“So, your benefactor appeared as an enemy, just as you told me the other day. But you haven’t betrayed them; in fact, you’ve been protecting and hiding Luzer’s mother.”
“I asked my grandparents to help, and only a few trustworthy people know about it. If Luzer is misunderstanding because of this, I must do everything I can to resolve it.”
Jared revealed everything he had hidden from Olivier and Yeny. He confessed that Luzer Fischer, his former benefactor and someone he admired like an older brother, had sided with Dolf Ein, a defector from Waalthe, and appeared as an enemy. He also revealed without reservation that Luzer had become a rare Magician with the Lightning Element, even rarer than Jared’s own Earth Element.
“Is there no danger?”
“There is.”
When he answered truthfully without hiding anything, Olivier somehow let out a big sigh.
“Is this something you absolutely have to do?”
“It’s something I have to do.”
“Alright. Then, I won’t stop you.”
“…Is that alright?”
Having braced himself for opposition, he was taken aback by her easy acceptance.
“To be honest, I wish you’d avoid putting yourself in danger, even for your benefactor. But I know you probably can’t do that.”
Olivier then stroked Jared’s cheek and smiled.
“You’re always fighting and saving someone. It’s the same for my Mother, Trane, and Yeny, and for me. I, who was saved by you, can’t be so shameless as to not save others, especially someone important to you.”
“Older Sister, I also don’t want to see Older Brother in danger or getting hurt. However, I believe in him.”
“Duke Alway, Yeny…”
He was reminded anew of how much stronger they were than he had imagined. And he understood acutely that while they worried about him, they also believed in him.
“Then promise me. Promise you’ll return safely.”
“I promise. I will absolutely return safely.”
“Then it’s fine. I’d like to meet your benefactor, Luzer Fischer, as well, so I’m looking forward to it.”
Accepting his fiancés’ words, Jared renewed his resolve to bring Luzer back no matter what.
“Jared Murphy, Olivier Alway, and Yeny Daum, there’s something I need to tell you.”
“What is it, Rosa?”
“…Regarding the enemy we should be fighting, Pfeil and I deliberately withheld some information. Of course, it wasn’t to deceive you, but out of our own consideration—but seeing your relationship, I think it’s alright to tell you now.”
Rosa interjected hesitantly. Not expecting there to be something else he should know, he waited for her to continue.
“The organization led by Dolf Ein, who betrayed my Father, Waahash, and Waalthe, is hired by Cornelia Alway.”
“—What?”
“…No, you don’t mean it?”
“She hasn’t given up yet, has she?”
Not only Jared but also Olivier were stunned, and Yeny let out an exasperated cry. Cornelia Alway, whose every wrongdoing had been exposed, had fled to her family home as a last resort. She was Duke Alway’s consort and Hannelore’s childhood friend. However, she had crossed a line she should not have. She had plotted to kill Hannelore and Olivier, seize the position of Main, and make herself the next head, driven by her ambition and foolishness. Pfeil and Rosa were among those hired during that time.
Emilia Alway, who had cooperated with her Mother, had a change of heart and revealed everything, exposing not only the Duke but also the mastermind who had been targeting Hannelore and the others from the shadows. Yet, she was still offering futile resistance and hadn’t even reflected on her actions. To learn that she was now making new desperate attempts, one could almost feel impressed. They couldn’t help but think that if she were going to resist so stubbornly, she could have done something different. She could have striven to improve herself instead of kicking others down and eliminating them. It was clear that the latter would be better, using the same amount of effort.
“The target is undoubtedly Hannelore Alway and Olivier Alway. Therefore, Jared not being involved was never an option.”
“Why didn’t you tell us sooner?”
“Pfeil and I would have told you if Luzer Fischer hadn’t been someone you knew. However, seeing how upset you were, we didn’t want to burden you with more information and push you further. Of course, we intended to tell you at the right time, but we judged that you could handle it now.”
He glanced at Pfeil, who nodded once. It seemed Pfeil had also made his judgment out of concern for Jared. Jared nodded back without a word.
“Olivier, Hannelore, and Trane, please don’t leave the mansion. I’ve asked Almeida to protect everyone, and Rio will surely protect you too. So please, don’t worry.”
“Older Sister Olivier, I will protect everyone too!”
Encouraged by Jared and Yeny, Olivier nodded, but her complexion seemed a little pale. It was understandable. She had heard that assassins from Cornelia, who she thought were gone, had been dispatched again. For her, who had protected her Mother for so long, it was like the peace she had finally found was coming to an end. Gently embracing her as she trembled slightly, he whispered softly in her ear, “It’s okay. I won’t let her do anything anymore. I’ll end this, so rest assured.”
“Thank you, Jared… But, um, it’s embarrassing, so embracing me in front of others, well, I’m happy about it, but…” Hearing Olivier’s voice fade away and her cheeks flush with embarrassment, he realized what he was doing and quickly let go of her.
“S-Sorry, I just… ()(\”It’s fine. But, you know, things like this are better when no one is watching, right?\””
“That’s not it…”
“It’s not fair that Older Sister gets all the attention!”
“Yeny, don’t say things like that!”
He tried to calm Yeny, who was pouting, but ignored the exasperated stares from Pfeil and Rosa. He couldn’t help it; his body had moved on its own.
“An-anyway! Even setting aside the Luzer situation, it’s time to settle this. I’ll inform the Duke and seek his judgment on this matter.”
“You’re trying to gloss over it.”
“What a cowardly man.”
“Shut up! We’re not getting anywhere with this!”
Jared, who had embraced his fiancé in front of others, turned beet red and shouted loudly, looking embarrassed.
