10. The Guards’ Gossip
――It was too early for snow to accumulate, but the overcast sky threatened flurries.
The sturdy stone castle, towering against the cloudy sky, came into view.
While wondering if the shoulder-baring dress was a good idea, we rode up to the castle in the carriage.
Even within the castle walls, we stopped next to the stables.
However, a thoughtful gesture was evident: a somewhat worn, but clean cloth had been laid down on the bare ground between the carriage step and the castle’s stone floor to prevent mud stains.
The guards on duty looked tense upon seeing the stylized gecko, the Vanderwaals crest, on the carriage.
We had an appointment for an audience.
They naturally ‘knew’ who was coming.
“――Welcome to the Royal Castle of Eustasia… Lady Adelheid von Vanderwaals.”
The Captain of the Guard, in light armor—a breastplate and helmet, appropriate for peacetime—addressed me.
He wore a red feather plume on his helmet and a longsword at his hip.
The other guards held long halberds and wore short swords at their waists.
It was somewhat amusing to see them so intimidated by our family name, despite the fact that they could easily kill me if they intended to harm me.
If Ciel were here, there would be no such anxiety.
I couldn’t handle multiple armed guards, even in light armor.
I had some training, so I thought I might stand a chance, but such reckless bravery wasn’t the Vanderwaals way.
In any case, I hadn’t heard of any assassination plots recently.
I nodded silently to the guards—
“Thank you for welcoming us!”
Leticia greeted them with a smile.
The tense atmosphere softened… and then froze over, even more intensely.
I could feel all eyes on me.
I, too, was frozen in place by the unexpected turn of events.
“…Leticia.”
“Yes?”
My sister turned at the sound of her name.
“Um… did I… do something wrong…?”
I watched her for a moment, flustered as she sensed the tension around her.
Then, I glanced around.
The guards held their breath, watching the situation unfold.
…Did she do something wrong?
I questioned myself.
Guards were like stagehands.
They welcomed expected visitors, assessed whether unexpected visitors were worthy of entering the castle gates, and eliminated troublemakers.
Due to their role, they were customarily not addressed.
However, there was no rule against… addressing them.
“…Thank you for the welcome. Your service is appreciated.”
“Yes, ma’am…”
The guards straightened at my words.
Although it wasn’t planned, I decided to seize the opportunity to boost my sister’s standing.
“Her name is Leticia. Leticia von Vanderwaals. Today, she will be formally recognized by His Majesty as the first in line of succession to the Vanderwaals title.”
The vacant position of heir to the Vanderwaals title.
If I were to die suddenly, the family line would end, or His Majesty would appoint some other noble to take my place.
Once today’s recognition was complete, that would no longer be the case.
My sister could inherit the family after my death.
I could entrust the Vanderwaals family—the country of Eustasia—to her after I was gone.
Our family had a notorious reputation, but it was a well-known one.
Our assets, even just the legitimate ones, would ensure she wouldn’t struggle, and including the illegitimate ones, they were comparable to a small nation.
“She may come to the Royal Castle alone in the future. Remember her face. She is a ducal daughter.”
After all, all three [Capture Targets] resided in the Royal Castle.
She would have many opportunities to visit them alone.
Such a formal entrance wouldn’t be necessary for unofficial visits.
However, whether she could simply walk in depended on her family name.
Any guard who didn’t know the Vanderwaals crest had either skipped training or been asleep.
The guards within sight refrained from gossiping, but further away, whispers seemed to have started.
――Let them gossip. They were the first people besides the Vanderwaals to learn of my sister.
Whispers would spread. Many people would learn of her existence.
Along with the news that the first in line to the Vanderwaals title had been decided.
――The juicy gossip of her being a half-sister would be added to the mix.
Most likely, my sister wouldn’t be viewed favorably at first.
I didn’t know the details, but the apparent facts pointed to a scandal involving the previous head of the family.
A young girl from the “back alley” suddenly becoming a ducal daughter.
It was more than a leap forward. There would be looks of envy… and jealousy.
That’s why I was needed.
The ‘mean half-sister, a haughty young lady who doesn’t understand the kindness of others.’
――To gather sympathy for her, portraying her as a pitiful victim.
And eventually, the whole country would know her.
All the negative feelings would eventually be reversed.
“I am Leticia. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
My sister bowed her head.
Such humility wasn’t common among those born into nobility, but it would likely be viewed favorably by the guards, most of whom came from commoner backgrounds.
Come to think of it, having the guards on her side might ensure my sister’s safety if the scenario went awry.
As expected of my sister, Leticia.
The gossip was in full bloom further away.
The Captain of the Guard seemed to be desperately resisting the urge to turn around.
He probably wanted to yell at his gossiping subordinates, but he was likely conflicted about what would happen to them if he did so in front of me.
I felt a bit sorry for him.
I had also been trained by Ciel to hear distant voices, so even though they were trying to be discreet… I could hear them quite… no, very clearly.
“First in line of succession?” “So she’s the sister?” “They do look alike.” “Wait, could she be his daughter?” “No way!” and so on. Perfect.
If sixteen-year-old Leticia were my daughter, I would have had to give birth to her at the age of six.
As expected, there would be curious glances and inquiries for a while—
—or so I thought, when my sister continued her ‘self-introduction’ with a smile.
“My Elder Sister came to the ‘back alley’ to get me. She acknowledged me as her sister at first sight, even though we have different mothers.”
The tone of the gossip changed.
“That Vanderwaals!?” “The ‘back alley’…” “Half-sister…?” “A family feud…?” “Then why would she acknowledge her?” “That’s true…” Wait, don’t go there. Don’t be convinced!
I didn’t show my panic, but the gossip was heading in a bad direction.
I maintained a neutral expression. Probably.
However, inwardly, I was sweating.
…Accurate… information disclosure…?
She casually revealed a heavy, delicate matter that I had intended to reveal gradually, as if to say there was no need to hide it.
Human nature is to be curious about what is hidden.
Did my sister have such a keen understanding of human psychology?
“Even these clothes… Elder Sister called a tailor for me so I wouldn’t embarrass the Vanderwaals.”
Leticia gestured to the violet dress under her wrap.
“…Lady Adelheid did. I see… As expected of the head of the Vanderwaals family. ――Once again, welcome to the Royal Castle.”
The Captain of the Guard, for some reason looking convinced, nodded and led me into the castle with a slightly more respectful demeanor than before.
“They seem to get along well, don’t they?” “That’s a very fine dress.” “Made with love, huh?” “I wonder how much that dress cost, the quality of the fabric, the craftsmanship is amazing.” “You guys know way too much about women’s clothes” —as expected of the Royal Castle guards, they seemed to have a discerning eye, having seen so many distinguished visitors.
Strangely curious about the gossip praising “Tailor’s” work, I entered the castle with a sense of reluctance.
――The moment I stepped through the door, it became dimly lit.
Her name would be etched in the guards’ memories.
Her favorability rating should have risen.
But, Leticia.
You didn’t have to go that far.
Quietly acknowledging the complete collapse of my initial plan to subtly reveal Leticia’s background, I desperately hoped that at least the [Official Event] would proceed smoothly.
Hurry up and get here, Prince.
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