The Duchess of the Attic

"Hey, did you sleep well last night?

"... Julian, are you free?

"I'm not free. Anyway, they're keeping an eye on the important hostages."

"You're free."

Opal uttered sarcasm to Julian, who brought in breakfast.

Of course I didn't expect Julian to get mad at me for that, but I wasn't expecting a fun smile back.

Opal, while answering, looked seriously at Julian with vigilance.

Naja just tasted like breakfast.

"Are you in a good mood? That's disgusting."

"Say whatever you want. I'm not riding your provocation. But I dare you to tell me. The anti-Kings are gathering around the capital with their weapons. They said they didn't even notice."

Surprised by Julian's words, a spoon falls from Naja's hand.

But Opal just flaunted his shoulder small.

"I'm sorry to hear that. So, how many soldiers do we have to raise simultaneously? The King's capital has knights and royal armies under His Majesty's command? Half-breed people just end up failing."

"What are you going to do with the numbers? You want me to write you a letter? I don't mind. I won't be able to make it."

"Oh, I'm running off. Even if we don't make it, isn't it unnatural that the fact that I sent you that letter remains? I wonder if it would have been better to take me to the king's capital and shield me than to keep me in such a despicable land."

"In the king's capital - you have little value against Alessandro. You're a hostage to Claude."

"... I see. This place - the Duke of Botzelli is going to be a fortress of anti-kings when it comes to trouble. Does that mean that even ships for retreat are available in case you think about the harbor of Wang Du? The port of Pasma is very convenient, isn't it? I can raise my fortune and accept support from the Kingdom of Société."

"... it's time to shut up. The chatty one looks stupid."

"You're stupid and cool. So I was wondering if you could bring me another book to study?

"You're a troublesome one."

"It's not for nothing, is it?

To Opal's busy tone, Julian hummed her nose and left the room.

It sounds locked at the same time.

The deeply exhaled opal noticed Naja blued there.

"I'm sorry, Naja. You scared the shit out of me. But don't worry, it's okay."

"But he said there are soldiers gathered in the Wang capital... I'm also worried about that, but what the hell happens to your wife if that soldier sneaks into this land!? Again, my husband and you two. But we should be returned to the Kingdom of Socieux!

"... Naja, if you feel you're in danger, I want you to make sure you're safe."

"I won't do that!

Naja, who looked anxious, apparently aroused herself in Opal's words and strongly refused.

But Opal shakes his head quietly.

"If anything were imminent, there would be plenty of people out there who could help me. Because as Claude has infiltrated here, so many allies seem to be in the land. But I think Naja's going to be second to none for them, even though it's harsh."

"Naturally."

"Naturally, I don't like it. Because Naja is very important to me. I'm sorry I got involved."

"No, no. You don't have to worry about your wife. Because I have no complaints whatsoever. Instead, I'm glad I'm on your wife's side now. I don't want to worry from afar anymore."

Naja complained in tears.

While I was married to Hubert, I'm sure he was worried.

That's why he's been serving me by my side ever since I married Claude.

"Then promise me something for me. If anything happens, he's gonna give himself priority and run away."

"... ok"

Perhaps, Opal was relieved by Naja's acceptance.

It is certain that something will happen soon and Opal will be pulled out of this attic.

The move ahead can be anticipated because Claude came to see me last night until he took the risk, and Julian was talking willingly.

Opal hurried to his desk and wrote the letter using a note Julian had brought up on his own.

"Your wife?"

It was Naja confused by Opal's sudden behavior, but she stopped speaking out when she was immediately disturbed.

It was a waste of time to review it, and when I sealed it in my letter, Julian came with a new book.

"Julian, would you please send out this letter?

"Dude, did you really write that?

"That's sweet of you."

Julian seemed frustrated with Opal's attitude, but received it as if he wanted to pull a letter.

He's not willing to rebut what he said from himself.

"Well, ma'am, at best take your time with this book."

"Yeah, thanks. That would help."

Never mind Julian's dislike, Opal saw the title from several books and picked one out.

After glancing at such an opal, Julian trailed an empty breakfast vessel or something and left the attic with a letter.

Of course I didn't seem to forget to lock it.

Naja looked anxiously at the door.

"... Naja, do you think Claude will leave me in this attic without a chance?

Naja turned her eyes round to Opal's inquiry, then smiled.

Apparently I could lighten my anxiety a bit.

"That's right. If your husband is in danger to your wife, you'll never leave her, will you?

It's not that far.

From getting engaged until getting married, Claude was beside Opal so much that he was overprotective.

Opal laughed and denied Naja's words as he watched her.

Ever since we came to this country - since we glanced at Alessandro - we have often made it our priority to do what we have to do with each other to stay away.

But it's Opal's choice, and Claude respects it.

Opal renewed his determination to play his part firmly for this country, above all for Claude.