𝐘𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐱 𝟐
On the day before finally going to the Valka household, Edgardo grandfather, Grion came to the villa. He brought clothes and accessories suited for the occasion, as we were going to visit on his wife’s death anniversary.
The space where only Roa-sama, Grion, and Emilia were seated was filled with tension. I was invited to sit as well, but I declined indirectly in a Japanese manner, as I felt more comfortable standing.
Grion, who seemed to have a cat’s tongue, waited a while before finally putting his lips to the cup of tea he had been holding.
ㅤ
“I will also go to the Valka household tomorrow, but perhaps it would be better if we went separately.”
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During Rolf’s absence, we received a report that there was no connection with the Dyson family. If it were the old me, I would have been happy, but having heard Arthur’s story, I know it’s dangerous to fully trust such news.
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“If it’s tomorrow, I can approach Ian amidst the crowd. Don’t worry, I will come if anything happens. Please make full use of Edgardo.”
“I always cause trouble for Edgardo, but even someone like me is followed by him. I have no worries entrusting my life to Edgardo.”
“I am grateful for your words.”
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For a moment, Grion showed a face that seemed to adore his grandchild, but he quickly returned to a serious expression. His sharp gaze seemed to exert pressure, making one’s spine straighten.
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“Does Prince Linus know the purpose of Dyson?”
“No. We haven’t obtained any proof yet.”
“That Dyson. . . It’s one thing to harm the former king, but why is he trying to poison King Coleesh. . . I would like to hear even just a hypothesis.”
“I suspect that the goal is not to assassinate the former king. My father is secluded in a palace known only to my brother. By threatening my brother with an antidote, they plan to make it seem as if my mother was killed by my father’s hand. . . It’s a grudge.”
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Grion stroked his chin slowly, deep in thought.
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“Are you aware that Dyson was obsessed with his daughter?”
“No. In front of me, he never showed any abnormal behavior. However, I have heard that he adored my mother.”
“Adoration. . . perhaps that’s one way to put it.”
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Grion laughed, a somewhat ironic and shadowed laugh.
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“What he calls love, I’m not sure if it’s appropriate. He seems to condense all emotions related to love in this world and expects his daughter to bear it, assuming it’s only natural to know everything about her. . . I sometimes think he might even know the number of hairs on her head. Dyson has no interest in anyone but his daughter. . . and he hides it well on the surface.”
“. . .Is it to that extent?”
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Roa-sama gasped.
If Dyson really is such a person, I can understand why someone would keep that fact hidden from Roa-sama.
To learn that one’s grandfather is such a person would surely be a shock.
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. . .No, wait? Wasn’t the former king doing something similar?
Eh, what. . . Marie Ange-sama was favored by a similar type of person?!
Roa-sama’s family is quite unusual, aren’t they?
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I hope Roa-sama hasn’t received a shock. . . Discovering that her father and grandfather are yanderes and stalked her own mother would be a fact one would never want to know in a lifetime.
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“Aside from myself, others probably don’t feel that much. Regarding Dyson, while there are disturbing rumors, there is no proof to substantiate them. Since Marie Ange-sama became the adopted daughter of Evatt Duke, all the servants working at Dyson’s mansion have been dismissed. Their whereabouts are unknown thereafter. His wife is said to be recuperating in a remote location.”
“. . .Dyson did, that?”
“It’s unclear. Despite such grim rumors, Marie Ange-sama was cheerful. Normally, one would be twisted by such feigned affection, wouldn’t they? There was none of that in Marie Ange-sama. She was a daughter of nobility, raised with care and love.”
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I feel like I somewhat understand.
I’ve only seen Roa-sama’s mother in portraits circulating in town, but she seemed to be a lady of a soft aura.
You wouldn’t think she harbors hostility. She left the impression of being adorably charming, raised with ample love.
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“Marie Ange-sama defended Dyson, saying he was a bit inept at expressing emotions, and they showed a good father-daughter relationship. Dyson, too, maintained an ordinary distance in public, so it’s uncertain if anyone noticed. . .”
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I see, Dyson was. . . extremely attached to Roa-sama’s mother, but he managed to hide it well.
There are bad rumors, but the Queen, Roa-sama’s mother, defended him, and they both denied the rumors, appearing as normal people in conversation.
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“The prevalent rumor was that it was a lie spread by someone jealous of Dyson. . . Even so, there must have been many who had their suspicions about Dyson. I’ve never heard of anyone close to Dyson.”
“My grandfather. . . was such a person?”
“All this is merely my intuition. I pride myself on having a superior intuition, but I can’t explain the reason; it’s a mere feeling, so feel free not to believe it.”
“No. . . I believe it. With that intuition, you’ve crushed enemies before the war.”
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Grion remained silent, presenting a portrait of Dyson and Marie Ange. Marie Ange sat on an opulent sofa, with Dyson standing beside her. It was a typical family portrait.
Surprisingly, this was the first time I saw Dyson’s face here.
There were no caricatures of Dyson at school, and it was impossible to procure one.
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Dyson was of average build and had a slightly prominent nose, an unremarkable face among the nobility. Despite Grion’s story, he didn’t look like that kind of man.
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“So. . . Dyson’s goal was always mother.”
“Likely. The detached palace was probably his objective.”
“Sigh. . . that’s why he targeted my elder brother. . . My brother must have refused to reveal the entrance to the detached palace. To remove my brother, who became a hindrance, place me on the throne, and take the detached palace for himself. . . Is that what this is about?”
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No one could find the words to console the downcast Roa-sama.
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“. . .To be taken so lightly.”
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The voice that emerged from the downcast face carried a low, seething anger.
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“To be a puppet, to go to the detached palace? I won’t allow such a thing.”
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Roa-sama’s eyes, upon lifting his face, were ablaze with anger.
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“It’s unforgivable that he targeted my brother. Even after being killed, should I accept Dyson and fulfill his wishes?! After all the interaction with me, he still doesn’t understand? No matter the circumstances, it’s absolutely inexcusable to poison His Majesty for personal reasons!”
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The desk was slammed with a thud. It’s unlike Roa-sama, who would never normally do such a thing. The level of anger is almost palpable.
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“. . .I must say thank you. If I hadn’t come here, there would be things I couldn’t have said.”
“I apologize for being late. I could find no way to convey this to Prince Linus alone. . .”
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Roa-sama, silent, shook his head and placed his hand over Grion’s.
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“We must consider the possibility that the objective is the detached palace. It’s not certain yet, but. . .”
“That’s fine. Don’t take my words at face value; just consider it a possibility.”
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Grion stood up and gestured for everyone to leave.
Roa-sama is putting on a brave front, but his expression is inevitably shadowed. I was about to quietly leave when my arm was grabbed.
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“Roa-sama. . .”
“. . .Would you make me some coffee?”
“Yes, please wait a moment.”
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The door closed. In the space left for just the two of us, the aroma of coffee wafted through.
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“Here you are, please be careful, it’s hot.”
“I’d like you to sit beside me.”
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Sitting silently beside her, Roa-sama let out a long, deep sigh. It’s the first time I’ve heard Roa-sama’s sigh, one that he made no effort to hide.
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“. . .Father never tried to hide his obsession with mother. He was so preoccupied with it, he failed to notice Dyson’s hidden obsession.”
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The former king openly obsessed over Marie Ange-sama, likely deterring other men with his display.
Dyson hid his obsession with Marie Ange-sama, dismissing servants to conceal his feelings.
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“Yet, Marie Ange-sama was happy.”
“. . .It is beyond my comprehension. . .”
“It is for me as well, but well, happiness varies from person to person.”
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To outsiders, even I must seem odd. A noble young lady who wishes to own her store and work, without marrying.
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“Yes, that’s right. . . I’m sorry. The actions of my father and grandfather were. . . quite overwhelming, I got confused.”
“I understand. It’s quite. . . a bit too much indeed.”
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Struggling to find a straightforward expression, we converse in a somewhat vague manner.
Not concealing or thoroughly hiding one’s intense attachment, both seem equally problematic. And then there’s Marie Ange-sama, who seemingly embraced it all as true happiness.
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“. . .I feel a bit more settled now. I ended up detaining Alice.”
“No, if I am suitable.”
“Shiro, Arthur, Emilia. . . they take on too much for me. . . I can’t show them a sight like this.”
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Roa-sama’s feelings, as he looks down, are known only to his.
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The thought of being unloved by the grandfather, to the extent of forgiving the murder of a beloved brother. Or considering assassinating the King just to go to the detached palace. That the grandfather was the same type of yandere as the father.
Roa-sama took in these overwhelmingly unacceptable truths without falling apart, quietly swallowing them.
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Overcome with an indescribable feeling, I hugged the quietly brooding Roa-sama. Then, I stroked his head.
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“Everyone here loves Roa-sama dearly. . . At least everyone knows that Roa-sama would not consent to harm the King. My capabilities may be limited, but still. . .”
“. . .Thank you.”
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I was hugged tightly by Roa-sama, almost painfully. The pain seemed a reflection of the wounds in Roa-sama’s heart, as if he was sharing them with me, so I hugged back with equal strength.
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