The Shivering Ball
Could a person's gaze really be felt so keenly?
I had no idea when the elf had climbed down from the carriage, but the back of my neck prickled.
There was no need to react. If I embarrassed myself in front of Ashley again, what little standing I had left with her would disappear.
Besides, I genuinely liked Ashley. I couldn't say for certain whether what I felt was love, but every meeting with her left me happy and fulfilled.
I didn't want to lose her.
I certainly wouldn't let that elf destroy our relationship.
Trying to put Ashley at ease, I looked up at her, struggling to steady my own nerves.
“It's been a while, Lady Ashley.”
“Yes. Though…”
Her answer was stiff. She was looking past me at the elf.
Ashley moved a little to the side to get a better look. The elf, for her part, made no attempt to avoid her gaze.
“Ah…”
She drew in her shoulders and lowered her head as if terrified. But her eyes remained fixed on Ashley.
“……”
An icy silence descended.
I couldn't guess what was going through Ashley's mind. She gazed down at the elf with an utterly expressionless face.
“Lord Theorad.”
Her clear blue eyes finally turned toward me.
“You've brought the elven slave I met before.”
I didn't bring her, Ashley!
I wanted to shout it to the heavens. Instead, I swallowed the protest.
“Yes, I have. Have I offended you?”
“No. It's all right. I have no standing to question which slaves you bring with you. We haven't even held our marriage ceremony. I wouldn't dream of being so presumptuous.”
Her somber voice made my heart ache.
If only I could tell you the truth.
I held on to my smile with all the strength I could muster.
Fred suddenly burst out laughing and clapped his hands, as though determined to dispel the awkward atmosphere.
“Hahaha! Come now, Ashley. However pretty the slave is, you shouldn't be jealous. You're making things difficult for your future husband, and jealousy doesn't suit you.”
“I'm not jealous! Brother, must you always think so narrowly?”
“If you're going to lie, at least take out a hand mirror and look at your own face first. That expression gives you away.”
“No, that's…”
Both her cheeks turned pink. She glanced at me, then covered her mouth with a hand and gave a small cough.
“In any case, Lord Theorad, there's to be a ball at the annex this evening. I'd like you to attend, if you don't mind.”
“Ah, yes. Lord Fred told me about it. Unless something unavoidable comes up, I'll certainly be there.”
“Brother…?”
Ashley nudged Fred's arm with her elbow. He seemed to understand and gave a knowing smile.
“I think she's embarrassed having you here. We'll finish our ride, so why don't you go into the castle first and receive an explanation of your duties?”
“But won't you be dealing with the county's affairs as well, Lord Fred?”
“I'm afraid I have no talent for governing. Give me hunting any day. I prefer to keep my distance from the troublesome work of running our house. Don't worry, though. Marhan, who was assigned to escort you, will faithfully pass on Father's instructions.”
“If that's how it is, I understand.”
I placed a hand over my chest and bowed courteously. Fred nodded.
“We'll see you later.”
He urged his horse forward. With a lively snort, it passed the carriage and headed across the drawbridge.
Ashley followed him on her own horse, riding sidesaddle. Unlike Fred's rough, headlong riding, hers was composed and graceful.
“Brother! Stop showing off! Slow down!”
Apparently Fred was the better rider, after all.
“Your Excellency the Regent.”
While I was watching Ashley ride away, Marhan approached and bowed.
“I'll escort you into the castle.”
“Very well.”
I glanced at the elf before climbing back into the carriage.
She followed me inside and sat beside me, staring straight ahead in silence.
“……”
A chill crept across my skin.
With Ashley, I was troubled because I didn't know what she was thinking.
With the elf, not knowing what she was thinking was downright terrifying.
The count's office.
“While you're staying at the castle, Your Excellency, you'll be able to use this office.”
Marhan had brought me here. I looked around the room in wonder.
Incredible.
It was a spacious, splendidly furnished room, as befitted the office of the man who ruled the County of Pelgaroin.
Two imposing ornaments stood on either side of the desk. The one on the left had been given to the count by His Majesty the Emperor for his participation in the Orc Conquest War eight years ago. The one on the right bore the emblem of House Pelgaroin.
The whole room was steeped in tradition and wealth. Even the furnishings conveyed the family's standing.
And now I was to work here.
“Am I truly permitted to use a place like this?”
Marhan nodded with all due respect.
“You are serving as the count's deputy. It's a privilege that belongs to your office.”
“No, not ordinarily. Lord Fred should have been handling the most important duties, with me assisting him. Regent or not, this is my first time taking on such a responsibility.”
“Well, that…”
I looked at Marhan, who had suddenly hesitated.
“I heard Lord Fred withdrew from the family's affairs eight years ago. Was it because of Lord Beneller's death in the Orc Conquest War?”
Marhan looked caught off guard. She parted her lips, choosing her words with care.
I hadn't meant to pry into a painful family matter. I gave a quiet sigh.
“I'm sure he went to a better place. If a man like Lord Beneller couldn't enter heaven, then heaven would hardly be worth having.”
“Yes. The God of Light must surely have welcomed him there.”
A belated solemnity settled over the room.
I didn't mean to make things so heavy.
I took a breath and cleared my throat.
“Let's speak about the handover, then. Is there anything in particular I ought to watch out for?”
“Ah, yes. Estate administration is proceeding as usual, so there's little to worry about there. A week should pass without any major difficulty. However…”
“However?”
“For roughly the past month, the bandits known as the Ten Bandits have been particularly active. His Excellency has been troubled by them.”
The Ten Bandits…
The name sounded vaguely familiar.
“Aren't they the ones who rob nobles throughout the county?”
“That's right. But they distribute some of what they steal to the people of the territory. That's made the problem rather more difficult.”
“I see. So the villagers aren't inclined to cooperate. Even if you try to find the bandits' hideout, the locals aren't likely to tell you anything.”
“Exactly. The villagers who've benefited from the robberies pass rumors around, yet whenever we question them, they insist they know nothing. The investigation has made very little progress.”
It was simple enough to understand.
A mysterious gang robbed nobles, gave part of the proceeds to ordinary people, and won their sympathy. To those who profited from their crimes, the robbers might well look like heroes instead of criminals.
That didn't change what they were doing.
Robbery remained robbery. Their calculated show of generosity was self-serving, however much it resembled a good deed. It didn't excuse stealing someone else's property.
They had to be stopped before the trouble grew worse.
“I'll look into it. Bring me a map marking the locations of the robberies, together with the villagers' testimony. And I'd also like—”
“Your Excellency the Regent.”
Marhan interrupted just as I was about to request more documents.
I looked at her in surprise.
“I understand your eagerness, but I think you ought to leave your work until tomorrow. If you intend to attend this evening's welcome ball, you'll need to make yourself presentable and prepare to depart.”
“Ah. Of course.”
She was right. Ashley would be expecting me at the ball.
After a moment's consideration, I nodded.
“Very well. But I won't be taking the elf. Please don't tell the slave I brought about the party.”
“As you wish. I'll arrange a carriage.”
Marhan gave a crisp military salute, opened the office door, and left.
Alone in the room, I scratched my cheek.
A welcome ball…
I had never liked noisy gatherings. But this one might be my chance to explain myself to Ashley.
Having resolved to go, I stood before the mirror and straightened my clothes.
I have to look my best for her.
My hands wouldn't stop trembling.
By the time I emerged from the castle, the sun was beginning to set.
A coachman stood waiting with a four-wheeled carriage. The annex was only a short distance away, so no escort had been arranged.
“I'll see you there in comfort, Your Excellency.”
“Thank you.”
I greeted him and climbed aboard.
Once I was seated, I settled my sleeves. The coachman closed the door.
I gave my appearance one final inspection, then leaned back with a measure of confidence.
With the elf out of the way, I'll finally be able to tell Ashley the truth.
How much suffering had I endured from constantly watching that creature's every move?
This time I had even arranged to leave in a separate carriage, without telling her where I was going. Surely everything would go smoothly.
…Why aren't we moving?
I tapped on the partition by the coachman's seat.
“Why are we still standing here?”
“My lord? Your slave is coming this way…”
“What?”
What nonsense was that?
I opened the window and stuck my head out.
Sure enough, the elf was running toward the carriage as fast as she could, carrying a silver tray laden with refreshments.
That lunatic…!
Did Marhan tell her?
No. I'd given her a clear instruction. She wouldn't ignore it.
Then how did she know?
Had she been waiting for the moment I left the castle?
Goosebumps swept over me. I banged on the carriage wall.
“Go! Drive!”
“But, my lord, your slave hasn't reached us yet—”
“It doesn't matter! Just go!”
Startled by my tone, the coachman snapped the reins.
“Hyah!”
The horses lurched into motion.
The elf, startled to see the carriage leaving without her, ran faster.
Then she caught her foot on a stone and stumbled.
“Eek!”
Crash!
The teacup shattered on the ground. Black tea splashed across the earth, fine sweets scattered into the dust, and the elf's clothes were soiled in an instant.
“Hic… hic…”
She sobbed pitifully, stretched one hand toward me, and begged.
“Please wait, Master…!”
Wait for you?
I'd sooner travel to the Seven Hells of the Demon Realm and wait there for the Demon King.
I clicked my tongue and was just beginning to feel relieved when the carriage started slowing down.
Why?
I looked toward the coachman. His expression was stricken as he watched the elf.
“My lord… I know it isn't my place to say, but she looks so pitiful. Couldn't we give her a ride?”
What are you talking about?!
“Stop talking nonsense! I'm the one you ought to feel sorry for!”
“My lord? What do you mean…?”
“Stop arguing and drive! Right now!”
The coachman flinched at my second outburst and urged the horses forward again.
Only then did I dare sink back into the carriage.
Thank goodness.
The consequences of leaving her behind frightened me. But what else could I do?
I'd sooner die than let the elf take Ashley away from me.
Whatever happened tonight, I wouldn't let that creature manipulate me again.
I held fast to that resolve and slowly quieted my pounding heart.