Chapter 32: The Ominous Figures Begin Their Investigation
《Edward’s Side》
When I saw Lady Liese rushing over to Serios, a gritty discomfort spread within my chest.
Normally, she treats everyone kindly, and even towards me, the Prince, she maintained a respectful and adoring attitude, all while keeping a certain distance.
Other women, if they were nobles, would try to curry favor to be liked even a little. Commoner women, on the other hand, seem to think it’s too presumptuous to do anything for me, the Prince, and don’t even approach.
But Lady Liese alone, without fawning like noblewomen, nor becoming servile like commoner women, would speak to me.
That was a pleasant time for me.
However, when Serios is involved, she directs a resolute attitude towards me.
And her words seemed to hold no lies or deceit. Even so, why is that? Because of the distrust I harbor for the man named Serios, I cannot deny the contradiction with Lady Liese’s actions.
“Lord Edward, what will you do?”
Beside me, Raul let out a cold voice. His sharp, silver eyes were likely recalling the earlier scene. Unable to completely hide his irritation, he let out a small sigh.
He also had concerns similar to mine and had enjoyed conversing with Lady Liese.
“Honestly, I find it incomprehensible. Lady Liese protecting him is likely due to their Master-Servant Relationship, but is her will truly reflected in that? I think it’s unnatural for her attitude towards us to change so suddenly.”
Raul nodded in agreement with my words.
Lady Liese’s resolute demeanor from before was certainly beautiful and worthy of respect.
However, the reason she appears to swear such loyalty to Serios… I just can’t understand it. Why Serios of all people?
“I can’t stand that Serios,” Gard spat out, crossing his arms irritably.
As the son of the Marshal, for him, who has absolute confidence in his strength, a worthy rival like Liese was a favorable opponent.
And Serios’s villainous type is likely an object of his disgust.
“It’s weird, ain’t it? A strong woman like Lady Liese obeying a guy like him—there’s gotta be something shady going on.”
“I agree. Could Serios be using the power of gold or holding her family hostage? It could also be interpreted that he’s threatening her with something.”
At Raul’s calm speculation, I furrowed my brows slightly.
“Threatening her… huh.”
It certainly seems possible. However, Lady Liese’s eyes were clear, and she didn’t seem to be lying. But, to overturn that, I can’t deny the possibility that she’s under some kind of influence from Serios.
“You guys, consider our positions too,” Gard continued, not hiding his irritation. “It’s infuriating enough that he’s treating Lady Liese however he wants, but what if we interfere and it causes problems later?”
“That’s true…”
I bit my lip.
I don’t know what Serios is doing to Lady Liese. However, it’s a fact that he called her away right in front of us, as if taking her away.
And as a result, Lady Liese went to that man.
“Lord Edward, what will you do?” Raul asked again. His calm, rational gaze was seeking my judgment.
From it, I could read his intention to help if I decided to retaliate against Serios in some way.
“…It’s natural to be concerned for Lady Liese’s well-being. Besides, if Serios is involving her in something, I can’t overlook it.”
When I said that, Raul gave a small nod.
“Indeed. As the Prince, that stance is admirable. However, confronting Serios directly might not be wise. We’ll need to present him with some kind of evidence.”
“Evidence, huh…”
“That’s right. For example, if we could catch him in the act of threatening her—”
“Nah, do we really need to take such a roundabout way?” Gard interrupted Raul. “We can just ask him directly, can’t we? ‘Hey, Serios, what the hell are you doing?’ And if he tries to make excuses, then we’ll just crush him ourselves.”
At his simplistic remark, Raul heaved a deep sigh.
“I’m saying your impulsive way of thinking is the problem. Serios is a man with noble status. This isn’t an issue that can be resolved with force.”
“Then what are we supposed to do!?”
“…At the very least, we need to investigate the relationship between Serios and Lady Liese. It’s paramount to confirm whether she is by his side of her own free will, or if some other force is at play.”
What Raul pointed out to Gard was correct. First, we need to investigate their relationship once more.
“…I agree.”
I nodded at Raul’s words. To know Lady Liese’s true intentions, we first need to investigate Serios’s movements.
“However, let’s investigate cautiously, rather than directly condemning his actions. Also to find out what Lady Liese feels towards him.”
“Understood. Though I feel like punching that guy’s face with all my might,” Gard grumbled discontentedly, but he still followed our opinion.
“Well then, let’s gather information.”
With Raul’s words, we shared a common course of action.
To find out what Serios is thinking, what lies behind his actions. For that purpose, we resolved to move on to our next action.
Among the three of us, our respective positions and emotions were intertwined.
Does Lady Liese truly adore Serios? Or is she being manipulated by something—the answer is still unknown.
But, there was one thing we were sure of.
“If anything happens that makes her cry… we will act.”
At that time, Serios, we shall question your resolve.