Chapter 40

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Translator: Harry Potta
Chapter: 40
Chapter Title: The Duke's Guardianship
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“Olive.”

Olive, who had been standing quietly off to one side, took a step forward.

“Miss. House Vines holds the largest territory and fortune in the empire. The late Countess inherited a substantial legacy long ago, and that wealth will now pass to you four sisters.”

Dia gazed at Olive with a startled expression.

It was something she had never once heard from her mother.

Now that she thought about it, her mother had never indulged in extravagance, yet always seemed financially secure.

Dia turned to the duke with an expression of even greater confusion.

“If it’s not our family’s wealth you’re after, then why do you wish to become our guardian?”

Gerald turned his head back toward the window without a word.

Olive watched him with a sigh and spoke in his place.

He’s just so bad at being honest.

“The mastermind behind all this has yet to be uncovered. Since we cannot predict if further danger will befall the young ladies, His Grace wishes to serve as your guardian.”

“Ah…….”

Dia fell silent, her face draining of color. She hadn’t considered it. Dealing with Killon hadn’t ended things.

Her slender fingers trembled faintly, and she clasped her hands together tightly.

“Then, until when?”

“Until all danger has passed.”

The duke’s firm words dropped from his long-silent lips. That cold tone felt far more reliable than Killon’s honeyed deceptions.

“I understand what you mean. Then, if you could stay until we find Perido…….”

Just then, a plump crow flew up from afar and landed somewhere with a heavy flap of wings.

“Is there a steeple here?”

The duke abruptly cut her off with urgent words.

Even though his eyes were closed, she felt an intense gaze upon her, and Dia answered hastily.

“There’s no steeple.”

“Olive. Come here.”

Olive hurried to the window and craned his neck out to peer outside.

“No steeple in sight.”

“A high place like a steeple where a bird could perch and rest. Anything will do.”

“There is an old temple bell tower behind the mansion, obscured by a small wood…….”

“Go there now.”

“Yes. Miss, please lead the way.”

Olive swiftly opened the door and turned to Dia.

“Yes.”

She had no idea why he wanted to head to the crumbling bell tower in the middle of such an important discussion, but she hurried ahead, compelled by the duke’s resolve.

Gerald followed behind them, sighing inwardly.

Why hadn’t he thought of it sooner?

 

[Hey, kiddo, how’ve you been? Don’t get all huffy just ‘cause I called you kiddo again, okay? You’ll always be my kiddo!

Unlike the West, it’s always warm here. No monsters anywhere—a real peaceful spot. You’d think one would pop out along the road now and then, just so I could show off my sword skills.

I came here trusting in my husband alone, and a whole year’s flown by already. A few days back, I went for a walk by myself and found a spot that reminded me of where you are. Seeing it made me miss you even more.

So what did I do?

Went there alone, no servants, and cleaned it up and decorated it all by myself.

Then I started filling it with all those toys you used to love. Stuff you’ve probably outgrown by now.

Now I’ve got a space where I can miss you. I miss you, kiddo.]

***

 

[A few days ago, our youngest was born. It’s a boy. His black hair looks just like yours. Well, more precisely, like mine.

Our Dia, Garnet, Rubiana, and Perido.

Every time one of the children is born, I make a silent vow. To protect them for life.

You guard the West, and I’ll guard our children. I’m a Vines too, after all.]

 

[The kids keep asking why you never come visit.

You told them the Vines are busy defending the West.

It’s true, but not the whole truth, is it? I know. You stay away to protect me.

Imagine—a close sister to the Western Duke, who’s got so many enemies. In this world! She’d be the perfect pawn to exploit or blackmail.

The Vines protect. And they’re working hard to protect this sister from afar too. I miss you, kiddo.]

 

[Get this—in that space I used to play in alone after coming here, a new visitor showed up. Our baby youngest snuck after me!

You have no idea how much our little one loves it here. “So cool!” he says. Got an earful from him for playing there all by myself—what?

Turns out even Mom knows how to scold, and our baby’s all grown up now?

I hope our little one turns out just like you. He’s so fragile, it worries me. Brave only around Mom.

Oh, and the young ladies talk about you nonstop. Once I hit society season, I hear all the latest on you.

When are you getting married? Ah, I must be getting old—nagging you like this.

Kiddo, when you do get married, you’d better show her off to your big sis.

By then, I’ll toss all worries about enemies aside and come see you, no matter what. Got it?

Our baby keeps sneaking peeks at these letters I write to you. Can’t even read yet!

Why do kiddos love secrets so much?

He’s thrilled all on his own about having a secret room that’s just for him and Mom.

Might have to pass this place on to our little one someday.]

 

* * *

 

Sunlight glittered through the gaps in the wardrobe’s wooden slats, slipping gently inside.

Grimy, dirt-caked fingers brushed over the sparkling motes of dust as if caressing them. Warm.

A mop of dark curls lifted slightly, then fell limply back.

Perido, huddled inside the wardrobe, curled his body into a tight ball and breathed in ragged gasps.

Soon, it would be pitch black again, nothing visible.

The moment he’d hidden here, hunger had struck, and he remembered the snack he’d eaten. Should’ve rationed it. Should’ve hidden more snacks.

He hadn’t eaten anything in so long. His stomach no longer even growled.

When hunger or thirst hit, he’d drunk the rainwater he’d collected on pouring days. But that was almost gone now too.

He missed his sisters. Missed his dad.

Thinking of his family brought round tears welling up in his dark eyes. His throat was parched, but the tears wouldn’t stop.

Perido clamped a small hand over his mouth and sobbed quietly to make no sound.

Mom……

He missed his mom most of all.

 

* * *

 

They’d fled the scary uncles chasing them and hidden in a dark cave. This cave, concealed by thickets, was one they’d discovered long ago while playing forest explorers with Mom.

Held tight in Mom’s arms in the pitch-black cave, his trembling body had finally calmed.

Was Dad okay?

Mom’s shoulder had been soaked red with blood for ages, but she’d seemed fine.

Mom had gently pried him from her embrace and brought her face close. Even in the darkness, her beautiful black pearl-like eyes gleamed as they met his squarely.

“I smell rain coming soon. When it starts pouring, head straight to the secret room and collect rainwater in every cup and bowl we’ve got. Got it?”

“Yes…….”

***

His weak reply prompted Mom to repeat the story she’d told him so many times before.

“What did Mom say earlier?”

“After Mom leaves the cave, I have to count to five hundred. Then go to the secret room alone.”

“That’s my smart baby. You can make it there by yourself, right? You’ve found it from this cave before.”

“Yes, I can, but…… Mom, let’s go together. Just together.”

“Mom will follow right behind. But not right now. I have to keep those bad uncles away from my baby. Until you get to the secret room safe and sound, Mom has to draw them off somewhere else.”