Chapter 158 - Recognition (2)

Bibi's expectant expression gradually cooled into something emotionless.

Soon after, as if losing energy, she turned away and lay down.

"I want to be alone too. Leave."

It was an unfamiliar sight. She who rarely grew attached to others and always maintained boundaries was now pouring her heart out to a man.

The numerous nobles who had willingly volunteered for the Barbisia search party hoping to win Bibi's heart briefly crossed her mind. How strange that Silveryn's disciple, whom she considered an enemy, had effortlessly gained what others couldn't achieve despite years of effort using money, power, and authority.

"Your Grace. I have some advice to offer."

"What is it?"

"Why don't you visit him first?"

Wasn't Damian Bibi's benefactor? Rather than wasting time on emotional games, it seemed better to approach him first.

"...No. Release his wrist when he says he'll come see me."

Bibi seemed determined to wait until he came to her first.

The servant shook his head as if exasperated.

"And the Archmage will soon arrive in the capital. As far as I know, those two are master and disciple..."

"..."

Bibi remained silent, keeping her back turned.

The servant bowed his head once and headed toward the door. Before he left, Bibi spoke, "...Bring a chef who knows how to make Sankrotis-style apple pie."

***

Though I thought I'd be bored being confined to the room, there were enough reading materials that my worries proved unfounded.

Actually, just looking out the window was entertaining. This castle where I stood was located in a prime spot overlooking the city, with an incredible view. It was my first time seeing such a large city in my life.

How many people must live in a city that stretches to the horizon?

Will Bibi eventually rule over all this? Honestly, it doesn't feel real.

Then a commotion broke out in the corridor outside. The clanking of armor. Not just one person. A considerable number, like an entire unit.

"You can't do this!"

Maids and a man were arguing.

"Come out!"

And they pushed their way to my room and suddenly opened the door.

A group of armed soldiers suddenly barged into my room.

Leading them was a middle-aged man with cat-like eyes, brown beard, and tanned skin who glared at me.

"Ah, quite a luxurious detention facility."

I put down the book I was reading and said, "Who are you?"

At my question, a subordinate knight behind him burst out shouting.

"Show respect! This is Duke Aminos, the Knight of Steel!"

"I'll match the courtesy shown to me."

Duke Aminos looked at me and raised one corner of his mouth mockingly.

"Does a mere prisoner need courtesy when being visited?"

"State your business."

"Ah, I came to see the face of this great hero who supposedly saved the Duchess. I wondered if seeing you might help me understand why the Duchess protects you so."

"..."

"Seems you must have curried favor by washing the Duchess' feet or something."

"Yes, I put in some effort."

I didn't understand why this person harbored such antipathy toward me. When I let his provocation slide, the Duke's eyebrow twitched.

Then someone spoke from behind the Duke, "You seem mistaken, but this young man is not a prisoner. He's a special protected surveillance subject personally designated by Grand Duke Gainax."

It was a voice somehow familiar to me. Gerald, who had been Bibi's advisor and accompanied the guard mission, came forward through the group of soldiers.

How nice to see that person was alive too. It was truly good to see him here.

Gerald continued speaking, "And Duke, you've brought soldiers to enter unauthorized into the quarters of this special protected subject."

When Gerald appeared, the Duke deeply furrowed his brow and said, "The Grand Duke seems to be planning something interesting."

The Duke left with his soldiers.

After settling the commotion, Gerald approached me.

"Things will be troublesome for a while."

And unlike before, he was now using honorific speech with me.

"Why do they harbor such antipathy toward me?"

Why would people I've never even met...?

"What they've been preparing with time and money is about to be completely ruined, so they're furious."

"What do you mean?"

"Marriage with Duchess Bibi."

"..."

"It was their chance to grab the whole Principality like a ripe gourd on the vine, but positions changed overnight, so they're enraged."

"...And that's because of me?"

Gerald nodded.

"Things will be annoying for a while. There are quite a few people who'll lose their chance to swallow up the Principality."

"I don't understand why that's my fault. It's not like I'm marrying the Duchess."

"Nobles are extremely sensitive to the actions of those in power. They don't miss even a single gesture or expression. They have to be sensitive because it's directly linked to their survival."

"...?"

"After the recent incident, they've detected changes in Bibi's usual social behavioral patterns."

"What's different?"

"The Duchess is naturally social. But this time, while bedridden, she rejected all other visitors. Duke Aminos just now had volunteered for the Barbisia search party but was turned away at the door. Yet she only permitted you, Damian. And even now, the Duchess is waiting for you to visit."

Having shared life and death experiences, albeit briefly, seemed to have formed a bond between us. Now I could somewhat understand why that Duke was so enraged that he brought soldiers.

Gerald took a key from his pocket and inserted it into the handcuff on my wrist. With a turn, the handcuff unlocked and fell to the floor.

"I hear you made a promise with the Duchess. To spread a mat by a lake and eat apple pie together."

"..."

I had said something similar, but it wasn't a promise. I had just mentioned it while reminiscing about my time with Silveryn in Wiesel and never promised to do it together.

"The Duchess doesn't make such promises with just anyone. She never acts without reason. Duke Aminos earlier has never enjoyed even a single picnic with the Duchess despite pouring out mountains of gold coins. I trust you understand... the value of that promise."