The Duchess of the Attic

(I'm thirsty...)

Such an idea came to mind, Opal awakened abruptly.

I try to get up with my eyes open all the time, but the pain runs from shoulder to back and groans without getting up as it is.

Then I heard a low laugh from at my feet.

"Good morning, Duchess"

"... Julian, where am I?

"Where do you think?

- In the attic.

"Exactly, you know me well"

You were sitting in a chair, or there was some rubbing noise on the floor and there was a sign that Julian was up.

Then slowly the footsteps approach and Julian's appearance enters his sight.

There was a grin on that face like the usual little fool.

"Who gave you instructions to do this ridiculous thing? Connally or Cole? Either way, I'll be exposed soon. Then you won't be safe. What are you gonna do?

I don't care.

"You're an idiot to be involved in this"

"Better than thinking you're smart."

I don't think so.

"Then he's unconscious."

"Ha!?

It was Opal trying to speak calmly at first, but I couldn't stand Julian's words.

Julian laid her hands on the bed to be pressured, as she threatened Opal, who had made a loud noise about it.

"Shut up. Don't speak out loud. Otherwise you'll have to block your mouth."

"Are you going to kill me?

"... there was also a proposal to make it look like accidental death in a mine. But then, on the contrary, we shall call upon many. For Mr. Cole, we want to get rid of the Kings as soon as possible."

"Isn't it a bad idea to imprison me, though? It's time for me to go back and tell Naja to worry and look for the knights. If you do, we'll start searching the mansion soon."

"If she moves, she will."

"I told you not to lay a hand on Naja!

As soon as we talked about Naja, Opal left it to his anger to push Julian away.

And then I get up, but I end up overlooked by Julian, who wakes up and stands in bed.

"You don't have to be so angry, you just kind of took away your freedom of hands and feet. But I can't promise her safety until you're quiet."

"- What am I supposed to do?

"I'm glad to be honest. I just need you to write me a few letters. 'I've loved Julian. So we'll both live discreetly. Don't look for me.' How about that? Run off."

"If Claude reads that letter, he'll laugh so much that his stomach twists."

Imagine Claude when he was informed about this one, and a grin on Opal's face.

Julian shrugged her shoulder like it was nothing.

"I don't care if he doesn't believe me. If the others believe. Mr. Connally should testify." Your wife had a special eye for Julian, "he said. The men of the mansion and the knights who accompanied them on this journey should be convinced."

"That's what Connally came all this way to introduce you to, wasn't it? To seduce me?

"'My wife is lonely being left alone by her husband,' she says."

"That's kind of you. But I don't believe in Naja."

"Oh. That's why I detained her, too. Write in the letter that I will take her with me, too. If the knights leave after you, I'll reunite you with her."

For a moment Opal exhaled relieved knowing that Naja's safety was likely to be guaranteed.

Julian would certainly not treat Naja coarsely.

Because if anything happens to Naja, we know Opal will stop following her quietly.

"So, what are your plans for the future? If I were to run off with you, I might buy you some time. But as soon as Claude finds out, he'll be looking for me."

"That's tearful couples love. But that's what we're talking about if Claude's okay, right?

"What do you mean?

Opal stared at Julian in disturbing words.

Julian laughs when she sees such an opal.

"Alessandro has held the throne for four years. Enough time, don't you think? Anti-King Brotherhood didn't lose. I was just silent to accumulate power again."

"You're not going to start a revolt now, are you? If you do that, it will be the people who will be sacrificed?

I don't care about the people, Mr. Connally.

"Then you absolutely must protect His Majesty Alessandro. Claude must feel the same way. So I'll do what I have to do."

"... you're free to just say it. But what you need to do now is write a letter, right?

In a sigh mix, Julian offered a note.

That's what Opal uses from time to time.

I don't feel good to think you touched your stuff on your own, but Opal wrote a letter putting it like that as directed.

Julian nods contentedly when he reads it.

"It's honest and helpful. Of course, there are many watchdogs in the mansion, so it's no use trying to escape."

"What about Naja?

"If the knights leave the mansion safely, I'll have Naja see you."

That being said, Julian left the attic with a letter.

Soon afterwards the sound of locking the door sounds loud.

Opal lay down again in a hard bed as he exhaled the breath he was packing.

You should be quiet for one second until Naja is safe.

Then think about what to do and what to do until then.

I used to cage myself in the attic.

But not this time.

How can we stop the anti-Kings' rampage now that we have no freedom?

(No, you don't have to stop me. I'm sure Claude and the others already have information.)

However, I was concerned that Claude allowed Opal to go to the Duke of Botzeri territory alone.

I can't help wondering.

(No, that can't be happening. I can't believe you stung me...)

But even if Claude doesn't intend to, Alessandro can think about it.

Maybe that's why Claude was able to come up with a sudden errand.

(for example...... Either way, when this matter is resolved safely, I'll give you one shot at your majesty!

Opal squeezed his luxurious right hand firmly and shoved it high toward the ceiling.