was beyond his imagination, but he couldn't predict what would be said. Awaiting the story of the strange events that had befallen his niece over the past year, Gerald had changed into comfortable casual clothes rather than formal attire. He checked the clock; about an hour had passed. He had heard that Millière would be leaving the capital later, but her carriage was faster than Lupia's group. While they had been taking breaks and a leisurely lunch, Millière had likely been traveling almost non-stop.

"Should be about time, right?"

Considering the angle of the sun and the time that had passed since their own arrival, Gerald left the guest room and headed for the entrance. On the way, he happened to glance out a corridor window into the courtyard and saw Lupia, Rupert, and Vernella laughing and chatting together. Drinks had been prepared for them, and guards were posted. They were at a distance that wouldn't intrude, but their vigilance toward the surroundings was palpable.

He had heard that after the incident with the fools who attacked the ducal estate, Aristerios had been putting the guards through some extremely tough training to whip them back into shape. They’re safe, he thought with relief, and continued on his way. Just as Gerald reached the bottom of the stairs, he saw the servant in charge of the manor running past.

"Looks like she’s here."

Gerald joined the servants rushing out to greet her. A carriage bearing the ducal family crest had stopped there. As Millière stepped out, the lined-up servants bowed their heads in unison.

"Oh, thank you for the welcome. …My, my… Gerald, you too! Hehe, did everyone arrive safely?"

"Yes, sister. Lupia and the others are relaxing in the gazebo."

"…That’s good… Leaving the capital really was the right decision."

One of the servants who had come to greet her held a parasol over Millière and stood back in an unobtrusive position. Then, they walked alongside Gerald and Millière as they headed toward the gazebo, ensuring they didn't block their path while keeping Millière in the shade.

"Were there any strange pursuers?"

"We were fine. Was it Lady Vernella’s idea to come to the Alcioni territory via this route?"

"It was. I said Lupia would be ‘leaving the capital to recuperate,’ and that's not a lie. I just didn't specify where she was going."

"…Well, that’s true, but."

"Besides, how could she possibly rest in the capital? She's being ridiculed everywhere as the ‘pitiful duchess’s daughter who had the Crown Princess’s seat stolen,’ or ‘Love is strong! The Crown Prince and Princess united by true love, and the jilted lady.’"

Millière let out a deep sigh and a wry smile, but as soon as she saw the children in the gazebo, her expression softened into a gentle smile.

"Hehe, Lupia looks so refreshed. Is that thanks to you?"

"She seemed troubled, so I gave her a little push."

"…Thank you. I knew you were the right choice, Gerald."

"Not at all. Lupia herself thought it through and did her best."

"Having Rupert there was a good thing, too."

"And Lady Vernella, as well."

The adults smiled as they watched the laughing children. In preparation for what was to come, Gerald took a deep breath, while Millière simply smiled and continued walking toward the gazebo.