The Shivering Ball (2)

A private room in the annex.

The candles burning in the chandelier filled it with warm light, but they did nothing to dispel the shadow over Ashley's face.

“Brother.”

Under her accusing stare, Fred gave a quiet cough.

“What?”

“You know perfectly well what. That's hardly an outfit for someone attending a ball.”

“What's wrong with my outfit?”

Fred, seated across the table, shrugged as though nothing were amiss.

Ashley could only sigh.

Her brother wore a thick buff coat, with a longsword hanging at his waist and a crossbow strapped to his back. It was impossible to tell whether the man before her was a noble or a hunter.

She had a fair idea why he was dressed that way. That didn't make her any less disappointed.

“You're going off to another strange place again, aren't you?”

“Strange place? Come now. I'll enjoy the ball, have a few drinks, then head out for a little hunting while my youthful spirits are high.”

“Who would believe an excuse like that?”

“I believe in my little sister. You'll take care of things for me this time, too.”

As if her cooperation could be taken for granted.

Ashley pursed her lips.

“But I'm running out of excuses for you. Even the retainers are starting to suspect something, never mind the servants. Am I supposed to stand by while they whisper that no one knows where you go or what you do?”

“I'm sorry. But there's nothing I can do about it.”

“Why not?”

“Well…”

Fred glanced away.

It was always the same.

Ashley watched his evasive expression for a moment, then spoke evenly.

“There are ways I could find out what you're doing. I have people throughout the county who could be my eyes and ears. But I haven't asked them.”

A slight smile came to Fred's lips.

“Why not?”

“Because it's a secret you're trying to keep, Brother. I don't want to pry into it.”

“Oh. That's rather touching. I'm serious.”

“Don't be impressed just yet. I may not have investigated, but I can make a fair guess about what you've been doing at night.”

“Really? Then let's hear our dear little Ashley's guess.”

“Our eldest brother's death. And His Majesty the Emperor.”

The smile vanished from Fred's face.

That reaction was enough to confirm her suspicion.

“You still hate the Emperor. You don't believe what happened during the Orc Conquest War was simply an unfortunate accident. Do you?”

“Ashley.”

“I understand. I hate His Majesty too. He persists in needless little territorial wars in the name of defending the borders, and clings to a self-righteous foreign policy rather than keeping pace with the times. But we mustn't let our hatred of the Emperor decide what we do.”

“You've got it wrong.”

“No. I haven't. Your little finger trembles whenever you lie, Brother. It's doing it now.”

A conversation that had begun in teasing was turning steadily more serious.

Fred had hardly come to the annex looking for an argument. But Ashley refused to back down.

“I don't know what you're planning. But if you're doing it for the family's sake, please stop.”

“I'm not doing anything for the family. What becomes of House Pelgaroin is no concern of mine.”

“Then think of Father and me. Think of continuing House Pelgaroin's legacy for our sake.”

It was difficult to evade such a direct appeal.

Fred sighed and leaned back in his chair.

“Are you telling me I ought to become the next head of the family?”

“Ever since our eldest brother passed away, you're first in line to succeed Father. And you're capable of leading Pelgaroin.”

“What about Maldon?”

“That pig?”

Fred couldn't help laughing at her description of their brother.

“Well, even that pig is our little brother. Is there a problem with him?”

“What a ridiculous question. Maldon isn't fit to lead the family. He spends his days fooling around with slaves and behaving obscenely toward the servants. He seems to think chasing women is some remarkable talent. How could a man like that govern Pelgaroin?”

“Fair point. He's certainly not suited to it. Well, then, what about you? You could become head of the family.”

Ashley's cheeks flushed at the suggestion.

“Don't joke about that! How could a woman become head of the family?”

“Why not? You're the only one among us who seems genuinely concerned about its future.”

“It's impossible. The retainers would make a tremendous fuss about family tradition. And even if they didn't—”

“You're clever, but still young.”

Fred interrupted, stroking his chin with a solemn expression.

Ashley stared at him for a moment, then puffed out her cheeks.

“…Stop imitating Father.”

“Hahaha. Sorry. But I meant what I said: it isn't impossible. The retainers care more about keeping the family alive than they do about tradition. Their own livelihoods depend on the family's prosperity, after all.”

“What are you trying to say?”

“You'll understand someday. For now, my advice is simple: hold on to Theorad. His kindness isn't the only reason I supported your engagement.”

Ashley blinked, still unsure where he was going with this.

Fred leaned toward her and tapped the table.

“His standing. The reputation of House Deharem would give you enormous influence. If you ever won the support of the people of the territory over the support of the retainers, the title of Countess of Pelgaroin could be yours.”

Ashley's brows drew together at his insinuating tone.

“I didn't become engaged to Theorad for that reason. I sincerely love—”

She stopped herself.

“I mean, I accepted the engagement because I liked him. Don't treat me as some grasping opportunist.”

“That's harsh. Can't an older brother offer his dear little sister some advice?”

“Hmph. Fine. There's no point arguing any further.”

“Exactly. Besides, judging by the way you're dressed, I think you should be the one getting out of here.”

“What!”

Ashley bristled, but Fred merely laughed and rose from his chair.

Her dress followed the lines of her figure, and she had put on expensive ornaments she rarely bothered to wear. It was obvious enough to him that she had Theorad in mind.

A few days earlier, she'd seemed to have had a serious quarrel with the viscount. Evidently the trouble had not lasted.

Well, a relationship as affectionate as theirs wouldn't fall apart overnight.

At least he needn't worry about his little sister's romance.

With a wave and a wish that she enjoy the evening, Fred left the room.

“Brother doesn't understand anything…”

Ashley muttered to herself, embarrassed in spite of everything.

She had dressed properly to uphold her dignity at the ball. It had nothing to do with trying to impress Theorad.

At least, she had no desire to look pretty for that bad Theorad she'd seen at his mansion a few days ago.

Knock, knock.

While she was trying to quiet her troubled thoughts, someone knocked at the door.

“Come in.”

A young-looking servant entered at her permission.

“M-most noble Lady Ashley…!”

The servant bowed stiffly, with an excess of formality that made the greeting seem awkward.

The young servant's overly elaborate manner was rather uncomfortable to watch.

“There's no need to call me 'most noble.' Lady Ashley will do, Fariel. Please speak naturally.”

Fariel's eyes widened.

“M-my lady! You know my name?”

“Of course. It's only natural to remember the names and faces of the people who'll be working in the household. Now, was there something you needed to tell me?”

“Ah! Yes. Viscount Theorad Deharem arrived at the annex just a moment ago. I came to let you know.”

Theorad? Already?

Ashley's expression grew more serious.

“Thank you for telling me. I'll come down shortly. In the meantime, Fariel, please see to the guests.”

“Yes, my lady!”

Fariel answered eagerly and closed the door.

The elf slave will surely be with him again. In that case…

Ashley watched the door for a moment, then rose and began searching the drawers nearby.

An idea had come to her.

Perhaps there was a way to discover what Theorad really felt.

---

There is an old saying: to choose one thing, you must give up something else.

And so I had made my choice.

Even if my life was in danger, I couldn't keep concealing my true feelings for Ashley.

I didn't know whether it was the right decision. But it was one I wouldn't regret.

Rattle.

The carriage shook once, then slowed to a halt.

After a moment, the coachman opened the door.

“Blessings upon Your Excellency the Regent. We've arrived.”

“Thank you.”

I acknowledged him and stepped down from the carriage.

I'd taken only a few steps when a man in a smart tailcoat hurried toward me. He appeared to be a servant of House Pelgaroin assigned to assist guests at the annex.

The man bowed politely.

“Your Excellency the Regent. Welcome.”

“Thank you. I'm afraid I may have arrived rather early.”

“Not at all. Quite a few guests have already gathered in the annex hall. I saw your carriage enter the front gate, so I've also sent word to Lady Ashley. She should be coming down shortly.”

“I appreciate your help, especially when you're so busy.”

“It's only my duty. Do you have any luggage? If so, please allow me to carry it. I'll guide you to the annex.”

I had brought an extra coat, but hardly enough to count as luggage.

“It's all right. I'll carry this myself. The annex isn't far, and I don't want to trouble you.”

“Ah. I'd heard that you take pride in looking after things yourself. Then, if I may be so bold, I'll at least accompany you to the annex. Please ask if there's anything you'd like to know along the way.”

“Very well. Let's go.”

I set off, and the servant walked beside me.

Crickets sang softly along the path.

This is freedom.

For just one day, I could escape that elf and enjoy my life.

I was almost humming to myself when the attendant looked at me curiously.

“By the way, Your Excellency…”

“Yes? What is it?”

“May I ask why you sent your slave here ahead of you?”

“My slave? I think there's been a misunderstanding. I haven't sent any slave to the annex. Why, is my slave—”

Here.

“Yes.”

I bit my tongue in shock and clapped a hand over my mouth.

There, at the entrance to the annex, stood the elf.

Her apron was stained with black tea and dust.

And she was staring straight at me with cold eyes.