I wondered if there was any connection between those facts and Lord Nigel’s current situation. “Does it involve your family?”
“Hmm... Well, it’s nothing you need to worry about.”
He evaded the topic, hinting that it would be a long story. If his business didn’t concern his family, then it had something to do with the relationship between the countries. I recalled him saying something about that being the reason he was paying attention to Princess Mira. Vissel and Shulk were so far apart that they didn’t have much of a relationship, but perhaps ambassadors were privy to more in-depth information.
“Then, were you really just here to check up on me?”
“That’s part of it, but in truth, I spotted a strange man leaving the Vissel embassy yesterday.”
As I was about to hum in response, I realized the gravity of his words. “Around what time?!”
“About three. While in my carriage on the thin road between the embassy and the next building over, I saw a shadow jump down, most likely having climbed over the wall. At first, I just assumed it was a thief bold enough to appear in broad daylight, but then I heard about the carriage accident at the river. I thought this may have had something to do with it.”
I put my hand to my chin, unsure of where to start. “Did you not think of catching the supposed thief? Or reporting them to the embassy?”
“My carriage was just passing by, so I only glimpsed the shadow for a split second. I didn’t want to get involved in another embassy’s business.”
“That’s rather heartless of you.”
“Relationships between embassies are complex. There are times it is actually more kind to pretend like you don’t notice certain things. Both parties are sure to have inner workings that they don’t want found out, so neither will dig too deep.”
Ms. Eva cut in. “He found it too bothersome to deal with, in other words. He would’ve leaped out of his carriage had the thief been at a woman’s house.”
Lord Nigel laughed but averted his eyes.
I pressed my hand further into my chin. “You thought they were a spy, so you didn’t chase after them... But in actuality, they were the culprit of the accident, weren’t they?”
“You think so as well?”
“The brake parts were removed!” I exclaimed. “It wasn’t an issue with maintenance—a person intentionally removed them! Oh, thank goodness... So it can’t have been one of the embassy employees!”
Lord Nigel had most likely witnessed the culprit behind the carriage defects. Three o’clock was right before the princess and I had set off, and the shadowy figure had appeared near where the carriages had been parked.
It was frightening to hear that the culprit had been spotted, but I was more relieved than anything. I’d been suspecting the embassy staff the whole time, and the falling boxes incident had even made me suspect Ambassador Van Rail—just a wee, tiny bit. I’d had no choice but to doubt him. After all, he was the one to have led me over to the location near the boxes after having coincidentally run into me at the bazaar. And since the boxes fell just after we’d said our goodbyes, the setup had been just too dubious. On another note, Mr. Mace was also a suspect. We had to consider the possibility that he’d purposefully tampered with his own carriage to get Princess Mira into mine. However, neither of those men could have committed these acts. If the culprit really had been outside of the embassy grounds at the time, then it couldn’t have been Mr. Mace or any of the embassy employees.
I told Lord Nigel as much, and he nodded in approval. “It’s a bit too early to say anything for sure, but I can’t think of a reason Ambassador Van Rail would target you.”
Exactly! He’s a very good person who gave me and Lord Simeon advice when our engagement almost broke off. He saved us! Having to suspect people I was on good terms with was painful. But it wasn’t him! Neither Ambassador Van Rail, nor any of his fellow embassy staff. Thank goodness!
Lord Nigel chuckled at the tears of happiness welling up in my eyes. “I’m sorry to interrupt you while you’re celebrating, but you’re still being targeted. I mentioned as much earlier, but the person who pushed over those boxes was trying to crush you under them. We have to report this to the Vice Captain. Will you go straight to the palace?”
My chest was laden with another weight, pushing down the happiness filling it. I wasn’t sure what to do. Lord Simeon had worriedly warned me plenty this very morning, telling me to have a guard with me whenever I went out and to never act alone. To tell him that this incident occurred just hours later would be... It wasn’t as if I’d forgotten his warning. I just hadn’t expected something to happen in a bustling bazaar.
Urgh... He’s going to scold me. I don’t want to tell him.
I stared at an indistinct point on the floor to sort out my thoughts.
Lord Simeon...is busy right now. I couldn’t possibly force him to rush back home. The only thing that would accomplish is worrying him further.
I steeled my resolve. “That would be bothersome. I’ll do it later.”
“Is it just me, or are you speaking your inner thoughts out loud?”
“I’ll simply remain holed up in my study and not leave for a while. I don’t know who’s targeting me, or for what reason, but they can’t reach me if I’m stuck indoors. Once Princess Mira goes back to Vissel and this situation blows over, I’ll explain everything to Lord Simeon.”
I made the declaration that I would go straight home—no detours whatsoever. That made Lord Nigel exchange glances with Ms. Eva, but they didn’t press further.
That’s right, I’ll be in no danger if I remain at home. Mother-in-law is sure to understand, and she’ll even let me take a break from social events for the time being. All I’ll have to do is make much more progress on my manuscripts.
N-Not that that’s my real goal or anything!
The day’s falling boxes had been scary for sure, but if you asked me whether I’d felt killing intent behind them, I’d be doubtful. I’d probably have gotten away with just a few injuries had I been hit, only dying if my luck had been particularly bad. The culprit’s goal may simply have been to threaten me. That was why the best course of action was to react calmly, without being too fearful. I’d let the Flauberts and the servants know, then I’d huddle up in my study until Lord Simeon returned home.
Indeed, there was no need for me to waver with this solid plan. With writing as my priority, I could forget about all the anxiety.
That was what I’d thought...until that night.
“Marielle.”
The person behind my study door was none other than my husband, who should have been in the palace. His expression was a blend of anger, unease, and ambivalence.
I then caught Lord Nigel smiling widely behind him, which made me realize my utter blunder.
I...forgot to tell Lord Nigel to keep it a secret...