Published: August 15, 2025
Ogran didn’t know where they had fled to. It was highly likely they had returned to the dormitory, but he continued to refuse to guide us there. We also didn’t force an interrogation. We would find out once we could hear from Mr. Angelo and Ms. Kaede.
Until then, the plan was to confine him, so we decided to lock him up. This was the Old Royal Palace, so naturally, there should be a prison for criminals—at least, that’s what we thought.
“There was a place that looked like it, but it was sealed off and we couldn't get in. The only other room we could lock from the outside was this one, so keep him here.”
“Is there really such a glittering prison?!”
Inside the treasury, surrounded by walls shining with gold leaf, Ogran cried out in despair.
But honestly, this was the most suitable place…
Having imprisoned Ogran for the time being, we found ourselves at a dead end. Lord Cyrus hadn’t even seen the culprit’s face in the darkness. We couldn’t torture Ogran, and for testimony to the police, we had no choice but to wait for the recovery of the two injured, Mizuho included.
…That said, we couldn’t waste time restlessly. We had things to do.
Namely, the wedding ceremony just two days away.
“Though I’m not really in the mood, it’s too late to cancel now…”
“…And it would be unfair to the caretakers who’ve worked so hard, and to Mr. and Mrs. Kemal as well. I’m not in the mood, but…”
Lord Cyrus and I sat together, quietly chatting like murmurs as we wove artificial flowers from lace.
These decorations were for the reception hall—not absolutely essential, but the more the better. Normally, the caretakers would do this during downtime. But since both Lord Cyrus and I had nothing else to do, we asked to share the work.
“…When I have nothing to do, my mind wanders to bad thoughts. …Even if I’m busy, I still think about things.”
“Still, I’m glad I can spend time with you, Marie. …Because this is an emergency.”
“I was thinking the same thing. A blessing in disguise, I guess. …Though it wasn’t me who got injured.”
“Well, that fellow will recover quickly and be annoying again soon, probably.”
“Yes, I’m sure Ms. Kaede will return to her usual cheerful self. Probably.”
…With each sigh, more artificial flowers were made.
Lord Cyrus was more skillful than me, and in front of us stood a tall pile of artificial flowers.
He’s basically good at everything he tries. That’s why he’s so bored now. Like the bride, the groom also had many things to do before the ceremony—checking the guest list, confirming gifts and meals, in consultation with the male caretakers. But this man, Cyrus Granado, the lord of a castle with hundreds of servants, a count managing waterworks around the royal capital and the Central Market, and head of the largest trading company in the country, had already finished everything in a flash with his natural judgment and decisiveness. He was even grumbling, “I have nothing to do. I want to get to work.”
As for me, the preparations for the ceremony were proceeding steadily. The dress and veil had been chosen, and the schedule was thoroughly rehearsed. All that was left was to entrust the caretakers with the rest, so I really had nothing else to do.
“Sigh…”
Our sighs overlapped.
…This isn’t good. This really isn’t good. I suggested to Lord Cyrus that we should try talking openly. It’s better than bottling things up.
He agreed, so I poured out my thoughts.
“I was shocked by the slave market. I never thought something like that would still exist in modern times.”
“That was Ogran’s lie. But it’s true that poor people—especially young children—live lives without human rights, much like slaves from a previous era.”
“Ips is a country without a class system, so why is there such a gap between rich and poor? It’s unfair that children have to work from such a young age just to barely eat.”
“It’s precisely because there’s no class system. Unlike in the olden days, when people couldn’t move from where they were born, now anyone can take any job. On the other hand, business owners can choose whom to hire based on ability... and those who are weaker fall behind.”