The Duchess of the Attic

Upon entering the study, Opal returned to the mansion and received alcohol from Claude and sat on the couch.

There's so much going on tonight, I feel more like alcohol than tea.

Claude lowers his back across from Opal when he pours his own alcohol too.

"I don't know what to start with..."

"You don't have to worry about it. I want answers because I ask what I want to know. If you can't, tell him so?

"Okay."

If it's true, I guess I'd rather hear the explanation in an orderly fashion, but Opal also had too much to know and was confused.

Anyway, I'd rather know the results than the process.

"Did you know about Sir Keemont from the beginning?

"No, I just found out today. So Opal rushed to the ball because he knew he was going to be there."

"You were... So, what about the thief? Does that mean the thief is the son of a nobleman?

"I've been suspected of being a young man in my position since the beginning. I found out from the sightings that the clothes, guns, etc. were expensive, even if they were covered. However, the investigation was proceeding with caution because of this. It was a mistake after the arrest. It's gonna matter, isn't it?

"I know you didn't let me leak the information. Still, why is Claude involved in this?

"Is it going to be?

Claude's light answer turns Opal's expression into something suspicious.

I thought you were making fun of me or you couldn't talk to me, but apparently not.

Seeing such an opal, Claude explained with a laugh.

"It's true. I was gathering information about the thief on another matter. So I recently got to know a lawyer who's been investigating a thief who's making a scene in the streets. So we decided to work together by providing each other with information."

"What's the other thing?

"I can't tell you that yet"

"Okay."

For Opal, I was more worried about what might be more dangerous than Claude having a secret.

But I am deliberately dissatisfied with the matter without touching it anymore.

"So what did you say about going to the Kingdom of Société lightly? I had some errands from the beginning. If it hadn't been for Beth, I'd have left you alone in a country I wouldn't be used to."

"I won't let that happen. I'm not the one who's coming to this country, but someone else. Back then, I was watching Opal from McCloud asking about an example woman, and I decided to come to this country."

"Me, you're dancing around on Claude's palm. Even tonight, I tried my best to prepare and root down, but they took it all to Keymont's arrest... so what happens to his fortune? What about the kids' alimony?

The shock of Keymont's arrest had inadvertently caused the property of sinners to be often confiscated.

Claude smiled to reassure Opal, who regretted that he should have gone through the process more forcefully if this had happened.

"That's okay. Because Keymont's property will be confiscated, but with due process, it should be admitted"

"I hope so... I wonder what punishment the Keymonts will take"

"As I said earlier, fortunately, there are few injuries. Since it is also only for those who are slightly injured, the only damage of substance would be the hardware. I think they will be released soon because they will also be returned with compensation"

"Yeah? So, um... the bastards will be out soon? And how many of those same bastards? Even though it's only a social nuisance? That's a slack on the part of the Justice Department. I have to protest my uncle."

Opal seemed angry but avoided the word "scumbag" this time.

Still, Claude laughed unexpectedly at the unforgiving words.

"That's not funny, Claude."

"Yeah, you are. But since their property will be confiscated, they'll have to rely on their parents and brothers for their lives in the future, and they'll all know by tomorrow, so I guess it's hard to get back into the social world."

"I wonder why it wouldn't be the idea of working on your own and earning a living, and can't you really go back to the social world? The victims are the general public, right?

Many unjustly discriminate against non-aristocrats, as Keymont despised Beth and the others.

In the end it was Opal who thought he would forgive the Keymonts, but he fuzzily remembered about the ball tonight.

"Speaking of which, it looks like the atmosphere was different tonight than usual. There was no perseverance, and everyone listened to my impudence. Most importantly, the Viscounts of Cloisel were very nice people. Well, except for a pair."

Eight years ago, many men would have taken more dignified sides of Keymont.

Of course, there were many who seemed unchanged, but some of the aristocrats who were there accepted Opal without prejudice and were able to talk to each other equally without a hedge of men and women.

Claude nodded as he affirmed the idea of such an opal.

"Viscount Croisel seems to be advanced, so I guess we have people with the same idea. Many people are not tough and young to host nightclubs to that. But it's not as loud as frowning, so unmarried women can safely participate."

"You've been away from the social world for a while, but you've changed a lot. More like I was biased against the social world myself and didn't try to find out. Everybody's not like Keymont or the Countess."

Opal remained trapped in unpleasant memories until eight years ago, when he had decided that the same was true of those he met anew.

I reflected when I realized I was the one who hated me.

(You don't want to be friends with such a stubborn, victorious, disgusting person...)

sighed so deeply Opal felt his gaze and raised his face.

Then Claude looks at it with a grin.

"What's wrong?

"Opal is adorable. So cute."

"Oh, that's Claude's assumption! Plus it's gonna be twenty-eight, and there's no way she's cute!

"Really?

"Yes!

Claude's words were embarrassing, though delightful, and Opal finally turned that way.

I am aware that these places are not cute.

Opal, who was about to be depressed as to why he couldn't be more honest, was annoyed there.

"That one tonight... Roana's pulling, isn't she?

"Is that it?"

"My rebellion against Sir Keemont."

"Oh...... You regret that?

"I have no regrets. Instead, I think what I did in the arrest play is sumptuous. But isn't that apart from this? You wouldn't want to be friends with someone who's always gonna cause a commotion, would you? I'd rather keep my distance."

I would also be angry if they made a scene at my own parents' ball.

Even if Viscount Croisel has an understanding, we'll go to a proper apology tomorrow.

Opal decided to be prepared, saying that his face was hard to match but he had to wear only the scuffle.

"It's okay. Opal and Miss Roana will make friends."

Claude assures Opal that this is what he was thinking.

The word somehow stabbed Opal in the chest.

"... do you know Mr. Roana?

"No, I don't."

"Then how do you know?

"Because I don't think the person Opal wanted to be friends with would stick to such a boring thing"

Opal secretly appeased when he found out that the two of them didn't know each other.

I don't need to be jealous, but my heart won't listen to me.

I'm sure I'll keep repeating myself every time I meet an attractive woman.

Still, you can never leave your precious Claude.

"Thank you, Claude"

"... yeah"

Opal turned his full grin on Claude, who gave him a kind word.

I don't realize how attractive that smile is to Claude.

On the contrary, I changed the subject slightly.

"By the way... did you know Viscount Cloisel?

"I knew your name, but this is the first day I've seen you. Why?"

"No, I introduced you on that occasion, but if you already knew me, I thought you were a little dumb."

"Sure, that could be a little weird"

Opal and Claude laughed imagining such a scene as a sarcastic painting.

Then they stood up when they put the glass down, holding hands and slowly headed into the bedroom.