IMRELM 07

Chapter 7

“Big Brother!”

“If someone’s targeting me, then we need to be even more vigilant. If you truly care about that little brat, you’ll tell me everything honestly.”

Otherwise…

“I’ll have to force the truth out.”

“That’s so unfair!”

“You’re the one who made this complicated, Veronica.”

“Because I knew you wouldn’t leave the kid alone.”

Rodrigo was exactly the kind of person who would stop at nothing to get what he wanted.

Veronica glared at her older brother in irritation before letting out a sigh.

Then she recounted everything she’d heard from beginning to end.

“So they’re planning something.”

It started with warnings that it was dangerous to stay together, then talk of blood revenge, crushing someone beneath their feet, and more.

The anger was even more violent and vivid than he’d expected.

“Sounds like someone has a serious grudge.”

“If what the child said is true, then I don’t think their target is our lord,” Sis said.

“No. They’re probably trying to use him instead.”

To get what they wanted.

“So why don’t we just reach out to Karin first?”

Veronica, who had been listening to the conversation, finally spoke up.

“What do you mean?”

“Exactly what I said. You’re suspicious of Karin right now, aren’t you? Because you don’t know what she’s really after.”

“…”

“I was curious too. She knows perfectly well you’re a foul-tempered dragon, but she still wants to meet you. She isn’t even scared. Unlike everyone else.”

She showed no fear.

Nor did she look down on him for belonging to a fallen family.

She simply wanted to meet him.

Sincerely.

“I already told her to give up, but she seems completely serious.”

So…

“Since we don’t know what she’s plotting yet, why not approach her first and keep an eye on her? I don’t think Karin would refuse.”

“…”

“Or what?”

She folded her arms.

“Are you seriously just going to keep lurking in the shadows and investigating forever?”

Rodrigo frowned slightly.

Seeing that, Veronica shrugged.

“I’m just saying. Sis already talked to her because you asked him to. If you still can’t make up your mind after that, then doesn’t that mean you still don’t know what to think?”

“…Ahem.”

She wasn’t wrong.

No matter how much he thought about it, Rodrigo couldn’t begin to understand what was going on inside that tiny head of hers.

“You’re leaving soon anyway.”

“So?”

“Take her with us.”

Rodrigo was planning a prison break before long.

Veronica would also be released on parole around the same time.

Once that happened, they wouldn’t be able to see Karin anymore.

Sis intended to resign voluntarily as well, since he wouldn’t be able to stop Rodrigo’s escape.

Rodrigo didn’t answer Veronica’s suggestion.

But he didn’t reject it either.

Which meant he was considering it.

“Anyway, if you’re going to bring her, decide quickly. Some creepy bastard’s been hanging around lately, and it’s driving me crazy.”

“Creepy bastard?”

“Someone’s after me. I don’t know whether I’m the real target or if they’re after our little one…”

She frowned.

There had always been countless people who wanted her dead.

But now…

Their precious little child was with her.

Sis spoke up carefully.

“To avoid any complications, perhaps we should eliminate them sooner rather than later. Shall I handle it?”

“No. If you move now, they’ll start suspecting you too.”

Besides…

“It’ll be a good chance to stretch my muscles after so long.”

She’d wait.

Then deal with them in one move.

If she acted too hastily, she’d either expose herself…

Or let them escape.

One or the other.

“When did you say the prison break would be?”

“We haven’t decided on an exact date yet. It will probably depend on whether we choose to take the child with us.”

“Then make your decision before then, Big Brother.”

After hearing Sis’s reply, Veronica stood up.

“If you hesitate too long and miss your chance…”

“I’ll just bring the kid myself.”

“…Hah.”

Rodrigo let out an incredulous laugh.

Veronica had already turned on her heel.

Watching her leave the office, Rodrigo muttered,

“Did that kid brainwash her or something?”

“…Rather than brainwashing…”

Sis answered cautiously.

“I think she simply reminds Lady Veronica of that person.”

Gentle.

Harmless.

Not just her appearance—even the atmosphere around her felt remarkably similar.

At least, that was how it seemed to Sis.

It was no surprise Veronica had grown so attached.

After all…

She had been Veronica’s dearest friend.

And Rodrigo’s…

“Nonsense.”

Rodrigo cut him off coldly.

“It’s just a coincidence.”

He clicked his tongue.

He knew exactly what his subordinate was implying.

But he refused to acknowledge it.

* * *

After confirming that no one was inside the cell, I slowly opened my eyes.

I knew it.

The empty space beside me had already gone cold.

Every night, my big sister insisted on sleeping beside me.

But tonight…

She had left the cell.

What happened?

Even back then, I had been good at pretending to sleep.

It was the only way to avoid the count’s abuse, even a little.

Because of that…

I had seen everything.

Even the guard helping my sister leave.

Were they… holding hands?

Otherwise, there was no way she could walk out that confidently.

It wasn’t like she was escaping.

Where did she go? Is she meeting someone?

My thoughts became tangled.

Staring at the empty spot, I slowly sat up.

Actually… this works out better.

I’d been debating whether to do it in the bathroom.

With no one here…

Now seemed like the perfect opportunity.

I could figure out where she’d gone later.

Taking a deep breath, I pinched my thigh.

“Ugh!”

Pain shot through my leg.

I pinched myself hard.

Thought about the saddest things I could remember.

Pinched other places too.

Anything to force tears out.

Then…

With a small sniffle, clear droplets gathered in the corners of my eyes.

“Hic…”

Drip.

Drip.

Crystal-clear tears fell onto the blanket.

Moments later…

They turned green.

Then hardened.

Emeralds.

I quickly rubbed my eyes.

I was worried it wouldn’t work.

Fortunately…

It seemed my ability had returned along with my trip back to the past.

I’d rather not use it if I can help it.

No one knew yet that I could create jewels.

People would probably question where I got them later…

But I’d already prepared an excuse.

I picked up the emerald lying on the blanket.

I’ve got the gemstone.

Now I just need the remaining materials.

* * *

Big Sister Veronica returned about an hour later.

Sooner than I’d expected.

Of course, I’d been busy preparing during that time too.

“Yaaawn…“

I’d only lost an hour or two of sleep.

Yet exhaustion weighed heavily on my shoulders.

“Our little one looks really tired today.”

“Mmm… I had a bad dream.”

“Oh dear.”

She gently stroked my head.

“Should Big Sis take care of it for you?”

I shook my head.

“Your hands will hurt. I don’t want you to get hurt.”

“…How do you always say the sweetest things?”

She clenched both fists dramatically, looking at me with aching affection.

Just then, one of the guards approached us.

“Prisoner 444. Sit apart.”

“…Hah.”

Veronica glanced at the guard with obvious annoyance, her brow furrowing.

It was time for the daily prayer.

During this time, everyone had to remain in their assigned seats.

Reluctantly, she stood up.

Before leaving, she didn’t forget to plant a kiss on my cheek.

I absentmindedly rubbed the spot.

I’d thought I was getting used to it.

But every time she showed affection like this…

It still felt strangely embarrassing.

Not unpleasant.

Just…

Awkward.

“Ahem. Everyone, please sit up straight.”

The priest had arrived and stepped onto the platform.

Beside him sat a box of matches for lighting the candles.

I swallowed nervously.

Normally, I wouldn’t have cared much about prayer.

But today was different.

“Now… please come forward one at a time.”