This Time, I Became the Fiance of a Duke’s Daughter. But She is Rumored to have Bad Personality, and Ten Years Older – Chapter 34

“I’m surprised, you can smile like that too.”

“That’s rude. I smile when I want to. … I know I don’t show my emotions much more than others, but I do have basic feelings like joy, anger, sorrow, and pleasure.”

Trane returned to her expressionless state, but her tone was slightly displeased.
She cleared her throat once and redirected the conversation.

“We’ve gone off-topic, but let’s get back to the main point. As you may have already realized, I am a magician.”
“Yes, I knew that.”
“However, I haven’t had much training, and I’m better at one-on-one combat. The assailants so far have all been hired adventurers, so I managed, but if we’re up against Waalthe, the continent’s foremost assassination organization, honestly, I’m only filled with anxiety.”

Trane’s words, which seemed slightly humble, made me recall our first meeting. She was more skilled in stealth than as a magician—closer to an assassin. At least, I thought she possessed skills in a different direction than those who wielded straightforward techniques like swordsmen or knights.

However, when it came to magic, I wasn’t entirely sure. Initially, she didn’t seem to have much magical power, but upon closer inspection, I could sense a considerable amount.
It felt like she possessed enough Magic Power to be a proficient magician, yet Trane herself said she wasn’t good at it. However, given that she had been protecting the mansion until now, she must be at least as capable as an adventurer.

The mastermind targeting Hannelore surely wouldn’t be foolish. If they hired truly third-rate adventurers, there’s a chance of tracing them. They must be hiring high-ranking adventurers that money can buy. If that’s the case, I can infer that Trane is indeed a capable individual.

“I’m aware I’m blessed with Magic Power, but when it comes to magic, I’ve relied on brute force, so I was worried I might endanger Olivier-sama and the others someday.”

It was then that Jared happened to be chosen as Olivier’s Fiancé. It might have been a golden opportunity for Trane.

“Olivier-sama is also a strong-willed person. She trusted me, and even when we were attacked, she never fled the mansion.”
“Does Hannelore-sama know about the attacks?”
“I believe Hannelore-sama’s room has soundproofing magic, so I don’t think she’s aware of the attacks…”

Trane stopped speaking and lowered her gaze.

“Perhaps she knows everything. If so, she might simply be pretending not to know out of consideration for Olivier-sama, who is desperately trying to keep Hannelore-sama in the dark.”
“I see…”

Hannelore’s smile flashed in Jared’s mind. Beneath that smile, how much pain must she feel knowing that her daughter is fighting without regard for her own safety for her sake?
The thought that she might be making a more painful choice than ignorance made his heart clench.

“I am grateful to you, Jared-sama.”
“To me?”
“I am truly grateful for your kindness and courage in choosing to fight for Olivier-sama and Hannelore-sama, knowing the danger of staying in this mansion and even aware that the assassination organization Waalthe has been hired. And please, support Olivier-sama, who has been fighting alone for so long.”

Trane bowed deeply.
Her words, conveying her unwavering devotion to Olivier and the others, deeply moved Jared,

“Of course.”

Jared replied, his resolve renewed.
Trane offered her thanks again and left the room, stating she had things to do.
Jared decided that once Olivier returned, he would have a proper conversation with her. He wanted to end the game of cat and mouse, tell her about the attack and the warning, and that despite it all, he came to the mansion, and that she should rely on him.

As he moved his aching body to drink some water, Olivier returned to the room, carrying bandages.

“What are you doing?”
“My throat was dry.”
“Honestly. Stay still. You’re not a child, couldn’t you bear it until I returned?”

Though still displeased as before, Olivier still showed concern. With her help, he sat up properly.

“Here, let me change your bandages.”
“Thank you.”
“Then, take off your clothes.”
“Huh? No, um, just a moment. I can do it myself.”

He couldn’t possibly let Olivier do something like that, so he tried to snatch the bandages away, but she easily dodged his outstretched hand.

“Oh, are you embarrassed to show your skin to your Fiancé? I don’t mind.”
“…I’m surprised.”
“What a shame you’re not more like a Noble young lady! You’re too old to be shy about such things!”

He truly thought she was someone who said such perplexing things without hesitation.
Olivier, who had puffed out her chest as if to say, “See?” suddenly seemed regretful about her statement, her face twisting as if she’d made a mistake.

“Pretend I didn’t say that. Understand?”
She said in a low voice that allowed no refusal.
Jared had no choice but to nod.

“Hurry up and change the bandages. Take them off quickly.”
Realizing he couldn’t argue, he resigned himself and followed Olivier’s lead.
Olivier looked directly at Jared’s skin, but as she had said earlier, showing no particular embarrassment, she changed the bandages with practiced skill.

“You’re very skilled.”
“Trane often gets injured. She’s clumsy in certain ways, so I ended up helping her, and I got quite good at it.”
Those injuries were likely due to fights with adventurers attacking the mansion.

“Olivier-sama, could we talk for a moment?”
For some reason, he felt he could have a conversation with Olivier now. He spoke up.

“What do you want to talk about?”
“I was attacked by an assassin from the assassination organization Waalthe in the town of Appe, where I resolved the Dragon Species incident.”

Jared could clearly feel Olivier gasp beside him.
Since he had his back to her, he couldn’t see her expression, but Jared didn’t miss the trembling of her hands as she applied the bandages.

“I managed to repel them, but they gave me a warning. They told me to stay away from you.”
“And yet you came to our mansion. You’re truly an idiot.”
“Yes, I suppose I am. But I can’t just leave Olivier-sama and Hannelore-sama to fend for themselves.”
“Why? Why would you risk danger to protect us, who have no connection to you?”
“Don’t we have a connection? I am Olivier Alway’s Fiancé.”
“Don’t joke like that now!”

Jared was not joking at all, but Olivier did not seem convinced.

“There’s no grand reason to put into words. I am simply acting because I want to protect Olivier-sama, Hannelore-sama, and Trane.”
“You really are an idiot, a big idiot.”
“Also, Duke Alway asked me to, so I have no intention of backing down, even if I’m threatened or killed.”
“Father…?”

Olivier muttered in disbelief, perhaps remembering a time when her pleas were not heard.

“The Duke was aware that there were people targeting Hannelore-sama. Well, it’s only natural to think so. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have made the Main live in a Separate Residence.”
“That’s because he was neglecting Mother…”
“Do you really think so? If he were neglecting Hannelore-sama, would he be looking for a Fiancé for you?”
“He just wants to get rid of me, a defective item, as quickly as possible!”

Olivier, who stubbornly refused to believe her father, raised her voice.
Jared continued to speak to her, as if trying to persuade her.

“The Duke loves you from the bottom of his heart. He confided that to me. He seemed genuinely happy when he thought you and I were getting along well. His face turned pale when he learned that the ones targeting Hannelore-sama were the continent’s foremost assassination organization.”
“I… I can’t believe it.”
“But it’s the truth. Even now, the Duke is working to find the unseen mastermind targeting Hannelore-sama. He must have accepted that it might complicate your relationship with him. All for the sake of protecting the one he loves.”

Having Olivier and Hannelore live in a separate residence was also meant to draw attention from one of the Consorts targeting them. If the Main, Hannelore, was perceived as neglected, they might eventually be made to believe that her current position would naturally be lost. That way, they could be made to think there was no need to get their hands dirty.
The Duke made a difficult decision to protect his beloved family, even if it meant his daughter would dislike him.

Olivier might not understand, but Jared did. It was his father’s love, trying to keep her away from danger.
What the Duke likely didn’t anticipate was that his household staff and guards, whom he intended for them to live with, would be refused. Perhaps he is watching over them from the shadows, but direct assistance will likely not come until it’s truly dangerous.
If he were to help directly, the mastermind would know he was watching from the shadows.

In that sense, Trane’s presence, capable of fighting alone, is significant. And Jared, who can live with them under the guise of a Fiancé, will undoubtedly be useful in the future.
Jared and Olivier’s engagement was a coincidence, but the Duke must have considered it a positive development.

All for the sake of protecting his beloved wife and daughter.

“Olivier-sama, Duke Alway undoubtedly loves you.”

Olivier hugged Jared’s back and burst into tears. He felt her warmth on his back and heard her muffled sobs.

“I also care deeply for you and the others. Although our meeting was a coincidence and not a very pleasant one, I found you to be an interesting person, Olivier-sama. I was happy when Hannelore-sama called me her son. And I want to protect Trane, who cares so much for you all.”
“…Thank you.”
“It’s nothing. I am Olivier-sama’s Fiancé. Don’t hesitate to involve me. If you’re in trouble, please ask for help.”

Accepting Jared’s words, Olivier’s embrace tightened, and she finally let out the sobs she had been holding back.
He gently placed his hand on hers and squeezed it.

“I’m here. Trane is here too. You’re not alone. So please, rely on us.”
“…Mhm. Mhm!”

Jared couldn’t help but wish that Olivier’s heart, which had been burdened with the pressure of protecting her beloved mother for so long, would lighten even a little.