“However, that ilk are difficult to command, and there’s the threat of betrayal. So, it’s very possible that he has one of his own subordinates accompanying them to control them. That man is a fool and a coward, so I doubt he would leave everything in the hands of strangers,” Lord Franz continued.
“Will you recognize his subordinate if you see them?” I asked.
“He doesn’t have many subordinates who are fit for the task. I have a few people in mind already, so I most likely can.” His expression belied his cautious wording. The grim look on his face told me he was determined to stop his father, even if he had to sacrifice himself to do so.
This isn’t good. I had a vague inkling when I saw how emaciated he was, but Lord Franz is too serious. He’s trying to shoulder everything alone. I can’t bear to watch. It reminds me of my past self when I struggled to depend on others.
However, Klaus spoke up first. “If you’re aware of that much, then why don’t you confront your father and stop him?” He asked this in an accusatory tone, placing even more pressure on him.
“Klaus!” I chided.
Lord Franz didn’t seem offended and simply smiled wryly. “It shames me to admit, but I still don’t hold a single scrap of power in our home. As indolent as that man is, he’s endeavored—no, spared no coin to preserve his authority. If I censure him without any evidence or witnesses, his subordinates who are reaping the benefits of his status won’t stay silent.”
Lord Franz is blaming himself for being inadequate, but that’s not true. He’s trying to fight someone who’ll use any method, fair or foul, within the law. Of course it’d be a struggle.
“And though I discovered the crime he intends to commit, reporting it when it’s still only a plan is not enough to depose him as head of the household. If I quash his plan with half-baked measures, he’ll continue to do as he pleases and come up with more worthless schemes. Next time, he’ll be more careful to not get caught. I judged that it would be worse if I failed to notice his schemes and intervened too late.”
Klaus looked like he wanted to say something, but this time, he remained silent.
“Yes, I agree as well,” I said. It’s troublesome that he’s targeting the harvest festival, but since we knew about it beforehand, we took countermeasures. However, we don’t know whether we’ll obtain information on his plans in advance next time. So, I want to shut him down completely and finally this time.
“I’m truly sorry for using the people of Prelier as bait. I intend to do everything I can to stop him, but...” Lord Franz broke off in the middle and dropped his gaze to his feet. “If something happens, I will take responsibility with my own two hands and—”
His voice had dropped an octave lower, and it made chills run down my spine. “Let’s do everything we can so that nothing happens!” I blurted out before I could think. For some reason, I had the feeling I shouldn’t let him finish that sentence.
His eyes widened in surprise. The shadow that had haunted his face only seconds ago vanished, and he appeared more youthful. I examined him closely, my hand pressed against my wildly beating chest. It wasn’t the cute pitter-patter a lady got when standing in front of a handsome young man. It was the same rush one would experience when they’d managed to grab the hand of someone who had leaped off a cliff in the nick of time—a mix of relief and fear. This is very bad for my heart.
“You and I, and my subordinates too, are all here to ensure nothing happens... We all have the same objective, so please don’t torment yourself over this alone,” I said.
Lord Franz’s eyes widened even more. Then, his face contorted like he was about to cry, and he looked down as though to escape from my gaze. “Okay,” he said in a whisper so faint it felt like he might disappear.
It sounded like he was tearing up, and I became flustered. Did I make him cry? I pulled out my handkerchief in a quiet panic. I held it out to him, giving him a lousy excuse that there was dirt on his cheek, and he meekly accepted it.
After nearly a full minute of silence, Lord Franz raised his head. I was secretly relieved to see that there were no traces of tears around his eyes. His pallor was still poor, but it seemed to have improved somewhat.
“I apologize for the unsightly display,” he said.
“Not at all.” I wanted to ask if he was okay, but I stopped myself. I’m sure he doesn’t want it brought up.
“It’s about time,” Klaus urged, sour-faced and without any regard for Lord Franz’s feelings.
That’s not an attitude you should take with the son of a duke, but I’m grateful he dispelled the awkward atmosphere.
“Yes, we’d best hurry. Do you have any idea where they might target?” I asked.
“Is there a location that will attract the most attention today? I suspect he will aim there,” Lord Franz replied.
“Attention?” I thought for a moment. “I suppose the highlights of the festival are the contest of strength and the cooking contest.”
“Then I think he’ll try to interlope in one of those.”
Because we needed to prepare ingredients and equipment in advance for the cooking contest, registration closed a week ago. Similarly, we chose judges ahead of time. But sightseers can participate in the contest of strength, so if he’s going to wreak havoc, it’ll be there. It’s dangerous to jump to conclusions, though. I should keep an eye on both events. Fortunately, they start at different times. If nothing happens at the contest of strength, then I’ll move to the cooking contest site.
“It’s almost time for the contest of strength to begin. Let’s hurry.”
I sent a knight to relay our newfound information to Sir Leonhart and all the overseers at each site, then set off for the contest of strength’s venue.