The priest saw us off with a smile that practically split his face.
“You needn’t worry about the boy. I’ll take the utmost care of him.”
I didn’t trust him in the slightest—but if nothing else, his greedy nature was reliable. Now that he’d seen Isabella’s ducal badge, there was no chance he’d dare mistreat Oliver.
“There’s one more favor I’d like to ask.”
“Oh?”
“Rebecca’s body… it should be at the coroner’s office by now.”
Bodies from the slums were usually cremated in bulk without so much as a record. Hers was probably awaiting that very fate.
“Could you see to it that she’s buried in Lazaro Cemetery?”
Perhaps because we’d just made a generous donation, the priest agreed readily.
“Such compassion will surely delight the gods. Mercy for the lowest of the low—that is the very virtue the divine wishes to see spread among mankind.”
…Funny how the man himself clearly thought mercy was only for those who could pay. Watching him change his tune so easily left a sour taste in my mouth.
“Please, put up a small stone with her name on it as well.”
That way, if I survived all this, I could return one day and finally give Isabella back her true name.
Hugh watched me with complicated eyes, saying nothing.
We shuffled out of the temple, and Hugh broke the silence.
“So what now? Do you honestly think you can take revenge on the count?”
“Well… the men chasing Isabella were cautious. They’d been tracking her for some time, but only struck when they reached a place with no prying eyes.”
Just the fact they avoided witnesses spoke volumes.
“They’re afraid of drawing attention.”
I looked down at the brooch in my hand. Its sapphire gleamed faintly—it was the heirloom passed down through the head of the Bräum family.
“Isabella planned to show this to prove she was his daughter. She dreamed of a touching reunion with her only family.”
“But the count only wanted the keepsake back… and to erase her afterward.”
“Exactly. So why not give him the one thing he fears most?”
I met Hugh’s gaze.
“Make sure everyone knows I’m the count’s daughter—before he has a chance to silence it.”
Hugh frowned in thought, then slowly nodded.
“That would certainly cause him trouble.”
“Which means we need to head for the capital. The nobles there thrive on gossip, and Count Bräum himself is staying in the city.”
Isabella had studied hard before leaving, including laws about proving parentage in court.
“I’m thinking of filing a special petition. It’s often used by illegitimate children seeking recognition, but in Isabella’s case, she’s the rightful heir. No stain on her name for requesting it.”
“An estranged daughter holds a public trial to prove her blood ties… and then suddenly dies? People will suspect the count—or his new wife.”
“Exactly. The Bräum family as a whole will be cornered.”
The key was to make it public before the count realized. Exposing his crimes could come later. First, I had to survive.
“So… just stay with me until I reach the capital and file that petition.”
Hugh’s eyes lingered on me for a long time before he finally muttered,
“…Then we’ll need the Mercenaries’ Guild.”
“The guild?”
“Yes. We’ll find a large caravan headed to the capital. The more people, the harder it is for enemies to act, and a wealthy caravan can afford strong mercenaries.”
“At the moment, there are two caravans of that scale. Both plan to hire A–rank mercs.”
“What are they transporting? How big are they? What’s the timetable?” Hugh pressed the receptionist with questions while I took in the noisy guild hall.
Walls plastered with job postings, weapons displayed on the side…
Then I felt it—someone staring.
“…?”
A stranger I’d never seen before was watching me. Blue hair, gray eyes. His neat attire set him apart from the rough mercenaries here. His gaze softened when it met mine.
“Ah—”
Before I could react, he was already walking toward me. His voice was gentle.
“Are you troubled, milady?”
But before I could answer, someone stepped in front of me. Hugh.
“Sorry. We’re just leaving.”
The man raised his hands placatingly.
“No offense meant. You just looked a bit lost, so I asked.”
Ignoring him, Hugh turned back to me.
“There are two caravans. Both about equal in size, cost, and guards.”
“Then we should choose whichever leaves sooner.”
I reached for the note in his hand—only for the blue–haired man to lean over and interject.
“If it were me, I’d choose the Timona caravan over the Carlion one. Carlion’s big, yes, but they’ve recently quarreled with a high noble. Travel might be… difficult.”
“Appreciate the advice,” Hugh cut him off coldly, “but the lady isn’t fond of chatting with strangers.”
“Then I suggest you hurry,” the man added smoothly. “Timona departs today.”
“….”
Despite Hugh’s obvious irritation, I addressed him directly.
“You seem to have something to say?”
He bowed with practiced grace.
“Baron Eric Vercker. I happen to run the Timona caravan.”
“….”
“I overheard my company’s name in your conversation, and—well, curiosity got the better of me.”
While Hugh scowled, I curtsied politely.
“Isabella. Isabella Harper.”
Eric took my hand and brushed a feather–light kiss across the back. The unfamiliar warmth made me flinch; I wasn’t used to such gestures.
With a pleasant smile, he offered,
“If you seek a caravan to the capital, I would be honored to host you. The road is long and dull alone—let us travel together.”
Hugh pulled me aside, whispering fiercely,
“Never accept a nobleman’s favor so lightly. Especially not one offered with such eagerness. Better to pay and keep your distance.”
“….”
He pressed a note into my hand. Numbers were scribbled under the caravan names.
“What’s this?”
“The fare to the capital. Even if you join, you’ll need your own carriage and lodging.”
“And the unit?”
“Gold, of course.”
At that, everything fell into place. I looked up, smiled sweetly at Eric, and extended my hand.
“Then I gratefully accept your generosity, my lord. Thank you.”
“The honor is mine, Lady Isabella.”
While he went to prepare a fine four–horse carriage, Hugh skewered me with a glare.
“I had no choice.”
“…What.”
“I don’t have money.”
His eyes widened in disbelief.
“…Don’t tell me.”
I averted my gaze.
“I left it with the temple—for Oliver.”
“You gave them everything?”
I remembered the priest’s grin stretching ear to ear. It wouldn’t last, but at least it proved I cared enough for the boy to entrust him such a sum. It was the only safeguard I could leave behind.
“Don’t worry. I’ll be fine.”
Hugh’s brow furrowed.
“Fine? How?”
I smiled faintly.
“I can accept favors while keeping my heart closed. I won’t give him anything more. Just take the help and walk away. No problem at all.”
When Eric’s luxurious carriage arrived, I climbed aboard. Hugh watched me with a face so troubled it almost hurt to look at.
