Chapter 08
Prince Edward was, if she remembered correctly, four years older than Natalie. That age difference was the same as with Julius. And yet, when she had seen his expression as he left—it had been so innocent, almost boyish.
“Truly… a noisy child, isn’t he?”
“N–no, not at all.”
“And without even telling me… to have such a grand knight as his guard… what a troublesome fellow.”
No matter how heavily guarded he was, in the future Natalie knew, he had still died. Illness of the body—poison—was something no knight’s sword could shield against. And if that strange cough of his had indeed been caused by poison… then had Natalie, while in the Duke’s household, also somehow ingested “poison” from somewhere—?
A terrifying thought. She touched the ornament at her neck to ease her unease. Come to think of it… what exactly had she been made to wear? Natalie removed the thing around her neck to check. It was diamond-shaped and golden, with a carefully engraved design of a lion at its center. Without a doubt, it was a pendant that signified royalty.
“Oh ho… to think such a thing would be given to young Lady Natalie…”
“Lord Franz, wh-what should I do?”
“Well, I can’t do anything about it myself… but it might have some use, you see!”
“Y–you think so?”
Franz, with a resigned expression, told her she could use it as she liked—for passing through restricted places, or even at a pawnshop. But Natalie felt only a heaviness in her chest. To use it so freely—what consequences might await afterward? Just imagining it filled her with dread.
“Well… to send you such a strange thing, it must mean… he was very happy, I’d wager.”
“I… I see.”
“To me, it looks like a collar to keep you from escaping—oh ho, or rather, perhaps a token of friendship?”
“Lord Franz… what did you just…”
Franz laughed “ho ho” to brush it off, but the ominous words had already reached her ears. What meaning did this pendant truly carry? She resolved that if she returned it at the upcoming royal ball, all would be well—at least that was her current plan.
“Still… that even with Lady Natalie’s magic, healing magic is the only way to detoxify poison… The royal household must be a terribly unpleasant place.”
“…Yes, perhaps so.”
“I shouldn’t say too much… but please, Lady Natalie, do take care.”
At those words, she nodded obediently, and Franz smiled happily in return, murmuring “yes, yes.” Talking with him, she decided to keep the pendant stored safely in the pouch hanging from her arm.
“It’s late, but… thank you for saving Lord Edward. I too did everything I could, but it had reached a point where nothing more could be done.”
“So it was that serious… I’m just glad I could be of use in treating him.”
“Yes, yes. To the eye, one would never guess he was unwell. He forces himself and keeps going, no matter how much it hurts him…”
“…”
“It’s been about five years now… this is just my own feeling, but… it’s as though my grandson has regained his health.”
His expression was that of a family member worrying over Edward. Not just for Natalie—Franz was the sort who couldn’t abandon the weak. Perhaps that was simply what it meant to be a doctor.
“I’ve gone on too long, haven’t I. That’s what age does to you… Forgive me.”
“No… I think your care for Lord Edward is wonderful, Lord Franz.”
“Oh, hearing that embarrasses me. Ah yes, once the tears-dew grass arrives, I’ll prepare the medicine.”
“…Thank you.”
“It’s fine. At last, one of my patients has improved… and I just happen to have the time now.”
Natalie expressed her gratitude to Franz and prepared to leave. As though a burden had been lifted, Franz too saw her off with a bright smile, escorting her to the entrance.
◇◆◇
“Milady! Are you all right?”
“Eh? I’m fine… what’s the matter?”
The coachman, who had been waiting in the carriage for her return, called out in a panic. He explained that from Franz’s doorway, a violent gust of wind had suddenly blown so fiercely that he could barely open his eyes. Both he and the horses had been startled.
“Oh… I see. Well, I’m just glad no one was hurt.”
“My safety is nothing—your well-being is what matters most, my lady! Have you finished your business for today?”
“Yes. Please take me home now.”
“At once, my lady!”
Boarding the usual carriage adorned with the Pettigrew family crest, she set off for the mansion where her parents awaited.
◇◆◇
With a sudden clatter, the carriage stopped. The anxious neighing of the horses reached her ears. Opening the small window to speak with the driver, she asked, “What’s wrong?”
“My lady… it seems we’ve been surrounded by bandits…”
“…What?”
Before she knew it, evening had fallen. Twilight wrapped the area in dim shadows. The Pettigrew estate was still some distance away, and through the carriage window she could see flickers of torchlight.
“Heh heh heh, today’s our lucky day! A fine noble’s carriage, just plodding along!”
“Boss! Looks like there’s a noblewoman inside!”
“Well, that’s even better! A noble lady fetches a high price at the slave auctions!”
“Heh, if she’s a beauty, you’ll let us have a taste first, right?”
The vile words carried clearly on the night air. Natalie frantically considered how to escape this crisis… but returning to Franz’s home was impossible at this distance. Worse, they were already surrounded. It was hopeless.
The bandit leader barked “Get them!” and the men’s savage cries rose in answer. Through the small window, the coachman, nearly hysterical, asked, “My lady, what should we do?”
(This can’t be how it ends… I’m not fated to die yet…)
If she at least got out of the carriage herself, perhaps she could spare the driver and the horses. Maybe she could even stop their assault. A foolishly optimistic thought, perhaps—but she had no choice. She reached for the carriage door. At that moment—
“…It’s dangerous. Don’t open it.”
The door before her shut firmly again, and at the same time a low, familiar voice entered her ears. Cloaked in black darker than the evening shadows, that figure appeared. She forgot to even blink, her eyes fixed upon him. Crimson eyes, like rubies set in stone, gleamed as they locked onto their prey. Mounted on a great black horse, he charged forward.
It was none other than the jet-black knight—Julius Fangray.
