𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟓𝟔: 𝐁𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
“Lara, let’s talk to the Marchioness first about investigating Irma’s case. If she opposes it—―”
“Yes, I won’t insist if she’s against it.”
ㅤ
My wish to investigate this case is a personal whim.
By delving into it, I may encounter danger, and there’s a chance the Marchioness might find it bothersome.
If she’s against it, I intend to withdraw easily.
ㅤ
“Is Lord Montyver alright with this?”
“Me?”
“Yes. Are you okay with investigating Miss Irma’s case? You don’t find it repulsive?”
“Not at all. In fact, I’m thinking I want to investigate it properly.”
ㅤ
Until now, Lord Montyver seemed to be avoiding thinking about Irma’s death.
ㅤ
“But as you pointed out, there are some suspicious points that bother me.”
“If you get involved in any danger—”
“Don’t worry, I’ll protect you in such a situation. After all, I’ve navigated through life-threatening crises many times before.”
“Thank you.”
ㅤ
With Lord Montyver’s cooperation, I feel encouraged.
Before that, I’ll talk to the Marchioness.
ㅤ
When we returned to the mansion, the Marchioness looked at us with a solemn face.
Ga-chan also came to me, but looked up at me as if trying to gauge my mood.
ㅤ
“What is it, both of you coming together?”
“Actually, we have something to talk about with the Marchioness.”
“I can only feel a bad premonition.”
ㅤ
In a slightly awkward atmosphere, we start talking around the freshly brewed tea.
Ga-chan was quietly nibbling on a sugar cube at the corner of the table.
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“Marchioness, actually, we—―”
“Wait, isn’t it too early for you two to get married?!”
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To interrupt Lord Montyver’s words, the Marchioness rambles on quickly.
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“Eh, marriage?”
ㅤ
At the unexpected reaction, Lord Montyver looked bewildered.
In the ensuing silence, the Marchioness seemed to realize her jump to conclusions.
ㅤ
“Could it be, you are not talking about wanting to get married?”
“No, it’s not that.”
“Well, that’s misleading!!”
ㅤ
She misunderstood, thinking we came to announce our marriage because we showed up with a more open attitude than ever before.
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“If it’s not about marriage, then what is it?!”
“We want to investigate Irma’s case.”
“That’s what it was—―eh?”
“Perhaps Irma might have been killed by someone. So, we want to uncover the truth.”
ㅤ
The Marchioness opened her eyes wide, trembling around her mouth.
ㅤ
“We came together to report to you that we want to investigate Irma’s case.”
“Why. . . . . .Why now do you want to investigate?”
ㅤ
A heavy atmosphere flowed, as if being crushed.
To the Marchioness’ question, Lord Montyver, who seemed to have steeled his stomach, answered.
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“Even though it’s been three years since she passed away, I feel as if my mind is shackled. . . . . .If I knew the clear reason why she lost her life, I feel I could truly accept Irma’s death. That’s not just me, but the Marchioness too, right?”
“That’s. . . . . .”
ㅤ
Recently, the Marchioness has become more cheerful than before.
However, there are times when she shows a sad expression and emits an atmosphere that doesn’t allow anyone close.
During those times, I wonder if the Marchioness is thinking about Irma.
ㅤ
“We’ll definitely uncover the truth, so please wait for a while.”
ㅤ
Lord Montyver held the Marchioness’ hand and bowed his head. I followed suit.
He looked straight into her eyes. There, the Marchioness seemed to realize something.
ㅤ
“Leon, you’ve found ‘a ray of light’ in the unseen mist, haven’t you?”
“That’s right. The Marchioness will surely find a way out too.”
ㅤ
Not to force ourselves and to rely on the Marquis family if we are likely to face any danger.
With those conditions, the Marchioness gave her permission to investigate.
ㅤ
🔸🔸🔸🔸🔸🔸
ㅤ
Lord Montyver, it seems, is first set to investigate Irma’s social circle.
The list of her friends and acquaintances was provided by the Marchioness.
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For now, I decided to hear about Irma from Rachael.
Therefore, it resulted in an invitation to her after a long time.
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“Lara-san, it’s been a while.”
“Yes, indeed.”
“Have you been well?”
“As you can see, I’ve been living in great health.”
ㅤ
The weather is good today, so I invited her to the cottage’s garden.
I got some seasonal rhubarb from the chef and decided to make a pie.
Rachael, who seems to love rhubarb, was pleased.
After consuming about three slices of the pie, Rachael lent her ears to my conversation.
ㅤ
“So, what did you want to ask?”
“I wanted to inquire a little about Miss Irma.”
“Oh, why so?”
ㅤ
I have no intention of revealing to Rachael about the investigation into Irma’s incident.
Because there is a possibility that she could be put in danger if something happened.
For that reason, I spoke about the reason I had thought of beforehand.
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“Actually, I have been concerned about Lord Montyver lately.”
“Oh! Is that so?”
“Yes. I heard a while back that Lord Montyver was once engaged to Miss Irma, and I became curious about the kind of woman she was.”
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As expected, I cannot ask the Marchioness about Irma. When I confessed this, Rachael seemed to understand.
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“That makes sense. But. . . . . .”
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She plainly told me that she could not recommend Lord Montyver as a love interest. I almost agreed with her on this.
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“But it’s Lara-san’s freedom, after all. I’m sorry.”
“No.”
ㅤ
I feel apologetic for lying.
I motivated myself that it was for the resolution of the case.
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“So, could you tell me about Miss Irma?”
“Oh, right. About Irma—―To be honest, would it be better to say that I don’t know much about her?”
“Even though she is your cousin?”
“Yes. To tell the truth, I didn’t get along well with her.”
ㅤ
I was surprised by Rachael’s confession as I had assumed they were on good terms.
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