MPBAGS Chapter 100

I was wondering why he was taking so long, but it was such a perfectly timed entrance—truly befitting a romance novel male lead—that it seemed like he was waiting for this exact moment to appear.

"Are you alright?"

"Aside from a few drops of wine splashing on me."

"I'm relieved I wasn't too late."

Gabriel smiled with such relief that I couldn't recall his usual cold demeanor. It wasn't the picture-perfect smile he wore out of politeness, nor the smile he gave me while hiding his complex inner thoughts and reading the room.

It was just his genuine relief at having saved me, displayed without pretense. This really hits different... It felt like ants crawling up my arms, tickling me, and more than anything, I felt bad about brushing off someone who had just saved me.

Something feels strange... Is this why they say clichés are eternal?

"You didn't have to shield me."

"I wanted to hear different words than that."

"...Thank you."

He saved me without being asked and now wants to hear gratitude. As if confirming this was the right thing to say, Gabriel smiled even more brightly. His smile was so pure I felt like I might be purified and disappear.

When I tapped his arm to let me go, Gabriel hesitated before releasing his embrace. Duke Hosaquin, who had spilled the wine himself, glared at the innocent Gabriel. Who's the one who should be angry here!

"Sir Gabriel. Do you know who you're protecting?"

"Yes. I'm more clearly aware of it than anyone else in the world."

It might be surprising that he's defending a villainess, but Gabriel goes even further—he doesn't care whether I'm a possessor or a ghost...

Duke Hosaquin massaged his deeply furrowed brow as if troubled. He seemed calmer than before, perhaps because he'd vented his anger, but when people around started whispering, "The Duke threw a glass at his granddaughter," he became enraged again upon hearing it. Duke Hosaquin stared at me intently and declared:

"Listen well and remember this. Amaranth has no daughter. You are not my granddaughter."

It seemed to mean that while he had lingering attachment to the Countess, he hated me—the second Count Rohanson—enough to deny I even existed.

"I've been pretending not to see you all this time because Amaranth begged me to overlook it. Though I've turned a blind eye, you can never, absolutely never become my granddaughter. Even if it means my death, absolutely never."

He even pointed out my ulterior motives for approaching him. Right, since I approached him as soon as rumors of his poor health spread, he must have realized I was after the inheritance.

But there was something more important in what the Duke said. Listening to him, it seemed the Countess had been in contact with the Duke all along. Weren't they supposed to be completely cut off from each other?

What did he mean by asking to overlook and turn a blind eye? Is there some secret about my birth? But looking so alike, I can't be a child Count Rohanson brought in from outside.

Could it be the opposite—that Amaranth had a child outside? She does look exactly like only Amaranth. Could I be an illegitimate child, and the upright Duke Hosaquin couldn't tolerate it and cut ties? This actually sounds quite plausible...

Without knowing the details, my head felt like it would split. I need to read volume 2 of Amaranth's diary soon to get to the bottom of this. But Duke Hosaquin declared he'd absolutely never pass on the inheritance and even threw wine, so will the Count still come out as originally promised...? If I'd known this would happen, I should have provoked him more moderately.

Duke Hosaquin was about to leave, adding to my confusion without even apologizing.

"Since I've caused bloodshed at His Highness the Crown Prince's banquet, I'd have nothing to say even if my head were cut off. I'll go apologize to His Highness separately first. You should hurry and get treatment."

Bloodshed? What was he talking about... At that moment, Gabriel swayed. I quickly wrapped my arm around his waist to support him.

"Sir Gabriel!"

Lady Totten cried out in alarm. I was also flustered as I tried to understand what he meant by treatment.

Realization came quickly. Come to think of it, why were Duke Hosaquin's hands empty? Shouldn't he be holding an empty wine glass?

Oh no, damn it! What flowed down from his head wasn't just wine. Duke Hosaquin had thrown the wine glass. That, that wicked grandfather—no, that old geezer. If you hurt someone, at least apologize! At the very least, pretend to be sorry! I was glaring at Duke Hosaquin in anger, but Gabriel was being ridiculous even with his head split open.

"Are you worried about me?"

Of course I am, what kind of question is that! I was so dumbfounded I couldn't answer. If he weren't injured, I would have smacked the back of his head like Daisy. What are you so happy about, you fool!

I didn't even answer, but perhaps taking my silence as affirmation, Gabriel narrowed his eyes, looked at me appraisingly, then lifted the corners of his mouth once more. He seemed to have been hit by a wine glass on the head—did that cause some brain damage? He's making me worry with his split skull and he's happy about it? Happy, are you?

Afraid that Gabriel might deliberately hurt himself in the future to get my attention if he got the wrong idea, I shook my head and retorted.

"Why should I worry about you getting hurt by butting in on your own?"

"But you're angry for my sake."

"I'm angry?"

"Yes. Don't you drop honorifics when you're angry, my lady?"

Did I just speak informally? I guess I did... Nobles are supposed to maintain composure in any situation, but if Dolly saw this, she'd cry and beat the ground, saying all her education had been for nothing. Sorry, Dolly. I guess having only three months' worth of noble upbringing isn’t enough.

"It seems like you're getting angry for my sake. I'm happy in many ways."

Gabriel's words made me feel like I'd burst with frustration. I don't even know why I'm so angry. It's not the first time I've seen someone get hurt because of me, and when the servants at Rohanson estate got hurt, I was shocked and surprised but not angry like this. What makes Gabriel different from our household servants that only his injury particularly irritates me?

Is it because we've gotten a bit closer? Well, if Kanna had been hurt like that, I might have already flipped everything and committed the unfilial act of throwing a wine glass at Duke Hosaquin's head too. Yeah, that's why. Gabriel got involved in someone else's family dispute and got hurt protecting me, so wouldn't it be inhuman not to worry and be angry?

Gabriel quickly regained his balance and straightened up. Looking at Gabriel soaked in red wine, I sighed inwardly. It being red wine made it hard to tell how badly he was hurt. Being careful not to speak informally, I opened my mouth.

"As grandfather said, it would be good to get treatment."

"But the dancing will start soon."

Is that important right now? Treatment doesn't take that long—just sprinkle some holy water and come back.

"Even if you stay, you're not in a condition to dance together."

"Ah. Wine would get on your dress, my lady."

Gabriel distanced himself from me as if he'd just realized. He actually believed me when I said I wasn't worried. Did he think I said I couldn't dance with him because I was worried about wine getting on my clothes rather than being concerned about an injured person?

I wanted to scold him, but since I'd already said I wasn't worried about anything like that, I couldn't take it back now. Since he doesn't value his own body and probably wouldn't listen if I said anything, it seemed better to just push forward like this.

"So go change clothes and come back. Henna has holy water, so get some and treat yourself too."

"I have holy water..., no, never mind."

Gabriel hesitated without finishing his sentence. Holy water what? Oh, does he mean he has holy water too? Come to think of it, since Gabriel is a holy knight, it's natural he'd carry holy water with him.

Then if he has holy water, he should just go and come back quickly—what's the problem that he keeps trying to stay! Could it be because of me?

"I'm just afraid something might happen to you while I'm away, my lady."

So he can't leave because of me. Since Gabriel got called away briefly and I almost got hit by a wine glass from Duke Hosaquin during that time, he must be anxious about leaving me alone again. But Duke Hosaquin deliberately stirred up trouble, so if I behave quietly from now on, wouldn't it be fine?

"If you're anxious, I promise to behave quietly. There are many watching eyes here, aren't there?"

I appealed that I'd stay quiet, being conscious of others' gazes.

Hearing my words, Gabriel made a strange expression, looked up at the air out of nowhere, then nodded as if he understood what I meant.

"Yes, that's right. There are always eyes watching over you, my lady."

"Sir Gabriel, though I may not be reliable, I'll stay by Lady Rohanson's side."

Only after Lady Totten offered to help did Gabriel consent.

"Then I'll hurry back. My lady, please be careful."

Gabriel bowed and left the banquet hall. Look at him warning me until the very end. Apart from liking me, he doesn't trust me. Geez, it's even hard to send an injured person for treatment...

Seeing the gazes following Gabriel as he left, the rumor that I manipulate holy knights will only grow bigger.

I wonder if Gabriel will actually get proper treatment before returning. He's not just going to change clothes and come back, is he? No... Raphaela or Uriel will treat him well. This is why there must always be a competent aide beside the male lead. Without an aide like Raphaela, Gabriel would have died a miserable death long ago from abusing his body.

Now I need to do some damage control. Duke Hosaquin ran away long ago and I sent Gabriel for treatment, so I'm the only one left to clean up.

"Lady Totten, I apologize for showing such discord."

I spoke to Lady Totten while raising my voice slightly so everyone around could hear.

"I only wanted to share stories about my late mother because I missed my family, but grandfather still seems to find me lacking."

"Lady Rohanson... Someday Duke Hosaquin will open his heart to you too, so please don't worry."

Lady Totten played along, subtly shifting blame to Duke Hosaquin as the bad guy. I approached with good intentions, but Duke Hosaquin went berserk and threw a wine glass.

To those who didn't know I had provoked the Duke, it just looked like the Duke was being mean to his estranged granddaughter. I'll send his reputation straight to hell. So who told you to leave first?

"Ow!"

At that moment, the maid cleaning the floor let out a small scream. Startled by her own noise, she covered her mouth and looked around nervously. She seemed anxious about possibly getting scolded for being disruptive while failing to properly fulfill her duties during the cleanup.

"Did you cut your hand?"

"Huh? No! I thought I was cut, but seeing there's no wound, I think I just got pricked."

The round droplet on her fingertip must have been a wine drop, not blood. When the maid wiped her hand on her clothes, her finger was clean, proving her words weren't an excuse. I'm glad she wasn't hurt.

"Sorry for creating more mess to clean up."

"No, not at all, Young Lady!"

When I apologized, the maid waved her hands frantically, not knowing what to do. I spoke to her intending to show that Evangeline treats even maids kindly, hoping to change people's perception that she's better than the rumors suggest. Sorry for using you... My conscience hurts...

"You must have been very shocked too, Young Lady. It would be good to rest for a while until Lord Gabriel returns."

I wasn't shocked but rather had a guilty conscience, but Mrs. Totten seemed to think I was in shock and supported me, leading me to a place with fewer people. As I approached, even the few people who were there scattered. Just moments ago, they were trying to at least speak to me. Now that it seems the Duke dislikes me, they immediately tucked their tails and pretended not to know me.

"I didn't know Duke Hosaquin would come at you so harshly. I'm sorry I couldn't help you, Young Lady."

"You don't need to worry about it."

As I told Gabriel, I was just quietly staying in my place when the maid I had asked if she was okay earlier shyly approached and served me wine. She's someone who knows what she's doing. A startled heart should be calmed with alcohol. Mrs. Totten and I received wine and clinked glasses.

"This tastes different from what we had earlier...?"

Mrs. Totten took a sip of wine and muttered as if puzzled. Was it that strange? I took a sip too, but perhaps because my palate isn't refined enough, I couldn't feel much difference. It was richer than what we had before, but I thought it was just because it was aged more.

By the time we finished our glasses, the Crown Prince's banquet began in earnest. I'm already exhausted and want to go home... I found myself newly respecting romance novel characters. Being part of high society isn't an easy job either.

"The banquet is beginning in earnest now."

The Crown Prince came down from the platform holding hands with one of the twin imperial grandchildren. The Crown Prince was overshadowed not only by his son, who's mentioned as a future emperor candidate, but even by his daughter who had no such titles. The two soon stopped in the center of the banquet hall.

"The one who came out now is Princess Jeremia."

"Mrs. Totten, can you distinguish between the two?"

They had perfectly copy-pasted golden hair, blue eyes, clothes, and even hairstyles - how could she tell them apart?

"The two look perfectly alike on the outside, so even His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince, their father, is said to be unable to distinguish them."

Shouldn't parents be able to recognize them? Then Mrs. Totten recognized what even the parents couldn't? How good is her eye for detail? Mrs. Totten smiled slightly and continued her explanation.

"Actually, once you know the answer, it becomes very easy. The two have different colored accessories."

Different colored accessories?

"When the twin Highnesses were born, His Majesty gave them necklaces that were identical except for the gem colors, and we distinguish them by that. The green emerald is Princess Jeremia, and the black jade is Princess Tenebrae."

Ah, that's right. The one standing with the Crown Prince now was wearing a green emerald necklace, so it was Jeremia. Since 'E' and 'Je' are similar, it wasn't hard to remember.

Mrs. Totten added that both never remove their accessories from their bodies even during baths, so you can recognize them just by looking at their necks. Really, once you know the answer, it becomes easy to distinguish them.

"My beloved daughter, may I request a song to commemorate your father's birthday?"

"Gladly."

When the Crown Prince and Jeremia took their positions, the orchestra's performance began to match them. Dozens of instruments moving for just the two of them was truly wondrous.

Each time the Crown Prince and Jeremia spun and drew circles, the lights began to go out one by one as if it were part of the performance, until all lights went out with the final rotation. Even the windows must have been closed completely because I couldn't see an inch ahead. I have no idea what kind of major event they're planning to turn off all the lights for.

The people around also seemed to panic from the sudden darkness and began murmuring in confusion. Someone near me seemed to stumble with an "Ah!" sound from being pushed, so I caught and helped them up. In doing so, wine spilled on my body, soaking my clothes. Gabriel... your sacrifice to save me has gone to waste.

"Lady Rohanson, thank you."

Before I could ask if they were okay, the person thanked me and disappeared. So, how long are we going to stay in this darkness? Since the music hasn't stopped, it doesn't seem to be an emergency but rather an intended event... There can't be fireworks indoors, so maybe something unique will appear? Whatever it was, seeing people so confused, it definitely seemed like a failed event.

Contrary to expectations, the lights came back on quickly.

And what unfolded before my eyes was a scene beyond imagination. The Crown Prince, who had been dancing holding Jeremia's hand until just before the blackout, was hanging limply from the chandelier. There was a sword pierced through his heart, and strangely, the sword's handle looked familiar. The moment I realized the source of this déjà vu, I covered my mouth in horror.

That, that's not the dagger I brought, is it? I wasn't the only one who noticed this, as someone screamed out:

"Lady Rohanson has assassinated His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince!"

What the hell? No, I didn't!