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𝐄𝐝𝐠𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐨’𝐬 𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐝 𝟐
“Please forgive me for being unaware of such events occurring in my territory. How should I apologize. . .”
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After removing the transformation magic tool, my father, having heard everything from Prince Linus, first apologized.
Prince Linus stopped him as he attempted to kneel, his face pale with anger towards Dyson.
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“Good. If it concerns you, redeem yourself through your future endeavors.”
“I shall take your words to heart.”
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My father, who had bowed deeply, quickly stood up and touched a part of the bookshelf.
I seldom enter my father’s private study, a place filled with countless books and the tranquil scent of ink and paper.
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When he pushed a book in and slid it aside, a small safe appeared.
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“Ian, that is. . .”
“There is nothing in my territory that would trouble me if Prince Linus saw it.”
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The safe door opened with my father’s magic. Seconds later, he brought out a map of the Valka territory and a list of its residents.
The tax varies depending on the size of the dwelling and the number of children, hence it’s written in great detail.
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“Is this not where Maurice Maigret resides?”
“Yes, that is where I have heard he is.”
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My father pointed at the map, but there was only a forest, no house supposed to be there.
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“To hide in the Valka family, build a house secretly, and conduct poison research. . . An interesting mindset indeed.”
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My father’s eyes were not smiling. Although his lips bore a smile, there was a hint of murderous intent, like the look a young lady gives to Arthur’s jokes.
Cough. My grandfather, standing behind us, coughed softly.
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“I apologize. I have been somewhat distraught.”
“Do not worry. I wish to surround this laboratory, capture Maurice Maigret, and seize everything inside. Will you cooperate?”
“Certainly. I will select those worthy of trust.”
“We have no one who can sneak into the laboratory and discern traps. Does the Valka family?”
“In that case, the servants at Grion’s villa would be most suitable.”
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That is the very villa we are in. That elderly couple would be able to sneak in unnoticed and bring back the necessary information.
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“Then, I entrust you with the arrangements. If anything arises, contact me through this magical communication tool.”
“Understood. I will make the arrangements immediately and contact you as soon as we learn about the laboratory.”
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There was a pause. Prince Linus looked at our family with concern.
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“It’s been a while since we’ve met, there must be much to discuss. Do not mind me, speak if you need to.”
“Thank you for your consideration. However, I would like to arrange the investigation of the laboratory first. Please excuse me.”
“Indeed. Let Ian handle this matter.”
“The safest place in this mansion is this study. No one will eavesdrop here. Please make yourself comfortable.”
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Several drinks and spirits. My father placed them along with some snacks on the table and said he would be back shortly before leaving.
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“. . .I had hoped to speak with Ian even for a little, but it was an unnecessary concern.”
“Not at all. I could see my son’s face after a long time.”
“Yes. We are grateful for Prince Linus’s concern, despite it being a Valka family matter.”
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The three of us sat on the sofa, and I served coffee to Prince Linus. I’m not fond of black coffee, but I can’t exactly choose juice in this setting.
Sipping the coffee timidly, it wasn’t long before my father returned.
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“The arrangements have been made. Since it seems they will depart immediately, you should hear from them by tomorrow.”
“I’m grateful, Ian. Let’s sit together and talk for a bit.”
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Prince Linus sits alone at the high seat, while my grandfather and I sit facing each other. As I wondered where to sit, my father took the seat beside me.
My father, having poured himself some tea, took a slow sip.
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“Is my foolish son proving to be useful?”
“Of course. We wouldn’t have come this far without Edgardo.”
“Please make full use of him. When His Highness chose him, I truly admired the decision.”
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Something hot stirs inside my head.
Grandfather served His Highness, so I was told from the start to follow Prince Linus. But, as for me!
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“I respect Prince Linus! I sincerely want to serve him, and that’s why I am doing so! It’s not for any other reason!”
“Edgardo. You are speaking out of turn before His Highness.”
“Ah, my apologies. . .”
“It’s fine, I want you to speak freely. Although these are important times. . . precisely because they are, I wish for us to discuss things when we can. However, this is just my selfish desire, so feel free to ignore it if you wish.”
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Prince Linus smiles a bit sadly, which somehow pains my heart.
Has he ever had his modest wish to be heard, to have discussions, fulfilled?
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A heavy silence dominates the room.
Next to me, my father, uncharacteristically restless, fixes his gaze one moment, then swings it left and right, seemingly sweating slightly.
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After what feels like an eternity, my father, his hand white from gripping so tight, loosens his grasp and speaks with a trembling voice.
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“. . .Edgardo. I am sorry for everything until now.”
“Huh?”
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My father, facing me, is looking down.
. . .No, is he. . . bowing his head. . .?
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“Prince Linus, please step back! This man is not Ian Valka! He is wearing a magic tool for transformation!”
“Eh?”
“Where have you taken my father! Speak, or I shall cut off your head!”
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I draw my sword and press it against his throat.
Searching with the tip of my sword for the chain that the magic tool must be hanging from, but I can’t find it.
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“I am Ian Valka! I am not using any magic tool for transformation!”
“If you claim so, then strip off your clothes!”
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He stripped.
There was no magic tool.
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“. . .You may dress.”
“. . .I am sorry, Father. . .”
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The room is filled with awkwardness. In my life, surely there will be nothing more awkward than this.
My half-naked father, Prince Linus, my grandfather, and I. Only the faint sound of clothing can be heard as my father dresses.
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Normally, isn’t this kind of experience supposed to be with a woman?
The first night with a wife, both of your clothes falling to the floor. . . or something like that, right? Why am I listening to the sound of clothes rubbing while in front of my half-naked father? Whose fault is this?
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. . .Is it my fault. . .