Rosa’s expression visibly darkened at Emilia’s observation.
“Are you looking down on me?”
“I’m not looking down on you.”
“There’s no way I would lose to a magician who can only use that level of magic! I only sent my subordinates away because they were a hindrance. I hired adventurers precisely to avoid revealing Waalthe’s involvement.”
Emilia nodded in understanding.
It wasn’t uncommon for adventurers to be hired by nobles. Even if they were guarding the mansion from the outside, no one would think anything of it. Of course, since it was a separate residence on the outskirts of the capital city, there were no people around, but it showed how meticulous she was being.
“Are you perhaps sending your subordinates to the mansion where Jared Murphy isn’t?”
“No. Your mother insisted I should, but Jared Murphy comes first.”
“I see.”
Having spent several days with Rosa, Emilia knew she was cautious. If Rosa intended to defeat Jared first, then that must be the case. However, Cornelia’s actions remained uncertain.
Emilia knew her mother’s personality well. Her mother, who had a habit of throwing tantrums whenever things didn’t go her way, might try to raid the mansion while Jared was away, even if Rosa refused.
Considering that Trane had protected the mansion until now, even without Jared, adventurers that her mother could currently hire might not be a concern. However, there was always a possibility of the unexpected.
Emilia had asked Pfeil to convey Yeny’s kidnapping and this location since their interests aligned, but she regretted not asking him to protect the mansion as well.
“What’s wrong? Is something troubling you?”
“Yes, I just thought you might be worried seeing a fourteen-year-old girl held captive.”
“Hmph. If you’re fine with being seen, then go ahead and meet her. I won’t be responsible if you and your mother end up ruined because of this. Do as you please.”
“Of course. I will do as I please.”
Turning her back on Rosa, who glared at her, Emilia ascended the stairs. She knew this mansion well, having been brought here when she was very young.
Standing before the room where Yeny was being held captive, she took a deep breath.
If she opened the door, she would likely be ruined, along with her mother. It would be a lie to say she wasn’t scared. However, the time had come to take responsibility for her actions after her father’s power, by leaving her out-of-control mother unchecked.
With resolve, she knocked. She knew there would be no answer.
When she opened the door, she was face to face with Yeny, who looked surprised to see Emilia.
The sight of the girl, bound hand and foot on the bed and unable to utter a sound because of the cloth gagged in her mouth, was painful.
“Stay still. I’ll cut your restraints now. But absolutely do not make a sound, alright?”
After confirming Yeny’s nod, Emilia took out a folding knife she had hidden and cut the ropes binding her hands and feet. When she removed the cloth from her mouth, Yeny, struggling to breathe, gasped for air.
“I’m so sorry this has happened.”
“Lady Emilia… Why?”
Although they had only exchanged brief greetings before, the two recognized each other. Yeny, perhaps not expecting an acquaintance to be involved in her kidnapping, spoke with a trembling voice.
“I never intended to involve you. I know this is a poor excuse, but the people hired by my mother judged that taking you hostage would be effective against Lord Jared. I am truly sorry.”
“—! Could it be… Older Brother isn’t…?”
“No, he hasn’t appeared yet. I can no longer follow my mother’s actions. Besides, I don’t want Lord Jared to die.”
Emilia explained in a gentle, reassuring tone. Yeny’s body, tense until then, relaxed. Seeing her worry not for herself, but for Jared, even while held captive, Emilia sensed the depth of her feelings.
“Listen carefully. I’ve untied you so you won’t be inconvenienced, but I can’t let you escape from here. Lord Jared should be here soon, so escape then. Okay?”
“And you, Lady Emilia?”
“They seem to be on guard, so I’m going back to the mansion to tell my father everything about my mother. I’ll go call for help before Lord Jared is defeated, so wait here.”
“Older Brother won’t lose, so please don’t worry.”
Emilia envied Yeny Yeny’s unwavering trust in Jared. Emilia herself could not believe in Jared as unconditionally as Yeny did. While their feelings for Jared might be the same, Emilia realized that the magnitude of her feelings was vastly different from Yeny’s.
Emilia believed that Jared, who had defeated Pfeil, who was in a similar position to Rosa, would not be defeated in a fair fight. However, there was a hostage. Rosa, after observing Jared, was trying to immobilize him by taking someone close to him hostage. It was efficient, but cruel.
Emilia could conceive of similar tactics, but she lacked the resolve to act on them, regardless of her ducal family’s power. It wasn’t about power, but the courage to act. At most, Emilia could use her influence to threaten.
“Then, wait here for Lord Jared. I’ll go call for help immediately, so don’t try to escape, just stay put.”
After confirming Yeny’s nod, Emilia parted from her.
“Um!”
“Yes?”
As Emilia turned to leave the room, Yeny called out to her.
“Please be careful, Lady Emilia.”
“…Thank you. You really are a good girl. I’m sorry for getting you involved.”
Emilia realized Yeny was truly kind to worry about her, even knowing she was involved in the kidnapping. She felt ashamed that Yeny could do what she could not.
She replied without looking back and gently closed the door.
“What are you going to do from now on?”
Rosa asked Emilia as she descended the stairs.
“You’re going to fight Lord Jared, aren’t you?”
“No. I am going to kill him unilaterally.”
“To prevent that, I’m going to my mother.”
“I don’t think your mother will change her mind now, but if you succeed, contact me quickly. I have no qualms about defeating him.”
For some reason, Emilia felt Rosa had personal feelings, but every second was precious.
“I’ll remember that. And let me say this: do not harm Yeny Daum in any way. Your mother’s position will undoubtedly worsen because of it.”
“She is merely a hostage. Once my objective is achieved, she will be respectfully sent back.”
“Can I trust your word?”
“On the honor of Waalthe and my father, Wahash.”
Emilia reconfirmed that Yeny would not be harmed. If Rosa said this much, she truly wouldn’t lay a hand on her. Emilia couldn’t imagine someone with such pride breaking a promise.
The only concern was how Rosa, who might become emotional when Jared appeared, would act.
However, she had to confess everything about her mother to her father as soon as possible.
“Be careful not to let any adventurers near Yeny Daum, no matter what.”
“I know. I’ve instructed them not to set foot inside the building.”
Satisfied with Rosa’s words, Emilia left the building.
She confirmed that the adventurers waiting outside were one swordsman and one magician. Despite the vulgar smiles and lecherous gazes directed at her, she ignored them and walked past.
She heard a snort and wondered why Rosa had hired such adventurers.
“Young Lady, I’ve been waiting. I’m relieved you’re safe.”
Before the waiting carriage, an old butler, who had served her since childhood, expressed his relief at Emilia’s safety. He had objected to Emilia meeting alone with members of an assassination organization, even if hired by Cornelia.
However, she had pushed past his objections and met Rosa for Jared and her mother’s sake. And it had been worth it.
“Hurry, we’re going back to the mansion!”
“Understood. But is that alright?”
“It’s fine. I’ve been doing as I pleased for too long, so I’ll take responsibility myself this time. Besides—I’m a little happy that I can do something for the first person I’ve ever loved.”
She would likely receive a severe punishment from her father. Because her father was kind, she wouldn’t be disowned, but the talk of a political marriage, which had been prevented by her mother, would likely move forward. However, if it ended there, it would be a good outcome.
Honestly, she didn’t want to marry someone she didn’t love. Now that she had feelings for Jared, she felt that even more strongly. But that was her punishment. She would consider herself fortunate just to have experienced her first love.
“I envy Olivier, who is so cherished by Jared. Not that I expect to be like her, but I wish we could have at least been friends.”
However, she had to accept the consequences of her own actions.
“Let’s go to Father.”
