“It has been decided that Marquess Achard will be apprehended tomorrow at the music festival,” I said.
“I see… So the time has finally come for my father to pay for his crimes.”
It was the night before the national music festival. I was talking to Catherine before bed for what could very well be the last time.
Clément seemed to know we’d visited the Barlier estate, as he’d been making himself scarce ever since. Not even his son, Kristoff, knew where he was, but odds were high he was destroying as much evidence and preparing to shift whatever blame he could. He was the organizer of the music festival, though, so he had an obligation to show. We were planning to catch him tomorrow and indict him.
“Be careful, though, Claire. My father isn’t someone who would go down without a fight.”
“I’m aware.”
Catherine gave me a soft smile, making me shift uncomfortably. Tomorrow, if we arrested Clément, House Achard would be done for. Catherine would be without a home. How could she smile despite knowing that?
“You don’t need to force yourself to smile, Catherine.”
“What do you mean?”
“No matter what face you make, my resolve won’t waver. So please, stop forcing yourself to smile.”
“Aha ha ha… You saw right through me. There’s really no tricking you, huh?” Despite her words, her expression remained unchanged.
“Catherine…what if you became a child of House François?”
“What? Claire, you must be joking. You know that would never happen.” She laughed. But I was serious.
“Adoption is an option for us. Being a child of House Achard is enough pedigree to warrant it.”
“Perhaps, but Master Dole would never agree to it. He’s famous for showing no mercy to his enemies.”
That was true. My dad was well known to never forgive someone who made an enemy of him. That was one of the reasons why he was so feared. But I wouldn’t give up just because of that.
“I’ll convince him.”
“How?”
“I just will. Whatever it takes.”
“It’s impossible, Claire. It would stain the François name if the fact he took pity on the daughter of a criminal and a political enemy got out.”
“I wouldn’t be so sure. People might think him rather compassion—”
“Claire.” Catherine gently but firmly interrupted me as I continued to try to argue. “Don’t fill your head with unnecessary things. Just focus on making sure you corner my father tomorrow, okay?”
“…Okay.”
I agreed out loud, but internally, I hadn’t given up on helping her in the slightest. I tried to think how I could save her. If she couldn’t live on as a noble, then maybe she could as a commoner, or a nun in a convent?
“Hey, Claire?”
“Yes, Catherine?”
“Just how long have we known each other again?”
“I’d say it’s been about ten years already now.”
“I see… It feels like it’s been both forever and only a brief moment.”
I didn’t like how she used the past tense there. “We’re just getting started. I wouldn’t dare leave someone as troublesome as you alone.”
“Says you. I’m pretty sure you’re the real troublemaker here.”
“Oh, you’ve said it now!” I began tickling her.
“Ack, uncle, uncle! Claire, stop it!”
“Good grief…”
After some goofing around, a sudden silence formed. Silence wasn’t particularly uncomfortable for us, given how close we were, but something about it didn’t sit right with me now. Feeling restless, I began thinking of something to say, but she broke the silence before I could.
“Claire, could you grab me a candy?”
“This late, again? I’m surprised you haven’t developed cavities by now…”
“Ehe heh.”
“Hold on, I’ll fetch you one.”
“Grab one for yourself too.”
“I’m all right.”
“Please. I want to share my candy with you. This might be our last chance to.”
“…Catherine.” I wanted to insist otherwise, but I swallowed my words. I reached into the candy pot on her desk and took out two pieces, giving one to her and putting the other in my own mouth. I immediately tasted the unique flavor of licorice. “Now there’s only one piece left.”
“Looks like it.”
“If you remain on your best behavior tomorrow, I’ll buy you some more, Catherine.”
“And if I don’t?”
“Then I’ll eat the last piece myself.”
“Oh dear, I wouldn’t want that. I guess I’ll just have to behave.”
“Indeed.”
The candy’s flavor wasn’t quite to my liking, but I did enjoy making small talk with her.
There was a knock at our door. “It’s me.”
“Emma? What brings you here at this time of night?” I asked.
“Oh, I called for her. For tomorrow,” Catherine said.
“Tomorrow? What do you—”
“Emma, go ahead and come in,” Catherine interrupted.
“Pardon my intrusion.” Emma entered, still in her servant uniform.
“I don’t want you to worry about me, Claire. But please, look after Emma once I’m gone,” Catherine said.
“There you go aga—”
“Please.” Her face was serious for once, her usual lazy look nowhere to be found. I couldn’t say no to such a face, and she likely knew that too.
I sighed and said, “…Fine. I’ll help her look for work once—”
“I’m afraid I’ll have to refuse,” Emma sternly said to Catherine.
“Emma…?”
“There is only one master I will ever serve, and it is you, Lady Catherine.” Her somber, unyielding expression did not shift as she pledged her loyalty.
“Emma… I appreciate the sentiment, but come tomorrow, I won’t be able to keep you in my employ.”
“It matters not. I do not need pay to serve you.”
“Oh, Emma… That can’t be true. Please, try to understand…”
“I refuse, my lady.”
Seeing Emma not budge an inch, Catherine looked to me for help.
“Tell me, Emma, why are you so fixated on serving Catherine?” I asked.
“Because if she hadn’t taken me in, I would have long since died a dog’s death. I owe my life to my lady.”
According to her, there was once a time when she lived in the slums. She used to be a person of standing in another country but was ruined after she lost a political battle. Drifting aimlessly, she found her way to the Bauer Kingdom, where she was caught stealing and subsequently beaten. That was when Catherine intervened and saved her. From that point onward, she served as Catherine’s personal maid.
I’d thought she was simply following Clément’s orders, but it appeared she’d done it all out of genuine concern for Catherine. I couldn’t help but giggle. “Oh dear, I’m not so sure what to say, Catherine.”
“Don’t just laugh! Help me convince her,” Catherine pleaded.
“I’m afraid I cannot be swayed on this matter,” Emma said.
“Emmaaaa…” Catherine groaned. The sight of her so stumped made me continue to laugh.
“Come on, Catherine,” I said. “Stop being so stubborn. Let’s think of a way we can stay together past tomorrow. Okay?”
“Claire…”
“You have a friend and a loyal servant by your side. Please, lean on the two of us.”
She sighed. “The two of you can be so obstinate, really.” Raising her arms in surrender, she stared up at the ceiling. She seemed happy, though. There was a mountain of problems that needed to be cleared up, but I felt as though, somehow, everything would be okay.
…But of course, life was never so convenient.