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Chapter 21
“Haha, Your Highness, there aren’t many days left for you to stay at the manor.”
“Indeed.”
“Monahan, to honor the glory of Your Highness’s visit and to offer at least a modest hospitality, we would like to invite you to an outdoor archery practice tomorrow.”
“Archery?”
I peeked my head out and glanced alternately at the Count and Clements. Clements looked somewhat intrigued.
The vast forests of Honwood—archery practice in an open outdoor space would surely attract even someone accustomed to the luxurious life of the palace.
Moreover, Bella was exceptionally skilled at archery. Whenever she held a bow, she appeared free and invigorated.
This time, I thought the Count had made a clever move. The ladies of the capital would rarely be able to show such a side of themselves.
“Yes. My younger sister would also like to participate, though… hmm. Embarrassingly, even Bellarucia has some talent with the bow.”
“I see.”
“From what I’ve seen, it’s nothing extraordinary, but the people of Honwood, seeing Bella shoot arrows, gave her the nickname ‘Forest Fairy.’ Ha ha! That tomboyish girl being called a fairy!”
“I see.”
The Count laughed as if it were the funniest thing in the world, but no one else smiled. Most either forced a polite smile or looked like they wanted to leave as soon as possible. I even noticed some sneaking glances at their watches. Clements remained completely expressionless.
“Some minstrels even composed songs praising the Forest Fairy. You must hear it.”
As if waiting for this moment, a musician began playing the harp. The sound resonated quietly in the room.
For those in Honwood, Bella was no different from a princess. Her beauty drew envy from everyone. Yet, in reality, such embarrassing nicknames or praises were long-outdated customs.
And ‘Forest Fairy’…
To me, someone who loved Bella’s enchanting secret, it was the perfect nickname. But for her brother to give her such a name, it felt like he was merely masking her private side.
Bella, holding the needle tightly, listened with a terrifyingly cold expression. Her red lips moved as she spoke in a strong voice.
“Your Highness, Crown Prince.”
The quiet young lady’s voice was shockingly firm.
“Do not look at me. Do not look at me in this situation, in this state, even for a moment.”
“What? Bella! What are you saying? If Your Highness sees you…”
Bella leapt to her feet and shouted,
“Before I lose control and gouge your eyes out!”
“You! You… Th-this… Your Highness.”
I slipped past Clements’ hands, which had been holding me.
“Peep! (Bella!)”
Bella could no longer tolerate her brother insulting her, as if she were a packaged commodity to be sold off. She was not something to be handed over quietly. Finally, she felt her emotions and learned to raise her voice. It was a relief.
But telling the Crown Prince that she’d gouge someone’s eyes if provoked—thanks to that damned great witch’s lingering spirit—was reckless! It was enough to be considered an offense against the royal family.
“Peep! (Hurry!) Peep-peep! (This isn’t right. I must apologize!)”
Her sharp blue eyes glared at Clements, while the Count glared at Bella. Bella didn’t hear me and didn’t look my way.
I tried to rush to her, but I was quickly restrained by Clements again.
Meanwhile, the oblivious musician began the first notes.
Ding, ding-ding.
“Ahh—the ancient forest—”
Bella snatched the harp from the musician and threw it. Clang. The violent collision reverberated through the room.
Everyone froze—except for two people.
“What on earth are you doing, Monahan?”
This time, the Monahan Clements referred to was not the Count. He was clearly scolding Bella. But Bella didn’t even twitch an eyebrow.
“Do you really believe the nonsense my brother spouted?”
“Bellarucia Reunis Monahan!! You—how can you behave like this and still be my sister?!”
“I hope you do not believe it. Everything he said to bring you here is a lie. If you wish to punish someone for insulting the royal family, punish him.”
The Count looked ready to burst into flames, yet Bella merely gave a cold, mocking courtly bow and left the hall.
“You… eeek…!”
The Count emitted typical third-rate villainous squeaks, the harp-less musician hiccuped helplessly, and then a single chick sound joined in.
“Peep. (Clements.) Peep-peep. Pluck. (Please forgive Bella. She hasn’t said anything wrong.)”
I tugged on the cuff of his sleeve with my beak, begging silently. He probably couldn’t understand me, but I wanted to redirect his attention this way.
“Peep-peep. (See?) Pluck. (Bella is usually cool, but sometimes speaks harshly.) Peep-pluck. (She never means it!)”
I had stopped her from killing the male lead. What if her execution angle had been aimed next? That would be impossible.
If I could save Bella from death, I’d gladly live as a pet bird, cooing at Clements.
Clements stroked me gently as he stood.
“Your Highness… Your Highness…! Please forgive me! My sister is just embarrassed.”
The Monahan Count did not hesitate to say things that, if Bella heard, might have made her smash the harp over his head. Even now!
“Embarrassed? Count, you really think that?”
Even Clements, who had been playing along with the Count’s obvious flattery, now sneered at him.
“Of course!”
“In that case, you are blind and unfit to govern Honwood as its lord.”
“Your Highness—!”
The Monahan Count collapsed onto the floor, crying. Truly a pitiful and disgraceful sight. The musicians and servants exchanged glances, held their breath, and silently left.
“…Interesting.”
Watching the Count desperate enough to grab at his trousers, Clements muttered.
Of course it was interesting. Born in a respectable capital, he probably never witnessed such chaotic madness.
The ‘interesting’ wasn’t positive, something even the Count realized. He turned pale, begging for mercy for the Monahan household.
“This is troublesome. Ophilia seems tired. We should let her rest quickly.”
“Huh? Me?”
Clements ignored him and tried to pass by, but the Count clutched at his trousers.
“Matters of the estate…! I have things to report regarding the administration. The Crown Prince must inspect the western lands!”
“…Administration.”
A glimmer appeared in his previously weary eyes.
“Very well. Cassis.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“Bring the documents regarding the Monahan estates to the Count’s office.”
“Understood.”
‘…!’
On the first day of my arrival, Cassis had already begun investigating the Count’s corruption.
“Report.”
“The management of the estates differs slightly from the reports received in the capital… Some embezzlement, not enough to breach the law, is suspected. Additional investigation is necessary.”
With Cassis’ competence, he probably already had enough evidence.
The Count rejoiced at Clements’ agreement, but he was about to fall into his own trap. Soon, he’d be thoroughly stripped bare in the office.
Cassis was about to head to the room but hesitated. His rational gaze now trembled as he looked at me.
“…Your Highness, it would be best to move Lady Ophilia to a safe location first.”
Speak properly. He meant to move the documents safely from my dangerous claws.
It seemed that my ruining the paperwork that day had left Cassis somewhat traumatized.
“Peep… (I won’t tear anything now…)”
Clements thought for a moment and gently placed me on Cassis’ palm.
“Hurry.”
“Lady Ophilia, once we reach the room, you must stay calm. Do not go outside, and especially do not tear any papers.”
He probably saw me as a chick who would cause trouble at every opportunity… Correct. Considering my past behavior, that was a fair assumption.
“Peep… (But there was always a reason.) Peep… (I no longer have the energy to wreak havoc.)”
Cassis stroked me as he walked.
Now, what will happen to the Monahan household? Will the report reach the palace, resulting in fines or confiscation of the estate? Or is it simply to warn the Count of his place?
And Bella? Clements, the Count—no one should punish her…
As I fretted, I let myself relax in Cassis’ firm hands and steady pace. Soon, I became drowsy.
When I opened my eyes…
“Shh, little chick.”
Alfin? What? Why you again?!
I realized I was in the soft palm of Alfin, the Count’s servant. The fading evening sky painted the world. Alfin’s straw-colored hair hid his face in shadow.
“Since Marquis Dupre had urgent matters, I offered to escort you to your room instead.”
I see. But this isn’t Clements’ room, is it?
