Hakushaku to Yousei - Volume 26 - Chapter 3

Chapter 3 ♦ Scarred yearning

Edgar, who locked himself in the dressing room next to the bedroom, threw himself down onto the sofa.
Both hands were gripped tightly, so as to suppress the thing that was stirring within his body.
Why didn’t you violate that woman? If it was me, I would have done so. The Prince whispered in his ear.
“Shut up.”
Your powers will merely be controlled by strong hatred.  But your hatred will relax sometimes. What is your weakness?
Do you think I will let you find out? Edgar shifted his hatred onto the Prince; at the same time, the annoying voice disappeared.
Breathing a sigh of relief and unloading all the strength in his body, the exhausted Edgar reclined on the sofa.
So sleepy, as he thought this, there was a sound of a knock on the door.
“My lord, I have the Madam’s change of clothes...... um...... can I enter?”
It was Kelly’s voice. She heard the disturbance a moment ago, as her tone was somewhat anxious.
“Lydia is in the bedroom.”
Edgar said, then shut his eyes. 
As if to avoid Edgar, Kelly went along the other side of the room, distantly going around in a big circle. She knocked on the bedroom door, hurriedly entering the bedroom without listening for Lydia’s instructions.
After seeing everything scattered in that room, she might be even more terrified.
Although this was because he was concerned about Teran’s tendencies, Edgar issued the command to bring the unconscious Lydia back to his room, which was because of Ned’s mistake.
Due to Edgar’s tactics during the banquet, Ned seemed to sense threat behind Edgar’s calm dialog, and adopted a stance of temporarily surrendering, but Edgar didn’t feel relieved at all.
He was the kind of person who felt that regardless of the bad things he’s done, it wouldn’t be a problem as long as he concealed it. Thus, Edgar had to take precautions against this man; if he wanted to obtain Lydia, then he would take action.
But what made Edgar the most reluctant was letting Lydia mistakenly believe that Edgar frankly agreed to Ned’s demands.
Although Lydia was within reach, her heart gradually became distant from Edgar. And although Edgar himself was the one who made the situation that way, he didn’t know when he would be able to lessen the gap between them.
Continuing on like this, even if they were setting off for the fairy kingdom, they would only end up destroying each other. However, if they didn’t continue forward, they wouldn’t be able to find a way to be saved.
Lydia who didn’t even give a definite answer was hurt to the point of saying “you’re the worst.” Edgar was already in despair.
It would have been better to end everything. This impulse was so strong that he was unable to restrain it. Although using the knife to stab himself finally brought him back to his senses, he wasn’t able to stop himself from running away.
That time, he went as far as to think “take Kathleen as a substitute, who appeared by chance”. If Lydia didn’t stop him at the time, then he truly would have become the worst person.
On one hand, being able to take control and run away before hurting Lydia in any case, Edgar felt relieved from the bottom of his heart, yet he thought again, wasn’t he merely delaying the worst situation?
Is it truly possible to be saved?
Edgar and Lydia, the two of them had already become complete opposites. And the force between them, without a doubt, was probably “repulsion”.
Even so, for Edgar, Lydia’s warmth could cure him.
Even if it was the body that could only conceive the Prophet’s child, it was able to warm and console him. After the rhythms of their heartbeats and breathing overlapped, he felt an incomparable happiness, as if they became one.
He loved Lydia.
He felt extremely regretful that he couldn’t express these feelings into words.
However, Edgar also understood that he wouldn’t be able to protect her by merely relying on this.

​*

​

This morning, Lydia felt that the inside of this residence became quieter than usual. It might have been because Edgar’s room was quite far from the sounds of the numerous bustling people in the mansion.
Lydia stood by the window. Over the roof of the opposite building, the ocean could be seen.
The view from Edgar’s room was quite good, and the sunshine was just right. Needless to say, this room wasn’t locked, and now, Lydia, who was still staying here, did so out of her own volition.
In her mind, though, there was the thought of returning to everyone on the Earl family’s side sooner. But on the other hand, with regards to the matter of escaping from Edgar’s side, she felt a little hesitant.
Last night, although it was really only a little, she felt that if she remained by his side, she might be able to save him.
However, it was for Edgar’s sake that she couldn’t remain here like this even more.
(Heeey, I finally found you.)
A familiar voice echoed from the direction of the fireplace.
(I found it. But later, I realized that you weren’t that room from before.)
“Pixie?”
Pixie said that if she approached the fireplace, he would become invisible. 
“I understand. The person saving you still hasn’t arrived?” 
(They’ve arrived. That magician’s panicked appearance, I truly wanted you to have a look.)
“It seems that you took revenge.” 
(Yeah yeah, after that helper came, he put horse manure in the hat. That guy threw away his hat in a fit of anger, so I picked it up.)
As a result, Teran put on that hat? Even if she imagined the situation a little, the stuffiness in her chest became slightly lighter. 
(How delightful, I have regained my freedom.)
“That’s wonderful.”
(That’s right, that’s right, I should give that to you, it’s on top of the fireplace.) 
Lydia examined the area that Pixie spoke of, and found a brooch placed there.
Made with hairs, it was an ornament worn during the day. Those hairs were made into a beautiful hair ornament, and it was so that they could wear the hair by their side in order to mourn the deceased.
(Was this what you were looking for?) 
“Because I said that it was a momento, there’s no mistaking it. Thank you, Pixie.”
(Then I’ll be going.) 
“Ah, by the way, is the person who came to help the fairies still nearby?”  
No one responded. The hasty pixie seemed to have quickly left.
She definitely still had something she wanted to ask. Lydia sighed and leaned back against the chair, then heard another voice.
(I’m here, were you looking for something?)
Hurriedly looking back, the window curtains swayed unnaturally. Hidden in the curtains was a tiny mouse.
“You were the one that helped Pixie?” 
The mouse nodded lightly.
(Because Pixie and I seem to be distant relatives Nevertheless, it’s been terrible around here. On our numerous islands, when on earth did this many Unseelie Courts appear running rampant?)
The mouse’s whiskers trembled in discontent. 
“Such a small size, do you truly have tremendous strength?” 
(What did you say?! Did you just say I was small?!)
It said, as the fairy began to swell up, facing Lydia with the posture of a huge bear. 
“Ahh, I understand, I understand. Please change back to the appearance from just now. You are...... a muryan, right?”
It was heard that they could become all sorts of things. Then, this race was actually regarded as a dwarf giant race. It was a fairy that had a very deep relationship with this land since ancient times. 
“Hey, Mr. Friendly Neighbour, the one who made you come here, was it the fairy doctor?” 
(Yeah. The fairies of this island were quite perplexed, that’s what the man said.)
It was a man. Lydia thought this, and Patrick came into mind.
If it was him, his aim wasn’t as simple as rescuing the fairies.
(That being said, have you seen a red bead?)
The mouse abruptly asked Lydia, who was pondering. 
“A red bead?”  
(That’s right. But it wasn’t so simple to obtain, it’s an extremely rare red bead.) 
“Well...... if you merely say it’s a red bead, then I have no way of understanding.” 
(Then, do you know the boss here?) 
“......Is there something that you need the boss here for?” 
(That guy is probably holding the red bead.)
Edgar is?
It’s the star ruby on the sword.
Lydia, who realized this, broke out into a cold sweat. If that fairy doctor whose identity wasn’t known, was truly Patrick, then would it have been him who informed the muryan about the existence of the gem then instigated it to go to Edgar? 
“Hey, um, you must be mistaken......” 
Lydia began to speak, wondering whether or not she could do something to drive the muryan out, but she was interrupted halfway.
The muryan, who changed into the appearance of a mouse, suddenly went “Ah!” Then, it turned its head as if it noticed something.
(There are voices in my cavern. Who is it? Running in as they wish, I cannot forgive them.)
The muryan said then disappeared. 
“Eh? Hold on......” 
She called out towards the window curtains, but it was already too late.
Lydia hastily pushed aside the curtains and looked, yet the mouse’s figure was already long gone. A small flower merely remained there.
Several red, bell-like flowers extended from the stem; this was the flower of a foxglove. This was a flower that was very commonly seen, but this room didn’t have this kind of flower displayed.
Did the muryan drop this?
In the end, with regards to Lydia, not only was the muryan not able to lend a hand, but he also brought something troublesome as well. If the fairy doctor behind him was Patrick, then it would be even more troublesome.
Now, they desired Edgar and the sword.
What should be done? I need to hurry and tell them.
Although she was anxious, Lydia hesitated during the split second before rushing out of the room.
Kelly had warned her in the past, that she mustn’t be reckless, and to remain in this room as much as possible.
Since this was the Prince’s private room, even Teran didn’t dare to enter directly without thinking of the consequences. Before she returned, the door, which was locked from the inside, absolutely couldn’t be opened.  This was what Kelly said.
Lydia thought this as well, and had already checked the lock several times today. She couldn’t run out negligently.
However, Lydia didn’t think that Edgar would happen to return at this time. While pacing around the room, Lydia pondered over what she should do.
At that time, suddenly someone knocked on the door, and Lydia couldn’t help but go rigid. 
“Who is it?”
Lydia asked stiffly, and a reply came from outside. 
“Um, His Majesty ordered me to bring you out.”
Edgar said this?
The owner of this voice seemed like a child. A piece of paper was quietly stuffed in from underneath the door. Edgar’s handwriting had the same details as the child spoke of.

​*

On the dock that faced out to the sea, an unprecedented large ship was anchored. This morning, that ship rolled up its sails, and a small boat, which was let out from the ship, rowed towards the island. 
“Your Majesty, my nephew was too impolite yesterday.” 
This person, who said this as their first sentence, was a member of the Torrey clan, that is, Ned’s uncle.
It was said that this person was the most comprehensive, calmest one out of the entire clan. Specially running over to clean up the mess on behalf of his nephew, he probably already understood that the problem was due to his nephew being a character who caused a disturbance wherever he went. 
“His prospects are bright, his presence isn’t bad.” 
“To be evaluated as such by you truly is of great consolation......” 
In this salon filled with sunshine, Edgar and this man sat face to face. This man was praising Edgar, who he met for the first time, perhaps he was much more difficult to outsmart than Ned. 
“Furthermore, it truly is great to be able to meet you. As the new Prince will occasionally favour the Isles of Scilly even more so. To be able to receive your favour is our greatest honour as the Torrey clan.” 
“The territorial water in the vicinity is your domain.” 
“Our family’s major port was dependent on Your Majesty’s permission, and only then was it able to prosper. There are secret docks like this in many other areas as well, from now on, the matters of the sea routes and the port, I ask that we support each other.” 
Looking at Edgar with a sharp gaze while revealing a wide smile, he picked up the delicate teacup with his rough hands. 
“No need to be polite.” 
Edgar replied, while thinking. These clansmen, who relied on the underworld business to obtain large profits, were naturally seen as very bad by the general notions of the world, but there was a fundamental difference with the Prince’s organization.
They weren’t an inherently compatible existence with the organization under Edgar’s control, which attempted to change the country by means of using evil magic. So it might have been because they didn’t understand the power the Prince possessed; if they understood, they probably wouldn’t wish to work together.
Regarding the Prince’s organization, in fact, reaching the path to the main goal really didn’t require the strength of a smuggling group. Currently, they might take advantage in order to collect funds, but after Britain is obtained, they will no longer be necessary.
Between these organizations’ tumultuous interests and mutual deceptions, Edgar had to act for his true goals.
Until that time, this Torrey family would become Edgar’s enemy. Although for Edgar, he hoped that things wouldn’t develop towards that if possible, but the regards that Ned expressed towards Lydia were very concerning.
“Speaking of which, Your Majesty, Major Croke is in your hands now. No, I should say ex-major, right? I caught a glimpse of him in front of the tavern over by the dock previously, but I think that since he left the army, he came to your side?” 
Who is he talking about? While suspicious, Edgar replied without missing a beat. 
“Do you know him?” 
“Ah, I’ve seen this man once when my younger cousin introduced me to him in a faction. Because my cousin was also a soldier.” 
In the Torrey family, there were several former military officers. Because the clan ran this sort of business, it was very important that they kept such a skill. 
“Barely meeting for the first time and remembering clearly, you are truly worthy.” 
“Oh my, although I very much want to immodestly accept Your Majesty’s praise, it was because at the time, I heard that he was bearing a special mission, so I remembered him. I must offer the words ‘truly worthy’ back to Your Majesty’s organization. Unexpectedly still having the business connection here, it truly is surprising.” 
If it was the special mission, then he would be talking about some kind of espionage activities. Since he had already separated from this kind of work, for what reason did this person known as Major Croke appear here? 
“He is in front of the pub by himself?” 
“No, he was talking with a gentleman who had a scar on his forehead.” 
He was with Teran.
Teran didn’t inform Edgar that such a person had come here. If he was said to be a major of the military, then he would probably be a benefit to the organization.  However, he didn’t come to see Edgar, who was the Prince, rather he went to meet Teran. If Teran hid this man’s existence before Edgar, then it would certainly be a little problematic. 
“The major, he...... still hasn’t seen me for the time being. When did he leave the army?” 
“If I remember correctly, it should have been in autumn two years ago...... That’s right, it was that, the incident that happened at that time. The royal diamond which disappeared a long time ago, the matter of the noble that stole it finally killing himself, have you heard about it?” 
Edgar nodded. In fact, that matter was schemed by him. In order to send the diamond, which was snatched away, back to the royal family under the Prince’s commands, wiping away the bad reputation of Edgar’s father, the Duke of Sylvainford. 
“The true identity of the criminal who stole the royal diamond is indeed unexpected.” 
Regardless of who it was, they would all find it to be unexpected. But the occurrence of this matter was also proof that the investigation agency at the time was investigating towards the wrong direction.
According to Torrey, whether or not it could be inferred, Major Croke’s secret mission was in fact related to that, since he gave out the results of the investigation, which were completely taken for granted, he was ultimately forced to resign. And this major appeared where Edgar was; Torrey would probably think that the Prince twisted the original investigation, then secretly had doubts about Edgar.
The Torrey clan, which acted as a smuggling group, probably regarded the Prince’s group as a mere criminal gang. Because the boss was a noble, they symbolically addressed him as “Your Majesty”. They probably didn’t know that the Prince’s group tried to use evil magic to take revenge against the British royal family.
However, they would probably find it a little peculiar as well.
This existence known as the Prince was supposed to have been inherited, yet it suddenly changed generations. Moreover, the Prince that took over afterwards was still being treated like the previous Prince by the organization members. Even if it was said that a strange custom was cultivated in a closed organization, it felt somewhat abnormal.
In front of Edgar, he, who leisurely drank the tea all at once, was probably continuously pondering questions, such as what kind of person the new Prince is, as well as the actions that he will be taking next.
Perhaps prior to taking action with the royal diamond, the “Prince” and his organization had some goal. While Torrey raised his vigilance somewhat, he was careful of Edgar’s actions. 
“Are you interested in staying here a little while longer?” 
Edgar changed the subject, suggesting that the meeting time was going to end. It should be the time to investigate the man, Major Croke. 
“Although it’s quite hard to come by, my side is planning to leave today. Furthermore, the weather seems to have gotten a little worse. We shouldn’t delay our stay here. My nephew ought to be heading back today as well.”
Lightly putting the teacup down, he exposed a friendly smile.

The one who brought Lydia out was a small boy around ten years of age. Lydia, who eased up on her vigilance because he was a child, walked outside the mansion with him, until they went up a desolate small path where even houses were quite sparse. 
“Hey, where on earth are we going?” 
“We’re almost there.” 
“Kelly is there as well, right?” 
When leaving the room, the boy said this. 
“Yes.” 
However, the boy didn’t proceed to explain the situation in further detail. 
For Lydia, although she really didn’t have any doubts, being able to leave the mansion where Teran was located put her mind more at ease. On a path without any footprints, the person leading the way was merely a small child. Lydia had the kind of feeling like she was being freed from prison.
Since it was said to be Edgar’s instructions, then if Kelly was there as well, would it be, in other words, that Edgar had already regained his past self? A faint expectation surged within Lydia’s heart.
Finally, Lydia arrived at the destination, which was a house by the dock. Entering the house just now, a middle-aged woman wearing a luxurious gown appeared, and after tipping the young boy, she drove him out. 
“Come with me.” 
After the woman finished speaking, she walked in quickly, turned a corner, and ascended a narrow staircase. 
“You didn’t bring luggage?” 
“Well, my maid......” 
“Maid? Are you a princess that came from somewhere? In here, one’s business must be done by themselves, whether it’s cleaning or laundry. Your replacement clothes and expenses, I will deduct them from your salary.” 
Salary? 
“Or, are you going to pay with that?” 
The woman glanced at Lydia’s wrist with sparkling eyes.
It was the serpentine bracelet.
Fearing that it would truly be taken away, Lydia hurriedly reached out to cover it, forcefully shaking her head. However, it seemed that the moonstone ring hadn’t been seen. It might have been because the gem could conceal its presence. 
“You are obviously so young, but you dress so old-fashioned. Oh my, today can’t be helped, how about wearing as many luxurious dresses as possible in the future?” 
Oh. Lydia barely nodded.
What on earth is going on. It was different from what the young boy said, and Lydia gradually became somewhat worried.
Is Kelly not here? Is she late? Lydia thought of all kinds of reasons to set her mind at ease.
They finally reached an attic-like room; the woman pushed Lydia inside and spoke, saying “this is the new one.” 
“Come to the shop at nightfall.” 
“Shop?” 
The other person hurriedly closed the door without giving a reply. 
“Is it your first time doing this kind of work?” 
Someone within the room began to speak.
In this attic-like room, only two narrow beds were placed there. The beds were so narrow that there wasn’t even leeway to turn one’s body. What was said just then, was a woman, who seemed to be lying down among one of these beds, pulling the blanket over her head.
Judging from hearing the voice, she ought to have been a young girl. 
“You said work?” 
“......You came here without knowing anything, huh.” 
The girl spoke with a sympathetic tone of voice. 
“This is a brothel.” 
“Eh?!” 
Lydia stood there blankly.
Was she sold off by Edgar? But the current Edgar, Lydia couldn’t completely reject the possibility for the current Edgar.
There might be some mistake. But the woman just now said to go to the shop. It didn’t seem like she was brought here to hide for the time being.
What should I do? Regardless of how to avoid Teran’s eyes and ears, there ought to have been no need to make her work as a prostitute.
Lydia hurriedly ran to the window side. The small window in the side of the attic was inlaid with a lattice fence. 
“It’s already too late...... even if you want to escape, you won’t be able to leave this island, and if you are captured, you will be flogged and sold to a brothel with a much worse salary. That place seems to have dead bodies of prostitutes carried out every week.” 
The girl lying down on the bed sat up and looked at Lydia.
Seeing this girl’s appearance, Lydia couldn’t help but gasp.
She had short hair that was clearly burned, her shoulders were covered with burns that looked painful, and her face still had traces of being hit. 
“However, even if you stay here, you might have the same fate. I can already no longer receive patrons at the shop. Although they will still give me a room and food before my stored money runs out, I am merely waiting to die here.” 
“Why would you receive such terrible injuries......” 
Lydia bent towards the bedside, gently stroking her cheek. 
“Does it hurt? If you’re treated properly, you won’t die.” 
But this girl softly shook her head. 
“It doesn’t matter anymore. Hey, could you pass me that small bottle over there?” 
After handing over the bottle that was placed on the shelf, she poured out a spoonful of viscous liquid and put it in her mouth.
Was it a painkiller? Lydia sighed in relief. 
“I will be called to that big mansion. It’s the largest one on the island, that big white mansion. It’s said that none of the women who were called there returned, I will merely live a little longer than them.” 
It was the mansion where Edgar was staying. 
“Who did this sort of thing?” 
Lydia shook all over, yet still couldn’t help but ask. 
“A man with a scar on his forehead......” 
It was Teran. 
“I was beat up by him for absolutely no reason, then I lost consciousness. When I came to, I found myself inside a young man’s bedroom. I thought I would suffer even more undue things, but in the end, that person was sleeping all along. However, that person seemed to be having terrible nightmares, and I was quite afraid, so I withdrew to the corner of the room and trembled the whole time.” 
“......He seemed to be in pain?” 
“Yes, it was simply as if he had encountered a demon.” 
Edgar. Lydia recalled him from last night. At the time, he said to “stop him”. Once in a while, the Prince will torment Edgar like he did last night. 
“When morning came, that person barely managed to notice me, then told me that I could return and so on. He definitely said it on a whim, but the women who weren’t told this must have all been killed.” 
Whether or not bringing Lydia here was truly Edgar’s instructions was unclear in the end.
Recalling it now, whether or not it was truly Edgar’s handwriting on that scrap piece of paper was quite deserving of doubt. It would have been fine even if it was a genuine item, as Edgar surely might have not taken this action in order to protect Lydia.
Therefore, she had to rely on herself to break out of this situation. 
“Hey, don’t give up. I will carefully think of a way to get out of here.” 
Lydia said forcefully, as if it was for herself to hear.
Not knowing whether or not she was gradually being attacked by sleepiness, the girl swept a glance at Lydia with an expression which began to lose focus, revealed a weary smile, and lay down on the bed once more.
She was probably thinking that Lydia wasn’t particularly reliable. 
“I’m Lydia, what about you?” 
Flor, she replied inarticulately.

“Miss Ermine, I found this in the room. Madam Lydia, she......” 
Kelly, who was finished with her duties, returned to the room and discovered that Lydia was missing. In the entire residence, only this place, which was acting as Edgar’s room, was the safest compared to anywhere else, so she wouldn’t have run outside by herself.
Finding it very suspicious, Kelly hurriedly informed Ermine, then found the piece of paper that had fallen in the room.
On this piece of paper, it was written “do what this young boy says”, with Edgar’s signature at the end.
Ermine, who received this piece of paper, cautiously examined it with wrinkled brows. 
“It is quite similar to Lord Edgar’s handwriting, but Lord Edgar ought to have been meeting with guests all along. I think a criminal checked for the interval when Lord Edgar left the room.” 
“Then she wasn’t taken away by the Master, huh. Would Madam Lydia have been shut in another room?” 
“The residence has already been searched more or less, however......” 
Ermine spoke and shook her head.
If that was the case, then someone must have taken her outside. Kelly’s complexion turned pale, and fell to the floor powerlessly. 
“What should be done?” 
“It seems that no one has seen Miss Lydia. If Miss Lydia wanted to go outside, she wouldn’t have been able to escape the guards’ attention.  But coincidentally, the guard for the back door left his post for several minutes because he was summoned by Teran.” 
“Then, someone took Miss Lydia according to Teran’s orders......” 
“If that’s truly the case, then it’s an emergency. But although we must find Miss Lydia’s whereabouts as soon as possible, we still need manpower.” 
Because they had to go and find Lydia, Kelly was the same as Lydia, as they were both confined in the residence. On the other hand, although Ermine could somewhat act freely as she was Teran’s subordinate, this did not mean she could allocate her time in finding Lydia. 
Just as Kelly was pondering, Ermine suddenly grabbed her by the wrist. She pulled Kelly’s wrist up from the chair, as she put her behind as if to protect her, she raised her knife and assumed a defensive posture.
Ermine gazed at the window curtain that had fallen, which moved unnaturally at that moment. 
“Who is it? Come out.” 
The person who quietly moved away from the curtains and walked out was Raven. This brown-skinned teenager looked straight at Ermine and reached into his coat. A weapon was probably concealed there, but in the end, Raven didn’t take it out. 
“Please release Miss Kelly...... Sister.” 
He said. 
“Do you think I will harm her?” 
“You are Teran’s subordinate right now.” 
“Miss Ermine is one of us. When she used that pretense to stay here, she had been handling things in order to help the Madam and Master. Following Teran was also in order for this......” 
Kelly nervously peeked out from behind Ermine. 
“Miss Kelly, can I trust in what you said?” 
“You too, are you doubting your biological sister?” 
“I am not doubting. But I have promised to save you.” 
In that split second, Raven’s sincerity made Kelly ashamed of herself. Until now, he was always prepared to abandon his own feelings for the sake of the Earl family.
Taking a deep breath and thinking to herself that she had to deal with this situation calmly, Kelly began to speak. 
“Then, it’s okay. I guarantee that. In this place, the Madam would also hand affairs over to her.” 
Raven slowly put his hand down. It wasn’t known if he accepted this statement or what, but in short, he ought to have determined that Kelly wasn’t in any danger under these circumstances.
As a result, Ermine put away her knife as well. 
“The dialog that I heard just now, is it true? You guys said that Madam Lydia has gone missing.” 
“Yes, we need to hurry and find her.” 
“However, if it’s only us two, not much can be done.” 
Looking at Ermine, Raven nodded. 
“I will help as well.”
“But Raven, how will you escape from here?” 
Indeed, it was unimaginable. It goes without saying that this mansion is guarded by many people, and infiltrating into the “Prince’s” room ought to have been extra difficult. 
“A tunnel dug by a fairy is connected to here. I came together with Mr Nico, but got lost midway.” 
“A fairy? Having a fairy that would connect its tunnel to Lord Edgar, I can’t believe that. Doesn’t he possess the power to control Unseelie Court? What kind of fairy dares approach him?” 
“It’s a muryan fairy. Although I’m not quite sure what the fairy is, it must be a character that was let out and is coveting Lord Edgar.” 
I see, sighed Kelly, and Ermine frowned. 
“If we use this tunnel, can we get outside of the mansion as well?”
“As soon as I came to this room, the tunnel disappeared.” 
“I see. That being said, Raven, it will be quite difficult for you to leave without being noticed by someone. All the entrances and exits are guarded.” 
“If it’s merely going out, there is still a way. I will bring Miss Kelly out.” 
“That’s fine as well. After I notify Lord Edgar, I will look together with you.”

Kathleen, who secretly paid a visit to Ulysses’ office, stood there, as if she already no longer had any extra emotions to brood over the demeaning matter of Ulysses not even asking her to sit.
A sixteen, seventeen year old boy sneered disdainfully, hitting the desktop with his fingertips in annoyance. Then, he began to talk in a mocking tone. 
“Just now, you said that you want to go back?” 
“Yes...... I want you to send a boat for me.” 
“Where do you want to return to? Teran’s residence in Wales?” 
Kathleen shook her head in a flurry. 
“I want to return to my foster parents in England. There are many things that I want to carefully think about starting now.” 
“In other words, you want to escape. Why don’t you go and ask Teran, whom you like?” 
Kathleen was silent, and Ulysses laughed quietly. 
“Is it because if you are disobedient to him, you think that he will burn off your hair? It’s like the woman you saw being driven away that day, isn’t that so?” 
Kathleen trembled while nodding.
With regards to the point of Teran being a frightening man, although she sensed it at first, the facts were that she genuinely saw it with her own eyes a few days ago. But even so, Kathleen, who was about to become Edgar’s wife, still thought she was safe.
Edgar would protect her.
However, until last night, she became aware that this wasn’t the case. Edgar didn’t regard her as a fiancée, and there wasn’t the slightest bit of love.
At the time, she truly thought that she was going to be killed.
Thinking about it carefully, he, who originally ought to have loved Lydia as his wife, had already changed. Even Lydia was affected by his cruel actions.
Before then, Kathleen had always thought that Edgar was merely fed up with Lydia and ultimately found that she herself was more suitable as his bride, but she didn’t expect that it would turn out this way.
At dinner, he nearly went as far as to give her to a guest. That definitely wasn’t any noble banquet, it was a vulgar banquet which sent women away like objects. 
“I carefully paid attention to not let unsightly things appear before you. But Teran, that guy really was too careless, and you were too inquisitive, in the end you even know the things that were better for you to have not known.” 
Ulysses, who stood up, left the writing desk and went towards Kathleen, observing the change in her expression.
“Now, you already understand this. If you annoy His Majesty, no one can guarantee what will become of you.” 
“Why......? Doesn’t His Majesty love me? If he is unhappy, even if it’s me, would he punish me like Lydia and that girl with burnt hair?” 
Ulysses laughed out loud. 
“Lady Kathleen. You were discovered, then brought into the organization because of me. I made all sorts of preparations in order for you to marry His Majesty. Yet you ran up to Teran and did many unnecessary things.”
“I’m sorry. Thus, I am reflecting as well. It would have been much better if I obediently waited for the day like you said......” 
It’s already too late. He stopped speaking and sighed. 
“Then, tell me something. The person who made you bring that fairy doctor over, was it Teran?” 
“......It was someone named Major Croke. He said that it was His Majesty’s command. Saying that due to disobeying His Majesty, Lydia had already been abandoned......” 
Ulysses tilted his head in doubt, but he still went on with the next topic. 
“Then, it was that Major Croke who told you to make Miss Lydia fall into a trap. Although you imagined the things that they would do to her, you didn’t investigate further since she wasn’t killed. After all, for you, who is unhappy with her pregnancy, this matter is at the center of your thoughts, isn’t it?” 
She didn’t like Lydia. But now, Kathleen was ordered to do something, and perhaps someday another woman will treat her horribly, she found it frightening merely thinking about it.
Thus, only then did she come and beg Ulysses to allow her escape. 
“If Miss Lydia was truly abandoned by His Majesty, that would be a satisfying case for you. What did you do that Major Croke told you to do?” 
“Doing as he says, would His Majesty care about me? He is already no longer his past self, and is simply as if he had become another person.” 
“Oh, you also knew what kind of person his past self was? But hadn’t you met once in childhood, and nothing more?” 
“However, he was kind......” 
A tender person. Was it because he always welcomed people with a smile? Was it because he added sugar to Kathleen’s tea? Aside from that, Kathleen actually didn’t understand Edgar at all. Playing around with the numerous children of other relatives, in the eyes of Edgar, who was running around, Kathleen was merely one of those children.
The genuine Edgar and whatnot, in reality Kathleen wasn’t familiar with it at all. 
“Then you don’t want to just marry him.” 
However, she was always yearning, always enamored with him. 
“Well...... if he truly cherishes me......” 
“You want to obtain the princess’ throne, right?” 
Amazed, Ulysses laughed again. 
“His Majesty will definitely be a cruel dictator. As his concubine, if you are ordered to go and die, you have to comply obediently...... if you don’t understand this, you aren’t ready to become the Princess.” 
“That, even if it’s Lydia, she can’t do it either!” 
So only then was Lydia abandoned. Then, she was punished.
The title of Princess was indeed attractive. But she didn’t want to experience dreadful matters for this reason either. Kathleen, who thought this, truly didn’t know what she ought to do in the end. 
“If you want to return, I will send a ship for you. However, it has to be after you complete what Major Croke told you.” 
“If it’s money......” 
Kathleen, who was just beginning to speak, was interrupted, as Ulysses asserted coldly. 
“If this truly is His Majesty’s order, for your own sake, there should be no reason to disobey me.”
​

​*

Flor lay down on the bed and fell asleep motionlessly. Although Lydia investigated all over the room for a while, it could be said that there was absolutely nothing that could help them escape.
She tried to forcefully shake the lattice of the window as well, but after trying several times, that object showed no signs of being damaged at all.
Even if she went down from the stairs outside the door, to avoid being discovered by the woman from before would probably be very difficult.
At that moment, a knock came from the window side.
Suddenly turning around, no one was there. However, she felt a presence. 
“Wh--who is it!”
Lydia shouted, and the activity of the unseen figure seemed to have noticed her, and spoke the same way. 
“Lydia? ......Is it Lydia?” 
“Eh? Could it be Nico?” 
Nico, who was outside the window, jumped to the nearby roof. While assuming the appearance of an exasperatingly lazy gray long-haired cat, it cautiously looked all around, then swiftly passed through the window lattice and entered the room. 
“Why are you here...... have you been imprisoned? But this place is...... I seemed to have glanced at it from outside a moment ago. What’s going on? Did that guy, the Earl send you here?” 
“That’s...... because something went wrong. Yeah, it’s a mistake, I think. In short, if I don’t leave here soon, I will be taken as a prostitute! Save me, Nico.” 
“Even if you want me to rescue you, this place doesn’t have a fairy tunnel.” 
“Tunnel?” 
“That’s right, it’s where Raven and I went. But now, we’ve been separated. By the way, Patrick is on this island, and has met with Darnell. Then, we eavesdropped on them; Patrick sent a fairy to dig a tunnel that leads directly to the Prince’s stronghold, so we wanted to say that we could infiltrate into there if we found the tunnel.”
Impatient, Nico revealed everything as if he was coming clean. 
“After entering, we realized that the tunnel had forks in the road everywhere, and there seemed to be several exits. In the end, the area I came out of seems to be in front of this store.” 
“Sure enough, it was Mr Patrick. The fairy that you spoke of, is it a muryan?” 
“Yeah, they mentioned this name. But speaking of the muryan, isn’t it supposed to be a tiny fairy, like an ant?” 
“The one I saw in the past wasn’t actually that small. It also seems to still have some magic.” 
“I see, it seems that there are still some muryans with some magic surviving in this area.” 
Nico folded his arms and pondered. 
“The muryans are looking for a red bead. Mr Patrick seems to have told them about the Merrow’s sword.” 
“That’s it, he told the muryans to make them steal the sword. Eh, you already knew? And yet I went through the trouble of finding a way to let you know.”
“But Edgar still doesn’t know.” 
Lydia sighed. Although she wanted to notify him, she was imprisoned here. 
“But why does Mr Patrick want to steal the sword from Edgar? That isn’t something they can use.” 
“Ahh, he spoke about that with Darnell. He said something about if the one that was resurrected wasn’t the Prince, but the Earl, then the Prophet’s prophecy isn’t established and so on. If he doesn’t have the sword, the power protecting the Earl will weaken, and that body can probably be controlled by the Prince.” 
What did he say?! 
In other words, Edgar preserved his soul with great difficulty, yet they are trying to draw the Prince out. 
“I absolutely won’t forgive them!”
Lydia said with determination. But Nico exposed a helpless expression, powerlessly sitting down by the bed. 
“Hey, Lydia. Regarding the prophecy, what do you think?” 
“What do I think?” 
“If you truly are the Prophet’s fiancée and possess something obtained from the sacred land, what are you going to do?” 
“I don’t have it. When I went to the sacred land previously, the Prophet’s coffin was empty.” 
“......I’m sorry, Lydia.” 
Nico’s ears drooped dejectedly, and his paws sincerely rested on his knees. This was the first time Lydia had seen this side of Nico. 
“What’s wrong, Nico?”
“For hiding everything from you, I’m sorry. However, I thought it wouldn’t be good to keep silent.” 
Lydia sat down beside Nico, quietly waiting for what the solemn-faced Nico was about to say.
In her mind, she had actually already sensed that this moment would approach one day.
That Nico knew something. Then, when he decides to tell Lydia, what would happen to her body? There wasn’t a day she didn’t think about this.
Although she was quite afraid, she understood that she could only accept it completely.
Just like how Edgar was directly confronting the Prince for Lydia, she had to face reality. 
“That object in the sacred land was taken out by Aurora. It was nineteen years ago.” 
Naturally, Lydia had also thought about this possibility. However, Mother has already passed away. The problem was at this very moment, who the identity of the Prophet’s fiancée fell on in the end.
“But considering that Aurora was already married during that time, the one who was determined to be the Prophet’s fiancée by the sacred land since the beginning might be you. Aurora then gave the object she obtained from the sacred land to me. Although I think she didn’t believe that I knew what that object was, she probably thought that if the item was in the hands of me, a fairy, then I wouldn’t hand it to you, Lydia.” 
The object obtained from the sacred land, in the end, when and in what form did she obtain it from Nico? Lydia restrained the question that was about to rush forth from her mouth, and nodded. 
“But as a result, I gave that object to the Earl, then the Earl made you consume it. In order for the two of you to return from Hebrides.” 
“......In other words, it was the medicine to eliminate the aurora fairy, the Fir Chlis’ blade?” 
Lydia heard Edgar speak of it, the medicine was a bloodstone that Nico held. However, that was the object of the sacred land? In other words, that was the object that Mother held, which originally should have been given to the Prophet? 
“It’s a spring-water droplet held by the master of the Hebrides islands. That agate crystal, no one is able to extract it now, but that bloodstone ought to have been given to a human a very long time ago, when the Master of the islands was still awake. And the Prophet put something in that stone, then sealed it.” 
Now, this object was within Lydia. The round bloodstone that Nico held was the object that was placed in the Prophet’s coffin. 
“What’s that? You said that the Prophet placed something in the stone, what is it?” 
“I’m not sure either, but I think it’s likely something essential to fighting the Prince.” 
In other words, there was something in Lydia’s body now that might take away Edgar’s life. Even if it was only this, Lydia wasn’t willing to believe this fact.
However, Lydia already firmly decided to no longer run away.
Just like how her mother battled with this fate, Lydia could only do so as well.
It is said that the Prophet’s fiancée will have a reduced lifespan due to the magic effects; Lydia’s mother, who took the place of Lydia to shoulder this fate, has already left this world.
In order to cut off the inherent rules of the McKeel family, Lydia’s mother took back Lydia, who became a changeling, then entrusted the bloodstone she obtained from the sacred land at that time to Nico.
Lydia, there will be a day that you will marry a man you yourself truly love.  With regards to her mother, who practically treated this sentence like a mantra, Lydia, who was a child at the time, believed that this was because she herself married Father. But actually, this was her mother’s sincere wish that Lydia wouldn’t be restricted by the fiancée’s duty. 
“If the prophecy holds true, then I...... will become the person who buries Edgar, huh.” 
“It isn’t you, the one overthrowing the Prince would still be the Prophet at the very end.” 
“By the way, Nico, can the Prince’s be eliminated from Edgar’s body using the power of the bloodstone?” 
“Whether or not you can, I don’t know either. It’s just that if Patrick thinks that the only way to fulfill the prophecy after Edgar is completely taken over, then will they allow the Earl himself to be killed by Prince?”
The McKeel family had never planned on saving Edgar. While saying that they held no grudge against Edgar himself, letting him die in order to bury the Prince was something that couldn’t be helped, which was their real intention.
Even Darnell said as well, if Lydia really cared about this, they would consider a way to save Edgar, and how much of it actually came true was simply unclear.
Resentment welled up within Lydia’s heart, and she suddenly stood up. Lydia stood up and took a step, which made a very loud sound, yet Flora continued to sleep, as if she still hadn’t been roused. However, Lydia didn’t have the time to worry about her. 
“Edgar, he has been fighting all this time. Although he is suppressing it now, the Prince’s power will suddenly become stronger now and then...... even so, even though it’s exhausting, he still tries his best to preserve his own soul...... why doesn’t anyone want to save him? It’s merely tying them together, burying the Prince with him!” 
After saying it all in one breath, Lydia felt very powerless. 
“I am among them as well......” 
“Lydia.” 
“So, we are no longer able to be a married couple again? And only then would Edgar treat me so coldly?” 
Standing by the window, Lydia rubbed her eyes, not letting her tears fall. 
“Listen to me, Lydia, although the McKeel is holding on to the prophecy, the future seen by the Prophet from such a long time ago has already changed, some sprite said so.” 
“......Yeah, that’s true. A prophecy is just a prophecy. Nico. I won’t lose hope.” 
Last night, although it was only slightly, Lydia felt at that moment, the two of them truly sought each other’s warmth; this memory awakened in her brain.
She didn’t know if it was successful or not, but the confusion in Lydia’s mind disappeared.
Whether it was the prophecy or fate, it didn’t matter.
It was the same even if Edgar’s heart changed.
He had to be saved; this was Lydia’s wish from the bottom of her heart. 
“Hey, you have an assigned guest.” 
The door suddenly opened, and it was likely the female boss; that woman from just now looked in.
Nico dashed under the bed in a panic, and Lydia subconsciously wanted to hide behind the window curtains. 
“Come down quickly.” 
She said, then left. 
“Talking about guests...... could it be...... what should I do, Nico?” 
Nico, who emerged from underneath the bed, stomped his foot impatiently. 
“Y--yes. I’ll go and find Raven.” 
“B--but.” 
“Don’t give up on yourself. Fight for time as much as possible until we come!” 
Nico hurried and dashed out of the window.
Lydia went down the staircase anxiously, and just as she reached the floor, the female boss pointed to a room on the first floor. 
“Um, I think there must be some mistake. I wasn’t planning to work in this place......”
Lydia wanted to explain, yet the other person crudely pushed her shoulder without listening at all. 
“Don’t make the guest wait. A lady who wants to speak with you is already inside.” 
A lady? So it’s a woman. What could it be about?
Half-expecting that it could be someone who has come to save her, Lydia opened the door that the female boss pointed to.
This was a conversation room that looked like an office, and inside this room, which only had a desk and chair, Kathleen, who was waiting for Lydia, stood up as soon as she saw her enter.
Honestly speaking, Lydia was both disappointed and cautious. But Kathleen rushed to Lydia’s side, as if she saw a very nostalgic old friend, and fervently held both of Lydia’s hands. 
“Miss Lydia! It’s great to see you...... I heard that you were sold to a brothel, I was very worried, but I couldn’t do anything about it at all.” 
“From who... did you hear that?” 
“Of course it was His Majesty.” 
“It was Edgar who brought me here?”
The feelings of having thought that was the case, as well as the wanting to think that it couldn’t be, was mixed in Lydia. 
“What happened yesterday made His Majesty very angry. Because you were throwing flirtatious glances at the next baron of the Torrey family.” 
“I--I did no such thing!” 
“That’s true, you merely revealed a slight gap. However, it is also a woman’s sin to give men the opportunity to see. You’re undoubtedly bearing His Majesty’s child, you can’t let other men have expectations.” 
I didn’t make them have expectations. But was this what Edgar thought? 
“So, what you saw last night was His Majesty being a little emotional. I was also shocked and said......the punishment towards you yesterday, was it still not enough to stop him?”
“Punishment?” 
“But as a woman too, I felt that that time, His Majesty had gone too far. You are clearly pregnant, he should be more reluctant to let you go instead.” 
Appearing to be quite worried, Kathleen stroked Lydia’s hand. Although Lydia, who was being swayed by Kathleen, shook her off, Kathleen exposed a smile while sitting down on the chair, not minding in the slightest.
“So I went and consoled His Majesty, and said that you should be allowed to return to your residence...... as a result, although he didn’t give approval, he still allowed me to bring you a gift of sympathy.” 
From a basket placed under her feet, Kathleen took out a bottle of red wine and placed it on the table. 
“This will probably be to your liking. He said as such, I don’t think it means that he won’t forgive you.”
This red wine produced from Burgundy, Lydia recalled that they drank it during their honeymoon, and because Edgar was really happy, after returning to London, it would still appear on their dining room table from time to time.
Of course, Lydia was very happy as well.
It was quite difficult to imagine that there would be any other person that would intentionally choose this red wine and give it to Lydia as a souvenir, so was this surely something sent over from Edgar? 
“Drink this. Let’s get drunk tonight. I have already told His Majesty about letting you drink, so His Majesty won’t get angry. Furthermore, I gave a tip to that female boss just now, she probably won’t come to investigate tonight.” 
With complete confidence, Kathleen stuffed the bottle of red wine into Lydia’s arms. 
“I will persuade His Majesty again, so I will come tomorrow. This time, I can definitely make him agree to stop the punishment towards you.” 
She repeatedly said the word ‘punishment’ over and over.
Was this truly a punishment?
Lydia felt uneasy. But what was more difficult to feel relieved about was Kathleen’s attitude. She stared at the bottle of red wine silently. 
“You...... probably think that it would be better without me.” 
“You would think so even if I poisoned the wine?” 
Kathleen herself said what Lydia was worried about out loud, then laughed. 
“I would have to be jealous of you to do so. However, I am His Majesty’s fiancée now. How could I, a wise and virtuous lady, abandon you, who is vulnerable?” 
This also made Lydia uneasy.
Could it be that Kathleen is confident that Edgar loves her as a fiancée? As long as she thought about last night, she would feel that it was impossible.
Admittedly, Kathleen coming here was somewhat unexpected, but Lydia wasn’t envious of her. This was because she understood she was in a delicate position now. 
“Do you truly want to marry Edgar?” 
Kathleen froze, and suddenly frowned, seemingly angry. 
“What do you mean?” 
“He is not a decent person now. If you truly are the fiancée that he values, then surely he shouldn’t have let me eat at the same table as you during the banquet? Openly talking about this pregnant woman in front of his fiancée, talking about this person, who wasn’t the fiancée yet she carried his child, this isn’t any gentlemanly… in addition, suddenly acting violent to you and whatnot, it’s quite strange, is it not?” 
“Do you still think of yourself as someone’s wife? That person has already no longer thought about you for a long time!” 
Losing her cool, Kathleen unconsciously raised her tone. 
“That’s true. But what about you? Did he genuinely propose to you?” 
Kathleen was dumbfounded by the question, and Lydia sighed deeply. 
“It would be good to not cling to him. This isn’t an ordinary organization. He, who has assumed the position of the boss here, isn’t in a common situation at present.  He will take advantage of you, and in the end, you will definitely be harmed.” 
“If that’s the case, then please give up on him!” 
If she could abandon him, then she wouldn’t be suffering. If she could completely forget about her longing and efforts for Edgar, the many, many things she obtained from him, as well as the memories of the two of them rising above challenges hand in hand, if she could regard him as already being dead...
However, Lydia begged Edgar to live. As long as he was alive, Lydia would be unable to look away from him, who was clearly still alive. 
“I...... cannot give up. It’s fine no matter how Edgar becomes, it’s the same even if he becomes another person.” 
“You’re saying that it’s the same no matter how you’re treated by him?” 
Kathleen’s mistrust towards Lydia swayed her heart. Lydia actually felt Edgar’s terror; she felt sad for herself yet very remorseful at the same time, and felt that she shouldn’t get angry at Edgar.
But she still couldn’t give up, and still wanted to save him. 
“That’s right. Edgar will lose his previous self, and it’s all for my sake.” 
Therefore Lydia decided that no matter how Edgar was, she would love him.
Watching Lydia in amazement, Kathleen suddenly stood up. 
“Well, you’re going to drink that, right?” 
She pointed to the bottle of red wine that she brought. Then, she took out a glass from the basket by her feet, pulled the cork out in front of both of them, and poured the wine into the glass. 
“This is something he gave you. Don’t you believe in him even now?” 
Bewildered, Lydia reached out towards the glass.
After coming here, would Edgar still choose this wine to drink? At that time, would he occasionally recall the happy days he had with Lydia?
It would be during the time the Prince tormented him, but would it be among the rare times where he could feel at peace?
If she drank it, Lydia might be surrounded by happy memories.
It would be good if that were the case.
At that moment, the doubt in Lydia’s mind disappeared.
She lifted the glass to her mouth, and all of the red wine flowed into her throat.