“Can’t we move a little faster?”
“I’m sorry, Baron, but there are many ships waiting their turn, so it can’t be helped. It will take a bit more time before we can complete the docking procedures.”
After everything that had happened in the County of Winslet, we boarded a ship in Maronford and set off back toward the royal capital.
The ship Dahlia and I were on was left floating idly at the anchorage near the mouth of the River Hen, unable to move.
“It’s because access to the main docks has been restricted due to the royal event, and inspections have been tightened as well.”
“Because of Prince Henry’s investiture ceremony.”
“That’s correct.”
The title of Duke of Schenkenbery was a special one, historically granted only to the heir to the throne of Laurencia. Whoever held that title was officially recognized as the king’s successor.3
That was why nobles from both within and outside the country were gathering in the capital today, and a grand celebration was set to take place throughout the entire city.
The captain asked,
“Have you also come to attend the event, Baron?”
“You could say that.”
About a month ago, a formal invitation had also arrived for Winter Winslet.
It invited me to attend the ceremony and banquet at the royal palace.
But I was more interested in the parade that would follow the investiture.
Because of a certain major incident that was supposed to occur there.
The Royal Mile bombing.
In the original Candela of Judgement, that very incident marked the beginning of the chaos that would engulf the Kingdom of Laurencia. While King Richard and Crown Prince Henry were proceeding along the Royal Mile, the First Avenue stretching from the royal palace through the heart of Lambart, they were killed in a devastating explosion.
Needless to say, the culprit was the Second Point of the Heptangam society, the secret intelligence agency of a neighboring country Longsoniere. And the one who manufactured the explosive used in the attack was Winter Winslet.
After learning that truth, I tracked down Longsoniere and recovered or disposed of all the caraphine that would have been used as explosives. The bombing would no longer happen…or even if it did, it would end in failure.
Still, there’s always the possibility of something unforeseen. I had intended to see the outcome with my own eyes until the very end… but my trip back to the main house had taken longer than expected, and now I would miss the parade.
Perhaps noticing the unease on my face, Dahlia who had been listening to my conversation with the captain approached hesitantly.
“I’m sorry. It’s because of me that our schedule was delayed……”
“It’s not your fault.”
It was thanks to Dahlia that I survived the demon power that manifested during the battle with Venizelos’s hound and the dragon’s taboo that sensed that power and tried to crush my heart.
More precisely, it was thanks to her sacrifice.
That was why I decided to remain in Maronford for several extra days, recuperating until Dahlia had recovered.
“How are you feeling now?”
“Yes. I’m much better. It doesn’t hurt much anymore, even when I move.”
As she answered, Dahlia pulled her gloves farther up.
Red burn marks stretched all the way up her forearm.
They were the side effects of forcibly drawing upon the power of heat. While staying in Maronford and inspecting the frost-attribute magic tattoo, we even discovered that its maximum charge capacity had decreased.
From now on, Dahlia would have to recharge the tattoo with mana more frequently.
If she were to draw on the power of heat like that again, the magic tattoo might no longer be able to halt the progression of her illness.
That was why Monastrel had said this would be her final treatment.
“You should avoid overexerting yourself for the time being.”
“I will.”
“For now, leave the housework to the academy servants.”
“What? But that’s a bit……”
Watching Dahlia struggle at the suggestion, I found myself wondering how I could possibly take housework away from someone so addicted to it.
Just then, the captain who had gone to check on the situation at the docks returned in a small boat.
“Baron! I have good news. We’ve finally been granted permission to dock.”
“Is that so? Then bring the ship in at once.”
“Right away. Hey! Tell the dockworkers to haul in the ropes! If they finish within five minutes, I’ll give them two silver coins each!”
With a bit of money thrown around, the previously idle ship began accelerating as if it had suddenly taken up rowing.
But perhaps in their haste, when the ship reached its destination, it struck the pier roughly.
And then—
Boom!
A thunderous explosion rang out along with a blinding flash.
Startled, I turned to the side and locked eyes with the captain, who wore an expression much like my own.
There was nothing wrong with him, with me, or with the ship and the dock.
The massive blast had come from far away.
Most likely from within the city.
***
The scheduled explosion occurred without warning.
It happened when the king’s riders were scattering silver coins into the air, and the carriage carrying King Richard and Prince Henry was passing through the middle of the Royal Mile.
The citizens of the capital were cheering enthusiastically, their faces lit with smiles.
King Richard had governed the kingdom without incident after the former king who led Laurencia’s revival, maintaining favorable relations with the Empire, Karaf, and the Holy Epe and bringing prosperity to the realm.
And Prince Henry was said to have inherited Richard’s brilliance in full. It was only natural that the popularity of the two royals had soared sky-high.
And then… they truly soared into the sky.
Along with the gazes of the crowd that had been watching them.
Boom!
With a deafening roar, the carriage bearing those two noble bloodlines exploded.
Shredded chunks of horseflesh and shattered fragments of the carriage scattered in every direction.
The people could not process what had just happened. And so, a beat later, chaos erupted.
“Ahhhh!”
“Help!”
Against a backdrop of confusion and screams, Sakis Lubas and his subordinates exited the stage.
“The operation is a success. Withdraw naturally.”
***
Boom!
From a distance, the explosion sounded somewhat muffled.
Estelle, who had been painting an oil portrait on the balcony of Isola Palace, dropped her brush in shock.
“What was that sound?”
After a bit of persuasion and pleading, Josephine had agreed to serve as the model for Estelle’s portrait. She sprang to her feet from her chair, one hand gripping the hilt of her sword.
Josephine swiftly scanned the surroundings of Isola Palace, confirmed that nothing seemed amiss, and sat back down.
“I’m not sure. It did sound like an explosion……”
“Since there’s a joyful royal event today, perhaps it was a ceremonial salute.”
“If you’re curious, I can go and find out.”
“No. Don’t go. Stay by my side. For some reason… I have a bad feeling.”
After her appointment as a diplomat to Livron had fallen through and she was left confined here, Estelle had gradually grown more sensitive and on edge.
Josephine found it heartbreaking, yet there was nothing she could do for her.
“Shall we continue with the portrait?”
“No. I’ll stop here for today. I think I need some warm tea. Nona, could you go to the kitchen and prepare something to drink?”
One of the maids waiting nearby heard Estelle and went downstairs to the first floor.
However, Nona, who had left for the kitchen, quickly returned.
Estelle asked,
“Did you forget something?”
“N-No, Your Highness. It’s just……”
The maid’s eyes were trembling violently.
She seemed anxious.
Sensing something was wrong, Estelle urged her gently.
“Go on. What is it?”
“Sir Vangini has arrived.”
“Who?”
“It is I, Your Highness.”
A well-built man with neatly cropped dark brown hair stepped into the room without permission.
He was wearing armor and had a sword at his side.
Josephine’s gaze turned icy.
“No matter how urgent your business may be, there are proper courtesies to observe, Sir Vangini. How can a knight in service to the royal family enter a royal residence dressed so disrespectfully?”
Her voice was calm, but her hand had already moved to rest on the hilt of her sheathed sword.
However, Vangini ignored Josephine and turned his attention to Estelle.
“There is something I must inform Your Highness Estelle of. A grave incident has occurred within the royal family.”
“What is it?”
“King Richard and Prince Henry were attacked during the parade. Their condition is extremely critical.”
“What? My father and Henry?”
Estelle froze, holding her breath.
Josephine grabbed Estelle by the shoulder and pulled her back.
Then she stepped forward to stand in front of her.
Vangini had begun striding toward them.
Josephine warned him,
“If you have come merely to deliver bad news, there is no need to approach any further. Take one more step and I will draw my sword.”
“You intend to point that sword at me?”
“Of course.”
“I will regard you as a traitor, Sir Josephine.”
“A traitor, you say?”
“Indeed. Is not one who sides with a traitor also a traitor?”
“What do you mean by that…….”
Vangini’s sharp gaze shifted to Estelle.
He spoke.
“Estelle Louise T Paragon Moore Wilhelmina. I hereby arrest you, First Princess of Laurencia, on charges of instigating the assassination of King Richard and Prince Henry, as well as leading an act of treason.”
“That’s ridiculous!”
Estelle cried out as if screaming.
“Why would I ever harm my father and my brother?”
“You know very well. If Prince Henry were to pass away, who would become first in line to the throne?”
“No way…….”
“Yes. Exactly that.”
The murder of her father and brother to ascend the throne.
That was the false accusation laid upon Estelle.
Her lips turned pale blue.
“No! I didn’t do anything. Until Sir Vangini arrived, I didn’t even know something like that had happened.”
“Are you truly innocent?”
“I swear it to the heavens.”
“Then please come with us for now. You will be given the opportunity to prove your innocence later.”
“I… I understand.”
Estelle nodded and stepped forward.
Josephine wished Estelle would not go with them.
It was not her place to intervene, but thinking it would be just this once, she grabbed Estelle’s arm.
“Your Highness.”
“Josephine…….”
Estelle met Josephine’s eyes and seemed lost in thought for a moment. Then, as if something had just occurred to her, she turned to Vangini and spoke.
“Wait. I have one more question.”
“Go ahead.”
“Who gave the order to arrest me? Was it a decision of the Royal Tribunal?”
Vangini’s expression stiffened.
He did not answer.
Like an impatient student blurting out the answer before the teacher could explain, Estelle spoke first.
“It was Queen Bridget’s order, wasn’t it?”
“Tch.”
Shrring!
Two swords rang out at the same time.
Vangini let out a scoff as he looked at the tip of Josephine’s blade aimed at his throat.
“They say you’re the finest swordsman of the Royal Guard. Let’s have a look at your skills.”
“If you can afford the time, I’d be more than willing.”
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