Hakushaku to Yousei - Volume 18 - Chapter 3

Chapter 3 ♦ Where did the blue ribbon go?

What should I do......?
Claire looked at the blue ribbon on the table and sighed heavily.
Why did I take the ribbon away? She didn’t understand it herself either.
While she was in Lydia’s room, she dreamily looked at the wedding dress that was on the mannequin. In order for the lace, which lined the veil, to exude the same ambiance, it was decorated onto the collar and sleeves, and using silk as the base plus the several layers of organdy made it seem like the dress was floating in the sunlight amidst the morning mist, as if it was surrounded by a faint light.
This was a graceful and elegant dress, like air, foam, or even fairy wings.
Claire thought to herself that she was such a blessed girl.
Being able to become the bride of Earl Ashenbert is truly such a blessing.
If I was the bride, what kind of scene would it be? Claire couldn’t help but imagine.
The chosen partner of the person who Claire longed for wasn’t a noble’s daughter. Since that was the case, as long as there were some opportunities, she might become like Lydia.
If only I had talked with him more.
If only I had told him how I felt.
If only I had met him before Lydia.
In Claire’s mind, Lydia wasn’t too different from her, and so she felt this way.
By the time she realized it, she had already taken the blue ribbon that was on the vanity table.
One could become a happy bride if she put on a blue item which symbolized purity. She knew of this saying as well.
If this ribbon belonged to me...... just as she thought this, a sound came from the window. Claire was shocked and hid the ribbon behind her.
She looked out of the window and found a gray cat staring at her.
It’s only a cat. Although she was relieved, she didn’t put the ribbon back on the vanity table because she heard Lydia’s footsteps coming from below the stairs.
She was so flustered that she didn’t know what she was doing, and rushed out of the room holding the ribbon.
Now, Lydia’s blue ribbon was right in front of her, and Claire didn’t know what to do.
If this continues, I will become a thief. I must return this to her.
But once she returns the ribbon, Claire might be blamed for what she had done no matter what reason she gave. Perhaps this would reach the Earl’s ears as well.
Claire was afraid and unable to move at the thought of this.
Even though it was an unrequited love, she didn’t want to be despised by the person she admired.
Then came a knock on the door. Claire immediately returned to her senses and stuffed the ribbon beneath the cushions.
After she steadied her breath and responded, the housekeeper of the assigned room opened the door.
“There is a letter for you."
“......Thank you."
Claire took the letter and was surprised after seeing the name of the sender.
The sender was Lydia Carlton.
As the housekeeper was leaving, she quickly opened the envelope. After repeatedly reading the content of the letter several times, she began to think about what was going on.

Lydia asked Claire if she would like to try working as a maid for a month. The day after the letter was sent out, she came to the Carlton’s residence.
Even though Claire agreed to work at the Carlton’s residence before the wedding ceremony, she still seemed slightly puzzled.
“Miss Lydia, why did you..... didn’t the Earl say that you needed a maid with experience?”
“In that case, I will be the one to hire you. If Edgar knows that you are a capable maid, then I can convince him."
“But you went to such extent......”
“I’ve never employed a maid either. If the person was someone who was used to serving young noble ladies, it’s possible that because I regard everything with a commoner’s mindset, it will be very shocking, won’t it?”
“......Pardon me, but is this really the only way?”
“What, of course......it is. Why do you ask?”
Lydia was surprised but she still answered.
“......No, it’s nothing."
With regards to Lydia, these were naturally sincere words.
From getting dressed to taking a bath, Lydia probably couldn’t accept being served by a maid. But if she were to do everything by herself, she might be face contempt for thinking like a commoner.
Therefore, if possible, she would like to hire a woman like Claire, who had no preconceptions of a maid’s work.
Having said that, hoping that she could return the blue ribbon which was also Lydia’s important goal.
“Th--that’s right, Claire, this is a little sudden, but could I ask you to help pull the carpet in front of the vanity table?”
Although Claire became restless upon hearing the word ‘vanity table’, Lydia continued to speak in order not to seem too deliberate.
“It was probably a strong wind that had blown the ribbon behind the vanity table. I will soon be getting someone to move the furniture, but the carpet is in the way."
It would be great if she quietly placed the ribbon behind the vanity table. Even though this is what Lydia had been wracking her brains to come up with, but would it go smoothly?
Claire replied softly: “Alright."
“Hey, Lydia."
As soon as Lydia opened the door, she saw a dark-haired man sitting by the window, and so she quickly closed the door.
“Miss Lydia, is something wrong?”
Claire was puzzled. Lydia shook her head as she pressed on the door and said:
“......It’s nothing, I forgot that the room is in a mess. Let’s come back later."
“In that case, let me tidy it up."
“What! Y--you’re right......but......”
Seriously, why did Kelpie choose to appear at this time? He clearly hasn’t been showing up for a long time.
Just when Lydia was worrying about how to explain this to Claire, the door opened suddenly and Kelpie held on to Lydia, who was about to fall.
“What’s wrong with you, Lydia? Don’t ignore my existence."
This tall and fierce-looking young man was tightly holding on to Lydia. Claire widened her eyes and was looking at Lydia and Kelpie. A girl who was about to get married was unexpectedly being quite intimate with a man who wasn’t her fiancé. Perhaps the scene before her eyes seemed like a disastrous matter.
If the person was a human male, for Lydia, this was something that would never happen.
But he was a fairy. He used to be a kelpie who only fed on humans, but he liked Lydia very much, and was a slightly peculiar acquaintance of Lydia’s.
For Lydia, this was like sleeping in the same bed with Nico, but if this continued on, Claire would definitely misunderstand.
“Eh, that’s not it, h--he’s a horse!”
Even though Lydia immediately said so and pushed Kelpie away, her actions might have made Claire more overwhelmed.
Claire looked at Lydia with an expression worrying about whether or not there were problems.
“......No, I mean he’s my cousin."
The topic of fairies was still taboo for her. Even though Lydia noticed this and changed her mind, Claire probably saw her as a strange woman in result.
“I see."
Claire nodded but didn’t seem to be too convinced.
“As I was saying, it turns out that this room had a pile of enchanted things in it, so it’s no wonder that I smelled something awful."
After Kelpie walked around the room, he stopped in front of the bridal gown and revealed an expression of disgust.
To Kelpie, who was an Unseelie Court, the enchantments from the yarn spinning fairies was a kind of magic power that made him feel unpleasant.
“You need to wear this kind of thing for the wedding? Aren’t fruits better?”
“Uh, Claire, don’t mind what this person says. Let’s quickly tidy up the carpet."
Lydia forcefully interrupted Kelpie.
“Hey, Lydia."
Minding her own business, she bent down towards the floor, pretending that Kelpie didn’t exist.
Kelpie completely treated Claire as if she was air. Come to think of it, he hardly showed interest in any human besides Lydia. Moreover, he wasn’t like Nico, who could understand humans and pretend to be an ordinary cat in front of strangers, so nothing could be done.
“Could you help me turn over the carpet on that side?”
“Alright......
Although she was suspicious, Claire still went to the other side of the carpet and crouched down.
“What are you doing now?”
“......Well, something might have fallen to the back of the vanity table."
The one who answered was Claire. It seemed that she couldn’t ignore Lydia’s cousin’s question, but it startled Lydia and she let go of the carpet.
“Why, let me do it then."
“N--no! Kelpie!”
Lydia wanted to grab Kelpie’s clothes to stop him, but it was too late.
Kelpie, who possessed brute force from head to toe, easily lifted up the vanity table, which was fairly heavy, and moved it away.
Ahh I’m done for......
Lydia pressed her hand on her forehead but it was already too late.
“There’s nothing at the back. Do you want to move the wardrobe?”
The plan that I’ve spent all night thinking about is ruined.
“......There’s no need for that today! We’ll talk next time, Kelpie."
Lydia stood in front of Kelpie and clenched her hands, trying to ask him to leave.
“What’s wrong? You’re in a bad mood, is it because you’re about to get married and that’s why you’re being impatient? Ah, I know, is it that time of month?”
“Y--you...... what are you saying?!”
Kelpie grinned and casually rubbed Lydia’s hair.
“Oh well, it doesn’t matter. In any case, even if you’re married, I still belong to you."
Don’t say something that will cause a misunderstanding!
Just as Lydia was swallowing her words, Kelpie quickly left through the second floor window.
Claire was staring at this scene blankly, and seemed a little, no, completely shocked.
As for Lydia’s proposal to set a trial period of hiring her as a maid, she said she wanted to think about it a little. Not long after, she left.

                                                                                                                                                 *

The next day, Edgar visited the Carlton’s residence in the afternoon.
Recently, they hadn’t been able to spend lunchtime together, therefore, they took the opportunity of a short amount of time to have tea at the Carlton residence.
They hadn’t seen each other for two days since their dispute over Claire’s issue, but Edgar didn’t bring up the topic.
If he didn’t say anything, then Lydia must raise the issue.
Although Lydia thought that Claire wouldn’t come back, she might change her mind as well. Therefore, Lydia couldn’t hide from Edgar that she suggested to hire her on a trial basis.
“Well...... um, Edgar."
Putting down the teacup, Lydia said carefully:
“I invited Claire to the house yesterday."
“I know, Professor Carlton told me about it."
Lydia was at a loss for words. She never thought that her father would inform Edgar of this.
However, even if her father rarely concerned himself with trivial matters, knowing that his daughter, who was about to get married, was planning to hire a maid without permission, he would want to hear her fiancé’s opinion.
“......I’m sorry, but I......”
“It doesn’t matter. Right now, you are still the Professor’s daughter. It would be rude of me to give my opinion if your father had already given his permission."
Even though the manner of his speech sounded a little cross, there was nothing to be done about it.
“Then, will you dismiss her after our marriage?”
Edgar stared at Lydia and sighed.
“Do you see me as such an unreasonable man?”
He seemed a little helpless when he said that, but he didn’t look too unhappy.
Lydia was relieved once he started to smile.
“That’s great...... although I’m not even sure if she’ll accept, but thank you for agreeing, Edgar."
Lydia returned his smile. By the time she realized it, her hand was already held.
“Lydia, do you love me?”
“Er......well......”
Lydia’s voice was so soft, it was almost inaudible. Up until now, she still couldn’t say such words while looking at Edgar’s face, and she was so shy that she couldn’t look him in the eye.
“We can always be together like this from now on."
“Ah...... yes."
Despite answering, she recalled that if this continued, the wedding might not go smoothly.
“How many children would you like to have?”
That’s right, I must think of a way before the wedding.
But, the ceremony will be held in just a few days.
“I hope to have ten children."
Not knowing if Edgar’s banter was a joke or truth, Lydia was not in the mood to retaliate.
“Hey, can the wedding be postponed?”
However, this reply was definitely too abrupt. Edgar was surprised.
“......Was that too many? Then how about seven, no, five is good as well."
“Eh, it’s not because of that."
He frowned with grim expression, which was never seen before.
“Are you serious?”
He’s angry. As Lydia thought that, she lowered her head.
“Edgar, listen to me, the fairy......”
“I won’t. No matter what happens I won’t postpone it."
“But......”
The blue ribbon disappeared, and if the wedding is carried out in this situation, something will definitely get in the way when the time comes. Although she didn’t know what the fairy actually wanted to do, Lydia couldn’t stand the destruction of her once in a lifetime wedding ceremony.
Moreover, if the wedding can’t be held due to the fairy causing trouble, it will still be postponed in the end.
Instead of postponing it due to having troubles on the actual day, wouldn’t it be better to decide to delay it beforehand?
“Edgar, there’s a reason for this."
“Reason? It’s possible that I could lose myself due to Prince’s memories, is that why you’re beginning to fear me?”
“No! How could that possibly be the reason!”
“In that case, there isn’t any other reason to delay the marriage! No matter what happens, there’s only be one future for us, isn’t there?”
“Yes, but......”
Lydia wanted to hold Edgar’s hand, but he withdrew his hand and stood up.
“Hey, won’t you listen to me?”
“I don’t want to continuing arguing anymore. No matter what reason you give, I absolutely won’t postpone the wedding."
So, I’m leaving now. Edgar said.
“I just...... wanted to start a new life with you with a joyous heart!”
Lydia desperately blurted everything out towards Edgar’s back and he looked back in surprise.
Edgar stroked her cheek with a heart-broken expression.
“I’m sorry, Lydia, but I beg you, please don’t wish for a postponement. Because even now, I still can’t believe that I was able to capture your heart."
They were both clearly looking forward to the same thing. Once Lydia noticed this, she felt uncomfortable and lowered her head.
Lydia would also lose her sense of reality because of the happiness she felt.
She had almost given up on marrying Edgar once. At that time, she could only make that choice and the suffering that she felt was re-emerging.
When I open my eyes, will I be back at that lonely mansion in the Hebrides islands? Just by thinking about this, Lydia was too afraid to fall asleep.
Edgar also felt the pain, even more than Lydia.
This was because although the Aurora fairy’s poison in Lydia’s body was completely eliminated, Edgar continued to bear the Prince’s memories.
“I’ll come again tomorrow."
After saying that, he strangely left without kissing Lydia.

“What on earth should I do?”
Alone by herself that night, Lydia dejectedly fell onto her bed.
Nico, who was sleeping in the bed, was shaken off, falling to the ground.
“Whoa! Lydia, watch it!”
In the end, she was still unable to come up with a good way to get the blue ribbon back, furthermore, the near quarrel with Edgar during the day only left a bad taste in her mouth after the event.
Just because of losing a ribbon and having a disagreement with Edgar, this really was too foolish.
But without the ribbon, terrible things would definitely happen at the wedding ceremony.
As matters stand, instead of thinking of ways to get the blue ribbon back, it might be better to think of other ways.
“That’s right, Nico, if I have Habetrot to cast a spell again…..I wonder, would the yarn spinning fairy still be in the Fairy Market?”
“Uh, maybe."
Nico unhappily began rubbing the sleep from his eyes and started to tidy his fur.
“We’re going to the market!”
Lydia got up from the bed and spoke with complete enthusiasm.
“We’re going now? I was about to have a rest after dinner."
“Nico, if my wedding is postponed, you won’t be able to drink the Earl household’s delicious black tea for the time being either."
Nico unwillingly stood up.
Lydia put a shawl over her shoulders, dressed simply, and quietly slipped out of the house with Nico without letting Father know.
Walking alone in the streets of London at night was very dangerous. Unmarried women shouldn’t be doing this kind of thing, but as long as Nico lead her through the fairy passage, her figure couldn’t be seen.
Whether it was the buildings or roads, it looked the same as the street scenery they were used to seeing, but Lydia and Nico were actually walking a little distance away from the human world.
If one mindfully glanced at their shadow, they would find that it wasn’t human.
After arriving at the plaza where the market was held during the day, only the peddlers’ shacks could be seen in the darkness, surrounded by silence.
However, lively music from the depths of an alley with a rainbow light leaking out was heard.
The Fairy Market was always bustling with a celebratory atmosphere whether it was day or night.
Lydia and Nico walked along while looking for the figure of an old lady holding a spindle.
“Hey, Lydia, isn’t that them?”
In front of the stone steps of the houses were five old ladies. Their scarf-covered heads all clustered together, their hands holding spindles while concentrating on saying something.
Lydia went over to talk to them.
“Hello, grannies."
(Oh my, isn’t this the Blue Knight Earl’s bride?)
(Did you come to visit the Fairy Market?)
They smiled with toothless, wrinkled mouths.  The five fairies’ appearances were all quite similar, so it was very difficult tell them apart. Lydia called the name of the fairy that had enchanted the blue ribbon.
“Habetrot."
(What’s wrong?)
A fairy answered.
“The blue item you enchanted has disappeared, could I ask you to grant the magic again?”
(Disappeared? This is troublesome.)
The five old women tilted their heads together.
(The blessing magic can’t be cast again.)
“I--is that so?”
What am I going to do? Suddenly things had gotten difficult. Lydia, though panicked, did not want to give up, so she crouched by the old lady’s side.
“In that case, is there another way that can prevent the sixth fairy from interfering with the marriage ceremony?”
(My apologies, there is nothing else we can do.)
“No way……”
(If it’s other magic, we can actually cast it.)
“Eh, what kind of magic?”
She couldn’t help leaning forward.
(Magic that can let you have a wonderful wedding night.)
“……No thanks……!”
Lydia immediately shrank back.
(As long as that guy doesn’t find out, it’ll be fine. As long as she believes that you’re wearing all the magic items we enchanted, she’d probably give up on interfering with the wedding.)
“Really? It’ll be okay like this?”
At the moment Lydia leaned forward, a voice suddenly came behind her.
(Disappeared? Is it an enchanted item?)
Another old lady holding a spindle was there. It was the sixth fairy.
“H--how could that be possible! It didn’t disappear!”
Lydia promptly said, but it was already too late.
(Disappeared, is that right? Ha, foolish girl!)
“My oh my, Lydia, you are truly digging your own grave."
Nico was sitting on the stairs as he leisurely crossed his legs and spoke.
Lydia could only glare at him, who had an unconcerned attitude. The sixth granny laughed loudly with her hands on her hips.
(This way, I can thwart the Blue Knight Earl’s wedding! I really look forward to it!)
She excitedly turned her back on Lydia.
“Wait!”
Lydia grabbed onto the sleeve of the bad-hearted yarn spinning fairy.
“You really want to get in the way no matter what? Just because the previous Earl didn’t invite you?”
(They were invited in order to push me aside, which is unforgivable.)
“Is inviting you now out of the question?”
(Forget about it, bride of the Blue Knight Earl, nothing can be done to invite her.)
Habetrot interjected from the side.
The sixth fairy also turned around, waving her hand while saying resentfully:
(You want to invite me? You clearly don’t even know my name! I, however, compared to those five fairies, get much more of the goddess’ favor! I see everything that the goddess witnesses. I also saw when that hateful archangel monastery and its monks disappeared. It was truly too pleasing! Blue Knight Earl’s bride, it is impossible for you to know my name!)
She spoke a lot of ambiguous words. Overall, the fairy’s name was extremely important.  Lydia only understood that much.
That was indeed the case. The Earl family’s invitation list had five fairies, so at least these names of the yarn spinning fairies even Lydia could call out, which humans knew.
If a fairy’s name was known, then their magic’s favor could be obtained. This point was common for most fairies. So long as the name was known, these grannies wouldn’t be able to do evil.
However, even if the previous Blue Knight Earl, who interacted freely with the fairy country and human world didn’t know her name, it was even more unlikely that Lydia had that knowledge.
Even when the Earl family was at a loss of what to do, it was possible that they made use of the five grannies’ blessings as a last resort.
The fairy shouted at Lydia to let go, hitting her hand with the spindle. Lydia kept holding her sleeve while thinking.
“But even if you want to obstruct it, it’s useless. The Blue Knight Earl is quite clear about what fairies will do."
She was provoking the fairy, trying to coax out some clues.
(Hmph, even that Blue Knight also has to follow mankind’s rules. I’m going to put forward an objection at the wedding, this way the wedding will immediately end.)
“What! You intend to do this kind of thing!”
When someone in the church makes an objection to a wedding in front of God, the wedding would be unable to proceed.
Lydia was stunned for a moment, and the fairy took the opportunity to instantly flee from her hands.
(Haha, I truly look forward to it.)
After the fairy finished speaking, she disappeared from sight.

                                                                                                                                                 *

Edgar returned to the Earl’s mansion very late that evening, and just as he entered the parlor, he saw the “Scarlet Moon’s” twins waiting there with Paul nervously.
“I apologize for making everyone wait for a long time."
“No, Earl, we’re sorry for coming over when you’re so busy."
Perhaps because Edgar had expressed with an impatient tone previously, that the wedding took priority, the three of them looked fearful.
After Edgar sat down at the table, they sat in their respective chairs, waiting for Edgar to start talking.
“Concerning Slade’s matter, I only know one thing. The person who should have inherited Owen’s will was Lord Bourton. Although he was presently living in seclusion in a mansion far away, he had hired an agent."
“He’s an aristocrat, right? Was it that man who forged the suicide note?”
“But, it’s really difficult to believe a noble wanting to have a poor painter’s meager inheritance."
Jack and Louis continued to raise questions.
“He probably wanted a certain item from the inheritance."
“But, Owen’s belongings, which were originally with Mr. Slade, have already been taken away by the police."
“Things might have been delivered to the other person earlier."
Everyone nodded, then sighed.
“Earl……”
Paul looked at him uneasily.
“There is still another thing to consider.”
Everyone leaned forward, seemingly wanting to find hope in these words.
“Lord Bourton’s reason for living in seclusion in the countryside was because his mansion in London’s suburbs caught fire. I heard that his wife was killed and he sustained serious injuries, unable to speak to people. Could he still convey his will to his agent like this?”
“That being said, the current mastermind isn’t Lord Bourton, it’s quite possible that someone is behind this."
Things were probably like this.
If so, Lord Bourton’s house catching on fire was likely someone’s doing as well.
Edgar frowned solemnly.
Claire, who was once employed by the Bourton home, was trying to get close to him and Lydia; could this be a coincidence?
Was it really okay agreeing to let Lydia employ Claire?
Just when he and a police officer he knew well were talking about Slade,, the officer had mentioned Lord Bourton’s name, and Edgar had felt very worried from that time.
If it currently wasn’t late at night, he would’ve immediately rushed to Lydia’s side.
“Earl, are you tired?”
Paul was looking at him mindfully.
Edgar looked up.
“Yeah, a little…… That is all I can report to you all…. Furthermore, Jack and Louis, could you investigate the situation of Lord Bourton’s friends in London? It may be related to Owen."
“Yes."
“Paul, please confirm that Slade’s mansion and this club don’t have Owen’s remnants left behind. According to the police officer’s words, cheap goods that can’t  be regarded as an inheritance, weren’t confiscated, so perhaps there could be some clues."
“I understand."

After the three men left, Edgar collapsed onto the sofa.
He was trying to sort out his mind slightly, which was in confusion because of everything that was causing chaos.
What he minded the most was Lydia saying she wanted to have the wedding postponed.
He ought to have listened to her explanation.  After he calmed down he regretted it. At that time, Edgar, because he heard the word ‘postpone’ from her mouth, his mood was greatly affected.
Lydia probably looked forward to getting married as well, but he was the only one that felt impatient.
He was unable to imagine a future without Lydia by his side, however she didn’t seem as enthusiastic as he did, thus she could simply ask to postpone it.  As Edgar thought this, he felt angry.
Maybe she thought getting married would cause more trouble.
Despite this, Lydia still loved him with all the feelings she could currently show.  There wasn’t a need to doubt this point.
The reason why said she would want a postponement must be because there was a reason that couldn’t be ignored.
He should have at least listened to what she had to say.
“Lord Edgar, would you like me to bring you a drink?”
Raven entered the room as he spoke.
“Would Lydia be disappointed? Because I’m unexpectedly a narrow-minded man."
Edgar said to himself.
“I think Miss Lydia already knew that long ago."
Raven earnestly answered.
“……Is that so? In that case, then it’s fine."
After that, Raven earnestly awaited Edgar’s orders, but he stole a glance at the clock, which was quite unusual of him.
“This evening you can take a break."
“Can you change your clothes by yourself?”
“I’m fine doing it myself, you may withdraw. You must have planned something good to do, right?”
“No, I don’t have any plans. It’s just that Mr. Nico asked me if I had any free time to go to his place and play."
“Oh, is there a fairy party?”
“Yes, in the attic."
He knew Nico did this often, and knew that Nico would occasionally ask Raven to come.
“Is it fun?”
Edgar simply felt suspicious about it, so he asked.
Raven won’t get drunk even if he has drinks, and wasn’t the type to like noisy gatherings.  Moreover, the brownies that Nico brought, or other small fairies such as goblins, he shouldn’t be able to see.
“Yes."
Despite this, Raven still replied firmly, expressionless.
It seems quite fun. Edgar felt both envious and happy.
Raven, who previously only had his master in his eyes, had now regarded Nico as a friend, moreover, happily interacting with each other made Edgar feel like a father whose son has brought a friend home for the first time.
However, tonight Edgar was interested in the fairy party for another reason.
Nico seemed to still be in the mansion.  He might know the reason behind Lydia’s request to postpone the wedding.
“Do you think I could go with you?”
“You can, because Mr. Nico is a gentleman."
In the innermost side of the mansion, the commonly unused stairs lead to the attic. Edgar followed Raven, who was holding an oil lamp, up the creaking stairs. After opening the door at the end, Edgar couldn’t help squinting because the room was particularly bright.
The moon hung in the middle of the skylight. The empty attic room sprinkled full of moonlight gave a mysterious feeling of suddenly slipping into another world.
At this thought, the scene of a fluffy gray haired cat stomping its feet to the dance reflected in his eyes.
Although the jumps were a bit unsteady, it was likely a highland style dance.
“Yo Raven, you finally came. Eh? The Earl also is with you?”
“Pardon the intrusion, Nico."
Nico was elegantly shaking his proud tail, as he was probably dancing with the other fairies just now. Just when Nico was going to come over, iit seemed that some kind of very small light left his side.
Edgar didn’t have Lydia’s ability to see fairies yet. Similar to Nico’s situation, only when the fairy deliberately let humans see them could he catch sight of them.
“Oh, you can sit over there."
Like Raven, Edgar also sat on a wooden box.
Nico reclined on the window sill, cheerfully swinging his tail.
(Earl, it truly is worthy of a celebration. Before the wedding, fairy parties will be held all throughout London. I haven’t been this happy in centuries.)
Coblynau’s voice came over.  A medieval-like silver goblet was moving towards him, which was because Coblynau was holding it.
(Come, have a drink.)
“Thank you, Coblynau."
Although he cannot see their figures, Edgar could feel the presence of the fairies’ laughter when he took the cup from Coblynau.
Despite Edgar not having Lydia’s ability to see fairies, perhaps he could sense the existence of the small fairies if he borrowed the moon’s mysterious power, fairy magic that became powerful at night.
That way, being surrounded by Lydia’s beloved fairies made Edgar actually feel the bond with her.
As the Blue Knight Earl, he was about to receive Lydia as the Ibrazel house’s concubine. There wasn’t any woman fit for this identity other than her.  Because, no matter what happens to him, so long as it’s Lydia, she would probably guard the Earl house with the fairies.
Although he knew he shouldn’t think this, the unease of bearing Prince’s memories wouldn’t disappear, which suddenly climbed into his thoughts.
(Master, please don’t go out tonight.)
Another voice came at that moment. A silver colored star seemingly flashed across his field of vision.
“Arrow? You’re also here?”
(It seems I drank too much…… if you call me, I probably won’t be able to fight.)
This was the fairy of the sword of the Blue Knight Earl family, which was passed down from generation to generation. Since Arrow was already drunk, it could also be said that the sword couldn’t be useful as a weapon.
Edgar did not intend to go out at all.
“Arrow, that’s troublesome. I certainly don’t know when something will happen."
(If the opponent is human, your attendant could be more useful than me, right?)
Edgar frowned, and the star flashed before his eyes again.
“Raven, let’s have a toast. In the end, I can only depend on you."
After he raised his goblet, Raven nervously responded.
The wine in the cup was quite high grade, perhaps the fairies had brewed it.
Although it was a party, no one except those in the attic could see it. It’s just that rather than saying Edgar sensed the noise, it would be better to say that he sensed the fairies’ presence.
Perhaps it was the fairies singing or chatting.
It was like the sound of rustling leaves in a forest, or like the murmur of flowing water, and felt somewhat nostalgic.
“Earl, you’re probably a good person."
The already drunk Nico, who was lying on the window sill supporting his cheek with his paw, seemed to be in a very good mood.
“How rare. You unexpectedly praising others."
“I can only think of this at the current moment."
“Is it because the wedding is in three days?”
“You won’t cause Lydia misfortune, right?"
“I swear to God."
“God, huh? You don’t seem like a religious person."
“I believe. It’s just that I believe now."
“How practical.”
Nico snorted through his nose.
“But, Nico, Lydia said she wanted to postpone the wedding."
“Hmm Lydia still hasn’t understood until now, to go as far as to say these kinds of prohibited words to you. If she was forcefully pulled to bed as compensation for postponing the wedding, then that would be far from good."
“Let me tell you, Nico, I am a dignified gentleman in any case, I will definitely obtain consent first."
Nico looked at him coldly.
“However, it seems that Lydia truly doesn’t wish for the wedding to be obstructed."
Edgar was shocked, staring at Nico.
“Are you saying it will be obstructed?”
“Yes, the Earl family had invited five yarn spinning fairies to the wedding, but the sixth fairy that didn’t receive an invitation had originally harbored a grudge, therefore she intends to get in the way of the wedding. Although the five fairies cast magic blessings on the bride’s five items, the “something blue” item got lost, so there is no way to prevent the sixth fairy from creating mischief."
“Fairy? Is that so? Turns out that it was because of a fairy."
Hearing these words, Edgar truly breathed a sigh of relief.
“That is to say, she isn’t discontent with me."
Perhaps there were one or two things to be dissatisfied with.  Although Nico had said that, it was already insignificant.
“Nico, I feel relieved!"
He took Nico’s paw and shook it with force. Nico looked disturbed, and pulled his paw back from Edgar’s hand.
“Being that relieved, you simply can’t handle fairy matters, huh."
“However, compared to the problem of my shortcomings, it’s better. Because with things as they are now, I simply can’t have them settled."
“It turned serious, didn’t it?”
“So, how will the fairy obstruct the wedding?”
Although he sighed, Nico still climbed up to sit straight."
“It seems that she will raise an objection at the start of the wedding. So, Lydia is trying her best to find a way to stop that fellow."
“It’s because of this, that she wanted to figure out a way before the postponement."
“As long as you know the fairy’s name, they can be hindered, however no one knows its name.  It seemed that even the former Blue Knight Earl didn’t know, so it appears that nothing can be done."
This was quite difficult to say.
The goblet originally should have been empty, but it had been filled with wine again at some point.
As Edgar drank cup by cup, he felt strangely optimistic.
As long as Lydia looked forward to getting married, there weren’t any problems.
Whether it was a fairy, Claire, or Slade, he wouldn’t let anything become a hindrance.
“Hey, Nico, I’m the new Blue Knight Earl. Perhaps the previous Earl couldn’t do it, but I can do it regardless of the means."
Edgar, who was starting to feel drunk, grinned. Without knowing whether or not Nico was lacking in judgement, he seemed to be leaning against Raven’s body.
Raven was merely sitting, not taking part in the discussion nor drinking.
He finds it fun in this way?
Edgar looked at the silent teenager in doubt, but he suddenly found the teenager’s hair and shoulders had a faint light about them, so he laughed gently.
He seemed to be surprisingly loved by the fairies.  
“That’s right, Nico, regarding Claire’s matter."
Although he still wanted to ask another question, Nico, who was leaning on Raven, had suddenly fallen into the land of dreams, probably already drunk.

                                                                                                                                                 *

The next day, Edgar went to the Carlton house, but Lydia had just gone out.
“Do you know where she went?”
He hastily asked Professor Carlton, who was home.
Lord Bourton’s name appeared in yesterday’s matters regarding Slade’s affairs. Prior to not yet clarifying Claire’s goal, Lydia going out by herself made him anxious.
“Excuse me, has something happened?”
He seemed to have made the professor worried.  Edgar readjusted his frame of mind, revealing his usual smile.
“Nothing, it’s just that yesterday she and I had a small dispute, so I just wanted to make up with her quickly."
“Ah…… I’m sorry, that girl is so stubborn."
“Professor, you don’t need to worry, because I was the one who fell in love with her first."
The professor smiled, and said that Lydia had gone to the outskirts.
“Did you know that there are the ruins of a monastery on Kensington’s west side? She said that she wanted to take a look and went out. Maybe she asked the fairies if they knew whether the scenery there is good.”
After Edgar expressed his thanks, he put on his hat, when Professor Carlton suddenly called out to him. 
“Earl, you don’t need to consider postponing the wedding. I’ve already spoken to Lydia."
“Lydia discussed this matter with you?”
“Yes."
“Did you hear her mention the reason?”
“Yes, although I don’t really understand fairy matters…… even so, for Lydia to ask for a postponement is still wrong."
This seemed to be the case in the world’s eyes. The bridegroom’s side clearly wasn’t at fault, yet the bride’s side requesting a postponement, could turn into a problem. On top of that, no one would believe that the reason for the postponement would be due to fairies, so ordinary people would casually surmise that Lydia herself had a problem, or think that she was an unruly girl. 
Even if the subsequently held wedding went smoothly, this matter could become a flaw for Lydia in society.
Therefore, the professor clearly expressed that the Carlton family has no intention of postponing the wedding as a way of protecting Lydia. 
“She’s just had to discuss something with her fiancé, it wasn’t anything serious at all."
Although Edgar said this, the professor continued speaking with a solemn face. 
“Perhaps I was too indulgent with Lydia’s education, but please, Earl, don’t take it to heart. She isn’t the kind of girl who will arbitrarily say things to damage your reputation."
Despite the professor sternly warning Lydia, he also expressed his wishes for Edgar to compromise.
If the wedding is postponed due to the Earl’s family proposing a decent reason, the aristocracy’s disdain towards this matter ought to lessen.
Ahh, as expected, this person is the same.
Edgar thought about this kind of person who was about to become his family and felt proud, at the same time, he earnestly nodded his head.
“In order to come to an agreement, I will have a proper talk with her."
Edgar left the Carlton home, and after expressing that he was headed towards Kensington, he got into a carriage with Raven.
The carriage immediately departed, and he was thinking about Claire’s matter.
Before Lord Bourton’s wife died, Claire was working in the mansion.  At the time of the fire, she happened to be on holiday; the timing was too coincidental. 
Perhaps Claire wasn’t a girl who purely had an unrequited love for Edgar.
The carriage headed towards the outskirts. After passing the road surrounding the park, the street’s atmosphere totally changed.  This was a high-class residential area, and luxurious mansions frequently entered into view. 
Edgar also knew that going forward, there would be ruins of an ancient monastery. That said, he had also heard that the landowners did not conserve the remnants, and abandoned it. 
Recently, people who advocated for the historical value of such remains were starting to increase, but for most people, the monastery that was destroyed centuries ago was like scrap metal. If you wanted to build a house, not only would the remains of the structure be a hindrance, even the site was merely a worthless piece of land as well.
Why would Lydia be interested in this kind of place? Was this landscape beautiful enough that a fairy would invite her here? Edgar felt that even if he looked at the rubble, nothing interesting would appear. 
“Lord Edgar, please look ahead."
Raven sat at the coachman’s side, looking through the small window behind him while speaking. 
“Would you like to stop the carriage?”
Edgar confirmed that a person stood before them was outside.
He stared straight at them, then leisurely took off his hat. Shoulder length light blonde hair fluttered in the wind. 
Ulysses. 
After Edgar noticed his identity, he ordered the coachman to stop the carriage. 
Although the carriage had already sped past Ulysses, it stopped in the middle of the road not long after.
This young man, who could be called a teenager in terms of age, came over to the side.  He looked up at Edgar in the window, and then politely put his hand on his chest. 
“Your Majesty, I haven’t paid my respects for some time......”
“Is that woman your subordinate?”
Edgar deliberately started talking to interrupt Ulysses’ greeting.  His appearance at this time only made Edgar feel that he had some connections with the matters.
Because of this, Edgar stopped the carriage to see the face of the man that made him so unhappy. 
“Which woman are you talking about?”
He was clearly playing dumb. 
Ulysses was “Prince’s” confidant, who he had long been battling. Now, Prince’s organization should essentially be lead by Ulysses. 
He wished for Edgar to awaken as “Prince,” so he would often come to provoke Edgar. 
“If you don’t know, then I have nothing to say to you."
Edgar intentionally turned back to the road, indifferent. 
“If you mean Claire Florey, then I must explain to you, she and I are unrelated."
Ulysses seemed to not wish for them to drive off right away, so he answered quickly. 
“You know something?”
Since he said the name of the woman that Edgar was concerned about, it showed how much of a grasp Ulysses had on the news. Furthermore, he had disclosed information slightly, meaning that it he didn’t want to expose what he had.
“There are many implications concerning that woman and them, it’s quite regretful that it still isn’t understood until now."
“Them?”
“Speaking of that, do you want to chat with me about the Lord Bourton?”
Edgar recalled that Ulysses wouldn't tell him important things for free. 
However, concerning that man and “their” plans, he really wanted to investigate deeper. 
“Raven, let him in the carriage."
Raven got down from the coachman’s seat and opened the carriage’s door. After that, as if taking caution against Ulysses, he immediately entered the carriage, taking the seat by the door.
As the carriage started traveling once again, Ulysses deliberately exposed a smile. 
“That’s right, it seems you are about to get married, I truly congratulate you."
“You needn’t, a blessing from you is bad luck."
“In our view, we really don’t think that Miss Carlton is fit to become the future princess."
Ulysses and their organization believe that “Prince” is the heir to the throne of England. They were previously exiled from England, and the Stuart family, who had suffered defeat when attempting to reclaim the throne, produced the Prince of Calamity from the royal bloodline, trying to seize the throne through dark magic.
They also planned for Edgar, who would one day become “Prince’s” heir, to be pushed to that height.
But to Edgar, Prince, Ulysses, and their organization were enemies that murdered his family. Not only that, they also kidnapped and imprisoned Edgar, even completely depriving him of his name and status. 
In order to transform Edgar into a vessel that stored the Prince’s memories, they planned to destroy Edgar’s original personality. 
Because of this, Edgar strengthened his determination to carry Prince’s memories to the grave and not let anyone touch those memories. This is Edgar’s, that is, the Blue Knight Earl’s duty, as well as his revenge on those detestable fellows. 
“I don’t want to play the king’s game with them."
“If you want a new princess someday, we will do everything we can to help you get rid of her."
“It looks like you want to make me angry."
Edgar steadily moved his cane to Ulysses’ neck while glaring at him. 
“Insulting Lydia should be left for when you want to die."
“If you meant that, you had the opportunity to kill me earlier. However, I’m still alive."
“I just feel I shouldn’t kill you."
“Isn’t it because you think you’ll need me one day?”
Edgar laughed. He relaxed the hand gripping the cane, and leaned against the back of the seat. 
Ulysses probably hadn’t imagined that the tense atmosphere would suddenly calm down. He seemed to have lost his usual eloquence, and was silently looking at Edgar. 
“Although I really hate you, I’m doing my utmost to try not to kill you. Because I feel that you’re also a pathetic victim of Prince’s subordinates."
Although Ulysses frowned, his calm attitude didn’t collapse.
“This is Lord Bourton’s mansion."
He faintly noted. Outside the window was a mansion covered in black charcoal. 
Right, it was nearby.
That mansion that Edgar had visited quite a few times in the past, now showed a tragic appearance with withered plants and trees in the courtyard. 
Although that fire wasn’t severe enough to burn down the house, the lord’s wife was still killed. 
Ever since the fire occurred, Edgar had passed by this place once, but he pretended he couldn’t see it. Ulysses seemed to be aware of this matter, and he couldn’t help secretly glancing at Ulysses. 
He had once witnessed his own house burn down before.
Though his awareness at that time was very fuzzy, and he didn’t really remember where he had seen it, that scene of an elegant manor house covered in flames was deeply branded in his eyes. 
In a situation where he just didn’t know what had occurred, Edgar’s intuition knew that he wouldn’t be able to see his family and relatives anymore, as well as all the people who he had been close with there.
This was a memory that he didn’t wish to remember. So, he could only subconsciously avoid looking at Lord Bourton’s symbol of misfortune. 
“Was it you guys who did it?”
Edgar raised an inquiry, concealing his anger.
“No. However, fire can burn everything, so it’s an ideal method."
“At the very least, this wasn’t an accident, right?”
Ulysses laughed softly.
“Whether it’s a house, a person, or inevitable daily life, everything one owns will be instantly reduced to scattered ashes, unable to be taken back again. Your Majesty, how do you feel about this?”
Ulysses seemed to want to provoke him. Edgar tried to keep his calm. 
“Who would do this kind of thing to the Bourton family and for what reason?”
“I’m afraid that this was punishment."
“……What did you say?”
“If someone revealed their existence to outsiders, the betrayer will be consumed by hell’s flames…… this is the rule of that religious order.”
“Religious order? Are you saying that the lord had once joined this strange religious organization?”
“If one wasn’t a member, then knowing some secrets would be a complicated matter."
If someone informed others of the religious order’s existence, then that would be violating a taboo. Those that violated the taboo would be killed. For the most part, it was like this for these sorts of matters.”
“Is that the case for Claire Florey as well?”
“It’s possible."
Even if this wasn’t so, she had once stayed in the Bourton’s house before, so perhaps she knew something. 
“The households that she worked for were people who appeared to die in strange conditions, just like the messenger of death.  And she now intends to hide in your mansion."
“So, why are you telling me this?”
“Of course it’s because you’re our Prince. Their organization has been a bit too intemperate recently. It was clearly an underground organization, yet they didn’t even take note to act cautiously. Moreover, we don’t wish for them to raise their hand against you. Whether it’s the achievements that you accumulate, as well as the fruits of the future that you are about to obtain, we have the ability to protect everything. Even if you wanted to strike first before they set a fire, it can be done as well."
I can’t believe everything Ulysses says. Edgar was wary about this.
It was merely another dark organization’s actions which were slightly disclosed, so Ulysses couldn’t possibly think Edgar that would cooperate with him. 
At most, Ulysses could only provide Edgar information and plan to make use of him. Furthermore, he understood that organization’s situation, so perhaps it meant that they weren’t definite hostile enemies with each other.
“You’re mistaken, I am the Blue Knight Earl, and my duty is to defeat your organization."
He had long been mentally prepared, he had to fight, even if he was the only one left. Now, it wasn’t possible to be slightly hesitant. 
No, he wasn’t alone, he still had Raven…… moreover, there was Paul and “Scarlet Moon’s” Jack and Louis as well. At least, they now trusted in Edgar for Slade.
“I see, then please help yourself. As for your beloved maiden, please keep an eye out for the fire’s source."
Ulysses deliberately incited Edgar’s unease, then called out to the coachman to stop the carriage. 
“That’s right, Claire Florey often appears in front of the monastery."
Leaving only this statement, Ulysses disappeared outside of the carriage.