Chapter 97

[To Dame Rodella Syveric.]

Rodella stood in front of the door, reading through the letter.

[Though I’ve had a few chances to see you up close, I must apologize for greeting you first through a letter.  

I am Damien von Grey Benerix, head of the Ducal House of Benerix, and however inadequately, I lead the family.  

You may have heard that the man you’re soon to marry views me as something of a harsh person.  

And in the current state of affairs, even more so, I imagine.]

“…?”

Rodella raised an eyebrow.

Now that she thought about it, Aivert hadn’t really spoken much about Duke Benerix.  

As for being harsh…

She’d glimpsed the duke a few times at state events, and he did seem rather cold.  

And considering the current conflict between the aristocratic and imperial factions, there was no way he’d feel approachable.

[But seeing as we’ve never spoken, isn’t it a little premature to define our interests?  

So I’d like to take this opportunity to speak with you. I hope you won’t reject this old man’s humble request.]

It was a surprisingly gentle tone for a letter.  

But something about it set off a quiet alarm in her mind.

Her instincts, honed through years in the Administration Bureau dealing with countless nobles, told her one thing—  

This was not someone to trust easily.

[I hear you’ve had some time to rest after your discharge, so I make this suggestion with ease.]

On the surface, it sounded considerate.  

But read another way, it meant he had detailed knowledge of her schedule.  

If it were Aivert, he probably wouldn’t even read this far before tearing the letter apart.

Rodella found herself thinking that.

[I’ve instructed the child who delivered this letter to bring a carriage to fetch you. Please assist them in fulfilling their task.  

It wouldn’t do for them to experience firsthand the Benerix family creed—that those who fail to complete their mission are worthless.]

“…What?”

Rodella narrowed her eyes.

So much for the gentle tone—this was nothing short of a threat.

[Of course, I understand that you may be reluctant to travel far due to recent events.  

If you’re uneasy, you may bring the Azure Knights.]

And once she brought knights, she’d be recorded as abusing imperial forces for personal use—a perfect excuse for the other faction to dig into her.

There was no way the duke didn’t know that.

“…”

Rodella turned to look out the window.

While it was a decent hour to meet people in society, it was far too late for business.

She wanted to decline. But something in the letter kept tugging at her thoughts.

“Sir Rodin.”

At her call, a figure stepped out from the shadows—Rodin.

“Yes, my lady.”

“Can you check if there’s a carriage outside?”

Rodin peered through a slit in the curtains.

“There is one parked a short distance from headquarters.”

Far enough to avoid suspicion from the knights, then.

“What’s the emblem?”

Most noble carriages bore their family crest.

“…Benerix.”

Rodin’s eyes narrowed.

Rodella furrowed her brow.

She felt uneasy.

If she didn’t go, she could deal with the courier’s misfortune later—but something told her this marked the beginning of real danger around her.

Like Malik Bran, who vanished without a trace.

[Of course, I understand your fears. I promise you will safely exit the estate after our conversation—upon the honor of House Benerix. I hope you’ll understand this old man’s impatience.]

Rodella bit her lip and looked back at Rodin.

“He says he wants to talk.”

She shook the letter in the air.

Rodin, having seen the carriage outside, frowned deeply.

“You’re going?”

He didn’t look pleased.

Neither was she.

“I think I have to.”

She didn’t like the way she was summoned—but this was a man she’d have to confront eventually.

At the very least, she needed to understand him before she could prepare for what was coming.

At her firm reply, Rodin bowed deeply.

“I will guard you with everything I have. May I inform your household as well?”

Rodella nodded.

“Make sure Aivert doesn’t worry.”

Because she was, in effect, walking into enemy territory.

Even if he tried to avoid her, Aivert would never turn a blind eye to her safety.

She pressed her fingers to her forehead.

…For a noble, swearing on honor was no small thing.  

Benerix was likely sincere about guaranteeing her safety.

Even so, Aivert might still worry.

She felt sorry—truly sorry—that she was going to make him worry again.

And that made her miss him even more.

* * *

“You’re going out, my lady? Where to?”

“The House of Benerix.”

“…What?”

The Azure Knights were stunned upon hearing Rodella’s destination.

Those familiar with the current political tension looked even more anxious.

“If it’s somewhere that far without official business, we should—”

“You can’t accompany me as guards.”

Rodella cut in naturally.

“…Should we follow in secret?”

Shouldn’t you not ask that out loud if you’re going to do it anyway?

Rodella glanced back, but the knight looked serious.

She ended up replying,

“It’s fine. I’ve summoned a knight from Royden.”

As if on cue, Rodin appeared.

He was now dressed in the formal knightly attire of House Royden—when had he changed?

Rodin bowed low, as if meeting her for the first time.

“…One guard isn’t enough—”

“Wait, I didn’t even sense him coming.”

He must be skilled, the knights whispered, saying elite few were better than a crowd.

“If he’s from the vice-commander’s house, of course he’s talented.”

Rodin surely heard all of it, but pretended not to, bowing silently.

Rodella imagined the determined expression hidden beneath his lowered face—the one he’d shown before when she said she trusted him.

“…Lady Rodella Syveric, shall we depart?”

A maid slowly approached with the carriage and asked.

She was clearly from House Benerix.

Rodella didn’t respond. She just nodded.

The maid looked visibly relieved and bowed deeply.

“I will do my utmost to ensure your comfort.”

Rodin took over the escorting.

The maid glanced at the Royden crest on his armor but said nothing.

—Thud.

Rodin opened the carriage door, scanning the inside quickly.

The interior was lined with the finest fabrics—just stepping in felt like entering a completely different world from the cold night air.

After confirming all was well, Rodin helped Rodella into the carriage.

“If anything bothers you, knock, and I’ll be there.”

He even spoke courteously.

It was different from when they went to the slums.

Back then, he was polite too—but now, there was a… sincerity to it.

Rodella smiled faintly.

“All right.”

* * *

—Rattle!

The Benerix carriage rode incredibly smoothly.

Too smoothly, in fact—every slight jolt had the maid outside bowing repeatedly through the window.

Anyone could tell this was a carriage carrying a highly important guest of Benerix.

The flawless white carriage, the fluttering flag bearing the fierce lion crest—they made other carriages on the social circuit clear the road before even encountering them head-on.

Thanks to that, the carriage sped forward—and slowly began turning toward more deserted areas.

If it’s heading this way on the outskirts of the capital…

Rodella quickly pictured a mental map of the Empire’s capital.

They must be going to a villa.