Chapter 73
A short while after the carriage began moving again, Mariana spoke gently to Tiana.
“Lady Flora seemed so happy with the picture you drew for her.”
“Yeah… that made me really happy too.”
“I wish I could’ve seen the drawing Tiana made. Next time, draw one for me too, okay?”
“Eh? Oh—sure, I will.”
Tiana wondered if that was really okay. Her drawings were so clumsy—surely it wouldn’t make anyone happy to receive one.
As they rode on, Tiana and Ellie chatted cheerfully, reminiscing about the pleasant day they’d had.
Then—
Neighhh! Crash!
“Kyah!”
With a violent whinny and a loud crash, the carriage lurched sharply. Ellie managed to grab onto something, but Tiana was thrown forward.
Seeing that, Mariana reached out quickly and pulled her back.
“Tia! Are you all right!?”
“Milady, are you hurt!?”
Everyone’s faces were filled with worry as they looked at her.
“Y-yeah, I’m okay. Is everyone else all right?”
“Yes, we’re fine,” Ellie replied.
Thank goodness… no one’s hurt.
The impact had been strong, so she’d been afraid someone might have been injured. She felt a wave of relief.
But still—what had just happened? The carriage had come to a sudden stop.
Did something happen to the horses? Or maybe the wheels broke?
“Are you young ladies unharmed?”
It was Dino’s voice, calling through the window from outside.
“We’re fine, but—what happened?”
“There has been… a small incident,” he replied grimly.
“An incident?”
“The horses were shot.”
“What!? Shot!?”
Someone tried to kill us?
A chill ran through Tiana’s body. She didn’t want to die.
But if someone had gone so far as to shoot at them, it had to be for a reason.
What could they be after…?
“Are you saying assassins are targeting the young ladies?” Mariana asked, her tone sharp and serious.
“We don’t know for certain yet,” Dino answered, “but the likelihood is high. For now, you must not—under any circumstances—leave the carriage.”
“Understood.”
Hearing that, Mariana and Dalia quickly regained their composure, their usual calm settling back in.
“I’m relieved to see you understand,” Dino said.
Ellie trembled, realizing the assassins might be after their lives.
“To call for reinforcements, we’ll be launching a signal firework. There will be loud noises afterward as well, but please—do not come out.”
“…Okay.”
“I swear, I will see you safely home, my lady. Please trust us.”
“…Be careful,” Tiana whispered, trembling but still worrying about Dino’s safety.
Bang! Bang! Bang—
A flare shot up nearby, exploding with a deafening sound.
Mariana and Dalia immediately pulled the girls close, shielding them protectively.
Shhhk—clang!
Thud! Boom!
Outside, the sharp clash of swords, the twang of bows, and the roar of explosions filled the air.
Someone… please… help us.
Held tightly in Mariana’s arms, Tiana could feel the reality of mortal danger closing in on her.
—Meanwhile, back at the ducal estate…
