0&1 Ch 3.3

“Wait a moment, who did you say you’re calling?” Grey asked.

“My attendant was pickpocketed. You heard it, didn’t you? Don’t pretend you didn’t understand.”

“You know that we have to return before evening so that no one finds out you’ve left, right?”
“What are you trying to say?”
“If we call the guards now, word will reach the castle immediately, no need to wait until evening.”
“So?”

It was clear Grey was going around in circles to object. So what? What about the ring Dot lost?

“Anyone can point out a problem. Offer an alternative, Lord Grey Cracker. You have something to say, don’t you? You weren’t going to suggest the easy and stupid solution of just throwing the ring away, were you?”

His pride hurt, Grey’s expression changed. Of course, he was going to suggest giving up the ring.

Dot fidgeted nervously beside me. It’s fine. I gave him a reassuring look. I’ll take responsibility. With the Queen on my side, I don’t think I’ll be in too much trouble.

“The ring? What kind is it?” Grey asked.

Didn’t I tell you?

“Dot’s family ring.”
“The one with the family crest engraved?”

“Yes.” Dot answered.

Without even looking at Dot, Grey said irritably, “If it’s that kind of thing, there’s no need to worry. It won’t be sold quickly. Even if we look for it slowly after the outing, it probably hasn’t left the capital.”

“Is that true?”
“Yes. An item with a crest isn’t something a common pickpocket can deal with.”
“So what if they’re not a common pickpocket?”
“If a guild or organization is involved, it’s even easier to track down. You can just buy it back. But either way, Your Highness will have to take care of it.”

Grey looked at me as if to gauge my reaction. I understood what he meant. I’d have to take responsibility.

“I understand. I went out alone today, and Dot came with me because he couldn’t resist my insistence. I feel responsible, and I’ll find whatever Dot lost. I’ll tell the Queen that.“
“Are you serious?”
“I hear that a lot.”

When I grumbled, Edward across from me smiled wryly.

”I’m serious, so stop asking that question. What would you do if I wasn’t serious? I’m not going to stand here and say, ‘No, it’s all a lie.’”

“You’re saying I should just believe you?” Grey asked. He was a kid full of suspicion, even at this age.

Well, at eleven, he was old enough to know that the world wasn’t a fairy tale.

“Believe me. You need trust in relationships.”

But this is inside a game. You’re supposed to believe in love.

Edward said something absurd: “I could go look for the ring first.”

“You’re supposed to be the one urging us to hurry.”
“Yes, Your Highness. What are you saying?”

For once, Grey and I agreed.

“Dot. Can you wait until dinner? When we get back to the palace, I’ll tell the Queen right away and have her find the ring. It might be faster than calling the guards.”

“Yes, Your Highness.” Dot’s expression was entirely trustful.

Don’t do that. It’s too much pressure.
… What if we can’t find it?

“Shall we depart?” Sir Meringue asked.
“Yes, let’s go.” I answered.

The carriage began to move.

Lady Rosé’s residence was on the outskirts of the capital. It wasn’t far by carriage.

But Edward hadn’t seen his mother since arriving at the palace.

I saw Edward’s pale hands. He was clutching them so tightly that it looked like the blood couldn’t flow. Sitting so still, the slight trembling in his fingers was even more obvious.

“Are you okay, Edward?”

Edward nodded slightly, as if he were about to speak.

Earlier, his pale face hadn’t been because of Sir Meringue. Edward was nervous.

Was meeting his mother something to be nervous about?

Edward did not say a single word until the carriage reached its destination.

Lady Rosé’s mansion was not what I had expected.

For some reason, I thought her residence would be modest and cozy.

For some reason, I had imagined it to be small and modest. Edward was isolated in the castle, and the  King didn’t pay much attention to him. I guess I thought his mother would be in a similar situation outside the castle.

The mansion was beautiful. Surrounded by high walls covered in climbing roses, it was as beautiful and imposing as a magical castle.

It was a mansion fit for a woman favored by the King.

I see.

The attendants had already told me; the  King and Lady Rosé were famous for their passionate love affair.

However, when the  King married the princess of a wealthy neighboring country, Lady Rose could no longer stay in the palace.

Even after hearing that story, I didn’t think much of it, but seeing the mansion made it all real.

The woman the  King loved.

Edward’s face was so pale it looked almost blue.

“Are you ready?”

Edward gave the smallest nod. So slight I could barely tell.

That must mean he’s ready. He wouldn’t come this far and then refuse to go in.

But Edward didn’t ring the doorbell. Grey looked at Edward as if to ask what he was doing.

Was he planning to just stand there?

I got impatient and rang the bell myself. Edward looked at me in surprise, as if I had done something wrong.

Why?

The huge mansion seemed to swallow even the sound of our breathing. We couldn’t even hear the doorbell ring.

Did it ring? I wasn’t sure, so I rang it again.

Edward grabbed my arm. Then, as if surprised by his own action, he let go.

Does he not want to go in?

“Who is it?”

At that moment, a woman wearing an apron came out of the mansion.

There was a huge courtyard between the mansion and the fence. I couldn’t see her face clearly.

Edward was so tense that I started to feel tense too. Was he even breathing? Edward stood motionless, staring at the woman.

The woman hurried over and opened the gate.

When I looked closer, I could see how old she was. She was not young. Looking tired, she rolled her eyes at us.

“Are you village kids again? This isn’t a clinic. Stop bothering the madam.”

This woman wasn’t Edward’s mother.

Edward didn’t say anything. It bothered me that he was so quiet even though his mother’s house was right in front of him. Looking at him again, it seemed like he was waiting for something.

His gaze was fixed on the open door of the mansion. He was watching someone.

“Martha? Who is it?”

Another woman emerged from the mansion.

Her blonde hair glistened in the sunlight. The curly blonde locks cascaded down her shoulders and draped elegantly around her waist.

Every time she moved, her thin dress clung to her body. She was a tall, slender woman. She was so stunningly beautiful that the moment she appeared, the surroundings seemed to brighten.

I knew instantly. She was Edward’s mother.

“They must be village children, madam. I was trying to calm them down and send them away. Don’t worry about them, madam.” Martha said.

“Did someone come because they’re ill?”

Lady Rosé smiled sweetly. She approached us without any suspicion.

Sir Meringue had been left with the carriage, and four young children probably didn’t seem like a threat.

I thought Edward would take off his wig. He would go to his mother, cry, and cling to her, calling out, “Mom.”

Grey must have had the same thought. We both took a step back at the same time. Lady Rose’s gaze fell on Edward, who was standing at the front.

“My child, are you hurt? Oh, my. Your face is pale.”

She knelt down in front of Edward. His lips were nearly violet.

No parent would fail to recognize their own child just because they were wearing a wig and glasses. Family members can recognize each other even from behind.

Was this not Lady Rosé?

Did we come to the wrong house…?

Edward bowed his head. His face, which had looked frightened and as if he was about to cry, suddenly became calm.

“Sorry. We have the wrong house,” Edward said suddenly. His voice was composed. “I guess this isn’t the right place. I pressed the wrong doorbell.”

“Young master…”

Edward stopped Grey from interrupting. “We’ll go now. Sorry to disturb your rest.”
“Are you really alright? You don’t look well. If you’re not busy, you can rest for a while.”

She was kind.

“I’m fine. Thank you for your concern.” Edward smiled.

Martha groaned and shut the gate. Lady Rosé’s figure disappeared behind the iron gate.

“How could you get the wrong house? How could you mistake such a mansion?”
“Martha, rest. Your legs aren’t in good shape.”

The sound of the lady’s laughter echoed as Grey reached out to hold the closing door.