“These were the days Young Lady endured. Gradually, Young Lady came to resent the humans who drove her Mother to death, and after Father’s passing, she detested the ladies who continued to expose their ugliness. Then, she began to speak of revenge.”
“And so, you will resurrect the Progenitor?”
“I do not understand Young Lady’s heart. However, Young Lady resents this country. Originally, she probably should have resented only the Hagedorff Ducal Family, but since the families of those ladies were also involved in the assassination, she likely resents everything.”
“…It’s only natural to resent them, but I don’t see how that connects to the Progenitor. I mean, I understand bad things will happen if the Progenitor is resurrected, but whether that constitutes revenge is questionable.”
Jared’s doubt was understandable.
After all, even if the Progenitor were resurrected, Cassandra’s objectives remained unclear. Did she possess a means to control the Progenitor and use it to destroy this country? Or would the Progenitor itself bring harm to this nation?
At the very least, in Cassandra’s current position, harming the former Duke’s wives would be feasible. If she could use magic, she could simply act directly. With sufficient reason and motive, and if her life were threatened, she would face reprimand but likely not severe punishment.
“Clawence, does Cassandra truly intend to resurrect the Progenitor?”
Dennis’s question was met with a nod and affirmation from the old woman.
“She did not reveal the method or her purpose after the resurrection to me, but she declared that she would certainly achieve the Progenitor’s resurrection.”
“So, we still don’t understand Duke Hagedorff’s true motive. Even if she vaguely speaks of revenge, it’s unclear on whom and how she wishes to exact it.”
Merely by listening, one might consider that she would seek revenge on those who cornered her and her Mother with the Progenitor’s power, but that would render the Progenitor’s resurrection meaningless.
If the goal was to seize control of the country, like the man who fought in the past, it would make sense, but the Progenitor did not connect with Cassandra’s revenge.
“In the end, I suppose I’ll have to ask her directly. The problem is whether she’ll agree to meet me honestly.”
“Jared, Dennis, I have a request before we proceed.”
“Yes. What is it?”
“Could you please rescue the Young Master’s children who are being held by Young Lady?”
“Um, is it alright to do something like that? From what I’ve heard, I don’t think there’s any need to help them.”
Jared did not voice it, but Cassandra’s captive siblings were akin to hostages. They were being targeted because of them, so their value as hostages was questionable, but in the worst-case scenario, they could be used as leverage.
— If you value the children’s lives, obey.
That should be enough. Of course, Cassandra would likely think along the same lines. However, if she hasn’t exercised that option, it might be that she never intended to use them as hostages.
The more he thought about it, the less he understood Cassandra.
“The wives of the former head are desperate to get their sons back. Some beg that they care nothing for the Ducal Family head, but Young Lady ignores them all.”
“Given what happened, that’s understandable. If it were me, I wouldn’t keep them alive in a way that would cause me trouble.”
“Jared, Cassandra is not that cruel. Or rather, she may have to abandon that thought now…”
Dennis tried to retort to Jared’s casual mention of something so dire, but considering the people imprisoned by magic within the Hagedorff Ducal Family, he couldn’t definitively say she wasn’t cruel.
“I don’t mind helping them. But will that cause problems for Clawence?”
“I am grateful for your concern. However, this is not a betrayal of Young Lady. I always act with Young Lady’s best interests in mind. Even if it goes against her wishes, I am doing my utmost.”
Therefore, she conveyed Cassandra’s circumstances to them and was attempting to release the captive ducal brothers.
“…Speaking of which, where are Duke Hagedorff’s siblings?”
“There is a small mansion a short distance from this mansion. Three of them are resting there.”
“Then let’s get it done quickly. Can we go right away?”
“Y-yes, but I believe preparations will be necessary.”
“Preparations? Well, if you could arrange for a carriage, I suppose it would make moving three unconscious individuals easier, but…”
“No, it’s not that. There are guards at the place where Young Lady has put her brothers to sleep. I have never entered the mansion myself. That’s why I meant combat preparations.”
“Ah, combat preparations are not necessary. I’ve been ready to fight for a long time.”
He wasn’t armed, but Jared had been circulating and increasing his magic power since he disembarked from the carriage, ready for any combat.
He didn’t know what kind of guards the Duke had hired, but they had the First Seat of the Court Mage and the Former First Seat of the Court Mage on their side. That was more than enough combat power.
If the Ducal Family had capable individuals, Dennis would have investigated them long ago.
“Besides, I wanted to get some payback soon. Finally, I can make the Hagedorff Ducal Family, who did as they pleased, suffer a little.”
His mansion was invaded by his Fiancé, and he was unjustly detained. He was separated from his Family and taken alone to the ducal territory. Dennis had explained the situation, but that didn’t erase what Jared had endured.
The young man flashed a ferocious smile as he seized the opportunity to release the anger he had long suppressed deep within.
