kscans

Chapter 40 - Let's Go

It had been a swift week in the Alcioni territory since they had left Calmond. A message arrived from their mother, who had gone ahead to the Qua Kingdom: 'All preparations are complete.' From their father, a concise, father-like letter: 'Business in the capital is finished. We will proceed from here.' Rupert and Lupia looked at each other and nodded. Their luggage was only what was necessary for a convalescence trip, so it wouldn't get any larger. They did one last check of their two sets of packed bags to make sure nothing was forgotten.

"We're ready to go."

"Yes."

The twins tucked their letters deep into their luggage so they wouldn't be lost.

"Sister-in-law, Rupert. The carriage is ready."

No sooner had the two of them closed their bags with a soft patari than Vernella knocked and came to their guest room. She bowed deeply and announced the news, to which they both nodded.

"Thank you, Vernella."

"Sorry for dragging you into this."

"Oh, Rupert, there's nothing to apologize for," Vernella said with a bright smile.

"I simply want to be of help to you and my sister-in-law. It's not as if I have any loyalty to pledge to that royal family."

That makes sense, Rupert thought at her words. He and Vernella had attended different schools, and perhaps because of that, she had fortunately managed to avoid getting caught up in Falty's schemes. He wasn't entirely sure what the criteria for getting involved was, but it seemed that those deeply connected to the future Falty wished to achieve had all ended up like Lupia.

There was Falty, the heroine. And Liam, the Crown Prince she wished to be with. And Lupia, who was positioned as the rival.

Rupert couldn't be sure if Liam had been dragged into it with his sanity intact, since he didn't know his condition, but he was probably far enough gone to believe that anything Falty said was undoubtedly correct. Just yesterday, a letter had arrived for Lupia here in the Alcioni territory, likely from someone who had painstakingly investigated her whereabouts. It was filled with nothing but apologies. Lupia had read it with a snort and a look of exasperation, but she had muttered something, so he predicted his sister would probably do something about it.

And the fact that Vernella hadn't been in a strange state had been more of a mental support for Rupert than he had expected. On the day they returned to the capital, amidst a chorus of insults directed at his sister, Vernella's words of concern for Lupia had been a source of genuine happiness. Soon after, a flood of get-well letters arrived from Lupia's 'true' friends. He was so glad she had at least a few allies.

"…Thank you."

"Yes, you're very welcome. My father, my brother, and I will head over after we've finished our preparations to immigrate."

"Yeah… I'll be waiting."

"We'll only be apart for a little while. Rupert, I look forward to the day we meet again."

With a nod, Rupert naturally pulled Vernella close and pressed his lips to her temple.

"Huh?"

"See you later."

"………Y-yes."

At Rupert's unexpected action, Vernella's face turned beet red.

"It's lovely that my future sister-in-law and my twin brother are getting along so well, but…"

"Ah."

"Oh."

At Lupia's calm voice, Vernella's already red cheeks flushed even redder. Rupert's face instantly turned the color of a boiled octopus.

"We're leaving, Rupert."

"Ah, yes."

Lupia wanted to watch the heartwarming scene forever, but they were in a hurry. A letter from Falty had arrived, just a single line dripping with obsession.

Don't think you can escape.

Being clung to so tenaciously was enough to make even Lupia's patience snap. The intentions of this person, who was not even a friend and had only been able to control her thanks to the 'System', were a complete mystery.

For a moment, she considered that the 'System' might have whispered something unnecessary into her ear, but since the ending had already been reached, it was unlikely that the actions of those around her could be manipulated at will. In that case, had it perhaps prodded at some complex of Falty's?

(This is all so tiresome… but whatever.)

Today, their schedule after arriving in the Qua Kingdom was more important. She would have to revise her evaluation of Falty; her talent for getting on people's nerves was probably more aristocratic than any other noble. But that was all.

"Well then, you two… May you have a safe journey…"

"Thank you, Vernella. Could you tell everyone in the Alcioni territory that it was 'a calm and perfect place for convalescence'?"

"Yes, Sister-in-law!"

With a beautiful curtsy, Vernella saw off the carriage carrying the two of them and their luggage. As the carriage grew smaller in the distance, she slowly raised her head and smiled, replaying Lupia's words in her mind.

"We have no outstanding industries… but a peaceful place is the pride of our domain… I'm so glad… that my sister-in-law was pleased."

The territory of the Alcioni Count Family was a favored place for nobles and even wealthy commoners to convalesce. Its location was relatively calm, not too far from the capital. The climate was also temperate, neither too hot nor too cold. In many ways, for better or worse, it was 'ordinary', but that was precisely what made it popular. Nobles wishing to escape the clamor flocked to purchase land within the Alcioni Count's territory and build villas. To cater to them, restaurants and shops handling foodstuffs and daily necessities increased. As a result, the territory prospered moderately, and it became easier for people and 'information' to gather.

"Now then… I need to get a little more work done before I pack my things."

Vernella murmured to no one in particular as she headed back to the mansion. In her heart was a single wish: that the two of them would arrive safely. As if in response to Vernella's thoughts, the carriage proceeded smoothly toward the Qua Kingdom.

"Sister."

"What is it?"

Inside the carriage, Rupert spoke up.

"You got a letter from the Crown Princess, didn't you?"

"I did."

"What are you going to do?"

"It's a waste of time to bother with her… but I won't be satisfied until I give her a piece of my mind. But…"

Lupia smiled and added, "Not now." Rupert tilted his head in confusion.

"After the process of immigrating to the Qua Kingdom is well and truly complete, I will visit our home country. And then, I will put an end to it."

She announced with a smile, then said no more, turning her gaze out the window. And Rupert thought, Falty is free to cling to my sister if she wants, but she really should pick her targets more carefully… He had never met Falty, but he could never bring himself to like her—a woman who might show remorse but would then do the same thing all over again.

What if, Rupert couldn't help but wonder, things had been a little different? Falty's desired future, whatever it was. If he had somehow been involved in it… the thought was nothing short of horrifying, an unknowable terror.