Chapter 215: Lonely People [unedited]
Afterward, I decided to adjust my distance a bit from Carl. Apart from being friendly, I made sure not to do anything that could potentially be misunderstood as a romantic action. And also, for some reason, Carl has become more polite and obnoxious since then. Read the translation on itsladygrey.com.
“Now that I think about it, you forgave me for stabbing you, right? It’s surprising that instead of being uneasy after I stabbed you, you were uncomfortable with the fact that I had such thoughts.”
“Carl, isn’t there a big difference between hating me after you found out I had something to do with your mother’s death and hating me from the first time we met?”
I was determined to distance myself, but unfortunately, we often ended up being together, contrary to what I had hoped, much like when I visited Eri.
The child’s condition had improved significantly. I was thinking of asking about what happened with Bill.
“How are you feeling today, Eri?”
“I’m really good. The food is delicious, oh, and the cookies that Sister and Brother sent are also delicious. Thank you.”
Well, it was undeniable that the cookies Carl baked were delicious.
“That’s great. Thank God.”
I smiled, pondering how to broach the topic with Eri.
Eri seemed to sense my thoughts, grinning. “Sister, is there something you want to ask me?”
Hmmm, what a perceptive kid.
“To be honest… Yes, you’re right.”
Eri shrugged. “I’m fine. Feel free to ask.”
Wow, this kid was considerate and mature beyond her years.
“Eri, how should I ask you so that you can remember that memory without being negatively affected?”
“Don’t worry. I wouldn’t be scared because it’s Sister who asks me.” She spoke in a very adult-like expression. “It was Sister who saved me. So whenever I feel scared, I just recall the moment Sister hugging me. So I won’t be scared at all.”
“….”
I was deeply moved by her words. Oh my gosh, this kid was so wise and kind!
However, I still took my luck cautiously. Read the translation on itsladygrey.com.
“Eri… Then, maybe, are there things you could tell Sister? Well, anything you could remember.”
There was a shocking fact in Eri’s story.
“Well, she said she was going to eat me. No, was it absorption?”
That was the original intention of Darkness Fiona and the Crown Prince—gathering sacrifices to gain greater power.
***
Upon hearing this news, we became serious immediately.
“There’s no doubt Marquis Erez is involved,” Carl said.
“That is likely to be the case.”
At that moment, Abel frowned, silently observing us.
“Father, is something bothering you?”
Abel pointed at Carl. “Why is this guy here?”
Why was he bringing this up now?
“I’ve been indefinitely acquitted thanks to Young Miss’ mercy.”
“Nonsense!” Abel exclaimed, clearly displeased.
I shrugged. “But Carl’s abilities are necessary.”
Although Abel looked displeased, he couldn’t deny it.
It seemed he was well aware of Carl’s background.
Then I had many ways to persuade Abel.
“Having Carl with us is very helpful for gathering information.”
The problem was that Sigren might oppose it… I turned slowly to look at Sigren in the corner, who was lost in thought with his arms crossed. Read the translation on itsladygrey.com.
“….”
For some reason, he was unusually quiet today.
“Sigren? What do you think?”
Sigren smiled at me. “I agree with you, Fiona.”
It was unsettling how easily he agreed.
“If Marquis Erez and the Crown Prince are cooperating, we need to investigate nobles too. There may be other nobles involved.”
“At the same time, we need to look into the missing commoners.”
This was not a world with surveillance cameras nor was a world with the population recorded on the computer.
“It’s going to be a lot of work because the scope of the investigation is so big.”
“But if we’re lucky, we’ll be able to seriously dethrone the crown prince. It could also overturn the praise he has been receiving in noble circles recently.”
Sigren’s words made a lot of sense.
Although we knew the Crown Prince summoned monsters on purpose, others were unaware of the truth.
However, without solid evidence, vague accusations could be dismissed as baseless rumors.
Sigren smiled generously. “Carl’s abilities would definitely be beneficial in our current situation. Of course, even in noble circles. Let’s move with him, Fiona.” Read the translation on itsladygrey.com.
“Si, Sigren, are you sick?”
Abel muttered, “Did he finally lose his mind from jealousy?”
Father, that was too much!
Ignoring our reactions, Sigren continued, “And Carl…”
Carl then responded with a smile that looked like a fresh bud blooming in spring.
“Please tell me, Your Highness.”
Hmmm… what a refreshing smile, but why did it feel like there was a bone in his words….
Then Sigren said with a calm expression while looking at Carl, “If you’re going to do this with Fiona, you’d better be very pretty.”
What?
Carl smiled confidently, unlike me who was embarrassed.
“By all means.”
Then he approached me.
“…huh?” I subconsciously made a confused sound. Why was he coming towards me like this? Unexpectedly, Carl took my hand and gently placed his forehead on the back of it.
“…”
It was as if he were pledging allegiance to me.
“I’ll do my best, Miss.”
But Sigren was the one who gave him the order, so why was he doing this to me?
To make matters worse, a fire spark began to appear in Sigren’s eyes when he looked at Carl’s action.
“….”
The atmosphere became very cold. And in an instant, the ambient temperature dropped by about two degrees. Read the translation on itsladygrey.com.
I hid behind Abel because I was afraid of a sudden fight between cousins.
Of course, my adoptive father must have become bothered by this whole situation. He wrapped his arms around my shoulders and muttered “You two sort this out yourselves…” then led me out of the room.
It was a relief that Abel didn’t abandon me and left me to deal with it alone.
“Fiona, all you need to do is watch and applaud when these two perform their tricks,” he said bluntly.
“Hahaha…” I let out a dry laugh.
Father, I wish that were possible. Read the translation on itsladygrey.com.
***
Check out my Patreon to read advanced chapters!
