Chapter 270 |
『Side Story』 The Balance Scale (11)
TL: TangSanFan
ED/PR: Tanthus
The Caldem Inn is a place in the commercial city of Oldec, built specifically to accommodate the most precious guests. It is a colossal inn, owning four prominent buildings at the entrance of Oldec, with the top floors of all these properties being luxurious rooms designed for entertaining the highest-ranking VIPs. It’s hard to imagine one guest taking up two whole floors, but for a guest of continental renown, this level of luxury wouldn’t even be considered excessive.
Over many years, caldem Inn has hosted a multitude of VIPs, and thus they’ve accumulated a significant know-how in providing top-level service. Nevertheless, preparing in just one day to welcome the Holy Maiden of Carpea City’s cathedral was an exceedingly demanding task.
As soon as the mayor of Oldec gave the order, all hands were mobilized to prepare for the VIP’s arrival urgently. However, to say that the preparations were fitting for Holy Maiden Clarice was, at best, an understatement.
Given that they had managed this much in barely 6 hours, the officials from the Holy City made no particular complaints about the arrangements. After all, holy Maiden Clarice had decided to make the visit without prior notice due to a sudden whim.
“It was supposed to be a visit to the Imperial City to conduct a service,” she said.
“We are grateful that you have adjusted your schedule so suddenly. We owe you a great debt.”
Ed’s tone was much more formal than usual. Too many eyes were watching.
The location was the most prestigious guest room of the Caldem Inn. Not much different from Holy Maiden Clarice’ office in the Holy City, the area was filled with the Holy Maiden’s aides.
Given the vigilant eyes of the chivalric order of the church, it was clear they would have been not very pleased if Ed treated them as casually as he would at the Sylvania Academy.
Fully aware of the gravity of the situation, Ed did not show any objection to Clarice’ somewhat reserved demeanor; however, it left Clarice feeling uneasily apologetic.
“This dispute over the Elte Trading Company will turn out to be a significant gain for the Holy City.”
Having summoned Holy Maiden Clarice to Oldec in this manner, it was time for the aftermath to be dealt with. Trust alone wasn’t going to solve the issue.
The position of a Holy Maiden was less like that of an individual and more akin to an institution or a collective. Her mere movement could unsettle the schedules within the Holy City, requiring many subordinates to take action.
Therefore, Clarice had to provide a valid reason for her movement, as it directly tied to Ed’s reputation and trustworthiness.
“Imposing a substantial debt onto the next head of the Elte Trading Company holds great importance for the independent influence of the Holy Maiden.”
The aides exchanged cautious glances at that statement.
Although Clarice carried the clout of the Telos Congregation, she was by no means an absolute authority. The Holy City and the archbishops, despite pretending otherwise, were always keenly observing the political landscape… All power structures seemed similar after all.
Even those who serve the gods are not entirely free from the mire of conflict. Disputes are inherently a part of human nature.
To possess a completely independent power base, garnering as many allies as possible is a necessity.
“The deal with the Elte Trading Company… It’s your ‘blueprint’, so to speak, Lord Ed.”
The mutual binding of the Holy City and the Elte Trading Company.
With Holy Maiden Clarice’ assurance, the Elte Trading Company, led by Lord Lortelle, will dominate the majority of the Holy City’s logistics distribution.
For Lortelle, this significant deal not only ensures vast economic benefits from the logistics distribution of the Holy City but also amplifies her voice within the internal power structure of the company. With such backing, securing the position of the next head of the company is almost guaranteed.
For Clarice, implementing the Holy City’s logistics primarily through the Elte Trading Company means her influence and voice within the city would significantly increase.
The more the Holy City’s dependency on logistics leans towards the Elte Trading Company, the louder the voice of Clarice, who has indebted the company’s head, becomes.
In this process of extending influence for internal cohesion, Ed Rothtaylor acts as a bridge between both parties.
Both Holy Maiden Clarice and Lortelle Kehelen are ultimately acting upon the trust placed in Ed.
The clergy’s aides solemnly observed Ed, who lowered his head quietly. It felt as though they were looking at a great imperial map, traced with countless movements and alignments of power.
The Elte Trading Company’s assault incident would just be passed off as an internal power struggle accident.
The focus will eventually center on the scene where Clarice arrives and Lortelle becomes the new head of the Elte Trading Company.
The name of the noble brute who attacked and destroyed the Elte Trading Company might be quietly buried. However, the true architect behind the scenes is that blond noble.
In such cases, the real power brokers often remain unseen, influencing events silently from beneath the surface.
The aides, feeling like they had glimpsed a piece of this secret orchestration, could only quietly swallow their anxiety.
“It seems like an offer I have no reason to refuse, Lord Ed.”
Hearing Ed’s explanation, Clarice smiled kindly. She couldn’t be as cheerful as she was at the Sylvania Academy, but her smile was sincere nonetheless.
There was no intention to refuse Ed’s proposition.
“Indeed, the reason is sufficient to make me rush over here, casting aside other plans.”
“Thank you for saying that.”
“I’ll give instructions to the aides for the detailed contract terms. However… regarding the aftermath of the assault…”
At that point, Clarice’s eyes landed on two people kneeling at the entrance of the guest room.
One was the maid, Belle Maiar, observing decorum with calm composure.
The other was a girl, visibly unsure of what to do, Lortelle Kehelen.
Overcome by the solemn atmosphere, Lortelle was nervously dripping with an adorable sweat.
“If Lortelle’s condition is like this, it’s certainly troubling from my perspective… she needs to start her duties as the next head soon…”
“… All I can say is that time will solve this issue.”
“That’s not urgent, but still, I’m worried Slog might not sit idly by.”
Having just escaped the chaos at the trading company, Clarice was understandably concerned as she returned to the inn.
“… Do not worry about that.”
Ed closed his eyes and replied in a low tone.
“Slog Kelldrux is dead. I confirmed it myself.”
* * *
“You’ve worked hard. I’ve sent a messenger hawk to inform Lady Tanya that the Elte Trading Company’s affairs have been settled.”
“You too, Belle. You handled everything I ordered precisely.”
Belle had chosen accommodation that wasn’t lavish but was practical.
It fulfilled my instruction to find a place with a clear view of the docks, a quaint inn overlooking the ships lined along the coastline.
With rows of trees stretching beneath a gentle hill and the distant horizon visible, I leaned back in my chair, propping my feet up on the table.
As the sea breeze wafted through the curtains, fatigue washed over me.
Lortelle, who had accompanied Belle, was already fast asleep on a bed corner, looking entirely at peace. It was a sight that could soften anyone’s heart.
“When do you plan to return home? Sylvania Academy’s term is starting soon, so you’ll need to be back to head to Acken Isle for the opening days.”
“Yes, I’m considering it, but there’s still some business left in Oldec. I’ll hand over Lortelle to Secretary Lien soon.”
Until the curse is lifted, secretary Lien can take good care of Lortelle.
She’s currently handling the traitors in the trading company… She’ll be busy for a while.
“Lord Ed?” said Belle, hesitantly.
“Don’t worry. I know. With your absence from the estate, it must be chaotic. You are over there.”
As I’ve said repeatedly, Belle is a core member of the estate management team.
With no one yet to fill her shoes adequately, one can only imagine the state of the estate. It’s certain Belle has considered this.
Looking at her luggage neatly packed as she entered the room, it was clear she was ready to return.
With my back against the chair’s rest, I lifted my feet onto the table.
Feeling the afternoon sea breeze, I became gradually more lethargic.
“Feel free to return ahead of me. I have a couple more things to wrap up here in Oldec… I’ll catch up after I finish.”
“Thank you for your understanding.”
“Thank you for your service.”
“When you return, I’ll make sure to prepare everything in advance so as not to show you the disgraceful state of our home.”
Despite the odds, Belle certainly struggled a lot on this recent business trip to Oldec.
Having come all this distance by carriage, and immediately being put to work on various tedious tasks upon arrival… the accumulated fatigue must be more than ordinary.
All the major tasks have come to an end.
Just when I thought of letting her take a break from the manor, without having to worry about anyone else… her idea of a break turns out to be going straight back to work.
– Swish.
She lifted the wooden luggage bag she had prepared earlier onto the table, checking if anything was left behind.
I silently watched Belle move her hands with an expressionless face, then suddenly spoke.
“Hey, Belle.”
“… Yes?”
“How long have you been working as a maid?”
From her departure from the Flanchell Baron’s household, to a brief stay at the Cledric Monastery, then to Ophelius Hall, and finally at the Rothtaylor residence.
For Belle, who had been working as a maid her whole life, tracking her full experience would be impossible, even with both hands.
“… I’ve never counted the years accurately. As I mentioned, I was already doing this job around the time I became sensible…”
“Is that so.”
“Yes. Is there anything in particular that concerns you?”
“… No.”
I leaned back in the chair and nonchalantly asked.
“Do you never get tired?”
“Thank you for your concern. However, I do take breaks when necessary, so I am not overworking myself. Taking care of one’s condition is also an important task.”
“It’s not so much concern… I’m just curious. I don’t quite understand what it feels like to do the same thing for a lifetime.”
“… May I ask why you are suddenly curious about this?”
“… I’m not sure.”
I gazed out the window, propping my chin on my hand.
The blue sky, the sun hanging in the middle of the sky, the caress of the seaside breeze.
Occasionally, the faint snores of the sleeping Lortelle and the rustling of the curtains.
“What do you think would be the right time to consider retirement?”
“Retirement… are you speaking of?”
“Yeah. When do you think would be the time to slowly let go of a job that has been one’s livelihood for their entire life… it makes me wonder…”
“… I never particularly imagined it but thinking about it now…”
Belle stopped moving her arms, looked out the window too, and spoke.
“… Do you remember when I worked at Ophelius Hall?”
“Of course.”
“The former head maid, Lady Alice… despite the unfortunate end… decided to quit when her body no longer allowed her to work. I imagine I will be the same. As long as my body allows, I will continue to work.”
Belle then closed her eyes tightly and, with her gaze downward, continued.
“After all, retiring from a job that has been one’s lifetime occupation is not an easy decision.”
“… Right.”
The busy wharf I gazed upon outside the window was still bustling with merchants today.
“It’s probably the same for everyone. Sorry for asking you pointless questions.”
“Not at all.”
With that, I surrendered to the encroaching drowsiness.
When the sun sets and the moon rises, I expect to be reached out to by either Lien, my secretary, or someone from the government office.
Until then, it’s a sweet respite.
Relaxing my overworked body, I quietly exhaled.
* * *
– Boom, bang!
A collision sound woke me up.
When I closed my eyes, the sun had been high in the sky, but as I regained consciousness it seemed to have already set.
Under a sky smeared with a reddish hue, the busy wharf was winding down its day.
The cries of seagulls now gave off a solitary feel.
The scene near the table by the window where I sat had completely changed in a short time, bathed in a crimson color, as though I had fallen asleep for longer than intended during my nap.
I was quite fatigued.
“…”
A letter from Belle was on the table. She seemed to have left for home on her own, thinking it inappropriate to wake me. Since I had given her permission, there should be no problem.
I shook my hair a few times and stood up, dispelling the remaining drowsiness.
My mouth felt dry, so I thought of drinking some cold water, but the teapot was empty.
I remembered feeling exhausted and thirsty before falling asleep; I must have drunk it all. Apparently, I’d need to go to the inn’s lobby to get some more water.
“Ugh, stretch…”
I stood up, stretched mightily, and made my way out of the room to the lobby, holding the teapot.
The wooden floor thumped as I descended to the downstairs lobby, where I requested some more water from the seated attendant.
The kind attendant quickly retrieved cold water for me.
“Do you need anything like clothes?” the attendant offered.
“… Pardon?”
“Oh, if it’s not a bother… I shouldn’t have asked…”
“…?”
Puzzled by the attendant’s odd question, I decided not to give it much thought.
Holding the teapot full of cold water, I returned to my room, from which I could hear strange noises.
It seemed Lortelle, who had fallen asleep before me, must have woken up. Since she went to bed earlier than me, it was understandable that she’d be awake. With all the surprises and running around, she must be tired and might need comforting.
Nodding to myself, I opened the door.
“Hey, Lortelle. You’re awa──”
– Crash, thud!
As I entered, Lortelle startled and flipped the blanket over her head in surprise.
“…”
Despite her shock, I walked into the room and placed the teapot on the table by the window.
I sat comfortably in the chair and began to casually chat.
“Belle went back already. She’s busy, so she couldn’t stay. Don’t cry because Belle’s gone, for a while you’ll probably be with Lien, the secretary from Elte Merchant Association…”
As I was speaking calmly, something felt off. The sight of Lortelle wrapped in the blanket, hugging herself tightly inside it, seemed unnatural…
“… Lortelle?”
Glancing towards the bed, I noticed several pieces of clothing on the floor.
Garments that belonged to the young Lortelle…
At this point, I had a suffocating realization.
“… Lortelle… are you…?”
…
No response.
Lortelle’s body was one with the blanket, not wanting to come out, and somehow… appeared larger than usual.
… There’s no benefit in pressuring for an answer here. Although I’m not someone known for delicacy, even I can read the room.
All of a sudden, my throat felt even drier. Taking another gulp of the cold water, I listened to the sound echo eerily in the silence. After quietly wiping my face with water, it seemed I couldn’t stay put forever.
After repeatedly sweeping my face with my hands and taking a short breath, I approached Lortelle’s bed.
“And there, on the bed…”
“…”
“Have you… been awake long?”
“About…an hour or so…”
From her tone, the voice was clear and precise, certainly Lortelle’s.
“…”
“…”
“If it’s not too much trouble, could you… explain… like your current condition, or the circumstances… any pain or adverse effects… how are you feeling psychologically… it’s important…”
“…”
I looked at Lortelle underneath the blanket, speaking as calmly as I could.
“The… body.. seems… alright, I guess…”
“Good…”
“I woke up a while ago… You were still asleep… so…”
“…”
“I… I didn’t have any clothes that fit… and… I was too embarrassed, so I just wrapped the blanket around me quickly… but… it didn’t go according to plan…”
The bizarre question from the attendant earlier now made perfect sense.
“So… I’m sorry for rambling but…”
“It’s okay… take your time…”
She must have recalled everything from when she was under the curse…
The single word ‘black history’ hardly does justice to such an extensive and fatal record.
Lortelle… spoke amidst pain in her voice, shrinking back into himself.
“Please… Ed, don’t misunderstand… listen…”
“…”
“I… want to die……………….”
Yes… That’s understandable…
The struggle is just beginning… Stay strong… It’s a fight with yourself…
It’s time to make a steadfast decision……!!