The Bad Ending of an Otome

“Just child’s play, that’s all it is.”

Raretis frowned, and Alston’s face softened briefly before returning to a stern expression.

“Who are you to decide what’s child’s play and what’s not!”

The merchant pleaded desperately as he faced Alston’s scolding.

“No, no, distinguished sir. That is correct. It’s a simple trick, yet it makes significant money… We do some card readings to keep the kids entertained and pretend it’s magic. Isn’t that a trick that everyone uses?”

“There have been reports of employees going missing after entering your store.”

“Eh, the city guards have already investigated it and determined it to be nothing serious. Isn’t it typical these days for girls to go away with each other? Is it really necessary to be that strict?”

The wise shopkeeper glanced in our direction, then stealthily displayed a pouch full of gold cash. 

Raretis’s pupils constricted.

“Alston.”

“Yes!”

“Arrest him immediately.”

“What, you sir, why so serious…!”

Raretis’s gaze narrowed as the merchant quickly attempted to offer the satchel to him. 

Bang! 

The pouch took off, and the merchant’s head landed on the ground.

“Don’t be mistaken.”

Something that looked unmistakably like a dagger bounced out of the flying pouch and landed on the ground.

“You’d better not think your tricks will work on everyone.”

His voice lacked emotion. 

Soldiers stormed in and bound the merchant, who was lying helplessly on the floor. 

Alston stood there watching the action and clicking his tongue.

“If his business is doing well enough for him to bribe with gold coins, the nobles may also get involved. It may even be marketed as a royal enterprise. What a ridiculous circumstance.”

“The city guard overlooked it once.”

“…”

Alston remained mute.

“Bribes are common, and minor offenses are often overlooked.”

“Didn’t I always say to imagine the worst?”

“Deputy Commander…”

Alston uttered a low grunt.

“In the heart of the capital, especially during the social season, for those… unbelievers to…”

“It could mean they’re in collusion with the city guard.”

“We can’t handle this on our own, Deputy Commander.”

Raretis came to a halt as Alston’s face became solemn.

“Yes, we have the authority to deal with such minorities. Even inferior nobility with little real power, if skillfully managed… It can be smoothed over with the Deputy Commander’s authorization. But what happens after that? What if our inquiry turns out a big noble as the perpetrator?”

“Sir Alston.”

“You are undeniably capable, Sir Raretis—one of the most respected people in the kingdom. But you are also aware. The king is confined to his bed. If we behave rashly now, we may be accused of exceeding our authority and end up like dogs on a leash.”

“…”

“The mere existence of unbelievers qualifies them as near-treasonous. We must put them down by all means necessary that I am aware of. However, we are the sword. We need commands to act.”

“So, you’re saying we should turn a blind eye?”

“Of course, we can look into it. We can endeavor to avoid it and, if feasible, save lives. But…”

Alston raised his voice.

“We can’t just swing our swords around as we please. You are completely aware of this. Sir Raretis, one wrong action could cause you to be accused of exceeding your power. Sure, the knights will not go quietly, but…”

“…”

“The enemy’s size is unknown. All I’m saying is, let’s be a little more cautious.”

Alston cast a worried glance at Raretis, who remained mute. 

There were numerous justifications. 

The queen could punish Raretis, or the Grand Duke’s allies could conspire to take the kingdom’s sword, Raretis, for their future purposes. 

No matter how it was envisioned, the outcome could have appeared more favorable.

 Fair and reasonable management of the matter would be anticipated only after the influential’s immediate demands were addressed. 

The laconic knight eventually spoke after a long wait.

“…Understood.”

“Thank you, Deputy Commander.”

“It’s not a matter of thanks.”

Raretis laughed, a tired sigh. 

His eyes were heavy with tiredness. 

At first glance, the capital appeared unchanged. 

The social season brought a flurry of activity, with street merchants setting up shop daily and hawkers, pickpockets, and swindlers making their rounds. 

Even inexpensive inns were fully occupied, leaving newcomers needing help to locate lodging. 

Every day, rowboats for lovers littered the river. 

People were packed into dress shops, restaurants, and opera halls. 

The crime rate had risen.

In many ways, the circumstances were negative. 

Even the Glamis Knights’ investigation was hampered by the Royal Guards’ open opposition and meddling. 

The investigation was moving slowly. 

The novel that had begun to gain popularity was readily available, yet it appeared to be another romantic novel. 

The missing people have yet to return. 

Occasionally, acquaintances expressed surprise at the disappearances, but they rarely supplied helpful information about the missing people.

“Has Grand Duke Franz arrived in the capital?”

“…”

Raretis remained deafeningly silent. 

Alston clicked his tongue, realizing the significance of the silence.

“Were you invited?”

“He stated that he wanted to see me. to recognize my achievements.”

Even if Raretis were to succeed the Title of Marquis Windrose, he would still be rated lower than Franz, the King’s brother and a Grand Duke. 

Raretis, on the other hand, was the king’s knight and effectively the chief of the knights. 

Using the word ‘recognize’ for someone of Raretis’ prominence may cause debate. 

Of course, Grand Duke Franz was undoubtedly preparing to take advantage of any potential scandal.

“Poor Deputy Commander, caught in a political web. Can’t even flee.”

“Are you enjoying making fun of me?”

“No, it’s not that. But it will become increasingly difficult if Sir Raretis remains single for an extended period.

“…”

Raretis let out a sigh. 

Alston’s brows narrowed as he saw the kingdom’s greatest warrior display a rare moment of vulnerability.

“Have you not thought about it?”

“…It’s still a distant matter.”

“Isn’t there a similar trend in novels now? As my wife puts it, ‘pre-contractual marriages followed by romance.’”

“What are you talking about?”

“Isn’t there someone you have in mind, Sir Raretis? Wouldn’t it work if you provided your terms?”

“She’s not someone who such things would sway.”

Alston blew a whistle.

“Wow, I’ve considered living as Sir Raretis for just one day. With your face, charisma, and background, yet a lady still won’t even look at you? Is she some kind of princess? No, no. She’d attempt to snag you right now if she were a princess.”

“That’s not how she judges people.”

Alston stopped whistling when he heard the subtle tone in that voice, which sounded nearly painful. 

It was as if I recalled an old wound that had festered and deepened with time. 

Alston saw the depth of Raretis’ honesty as he looked into his purplish eyes, disfigured like a bruise with indications of suppuration.

“There was a story in a book my wife read about a man who secretly loved a woman and wrote her a letter daily. Do you know what happened after 100 days?”

“…”

“The woman fell in love with the mailman and married him.”

Alston’s wife had a different motive in telling him that story.

‘That stupid man. He should have stopped sending letters if he didn’t get a response. Why keep sending letters that are never answered? It had to be all about him. I can’t even fathom how bad that would be. Alternatively, he should have included money in the letters. So keep this in mind: if you’re going to express your love, do so with a paycheck. I loathe people who confess their love with empty hands in the name of youth. You know how we’re no longer young?’

In any case, Alston regarded himself as fortunate to have married his wife. 

They both lacked romantic ideas about each other. 

They were clear about what they wanted, did everything they could for each other, and dated pragmatically to measure their compatibility. 

They married, sure that they were perfect for each other. 

There was no frantic enthusiasm, but there was a steady trust. 

Alston hoped his boss would find someone like him.

The once stoic child who never learned how to communicate distress. 

If there was someone who could give the child that look, Alston felt that further discussion was pointless.

“So, what are you holding out for? Stop worrying about her from afar and see her. Isn’t that the point here? Didn’t you just finish your urgent tasks?”

Raretis Hope paused, then nodded slowly. 

A pleasant breeze touched his face as it began to blow.

“Meeting you here again.”

When I saw Elodie smile warmly at me, I thought it was almost cruel how frequently we ran into each other. 

If a god existed, he or she would be hostile to me. 

I was sure of it. 

I’d secured a non-date meeting with Casio Brahamdorff and jingled the gold coins I’d earned, agreeing to meet Beth by letter.

The venue was a well-known high-end café in the capital. 

The beverages were almost entirely for show, but the sweets were legendary. 

I had heard that a former royal pastry chef worked there. 

The chef at the townhouse where I lived was likewise an accomplished cook. 

The tea fare, such as scones and madeleines, was delicious. 

However, eating home-cooked meals all of the time can grow tedious. 

That’s when I came to this café.

The newspaper didn’t just publish scandalous stories and rumors; it also showcased charming cafés and tourist sites. 

That’s how I found out about this place. 

They served a seasonal peach dessert and melon sorbet, complemented by delectable pictures. 

When I recommended it to Beth in a letter, she immediately agreed. 

I set away after politely declining Casio’s continuous invitation to accompany me.

Beth and I were about to select what to eat when we started laughing and conversing…

“The peach compote tart here is tastier than just the peach tart.”

Elodie, who had happened to be in the same café as us, greeted us with a warm smile.