Chapter – 20
The Orchestrated Accident….
“Ma—”
I tried to speak, “Margus-sama,” but the anger radiating from his back was so palpable that it immediately overwhelmed me.
“Your concern is appreciated, but Algerita is a member of the Browning family. Her treatment will be handled here.”
“Margus-sama…!? Why are you here?”
I heard Liliana gasp and William’s voice, which sounded like a scream. Since they come and go from the castle, it was only natural they would recognize Margus-sama’s face.
“‘Why’ is a strange question. One of our people and a noble from another house were having some kind of quarrel. Seeing that, I thought it only natural to intervene,” he said.
Indeed, seeing Margus-sama outside the estate was terrifying. Even without seeing his face, just hearing his voice made it obvious he was angry—clearer than fire itself.
“No… it wasn’t a quarrel at all. I just happened to see my sister fall. As you may know, although she was born into the Clarence family, she lacks the power of healing. And she’s clumsy, so she often gets hurt… She’s so stubborn. I offered to treat her, but she wouldn’t listen. She really is difficult,” Liliana said, her voice sweet and rapid.
Most people would be easily swayed by her like this.
Just now was the same. Liliana had a way of speaking as naturally as breathing that would make everyone believe she was blameless, manipulating the situation to her advantage.
“Algerita is a member of the Browning family. We will take care of her.”
“Please don’t say such cruel things. We’re just two sisters. Even after marriage, we want to remain close.”
Liliana twisted and coiled her body, looking up at Margus-sama with glistening eyes. But her appearance, which would be considered charming to most men, did not seem to make a good impression on him.
“I think you have other matters to attend to before chasing after your sister. Algerita fell because of your carriage. If an accident occurs in town, it must be reported. If you don’t want to be charged with injury, you should take care of the accident immediately.”
“…I apologize,” Liliana murmured, looking dissatisfied. Ironically, by refusing to let me be treated, it became difficult for her to sweep the accident under the rug.
“L-Let’s go, Liliana… Ah, ahh!”
As William hastily opened the carriage door, the luggage inside tumbled out—feathered hats, dresses, jewelry. All of it belonged to Liliana.
“What are you doing…! I told you to hire someone to help!”
Liliana snapped at William, who made no move to assist.
“Extravagance is all well and good. But Duke Fonten does not like flashy displays,” Margus-sama said.
His words made me startle, even though I had nothing to do with it—he knew about the inheritance.
“We… we didn’t mean it like that. We just wanted to match the rank of the Fonten family—”
“I don’t need an explanation. Now, excuse me.”
With that, Margus-sama lifted me in one swift motion. I hadn’t expected such a thing to happen in broad daylight, in front of so many people, and froze, probably turning red.
“Let’s go, Algerita.”
“M-My sister is hopeless! She can’t even heal her own injuries. Being kind to someone like her would tarnish your name!”
“By that logic, you, as a noble, are insulting the majority of the populace,” he said.
I could see Liliana’s expression freeze. She seemed aware she had spoken unnecessarily, just to disparage me.
Margus-sama did not look at Liliana again. He approached the carriage as if waiting for the right moment and got in.
“Take me to the Healing Clinic.”
“N-No… that’s unnecessary. It’s just a scrape,” I said, shaking my head.
“No. In an excited state, you might not feel the pain immediately.”
“I-I’m fine! I’m strong enough! Please, don’t trouble yourself with me!”
“Stop saying that,” he said, and I froze. It wasn’t a command, but a plea.
“I can’t let anything happen to you. After seeing you like this, why aren’t you angry?”
Margus-sama looked at my torn, blood-stained clothes and sighed deeply.
“This injury… it’s terrible.”
“I-I… I’m sorry…”
“Don’t apologize. If anyone should apologize, it’s me. I should have stayed with you and assigned guards.”
“I… I don’t need guards. I really am fine. Please, don’t take me to the Healing Clinic,” I pleaded.
“Stubborn,” he muttered.
“…I just don’t want to go. It’s my sister’s workplace…”
Liliana worked at the Healing Clinic. She might be off duty today, but tomorrow the rumor would spread.
I remembered how miserable it had felt when she called me to the clinic for forgetting things, knowing full well I had no healing power. If that feeling lingered, I would rather endure the pain.
“Fine. For today, I’ll just apply some ointment. Tomorrow, we’ll summon a healer from the Knight Order. I’ll handle contacting the other party and taking proper action. Is that acceptable?”
“Yes,” I nodded.
For some reason, Margus-sama looked almost like he was about to cry.
