“Jared, if you’re going to see Father, I’ll prepare a letter for you, so please wait a moment?”
“A letter? No, if it’s about Cornelia Alway, I can convey it myself.”
“That’s not it. It’s about your benefactor’s mother. Viscount Philips, wasn’t it? She should be close with my father, so I think I can be of assistance.”
“…Are you asking about Luzer?”
“Don’t look so surprised. Of course. Luzer Fischer and his mother must be able to live safely. At worst, they can live with us in this mansion. If he’s your Older Brother, he’s family to me too.”
Olivier Alway’s warm words almost brought tears to Jared’s eyes.
“Thank you.”
Jared bowed deeply, expressing his gratitude.
“Don’t be so formal. Please stop being so reserved with us. It’s been about two months since we met, but we’ve spent such intense time together, so it’s a bit late for that, isn’t it?”
“That’s right. It feels like we’ve been together for years.”
“Then even more so, stop being so formal. Please wait a moment then.”
Olivier left the room, saying so. As Jared watched her back,
“Hmph. This is my first time meeting Olivier Alway like this, but she’s a fine woman, isn’t she? Treasure her, Jared Murphy.”
“I don’t need you to tell me. Besides, I don’t want to hear that from you, who once tried to kill me!”
As the words left his mouth, Rosa clapped Jared on the shoulder, and he brushed her off.
“How harsh. I can’t refute it because it’s the truth. However, neither Pfeil nor I have any grudges against Olivier Alway or Hannelore Alway. Rather, we even have a favorable impression of them.”
“A favorable impression, you say?”
“I also wanted to meet Yeny Daum and talk to her again.”
“As did I. Rosa Roen.”
To Jared, who let out an exasperated sound, Rosa turned a smile towards Yeny, feigning ignorance. Yeny returned the smile and gave a small bow.
“However, I never expected to reunite in this form.”
“I agree. I intend to settle our score from that time someday.”
“I’m sure I’ll win.”
“You’ve got spirit.”
Rosa’s face lit up with joy at Yeny’s confidence in her own abilities. It seemed she also had a side that enjoyed fighting strong opponents.
“Yes, I do. As one of the wives who will support my Older Brother, I will do what I can. I am not a cute person who merely needs to be protected, so I intend to protect my Older Brother with my sword skills. Therefore, I will not lose.”
“Hoho.”
Yeny gave a confident smile to Rosa, who looked impressed, and continued.
“I heard that the use of magic is prohibited in Waalthe, but please use your magic when we have our rematch.”
“Very well. I will fight you with my full strength. But not now. Once I’ve dealt with those who betrayed my Father, you’re next—Yeny Daum.”
“I look forward to it. I’ve avoided fighting for a long time, but I suppose I am my Grandfather’s granddaughter after all. I’m looking forward to fighting you. Rosa Roen.”
Neither Jared nor Pfeil could interrupt their exchange and could only watch. Jared, in particular, was in agony, wondering when the fight would break out, his stomach churning. He was surprised by the new side of his Cousin, whom he had known for so long, yet she looked like she was enjoying herself. Perhaps this was how Yeny and Rosa communicated.
—Though it was incredibly dangerous.
“Aren’t you going to stop them?”
“No way. You stop them.”
“I don’t want to get involved and have a terrible time. Yeny Daum is your Fiancé, isn’t she?”
“If you say that, then Rosa is your colleague.”
It was a relief that they were not carrying any weapons. Yeny also had a weakness where she couldn’t fully display her talent without holding a sword, so she wouldn’t fight here. Probably.
“Sorry to have kept you waiting. Here, I’ve written a letter for Father—Oh, what is it?”
“Thank you for coming back at such a perfect time!”
“As expected of Olivier Alway. Now, Rosa. Since there are non-combatants, let’s get on with what we need to do instead of glaring at Yeny Daum any longer.”
Despite saying she had no intention of fighting, Yeny and Rosa, who wouldn’t avert their eyes from each other, were pulled away by Pfeil. Jared took the letter from Olivier and, with her permission, read its contents. The letter mentioned Luzer’s mother and asked for information about the movements of Viscount Philips and his Main. Not only was it helpful, but it also stated that Luzer, who was with Cornelia, would be left to Jared’s discretion, and that Olivier wished to protect his mother.
“Thank you, Olivier.”
“Don’t worry about it. All I can do is ask Father. Jared, please be careful.”
“Yes.”
Perhaps she would have liked to accompany him to the Duke’s mansion if she could. However, the shrewd Olivier understood that her options were limited in the current situation. Therefore, instead of accompanying him, she prepared a letter. Jared might have been able to ask the Duke for help, but it would be more likely to be accepted if his daughter asked. He expressed his gratitude for her consideration as he put the letter in his pocket. For now, though it was a sudden visit, given the circumstances, he wanted to inform the Duke as soon as possible.
“What about Pfeil and the others?”
“I’m going to work now.”
“…Good luck with being a waitress.”
“Setting Rosa aside, Waalthe is on the move, so there’s no need to panic yet. If Cornelia Alway has requested assistance from Dolf Ein, then something will surely happen if Duke Alway takes action.”
It was bound to happen. Although it was unclear how Cornelia contacted Dolf Ein, if she sought his help, then naturally, they would also make a move if the Duke acted. In other words, Luzer would reappear before Jared.
“I’ll let you know if there’s any movement. You go and meet Duke Alway to discuss future matters.”
“Understood. While I’m gone…”
“I already know that. I won’t be at ease just because Almeida and Rio are here. I promise to protect this mansion as much as I can.”
“Thank you, Pfeil.”
Knowing his abilities would protect the mansion, Jared could head to the Ducal Family with peace of mind. Jared was truly grateful to the loyal Pfeil.
