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Hakushaku To Yousei - Book 29 - With the aurora’s protection on thy chest
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Table of Contents
Chapter 1 - A new trial 3
Chapter 2 - The elderly sisters from the run-down mansion 26
Chapter 3 - The secrets of the dark forest 49
Chapter 4 - Feelings forever unrequited 80
Chapter 5 - The faceless man 111
Chapter 6 - When darkness draws near 132
Chapter 7 - The aurora’s remaining flame 151
Author: Mizue Tani

Illustrator: Asako Takaboshi
English translation by Daydream Translations
*Character introductions, summary and postscripts not included.
Please do not share or redistribute our work. Thank you!
Disclaimer:
As stated by Mizue Tani, Hakushaku to Yousei is a work of fiction. Any references to

historical events, real people, or real places are used fictitiously. Other names,
characters, places and events are products of the author’s imagination, and any
resemblance to actual events, places or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
This unofficial English translation is brought to you by Daydream Translations. We do

not own nor claim the rights to the novels, illustrations or series, as they were all written
by Mizue Tani, illustrated by Asako Takaboshi, and published by Hakusensha. All
translations and editing were done at no cost for the fans, as our intentions for sharing
this work are solely for recreational purposes, rather than for profit. Enjoy!
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Chapter 1 - A new trial
The sun gradually rose, and the white shoreline which was approaching them could already be
seen from the ship. Welcoming the sea breeze, Lydia pressed down the reddish-brown hair that
Edgar praised as “caramel-coloured”, and gazed at this shoreline.
A white border lined the southern coast of England; it was a type of white limestone. In the past,
the Romans who saw this coastline called this island nation the “Albion1.”
They had finally returned to England. This profound thought made her chest feel warm, but at
the same time, this scenery implied that Lydia had to mentally be prepared to face various kinds
of difficulties in order to protect Edgar.
During the time he was trapped on the ship, Edgar, who had lost his memories, was unable to
find out any information about himself and his family, and must have been very restless. As
soon as they return to their motherland, he would definitely start investigating immediately.
Including the circumstances of his homeland --- the Sylvainford area, the current situation of his
parents, who should be living there, as well as the current situation of the dukedom. But despite
knowing that he wanted to find out about them, the dukedom’s past was inextricably linked to
the Prince. If he comes into contact with this, it might become an opportunity for him to regain
his memories; if it was possible, it would be better to continue to conceal this from him.
If by any chance Edgar’s memories were recovered, the “Prince’s” memories within him would
be regained immediately afterwards, and it will involve the influence of the magic power
underneath the fairy kingdom’s great tree. If the dragon that was sealed with the ruby arrow
after much difficulty was released, it would certainly accumulate evil magic once more and
cause the great tree to wither again.
Before they found the way to achieve absolute peace within the fairy kingdom, to Lydia,
suppressing the Prince within Edgar was currently the only thing she could do for him and the
fairy kingdom.
Lydia even had to hide the fact that she was his wife. All of this was in order to keep everything
related to the Prince far away from Edgar.
1
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albion Albion is an alternate name for Great Britain. It is sometimes used
poetically and generally to refer to the island, but is less common than 'Britain' today.
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And for this reason, they weren’t prepared to return to London immediately after the ship arrived
at the British port. After all, there were way too many people in London who knew the two of
them as a married couple.
Therefore, although they had returned to their home country, they couldn’t live the same life as
before. Lydia had already prepared herself mentally for this. With regards to them, this was far
from genuinely returning to their homeland. The journey was still ongoing.
“Please look, Albion is over there. Southampton is at the innermost end of the water after
bypassing this island.”
Raven stood by Lydia’s side, while Nico was lying on his shoulders. It swung its furry grey tail
while nodding in agreement, turning towards Lydia.
“Ha---- we’re arriving very soon, Lydia.”
“Ah, yes...... Raven, how is Edgar?”
“Lord Edgar is still resting.”
“It appears that he’s been sleeping pretty well lately, hasn’t he?”
“Yes, that seems to be the case.”
I’m glad, Lydia breathed a sigh of relief, and her face revealed a reassured smile.
During the time where Edgar gradually merged with the Prince, despite not showing any pain on
the outside, in reality, he couldn’t take in food or drink, nor could he sleep well at night. But now,
he wouldn’t be disturbed by the Prince anymore.
For Lydia, Edgar being able to live his life smoothly made her happier than anything else. She
made a firm decision that even if he forgot about her, she wouldn’t mind for this reason.
Although it was painful to be by his side not as a couple, Lydia was going to continue to protect
him as a friend from now on.
With regards to this, after disembarking from Southampton, the first step was to immediately
create a reason as to why they couldn’t return to London. Francis told Lydia this last night.
This was the conclusion reached after discussing the future responses with Francis during the
time they were travelling on board.
They could even rent a countryside villa and arrange it so that Edgar had been living there prior
to losing his memories, thereby leading Edgar to mistakenly believe that he spontaneously left
the dukedom without a choice and lived incognito. Furthermore, he had no plans to return to
Sylvainford within a short time.
4
Solely because he couldn’t remember what happened within the ten years of lost memories and
what kind of life he was living, it was enough to make Edgar to be cautious about making
contact with the dukedom, and instead choose to return home and regain his daily life.
Then, Francis will hurry to the Ashenbert residence as quickly as possible, inform the butler,
Tomkins, of the situation, and prepare a thorough countermeasure.
Before getting ready, Lydia must wind around Edgar and keep him in a rural hotel. As for the
specific method, it’s to feign illness.
“Although you could say that, can you really do it, Lydia?”
Nico twitched his whiskers with a face of worry.
“Deceiving the Earl isn’t easy. Besides, you’re terrible at lying.”
As long as Lydia pretended to collapse, and that she had to stay in bed without moving around,
Edgar ought to stay behind and accompany her. Despite this being the battle plan that they
devised, Lydia herself wasn’t confident that she could perform well.
“Don’t worry, it will definitely succeed. As long as Edgar hears that Lydia has fallen ill, he can’t
be calm. Of course you can deceive him.”
Francis appeared on the deck along with his voice. This one-eyed man, whose head full of wavy
silver hair was scattering in the wind, gave off a valiant impression, and seemed to have a
presence, but in fact, it was difficult to say whether or not he was a reliable partner. But since he
was a doctor himself, at least there was no need to worry about whether Edgar would let
another doctor visit, causing the scam to be exposed.
“Francis, can you truly practice as a doctor?”
In Nico’s eyes, Francis’ acting was at the same worrying level as Lydia’s lying.
“Let’s make it clear first, I am undeniably a doctor, and by no means do I need any acting skills.”
“But your diagnoses have never been very reliable.”
“Mr Nico, I do not think there is a need to worry.”
Everyone was astonished that Raven unexpectedly defended Francis, which was rare, and
continued.
“Even the current Lord Edgar has forgotten that he is an inept doctor.”
Contrary to expectations, Francis wasn’t angry in the slightest, and confidently nodded his head.
“That’s right. So if you want to deceive that Edgar, I’m afraid that it can only be done now. Okay
Lydia, it’s almost time to get ready.”
5
“What did you say, Raven?”

The brown-skinned attendant informed him too indifferently, making Edgar initially believe that
he had misheard. The ship had already entered the port, and was waiting for orders to dock.
Edgar was already prepared as well.
“I’m saying that Miss Lydia---”
Fainted. Edgar was certain that he didn’t mishear, then ran out. Last night there was clearly
nothing wrong and she was healthy. As he was too flustered, he would get Lydia’s room wrong;
Edgar confirmed the room number once more.
Although this was said, he didn’t know why. Perhaps worrying about a friend was to be
expected. In his memories before the age of thirteen, he was never shaken from being too
worried, which might have been because he was still a child.
In any case, Edgar finally ran to the room and opened the door. Francis and the attendant
Ermine looked back, and opposite to them was Lydia, who was bedridden; just as this sight
caught Edgar’s eyes, it felt difficult for him to breathe.
“Lydia.”
Edgar approached the bedside, and Lydia slowly opened her eyes, with her impressive
golden-green pupils looking at him.
“Edgar…… sorry for making you worry. It isn’t anything serious, I’m just a little tired.”
The forced smile made Edgar even more distressed. He gently held Lydia’s hand, which was
somewhat warm.
Edgar calmed himself down and smiled. She was the same as normal.
“It was a long journey after all. Don’t think about anything and get some rest.”
“But we need to get off the ship don’t we?”
Next to Lydia’s pillow was her cherished cat -- no, it was Nico, her companion, who interrupted
with a mumble. Edgar knew that this wasn’t an ordinary cat before he lost his memories, as it
could speak and walk on its hind legs, so when he became aware of this once more, he didn’t
find it unfathomable and shocking. It was clear that the cat would talk.
And Edgar was more worried about Lydia rather than Nico talking, and as he said, the time to
disembark was approaching.
“Nico…… I can get up after a short rest.”
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However, Francis quietly waved Edgar over with a look of reluctance.

“She has a fever, and it looks like breathing is very difficult for her. If this leads to pneumonia, it
will be troublesome. It would be better to not force her to move.”
Him whispering made Edgar not optimistic.
“How about finding a hotel at the port and letting Lydia rest? Is it not good to move a little?”
“No, that should be fine. Find a quiet hotel where Lydia can rest.”
After Edgar agreed, Francis looked at the attendant wearing men’s clothing.
“Can we, Ermine?”
“Yes. Go and disembark first, then get to the hotel.”
She immediately left the room. They clearly hadn’t reached the shore yet, but they’re able to
disembark? Edgar tilted his head, then thought that perhaps they could use a boat once they
paid in tips. Francis whispered to Edgar once more.
“It seems necessary to stay in the hotel, what are you going to do?”
“What do you mean?”
“The reservation after returning home!”
“I can’t remember.”
“That’s true.”
“In any case, I don’t intend on leaving Lydia and going back. Until she recovers, I will remain
here as well.”
“I thought so.”
Francis smiled in relief.
Of course, not only the future reservation, Edgar didn’t even know where he should be returning
to.
It has already been a long time since he returned to his home, the Sylvainford mansion.
According to Raven, there is a residence owned by Edgar himself in the countryside along the
River Thames, and living under the pseudonym of Earl Ashenbert, he will head out to London
occasionally. But even if he returned, it would only be the waiters hired by Edgar there. Edgar
thought that it was likely no one knew about him and about Sylvainford.
Lydia once said that his tutor, Professor Carlton, might know something, but the moreEdgar
thought about it alone, the more he felt that he shouldn’t have expectations.
Regardless, he left Sylvainford and lived as if he had severed ties from there. Perhaps it wasn’t
necessarily the severance of ties between father and son.
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Even so, Edgar himself was the heir to an orthodox dukedom. This hasn’t changed, but he
wasn’t in the mood to return under the circumstances of not knowing any information.
Returning to the United Kingdom, if there was anything that he needed to do, it was to know
about himself. But now that Lydia has collapsed, this sort of thing had been thrown to the back
of his mind long ago.
Edgar, who left the Duke’s house with a certain problem, was accepted entirely by Lydia, who
was an irreplaceable friend. Regardless of whether or not he had memories, Edgar should be
prioritizing Lydia.
“That’s right, we should contact Lydia’s father, Professor Carlton.”
“I’ll go inform him and get the medicine on the way.”
“Medicine?”
“My clinic in London has medicines that are effective for Lydia. If she takes it sooner, it can
prevent her condition from worsening.”
“I understand, then if you would please.”
Francis said that after disembarking, he would immediately take the train to London, and went
back to his room to prepare. In front of the doorway, he returned to Edgar’s side as if he
remembered something and whispered.
“Even if it looks like the fever is gone, don’t force it. These symptoms tend to recur easily and
worsen instead.”
“Ahh, I’ll be careful.”
After sending Francis off, Edgar returned to Lydia’s side. She was very concerned about what
Francis said to Edgar, and looked at him uneasily.
“Lydia, you don’t have to worry with me by your side. Francis will get the medicine and come
back.”
Lydia blinked slowly and began to speak.
“We’ve finally returned, but because of me you have to hold back.”
“It’s alright, because I have no memories of travelling, right? I would like to continue travelling.”
“There’s no way to feel like travelling in Southampton, right?”
Edgar saw Lydia frowning, and smiled calmly.
“What I meant is that I still want to spend time with you. We are clearly such close friends, but
not remembering you is really frustrating, so I want to get to know you more. But when we return
to London, you will have your own life, right?”
It wasn’t too likely that they could see each other everyday like during a trip.
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“Besides, I think it’s fine to continue being Earl Ashenbert.”

“......Why?”
“The more I think about it, the more I feel that I’m not welcomed by Sylvainford. Although I don’t
know what I have done, if there is a reason for me to not return, perhaps I am a plague to my
family…...something like that.”
As if Lydia wanted to completely deny this, she looked up slightly and forcefully shook her head.
“Edgar, regardless of what happened, you aren’t someone who would make your family sad,
that I’m quite sure of.”
In the end, how many times had he been saved by Lydia? Due to the fortune of having her by
his side, even if he lost his memories, he could believe in himself.
If he was the person like she said he was, then he likely hasn’t done anything wrong.
“Thank you. Being spoken to like this, I don’t want this trip to end even more. If it’s here, I can
monopolize you.”
Yes, so being held back isn’t a bad thing. He said and emphasized.
However, Lydia suddenly frowned as if in pain and looked away from Edgar.
“What smooth talk.”
Lydia tried to say it jokingly, but her eyes glistened with tears sadly.
Why does she have that sort of expression? Edgar had the urge to embrace Lydia tightly. His
imagination appeared clearly - Lydia’s small shoulders, soft touch, the smell of her hair and her
warmth; he became very eager to hold her tightly.
Taking a breath, he finally suppressed that urge.
He must get along with Lydia as a friend. Edgar sensed respect and kindness from her, which
could only be conveyed through a friendship. He realized his love for her as a man, recalled that
their differences in status would only harm her, so he decided to stay as friends.
Before losing his memories, he also valued Lydia greatly and promised to treat her as a friend.
“Lydia, how did we usually get along?”
Realizing that the subject had changed, Lydia lowered her eyes and paused before she replied.
“......When my father brought you home, we would have tea and eat together.”
“Have we ever gone out together?”
“Occasionally…… we might have.”
“Can I invite you again?”
“Yes.”
Lydia’s answer sounded more like disbelief towards Edgar’s invitation rather than disinterest.
9
At that moment, Edgar suddenly thought that perhaps he didn’t want to return to London.
If this trip ended, he would truly feel the distance between him and Lydia.
Even if they acknowledged each other as “friends”, it was impossible for a man and woman to
meet in public, and people of different social classes went to different places. Of course, a
daughter of an upper-middle class Cambridge professor like Lydia can be brought to
upper-class gatherings, but she wouldn’t be happy about it.
He had forgotten that his past self used to bring Lydia everywhere without any concerns. For the
Edgar before he lost his memories, his identity didn’t have too much of a significance. He knew
that as long as one could be similar to an aristocrat, then they were capable of becoming one as
well.
He was born a noble. But a powerless child can only be cruelly mistreated and unable to resist.
On the other hand, as long as one had the talent and opportunity, then they could crawl back up.
So when he returned to the British aristocracy, Edgar knew that he could make Lydia become a
lady in the social circles using his own methods.
But for him, who forgot about this, he didn’t think that the difference in social classes was
destructible.
If they returned to everyday society like this, he felt that Lydia would have no choice but to
leave.
After the conversation ended, Lydia closed her eyes in exhaustion.
“Lord Edgar.”
Being called by Raven, Edgar stood up and headed out the door. Then with no expression,
Raven informed him of something unexpected.
“Someone suspicious has been found. They were obstinately inquiring about matters pertaining
to Miss Lydia, and had passed by the door outside while paying attention.”
“A passenger?”
“No, it appears that they took a boat from the port and entered the ship pretending to be a staff
member of a shipping company or warehouse.”
It was even more strange for someone like that to ask about Lydia.
“Why is Lydia being investigated? Raven, do you know anything?”
He remained expressionless but it could be seen that he was somewhat rigid. It looked like he
was having trouble speaking. As if he was a friend in need of help, a sound could be heard from
his feet.
“There are many guys who want Lydia.”
10
Nico, who should have been next to her pillow, stood there without knowing when.
“What do you mean?”
“Because she’s a fairy doctor. They want to misuse Lydia’s abilities.”
With regards to Edgar, who had already been involved in mysterious events, he didn’t doubt that
Lydia was a very special existence who could contact fairies. He also understood the uses and
abilities of a fairy doctor, however -
“Misuse? How? Lydia’s job is to simply help fairies that she comes across by chance or people
involved with them.”
“Like I said, people think that as long as they can use that ability, they can obtain the fairies’
magic. Ahh, there was a kidnapping before. That guy who wanted to try and hide the mermaid
treasure.”
For some reason, Raven coughed lightly.
The one that appeared now was this kind of person as well.
“It’s best to not take your eyes off Lydia.”
Nico and Raven both nodded.
The whistle sounded through the entire inside of the ship, notifying them that they were
approaching the port.
Looking down at the river on the left side, Teran, who was riding in a galloping carriage, slowly
sat up and pressed his hat down once more.
An egg was placed in his tall top hat. This egg, which was the size of a baby’s head, was
created by the dragon head at the center of the fairy kingdom.
Now, this egg was like a part of Teran’s body, with neither an unfit feeling nor a weight, so it
stayed firmly in the hat.
Ordinary humans would be able to see it. Ever since leaving the fairy kingdom, the egg’s magic
gradually weakened, until it had almost no sense of existence near London. However, the man’s
soul concealed within the egg still whispered to Teran and monitored his every move.
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That man was the fairy doctor who mastered Unseelie Court knowledge, and should have died
a century ago. Although he was sentenced to death by hanging, and his body had long since
decayed into ash, his soul was transferred to the dragon egg and is continuing to survive.
But as a result of staying in the dragon egg, he was confined to the sea by the fairy kingdom’s
magic, unable to escape from there.
Under these circumstances, it was surely quite difficult to find someone who could be controlled
by him, and could act as his limbs.
However, that man was prepared to be his puppet from the beginning. Perhaps he had already
foreseen his fate of being hunted down.
He created a life with the ability to use magic and an immortal body at the same time. It was the
child of a Nuckelavee, the strongest Unseelie Court, born from a human woman. That child was
Teran.
It was a pity that Teran couldn’t approach the fairy kingdom. The former Prince was deeply wary
of Teran. The same persona who could use magic, the one that the Prince put in an important
position was Ulysses, and not Teran.
Furthermore, despite the Unseelie Court fairy doctor exerting a hint to the Prince, who was just
born and making him bring the organization to the fairy kingdom, the fairy kingdom’s defenses
were still quite strong at the time. Not only this, the fifth generation Prince, Edgar Ashenbert,
was the Blue Knight Earl himself, so nothing had done according to that man’s plans.
In the end, that man couldn’t obtain anything.
Even though he made Neil, who incidentally appeared near the fairy kingdom, inherit the
McKeel clan’s lineage and serve as his puppet, but along with Neil’s death, he lost the ability to
move again. The fairy kingdom’s dragon was sealed, and the plan of him utilizing the Prince’s
powers to control the dragon also failed.
Even so, that man still found Teran. In other words, Teran had already anticipated this kind of
situation when he was pursuing the Prince and approaching the fairy kingdom.
If possible, Teran actually wanted to keep a distance from that man. Although the Prince
possessed formidable magic, he wasn’t a magician. So for him, a trusted aide proficient in
magic was necessary. That was why no matter how terrible his master was, as long as Teran
acted carefully, he could then make use of them in return. However, apart from that man making
Teran act as his limbs, he wasn’t planning on giving him any freedom. For Teran himself, he was
naturally more willing to manipulate the organization under the Prince and control the United
Kingdom as he pleased.
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But no matter how the surrounding fate struggled with the “Prince”, it couldn't settle it without
Ibrazel.
“Teran, it’s not over yet. I still have a way to turn the tide.”
The soul of the Unseelie Court fairy doctor, who resided in the dragon egg that escaped from
the fairy kingdom, whispered into Teran’s ear.
“My younger brother, a Seelie Court fairy doctor, left behind a relic in order to bury the Prince.
That relic has not yet fallen into the hands of those who should have it. As long as we obtain
that thing, my younger brother’s prophecy will not be achieved. We can even use that power as
well.”
“Really, so where is the relic?”
“That woman, it’s in the hands of that Prince’s wife, who inherited the McKeel bloodline.”
“Then we should snatch it?”
“It will be quite difficult to snatch onto it. I’m afraid it will choose a hiding spot before it’s handed
over to the rightful owner. That woman is the owner that it chose now, and if that woman dies
by any chance, we won’t be able to find it.”
If that woman was killed at the time with the Prince’s powers underneath the dragon and great
tree, the relic in the woman’s hands would have nowhere to go and they could have simply
gotten ahold of it, but Neil failed.
“Is there another way?”
“There is. Find someone who has the ability to use the relic, then the relic won’t move around on
its own. That way, my younger brother’s prophecy will be distorted because that will fall into your
hands.”
“Mine? Isn’t the Saviour who put an end to the Prince the only one who can obtain that relic?”
“That’s right. But we only know that it is restricted to someone from the McKeel clan. If my
brother intentionally set it up in this way, doesn’t that mean as long as it’s someone who
inherited the McKeel family’s bloodline and has the ability to communicate with fairies, shouldn’t
they be able to get their hands on it?”
Teran recalled the woman that gave birth to him. He was different from ordinary humans, as he
retained memories of being in the womb. The woman detested the unborn children in her
abdomen, cursed them, and even tried to induce an abortion, but was unable to succeed. In the
end, she gave birth to twins in madness and died.
Although she was the fairy doctor of Cornwall, it seems that she had blood relations with the
McKeel family of the highlands.
13
Because of this point, she was targeted by that man, and was forced to give birth to the child of
the highland demon.
“Teran, go and snatch it. Then hand it over to me. I can be rest assured if you do it, I don’t even
have to worry about you becoming the Saviour the prophecy spoke about.”
The man’s voice, who returned to the dragon egg, let out a malicious laughter.
“The way is to sleep with that woman. This is the duty of the women who exist to take out what
my brother hid in the sacred land, known as the Prophet’s fiancée. After that is done, you will be
its true owner.”
It was fine as long as this was done, it didn’t sound too difficult. But when things are done, Teran
will become this man’s servant But because he was the Unseelie Court fairy doctor who used
forbidden techniques to be reborn into this world, he couldn’t go against him in any case.
But if it was truly as the man said, the Prophet’s hidden powers would fall into Teran’s hands,
and the positions would be reversed. Teran could obtain everything the man wanted, including
the power to control the Prince.
After drinking the medicine that Francis gave, her body mysteriously felt warm. But like he said,
the medicine was harmless. Apart from having a high temperature, there weren’t any other
changes; Lydia was still very healthy, and lying in bed motionless only made her seem even
more unwell.
Perhaps it was due to the better blood circulation that Lydia’s skin appeared flushed. Of course,
her body temperature did not actually rise, but it was enough to make Edgar believe that she
had a fever.
After the body warms up, a person begins to feel sleepy unconsciously. Lydia fell asleep shortly
after settling down in a hotel near the port. As soon as she woke up, the medicine had almost
worn off, and her hands and cheeks, which had a bit of a temperature, had returned to their
normal state.
Francis was already on the way to London. From now onwards, whether or not Edgar could be
kept here depended on Lydia’s acting skills.
14
Having said that, she gained an unexpected ally. When they disembarked at the port, Kelly
appeared in front of them.
Kelly, who had returned to London before them, learned the date of their arrival in Southampton
from the telegraph. Since the telegram wrote that the ship Lydia and the others were on was
involved in a disturbance caused by the fairies, their arrival time would be several days later
than expected, but it would smoothly reach the shore soon. After Lydia’s maid, who always
worked zealously, saw this, she was very worried and simply ran over to greet them.
Of course, Lydia and the others’ experience in the fairy kingdom as well as Edgar’s amnesia,
Kelly already heard about it from Ermine, but she knew absolutely nothing about Lydia feigning
illness, so she spared no effort in taking care of Lydia while in shock. Thanks to her luck, even
though Lydia’s acting had some problems, Edgar wasn’t suspicious.
“Seriously Madam Lydia, you feigning illness almost made my heart stop.”
Kelly, who heard the information afterwards from Raven, approached Lydia’s pillow side and
said.
“Sorry, Kelly. But there wasn’t a better idea.”
In the guest room of this high-class hotel, Kelly helped Lydia up from the bed, then reached for
the blanket that was draped over the chair.
“In short, if you don’t pay attention to every detail to make the story consistent, then the Master
will be suspicious, right? I’ve already heard the details from Mr Raven, but Madam...... is this
truly okay? Pretending to be just friends with the Master and such.”
“It can’t be helped. This is all for Edgar’s sake. That’s why Kelly, you can’t call me “Madam” from
now on.”
“To make Master...... no, the Earl single again, this is like releasing a wolf out into the wild.”
Hearing Kelly say that, Lydia couldn’t help but sigh deeply. What Kelly said was right, but what
could she do? She could only turn a blind eye, and if she didn’t know about it, then she would
be barely able to endure it.
“More importantly Kelly, how is the situation in London now? What about Lota and Paul?”
Adjusting her mood, Lydia turned her thoughts towards her important companions. Lydia wasn’t
the only one who continued to fight despite the pain in her heart, everyone who had a
relationship with the Earl family will support Edgar.
“Those two are gathering intelligence with the people from “Scarlet Moon”, and if they find any
information on the movements of the Prince’s organization. they will notify us. As for the Earl
family, currently everything is safe. Mr Tomkins is very attentive.”
15
She really missed the white mansion of the Ashenbert residence. There, Lydia and Edgar spent
their happiest times, and to her that place was home. Would there still be a day where she could
return home with him again? Thinking this, Lydia couldn’t help but sigh once more, but she held
back in the end.
“That’s right, Madam Lydia, because I came here, Miss Ermine said she wanted to return to
London, and has already left now. It seems that she wasn’t very reassured about whether Mr
Francis could get things done himself.”
“That’s true...... besides, Francis relies on Ermine a lot.”
“On the Earl’s side, we said that she was just an accompanying maid who was hired to
accompany Madam Lydia during the trip.”
“I understand.”
Lydia nodded, and at that moment, Nico appeared by the window.
“Lydia, are you awake?”
As soon as he entered the room, he sat down on the bed and folded his arms with a solemn
expression.
“Looks like you can’t rest too easy. I heard Raven say that during the time we were on board,
there was a group of suspicious people looking everywhere for us.”
Lydia and Kelly looked at each other in dismay.
“Would they be from the Prince’s organization?”
“Apart from them, there is no one else. It’s likely that the dragon egg, which escaped from the
fairy kingdom, joined forces with Teran, and it seems that they still haven’t given up.”
Nico and Raven witnessed the snake that transformed from the dragon egg escape the fairy
kingdom, and swim towards Teran’s passenger ship.
The “Prince” within Edgar was bound by the ruby arrow, and the organization’s manager,
Ulysses, had died. Now, the one with the highest position in the organization was perhaps
Teran, and the snake would naturally choose to approach him.
“Hey Nico, the soul currently residing in the dragon egg is that fairy doctor from a century ago
who was proficient in Unseelie Court magic, correct? In other words, he is the one who made
Teran?”
“Yes, so the problem lies here.”
Nico’s nose wrinkled, and his whiskers twitched nervously.
“Teran is a twin, right? I think there’s a possibility that the dragon egg-turned snake had no other
choice but to find one of the twins to be its puppet. Since Neil was also in this sort of situation,
16
the other twin was used to stop the Unseelie Court fairy doctor from running away. This is like a
fate engraved in their blood.”
“But Teran is immortal, since he is half-fairy.”
“Yes. Teran’s younger brother as well, although he lost his magic, he didn’t die, right? In other
words, the fate of the McKeel clan’s twin fairy doctors did not work on them. If Teran and the
dragon egg’s snake truly combined together, I’m afraid that it would be the most evil and most
powerful existence among humans and fairies.”
Hearing Nico say that, Lydia shuddered.
Surely the Unseelie Court fairy doctor residing within the snake is targeting Lydia more than the
Prince. After all, he was the Prophet’s twin brother, so he would naturally be wary of everything
the Prophet did in order to bury the Prince.
“I feel as if I really am sick.”
Lydia collapsed weakly onto the bed. Though she knew that this wouldn’t make her feel better.
“Isn’t that good timing? That way, the Earl won’t suspect that you’re pretending to be sick. Leave
those suspicious guys to Raven.”
“That being said, as long as we have Mr Raven, there won’t be danger.”
Without knowing when it started, even Kelly became so trusting in Raven.
The new Ashenbert family established by Edgar was beginning to move forward as a united
family. Not only was this home to Lydia, but it was home to everyone as well, and Edgar was
one of the indispensable heads of the family.
In order to make him become the true Earl Ashenbert once more, Lydia could only summon her
courage and confront Teran and the dragon egg’s snake head on.
That same evening, after the lights were out, a rustling sound was faintly heard in the
pitch-black room. Lydia, who was lying down on the bed, opened her eyes to have a look, and
saw a cold light swaying in front of her. Just when she noticed the blade of the knife, a man’s
voice ordered in a low voice: “Don’t move.”
“You are Lady Ashenbert, correct?”
17
His manner of speaking changed, and the man suddenly asked in a respectful tone. Lydia sat
up and kept silent, as he continued to speak.
“I’ll have you come with me.”
In other words, he was going to take Lydia away. Could this person be Teran’s pawn?
“What...... what if I say no?”
“If possible, I don’t wish to use violence against you.”
It seemed useless to resist. Her back being pushed by that man, Lydia helplessly prepared to
wear her indoor shoes. At this time, several cautious knocks echoed from outside the room.
“Lydia, are you still awake? It’s too dangerous to leave the door unlocked.”
Edgar was the one speaking. Usually, Lydia’s room is locked. Edgar must have noticed that an
intruder broke the lock and opened the door. But the man with a dagger was beside Lydia, and
she couldn’t disclose it at all.
“If you dare to say anything unnecessary, I will shoot him.”
This time, something like a pistol was pressed against her shoulder. But that man probably just
wanted Lydia to know that there was a pistol, and soon the touch of heavy metal disappeared.
His presence left Lydia’s side, and at the same time, the door to the room was pushed open.
The moment Edgar entered the room holding a candle, Lydia caught a glimpse of the figure of
the man pressed against the wall by the door holding the pistol, but as Edgar walked into the
depths of the room, the small candle in his hand didn’t illuminate where the man was.
“I’m sorry, did I scare you?”
Edgar didn’t sense the man behind him, and went straight towards Lydia. After he placed the
candle on the desk, he looked at her frowning, as if he was worried about the rigid-looking
Lydia’s expression.
“Are you unwell? Do you have a fever again?”
Lydia didn’t care about being seen in her night clothes by Edgar. However, she suddenly noticed
that it wasn’t possible, so she desperately recalled how she reacted when she was unwed, then
pulled the blanket to cover her body.
“No...... I just had a bad dream.”
Lydia replied half-heartedly and tried not to turn away, but his hand stroked her cheek. The heat
of that hand made her realize how cold her cheeks were, and at the thought of this, she would
be discovered that she was pretending to be sick by him, and hurriedly pushed him away.
“Edgar, I’m very happy that you’re worried about me, but running into a girl’s room at night,
wouldn’t that be a little...”
18
“Would it? They’re usually quite welcoming of me. ”

He shamelessly replied. But perhaps what he said was also the truth, and it was precisely
because of this that Lydia’s troubles would be endless.
“If you can’t sleep, how about I come and chat with you? ”
“......I refuse.”
She had to make him leave without delay, or else he would be in danger. On one hand, Lydia
was anxious, but on the other hand, she was originally a very cold person who wouldn’t pay
attention to her own words.
“Ah, you must be thinking that I won’t be purely chatting, right? How mean, can’t you believe in
me a little more? I even said that I was going to respect my friendship with you.”
He said half-jokingly, and sat down at the foot of the bed casually.
Edgar, who lost his memories, had initially flirted with Lydia with a playful mentality, but ever
since he realized that the two of them were friends, he never did so again. Although the defect
of speaking obscenely from time to time hasn’t changed, at least he kept an appropriate
distance from her.
Even though he would usually hold Lydia’s hand without caring when Ermine or Nico were
around, when they were alone by chance, he would be more restrained and not touch her. Since
this was the case, why did he suddenly approach her with the intimate behaviour of a lover
now?
Lydia moved her body stiffly. How can I get Edgar to get out? No, what should be said is
whether or not there is a way to inform him of the intruder’s existence.
I can’t, if the intruder finds out, Edgar will be shot dead.
“Is Kelly next door?”
Why would he suddenly bring this up?
“Yeah......”
“Then, let’s not make a sound when we speak, so we don’t disturb her.”
“Eh? How will we talk without making a sound?”
“Naturally...... with our lips and tongues.”
He took Lydia’s hand, put it to his lips and kissed it, smiling.
This person is truly a born lecher!
Lydia was so angry that Edgar took the opportunity to push her onto the bed.
“Wait...... Edgar!”
19
20
What should I do, Lydia worried, but the sweet times of the past rushed into her heart, and she
immediately lost the strength to resist.
The candle’s faint light barely illuminated the nearby desk, unable to care for the two of them
who fell together.
There have been such situations in the past as well. Edgar’s golden hair could still be faintly
reflected into her view in the darkness. Before the two of them touched, seeing it made Lydia
sense how close she was to Edgar. From that Lydia’s skin trembled as it brought back memories
of where her first kiss was.
She forced herself to disperse those memories, reaching out to push him away, but at that
moment, she caught a glimpse of the man originally against the wall approaching them.
Lydia almost screamed, but her mouth was covered by Edgar. In a split second, Edgar, who
leapt around, grabbed a pillow and threw it. The man, who was unexpectedly hit in the face,
stumbled backwards, but he immediately stood firm and rushed towards Edgar.
Perhaps he didn’t want the gunshots to attract the surrounding people, as the man didn’t open
fire, but only brandished the dagger. Edgar pressed Lydia down, who tried to get up from the
bed, and seized an opportunity to spring up, nimbly pulling away from the bed. While avoiding
the man’s attack, he blocked the door of Kelly’s room with a toppled over chair, but without
being able to dodge, he fell onto the floor in a scuffle with the man.
Lydia was distraught. Seeing a flower vase by her hand, she picked it up and threw it at the
man. But the man moved quickly and grabbed Lydia’s arm. Unable to get away, Lydia’s arm was
forcefully twisted by the man, causing her to scream out in pain. Fortunately, Edgar, who
suddenly rushed forward, pulled him away.
The man’s dagger nearly cut Edgar’s arm.
If only there was a weapon; as this thought flashed through her mind, a silver fairy suddenly
appeared before Lydia’s eyes. Within a split second, Edgar’s hand was already holding the
mermaids’ sword. The gem embedded in the sword hilt was a large star sapphire which shone
with a blue-green radiance.
For a moment, Edgar’s face revealed an expression of disbelief, but he soon moved his body as
if it was a conditioned reflex, blocked the dagger with his sword, and pressed back, cutting the
other person’s dagger off.
The man, who jumped two steps back, finally took out his pistol. An opponent using a long
range weapon was too disadvantageous for a sword, Edgar clicked his tongue in annoyance.
21
Right when it was said to be too late, a dark shadow extinguished the candle, then the man’s
wails came immediately afterwards.
It was Raven. Although he couldn’t be seen in the surrounding darkness, it was enough to
guess based on the agility of his silent pursuit and attack against the man.
Without knowing when, Edgar moved to Lydia’s side, wrapped his arms around her and fell to
the ground. At that moment, the sound of a gunshot resonated in the darkness.
Raven’s okay, right?
It was still pitch-dark, but all of a sudden, Lydia felt the wind blowing, and knew that the window
was opened. Someone jumped out from the window.
The room regained its tranquility, and Edgar slowly stood up while protecting Lydia.
“The suspicious person ran.”
The one who spoke was Raven. Even in the darkness, he seemed to be able to see clearly
compared to them. As soon as they moved the fallen chair, the door behind the chair
immediately opened. Kelly, who had a lamp in her hand, looked into the room with uncertainty.
“Madam Lydia...... I heard a very loud noise, but for some reason I couldn’t open the door......”
With the room finally bright, Lydia quickly walked in front of Kelly.
“Kelly, it’s alright now. Edgar and Raven saved me just now.”
“It would be best if we could capture him and ask who the mastermind is. My deepest
apologies.”
Raven walked in front of Edgar and lowered his head, ashamed. Edgar put his hand on Raven’s
shoulder, like he did prior to losing his memories.
“It’s alright. Raven, you did very well.”
Even though he didn’t remember, Edgar’s trust in Raven, as well as his attitude of treating
Raven like a relative hadn’t changed. Deeply moved, Lydia looked at the two of them, and at
that moment, Edgar turned his head toward her.
“Lydia, you’re not hurt, right?”
“Yeah, you’re alright too? ”
Nodding, he looked at the sword grasped in his hand.
“This sword is?”
“Uh...... it’s a fairy.”
“Ahh, it’s your fairy. It was a great help, thank you.”
Arrow, who dimly appeared in front of everyone, knelt down at the feet of his master, but Edgar
couldn’t see it.
22
The sword had temporarily lost the magic of the ruby arrow, because the arrow formed from the
ruby was still stuck in the fairy kingdom’s dragon head. However, since Edgar was connected by
the powers of the Prince and the ruby, regarding the sword which only had the sapphire magic
remaining, Edgar was unable to react to its power, and unable to see Arrow’s figure in the
human world.
The silver fairy, who looked like a young child ought to have known this as well. It silently
disappeared, even along with the sword.
Although Edgar, who looked at his own palm in awe, had lost his memories, it seemed that he
still remembered a lot of things. For instance, he should only have memories from before the
age of thirteen, but the reactions in the face of a crisis was exactly the same as the Edgar who
experienced many tribulations.
He protected Lydia and worried that if by any chance Kelly, who was in the maid’s room, ran out,
it would be dangerous, and intentionally used the chair to block the doorway. In other words,
when he was asking Lydia about Kelly’s location, he had already sensed the existence of the
intruder.
“Edgar, how did you know that the man was in the room?”
“I saw his reflection in the window glass.”
So that’s it, Lydia was in deep admiration, and Kelly gazed at Edgar with a seldom-seen look of
respect, but he immediately ruined himself.
“If it wasn’t for that guy being in there, Lydia’s room door being opened and whatnot would be a
once in a blue moon opportunity.”
Edgar’s statement didn’t sound like a joke at all.
“I, I would be very troubled! Lord Edgar, please don’t make such bad jokes, okay?”
Seeing Kelly, who was truly fuming, Edgar shrugged his shoulders.
“I wonder why all of the maids around Lydia are so heavily guarded.”
The reason why Kelly and Ermine were so clearly vigilant was because they knew how quickly
Edgar formed relationships with women.
“What should we do next? Lord Edgar. That man or someone else might come again.”
Raven, who accurately grasped the danger, brought the topic back. Edgar also put away his
smile.
“Yes...... Lydia’s temperature has fallen now, but Francis said that if we force Lydia too much,
her illness will return. Hard work really is no good for the body.”
“I--In other words, Madam Lydia. You’ll catch a cold standing like this, so hurry back to bed.”
23
Seeing Kelly’s panicked response, Lydia suddenly came to her senses, as she completely forgot
that she was pretending to be sick.
“Ah, that’s true. I was so frightened…”
Lydia pretended that her legs suddenly went weak, taking the opportunity to sit down on the
bed.
“It certainly is frightening, having a man infiltrate your room late at night.”
Or two. Lydia thought in her mind. That strange man was admittedly dangerous, but Edgar, who
disturbed her calm heart, was also no good.
“Lydia, did that man mention his objective?”
I can’t tell him that he’s related to the Prince’s organization, she warned herself.
“H--he didn’t say anything...... he was merely planning to kidnap me.”
“As expected, they were aiming for the fairy doctor’s abilities, huh. Nico told me that there are
such people.”
“P--possibly.”
Edgar probably considered Lydia’s stammering as a sign of her uneasiness, and he crouched
down in front of her, holding her hand tightly.
“At any rate Lydia, you don’t have to worry. I will protect you.”
Even if it was due to Edgar’s sense of responsibility as a noble, Lydia still felt quite relieved
hearing him say that. Besides, Lydia had to keep him by her side for the time being, and in that
sense, Edgar’s response was in line with what was necessary. But if Edgar’s feelings were
considered, was continuing to keep him in the dark truly for his sake? Lydia was confused.
“Edgar...... are you really going to do this for me? Aren’t I just your friend?”
For Edgar, who lost his memories, there must be a lot of concerns. Although she understood
that she couldn’t let him approach the past which was connected to the Prince, would it be
acceptable to continue without letting him know at least of the dukedom’s situation and the
safety of his parents?
It would be best if there was a way to cast off the Prince’s portion of it and have him understand
that.
“Just? You are my special friend, isn’t that right?”
“If you mean that I’m strange, I am only special as a fairy doctor.”
“You are my female friend. And don’t you deserve to be called a miracle even more?”
Eh, how should I complain, Lydia couldn’t help but be at a loss, but Edgar exposed an earnest
expression.
24
“I am not the kind of man who would abandon his friend in distress. Those guys want to take
advantage of you, I definitely won’t give them the opportunity to approach you. I swear by my
life that I will definitely protect you.”
25
Chapter 2 - The elderly sisters from the run-down mansion
With its lamps lit, their carriage sped through the dark roads before day broke. They had no
destination in mind. With the sole purpose of leaving Southampton and deceiving their pursuers,
they travelled on an unassuming old road which wasn’t paved.
“What a terrible road. I can’t even doze.”
Perhaps he was woken up from his deep slumber, in any case, Nico was in a bad mood. He had
been sleeping in Raven’s room, so he was unaware of Lydia’s danger.
According to Nico, Raven didn’t toss and turn in his sleep. Hence, even if Nico snuggled into his
blanket Nico didn’t have to worry about being kicked aside.
But to begin with, since Raven never turned in earlier than Edgar, he probably hadn’t even laid
down on his bed earlier.
“Hey Raven, could you lower the speed a little?”
Raven, who was seated in the coachman’s seat, was rather skilled in manoeuvring the carriage
and this carriage with two horses which they borrowed wasn’t too shabby. However, the carriage
swayed quite a lot due to the road.
“It’s best that we leave this place quickly. It’d be harder to track us down, as the path ahead
breaks into multiple directions.”
If Edgar said so, even if it were Nico’s words, Raven wouldn’t lend his ear to Nico. Nico, who
had given up, still forced himself to lay down on his side on the hard seat nonetheless.
“But Lydia, if you’re in pain, we’ll think about it. Don’t push yourself. Tell me.”
Edgar, who was sitting beside Lydia, looked towards her as he tried to check her complexion.
“I’m fine.”
Although she showed him a smile, Edgar’s worried expression remained unchanged. Lydia felt
bad about pretending to be sick.
It was Lydia who suggested leaving their lodgings. If those people were Teran’s henchmen, then
their target wasn’t only Lydia. They’d probably even be thinking of making Edgar Prince again.
Edgar was reluctant to depart out of concern for Lydia, but Lydia herself knew very well that she
wasn’t ill. She convinced Edgar by insisting that her fever had gone down and that she was fine.
26
She wondered how far they had travelled. Since the swaying had become much more bearable,
they may have reached the main road. Their surroundings were lands where low trees grew
sparsely.
Lydia, who had her eyes closed, didn’t even realize that she was dozing off, and unbeknownst
to her, she leaned against Edgar.
She wondered if it was alright for her to stay like this for a little while longer, just for the time
when her eyes were closed.
When she felt Edgar’s warmth through his coat, she recalled an extremely happy dream she just
had.
The both of them were gazing up upon the aurora. In the dark night sky, the curtain of lights
swayed radiantly, complexly changing their colours in the blink of an eye. The Fir Chlis2
descended upon them and danced, as though they were enveloping the both of them.
By the time she realized, Lydia and Edgar were holding on to each other’s hands and dancing.
Together with the Fir Chlis.
The Seelie Courts followed them. The Fir Chlis, which were lights that hunted the Unseelie
Courts residing in darkness and possessed powerful offensive magic, toyed with Edgar’s blonde
hair. Lydia knew that there was no longer any trace of Prince’s shadow within Edgar.
As they danced, she fit snugly within his arms. As she was embraced by him, Lydia murmured:
We can finally stay together forever, right?
As these came to her mind, tears nearly fell from the ends of her closed eyes.
Sensing that the carriage had stopped, Lydia’s eyes snapped open. Wondering what happened,
Edgar too shifted his body. As a result of that, the fact that Lydia had been leaning against him
became ambiguous. Nonetheless, there was nothing outside the window.
“Raven, what’s wrong?”
When Edgar alighted from the carriage, Raven came over and answered.
“It seems we’ve taken a wrong path. I don’t see the town we were heading towards.”
Lydia alighted from the carriage as well and stared at her surroundings. She could only vaguely
see a single path that threaded through a grove of mixed trees. But she didn’t know the area
they were in. There was also nothing resembling houses in the surroundings.
“I think I must have overlooked the crossroads. Shall we turn back?”
Thinking a little, Edgar spoke.
2
Name for the northern lights or aurora borealis in Scottish Gaelic folklore; sometimes translated as ‘the merry
dancers (From Oxford Reference). This was mistranslated in our older volumes as “Phillis Chyris”.
27
“Isn’t it dangerous for us to turn back? Even this path leads to somewhere right? It’ll soon be
nightfall. Once that happens it’ll be difficult to find our bearings so it’s better that we proceed on
this path.”
“You’re right. It’s not as if we’ve decided on a particular destination.”
Lydia looked up at the skies. Perhaps because the skies were covered by clouds, the night sky
was grey. Searching for the aurora lights which she couldn’t possibly see, Lydia moved her eyes
about.
Lights with the same name as her mother. Although Lydia had been tormented by that fairy,
that’s exactly how keenly she felt their powers.
In Ibrazel, they weren’t able to remove Prince completely from within Edgar. Because they didn’t
possess the same abilities as what the family of the Blue Knight Earl did.
If there was some other way, it’d be the power of the auroras that could override darkness.
But to place her hopes on that, meant making the Fir Chlis recall its connections with the
McKeels. The McKeels’ Prophet did not foresee that Lydia would be bonded to Edgar. It was
unthinkable for the prophecy to help Edgar.
There was nothing in the night sky. Be it the moon or the stars, no light could be seen.
Suddenly, Lydia felt her world spin, and she fell onto the ground.
“Miss Lydia!”
Kelly dashed towards her. Feeling her blood recede further, Lydia couldn’t stand up.
“Let’s return to the carriage.”
Edgar tried to carry her.
I wonder what’s wrong. I was only supposed to pretend to be sick.
“It’s no big deal. It must be just motion sickness…”
She laid down on her back in the carriage but her dizziness didn’t quite go away.
Lydia appeared to be in pain so Edgar made up his mind for the carriage to go forward. Nico
mentioned that it looked like it was going to rain. They still didn’t find any signs of an
approaching town.
Edgar wanted to quickly reach a place where Lydia could rest peacefully, but eventually, the rain
which started began to pour heavily, and together with the rain, the winds only grew stronger.
28
After some time, Kelly placed her face close to the windows. Then, with an anxious look, she
turned around to look towards Edgar.
“My Lord, I can see a building. Can we request to let Miss Lydia rest there?”
It was near midnight but there were lights flickering. They couldn’t see it clearly, but there’s no
mistake that there’s a building.
“Yes. Let’s try paying them a visit.”
Raven had already directed the carriage towards the building.
It appeared to be a standalone building surrounded by a grove of mixed trees, and they couldn’t
see any other buildings. When they neared it, they realized that it was a rather large mansion.
Without going through any gates, they arrived at the front of the mansion which appeared to be
a porch. The surroundings had grass growing freely and it did not appear to be groomed.
“Hey Earl, could it be a vacant house?”
Nico stood up and looked up towards the building.
“We saw lights earlier. Someone should be in.”
“I wonder if someone is living there. It’s rather run-down for a mansion.”
From the porch where the carriage was stopped, they couldn’t see anything reminiscent of
lights. Ivy crawled over the building. The rain gutter looked like it was breaking apart and the
louvre doors were slanted. As the wind blew against them, they rattled noisily.
In any case, Raven dashed towards the entranceway and knocked on the door in order to verify.
Judging from the fact that the door opened after some time meant that this was not a vacant
house after all. Raven spoke a little with someone inside, then returned to the carriage.
“It seems they are willing to let us stay over.”
At any rate, Edgar was relieved. The rain and winds at night were cold and he felt that Lydia
was a little feverish again. Although she claimed that her dizziness had subsided and got off the
carriage by herself, her steps seemed a little precarious.
The one who welcomed them was an elderly in a gown. Although he was advanced in years, he
was well built, giving off a dignified impression that he could chase away a measly thief.
“Apologies for intruding at such an hour. It appears that we woke you up.”
“Please pay no heed to that. The Mistresses have turned in for the night, but they’d be glad to
help others.”
The elderly man who said that, was probably the butler.
29
The elderly man guided Edgar and the others towards a building in the depths of the mansion.
That place appeared to be somewhat maintained and had rooms that appeared to be guest
rooms which could be used.
The rooms were connected rooms and had two bedrooms. Letting Lydia rest in one of the
rooms, Kelly set up the fireplace. Although it was well past mid-May, a rainy night was still quite
chilly.
With light and heat from the fire, Edgar was finally relieved, and he sat down on a chair.
As this was a season with long days, even as it was raining outside, the skies were starting to
brighten. Nico sprawled before the fireplace and started snoring at once.
It appeared that the servants here consisted of only the elderly butler and his wife. Because of
that, Edgar put forth that they would take care of themselves. In fact, due to the diligent work by
Raven and Kelly, Lydia too was able to calm down.
“Edgar…”
Although she appeared to be fatigued, even as she was lying down on the bed, Lydia did not try
to fall asleep immediately. Intending to watch over her until Kelly got back, Edgar sat down on a
chair slightly away. Lydia called out to him in a weak voice.
“You don’t need to tell me you’re sorry. It’s the same for both of us. Even for myself, you’ve
helped me a lot.”
Even if he had lost his memories, because he met Lydia, he wasn’t unfortunate.
Edgar understood immediately that Lydia was an honest and sincere girl. Since such a girl said
that she was his friend, he shouldn’t have led his life in a regrettable manner.
“Then… thank you.”
“You’re welcome. How do you feel?”
“Much better. As I thought, it was motion sickness.”
But it appeared that she had a slight fever, and she didn’t have much strength when she walked.
“When morning comes, we’ll greet the owners here and try asking if they could let us stay for a
while.”
“Here?”
Lydia had a surprised expression, but Edgar had already decided.
“Like Francis advised, you should have rested without moving too much… That lodging, it’s true
that it’s dangerous to stay there, but it’s safe here right? Even those guys who are pursuing you
will probably search the towns and inns first so they won’t find us so easily.”
“But, we may inconvenience the people here.”
30
“It depends on how we ask.”

According to what he heard from the butler earlier, the owners were ladies. He said that it was a
pair of sisters who lived here.
This was a mansion that was away from other human towns and had mainly ladies residing
here. There were only two servants so they should be leading lives where they could need extra
pairs of hands. If it’s not that they were extremely anti-social, Edgar thought it shouldn’t be
difficult for them to accept them.
“In any case, Lydia, it’s best that you sleep a little.”
Even as she nodded, she appeared perplexed. It was because Edgar didn’t look like he'd be
leaving her bedroom.
“I’ll make sure not to look at your sleeping face. It’s fine if I stay here until Kelly returns, right?”
Even though he knew that this place was safe, it still worried him to have his eyes away from
her.
“I swear to God, I won’t get any closer than this. Notwithstanding any emergency
circumstances.”
Recalling Edgar’s attitude that lacked common sense during the time when the intruders
appeared, Lydia had a complicated expression and buried herself inside the blanket.
“Then… good night.”
It seemed that Lydia trusted him. It’s not as if Edgar didn’t feel that he had tied his own hands
making such a vow, but he was glad that Lydia had let her guard down towards him.
What exactly is this kind of emotion?
He wanted to establish the kind of friendship she wished for and he was working towards that.
Yet at unexpected times, he couldn’t help seeing her as a woman.
He then wanted to court her, touch her and end up thinking of what may happen if things went
well.
Even after he realized that the reason why he had drawn a line was because he didn’t want to
treat her as someone to toy with, Edgar was bearing with a lot of things. Surprisingly, his past
self may also have restrained himself on various fronts internally, even as he vouched for his
friendship with Lydia.
If that’s the case, then as he thought, he could only hold himself back.
Because, even if he was now distant with the duke family, Edgar was Sylvainford’s eldest son.
As an individual man, he couldn’t bring Lydia happiness.
31
Regardless, even at his current state, there were still things he could do for her. He’d protect her
with his own hands. Chasing away the men who were targeting Lydia, in any case, now that he
had secured her safety, Edgar was enveloped in a sense of wonder and fulfilment. And he
thought that he had to distance the enemies, who probably still hadn’t given up, away from
Lydia, with certainty.
Rather than finding out about his own past, he felt that this was much more important.
Even though he declared that he wouldn’t look at her sleeping face, Edgar shifted his gaze
towards Lydia, in spite of himself. But because the blanket covered her face, he couldn’t see it.
But when they were in the carriage earlier, Lydia, who was lying down across the seat, had
rested her head on Edgar’s knees. She probably didn’t realize it because she was desperately
trying to suppress her discomfort.
And Edgar recalled the tears which clung onto her eyelashes then.
She appeared to be dreaming. He wondered what kind of dream it was. Was it sad or happy, he
wondered.
It was just that, at that time, when he tried holding her hand, she gripped it back with
unexpected strength.
For some reason, Edgar felt a pain in his chest.
For him who had lost 10 years’ worth of memories, there were too many things which he didn’t
understand.
Anything and everything was so frustrating and there wasn’t anything he could do about it.
When Lydia woke up the next morning, that being said, it was nearing noon, the discomfort she
felt the day before had disappeared, as though it had been a lie.
The rain had stopped as well, and light was shining in through the windows.
Finishing the breakfast brought in by Kelly, she changed her clothes. It was just after that when
Nico entered through the window.
Nico brought along with him small fairies. There were fairies with leaves wrapped around their
wrinkled selves, fairies with butterfly-like wings and fairies wearing flower hats.
It was rare for different races of fairies to be lined up together.
32
“What happened Nico? They are?”

“They said they wanted to meet a fairy doctor.”
A fairy whose entire body was covered with black hair or beard stepped forth. His large bare
feet were the only thing peeking out between his fur and the floor.
(It’s a pleasure to meet you, Fairy Doctor. We came because we have a favour to ask of you.)
That fairy bowed politely.
“A favour?”
(Please help Sarah and Monica!)
(This is the only place we have.)
(If the bad guys come, they’ll try to burn our forest!)
Because everyone spoke at once, Lydia didn’t know what was going on.
The fairy, who was covered in black fur, roared at them to keep quiet. Then they finally fell silent.
Clearing his throat, the fairy with black fur spoke once more.
(We are nameless and weak fairies. We’re a race that before we knew it, we were living here
and before we knew it, we’d disappear. This is the only place we have.)
“Do you mean that you may be chased away?”
(If Sarah and Monica are gone, that’ll probably happen.)
“Who are they?”
(They are the humans staying in this mansion. Even though they can’t see us, they believe in
us. The people who are trying to chase both of them away will also chase us away.)
Lydia wondered if that’s a certainty. Furthermore, she also didn’t really know the reason behind
which the two ladies who were staying here would be chased out.
“Miss Lydia, if this is going to be a prolonged conversation, how about you take a seat?”
Although she couldn’t see fairies, Kelly could more or less guess what’s going on from Nico and
Lydia’s reactions. So she pulled a chair towards the window.
Even during the time when Lydia sat down while mulling things over, the fairies spoke again
hastily.
(Of course, we’ll show our gratitude!)
(Here, we’ve brought it along!)
Gold coins scattered onto the floor.
“Hey, wait a little.”
(If that’s not enough, we have this too!)
When the fairy with wings flew to the front of Lydia’s eyes, it was carrying a diamond ring.
33
“That, isn’t that something someone dropped?”

(Well, that may be so.)
“I don’t need money and goods.”
(Ooh, as expected, the Countess of the Blue Knight Earl is noble. If it’s someone like you whose
name is known even amongst the fairies, you’ll definitely save us.)
Lydia glared at Nico at once.
“You said something unnecessary right.”
Now wasn’t the time for her to identify herself as the Countess of the Blue Knight Earl. Lydia
didn’t have that sort of ability either.
“Isn’t that fine? It’s not like it’s a lie. Moreover, we don’t need to worry about the Earl hearing
about this.”
That’s because Edgar would probably not hear the fairies talking.
When she let out a sigh, someone knocked on the room door.
(Then, we’ll leave this in your good hands, Countess.)
The fairies were about to depart swiftly.
“Wait, I still don’t understand anything.”
Lydia got up, but at the same time when the door opened, the fairies vanished from the window
side.
The ones who entered the room were a pair of elderly women. One of them wore a white dress
as if she was a bride, while the other wore a black mourning dress. Both of them walked
towards Lydia.
“You’re Miss Lydia Carlton? My, what an adorable lady.”
“Are you feeling alright to be up and about? You must’ve been surprised at such an old
mansion. Were you able to rest well? The rain was terrible last night as well. Was the sound of
the wind noisy?”
The one who fired questions in rapid succession and circled around Lydia as if she was
something rare, was the elderly woman in the white dress. She smiled innocently like a child.
“Erm, could it be that you're the owners of this mansion?”
“Yes, my sister and I are staying here. She is my elder sister Sarah, and I am the younger sister,
Monica.”
It seemed like the elderly woman in the white dress was the elder sister while the one in the
black mourning dress was the younger sister. The madam in the mourning dress was more put
together than her elder sister, and she spoke in a level-headed manner.
34
Lydia hurriedly grabbed her dress and curtsied.

“I’m pleased to make your acquaintance. Thank you very much for last night; I had fallen sick
suddenly.”
“Please pay no heed to that. With this being the countryside we don’t get many guests so we’re
the ones who are thankful for the liveliness.”
“Oh my, what an adorable cat.”
The one who said that suddenly was Sarah, the elder sister. Having eyes turned towards him,
Nico, who had decided to watch the show from the window side, had his fur stand on its ends
out of reflex.
“Is he Miss Lydia’s cat? Oh my, what a beautiful fur coat.”
With curiosity one would associate with a young girl, she walked swiftly towards Nico and
stroked him all over with both hands. Flustered, Nico escaped, but his fur was completely
ruffled.
“Kelly, please brush Nico later.”
Lydia gently requested that of Kelly.
“I’m sorry. Both of us have loved cats since we were young, but our father hated animals so we
couldn’t keep one.”
“That’s right, we heard that our nephew has been in your care.”
All of a sudden, the conversation took an inexplicable turn. Lydia tilted her head to the side but
Sarah continued.
“You saved and nursed our nephew who suffered from a serious injury during his travels right?
Our nephew said so.”
“Since you’re his benefactor, feel free to stay here as long as you want until you recover.”
“Even so, to think that David has really returned. He has been missing all this while, so we
thought that we’d never see him again.”
Who’s David?
“Aunties, here you are. Even though I said that I’d be the one to introduce her to you both
properly.”
Looking at the face of someone who was supposedly the nephew and who had said so as he
appeared, Lydia gulped.
“Huh? Ed…”
Edgar threw her a glance discreetly. Lydia kept silent for the time being.
35
“Everyone, it’s tiring to talk standing. Lydia too should still not push herself. Let’s all have a
seat.”
Saying that, Edgar hurriedly took a seat on the sofa, and made Lydia sit beside him.
“Ah, please wait a moment. I just baked some sweets. I’ll bring it over.”
Sarah, who was in the white dress, said that and stood up excitedly. As she left, the elderly
butler who guided Lydia and the others last night entered in her place.
“Madam Monica, pardon me.”
Saying that he whispered something to the younger sister. As she revealed a troubled
expression, she exited hurriedly.
“I wonder if someone visited.”
“That’s probably so. I heard the sound of a carriage.”
Although he had just put on an outrageous show, Edgar replied to her normally. Lydia observed
him fixedly. Even though he had lost his memories, his character of lying without batting an
eyelid didn’t change. Lydia wondered what that was about.
“Even so, are you their nephew?”
“I’m not really sure, but since they were the ones who made the mistake on their own, I just
thought it’d be fine to leave it as that.”
“It’s not fine isn’t it!?”
“But you know, when I went to greet them in the morning, she suddenly pulled me into her arms
and cried, saying that their nephew had returned. Somehow, it seems that Madam Sarah has
not seen her nephew since fifteen years ago. Although she only knew him when he was a child,
maybe somewhere I resembled him. Madam Monica doesn’t know her nephew’s face, and the
only family the both of them have left is their nephew.”
“Then, does that mean that they are glad that the only family member they could rely on has
returned?”
“That’s right. The circumstances are perfect for us to stay here. If some strangers started
staying at the elderly sisters’ mansion, the people pursuing you may find it suspicious, but if it’s
only the nephew returning, then no one would find it strange.”
Lydia let out a heavy sigh. Even though the elderly sisters were the ones who misunderstood,
there’s no mistake that Edgar was the one who made up the story about Lydia being his
benefactor.
“What’ll happen if they find out?”
36
“It’s not as if we’re doing anything bad. In any case, since it looks like even if we told them that
they’re mistaken, they wouldn’t listen, we can just explain ourselves when their relatives or
someone who knows the nephew show up right?”
Ahh seriously. Everyone is doing whatever they please. The same went for the fairies earlier,
and Lydia was so confused that she wanted to collapse again.
But if she thought about it, this was how things had always been. Somehow she had been
strung along by Edgar who acted erratically.
“Right, Raven, you came at the right time. Did you find anything?”
During the time when Lydia was hugging her head out of distress, Raven entered the room.
Standing at attention, he spoke.
“About this Amber Residence, it belonged to the sisters’ father to begin with. There are three
siblings, with the eldest daughter being Madam Sarah. Fifty years ago, right before her wedding
ceremony, her fiancé ran away and she has remained single ever since. The second daughter,
Madam Monica, doesn't have children. Ten years ago, she returned to her family after her
husband passed away. The youngest son stayed abroad for a long time, but when their father
was still around, he and his wife passed away together. Their son, meaning the nephew, is the
only remaining family member, and the heir to the Amber family.”
It appeared that Raven had investigated this family on Edgar’s orders without delay.
“Speaking of which, is there anything through which the both of them are going to be chased
away from here? The fairies staying in the forest on the grounds said something like that.”
“Yes. The nephew is the successor to the mansion and the land, but because he has gone
missing and also because it appeared that he had gone to a dangerous country, he is thought to
have passed away. In that scenario, the inheritance may end up transferring over to the hands
of some distant relative whom they’ve never met. Hence, there is concern that there’s no
assurance as to whether they can continue living here or not.”
“Oh no… even though this is their parent’s house.”
That’s why even the fairies were also worried about whether they’d be chased out. Unlike Sarah
and Monica’s Amber family who have stayed here for generations, the new successor may not
have affection towards old buildings and the forest close to nature which the fairies love.
“If the nephew were here, they wouldn't be chased out huh. I wonder if they wished for it so
fervently that they assumed that I was their nephew.”
“Then all the more so, it’s a problem for us to deceive them. When they find out the truth, they’d
be more disappointed than they are now.”
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Placing his hand against his chin, Edgar fell into deep thought for a while, but then he stood up
lightly.
“Is that so? What they need is not the nephew whom they haven’t met for years but a house. If
that’s the case, the truth isn’t important.”
Saying that, he exited the room. What did he intend to do? Not having the energy to stop him,
Lydia could only watch him leave.
“Has the aunty in the white dress left?”
Exchanging places with Edgar, Nico peeked in from the door. When he entered after confirming
that Sarah wasn’t there, Kelly followed behind him.
“I’ve finished brushing.”
“That’s great Nico. Isn’t your fur all pretty now?”
“Kelly’s good at brushing.”
When Nico and Kelly smiled at each other, Lydia wondered if it was her imagination that she
found Raven, who was watching that, frozen. Although his expression didn’t change, she
thought that his eyes widened slightly.
“Mr Nico…, is Miss Kelly that skilled?”
“Yeah, should I have you try?”
“If it’s brushing, even I can do it.”
There’s no mistake that even Raven, who missed the point in his answer, wanted Nico to praise
him. Even if he didn’t fight over brushing, there were still plenty of other things for which Raven
was the only one who could do it.
“Well you see, because Kelly has been brushing my hair, she is used to brushing.”
Although it didn’t even count as consolation, Lydia interrupted in order to alleviate the tension.
“Because Miss Lydia’s hair is fine and soft, it resembles Mr Nico’s fur very much.”
Although Kelly tried to console Raven as well, it didn’t go well.
Raven, whose expressions were hard to observe, was obviously downtrodden; this might be the
first time.
But this was no longer the time to be distracted by the love triangle over Nico. The mansion’s
elderly butler had dashed into Lydia’s room anxiously.
“Excuse me, Miss, the Lord whom you came along with…”
He did something. Lydia, who felt that intuitively, flew out of the room without hearing the butler
out to the end.
38
She heard some voices in the argument coming from the drawing room. Just as she thought so,
Edgar’s voice reached her ears.
“That’s right, I’m their nephew David. Nobody has the right to demand that we hand over this
place. Because I intend to have my aunties stay here.”
Lydia came to a stop and checked on what was happening inside from the doorway. The butler,
Raven, Kelly and even Nico had also followed her, and they were peeking inside the room in the
same manner.
“That’s how it is. Therefore, Mr lawyer, could you please leave?”
Sarah who was in her white dress smilingly went along with Edgar. A plump man, seemingly
the lawyer, who sat reclined in a chair, appeared to find it hard to accept.
“We’ll find out if he’s the real deal if we look into it.”
Yet Edgar smiled composedly. Lydia didn’t know that his courage, or rather his shamelessness,
wasn’t the result of having been through a terrible experience, but it was something he had
originally.
“As you please. But in the event that you make this a big issue and verify that I am real, won’t
your client be troubled? From what I see, paintings and furnishings which should belong to me
are missing.”
The client was probably the distant relative whom Raven mentioned earlier. And it was a fact
that that client had taken items of monetary value out before completing the proper procedures
of taking over as the inheritor. The lawyer’s face turned pale.
“In any case mister, please leave for today.”
Monica who was in her black dress said so as she intervened. The lawyer got up.
“You don’t have to come anymore.”
Edgar struck the final blow.
When the elderly butler stepped forth in order to hand the guest’s hat to him, the lawyer
questioned the butler in a surprise move.
“Is he really David Amber?”
Although he was probably trying to ascertain the servant’s reaction, in a complete reversal from
his anxious manner earlier, the butler responded calmly with a “Yes.”
This butler too would not hesitate to lie if it’s for the sake of the elderly sisters.
39
After the lawyer left, they noticed Lydia and the others who had gathered and Edgar approached
them.
“Lydia, did you come to see how I was out of worry for me? Because your fever has just
subsided, you shouldn’t be moving around too much.”
“But, Edgar..”
She wondered what he’d do if they really looked into him.
“It’ll be fine. He doesn’t have the courage to investigate. It’s also an imposter claiming to be a
distant relative.”
Edgar said so in a hushed tone, but Lydia ended up raising her voice in spite of herself.
“What?! An imposter?”
“I had a look at the documents and there were numerous dubious points. Taking advantage of
the fact that there are only elderly ladies here, they’re pretending to be a distant relative and
defrauding the two.”
That’s horrible, thought Lydia, but Edgar was deceiving them as well. But she wondered if he
had ended up helping the sisters here.
“In any case, with this, you’ll be able to rest slowly.”
Lydia didn’t know if she should be glad.
Without having time to trouble over it, they heard the hurried sounds of a carriage once more,
which stopped on the stone paving of the porch. They became nervous, wondering if it was a
new visitor.
The butler who went to answer the doorbell, returned with a letter in hand. It appeared that it
was the postman who arrived.
“Oh, it’s a letter from Lauren.”
Monica, who received the letter, said so happily as she cut through the seal.
“Oh my, she wrote that she wants to visit us here next month. It’s been a while. I have to send a
reply saying that we welcome her.”
“That’s right, David, it’ll be your first time meeting her. She’s Monica’s niece. We have to
introduce you to her.”
Because Sarah said so, Lydia was relieved. It seemed like they didn’t have to worry about
Edgar’s not being the nephew being found out due to the new visitor.
“Aunt Monica’s niece? From the side of her late husband?”
“Yes, that’s right. We heard that she turned eighteen, so she should’ve grown up to be a
beautiful lady, though the last time I met her she was still like a child.”
40
41
“Oh, of marriageable age.”

Lydia didn’t even have to imagine how an eighteen year-old young lady would think when she
saw Edgar.
Her relief was only transient, as Lydia was engulfed in a premonition.
A canal which drew water from the dark River Thames was, as expected, dark and had a foul
smell. The path along the canal had buildings tucked tightly together, as though they were trying
to narrow the width of the path, and so the stench from the water would assault one’s nose
regardless. In order to leave this place quickly, Lota quickened her steps in spite of herself.
Paul, who was walking together with her, hurriedly picked up his pace to match hers. Both of
them tended to fall silent due to the gloomy atmosphere.
“That patient. Is it cholera?”
The words that came out of her mouth in pieces, were those which Lota had intended to mutter
in her heart.
“Most probably. It’d be good if it doesn’t spread.”
Paul appeared to be depressed as well.
They had just arrived to investigate when they heard about a bad illness circulating amongst the
slums where people from the lower strata of society lived. Even in the past, there were
instances when Prince’s organization tried to spread infectious diseases in London. At the
present moment, things weren’t of the scale like it was then, but it was certain that the seat of
the disease was eating into this town. They couldn’t help but sense such indications.
“As usual, the power of the Unseelie Courts are permeating throughout the United Kingdom bit
by bit.”
When Lota said so, Paul looked towards her with a solemn look.
“Is it because of fairies?”
Of course, Lota didn’t know about fairies.
“Although it’s not as though anything and everything is because of the Unseelie Courts,
unfortunate things will depress the moods of humans. It seems that when such things
42
accumulate, it’s possible that Unseelie Courts and magic of that nature are drawn towards it. To
begin with, Prince’s existence is drawing bad things towards the United Kingdom.”
Nodding, Paul looked like he wanted to say something but he didn’t. But most probably, he
should be wondering why Lota knew about such things.
“Patrick said that the presence of the Unseelie Courts in London is neither increasing nor
decreasing.”
Although they had stopped the destruction of Ibrazel for now, in the end, nothing changed. It
meant that they hadn’t resolved the matter.
“You spoke about such matters with him?”
After they returned to London, Lota had met up with Patrick without Paul knowing. That being
said, it wasn’t something she needed to hide.
“Yeah. But it seems that not having any changes isn’t bad either. London has had protection
against evil since the past. Hence, he said that it’ll probably not be like the Hebrides, where the
Unseelie Courts run rampant rapidly.”
While Prince, who was bound in Ibrazel, was unable to wield his power, the organization too
was probably unable to do much.
“But the Prince's Organization wants to gain control over London don’t they? They’ll target it
again.”
“You’re right. We don’t know how long the protection will stay effective either. But, as long as
Edgar’s memories don’t return, Prince will also remain bound. It’d be good if we can restrain
their actions even if it’s for a little while this time.”
When their view expanded slightly, St Katharine Docks came to view in the path ahead of them.
Lota slowed down her steps a little, and Paul, who had matched her pace once more, made up
his mind and asked her.
“Lota, what happened between you and Patrick? You quarrelled with him on board Torrey’s ship
right?”
On the ship that headed towards Ibrazel, Patrick and Darnell happened to board the same ship
by chance. And similarly by chance, Lota ended up having a surprising connection with Patrick.
But that was…
“Hmmm… about that, I’m sorry. I can’t say for now.”
Paul let out a small sigh.
“It’s not that I don’t trust you Paul. It’s because I just feel that it isn’t something I can tell
someone else.”
43
“Is that so… Ok, it’s fine if you think that way. It’s just that I was worried if you were troubled by
that or if you needed help with that.”
“Thank you, Paul. When such a time comes, I’ll discuss it with you properly.”
With honest feelings, Lota wrapped her arms around Paul’s arm. When they exited onto the
wide passageway, winds blew through it. As Paul held down his hat with one hand, he looked at
Lota and smiled.
“I met Patrick because he came to report that he was leaving London. He said that he was
returning to the island of the McKeel Clan.”
“How about the Prophet?”
Darnell, who was supposed to be the Prophet, was missing.
“If Darnell died, I don’t know if it means that the prophecy will no longer be fulfilled, or if the
interpretation was erroneous. Who then has the possibility of defeating Prince? He said that he
was going to search for clues to break the deadlock in this situation.”
“Hmmm, does he intend to defeat the Earl no matter what?”
“Because it’s not as if Prince has disappeared from within Edgar.”
“…Even though in reality, there’s no reason for them to oppose each other.”
Paul looked up towards the distant skies.
“I wonder how the Earl, Lady Lydia and the others are doing. Though Francis said there’s no
need to worry.”
Edgar had even forgotten that he was married to Lydia. For Lota, she could only pray that he
would not hurt Lydia by displaying his innate ability of forming relationships with women swiftly.
“I wonder if Lydia is in pain.”
“Lota, don’t you want to be by Lady Lydia’s side?”
She wanted to fly over to Lydia’s side. But she didn’t want to worry Paul again. Moreover, Lota’s
current job wasn’t to go to Lydia’s side.
“She has Kelly and Raven doesn’t she?”
Lydia protected Edgar. He didn’t hand over his soul to Prince. Likewise, Edgar had made his
resolve in order to protect Lydia.
“I’ll fight together with you Paul.”
Prince’s organization was the cause of Paul’s father’s death. To ‘Scarlet Moon’, the guild of
artists whose originator was said to be a descendant of the Ashenbert family, Prince’s
organization was also their archenemy, since it had killed numerous members. Together with
Paul, Lota placed herself within the guild and joined in the investigations.
44
Even though they resented Prince, they recognized Edgar as the successor to the Blue Knight
Earl’s family. And so, they were working hard to collect intelligence in London, in order to help
Edgar.
“There it is, one of ‘Scarlet Moon’s’ hideouts.”
Paul pointed towards a brick building. He then ascended up the stairs on the exterior.
Although this was the first time Lota had visited this hideout, once she entered, there were also
faces which she knew. This was set as a members-only pub, where people ordered drinks as
they pleased and chatted random topics as they smoked. In this way, it appeared just like any
other pub, but the members’ expressions were gloomy.
When Paul’s eyes swept across the room, Louis, a well-built man who used to frequent Edgar’s
mansion, noticed him and came over.
“How was it Mr Paul?”
“Hmm, there were signs of an infectious disease, though we don’t know if it’s because of fairies.”
“In any case, please submit a report. Because I heard that we’ll scrutinize the information
gathered.”
Perhaps he was a new entrant, for a member whose face which still had remnants of
youthfulness swiftly brought pen and paper over and placed them on a table. Things like this
showed that this place wasn’t a pub but an organized guild.
“Louis, were there any conspicuous movements?”
Lota queried.
“We’re still gathering information on incidents and accidents. Although if there is anything
unnaturally frequent or continuous, there’s a possibility of Prince’s Organization being involved,
at the current moment, we haven’t seen anything like that.”
Even as he said so, Louis appeared as though he wanted to speak in detail. He shrank his large
body and sat down on a small chair.
“Only that there’s an event Slade said he’s bothered about. It’s mainly about the upper class
society, about someone who had gone overseas but when he came back, he was a completely
different person and people were troubled over it. There were numerous topics about this.”
“A completely different person? In what way?”
“A gentle person became a violent person, depleting one’s money within a short amount of time,
selling family heirlooms for one’s own convenience. Things like that.”
“Huh, that’s not normal.”
45
“A few days back, there was an incident where a family was massacred and the eldest son went
missing. That eldest son who was said to be the culprit had also just returned from overseas.”
“I see, it’s a mysterious story.”
Paul, who had also lent an ear to Louis, frowned.
“We’re in the process of investigating further. If we find anything, we’ll let you know.”
Thinking that they may need to inform Lydia and the others about it, Lota nodded. At any rate,
Lydia would probably be unable to rest even more.
If everyone could gather together in London and combine their efforts, even Lydia would find
reassurance. To not be able to do that, was more painful than anything else.
From the hideout where Lota and Paul were at, somewhere a little west and upstream of River
Thames, was London Bridge, which lay across River Thames.
On the sturdy stone bridge where both carriages and people went back and forth continuously,
was a silver-haired man who stopped there slowly, as though he were a tourist.
People avoided him and continued on their way with hurried steps. Francis walked towards the
railing as his hair flew in the wind, and turned his good eye, the one without the eyepatch,
towards the downstream of the river.
“If that thing survives, then it’s questionable as to whether this bridge alone is able to protect
London to the very end…”
Muttering that, he glared towards the sea, where something evil may be advancing towards
London bit by bit.
The river which had boats threading through the gaps between large ships, with their masts
lined up against each other, appeared to be the same as usual. But a day may come when this
river becomes dyed with blood.
McKeel’s evil fairy doctor, who ought to have been executed in Ibrazel, transferred his soul onto
the Dragon’s egg and survived.
Francis wondered if that fairy doctor knew what kind of prophecy his own younger twin brother,
the Prophet, made.
Even if he didn’t know, he may be able to imagine what his younger brother endeavoured to do.
46
Now that he was reduced to only his soul, Francis didn’t know the extent of power he held.
Judging from the fact that he manipulated the man called Neil, he probably couldn’t achieve
much on his own, but this time, he would probably be joining hands with Teran.
There’s no mistake that he would become a formidable foe to both the Blue Knight Earl and the
United Kingdom.
Francis rested his hands on the railings, then caressed the chilly rocks gently.
The rocks which made up the bridge, somewhere within the solid pontoon bridge below, no, the
entire bridge itself, had the power of the human sacrifice diffused through it. In the spirit world
which existed and overlapped with the bridge in the actual world, was an enormous space, and
Diana lay in slumber there. Francis, who didn’t belong to the Earl family, couldn’t go there, but
Edgar and Lydia probably saw the remains.
Of the person Diana, who was Francis’ lover, and at the same time also Gladys Ashenbert, the
last Earl of Ibrazel.
“Diana, I went to Ibrazel. I saw your hometown with my very own eyes.”
Francis said so as though he was addressing her. Even if a man leaning against the railing was
talking to himself, no one stopped in their tracks. London was full of busy motion.
“It took me some time. After all, for me to go to Ibrazel, I would have to find the descendent of
the Earl family who was qualified and have him unravel numerous riddles.”
If it was someone who had the blood of the Earl family running through his veins, the riddles
would unravel before his eyes naturally. It shouldn’t be difficult for him to reach Ibrazel. If it were
Diana, she’d probably say so. But because that crucial descendent didn’t exist, Francis’ attempt
was extremely difficult.
“Finding the Earl family’s descendent and heading to Ibrazel was the task you left me. And also
the entrusting of the crimson moonstone to him. But things didn’t go the way you hoped for. The
descendants of the illegitimate child of the Earl family died out.”
With the exception of one person. But he lost the right to become the Blue Knight Earl. He also
didn’t have sufficient powers to draw the bow using the crimson moonstone.
“That’s why, Diana, I intend to save your country using the way I came up with.”
Finding Edgar, who identified himself as the Blue Knight Earl, Francis steeled his resolve as he
investigated Edgar. He needed Edgar to turn into ‘Prince’.
“You can’t accept having Prince call himself the Blue Knight Earl? But they are the only ones
left. They protected London Bridge. This very place which you protected at the cost of your life a
hundred years ago.”
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And they stepped on the land of Ibrazel. They found out about the secret of the Tree and the
Dragon. The power hidden in Ibrazel’s land had flowed into them.
“That’s why Diana, please watch over them.”
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Chapter 3 - The secrets of the dark forest
“To my dear daughter, Lydia.”

The letter from Father began with this. It appeared that Francis and Lota had already paid a visit
to the Carlton home in London. After hearing about Lydia’s endless journey, Father seemed to
have thought about many things.
He was distressed about consenting to Lydia’s and Edgar’s marriage at the time, thinking about
whether or not it was truly best for his daughter, but after confiding with his deceased wife, he
remembered what she said back then.
“Did you think that I ever regretted eloping with you for an instant?”
Recalling this, Father soon decided to pray for his daughter to move forward without looking
back.
“Although I want to immediately run to your side, I will endure it. After all, if I carelessly say
something inconsistent to the Earl, there will be a lot of trouble. Having heard from Lota about
your circumstances, you probably won’t be returning to London anytime soon at this stage. But
Lydia, being with the Earl is the most important thing. Although he lost his memories now, the
vow that the both of you made in front of God won’t disappear. His side is where you should
stay.”
Lydia read the letter her father sent several times over, and finally, in order to avoid it being
accidentally seen by Edgar, she set it on fire.
The letter was sent to the postal office closest to the Amber residence --- even if it was several
miles away --- and they picked it up themselves. For the sake of safety, they didn’t disclose that
they were staying at the Amber residence temporarily, and merely told Francis the way to get in
touch.
If he were to come here, Edgar and the others would go and pick him up at the post office’s
town, but it seems that he wouldn’t be able to come for a while. In order to prevent Edgar from
approaching London, he was running around busily making preparations.
He also put some “medicine” in the letter that Father sent to Lydia. But that so-called “medicine”
ought to simply be flour, nothing more.
Lydia was only truly unwell the night she came here, but there was no problem afterwards.
Therefore in the days that came afterwards, she continued faking her illness. Although this time,
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she didn’t stay in bed for a while, she simply reduced the number of times she went out, and
quietly stayed in her room.
Considering that Teran’s subordinates were looking for her everywhere, doing so was relatively
safer.
Due to Edgar pretending to be the nephew of the sisters, Sarah and Monica, there was no issue
even if he moved about freely. However, if a stranger like Lydia walked around the town often or
did things that were slightly conspicuous, it would easily reach the enemy’s ears.
Edgar completely treated this place like his own home, and lived as he pleased. As for him not
being the nephew of the two sisters, no one would believe it.
Thus, even Lauren, who had been here since last week, completely believed that Edgar was
David Amber.
The only ones that knew the truth were the butler, Dawson, and his wife, but for the sake of the
two sisters, they would rather die than tell them.
Lauren was a guileless daughter of a baron, a girl loved by all who wasn’t pretentious, but
good-natured and kind.
Today, she also ran to Lydia’s room, which had the door closed, and invited her to the terrace
facing the courtyard to have tea.
When it was time for the tea party, just as Lydia left the room and went down to the terrace, she
saw Lauren, who was admiring the flowerbeds. On her slightly wavy red-brown hair, her pink
ribbon was especially vivid.
Edgar was standing by her side. Seeing that slender backside wearing a large dress, pain
welled up from Lydia’s chest.
Lydia herself was married for several months before she could stand side by side with Edgar
without hesitation. In the past, whenever she unconsciously distanced herself from him, he
would always smile at Lydia, then bring his arm around her shoulder and draw her back to him.
But now, the person who played with him has turned into Lauren.
How silly of me to be jealous. If I care to this extent, I’ll be jealous about everything. Arranging
her thoughts, Lydia walked several steps forward. Lauren heard the sound and looked back.
“Lydia, come and see, there are a lot of butterflies here!”
Hearing Lauren call out, Lydia approached the flowerbed. Out of the entire mansion, only the
flowerbed in the courtyard had been earnestly tended to, as the spring flower was in full bloom.
At a corner of the flowerbed, the butterflies gathered on the daisies and fluttered about.
“You’re right, there are fairies here.”
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Hearing Lydia say this, Lauren was taken aback, hurriedly followed Lydia’s gaze and looked
down curiously.
“Fairies? In the flowerbed?”
“Probably near the roots of the flowers. Although they can’t be seen, I can hear singing.”
Lauren openly expressed a look of admiration and listened attentively. Although she probably
couldn’t hear the singing, she still eagerly imagined herself hearing it, narrowing her eyes
happily.
“Well ladies, we mustn’t disturb the fairies, and since everyone is here, we can begin the tea
party.”
Edgar said, urging Lydia and Lauren, who were on either side of him, escorting them to the side
of the tea table on the terrace one by one.
Even though there were many women present, he could make everyone happy. Since becoming
“friends” with him, Lydia objectively understood his natural instincts as a scheming man.
“You’re not the least bit surprised to hear about fairies, David.”
Of course, Lauren called Edgar David.
“Because I know Lydia is an outstanding fairy doctor.”
“David, whenever you talk, you’re always praising Lydia.”
“That’s because Lauren always asks about Lydia. Didn’t you also say that she is a girl who is
fashionable and pays close attention to her items, dresses and jewelry, and is an example that
women want to follow?”
“I--Is that so?”
Almost everything that Lauren spoke about were things that Kelly brought over from the London
residence. In other words, there were many that stemmed from Edgar’s interests, and couldn’t
be completely said to be from Lydia’s own tastes.
Even so, being able to obtain compliments from a girl made her happy. After all, Edgar’s
compliments were mostly exaggerated.
“How was shopping in town?”
Lydia asked as she brought the tea prepared by Lady Dawson to her lips.
Yesterday, Lauren and Edgar went shopping in town together. To get to the nearest town where
one could enjoy shopping, it takes almost an hour by carriage. Although Lauren brought a maid
for herself, the two sisters were worried that it was unsafe for a young girl to go to an unfamiliar
town by herself, so they let Edgar go with her.
“I was very happy.”
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Lauren exposed a carefree smile, reaching out to take a piece of buttered bread.
“Walking on the roads with David, everyone would turn their heads and look. I was so
surprised.”
“You’re exaggerating.”
Edgar smiled, but Lydia was also quite familiar with these circumstances.
“What did you two buy?”
Lydia asked, and after Lauren listened, she revealed a look of suspicion.
“You still haven’t given it to her?”
Edgar glanced at Lauren.
“Because I was a little worried that she wouldn’t like it.”
“It’ll be okay, she will definitely like it.”
Saying this, she moved quietly and placed a small case on the table.
“This is a gift for Lydia.”
“For me?”
Opening the case to take a look, it turns out that there was a brooch woven with pure-white lace
inside. A three-dimensional carnation was woven on top of the brooch, and the delicate
hemming was very beautiful.
“Actually, Lydia wanted to go out for a walk as well, right? I also bought it together, although the
flower variety is different, it’s a pair...... ah, do you not like it?
She also took out a lace-woven brooch, slightly tilting her head somewhat bashfully.
“No, I like it! It’s very cute, thank you!”
This was the first time she had something matching with someone else; Lydia felt very happy.
Just holding the same small items, it gave the feeling of sisters or best friends.
Lydia hurriedly put on the brooch, Lauren pinned it to the ribbon on her chest, and the two of
them smiled at each other.
But at that moment, Lydia noticed that the flower on Lauren’s brooch was very similar to a
foxglove flower.
Because after all, it was something that was hand-woven; although it looked similar, perhaps it
was a different kind of flower. But that bell-shaped design that layered one over another was a
foxglove in Lydia’s eyes.
“You truly are like sisters.”
Edgar said, and looked at the two of them. It goes without saying that their hair colour was
similar, and on top of that, wearing matching items gave them even more of a sisterly feeling.
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“Since I was young, I especially yearned for a sister. That way, we can live together as closely
as my aunts.”
“There are sisters with very poor relationships as well.”
“Oh no David, please don’t say such things.”
A sincere and gentle girl like Lauren was a good companion for Edgar, who had been living a
restrained life at the Duke’s residence all along. Speaking of which, Edgar, who was brought up
in the upper class, should have originally chosen this kind of girl to take as a wife.
Thinking in a daze, Lydia stared blankly at the two in front of her.
Edgar and Lauren’s interactions appeared to be that of a young and inexperienced couple.
“This brooch was the one that David chose, and is a flower that suits Lydia.”
It didn’t necessarily mean that Lydia disliked carnations, but why was it carnations?
Did he choose the foxgloves for Lauren? Lydia actually cared more about this.
Edgar had already forgotten the foxglove field that he saw with Lydia, so this was not intentional,
but Lydia’s heart was inevitably somewhat disappointed.
Thus, Lydia imagined that she was Lauren in her mind.
If she was an ordinary girl from the upper class, then she wouldn’t need to deliberately pretend
to just be friends with Edgar. Even if she told him that they had been married, he wouldn’t have
any doubts about this fact.
So if Lydia was her, she could love him straightforwardly. If Edgar truly liked Lauren, it seemed a
little easier to accept than if he were to like another girl.
Would Edgar describe her hair colour as caramel, too?
She was quite happy to receive the brooch, being envied by Lauren, and seeing Edgar smile
made her very happy, but she still felt a bit of pain in her chest.
“If your rival is only that little girl, then you can be rest assured. After all, the Earl won’t play
around with an unwed young lady.”
Although Nico spoke reasonably, from another point of view, didn’t it also mean that Edgar might
be sincere?
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If possible, Lydia hoped that she wouldn’t see the image of the two of them being intimate with
each other. This was also the reason why Lydia always kept a distance from Edgar after Lauren
came.
Now, in order to pretend to be unwell, Lydia often stayed behind closed doors, that way, it
wouldn’t be unnatural even if she refused to meet with Edgar. Edgar, who was rejected, wouldn’t
insist on visiting either.
Then, as long as she took note to not carelessly ask Raven, then she wouldn’t have to know
about what Edgar was usually doing.
If I don’t know, then I won't lose composure.
That’s why after having tea, Lydia expressed that she wanted to leave first. Although Sarah and
Monica joined the tea party afterwards and wanted to play cards with everyone, Lydia tactfully
declined their invitations and returned to her room. But staying in her room was truly too boring,
so she quietly went out for a walk with Nico.
“Rather than being a courtyard, it’s more like nature.”
In the overgrown courtyard, a small path could vaguely be seen. Judging by how many weeds
on the side of the road had been artificially cleared, this path should be the usual walking route
for the family members.
“After all, the only servants here are the old couple, and they can only do it to this extent.”
“Fairies actually like these kinds of places a lot.”
“Yes, and besides, this land belongs to this mansion, so there’s no need to worry about the trees
growing here being chopped down by people as they please.”
After walking a little further, their surroundings had become a forest landscape exuberant with
trees.
As it had just become dusk, Lydia was somewhat hesitant on whether or not to go deeper in. No
one had maintained the road ahead, only traces of being stepped on remained.
“Shall we head back?”
Just as this was said, a voice could be heard from the grass.
(Hey! Please help!)
Lydia and Nico followed the voice, and beside the protruding tree roots stood a fairy wearing a
hat made of leaves.
“What’s wrong?”
(Ohh, if it isn’t the cat boss and the fairy doctor. I’m saved.)
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(That abominable fox overturned our wagon. The mouse pulling the cart also escaped, leaving
this terrible mess behind.)
Lydia didn’t see anything that looked like a wagon, rather she found a leather shoe that was
turned over. Upon closer look, there were wooden wheels underneath the leather shoe. The
inside of the shoe was stuffed with fruit; the fairy was probably using this leather shoe as a cart
pulled by a mouse.
Lydia pulled out the shoe from the gap in the arched tree roots and laid it flat on the ground. The
fairies gathered together to inspect the damage on the cart one after another, then picked up
and returned the scattered fruit.
“This is the shoe of a nobleman. You guys wouldn’t have stolen it from the house, right?”
Hearing Nico say this, the fairies shook their heads one after another.
(We picked it up in the forest. Things that drop in the forest are ours.)
“How come it’s only one shoe?”
(Because he was only wearing one shoe.)
“Shoes that are still being worn can’t be called dropped.”
(But the corpse wearing it dropped it.)
“Corpse?”
Lydia and Nico looked at each other in dismay.
“Th--there’s a corpse in the forest? What’s this about?”
(Well, we weren’t too sure about what happened, but it was there in any case.)
“When was it there? What kind of person were they? How did they die?”
(I don’t remember the specific circumstances, but we found him around three months ago.)
They were fairies after all, if it wasn’t interesting, they would immediately forget.
Slightly concerned, Lydia looked at the leather shoe one more time, and noticed the small
badge hanging from the shoelaces. The coat of arms drawn on the badge was very familiar.
It had a striking resemblance to the Stuart family’s insignia.
“Isn’t this the Prince’s coat of arms!”
“Eh? Seriously?”
“When I was under house arrest in the organization’s secret base, this was everywhere.”
“What’s going on? Could this corpse have something to do with the organization?”
If that was true, then it meant that someone from the organization came to this forest.
“I say, fairies, was this badge originally pinned onto the leather shoe?”
(Ah, you’re talking about that? That thing fell beside the body. Shiny things are beautiful, right?)
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It was three months ago, even if someone from the organization truly came here, it wouldn’t
have been for Lydia. Could it be that they simply came to this area by chance to discard a body?
If that was truly the case, they wouldn’t come a second time, but Lydia suddenly felt uneasy.
“Where in the forest is the corpse? Is it still there?”
(Who knows, where was it again? The forest is so vast. It’s probably already been eaten away
by the wild dogs.)
They couldn’t get any more useful information from the fairies’ mouth.
“In short Lydia, even if someone from the organization came to this forest, they wouldn’t be
concerned about the mansion. Supposing they truly came to discard the body, the one in charge
of this task would definitely just be a minion.”
“......That’s true.”
It would be great if that were really the case. Sinking into contemplation, Lydia heard a voice
calling out from behind.
“Lydia, you’re here. I looked around so painstakingly.”
Edgar walked over with large strides. Seeing a human whom they didn’t know appear, the fairies
pulled the wagon up and ran away instantly. Nico hurriedly called out to them.
“About the corpse, if you recall anything then let us know!”
“Corpse? What are you talking about?”
Stopping, Edgar looked at Lydia with a face of worry.
“Eh...... well, the fairies found a body in the forest.”
“The forest. Such a large area, it isn’t strange for one or two wanderers to die in this place.”
“But that person seemed to have been wearing an expensive shoe.”
“Is that so, then leave it for Raven to investigate. You’d better not get too close to the forest.”
Nodding, Lydia walked back with him. As soon as they walked away from the forest and
returned to the walking trail, Lydia had already calmed down a lot, and conversely began to
wonder why Edgar would come to find her.
“Edgar, weren’t you playing cards?”
Having heard that, Edgar furrowed his brows unhappily.
“You said you weren’t feeling well, were you lying?”
She clearly said that she would be hiding in her room, yet she was running around outside; it
was clearly a lie.
“Eh......well.”
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“Did you know how worried I was about not having a chance to talk to you properly during this
time? Just now, it looked like you had no appetite, and were picking at the pastries.”
Indeed, Lydia only drank a bit of tea moments ago. She wasn’t really in the mood to eat.
“That’s why I wanted to walk a little. I thought that it might have been too long since I’ve moved
around, so I didn’t feel like eating anything.”
“If you had told me, I could have gone with you.”
“How could you have gone with me, everyone wanted to stay with you.”
With David, a member of the Amber family.
“Uh well…although I was the one who suggested that I pretend to be David, my real identity isn’t
the nephew of those two sisters, but your friend, isn’t it?”
That was true. But why did Lydia feel that Edgar, who played the role of David, was more like
himself?
With regards to him, whether he was called Earl Ashenbert or David Amber, they were all false
names. Since it was the same, wouldn't it be better to pretend to have a name that has family
and can stay away from danger?
Because that way, Lydia’s title as Countess Ashenbert wouldn’t exist either.
While thinking about this, Lydia’s hand unconsciously touched the pin on her chest. It was the
lace brooch that Lauren gave to her as a present. Lauren set her heart on purely being friends
with Lydia, but Lydia’s mind was filled with subtle feelings.
This brooch, was it in fact the only one? Edgar only chose the foxglove brooch, and the person
wearing that brooch was Lauren. The girl known as Lydia never existed from the beginning.
Lauren was the only reddish-brown haired girl that Edgar knew.
From then on, she will become an intangible and invisible existence like a fairy, disappearing
from his reality.
“Well, being able to go out and take a walk is proof that your body is recovering, which is also a
good thing.”
Lydia didn’t utter a word, and Edgar continued talking.
“Although you still need to recuperate for a while, we should also consider where to go after
leaving here.”
Leaving here? Lydia was shocked, and her consciousness returned to reality. She found it
somewhat unexpected that Edgar would think about this issue.
“You want to return to London? Professor Carlton probably misses you very much, but I’m
worried that someone is lying low at your house.”
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“What about you Edgar, do you have any plans?”

“Me? I decided to continue protecting you, this was the purpose of bringing this up.”
“......Isn’t it comfortable to continue staying in this house for you?”
“I can’t pretend to be David forever. I must “go abroad” before troublesome things happen.”
“Sarah and Monica will be broken-hearted.”
Will he be able to let Lauren go? Lydia didn’t dare to ask this out loud. If he behaved as if he
couldn’t let her go, she would definitely be heart-broken.
“......I think they actually understand, probably.”
“Eh?”
Hearing Edgar respond as such unexpectedly, Lydia raised her head.
“I had that kind of feeling. No, I should say that Aunt Monica has already found out. It was only
because Aunt Sarah believed I was, so she deliberately cooperated. In short, because the
current situation is beneficial for both sides, we can stay here tacitly.”
Since it was a tacit mutual understanding, wasn’t this more indicative that Edgar was needed
and welcomed by this family? Even if their actual nephew returned, they would express
gratitude towards Edgar, who guarded the Amber house while he was away.
“Don’t you think it’s unreasonable? You finally managed to return to Britain, but your movements
are restricted by me. You should still have many things that you want to know about.”
Although it was to prevent Edgar from investigating, it made Lydia trap him. But this had
become more and more painful.
Edgar was barely freed from the Prince, it would be best if he could live even more freely.
However, as soon as he becomes aware of his past and retrieves his memories, the Prince’s will
be unsealed again.
“Not knowing my past is truly worrisome. But now, I still haven’t established myself, and I’m
really not confident that I can accept my reason for leaving home.”
Despite temporarily forgetting the nightmare from the past, he had in fact lost his family and his
home. Even if he knew, he wouldn’t be able to obtain freedom from within.
“I might have made a lot of mistakes in the past as well. But I think that taking action for you
now certainly isn’t a mistake. I feel that the past me wouldn’t hesitate in the slightest about this.”
Lydia returned to her senses, only to realize that he was holding her hand while she was
listening intently to him.
“So, Lydia. Please allow me to help you more.”
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Ah, I really do hopelessly like him. It was because of this that Lydia was always worrying about
what was best for him.
Even if he lost his memories, Edgar still supported the most important part about Lydia.
Regardless of when, he was Lydia’s reason for staying in the human world. But for him, did
Lydia really come in handy?
She barely kept the promise of “remaining by his side”.
“Yes, thank you.”
At the very least, she couldn’t look worried in front of him and needed to smile.
Perhaps he didn’t expect Lydia’s reaction to be so frank, as Edgar revealed an expression of
being caught off guard. He stopped and stared at Lydia, asking inquisitively at a very close
distance.
“Lydia, have you become sexier?”
“What......? H--how rude!”
In order to conceal her unnatural restlessness, Lydia hurriedly turned her face away. Edgar
reached out and stroked Lydia’s cheek, and just as she felt his fingertips come across her hair,
Nico deliberately stepped on his foot.
“Oh my, sorry Earl. Don’t stop so suddenly.”
In the end, Edgar, who took his hand back, adjusted his frame of mind and continued to walk
forwards.
As long as Lydia had companions like Nico and Kelly, who could make her regain her calm and
support her secretly, Lydia could try her best in maintaining a simple friendship with Edgar. This
was Lydia’s duty.
Sarah and Monica’s father, Sir Amber, had lived in this mansion from birth until death. As the
owner of this piece of land, his portrait and the portraits of the past Amber family rulers hung
side by side at the end of the long gallery.
“He was a gentle father. He always cared about me, his daughter who wouldn’t be able to
marry.”
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As Lydia stared at the portrait in a trance, Sarah had come up to her and started talking. She
always wore a pure-white dress. It was a dress full of ruffles, the style of a maiden who was just
entering into the social circles. And overlooking them from the picture frame was a gentleman
who looked quite similar to Serah and had a gentle and earnest appearance.
In the painting, there was a diamond ring on his finger.
“Ah, this ring. Father used to wear it all the time, then he passed it on to me. Towards the end,
he called me to his sickbed alone, and asked me to keep it a secret from the others.”
Sarah approached the portrait, narrowing her eyes nostalgically.
“Because I am a woman, I cannot inherit the property. After my younger brother passed away,
father must have worried that I, an old spinster, would be driven out of the house and be
hard-pressed for money.”
Sarah, who lived with her father, Sir Amber, ought to be like him, having no other residence
apart from this one.
“At that time, my younger brother’s son David entered boarding school, and I saw him for the
first time at my father’s funeral. He was a good, straightforward boy. And he looked quite
handsome. He told an old woman like me that I could keep living here, it seems that my father’s
worries were in vain. This ring that was left to me, there’s no need to sell it.”
As if she could touch her father's hand, Sarah gently stroked the canvas with the ring on it.
“David inherited my father’s lineage, so he was a gentle child like my father. He returned safe
and sound, and remedied our crisis.”
Sarah firmly believed that Edgar was her nephew. Although Monica had already noticed
something strange, she still chose to keep silent for Sarah.
Thinking back on Edgar’s words, Lydia’s gaze fell onto that ring once more. From Sarah’s words
just now, there shouldn’t be two similar rings, but Lydia had seen it somewhere before.
It was the one that the fairy gave her, which was said to be the one that was picked up.
“Madam Sarah, is your father’s ring still on your hand now?”
“Of course it is. Although I can’t wear it because it’s a man’s ring, I’ve been safeguarding it
carefully.”
Could it be that she didn’t notice that the ring had disappeared? Or......
Was Sarah living in her own delusions all along? Lydia couldn’t help but guess.
She had clearly seen the real David in the past, how could she confuse him for Edgar? She said
that the last time she saw her nephew was fifteen years ago, so her real nephew should be
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several years older than Edgar. Could it be that she found out, and was simply regarding Edgar
as the person himself on purpose?
Suddenly falling silent, Sarah gazed at the portrait, motionless.
Later on, Raven went over to call for Lydia, and she still seemed to pay no heed, so Lydia could
only leave her quietly.
“Miss Lota sent a letter.”
Currently, Raven goes to the post office once a week, and today, it appears that he has received
mail.
Returning to her own room, Kelly and Nico were already waiting there. In order to not let Edgar
notice, everyone had to act very carefully.
“Raven, what did Lota say?”
“Recently, she hasn’t noticed any major movement from the Prince’s organization. But there are
more and more rumors that some upper class people have returned from foreign countries and
appear to be completely different people. She wants to hear Miss Lydia’s opinion on whether or
not these people have been affected by the Unseelie Court.”
“......This kind of thing can only be confirmed by seeing them in person. If the reason truly lies
with the fairies, then perhaps it would be the Sluaghs causing mischief. After all, Teran
previously used this method to control the inhabitants of Cypress island, making them become
his slaves.”
“Even if the fairies weren’t involved,, that organization was very good at brainwashing people to
begin with.”
“That’s true. They might have even used a realistic method. After all, London was guarded by
Gladys. As long as the London Bridge can defend against the invasion of demons, the Sluaghs
will not be able to approach it.”
“In other words.”
Nico folded his arms and nodded.
“Even if we have the protection of the London Bridge, won’t London still have the Unseelie Court
like before?”
Kelly asked.
“That’s right. But it’s within the range of the natural balance. Think about it, when there is day,
there will be night as well, right? So we can only consider whether the level of the Unseelie
Courts’ evil deeds is natural or unnatural.”
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“I understand. In short, let’s inform Miss Lota of this verdict first. Furthermore, because Teran’s
location still hasn’t been found, I will remind them to pay attention.”
“Got it.”
Lydia sighed and sat down on the chair.
Even if the organization really does take action, she wouldn’t know what she could do. Lydia
had to pull herself together, but merely keeping Edgar away from London took all of her effort.
And she was still using the temporary strategy of feigning illness.
“By the way, Madam Lydia. Your hair is a mess.”
Kelly waited patiently, and as soon as the subject of the letter was over, she began to speak.
This matter was more important to Kelly, as she immediately took out a comb.
“Really? How could this happen, what’s wrong with me?”
“Weren’t the fairies playing pranks on you?”
Nico, who said this, must have witnessed the scene of the fairy’s prank just now, but he did not
tell Lydia, and was still off to the side stroking his whiskers with an evil smile.
“Nico, you should have told me if you noticed.”
“This is just a prank showing their intimacy.”
Even so, this kind of thing wouldn’t make girls happy.
“Don’t get mad, I already warned them to not do this again.”
Perhaps because he didn’t want to listen to Lydia complain, Nico turned around and
disappeared.
“Please let me do it.”
Raven abruptly began to speak.
“Eh? What do you mean?”
Kelly asked, puzzled.
“The combing.”
“......N--no! Madam Lydia’s hair is so fine, it cannot be touched by men so casually!”
Kelly, who disliked others snatching her work, seldom refused Raven so bluntly. Soon after, she
turned around and began to comb Lydia’s hair with her back facing him.
However, Raven appeared very interested in combing hair and tenaciously stared at Kelly’s
hand, unwilling to leave the room.
“Hey Kelly, Raven probably wants to improve his combing techniques to make Nico happy,
right?”
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After hearing this, Kelly stopped her hand with a sudden realization, stealing a glance at Raven
slightly mindfully.
“Even so, he can’t use Madam Lydia as a practice stand.”
“That is true, my sincerest apologies.”
Raven said in disappointment, then turned around and prepared to leave.
“Ah, hold on...... if it’s my hair, then I’ll let you practice.”
This was Kelly caring about Raven in her own way.
“No, that is not necessary. Kelly’s hair is too stiff.”
Soon after, Lydia had to desperately coax Kelly, who was about to burst with rage.
Raven had no evil intentions. For him, a woman’s hair color and hair quality were just
characteristics that had nothing to do with his personal preferences.
“Yes yes, I understand. In his eyes, there is no one else apart from his Master and Madam, as
well as Mr Nico.”
“He made sure to acknowledge Kelly as well.”
“Is that so.”
Chatting about these topics, it was as if they were in the Earl’s London residence. Since getting
married, this had been Lydia’s daily life.
If possible, it would have been great if this life could still continue.
Not only Edgar, Lydia also wanted to protect Kelly, Raven, and the Ashenbert house, which she
loved dearly.
But she believed that she didn’t have this kind of strength, so she didn’t know what to do. Thus,
Lydia looked forward to it more earnestly.
As soon as Edgar walked into the dressing room, he saw Raven and Kelly. Not knowing what
the two were chatting loudly about, Raven was unexpectedly combing Kelly’s hair.
“What are you doing? Raven.”
“Practicing combing.”
A little gentler, Kelly kept giving strict directions. And Raven tried his very best with the comb.
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“Why?”
Edgar couldn’t help but ask.
“Because Kelly’s combing technique is good, I disregarded the difference in hair quality and
asked her for help.”
Hearing him mention hair quality, Kelly puffed up her cheeks angrily.
“No, but why are you practicing combing?”
“He wanted to comb Mr Nico’s fur and make him happy.”
“If possible, I want the quality of Mr Nico’s fur to resemble Miss Lydia’s combed hair, but it is too
discourteous for my hand to go and touch a lady’s hair.”
“Then just use Nico as practice.”
Hearing these words, Raven and Kelly glanced at each other and objected together.
“If it is an imperfect combing technique, it will be quite rude towards Mr Nico.”
“In other words, Nico’s fur is a work of art. If a poor technique is used to comb, that silky feeling
will be ruined.”
“You two are unexpectedly in sync.”
“How could that be possible?”
They replied in unison; it appeared that sure enough, they were quite in sync. Edgar couldn’t
restrain his smile, and in order to not disturb them, he picked up a book from the bedroom and
walked out.
“That being said, Lydia’s hair resembles Nico’s fur, huh.”
Edgar said aloud. Right at that moment, the cat happily walking across the corridor on his hind
legs appeared in front of him.
Not knowing how he got a hold of the Scotch whiskey, this fairy cat, who smelled of alcohol all
over, was humming with his nose.
“Yo, Nico. You still look soft today.”
As soon as he saw Edgar with a smile on his face, Nico immediately assumed the posture to
escape, but he was still caught.
Edgar lifted him up and hugged him tightly.
“Whoa, stop it, Earl!”
Then, he rubbed his face against the fur, feeling around everywhere.
“What are you doing...... let go!”
Nico struggled with all his might, and as soon as he broke free from Edgar’s clutches, he
immediately hid himself.
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Indeed, it was fur that felt quite comfortable, but it didn’t feel like touching Lydia.
But also, Lydia’s hair was much longer, and he could smell the fragrance of chamomile when
she approached.
At the thought of this, Edgar felt a strange sense of elation and restlessness. Lydia’s soft skin
and sweet lips were things he clearly shouldn’t have known, but it appeared in his mind vividly.
Edgar’s gaze fell on the door of Lydia’s room, and he quickly made himself look away. If he ran
and knocked on the door impulsively, then it would be over. If by any chance Lydia opened the
door for him, he certainly wouldn’t be able to control himself.
He obviously didn’t want to lose her and was determined to protect her as a friend; this was
what he wanted to do in the end.
As he walked into the study with this frame of mind, the reddish-brown hair by the sofa suddenly
charged into his field of vision, and his heart almost stopped in shock.
“Ah...... David. I apologize, I entered the study as I pleased.”
It was Lauren who raised her face from the book. Luckily it wasn’t Lydia, Edgar sighed in relief.
“It’s alright. This is grandfather’s study.”
“But this belongs to you now.”
“You’re right, but I only came last month.”
Edgar put the book he was holding back on the shelf and pulled out another book.
“What are you reading?”
“I was just casually reading from one end of the bookshelf to the other.”
Lauren listened then giggled.
“This place is quite boring, right? There isn’t anything good to do.”
Indeed, there was nothing to do here. They only remained in this kind of desolate area in order
to guarantee Lydia’s safety. But being bored also meant that Lydia was safe. Having thought
that, he didn’t hate reading books to kill time.
“What about you? Are you bored enough to want to go home?”
“My home is also in the countryside, more or less similar to here. And I actually ran away
because I disliked the marriage arranged by my family.”
With that said, she suddenly raised her head, looking up at Edgar with an unsuspecting,
nervous expression.
“You dislike marriage?”
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Almost without thinking about it, Edgar sat down next to Lauren. He secretly pondered, in the
ten years that he lost his memories, he acquired the shortcoming of seizing opportunities with
women, and it appeared that he definitely loved to play around.
“I didn’t really get along with the person my father introduced to me...... but I’m very happy here.
I have Aunts...... as well as you and Lydia.”
“Is that so? That's good.”
Edgar smiled and simply stood up. He knew that if the next woman urged him to stay, then it
meant there would be drama.
“Hey, David, will you stay here forever?”
Not what Edgar expected, Lauren still wanted to continue the conversation.
“Why do you ask?”
“Because I always felt as if you didn’t seem to be in your own home.”
“Are you talking about the way I read?”
Edgar showed no interest in collecting books, nor did he transform the study space, which
reflected the owner’s personality in accordance with their own pleasures. He simply took out the
book like a machine, then put it back. It was only natural that Lauren would think so.
“Indeed. I’m still not sure if I’ll be staying here for a long time.”
Edgar sat down once more, staring straight at Lauren. Cheeks dyed red, she was full of
openings at close range.
“Where are you going?”
He wrapped his arm around her shoulder and tried to touch her red-brown hair. But the feel of
her hair was different than imagined. It turns out that he was comparing it to holding Lydia’s hair.
He thought that Nico’s fur was more like Lydia’s hair.
But would it be as different as putting out the lamp?
At that moment, the brooch pinned onto Lauren’s dress came into view. It was something that
Lauren bought herself, saying that she wanted to match as a pair with Lydia.
“Foxgloves...... huh.”
Hearing Edgar’s mumbles that were off topic, Lauren exposed a confused expression.
If he closed his eyes, for some reason, the sight of Lydia standing in a field full of blooming
foxgloves would naturally come to mind.
Imagining this scene, Edgar’s fingertips lightly swept past the foxgloves on Lauren’s bosom.
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Perhaps taking Lauren as a lover shouldn’t matter as she herself was hoping for it. Naturally,
what she was hoping for was a marriage partner, but this degree of misunderstanding between
men and women was also common.
If Edgar disappears one day, she would probably return home naively and marry the person
chosen by her parents. As the daughter of a baron, she should know that it was much smarter
to do so compared to having premarital affairs go out of hand.
Lauren cast a timid look towards Edgar, who was playing with her hair in his hand. Edgar smiled
at her.
Ahh, I’m the worst. No wonder Lydia unhesitatingly emphasized that they were just friends.
As a man, he wasn’t trustworthy at all.
“Hey, if I’m not David, what are you going to do? I might simply flirt with you, then disappear
after having toyed with you.”
Lauren immediately appeared very uneasy. But even so, she didn’t run away.
“Aren’t you David?”
“I am David.”
Edgar had pulled Lauren’s shoulder towards him and whispered in her ear. Even if the distance
between the two of them was close enough to kiss, Lauren did not resist.
Lydia, if it’s you...... you would definitely slap me in a rage.
At that moment, the muffled sound of something knocking at the doorway came through.
Edgar, who was still holding Lauren’s shoulder, heard the sound and looked back. Lauren’s
maid stood at the doorway with a blue face.
“M......Miss, I saw that you weren’t in your room......”
Suddenly coming to her senses, Lauren hurriedly pushed Edgar away and stood up, then swept
past the maid and fled.
The maid, who planned to chase after Lauren, turned back as if she suddenly recalled
something, and placed something on the decorative table by the door.
“This was something that fell here. ......Then if you would please excuse me.”
The maid said and ran off in a hurry.
If only I had coaxed her just a bit longer. Edgar thought about these shameful things while
standing up very slowly, picking up the item that the maid left on the decorative table.
She said that something dropped there, which was proof that someone had stopped there
before Lauren’s maid had arrived.
It was a brooch woven with pure-white lace, and a carnation was sewn on top.
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Lydia was here just now?

If that was the case, she must have seen Edgar wooing Lauren.
“Hey Raven, what did you find?”

Nico and Raven went into the forest, and Nico called out to Raven from the top of a tree. He
jumped down in front of Raven, put his paws to his hips, and looked up at him.
“Nothing, I searched the paths that appeared to have people treading on and I have not seen
anything that resembles a corpse.”
At the request of Edgar, Raven was looking for a dead body or anything that appeared
suspicious.
“The forest is quite vast. The only thing that looks like a road is the one before us.”
“Yes. However, people coming from other places will walk on these roads for a while when
entering the forest, perhaps there are traces of this.”
Nico nodded while resting his paw to his chin. Seeing his ears pointed up, Raven found him to
be quite dignified.
“Although I told the fairies to inform me if they remember the location, they don’t seem too
reliable.”
“It is simply that I found something that is somewhat concerning. I am planning to investigate it
more from now on.”
“From now on? Does that mean you’ll be using that?”
Nico pointed to the rope that Raven was carrying on his shoulders.
“Yes, I found an old well.”
“Old well! Could there be a corpse in there……”
“I do not know but I will go and have a look.”
Raven began to advance, and Nico followed him.
After walking for a while, they could see stones that piled up to make a well within the depths of
the forest. From the other side of the well, there were ruins of a foundation of an old building, as
well as the cobblestone wall that remained. Perhaps it had been a building detached from the
main house.
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“It truly is an old-fashioned well. The wall around the well had collapsed.
Several stones that were piled around the well had fallen and rolled off to the ground.
“It’s so deep. I can’t see anything.”
Trembling with fear, Nico peered in from the stone wall. He tried to throw a pebble down the
well, but there was no sound of water.
“It’s a dried up well.”
“It would seem so.”
While saying this, Raven tied the rope tightly to a nearby tree and threw the other end into the
well. Then, he followed the rope and carefully descended into the well. The round sky that could
be seen above and Nico’s faintly discernible head became smaller and smaller.
“Hey Raven, how is it?
The bottom of the well was quite hard, and was filled with dust and dry leaves. To guard against
the unexpected, Raven tied the rope to his waist and struck a match. After lighting a candle, he
carefully checked the bottom of the well using the light.
Immediately, he saw a man’s leather shoe which wasn’t buried by the dry leaves.
There was only one. Raven picked it up and saw a pair of gloves next to it. Here, he picked up
both gloves. There were black stains on them, and it wasn’t known if it was mud or something
else that couldn't be discernible. Raven moved the candlelight to see if there was anything else
but there was only a stone that was dropped from before.
It looked like it was thrown in recently with the shoe and gloves. If it was by the stone wall at the
edge of the well, then it was of no mystery.
For the time being, Raven only took the leather shoe and gloves, and climbed back up.
“Did you find anything?”
After Raven showed him the leather shoes, the fur on Nico’s back stood.
“This,, it’s the same as the shoe that the fairies were using as a cart! They said that the corpse
was only wearing one shoe.”
“Really? Then this is the other one. But I wonder why?”
“The body stumbled and lost a shoe here?”
Hearing Nico say that, Raven stared at him and scratched his head.
“I know. A corpse won’t move.”
“Yes. That was a joke just then.”
“Not bad Raven, you’re beginning to understand jokes.”
Being patted on the back by Nico, Raven frankly felt happy at having been praised.
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“Then the possibility remains of the person dropping his shoe then dying, or someone taking a
shoe off of the body and throwing it into the well.”
“Either way, it’s only one shoe after all. We can’t work it out like this.”
Raven began to investigate the gloves, only to see him patting the dirt off.
“This is lambskin. It is well-sewn, and a luxury item.”
Then he found the writing embroidered on the inside of the glove. It looked to be the initials of
the owner.
“M. A……”
“A…… Amber? Well, this is a man’s. Then could this be the former head’s?”
“He’s been dead for more than fifteen years, which doesn’t make sense. This was found next to
the shoes worn by the man who died three months ago.It should have been thrown away during
the same period.”
“Then it has nothing to do with the Amber family. Anyhow, this means a man of considerable
status died, and his shoe along with his pair of gloves fell here?”
“No, Mr Nico, the shoe and gloves are owned by different people.”
“Eh, how do you know that?”
“The size is clearly different. The shoe would have been worn by a smaller person, and the
gloves are quite large.”
“Wow, you’re amazing Raven, you even worked that out.”
Being admired by Nico, Raven was very happy. He also hoped that Nico could admire his
grooming one day.
“In any case, I will inform Lord Edgar first.”
(Soon...... soon we will be able to meet......)

Where is that voice coming from?
Lydia stood in the middle of the standing circle. The immense dark smoky quartz standing
stones were shining. And reflected onto it was the magnificent aurora in the sky. The aurora
alternated between various colours, swaying gently like a curtain.
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Then someone stood beside Lydia. Lydia turned her head towards him, but the light was too dim
to see the man’s face clearly. Even so, Lydia knew that he was staring at her.
(......The object that my ancestors entrusted to the future is in your hands, isn’t it? )
He was talking about the bloodstone.
It was a precious gem collected from the sacred land. Furthermore in the highlands, the
bloodstone was believed to be a fir chilis that descended to the ground. When Lydia realized
this, she suddenly understood that the sky, the standing circle, and the aurora that dyed them
with colours were all within her.
“Who are you? The Prophet?”
Lydia asked, aware that she was dreaming.
(Well...... I’m not too sure either. But what you hold can only be used properly by those of the
McKeel family, that being said, I also have the qualifications.)
In other words, Lydia had to devote herself to the person designated as the Prophet? Could it be
that the sacred land’s bloodstone would be useless unless she married that person?
However, Lydia shook her head firmly.
“My husband can only be Edgar.”
(Is that your wish? If you, who possess the sacred land’s relic, wish it to be so, then perhaps my
duty is to go and save that person. ......However, as a price to implement this wish, you might
lose something very important to you......)
That man pondered and reached out towards Lydia. She hesitated.
“What will I lose?”
(It will be up to you to choose.)
If this person was truly the one chosen by the Prophet a century ago, she might be able to save
Edgar by holding this hand.
The power of the aurora fairies --- the Fir Chlis, and the legend of the Prophet overthrowing the
Prince were inextricably linked. Lydia also had a happy dream under the aurora, and felt even
more hopeful. The aurora fairy might truly be willing to save Edgar, but even if they really can,
Lydia may not be able to return to Edgar’s side. Because this might be the price of implementing
this wish......
“Can my life be used in exchange?”
The man exposed a helplessly heartbroken smile.
Lydia couldn’t help but want to cry.
Opening her eyes, teardrops had already trickled down her face.
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The Lydia nowadays couldn’t be more than friends with Edgar. Therefore she had already
decided long ago that she would mentally prepare herself for Edgar liking another woman.
But when she really saw Edgar’s eyes shifting to other women, she felt an unexpected pain.
Originally, she believed that as long as Edgar respected her as a special friend, she could turn a
blind eye to his affairs.
Lydia had been hit hard since this morning, and crawled out of bed with a heavy mood.
If it’s Lauren, it’ll be okay. I just have to imagine myself as Lauren. But even if Lydia made
herself think so, it was just in vain.
Last night, Lydia witnessed Edgar and Lauren staying in the study room, and Edgar was directly
facing her and flirting with her.. Seeing that Lauren didn’t resist at all, Lydia really couldn't
imagine what he would do next, and fled while her heart wavered. Alas, she wasn’t even willing
to recall this time.
“Madam Lydia, are you feeling better?”
Kelly entered the bedroom. Lydia hurriedly pulled up the blanket to cover her head in order to
hide her red and swollen eyes.
“I asked the kitchen to make soup. If you don’t feel like eating, you should have some soup
anyway.”
“I don’t want it.”
“It’s not good for your body if you don’t eat anything.”
“That’s fine. It’s hard pretending to be sick.”
“But Madam Lydia, although you’re feigning illness, don’t you think that your condition has been
a little strange recently? Sometimes you’ll be quite well then all of a sudden you’re not in a
good condition. How about calling a doctor to have a look?”
“No need, I’ll be fine soon.”
Kelly worriedly moved close to Lydia and spoke, somewhat embarrassed.
“Um, the Earl said that he wants to take a look at you later.”
Lydia couldn’t help but toss her blanket and sit up.
“N......No! I don’t know how I should face him.I beg you, Kelly, help me refuse him tactfully.”
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“Did something happen?”

“N, nothing happened......”
“Could it be...... that the Earl had an affair?”
Truly, nothing could be concealed from Kelly. Lydia sighed deeply.
“It can’t be called an affair. After all, Edgar is single now.”
Kelly, who had keen senses, should have already noticed Lauren approaching Edgar. She also
sighed greatly.
“Is there no medicine in this world which can cure that person’s sickness of the heart?”
“Yes, it would be great if there was.”
“But even with that kind of medicine, his eye-catching appearance is enough to make women
swarm.”
Indeed. Lauren blushed the first time she saw him.
“But if his personality is as dull as Raven’s, he can disillusion the women who approach him
without knowing.”
It seems as if Kelly had been disillusioned many times.
“But Kelly, you don’t hate Raven, right?”
“I’m used to it. Rather, I find that level of destructive power is interesting.”
Hearing that Raven ultimately went to ask Kelly to give him special training on grooming, Lydia
couldn’t help laughing.
After laughing, she calmed down a little. It turned out that she was so unwell because she was
alone and immersed in her thoughts.
Seeing Lydia get down from the bed and walking to the tableside where the soup bowl was
placed, Kelly finally sighed in relief.
Since she decided to move forward, she had to eat something even if she didn’t have an
appetite. As the soup flowed into her stomach, rather than saying it filled her up, it would be
better to say that her spirit was replenished.
While sipping the soup, Lydia suddenly heard someone calling her, so she put down the spoon.
Was it a fairy? The voice was so faint that it was impossible to tell whether it was a voice, the
wind or the rustling of leaves, but Lydia had a feeling that someone was calling her.
Suddenly, she remembered the dream from this morning. It’s the Prophet calling me. She
baselessly believed this, and felt afraid.
Something was drawing Lydia towards a fate she didn’t expect. That power was approaching
Lydia step by step.
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it was trying to take the opportunity of Lydia’s and Edgar’s weakened bonds to pull her towards
itself.
No, this must be an illusion.
Kelly just happened to be out helping with the laundry. Lydia changed into her daily clothes, then
left the room to confirm the source of the voice.
In order to not run into Edgar, she carefully crossed the courtyard and arrived at the front yard
which was originally a vast garden.
Walking on the stone path which had thin grass coming out of the gaps, Lydia looked up at the
sky. Under the bright sunshine, the outdoor air was especially refreshing, and as her mood
improved and without knowing when she was unable to hear that voice.
Surely it was just an illusion.
Lydia walked into the pavilion before her eyes, and sat down to rest for a moment.
Although the courtyard wasn’t meticulously taken care of by the owner, as long as one thought
of it as the countryside where plants grew freely, then they wouldn’t mind too much, not to
mention the fact that one could enjoy the blooming flowers everywhere, which made it even
more pleasant. It was also nice to look down at the pond overgrown with aquatic plants from the
pavilion.
“Oh my, Lydia, did you come here by yourself?”
She saw a woman with a parasol walking over along the path by the pond. It turned out to be
Lauren. As soon as she saw Lydia, she strode over happily.
“I heard that you were unwell this morning, are you feeling better now?”
“Yes, I felt a little better coming outside for a walk.”
“That’s right, after all, this building is very old, and it’s very fragrant.”
Sitting down beside Lydia, Lauren looked down at the pond as well.
Recalling what happened yesterday, Lydia was unable to look straight at Lauren’s face.
“Hey, Lydia. Do you have someone you like?”
Being suddenly asked this by Lauren, Lydia was stunned.
“Wh--why do you ask?”
But Lauren didn’t seem to care very much that Lydia didn’t answer her question directly. She
was worried for a moment, then decided to continue speaking.
“Men, can they kiss you even if they don’t love you?”
Realizing that she was talking about yesterday in the study room, Lydia’s mood was shaken
even more.
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“Um, I don’t know either...... it ought to vary from person to person.”

“That’s true. Ah, well, I don’t mean to say that I was kissed. ......How should I say this, it was the
first time I had that kind of atmosphere with a man, so I wondered if I was going to kiss.”
Lauren, who said this, seemed to have been shaken badly.
“Later, the maid was looking for me. I suddenly felt really embarrassed and ran away.”
So that was it. Knowing that nothing happened between the two, Lydia was relieved. But she
wasn’t relieved at this point, rather her feelings became more complicated.
Lauren was very innocent and cute. Lydia also experienced all kinds of first times after getting to
know Edgar, and Edgar fell in love with Lydia like this. So it wouldn’t be strange for him to be
attracted to Lauren.
It wasn’t surprising that the two of them were attracted to each other.
However, her heart felt very uncomfortable.
“Aunt Sarah also said that if he could be with me for a while, that I should stay in this house
later.”
“Eh, it’s already come to that?”
“Oh no, it’s just Aunt talking nonsense.”
While sighing in relief, Lydia felt that if Edgar and Lauren sincerely loved each other, there would
be absolutely no obstacles to their marriage.
“However, I wonder what David thinks. He might feel troubled.”
“You want to know how he feels?”
Lauren nodded.
“Lauren, you...... like him?”
“I thought that it was okay to let him kiss. But it seems that his thoughts weren’t the same as
mine.”
Having thought that,, she continued to speak.
“He was unusually calm, how should I say it? It seemed like I couldn’t feel his warmth...... isn’t
David especially popular with women? I guess it might be because he is already used to this
sort of thing, right? But he is too clever, I felt like he was playing with me, and I couldn’t see his
sincerity at all.”
Lydia didn’t know what opinion to have about this, and could only lower her head in silence as
Lauren continued on.
“Hey Lydia, wouldn’t you have fallen in love with David? Your relationship with him is good and
you trust each other, why don’t you love each other?”
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“I......”
Should I lie to Lauren this time? Even though she couldn’t tell the entire truth, even if she
concealed her feelings, Lydia felt that it wouldn’t be fair to Lauren.
She was always sincere towards Lydia. She must have thought that if she hadn’t confirmed
Lydia’s feelings for David, who was her beneficiary, then she shouldn’t rush to like him first. But
Lydia could answer.
Lauren, who inadvertently looked up, seemed to have noticed something and called out.
“Oh my, isn’t that the person who came in the postman’s carriage?”
The postman’s carriage, which would sometimes double as a passenger carriage, probably
conveniently turned into this mansion, which was far from human habitation.
“I came across him over there just now, and he told me that he would be walking around while
the postman and horse are resting.”
The person who was originally just quietly looking at the scenery by the lake began to walk
around. As he turned towards them, Lydia shot up in surprise.
“Mr Darnell......”
He’s alive. He isn’t dead yet. Lydia trotted towards him.
No, is he really Darnell? Lydia suddenly recalled that he had an elder twin brother and stopped
warily. But after he saw Lydia, he narrowed his eyes gently. It was as if he already knew she
was there.
“Long time no see, Miss Lydia.”
He said with a faint smile.
“You’re...... okay?”
“Neil is dead, but I survived. Although Neil will lose his life if I die, it seems that the reverse is not
true. Thinking carefully about the past, it was the same for the Prophet as well. After the
Unseelie Court fairy doctor was condemned, he returned to the clan settlement.”
That serene manner of speaking, it was indeed Darnell’s tone of voice.
“You’re really Mr Darnell?”
“Yes, it’s me. What should I say to make you believe me? Do you remember this twig? This was
the only thing I still held in my hand after I decided to put down the violin. This is the twig
bestowed to me, who was the opposite of Neil, by the great tree.”
Lydia still remembered that time. Indeed, only Darnell himself knew about these things.
Moreover, Darnell, who carried a violin case on his shoulder like before, had that twig in his
chest pocket.
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“It’s Mr Darnell, right? That’s great! You’re still alive!”

Lydia finally relaxed, taking several quick steps towards him. Being stared at by Lydia with a
nostalgic look, he appeared somewhat perplexed.
“You are so happy that I’m alive, I can’t bear it.”
“Why? ......You helped us a lot.”
Darnell smiled faintly. Although this smiling face was still kind, at the same time, his expression
while looking straight at Lydia had more determination than before.
“However, it might not be so in the future.”
“Eh......?”
“Because I set foot in the fairy kingdom’s territory and escaped with my life afterwards, I
awakened.”
If there was any difference between the current and past Darnell, it was probably that the
current him looked more determined. He was no longer manipulated by the fate of the McKeel
family, rather, he had an unwavering faith.
“It was as if I received a revelation from heaven, I already understood what I ought to do.”
It was the Prophet. Within his mind, the awareness of the Prophet grew.
Lydia recalled the dream she had this morning. Could it have been hinting towards the
awakening of the Prophet? Was the voice calling Lydia proof that Darnell had gained new
powers?
“......Then, how are you planning to deal with me?”
“I won’t do anything. At least not at the moment, I merely came to give you advice.”
“Advice?”
He brought his face close to her ear. He whispered to Lydia from a subtle distance where she
wouldn't withdraw in embarrassment.
“The snake knew what the Prophet was hiding in the sacred land. He wants to obtain that
object. He was originally planning to get a hold of it in the fairy kingdom, but in the end, he didn’t
succeed. He still hasn’t given up yet, so you must be careful.”
After saying that, he quickly left Lydia’s side.
“......Just before, were you calling me?”
Although he kept the same distance like he did in the past, his expression when looking at Lydia
was more intimate than before. Lydia couldn’t help asking, slightly concerned.
“Yeah. I found it difficult to come near, and thought it would be great if I could see you.”
“How did you know where I was?”
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“Well, I’m not too sure of the reason, but I just knew.”
He said that, but didn’t appear the least bit surprised at this situation. Although Lauren walked
towards them, Darnell didn’t look away from Lydia.
“Lydia, do you know him?”
Lauren asked curiously. Darnell smiled and turned to face her and answered in place of Lydia,
who was hesitating.
“Yes, it truly was a surprising coincidence. I am Darnell Finn. Lydia’s fiancé.”
“Mr Darnell, you......”
Lydia wanted to refute, but he interrupted her, to cut her off.
“No, Miss Lydia. It’s because you need me that I am alive.”
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Chapter 4 - Feelings forever unrequited
The Serpentine of Hyde Park fell silent in the darkness of the night. Ermine stood by the
lakeside and gazed at the water surface in a daze. And then, by the time she realised, she was
thinking about him.
When he was in London, he’d take this place up as his nest. Ever since the lake became his
territory, the waters appeared cleaner.
Even so, she wondered where he was and what he was doing. It somehow felt like something’s
missing without him around.
When she thought that she was crazy for thinking that way, waves started rippling throughout
the water surface suddenly. Then, a jet black horse stood on the water surface.
“Hey, long time no see.”
Black pearl-like eyes stared at Ermine. The unearthly aura which floated about him filled his
mane until its ends. Even though Ermine instinctively felt fear, she was instead bound by his
beauty. He was that kind of existence every time she saw him.
“Kelpie… you came back.”
“What? Didn’t you come because you knew?”
For her to come see the aquatic horse on her own accord without any purpose, there must be
something wrong with her. Although she didn’t think she’d be able to meet him, she still visited
his place. That was weird too. But he was the only one who was an exception, to both Ermine
and everyone from the earl family.
He’s Lydia’s kelpie.
“I was investigating all around London.”
Ermine was in the midst of investigating whether London’s protection was weakening. This was
on Francis’ orders.
It’d be great if there’s nothing. But it was possible that Prince’s organization would try to attack
from some weakness somewhere. Even though there was no problem with the protection at
London Bridge, Francis was bothered by that.
“Also, Mr Francis has gone missing.”
He suddenly disappeared. Ermine was considering the possibility of him being captured by the
organization.
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“Hmmm.”
Kelpie appeared to be totally uninterested. Then he spoke of what he was concerned about.
“More importantly, have you seen that person around?”
“If you’re referring to Lady Lydia and Lord Edgar, they’re not in London.”
“They didn’t go back to the earl mansion?”
At some point in time, Kelpie transformed into a black-haired man.
“Lord Edgar has lost his memories because Prince’s powers are being bound. Since he mustn’t
remember Prince, Lady Lydia and the others are holding him back so that he can’t return to
London.”
Hmmm, hummed Kelpie again. In contrast to his casual tone, he furrowed his brows in worry,
and spoke immediately again.
“Putting that aside, how about that person? The violinist.”
“Mr Darnell? Didn’t he die in Ibrazel?”
“I saved him.”
Kelpie said so sulkily, and crossed his arms over his chest.
“You did? Why?”
“Beats me.”
It seemed that he himself didn’t know either.
“But you wouldn’t know whether the one you saved was Mr Darnell or Neil isn’t it?”
“He said he was Darnell. Even so, though I intended to keep an eye on him, he pulled the wool
over my eyes and disappeared. Let me know if you find him.”
Since he had achieved his purpose, he turned around to leave.
“Aren’t you going to where Lady Lydia is? I think she’s facing a lot of difficulties now.”
“If the difficulty is between her and the earl, then there’s nothing I can do, can I?”
Without bothering to turn around, Kelpie replied.
“Although when the Earl turned into Prince, I did think about snatching Lydia over, but in the
end, I only realised fully that Lydia’s feelings can’t be changed. No matter how painful it is to
Lydia, she can only be happy with the Earl.”
He then continued as though he was muttering to himself. Despite that, it was still audible to
Ermine.
“But I want to concern myself with Lydia. Maybe that’s why I saved that person.”
“Meaning Mr Darnell?”
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“Although I do not know whether saving him would steer things for better or worse, having my
actions extend to Lydia moves my heart.”
He looked up at the skies. In the pitch-black sky where be it the moon or the stars, nothing could
be seen, he narrowed his eyes as though he was seeing something.
“Was it because I saw an aurora?”
“In Ibrazel?”
“I saw a light like that when I was underwater. That light was a Seelie Court yet it resembled
darkness at the same time. Although it held a strong wave of light, sometimes, it gave out
darkness like the colour of a dark bloodstone. It was an ethereal existence, with its colour and
form changing… Then, something suddenly came to my mind; I wonder if even dark fairies,
even kelpies, can become something else.”
“Do you want to become something else?”
“I am me. But it’s not like I can’t do things that are outside a kelpie’s ability. Just like how I don’t
think of wanting to devour humans or to devour Lydia. That being said, we too aren’t observers.
We are linked to the fates of Lydia and the others, as well as the human world.”
Kelpie turned around and gave a small smile.
“I’m envious of you. Simply by turning from a human into a fairy, you are connected to them at
the hearts as well. Unlike me who doesn’t possess a heart like a human.”
“There’s no such thing. I’m the same as you. Because I didn’t want to vanish like the dead, I did
a lot of things thus far, like being a spy. Because that’s the only way I can be connected to Lord
Edgar.”
“… Is that so? We’re the same huh.”
He responded seriously, and narrowed his black pearl-like eyes. It was the first time she saw
such gentle eyes from Kelpie.
“We’re comrades huh.”
That’s probably the case. At some point in time, Ermine had come to regard Kelpie as a
comrade. Comrades who were the same, fighting for the sake of the person who was the most
important to them, as they persevered on with their unrequited feelings.
On one hand, Kelpie had always regarded Ermine as an inexperienced fairy. He had gotten
angry with her and also helped her.
And now, with him calling her his comrade, Ermine felt that she was finally on the same level as
Kelpie. The fact that she thought so, probably meant that she was already more fairy than
human.
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“Then, what’ll you do?”

Kelpie turned around all of a sudden and asked her.
“What are you investigating in London? Or will you go search for that silver-haired guy?”
Ermine wondered if that meant that Kelpie was going to help her.
“Mr Francis’ matter is most probably the more pressing issue.”
“That’s true.”
She would fight together with Kelpie once more as a comrade. As an odd fairy who wanted to
be linked with the fates of humans.
“Apologies, milord. But as Miss Lydia is currently asleep, I must ask that you let her rest quietly
now.”
This was Edgar’s third request today to visit Lydia, but he was turned down by Kelly on all three
instances with the same phrase. Even if he said that he only wanted to see Lydia’s face, Kelly
didn’t budge.
“Hey Kelly, if Francis isn’t coming, isn’t it better we let another doctor take a look at her? Just as
we thought that she had recovered, she was confined to the bed for a long time; it’s worrying.”
Kelly, who looked up at him in silent fury, appeared to be condemning Edgar wordlessly.
“Miss Lydia… t-trusts Dr. Francis. She doesn’t need any other doctor.”
“Is that so? He seems like a quack though.”
For some reason, Kelly looked like she nodded, but Edgar thought his eyes were probably
playing tricks on him. Kelly hurriedly shook her head to the sides and declared ‘There’s no such
thing!’
Although he was worried about Lydia, he couldn’t force his way into her room. Although there’s
a part of him who would simply do so if he thought that he’d be forgiven, maybe he didn’t do so
because today, he somehow felt guilty.
The lace brooch was in his pocket. If Lydia was the one who came to the study the previous
night, she’d probably be disillusioned with Edgar. Because right after he said that he’d protect
her, he went to court Lauren, despite not knowing when they’d depart from here.
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As he let out a sigh, Edgar, who was dejected because he was turned away by Kelly, sank into a
chair in the salon with a thud.
Or could it be… that Lydia’s a little jealous over me?
If so, then it was better than her being disillusioned. But just as he thought so, he felt empty so
he dismissed that thought. He was friends with Lydia. There’s no way she’d be jealous simply
because she saw him.
When he was in a daze as he thought about such things, the elderly sisters, Sarah and Monica,
entered the salon.
“Oh David, were you lounging here by yourself?”
“Is it alright if we join you?”
“Certainly.”
Edgar stood up and welcomed them.
“I wonder where Lauren is. We thought she was with you.”
“I haven’t seen her either.”
“If it’s Miss Lauren, she went out for a walk.”
The one who said that was the butler Dawson. It appeared that he had entered to serve the
elderly sisters their favourite hot chocolate. He glanced towards Edgar as he said that.
“Mr David, would you like something to drink as well?”
“No thanks. By the way, Aunty, Grandfather’s study has quite the collection.”
Edgar changed the topic while paying attention to the butler’s gloves. Given his well-built
stature, his hands were large, as expected. The glove he was wearing now didn’t appear to be
too high-end, but that was probably the case since he was a servant.
Edgar was observing him in this manner because of the report he received from Raven this
morning. A large glove was found together with one of the boots which the corpse probably
wore; the boots were on the smaller end. The stain on the gloves was probably blood. These
were the contents of the report.
Although they didn’t know why there was only one boot instead of a pair, if one were to think
about it simply, one could imagine that the owner of the glove had murdered someone and
threw the boot and the bloodstained glove into the old well.
Although Dawson’s name didn’t fit the initials of M.A., it was still possible that he used the
embroidered gloves.
If ‘A’ referred to Amber, the glove probably belonged to the previous master, Michael Amber.
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“Oh is that so? Because Father’s books are quite difficult, we didn’t go into the study room much
since we were young.”
Monica nodded at Sarah’s words as well.
“Even so, he appears to be a tall gentleman; the small stepladder doesn’t seem to be used.”
“Yes, even as the years passed, he was still imposing, such that even a tall and slim young man
couldn’t hold a candle to him.”
“Was his stature larger than Dawson’s?”
Edgar glanced at the butler. He had just placed a cup of hot chocolate in front of Monica, but
Edgar didn’t know if he was paying attention to their conversation.
“I think they’re about the same. Father often gave away his old belongings to Dawson.”
When Sarah said so, compared to the butler, Monica was the one whose body trembled as she
appeared to be disturbed.
“Oh, is that so? Such as that coat? I was thinking it’s a fine piece he’s wearing.”
Dawson turned his well-built body towards Edgar slowly.
“Yes. I’ve been using this for fifteen years.”
“The one you liked the most was the gloves right?”
At Sarah’s innocent words, Monica lost her composure completely. Edgar’s deduction turned
into belief. As he thought, that glove was used by Dawson.
On top of that, Monica knows the reason why the glove was thrown into the well.
“Aunties, you’re both here.”
At that moment, Lauren dashed into the salon. Monica was clearly relieved, while the butler left
hastily. In any case, what Edgar learnt was that both Dawson and Monica knew the owner of the
boot.
As Edgar was in deep thought over this matter, it took him some time before he realised that
Lydia had entered the salon along with Lauren.
Lydia had taken a seat beside Lauren in an extremely unassuming manner, and it was a
position where, from where Edgar was, she was very much hidden in Sarah’s shadow.
“Hey Lydia, shall we have chocolate as well?”
Because Lauren said so, Edgar, who finally realised, stood up.
“No, I’m…”
“Lydia, weren’t you resting in your room?”
Walking over to where Lydia was, he gazed towards her from behind her seat.
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“In the morning, I was a little… although I didn’t feel well, I’m fine already. I’m sorry for making
you worry.”
Although she stole a glance at him, she averted her eyes immediately. Edgar wondered if it was
his imagination that he found her distant.
“The air outside is fresher. That’s why Lydia’s feeling much better.”
Lauren said so.
“If that’s the case, that’s good. But Miss Lydia, what will you do about the theatre tonight?”
At Sarah’s words, it seemed that it wasn’t only Lydia but Edgar too who now remembered.
A play was going to be performed at the theatre in a town nearby. Last week, they talked about
how everyone would go watch the performance. Lauren had said that they should bring Lydia
along as long as Lydia was feeling well.
The town was much smaller than the other town which they went shopping at, but it was only
half an hour’s ride by horse carriage from here. Hence, it shouldn’t cause Lydia too much strain.
However, Lydia too, had only remembered it now, and so she blinked her eyes at it.
“Lydia, would you like to go watch?
“Yes, you’re right. Perhaps I’ll go for a change of mood.”
“It’s great that you’re feeling well enough for that.”
When Edgar placed his hand on her shoulder in an overly-familiar manner, Lydia’s body
stiffened out of nervousness.
“Oh, could it be because you met that person?”
Hearing unexpected words spill out from Lauren’s mouth, Edgar was shocked.
Who did she say Lydia met? And because of that she’s feeling better? Various thoughts crossed
Edgar’s mind in an instant. For some reason, Lydia too, appeared to be restless as she was
surprised.
“Er, erm, Lauren.”
Lauren winked at Lydia meaningfully. ‘I won’t say anything unnecessary’, that was the meaning
which Edgar felt Lauren’s wink contained.
“We met Miss Lydia’s acquaintance by chance just now. That person was heading towards
Lymington for work.”
Lydia fidgeted restlessly.
“Unfortunately, that person appeared to be in a hurry and couldn’t join us here. The postal
carriage had ended its break and had to be on its way.”
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‘What a coincidence’, exclaimed both Sarah and Monica. But the topic of the ladies’
conversation immediately turned to what they were going to wear to the theatre and they
continued excitedly.
Bending forward over the back of her chair, Edgar whispered his question into Lydia’s ear.
“Your acquaintance, will your whereabouts be leaked by that acquaintance to your pursuers?”
Of course Edgar was worried about that, but the truth was that Edgar was extremely bothered
by who Lydia met.
From the fact that it was a person who travelled due to work meant it was a man. Was he
young? How close were they? Was he an existence who could make Lydia feel better?
“That won’t happen. He’s a man of few words.”
Meaning he was the complete opposite of Edgar. Sensing that a quiet personality was perceived
favourably by Lydia, Edgar got increasingly irritated.
“How are you acquainted with him?”
“… He’s a distant relative.”
In the end, Edgar couldn’t get any more information than that.
Edgar had even forgotten how much he knew about Lydia’s family. What he learnt after he lost
his memory, was that she was living with her father who was an academic and that they came
from Scotland.
It should be sufficient for him to know that much, yet for some reason, he wanted to know much
more.
Even about that matter the previous night, he should just ask her if she came to the study. Even
if he was seen, he was probably able to make some reasonable excuse about it. Yet Edgar
wasn’t able to ask her, while Lydia too didn’t say anything suggestive of it.
If one were to say there was no need to talk about it, it was true. To Lydia, it was none of her
concern who Edgar was courting. Edgar too had no need to explain to Lydia. But that didn’t feel
right; it felt uncomfortable, like something was out of place.
If they were lovers, they might be able to open their hearts to each other much more. A relation
involving two people of the opposite sex who were friends was one that left Edgar feeling
extremely frustrated.
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Right before they were due to leave for the theatre, Lydia broke the news that she’d be staying
back in the mansion. It appeared that she suddenly felt unwell again when evening came.
Explaining that she kept quiet about it until everyone had completed their preparations for the
evening because she didn’t want them to cancel the trip because of her, Lydia waved everyone
off with a smile. As for Edgar, because of Lydia’s distant attitude since this morning, the
atmosphere made it difficult for him to say that he’d stay back with her.
Lydia, who said that it wasn’t anything serious but she didn’t want to push herself and end up
causing everyone trouble, appeared no different from how she looked in the salon in the
afternoon. Hence, Edgar boarded the carriage in the end.
She had Kelly by her side, while he also asked for Raven to stay behind with Lydia. And since
the butler Dawson, whom Edgar was a little concerned over, was following the elderly sisters,
there was no problem.
Although he thought to himself that it’d definitely be alright, when the carriage began moving,
Edgar’s worries increased.
“David, if we cancel this trip, Lydia will get more depressed.”
Lauren said so to Edgar, who turned back towards the increasingly distant building for the
umpteenth time.
Two carriages were moving together, with the one in front being occupied by Sarah and Monica.
The one behind had Lauren, her lady attendant and Edgar.
“Let’s tell Lydia about the play in detail when we return. Then maybe even Lydia will feel as
though she watched the play.”
“Yes, you’re right.”
Lauren had on the same lace brooch as Lydia on her collar today, though it was a different
flower. It was a brooch which resembled a foxglove.
It’s probably just like what Lauren said. But Edgar still looked depressed.
Lauren, who was staring at Edgar like that, also revealed a depressed expression.
“… Could it be possible that, that man is coming back?”
And those words suddenly slipped out from her mouth.
“I mean, since they finally met each other. I wonder if both of them wanted to speak with each
other a little more. That may be why Lydia suddenly decided to remain at the mansion.”
It came immediately to Edgar’s mind as to who Lauren was referring to, since Edgar himself
was bothered with that person as well.
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He had left in a hurry, but maybe he changed his mind and came back? Thinking that what
Lauren said was possible, Edgar became ever more bothered.
“Was he someone that close to her?”
“She was very pleased with the chance reunion. Even if he was someone her parents betrothed
her to, if that’s how they are with each other, it’s something envious.”
“Betrothed?”
Edgar queried back in an unexpectedly loud tone. Lauren appeared to be taken aback, as she
covered her mouth with her hand.
“Oh… could it be that, David, you didn’t know that Lydia has a fiancé?”
He didn’t remember whether he had known about it. Edgar simply shook his head to the sides.
“Oh dear, even though Lydia told me to keep it a secret from everyone, I… Aunty Sarah and
Aunty Monica would probably ask questions about it to no end out of interest, but I thought that
David you’d definitely have known.”
Lauren looked down in embarrassment, but Edgar was so shaken that he wasn’t able to be
considerate towards her by consoling her.
Lydia has a fiancé. His hand which was gripping his stick stiffened unnaturally.
It wasn’t anything surprising even if she did. If she came from a well-to-do family, it was
commonplace for parents to decide on their children’s marriage partner. Even the people one
meets in high society are already filtered once through by parents, so even if one had some say
about their preference, it was at most restricted under those circumstances.
There were also quite a number of instances when one’s parents would decide on a betrothal
via a verbal agreement; this could happen during one’s childhood and was with someone from
the father’s social circle.
Regardless of how this came to be agreed upon, Edgar wondered whether Lydia thought of her
fiancé without any dislike. Was it to the extent that she didn’t have any unhappiness towards
him as a marriage partner?
“Hey, stop the carriage.”
By the time he noticed, he had ordered the driver from the small window of the carriage.
“What’s wrong David?”
“Just as I thought, I’m worried about Lydia. I’ll return to the mansion. Tell me about the play
later.”
Just like that, Edgar alighted from the carriage as though he flew out from it, and dashed off on
the road they came on.
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He wondered why he was this flustered over the fact that Lydia had a fiancé. What if Lydia was
spending time with that man right at this very moment? When Edgar thought so, he felt that this
wasn’t the time to be watching a play.
The building soon came into view but Edgar did not slow down his hurried steps. As he did so,
he thought about what he’d do if the fiancé was in the mansion.
Wouldn’t Edgar who returned suddenly be nothing more than a hindrance?
Then I’ll be a hindrance to the very end. I’ll judge him to see whether he is really a man who is
good enough for Lydia, or whether he can bring her happiness. If I don’t like him, I won’t let her
marry him. Various thoughts like these went through his mind, even though he had no right
whatsoever.
I may not be her father or her family, but there are numerous ways to make a man lose his
reputation.
When he thought that far, Edgar came to a sudden realisation. No matter how perfect the man
was, no, the more perfect the man was, the more he wouldn’t like him.
I don’t want to hand Lydia over to anyone.
For me to think this way, does this mean that I have unrequited feelings towards Lydia?
Unrequited? How foolish. Not only is it a waste of time, there’s no fun in that. There are many
women around, and I can simply spend my days with someone who catches my eye and with
both of us feeling the same way. So isn’t it pointless to have unrequited feelings?
Although courting a woman he can’t have was fun as it was like a hunt, when it came to Lydia,
he had gone so far as to restrict himself from courting her with half-hearted feelings; he had also
sworn not to display any affection which exceeded that of friendship.
If on top of that, he had unrequited feelings towards her, there was no enjoyment in fulfilment
whatsoever but will be forever unrequited.
Isn’t that weird?
Although I love her, but because she’s not someone whom I can marry, I stay by her side like a
knight?
I don’t understand why I gave myself such a role.
It wasn’t like Edgar could become a saint, but even when he was courting someone, he ended
up thinking that the person wasn’t Lydia.
He may not be able to stop himself.
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Dashing into the mansion with that kind of force, he caused Dawson’s wife who came out to
have an incredulous expression on her face. Leaving behind only the words ‘because I’m
worried about Lydia’, Edgar handed his hat and stick over to her and ascended the stairs.
When he stood before Lydia’s room, he heard her voice through the door.
“I wonder what’s really wrong with me. I’ve never been like this…”
“Your nerves have been highly strung thus far, so fatigue may have set in.”
It was Kelly’s voice which responded.
“The Earl is protecting us. Even his pretending to be Mr David here, is so that you can take your
time to rest.”
“But what if Edgar wants to remain here? If he’s thinking of marrying Lauren, then I’ll be a
hindrance.”
Marrying Lauren? That came as a great surprise to Edgar, but it may be because Lydia didn’t
think that if he was courting a daughter of an aristocrat, it was out of fun.
I’m the worst. I’m ashamed of what I did yesterday. If Edgar was serious towards Lauren, then it
was only natural for Lydia to feel that she, who was being pursued, was only causing him
trouble.
“Let’s believe in him.”
But Kelly replied so. Edgar was thankful towards her.
“Yes, I know, that I’m blessed to simply have Edgar by my side.”
Blessed, huh. Even if Lydia had seen what happened last night, she still had faith in Edgar.
When he thought so, the arrogant feelings he had of dashing in without even knocking were
reduced.
Moreover, it didn’t seem like her fiancé had visited. Edgar patted his chest down in relief.
“But Kelly, I wonder, am I tired? I feel languid, I find it troublesome to have to do anything, and
my appetite as well.”
“Miss Lydia, erm actually, I’ve been thinking about this for some time… Could it be, that you’re
expecting…?”
“Eh!”
At the same time as he heard Lydia’s exclamation, Edgar swiftly withdrew his hand which was
about to knock on the door.
I heard, ‘expecting’. But it can’t be.
“T-there’s no way. … I mean, I didn’t… do anything I’m not supposed to.”
“… Yes, of course.”
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Retreating from the door, Edgar turned on his heels. As he moved his legs as though he was
running away, his mind worked furiously.
Is it possible that Lydia, who is supposed to be unmarried, is expecting? If that’s true, then
whose child is it?
I can only think of the man who is her fiancé.
No, but Lydia denied it. She said she didn’t do anything she’s not supposed to.
After he lost his memories, Edgar got to know Lydia anew. He felt that she was an earnest and
fastidious girl. He couldn’t imagine her entrusting her body to a man prior to marriage.
That’s right. That was nothing more than some unfounded suspicion by Kelly.
On the other hand, Edgar considered the possibility of the fiancé being someone who was quick
in forming relationships with women, to the extent that even the lady attendant was doubtful
towards him.
If he was the fiancé whom her parents acknowledged as well, then it wasn’t impossible for her
to agree to it if he requested that of her. It was to the extent that the lady attendant had her
doubts, so there may have been an instance which was suggestive and led to a
misunderstanding. Maybe things ended in an attempt, since if nothing happened, even the lady
attendant wouldn’t dare suggest pregnancy easily.
Edgar was then driven by rage. Such things were not easy for a girl like Lydia, and she would
need quite the resolution. Yet, even if he was the fiancé, a man who made such a request
couldn’t be anyone decent.
Does she intend to marry such a man? Even if nothing happened, if there were circumstances
which suggested that they crossed the line, then marrying him is the proper choice. Even
though he understood that, Edgar felt opposed to the idea.
Does that fiancé truly love Lydia? How about Lydia?
Whichever the case, that man wasn’t here. Even though they met here by chance, he left
immediately. Without knowing that Lydia was ill and that she was being pursued by suspicious
people while in such a state, he left for somewhere.
On the other hand, Edgar was always by Lydia’s side. He was the one who was protecting her.
In the event that Lydia was agreeable to it, then even in the off chance some mistake did
happen…
When he thought thus far, Edgar felt disgusted at himself and let out a bitter sigh. Even if she
was abandoned by her fiancé to whom she offered her chastity to, she probably wouldn’t agree
to become a lover of an aristocrat. That should be why Edgar decided to stay as a ‘friend’.
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It was foolish to continue with his unrequited feelings. But Edgar was probably the one who
decided to do so. It must’ve been because of his feelings for Lydia.
Since even if he confessed his feelings towards her he couldn’t marry her, he was probably
worse than her fiancé who pressured her into having a physical relationship prior to marriage.
Leaning against the stairway railings, Edgar laughed to himself.
“But Miss Lydia, as I thought, there’s a possibility that…”

After some time, Kelly voiced her doubts once more.
Although Lydia had denied it, she herself had also been mulling over it. But at Kelly’s words, she
sprang to her feet out of reflex, and shook her head vigorously to the sides.
“But, t-that sort of thing, it’s only with Edgar! That’s why, it’s impossible. You understand right?”
Lydia clenched her hands tightly into fists, and Kelly enveloped them as she pacified her.
“That’s why, I thought perhaps it’s your child with Master.”
“But, there’s that thing with the Prophet. Since I entered the sacred land of the McKeels, I can
only carry the child of the Prophet.”
“Yes, but is that information accurate? Aren’t things concerning the Prophet full of unknown?
Since it seems that things aren’t passed down to the McKeels accurately either.”
It’s true that the truth concerning what the Prophet left behind was still shrouded in mystery.
Although Lydia had heard from Darnell that she wouldn’t be able to have Edgar’s child, now that
she thought about it, he wasn’t the Prophet then. He had probably only heard about that from
Patrick, McKeel’s fairy doctor. Although Patrick probably knew about such messages which
were passed down, things concerning the Prophet were not necessarily the truth.
Moreover, they didn’t know if a prophecy which was passed down a hundred years ago was still
valid now. The current situation concerning Prince had probably become one which wasn’t
foreseeable by even the Prophet.
Lydia wondered if Darnell, whom she met in the afternoon and who had claimed to have
‘awakened’, knew the truth concerning the Prophet, a truth which was hidden from even the
McKeels. Even if that were the case, if Lydia’s pregnancy was true, it’d mean that her bond with
Edgar had become one that was much stronger than her role as the Prophet’s Betrothed.
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“..You’re right. What’s passed down may be wrong.”

Feeling her strength leave her, Lydia sat back down onto the chair with a thump.
“But Kelly, are these signs of pregnancy?”
Kelly, who nodded vigorously, pointed out various signs and surely enough, they matched the
changes which Lydia’s body was experiencing. Although there were some which didn’t match,
when told that it varies from person to person, Lydia agreed as well.
“If we wait for some time to pass, things will become clear. But because it’s a sensitive time now,
please don’t push yourself.”
“I understand, Kelly.”
It was something which wasn’t granted even if she wished for it. But if she was really pregnant
with Edgar’s child, Lydia was so happy that her eyes watered.
She may be able to continue the line of the new Blue Knight Earl’s family. Even if they didn’t
have the powers held by the real earl family, in order to let Ibrazel continue its existence, she
had to protect this child, since someday someone may be able to come up with an idea.
This isn’t the time to feel depressed. I’ll have to pull myself together, thought Lydia to herself.
Because it was her role to protect the family of the Blue Knight Earl which Edgar had entrusted
her with.
“That’s why Miss Lydia, it’s best that you eat properly a little more. I’ll go and get something.
Something that’s easy to eat even with the morning sickness.”
Kelly went towards the doorway excitedly.
Seeing her off, Lydia went towards the dresser as she thought of letting her hair down. That was
when she realised that the carnation brooch wasn’t on her dress.
Although she had worn it every day ever since she received it from Lauren, she wondered if she
had forgotten to remove it when she changed yesterday. Opening the closet, she checked the
dress she wore yesterday but the brooch wasn’t there. If Kelly had taken it off for her, it should
have been kept in the drawer of the dresser, but it wasn’t there either.
Did I drop it? That may be why when I changed yesterday, I didn’t realise I had to remove it
when I looked in the mirror.
In any case, Lydia looked around the room but she didn’t find it.
She wondered where she dropped it. Exiting her room, she headed towards the salon. Although
the lamps on the walls were lit, the light didn’t reach the floor which was only dimly lit. Even if
she strained her eyes, the pattern of the carpet and shadows made things difficult.
When she bent down desperately, she heard a voice.
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“What are you doing? Are you searching for something?”

Because she thought that there wasn’t anyone around, Lydia was so shocked that she jumped
and let out a small shriek.
“Sorry, did I frighten you?”
When she turned around, she found Edgar seated on a sofa nearby. Leaning forward over the
armrest, he was looking at her in amazement.
“Edgar? What’s wrong? What happened to the theatre? Did you forget something?”
Ahh, sounded Edgar in a tired tone, as he let out a sigh.
“I nearly forgot. Even though the most important role to me is to be by your side.”
Then he muttered in self-derision.
“That’s why I gave up on going to the theatre.”
Edgar appeared to be slightly sullen. He may be feeling some burden from pretending to be
David in order to protect Lydia.
“I’m sorry, because of me… I made you worry right? But really, it’s nothing.”
“If so, that’s good. Anyway, won’t you have a seat?”
Doesn’t he want to be alone? wondered Lydia. Although she thought so, she couldn’t think of an
excuse to leave, so she sat down across from him.
“You look much better than just now.”
With Edgar before her, Lydia became unusually nervous, her heart beating furiously in her
chest. Am I really carrying our child? She rested her hand over her stomach unconsciously.
“Yes, I feel a little better.”
“I see.”
Edgar continued to watch her for some time, looking as though he wanted to say something, but
he didn’t say anything in the end. Lydia felt that it was rare for him to be quiet like that.
Even so, he gave up on going to the theatre and simply stayed by Lydia’s side.
That resembled the times when they spent their peaceful days together as a married couple,
spending time together by each other’s side in an extremely natural manner.
She wanted to tell him and share the joy with him now. But she couldn’t do so and she knew
that Edgar’s feelings weren’t with her now. Regardless, Lydia was satisfied to simply have him
appear at the moment when she wanted to see his face and hear his voice.
“Edgar, to tell you the truth, I’m a little lonely. I couldn’t go out tonight as well, and it seems like
I’m the only one who can't blend in with the others.”
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As long as Edgar was pretending to be David, Lydia was the only outsider here. Her condition
also restricted the time she could spend interacting with the others, so she felt a little left out.
In the midst of all that, with Edgar getting closer to Lauren, with her having to stay behind; the
truth was that all these things made her feel helpless.
“That’s why, I’m a little happy.”
She was unusually able to speak of her feelings honestly.
Even if Edgar had forgotten about being married to Lydia, Lydia could feel that she was happy
right now.
“Lydia, you probably think that I’m the worst right.”
But he said such a thing out of the blue. As Lydia was baffled by that, she turned her
golden-green eyes towards him.
“Why?”
If it wasn’t for Lydia’s wish, those ash mauve eyes would’ve contained the same love as before;
those same eyes were focused on her painfully.
“This, I found this in front of the study.”
He placed the brooch, which was made of knitted lace, on the table. It was the carnation brooch,
the one Lydia was searching for.
‘In front of the study’. This meant that she dropped it when she stumbled upon him and Lauren
in the study.
Edgar had realised that she saw what happened then.
“Even I think that I’m the worst. Even as I professed with zeal to protect you, there I was
courting another woman.”
“But we’re…”
“Friends, that’s why it doesn’t matter. That may be so. Even you, have a fiancé.”
Taken aback, Lydia clenched both of her hands which were resting on top of her knees.
As she expected, it appeared that he had heard about it. Although it was something he’d
eventually find out, because she still hadn’t thought of how to explain it to him, Lydia couldn’t
suppress her agitation.
“I knew about it previously, didn’t I?”
“Erm, about that…”
“Yet, I wonder why you didn’t tell me.”
If they were friends, then there was no need to hide it. From Edgar’s point of view, it was only
natural that he was displeased. That’s why Lydia couldn’t refute it.
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“The one to protect you shouldn’t be me. In truth, it should be your fiancé. Now that I think about
it, I may have overstepped my boundaries with you. Since we are friends of the opposite
gender, I should have kept more distance. Yet, be it the time on the ship or the time after we
came here, we’ve been together like family.”
Lydia was the one who created such a situation. Because she couldn’t tell him the truth,
everyone worked together to devise this. That unnaturalness confused Edgar.
“That’s why, I somehow misunderstood and thought that I’m the man who’s the closest to you.”
Edgar furrowed his brows deeply.
“You probably don’t want your fiancé to misunderstand, and even if it’s an emergency, it may not
be good for me to continue assuming the position of your guardian.”
“That’s not true. I’m really depending on you!”
She managed to squeeze at least that out. However,
“I, too, am pleased to have you depend on me. But if you have a fiancé, shouldn’t you ask him
for help? That’s especially so since you met him by chance here. He must be wondering why
you are here and who you are with.”
Darnell could probably care less.
“When’s your wedding? Isn’t it about time to plan for it?”
“I… won’t get married.”
“You won’t? Why?”
“Because I’ve decided that I only want to marry the one I love.”
It hurts. But Lydia declared clearly with pride.
“Don’t you… love him? Your fiancé?”
For some reason, Edgar was surprised.
“That being said, it’s not something you need to concern yourself with. I don’t intend to ask him
for help. …Even for you, though we’re simply friends, it seems I’ve depended on you too much.”
After saying just that, Lydia left as she couldn’t bear with it anymore.
Because if she continued to argue with Edgar, she might not be able to take it anymore and end
up telling him the truth.
Although she felt him calling out to her from behind, she couldn’t stop.
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As expected, her disagreement with Edgar left Lydia crestfallen.

When she felt depressed, her body felt more languid. Even though she knew it’s not because of
an illness, she felt giddy.
But she couldn’t stay bedridden. It was Lydia’s role to pay attention to Prince’s organization in
place of Edgar who had lost his memories. If there was a possibility of the organization planning
something in the shadows in this area, she had to investigate it thoroughly.
The next day, Lydia went together with Raven into the forest to investigate the old well and the
area surrounding it.
There were plenty of fairies living in the forest. Hence, it was possible that fairies were near the
well. Lydia planned to try talking to the fairies directly.
It was a fact that there was a badge with Prince’s emblem etched onto it found near the corpse.
If the corpse was related to the organization, then they couldn’t ignore it. Also, if there was some
relation to the Ambers, such as the glove, then they couldn’t say that this place where they were
at was considered safe.
In any case, Lydia headed towards the forest while the sun was still high in the sky. When they
entered the forest, the scent of trees was refreshing and mysteriously, her discomfort
disappeared.
Maybe the child inside her loves the forest. Or perhaps it loves fairies, just like Lydia. The
interior of the forest was filled densely with the air of the spiritual realm, even though it existed in
the human realm.
With Raven leading the way, Lydia finally made her way to the place where the crumbled
building and the old well was. Nico, who had arrived ahead of them, was seated on a stump
nearby. Looking towards them, he waved his hands.
“He-y, Lydia. I asked the fairy where it picked up the diamond ring. I heard it was at the stump of
the horse chestnut tree that’s beside the well.”
“Meaning that thing you are sitting on?”
When she asked as she ran over, Nico swung his feet while he nodded.
“Most probably.”
The stump was of the size which was just right for a cat to sit on, not that a normal cat would; in
any case, that was approximately the size of the stump.
“So the ring was also found near the well. As I thought, something must have happened here.”
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“Meaning it was the dead man, the owner of the glove, or some other person related to the
incident, who stole Sarah’s father’s ring and dropped it near the stump?”
Nico, who got off the stump, kicked aside the dried leaves around it, but he didn’t find any other
items which were dropped there.
“I wonder if it was dropped.”
After Raven said so, he progressed towards the stump. Just as they thought he had bent down
and was staring at roots, he grabbed the stump with both hands and pushed it. Then, the stump
which ought to have been rooted deeply into the ground, moved surprisingly easily, as though it
was simply placed there.
“W-what?”
Beneath the stump was a gaping hole. Sticking his hand in, Raven retrieved a brass box from
within. The box was stuffed full with expensive jewellery and gold coins.
“I wonder if the fairy who had the diamond ring had stolen it from here instead of having picked
it up.”
Raven commented so. Since the vicinity of the box wasn’t strewn with its contents, the fairy
probably opened the box and took away only the items it liked.
“To them, they picked it up. Since it’s inside the forest, they don’t differentiate between whether
it’s something humans had hidden or if it was something which had fallen like an acorn.”
“Well, since they are simple-minded little fairies. Their level of intelligence is different from
mine.”
In face of Nico’s self-confidence of dubious origins, Raven was the only one who nodded in
agreement earnestly.
“Hey, I wonder if this belongs to the Amber sisters. It’s all jewellery worn by women, and there
are also items with emblems and names.”
“Did someone steal these from the mansion?”
“The thieves were hiding them before splitting the loot, but they had a fallout and someone died;
something along those lines?”
“If that’s the case, then the one who was killed was the one who hid these, since the treasure is
still here.”
It’s probably as Raven deduced.
“Just like what Lord Edgar said, if the butler Dawson was involved, then it’d mean that he was in
cahoots with the thieves who stole things from the mansion.”
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It seemed that Raven had heard from Edgar, that the gloves which were found in the well, may
be the ones which were a keepsake of the late Mr Amber and were used by Dawson. Lydia had
heard about that as well.
“We still can’t confirm that. Even if it were Mr Dawson’s gloves, it could also be something that’s
stolen.”
In any case, it was fine if they were simply thieves. If it turns out that they were related to
Prince’s organization, then they don’t know what might happen.
Taking a deep breath, Lydia looked around at the trees in the surroundings. She strained her
eyes, scanning the surroundings to see if there were any fairies which were interested in what
they were doing and were eavesdropping on them, hidden from sight.
“I think that’s pointless.”
Responded Nico as he spat out unhelpful words.
“Although the small fellas said that there are many tree fairies living here, tree fairies don’t talk
and also hate to appear. They don’t even interact with fellow fairies.”
“But, we can only find out from them.”
Standing beneath a large tree as much as possible, Lydia looked up while she shouted.
“Hey, is anyone there? I hope you can tell me what happened here. If we don’t resolve this, I
don’t know what will happen to your forest.”
Stopping there, Lydia strained her ears for any response, but all she heard were the rustling of
winds.
“Even you guys have a sense of danger right? Did you detect the presence of Unseelie Courts
in the humans who came here?”
The small fairies were of the view that if Sarah and Monica were gone, then the forest would be
gone as well. Normally, even if the land owner changes, it’d cost a lot of money to commence
major construction works in the garden so it’s hard to imagine that the forest would disappear.
Regardless, for them to still think that way, was probably because they detected significant
unrest in the atmosphere.
Since the tree fairies were immobile, they ought to be even more sensitive to changes.
“Please, lend me, a fairy doctor, your strength.”
When the winds died off, Lydia could hear her voice being the only thing that was faintly
resonating amongst the trees. Intending to wait for their response, Lydia kept silent.
She felt that the large tree before her swayed vaguely. It was trying to say something; Lydia felt
so.
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However, that presence disappeared suddenly. A human voice rang through the forest.
Everyone turned towards the sound and found Kelly sprinting towards them from the depths of
the trees.
“Miss Lydia-, i-it’s terrible!”
“What happened Kelly?”
“H-he’s back… Mr David!”
Lydia and Raven looked at each other.
They hurried back to the mansion and found everyone gathered at the salon. Sarah, Monica,
Lauren and her lady attendant, as well as the Dawson couple were there.
When Lydia peeked in from the doorway, Lydia saw that there was one more person in the
salon. It was a man who was standing with his back to Lydia.
She wondered if that person was David.
While Lydia was studying the room, Edgar, whom Raven had gone to summon, dashed over
towards the room. The moment Sarah saw his face, she stood up.
“David!”
Calling Edgar so, Sarah rushed towards Edgar.
“Our nephew is right here. We won’t be deceived by you. Please leave.”
Grabbing Edgar’s arm firmly, Sarah glared at the man who appeared. Lauren looked towards
Edgar with unease.
“Yes, that’s right. There’s no way you are David.”
Monica got to her feet as well and declared so. Surprisingly, it seemed that the sisters did not
believe the man who just appeared.
Lydia watched the man turn around slowly, and gasped; his face was severely disfigured.
One of his eyes was sunken, his cheeks were stretched and his nose was broken. If his face
had changed that much, even if it were someone who knew David, they probably wouldn’t know
if this was the actual person.
Even the Dawson couple who knew that Edgar wasn’t the real David, had a difficult expression
on their face as they kept silent.
Seeing Edgar, that man twisted his already twisted lips even more.
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“You’ve ingratiated yourself with them well. Do you intend to take over both the mansion and the
lands by impersonating as me?”
“Although you’ve gone so far as to disfigure your own face in order to impersonate me, were
you surprised to find that the actual David has returned?”
Edgar retorted without showing a single shred of agitation.
“This face? This exactly is proof that I am David.”
But that man lifted his face up proudly, and took one round looking at everyone.
“Dear Aunties, you said that there’s no way that I’m David. Why? Because I’m supposed to be
dead?”
It’s said that David had gone missing while he was overseas.
Did he really die? If that were the case, why would the sisters know? That was what the man
was hinting at.
“True, I’m as good as dead. I ended up with this face, caused by others to make sure that no
one would ever know that I’m David. By someone in this family who tried to kill me.”
Tried to kill? Lydia was confused by the man who uttered such unthinkable words.
The sisters should’ve been wishing for their nephew David to return home safe and sound. The
Dawsons also hoped that the sisters wouldn’t be forced out of this house. Yet, was it possible
they tried to kill David?
“Of course, I know who the culprit is and I am furious at the people in this family who knew
about the crime yet kept their mouths shut about it.”
As he said so, David flashed a pistol at them. Lauren’s face turned ashen. Her lady attendant
started trembling and didn’t look like she’d be of much use. Lydia inched softly over to Lauren
and wrapped her arms around Lauren’s shoulder to support her as Lauren looked like she was
going to faint.
The man who identified himself as David, showed off his pistol while continuing his speech.
“So I’ve come to exact my revenge. The ones who gave their tacit agreement are as guilty as
the ones who did the deed. Shall I turn everyone’s faces into this?”
“S-stop…!”
Sarah let out a scream. Clinging onto Monica, both of them embraced each other as they
trembled.
“Well that’s fine. I’ll start with the most sinful person. If I’m satisfied, maybe I’ll close an eye on
the accomplices.”
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Raven looked towards Edgar. But before Edgar could give him the order to attack by signalling
with his eyes, the butler stepped forth towards the man.
“Then, please do whatever you want to me.”
The butler’s back, which was facing Edgar and Raven, clearly conveyed the message that he
didn’t want them to lay a hand on David.
The man glared at the butler, then twisted his lips as though he was smiling.
“How brave. You’re a mere butler yet you laid your hands on the heir to the Amber family. I’ll
take my time to make you learn your place.”
As he threatened them with the pistol, he was about to bring the butler away. Then, at the
doorway, he turned back.
“Aunties, you probably know already, but I’ll have you obey me from now on. Since you probably
don’t want to be thrown out without a penny to your name.”
The man who identified himself as David, brought two men whom he claimed to be his friends
along with him. They took wine out from the mansion’s warehouse and in a separate room, as
they drank the wine, they continued wielding violence against the butler, by punching him as
they pleased while the butler was bound.
Raven, who had gone to check on the situation stealthily, switched the whiskey bottles the men
were drinking without them noticing. Then he decided to wait for the men to fall asleep.
“Mr Dawson is being assaulted but as of now, his injuries aren’t too serious. We’ll probably be
able to rescue him once they fall asleep.”
Hearing Raven’s report, Edgar spoke up as he thought things over.
“Is that man, the real deal?”
He looked at Monica deliberately when he asked. She let out a heavy sigh.
“I heard that David died, it was an accident and that he had fallen off the cliff in the forest. But if
he died, then we wouldn’t be able to continue living here… That’s why Dawson told me that he
hid the body.”
Just as Edgar expected, Monica did not believe that Edgar was the real David.
“’Hid’. Where?”
“In an old well near the cliff.”
“My valet investigated that area, but there wasn’t a corpse.”
“Then… David’s still alive… As I thought, that man is really…”
“Aunty…, what do you mean? That David met with an accident.”
Lauren looked at Monica and Edgar in turn with tear-filled eyes.
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“I’m sorry, Lauren, I…”

“This man saved us by taking David’s place. During his time here, he has been spending time
with us as David, for our sakes.”
When Monica explained so, Sarah, who had been trembling, suddenly shook her head violently
to the sides like a child and clung onto Edgar.
“No, you’re David. You’re our nephew! Isn’t that right?”
“Sarah, his death was entirely a nightmare. But the kind David returning is also a dream.”
“It’s not a dream!”
Sarah cried until she collapsed onto the ground. Mrs Dawson ran over towards her.
“That’s right, Madam Sarah, there’s nothing to be afraid of. I’ll always be by your side.”
Mrs Dawson pacified Sarah while making her sit down on a chair. Monica looked at her elder
sister with grief, then she straightened her back and turned towards Edgar.
“I’m sorry… it’s only right that I address you as Earl. I heard about you from Dawson. Although I
knew that you aren’t my nephew, Sarah firmly believes in it, so I played along.”
“I’m grateful for that as well. I needed to stay hidden, so I made use of your misunderstanding.”
Edgar lowered his eyes apologetically, but he lifted his face up resolutely once more, as he
thought about their situation anew; they had to overcome the current situation.
“Excuse me, but did David steal from you?”
When Raven went to search for Edgar earlier, he had informed Edgar of what they found
underneath the stump in the forest earlier. Lydia also understood that that matter came to
Edgar’s mind.
“Yes… It’s a shameful matter though. I heard that Dawson confronted him. That’s why, when
they fought against each other, David fell off the cliff.”
“Erm, when you said the kind David, were you referring to the young man whom Madam Sarah
met at your father’s funeral? Did he change after he grew up?”
When Lydia queried about that, Monica nodded.
“He may have acquainted himself with undesirable people when he was roaming abroad. When
David came here three months ago, he restricted us to the attic and began acting as he
pleased. He took away our things and sold them. As a result, most of our jewellery was gone in
the few weeks he was here.”
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It’s true that the sisters wore only old dresses and didn’t put on much accessories.
“I can only imagine that something changed in our nephew. Putting aside that he found elderly
relatives like us a hindrance, he humiliated the family he was to inherit; I wonder what the point
in doing that was. He… said that the Amber family was trash. We’re nothing more than gentry,
but he will attain a much higher status and become an aristocrat.”
Only the Queen could bestow a peerage on a person. David himself should have known, so why
on earth would he believe in such a thing?
“It was as if he thought that the more evil deeds he did, the more he would be rewarded. He
went as far as ruining the fields and setting fire on the farms where the livestock lived…”
Leaving her words there, Monica covered her face with both hands.
At that moment, what came to Lydia’s mind was Lota’s message, the one about the incidents in
London.
People who return from abroad become a completely different person and create all sorts of
trouble. David’s case resembled that.
The incidents behind which Prince’s organization may be pulling the strings. And there was also
the badge beside the corpse in the forest which had ‘Prince’s’ emblem etched onto it.
The talk about becoming an aristocrat. In the event ‘Prince’ takes over the United Kingdom, he
may be thinking that it’s possible to become an aristocrat if Prince becomes King.
“That’s why Mr Dawson tried to persuade him right?”
Lydia was in deep thought, so Edgar questioned on her behalf.
“Dawson is like a brother to us. He has worked here since he was a child. He became our butler
and has always served us with loyalty. …That’s why, even as we did have doubts about whether
what happened to David was really an accident, we’re thankful towards him. We’re accomplices
as well. Dawson isn’t the only one in the wrong.”
“An accident… it’s an accident!”
Sarah raised her voice again. She kept on crying. Monica went towards Sarah and embraced
Sarah together with Mrs Dawson.
“Earl, Miss Lydia, please leave now while you still can. If you could please bring Lauren
somewhere safe, we will take care of the rest.”
“Aunty! Do you intend to die?”
This time, Laruen was the one who clung onto Monica.
“Of course not.”
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“That’s how it sounded to me. We don’t know what that man will do to both of you. Let’s run
away together.”
Monica slowly shook her head to the sides.
“You know, Lauren, we don’t have anywhere to go. Since we’ve committed a sin, it’s either we
remain here or we go to prison.”
Even Lauren started to sob. In the midst of that, Edgar spoke to Raven quietly.
“Raven, what’re the chances of there being other people?”
“There probably are. I’ll check for a safe escape route.”
Edgar judged that if the problem was family infighting, even if they stuck their heads into it, they
couldn’t resolve it.
But, what if Prince’s organization was controlling David?
As Lydia thought, then they ought to leave quickly. But was it alright to abandon Sarah and
Monica?
Stopping the wrongdoings of the organization was the role of the Blue Knight Earl’s family. With
Edgar currently having amnesia, Lydia had to determine what they ought to do as the Blue
Knight Earl’s family.
“Edgar, please hold off on your decision. There’s something I can’t help but be bothered over.”
If David was alive, then who on earth was the corpse in the forest? Was what the fairies
witnessed and the corpse unrelated to this case? No, the boot in the well was the same as the
boot on the corpse. Monica said that the butler had hidden the corpse in the well.
Moreover, if David was the one who had hidden the jewellery, then why were the jewellery still
hidden beneath the stump? If he was still alive, shouldn’t he have taken the jewellery away
quickly?
“Lydia, I can’t expose you to danger. If he’s the real David, then he’s the master here. We can’t
stop him, neither can we interfere.”
Edgar looked Lydia in the eye and said so. Their misunderstanding yesterday still pricked
Lydia’s heart, but this wasn’t the time to be bothered by such a thing.
Edgar probably felt the same way as well. Now, he was simply considering Lydia’s safety as a
guardian who was by her side.
“But what if he’s not the real David? We can’t just stand by and watch them get sacrificed to
crooks. Madam Sarah, Madam Monica and also Mr Dawson, they’re our benefactors.”
They won’t know how to handle the situation without understanding the truth.
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“That’s true, but your father entrusted you to me. If something happens, I won’t be able to face
the teacher whom I respect.”
“Please give me a little time. There should be fairies who know what happened. I’ll try entering
the fairy realm.”
“Fairy realm? If a person enters, they may be unable to return, won't they?”
“Don’t worry, I’ve got Nico.”
Nico had been clinging onto the doorway and keeping watch on the outside. He probably
intended to run away ahead of the others if David came back.
“Can you depend on that?”
“Mr Nico is a very reliable presence in the fairy realm.”
Raven declared so.
Edgar appeared to find it dubious, but Lydia had already decided.
“In any case, I’ll make a quick trip.”
If they had been a married couple, their relationship had gradually progressed to the point
where it was natural for them to exchange a light embrace. Not only were they unable to do that,
Lydia started to feel a gulf between them. Even so, Lydia gazed into those ash mauve eyes that
she loves and smiled.
“Well, let’s go Nico.”
Nico looked like he found this troublesome, but he took Lydia’s hand and left through the door.
That was probably what normal people saw, but it wasn’t a doorway that they went through;
rather, it was an invisible boundary to the fairy realm.
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Chapter 5 - The faceless man
“Where did Lydia go? David...... No, Earl?”

Wiping her face, which was wet with tears, Lauren looked at Edgar with suspicion and asked.
“She went to a place where only she can go.”
Edgar gazed steadily at the door where Lydia and Nico disappeared. They didn’t go out, rather
they disappeared. The reason why Edgar could see this phenomenon was because he had
grown accustomed to accepting mysterious events.
If he could look at the fairies and the world they live in practically, his relationship with Lydia
might get one step closer.
Even so, he still wasn’t able to convey his feelings for her.
“At any rate, she’s already decided that she is going to help everyone.”
Edgar looked at the two sisters, giving a faint, helpless smile. In any case, I have to help Lydia
do the things she wants to do. Alas, hasn’t it always been like this? Apart from this, he had no
other means to express his affection for her.
“But they.....”
Just as Monica spoke, a loud noise suddenly came from downstairs.
“Wh......what?”
Everyone was stunned, and the loud noise was still coming through intermittently.
“Could it be David going against Dawson......?”
“Everyone, don’t move. Lock the door and stay here. We’ll go and take a look at the situation.”
Edgar took Raven and ran out of the salon. Dawson must have been beaten.
“Those guys, could it be that they didn’t drink the whiskey laced with sleeping pills?”
“If you want to make sure they drank it, you have to add the medicine inside the drinking glass...
But I put the bottle on the table near the servant’s door, which is already the limit.”
“Ahh, I understand. Nevertheless, I thought that these hooligans aiming for fortune would only
be able to talk assertively and wouldn’t do anything cruel.”
“Perhaps they got into a drunken fight.”
“It would be best if that were truly the case. Where is the passage that the servants use?”
“Over here.”
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Edgar followed behind Raven and turned into a narrow door beside the staircase. The voices
echoed even more.
The thin door at the end of the corridor used by the servants was shaken by the loud noise. At
that very moment, a man was thrown out of the room, hit the door, and rolled into the corridor.
“Hey, hold him down, hurry!”
Someone’s angry roar came from the room. Edgar rushed in, only to see Dawson, the butler,
sitting astride the man.
The man, whose neck was being strangled, struggled desperately. David lifted a chair from
behind.
Raven, who burst into the room right after Edgar immediately grabbed David’s arms from
behind, but Dawson suddenly let out a painful groan and fell from the man he was strangling.
A knife was stuck in the back of Dawson’s leg. The man took the opportunity to escape and hide
behind the sofa.
Ignoring the knife in his leg, Dawson stood up and grabbed an axe which was hanging on the
wall as a decoration. His gaze fell on David, who was holding a chair and was restrained by
Raven.
“Stop...... a–are you trying to kill me?”
David tried to struggle, but Dawson exuded a murderous aura; appearing intimidated by this,
David froze.
Dawson aimed at David, raising his hand to swing the axe.
“Raven, stop him!”
In order to stop Dawson, he had to let go of David first, but Raven reacted instantly.
His delicate body approached Dawson nimbly and seized his giant sturdy body in one go. The
axe dropped by the butler had merely smashed the chair to pieces, emitting a loud noise as it
dropped to the ground.
Edgar once again realized how exceptional his attendant was. At the same time, he felt as if he
knew that Raven had this level of ability before giving the order.
Why would such a mysterious foreigner become my attendant? What kind of life have I been
living during these ten years?
The moment Edgar thought of this, and the sound of David escaping brought Edgar back to
reality.
“Please let me go…from now on, I need to protect those two from David…”
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Although the butler struggled, after Raven let go, he merely sat on the ground powerlessly, as
Edgar expected.
He really was trying to protect Sarah and Monica from David. But no matter how tall and sturdy
he was, an elderly man going against three young men was still too lacking after all. But it might
have also been because of this that those men had let down their guard just before.
David’s two colleagues had run away earlier.
“At this rate, please calm down, Dawson. You can’t pursue them with your leg like this.”
Edgar squatted down in front of Dawson, inspecting the injury on his leg.
“I’m going to pull out the knife. Bear with me.”
Fortunately, there was less blood than expected. It must have hurt a lot, but Dawson bandaged
his wound and stood up shortly after.
“Lord Edgar, this is David’s pistol.”
The pistol was resting on the fireplace, and it must have been conveniently placed there by
David when he was drunk.
Luckily, he didn’t use it.
“Dawson, was it you who acted first?”
“Yes. I was lucky, the rope that tied me was slightly loose, so I waited until they were drunk.”
“We have already heard about your circumstances from Monica. After hearing it, Lydia
suspected that David might be an impostor. If we could come up with evidence, perhaps we
could peacefully ask them to go out.”
But Dawson shook his head.
“No, even if he is an impostor, that man already knows about the things that happened here. He
captured our weakness and made up his mind to threaten us into handing this place over.”
“Then, what are you planning to do?”
Dragging his painful leg, Dawson headed outside.
“When they appeared, I already locked the gateway to the house. They aren’t familiar with the
structure of this building, and must have not left the house yet.”
In other words, Dawson wasn’t planning on letting them escape. From the moment the man
claimed to be David, Dawson had already made up his mind to kill him.
“In fact, you already anticipated that he would still be alive, correct? Although you said you hid
the body, you didn’t. When you returned to the scene in order to hide the body, David was no
longer underneath the cliff, right? He woke up and disappeared from underneath the cliff. And
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you threw the leather shoe that had fallen, the stone which was probably soiled with blood at the
scene, as well as the dirty gloves into the well.”
“It’s exactly as you said. However, I did not inform Lady Sarah or Lady Monica about this.”
In order to reassure the two sisters, Dawson concealed the news that David, who was
practically like a plague to them, was still alive.
He had already prepared himself mentally to kill David if by any chance he came to hurt the two
sisters.
“Even if a sin is committed, I am prepared to protect the two sisters.”
“Sin...... I ask you, is there virtue on the battlefield? This is but a war.”
He said this wasn’t a dispute between relatives, but a war. In private, Edgar felt that he was a bit
exaggerated, but he didn’t dare to assert this so lightly with Dawson’s spirit.
“Just now, they were talking about which village to attack. Even playfully robbing and kidnapping
girls...... They aren’t humans at all. They are possessed by demons. Don’t tell me that you have
to abide by laws and orders when fighting with demons?”
Edgar vaguely felt that he had seen the face of a demon before. To say that it is only his
imagination, it brought too strong of a fear and hatred to Edgar.
“I’m afraid that it’s not only Lord David. I always felt that there was something immense and evil
behind his back that turned him into a demon. It manipulated Lord David and forcefully took
everything around him. If Lord David was clear-headed, how could he possibly not know that
these actions would bring him, bring us, the Amber family, to ruin?”
It is an evil existence which turns people into demons. Without knowing why, Edgar had a clear
impression of this sentence. Old people wearing masks, or children with arrogant and ruthless
expressions, even......
Edgar’s face appeared in his own mind. What image is this, could it be a memory? How is that
possible.
Suspiciously, those images disappeared one by one, but Edgar still broke out in a cold sweat.
“......The women are still in the salon. If you want to pursue and attack David in the house, it
would be best to bring them to a safe place first.”
Dawson considered that point and nodded, heading towards the salon.
If by any chance David and the others were allowed to escape outside, they would definitely call
for more accomplices. So they must be dealt with before they escape.
But what kind of gang were they, and for what purpose did they want to get caught up in these
demonic acts for?
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He was clearly only involved in another person’s dispute, but Edgar felt a strong hatred towards
this demon-like opponent.
Although there was absolutely no evidence, he might have been overlapping them with the guy
that tried to kidnap Lydia.
Francis felt that this place was like a monastery, or the dormitory of a boarding school. Within
the spacious room, plain beds were lined up side by side. When it was time for the lights to be
turned off, everyone got into their beds obediently. Although the people in the room were of
different ages and social classes, no one uttered a word of complaint, and merely lay down on
their beds, holding their breaths in fear.
In order to not attract attention, Francis also lied straight down. But sleeping in such a narrow
and stiff bed was probably an impossible task for anyone except monks.
Naturally, there wouldn’t be any monasteries here in England. This was a “correctional facility”
set up by the Prince’s organization.
The upper class people might be in slightly better rooms. Francis would occasionally see some
elegantly dressed gentlemen in the corridor. And Francis didn’t appear to be identified as a
noble here. But in reality, he possessed neither land nor money, so it was only natural that he
would receive this kind of treatment.
Although it was bedtime now, the sky outside was still faintly bright. Daytime was already quite
long this season. As Francis was lying on the bed and staring out through the gaps in the
curtains, there was a wailing sound coming from somewhere.
In here, the rebels would always disappear from the dormitory unknowingly. Then, groans of
pain would echo every night.
Hearing this kind of sound, the people that remained in the dormitory would gradually become
weak and lose their sense of selves.
This was simply training. In this facility which was used to create an army that obeyed the
organization’s commands, the hearts of the people that were brought here gradually filled with
anxiety.
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The drugs mixed in the drinking water robbed people of their ability to think, self-esteem and
sense of right and wrong, leaving only their instinctive desires. Making them like ravenous dogs
in a circus, they haplessly gave their life in order to pursue the organization’s bestowed rewards.
Alas, it would have been easier for me to be infected by the organization. Then there would be
no need to perform with bad acting skills and pretend to be brainwashed by the drugs.
Unfortunately, he couldn’t do it. In fact, Francis had been immune to poison since long ago. He
won’t even catch a cold, but did he have the power to purify bad things within his body? In fact,
it was precisely the opposite.
It wasn’t purification, but an extremely strong poisonous gas which had been accumulated in his
body for a long time, so the lighter poison was meaningless to him. It was like a canvas that was
originally painted black; even if one spilled black ink onto it, it wouldn’t be seen.
The reason why Francis could be a doctor was because he could absorb bad things from other
people like this. Although he couldn’t treat incurable diseases, he could reduce the pain of a sick
person somewhat. After doing this, through the means of a human who possessed healing
abilities, they would eventually overcome the illness.
This was probably the ability of the Blue Knight Earl family’s red moonstone that his lover
entrusted to him.
And nowadays, although he already gave away the red moonstone, he didn’t know if it was
considered luck or misfortune that this ability somewhat remained in his body.
......Francis, Lord Francis......
Hearing a faint call, Francis quietly sat up.
He got up from the bed and walked to the door of the room, looking at the kettle by the doorside.
There was only a little water left in the kettle, and it was the ripples of the shallow water that
called out to him.
“Ermine?”
“Yes.”
“You finally came, huh. I waited so painfully.”
“I’m sorry.”
The dozing guard glanced at Francis. He hastily pretended to drink water, then returned to his
bed. There were plenty of guys who grumbled to themselves in the room, so even if Francis
muttered, it wouldn’t attract attention.
“Forget about it. So, how are you planning to save me?”
“There is an ancient canal underneath here. It isn’t in use now, so please jump in there.”
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Even if it were the people of the organization, only a portion of the officials could hear fairies
speak. Now, perhaps only Teran and a few people by his side remained. So the guard could
hear Francis’ muttering at most.
“The underground isn’t a place where one can go so easily.”
“Please try to think of a way.”
“Eh --- it’s where the people who are tortured will be taken to. I was brought there from the
beginning, it would have been nice if you saved me at that time.”
“Were you interrogated?”
“No, because it was too awful, I immediately confessed. So they didn’t do anything to me.”
“What did you confess?”
“The location of Edgar and Lydia.”
“......You actually said it.”
“There was no other way. But I only knew the storage address of the nearby post office, so it
didn't matter.”
Ermine fell silent. Francis thought she was going to abandon him, and became nervous.
“In any case, there is no other way to escape.”
“You’ll make sure to save me, right?”
“Please don't miss the opportunity to jump into the waterway.”
Having said that, Ermine’s presence disappeared.
Francis sighed deeply and crawled into his bed once more. He strutted over toward the guard.
The man in charge of keeping guard looked at him in surprise, and Francis clenched his fist
before the other person reacted, punching him.
The forest that she ran through with Nico in the fairy realm was almost identical to the real
forest, however there were some differences. The sky here was a gloomy gray, making it difficult
to tell whether it was day or night. The forest was unexpectedly bright. Lydia didn't need to stare
underneath her feet carefully, and could walk forward without worry.
Among the many densely layered trees, the slightly shiny object on the tree trunk was very
conspicuous. It wasn’t expected that there would be so many trees inhabited by fairies here. For
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this reason, it was as if the forest was wrapped in clouds and mist, with a faint light seemingly
appearing from within.
Although there was no wind in the forest, the trees rustled lightly, as if they were moving by
themselves. The branches that hindered them in front slowly retracted as Lydia moved forward.
“The forest is guiding us.”
Nico said.
“The fairy of the trees is really listening to me speak.”
“Yes, it appears that the forest is willing to help you.”
Soon after, the remains of the ancient building and the well to the side of it appeared before
their eyes. Whether it was the building with collapsed stone walls or the well, it was exactly the
same as the real world. Even the tree stumps were in their corresponding positions. And the
treasure concealed underneath the tree stump emitted a powerful light in the fairy realm.
Standing to the side of the well, Lydia looked all around. The things that were obscure in the
human world could be seen very clearly after entering the fairy realm. Among these many trees,
the ones that had accumulated magic over the years had roots that pierced deeply into the fairy
realm, and the light emitted from the inside of the tree was very noticeable.
The opponent that Lydia was planning to negotiate with --- the great tree, which was one of the
lords of the forest --- faced Lydia with an unmistakably majestic stance in the fairy realm.
“Were you the one who led me here?”
Lydia approached the great tree, which emitted a white light.
(You said you wanted to know what happened here?)
Rather than saying this voice came from the tree, it would be better to say that it resounded
through the sky covering this forest.
(Will knowing about it save this forest, fairy doctor?)
“I don’t know. But I think this will definitely involve the future of the forest. Well, you’ve grown so
tall that you must be able to see the precipice over there, right? Three months ago, there should
have been a human that fell down there. Can you please tell me what happened to that
person?”
(Our clan will not look at our surroundings like humans. Nor will we remember. However, the
daily changes will be engraved bit by bit in the young buds and annual tree rings.)
It seemed that the forest fairies were very similar to plants.
(Since you are a fairy doctor, you ought to be able to peek inside me, right? Then you can read
about what you want to know.)
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Read? Lydia didn’t know how she would be able to “read”, but she still approached the great
tree again.
Then, she extended her hand toward the tree trunk, and as she touched it, Lydia’s field of view
suddenly opened to a wide clearing. After a while, she found herself looking down at the forest
from a high place, and underneath her feet, Nico and the ancient well, who appeared to have
become very small, made Lydia grasp her own position.
Despite this, it wasn’t that Lydia came to a high place, it was merely the great tree’s field of view
flowing into Lydia’s mind. In fact, Lydia also saw herself leaning against the tree trunk.
When she shifted her consciousness to another direction, she quickly saw the low cliff over the
dense forest. That was the place where David fell from.
How did he fall? Just as Lydia thought, she soon noticed someone running towards here.
It was a young man. He ran directly to the side of the well and stopped in front of the tree stump.
“This scene is from the past that was preserved by the tree. That is what you wanted to see.”
Without knowing when, Nico climbed up to Lydia’s shoulder. He seemed to have seen the scene
recorded by the great tree as well.
“Then that’s David?”
The young man had a beautiful face. Of course, his face hadn’t been injured yet, and he looked
very handsome. Despite not resembling Edgar at all, in terms of his refined features, it is not
incomprehensible that Sarah, who had only seen David as a child, would mistake Edgar as her
nephew.
David nervously looked all over, bent over and took out the small box under the tree stump, and
then put the contents in his pocket.
Almost simultaneously, the voice of Sarah, who was probably chasing after him, echoed.
“David...... give that to me...... that’s Father’s belonging, I beg you......”
David hurriedly concealed the box, and just as he was preparing to escape, Sarah caught up
and grabbed him.
I don’t know what you’re talking about! Saying this, he pushed away his elderly aunt.
“The house and land, it’s all yours. If you see us as eyesores, then you can drive us away. Only
that ring......”
Unwilling to give up, Sarah continued to chase after him, grabbing David’s arm. By the time they
were pushing again, they were already at the edge of the cliff. At this time, Dawson, the butler,
hurried to the scene.
“Please stop, Lord David!”
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However, David continuously used force against his aunt without guilt or sympathy.
But despite being kicked cruelly, Sarah still grabbed onto David’s leg without letting go. David
raised his cane and was about to swing it above Sarah’s head.
Dawson forced his way between the two. In order to stop David, he charged towards his body.
David, who staggered from being pushed, slipped towards the cliff and flew out.
Lydia shut her eyes for a moment. No, perhaps it should be said that she closed the door to her
heart in order to block the great tree’s image flowing into her mind. When she turned her gaze to
the scene from that time again, what she saw was Dawson standing on the edge of the cliff
looking down at David, who had collapsed under the cliff, while supporting Sarah, who was
about to faint.
It turns out that Sarah was there at the time. It could even be said that she was the cause of
David falling off the cliff. However, in order to protect Sarah from David, who reappeared,
Dawson bore the charges alone.
For Sarah, perhaps it was because the shock was too immense. She forgot about this accident
and fantasized that the gentle nephew from her memories had returned home.
Believing that Edgar was her nephew was also her trying to change the delusion into reality.
However, the appearance of David with a wound on his face caused her to fall into great
confusion.
“The guy who fell down can’t move, see, his head is bleeding.”
Despite Nico saying this, the man disappeared from there later on. What on earth is going on? I
must check properly.
Soon, Dawson took Sarah away. But afterwards, he would return here in order to hide the body.
What happened during this period? Lydia held her breath and watched attentively.
“He’s still alive.”
After a moment, David had signs of movement. Although blood trickled from his head, he was
finally able to stand up, and it seemed that his limbs weren’t broken.
But perhaps he was frightened by his own bleeding as he didn’t even notice that he dropped a
shoe, and began to crawl up the cliff.
After crawling up to the top of the cliff with great difficulty, several men appeared. One of them
was dressed like a gentleman, while the others resembled workers. David saw them and
exposed a relieved smile.
“I’ve had some troubles. That butler suddenly pushed me off this cliff.”
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However, there wasn’t even a hint of a smile on the gentleman’s face as he stood in front of
David and spoke.
“Mr Amber. Embezzlement is out of the question.”
Suddenly being hit in a sore spot, David was flustered.
“You should have made an oath to offer everything to His Majesty, right? As compensation,
when His Majesty comes to Britain, he will grant you a noble’s title, isn’t that so?”
His Majesty, in other words, the “Prince”. It turns out that David was a member of the
organization, and those men were the same.
“You took the cash and gems from the house and hid them, right? You should know that the
betrayal of His Majesty is the gravest form of rebellion. Where did you hide them?”
Being pressed for answers, David broke into a cold sweat but suddenly laughed.
“Don’t you also hide your fortune!”
“Don’t be ridiculous.”
“I know about it! Linda from Southwark, on that prostitute you......”
David’s voice was interrupted with gunshots.
The worker standing on the side was drenched in blood and cried out. But it appeared that it
was only a muffled voice, as the organization took steps of cutting the tongues and sealing the
mouths of the bottom-tier workers.
The gentleman glared at his subordinates, made them shut up, then gave them orders. The
workers then dragged away David, who could no longer move and from Lydia’s point of view,
nothing could be seen.
Although the tree spirit was also invisible, it knew that there was a body abandoned in the
depths of the forest.
“I see. That David was disfigured then impersonated.”
Nico’s voice made Lydia return to her senses. She took away her hand from the tree trunk in a
somewhat dazed manner.
Dwelling on it was truly frightening. The only nephew that the sisters could depend on
unexpectedly wanted to take everything away from them.
Although it was an accident, Sarah, who still believed that she killed her nephew, suffered a
mental disorder due to the guilt, and Dawson was determined to bear the sin on his own.
“So David was killed because he betrayed the organization.”
Whether David was dead or alive, the Amber family was still the organization’s target. They tried
to take everything they could from here. Surely enough, Lydia couldn’t brush this aside.
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However, what on earth could she do? She wasn’t even able to eliminate the Prince from Edgar.
If she had no choice, asking Darnell --- that is, the Prophet for help, then Lydia may no longer be
able to remain by Edgar’s side.
No, I can’t leave Edgar’s side. Nothing can replace the promise I made with him.
“That organization is just as cruel no matter where they do things.”
“Although it’s very painful, it’s not completely bad for Sarah and Monica, at least neither of them
committed a crime.”
Although Lydia didn’t have the ability to overthrow the organization now, she should be able to
help Sarah and Monica.
“Hey, Nico. Do you think the false David that appeared today was the gentleman-like man who
killed the person himself?”
“But that man’s face was fine.”
“Don’t you think that his hair colour and height are quite similar?”
“That...... in other words, he didn’t hesitate to disfigure himself in order to obey the
organization?”
Nico trembled all over. Lydia did as well. But if it was truly the Prince’s organization, it was
entirely possible to accomplish it to this extent.
“Let’s go back, Nico.”
“Now that you know the truth, what will you do?”
“Make the false David give up on invading the Amber house of course.”
After she said that, Lydia looked up towards the great tree.
“Thank you, tree spirit. I won’t hand over your forest to the bad people.”
(Be careful, fairy doctor. There are signs of people crawling around the mansion.”
The immense tree rustled.
“Is it the false David’s companions?”
That is, the people of the organization. They probably intended to occupy the house by force if
the false David’s identity was revealed.
“Let’s hurry.”
Saying “I will be careful” to the great tree, Lydia ran off soon after. Nico hurriedly chased after
her.
“Lydia, over here.”
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The forest unknowingly turned into a dark cave-like passage. Nico went through the tunnel
between the fairy realm and the human world with ease. Thanks to his luck, Lydia didn’t have to
worry about getting lost.
Not long after, a light appeared up ahead. It was the view of the salon.
From the narrow field of view, like a crack in the door, they could only see Lauren and her maid
sitting on the chair nervously.
Lydia passed through the narrow gap without thinking and stood in the salon of the human
world.
Kelly and Sarah, who turned their heads along with Lauren, all had expressions of panic. Lydia
was also startled, and couldn’t help but take several steps back. She carelessly stepped on
Nico’s tail, but Nico didn’t get angry, as he was stunned.
The man with the ruined face was in the salon. He pressed a knife against Monica.
“You...... where did you come in from!”
“That......”
He stared at the stammering Lydia and briefly ordered her to go to the corner of the room. Lydia
had no choice but to obediently do as she was told, and moved to the area where the other
women were staying.
Kelly silently grasped Lydia’s hand.
By the time she noticed, Nico had already disappeared. Hopefully he called Edgar.
“Listen well, if those men dare to come in, you’ll all die.”
Oh no, if we don’t figure out a way out of this before Edgar comes, Monica will be the first to be
killed.
“David, you can do whatever you want to me, I beg you to let the others go.”
While Lydia was still thinking, Sarah, who was beside her, stood up with determination.
“I’m the one you want to kill.”
“Sarah, no.”
Monica blocked the way, but Sarah, who was trembling all over with her hands clasped, still
continued to speak desperately.
“I detested you, who came back. You were so cruel, you didn’t treat us like aunts at all, no, it’s
that you didn’t treat us like human beings. I believed from the bottom of my heart that you might
as well not come back. Each time you took your father’s hidden wine and drank, I couldn’t help
but want to poison the wine, and was thinking how you wouldn’t die. How sinful I am. That sort
of thing happened because I always wished that you would die.”
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The man sneered mockingly.

“Since you hate me so much, you should have poisoned me long ago. It’s because you couldn’t
truly kill me that the tables have turned against you.”
“My soul has already been sold to the devil, whether it’s retribution or revenge, I will receive it
all. But Dawson is innocent. If you want revenge, then take me, everyone else is innocent.”
After she spoke, she headed over to the man. Lydia hurriedly grabbed Sarah’s shoulder to stop
her.
“No, this isn’t Lady Sarah’s mistake. She simply treasured the thing that her predecessors
guarded, and cherished her sister, Lady Monica and Mrs Dawson. Despite not being able to
inherit the family property as a woman, she would naturally think so as the elder sister of the
house. After all, from the time David returned to this house, he had lost the qualifications to
manage the household. Because he had already sold everything to the organization.”
After Lydia said everything in one breath, Sarah looked at her in surprise.
“Organization?”
“It’s an organization whose purpose is to conduct evil deeds in Britain. David became a member
there, but was later killed because he betrayed them.”
Lydia looked straight at the man impersonating David's name.
“The one who killed David was not Lady Sarah nor Mr Dawson. It wasn’t even because of an
accident. It was this faceless man that killed David, who fell off of the cliff but was fine.”
“Ha? What a halfhearted made up story.”
“It’s true. I am a fairy doctor. Although I didn’t witness it, the forest of the Amber family is the
spirits’ habitat. There is plenty of evidence of knowing the facts.”
Hearing this statement from the fairy doctor, his face couldn’t help but twitch. Then, he snorted.
“So what? Even if I killed the true David, what can you do with me? It won’t matter as long as I
kill everyone here.”
Lydia took a deep breath.
“Then this will be very difficult for me. Shall we make a deal?”
“A deal? With you?”
“I know your secret. It’s the secret that David revealed before he died. You still remember what
happened in Southwark, right?”
His smiling mouth suddenly closed.
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“Even if you kill me, it’s useless. The entire forest heard it. If the organization’s fairy doctor were
to come here, then the fairies may talk about it. Therefore, you should withdraw here. That way,
I will keep your secret.”
Will he agree to make a deal with a small girl? But if by any chance the matter of embezzlement
was exposed, he would be killed. For him, this should be a crucial point.
The man appeared to sink into contemplation.
“The top brass who can understand fairies won’t stoop down to the home of the landowner who
has lost assets.”
Saying this, he pushed Monica away, took the knife and charged towards Lydia.
“Madam Lydia!”
Hearing Kelly’s shrieks, the knife was almost thrust in front of her. Faced with this sudden
situation, Lydia was scared stiff, but suddenly, the man disappeared before Lydia’s eyes.
In the next moment, he was slammed by a man, nearly knocking the bookshelf over. Raven
stood in front of the collapsed man, stepping on the hand that held the knife.
It turned out that when the man impersonating David was about to hit Lydia, he was kicked into
the air by Raven, and lost consciousness in one blow. Raven effortlessly snatched away the
knife from the man’s hand, searched for all the weapons on his body, then tied him up.
“Lydia, are you alright?”
It was Edgar who burst in a step later than Raven.
“Yeah...... luckily I was saved.”
“What a relief. I saw you and that man from the opposite window, and my heart truly almost went
cold.”
Being held by him casually, Lydia finally relaxed. Despite knowing that she couldn’t be
completely reassured yet, she was much calmer by Edgar’s side.
As soon as Lydia relaxed naturally, Edgar gently wrapped her in his embrace. Even though it
looked like a hug between family members, Lydia liked it very much.
If Edgar calmed down, he wouldn’t hold Lydia like this again. He would consider that she was
simply a friend who had a fiancé, so he had to maintain distance from her.
Because she was afraid of experiencing such a moment for herself, Lydia hurriedly pushed him
away.
“U--um Edgar, as expected the genuine David has already died. It was that man who killed him.
Furthermore, he has a large number of accomplices heading towards this mansion.”
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Edgar was caught off guard by Lydia’s push and frowned as if he wanted to continue, but he
soon regained his serious expression and nodded.
“I just checked the surrounding conditions from the upper part of the house. Although I saw
several figures planning to cross the abandoned courtyards, for some reason, they all went in
circles in the same place. It’s as if they can’t get close to the house.”
Hearing this, Lydia raised her voice.
“It’s the fairies! They’re disturbing their sense of direction.”
It must be the great tree fairy agreeing to provide help, the fairies that resided in the Amber
family’s land were working together to protect this mansion and the people that live here.
And not only the forest, the great tree fairy called all the fairies in the region over.
“Edgar, let’s drive out the man pretending to be David. Later, we can leave it to the fairies to
keep watch. As long as they have no way of entering the house, they’ll give up after a while.”
“Raven, lock those two people underground.”
“The butler Dawson is watching.”
“Tell Dawson to throw them out too.”
Raven left the room and Sarah and Monica approached Lydia uneasily and asked.
“Lydia, the fairies are......?”
“You said the fairies were protecting us, what’s this all about?”
The reason why there are so many fairies in this land is because the members of the Amber
family can’t see them, but they still regard their existence as a part of nature. These sisters were
probably the same kind of people.
“Lady Sarah, Lady Monica. Please believe in the fairies. They have lived in this forest cherished
by the Amber family ancestors for a long time. They need people who are willing to preserve the
forest.”
The two sisters looked at each other in dismay, and although their faces looked astonished, they
still nodded.
I was finally able to help. Lydia felt the burden lift off of her shoulders. But at that moment Nico,
not knowing where he ran off to, rushed in and said something surprising.
“Lydia, it’s terrible! Teran is coming!”
No way. Lydia thought to herself. In the organization, when the Prince was away, he was
probably the one with the highest status. He couldn’t have come here specifically to seize the
Amber house.
“Nico, are you certain?”
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“The fairies were trembling in fear, saying that there was a man with an especially strong
presence of Unseelie Courts approaching here.”
It was the man with Nuckelavee blood flowing within him. Apart from him, the only human who
could make fairies feel frightened was the Prince.
“I also heard that the man had an injury on his forehead, it must be that Teran didn’t run.”
If that was the case, Teran’s target ought to be Lydia and the others. He definitely knew that
Edgar and Lydia were in this area.
If Teran arrives, the fairies’ blindfolding technique will be broken. The people of the organization
will easily burst into the house.
“What should we do…”
“Lydia, what happened?”
She clearly wanted to do her utmost to prevent Edgar and Teran from getting in contact.
“Teran is their organization’s manager.”
“In other words, the false David’s leader? Why would that guy come here?”
The false David expected that Teran wouldn’t come, but he did. So Lydia had to take advantage
of this situation.
“Edgar, I must leave this place.”
“Leave? Why?”
I can’t tell him about the organization, so how should I explain this to him? Lydia was still
pondering when Kelly began to speak.
“Teran’s target is Madam Lydia!”
“Ye–yes. So I have to avoid the attention of the people outside and leave this place. The false
David will probably report that I escaped, then Teran will chase after me and leave.”
In order to not let Teran know that he embezzled his property, the false David would definitely try
his hardest to stop Teran from approaching this area.
But Edgar revealed a grim expression.
“In other words, you’re going to act as bait? The one targeting you now is the organization that
killed David?”
“Yes, so um, Edgar.”
The current Edgar had no reason to take risks with Lydia. Furthermore, if Lydia left the house
and attracted Teran’s attention, he certainly wouldn’t expect Edgar to remain in this mansion
alone.
So, Lydia was the only one who should leave the house.
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“This is...... my own problem.”

Kelly was shocked and tried to say something. But Lydia looked at her and shook her head.
“Stay here, protect Kelly and everyone else. Also, although it’s a little brazen, please lend Raven
to me.”
As long as Raven was there, he would definitely be able to help.
“Lydia, but it’s too dangerous to go out.”
Lauren worriedly held Lydia’s hand. Thank you, Lydia said and returned the grip. But she still
didn’t waver at all about leaving.
“No. I cannot lend Raven to you.”
Edgar said, seemingly holding back his anger.
“Eh...... is that so, then it’ll be just me and Nico.”
“Huhh? Raven’s not going? I won’t go.”
Such a fickle cat. Lydia glared at him, but he appeared unconvinced.
“I’ll go with you. Did you think that I would give someone else the task of protecting you?”
Edgar was also completely unconvinced.
“Of course, Raven and Kelly will follow soon afterwards. We’ve always worked together. Since
we came together, it’s only natural that we have to leave together.”
Kelly’s face had a relieved expression. Although it was dangerous outside, she wasn’t willing to
let Lydia leave alone.
“Teran? I won’t hand Lydia over to that guy with dubious origins. Right, I won’t accept any
objections.”
Edgar asserted. Soon after, he informed Raven and Dawson, who had returned, then began to
assign the work.
After driving away the false David and his two accomplices, Dawson pointed out a small path to
them that went through the courtyard.
Lydia and the others had no choice but to abandon their luggage and move lightly. It was getting
dark outside and the sun was already setting. Walking past the path and crossing the pavilion,
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the four people and a cat headed in the direction of the forest, where the chances of
encountering the organization were small.
“Lydia, are you feeling better?”
Ah, I forgot. Although she was feigning illness at the time, she would actually feel somewhat
unwell once in a while. But once Lydia knew that it wasn’t an illness, she regained her vitality.
But because she was too energetic, she carelessly forgot. I can’t force myself to act.
Nor can I relax because I don’t have to separate from everyone. Now, Lydia had to try her best
to protect herself and her child.
“Yeah, I will do my best to not get in the way.”
“Don’t force yourself too much. If you truly can’t do it, I can carry you on my back.”
He spoke earnestly, and Lydia couldn’t help but feel sad. Despite not being his wife, I’m really
blessed. From now on, if I truly wish for Edgar’s happiness, I must accept that he will fall in love
with another woman...... will I be able to get used to that?
“Now then, let’s speed up.”
Edgar took Lydia’s hand as if it were natural and took strides.
What does he think of Lydia’s fiancé now? He probably decided to not think about it until they
escaped from the present danger.
Lydia could only do this. She pushed aside painful matters from her head and focused her
thoughts on moving forward. Raven, Kelly and Nico were following behind them.
They avoided the enemy’s line of sight as much as possible, relied on the shade of the trees,
and proceeded on a path overgrown with weeds which was once a walking route.
“Was I too strong?”
Walking on and on, Edgar asked as if he suddenly remembered.
“Just now, as soon as I confirmed that you were safe, I couldn’t help but want to hug you.”
He was talking about when Lydia was nearly attacked by the false David.
Lydia couldn’t help but want to embrace Edgar as well. But in the end, she held it back and
pushed away Edgar. He probably took that action as Lydia getting scared, thus pushing him
away.
“In order to not make you feel nervous, I tried my best to control my strength and not put in too
much force, but I didn’t expect that I would lose control when I touched you.”
Friendship truly is difficult. He mumbled.
“Sorry, don’t be so wary of me. This...... is a little different from flirting.”
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His hand loosened slightly. It was probably because he didn’t wish to be thrown away by Lydia,
but then he realized that Lydia was tightly gripping his hand.
“I have been thinking about ways to keep my distance from you since yesterday. Although I said
I was too lenient with you, having thought about it carefully, I wonder what an appropriate
relationship between friends is in the end. I truly have no idea.”
It could be seen that Edgar was trying his utmost to not make himself speak too heavily, to not
make Lydia feel nervous. He continued to speak with a relaxed tone.
“This is imprudent of me, but the current situation isn’t bad for me either. Although you say that
you are holding back, whether you’re a burden or something else, being together with you like
this now, isn’t a bad thing.”
Edgar’s yearning for Lydia must have never changed. However, he regarded this feeling, which
was neither a short-lived burning love nor a long-flowing friendship, as a state of mind that had
only been established under this special situation.
Because he had absolutely no memory of marrying Lydia in his heart.
I will propose to you again. Although he said this in the past, it was almost impossible for the
son of a dukedom to propose to his teacher’s daughter.
While aware of this, Lydia suddenly remembered something absurd.
They still had a bigger problem than the disparity in statuses. The current Lydia was unwed and
pregnant in Edgar’s eyes. Even if he really had feelings for Lydia that were beyond friendship,
he would certainly be disillusioned knowing this. It would be a disgrace to be friends with this
kind of woman, who went as far as to conceive a child before marriage.
It simply wasn’t the situation where she would expect him to overcome the difference in statuses
and propose again.
At this time, Lydia suddenly had the urge to tell him the truth. We aren’t friends, but a family that
spends the days and nights together. Please remember. But she still swallowed these words
desperately.
Edgar absolutely couldn’t recall what happened in the last ten years.
Therefore, she definitely couldn’t let him find out. Even though this was the child that she and
Edgar had looked forward to for a long time, she couldn’t say it out loud.
Even though this was really, truly Edgar’s child, she couldn’t let him know this fact. If by any
chance she let him know, not only Lydia herself, but perhaps even the child in her abdomen
would be the target of his contempt.
How could this be such a lamentable matter?
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Despite Lydia trying her best to endure it silently, teardrops still fell.
Her vision became blurry. Lydia’s pace also slowed down.
Can I really endure it?
“What’s wrong? Are you feeling ill?”
Noticing that Lydia didn’t appear to be in a good condition, Edgar stopped and looked at her
carefully.
“I’m okay...... Don’t look at me.”
Lydia buried her head in his arm and covered her face.
“Keep walking. Like this, together.”
No matter where, to the ends of the earth.
Edgar silently complied. Without knowing when, Lydia’s shoulder was embraced by him, and
while leaning against him, she cried as she walked.
No matter where we go, I just want to continue walking with you.
“Lord Edgar, someone is nearby.”
Lydia wasn’t able to calm down. But as soon as she heard Raven’s words, she remembered
that now wasn’t the time to be led by her emotions.
They had already reached the end of the path, arriving at an area where they could see the
forest.
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Chapter 6 - When darkness draws near
“How many are there?”

With his arms still around Lydia’s shoulder, Edgar stood up and asked Raven calmly.
“Six or seven.”
“Do you know where they are?”
They were surrounded by thickets and trees. In the midst of that, Raven informed Edgar
precisely of the markings he made that indicated where the people were.
“Let’s head towards where there are fewer of them.”
“But Edgar, that’s not where the forest is.”
They’d stand out once they step onto the open fields.
“We’ll have to change directions once and go around them.”
“If it’s Raven, wouldn’t he be able to break through just one or two people?”
The moment Nico heard that they were surrounded, he stuck to Raven closely, yet he still spoke
arrogantly.
“If we create a ruckus, the others will also come after us all at once.”
“If Miss Lydia is able to run, I can distract the enemies.”
Of course everyone was facing danger. She had no choice but to run. Kelly looked towards her,
looking as though she wanted to say something, but Lydia signalled with her eyes for Kelly not
to.
“I can.”
“Are you really alright?”
The one who asked, as though he wanted to confirm, was Edgar.
Lydia’s heart skipped a beat as it appeared as though Edgar saw through the fact that she was
pregnant. No, there’s no way he would know about that. He had probably only said so out of
concern for her physical condition. To Lydia, there was nothing scarier than having Edgar find
out about it.
Even if it’s so that he would not find out, Lydia intended to run. Since she had been going
around energetically before this, it shouldn’t be an issue just because she was pregnant; that’s
what Lydia thought.
“Yes, I’m fine. Edgar, that’s the only way out right?”
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Edgar, who had been staring into Lydia’s eyes, appeared relieved.
“Hey, is someone calling us?”
At that moment, Nico twitched his ears.
Led on by Nico, everyone strained their ears. It felt as though someone was calling Lydia’s
name. That too, at not too far off a distance. It sounded like it came from somewhere
underneath them.
“Fairy voices? That’s not it right? Since I can hear it as well.”
“It’s that way.”
Having discerned the direction of the sound, Raven pointed towards a statue of an angel which
appeared to be gazing down at them. Somehow, they heard voices coming from the stones that
made up the pedestal.
“Lydia, over here.”
When they took a closer look, they found a metal gate that was intentionally hidden by
shrubbery growing at the pedestal. Lauren’s face peeked out from there. That was an entrance
that was tall enough for people to pass through if they crouched down.
As Lydia focused on the thicket without moving it, she walked towards the pedestal where the
statue stood.
“Lauren, why are you here…? It’s dangerous, we’re surrounded by thugs.”
“There’s a secret passage over here. Aunty remembered it. Since the people who were around
the mansion changed their direction and headed towards the garden, she thought that they
must have found you. But because she figured you would be passing by near this statue, we
waited for you here.”
“Where does this secret passage lead to?”
Edgar too came over to Lydia’s side and queried Lauren.
“I heard that it leads to the forest. To an underground chamber of an abandoned house beside
the old well.”
“Edgar, if we can get that far, we’ll be able to throw our pursuers off.”
“It’s just that the area under this pedestal is narrow. So only women, or people of similar small
stature will be able to enter.”
That means that Edgar wouldn’t be able to enter. Because Dawson also wasn’t able to reach
the area beneath the pedestal, he brought Lauren along, despite knowing fully well the danger
involved.
“I’ll be able to enter.”
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Nico stated.
“Perfect. Lydia and Kelly will cut through the forest from here. Either way, if everyone were to
disappear from here, the secret passage would be discovered. So Raven and I will distract
those guys away from here.”
However, Lydia felt uneasy at the thought of being separated from Edgar even if it’s for a short
while.
I no longer want to be away from Edgar even if it’s for a little while. Even if he has lost his
memories, simply having him by my side is much better than what we had previously.
“Alright Lydia? We’ll rendezvous near the well.”
Of course, Lydia understood that this was not the time for her to be wilful.
“Will you really come?”
“Isn’t that a given?”
“I’ll stay where I am until you come. I’ll wait for you in the forest no matter how long it takes.
That’s why, don’t get caught or anything. You must come to me safely. I don’t want to be unable
to see you… please.”
Lydia became desperate, and Edgar cradled her face with both hands.
“If I fulfil that wish of yours, will you also fulfil my wish?”
“What kind of wish?”
“I’ll think about it in the meantime.”
Edgar grinned and let go of Lydia.
“Well, go quickly. Before anyone notices.”
Nodding, Lydia steeled her resolve and followed behind Lauren. Kelly also followed behind and
she turned around when she was about to pass through the door, because Raven called her.
“Miss Kelly, I leave Mr Nico in your good hands.”
Saying that, Raven handed the brush over to Kelly.
“You brought it along?”
“But of course.”
Kelly seemed a little surprised, but she thought about it anew, as she nodded with the same
serious look as Raven.
“I’ll take this over from you.”
Although Nico had crawled towards the narrow door a long time ago, both Raven and Kelly held
onto the brush, as though they were exchanging an important vow.
“Mr Raven too, please take care.”
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After the door was shut behind her, Lydia could no longer see Edgar’s face. She could only walk
forward. Relying on the lamp Lauren held in her hand, they went down the stairs that were so
narrow that only one person could barely pass through, given its height and width. Waiting at the
bottom of those stairs was Dawson.
As the underground passage was somewhat spacious, they were released from a sense of
claustrophobia. Regardless, they couldn’t help but feel suffocated at being surrounded by the
tunnel which was made of old stone walls.
“This way.”
They walked on as they followed behind the butler Dawson.
“Thank you, Mr Dawson. Lauren as well. You saved us.”
“We’re the ones who were saved. Those people outside went after you.”
“In order for all of you to at least escape from here, both Madam Sarah and Madam Monica
thought about various ways to help, and they remembered this underground passage.”
“I heard that my aunties used to play here when they were young.”
“To think that there is such a long underground passage; was this built by the ancestors of the
Ambers?”
“No, I heard that there used to be a monastery in the past, so it was probably built as part of the
building then. Although the building then had been destroyed, it’s possible that the underground
passage remained.”
“Oh, how fortunate for us, Miss Lydia. That we don’t have to run.”
In any case, Kelly appeared to be relieved over that. Since it’d be a serious matter if you fell
down, added Kelly as she mumbled to herself.
“Yes Kelly.”
Although they still didn’t know for sure, Lydia had already started to feel as though she was
protecting something small and vulnerable. Since earlier, Lydia had also walked cautiously to
make sure that she didn’t trip over the uneven pavement. When she focused her attention
towards that, she wasn’t bothered by the sense of oppression caused by the passageway.
“Hey, Lydia, for this brooch, what flower do you think it is?
After walking in silence for some time, Lauren spoke up, as though something came to mind all
of a sudden, and pointed towards the flower made of lace that decorated her front.
“…isn’t it a foxglove?”
“I see… I thought it’s a grape hyacinth.”
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“Oh, yes, it may be a grape hyacinth. Because foxgloves are memorable to me, when I see
such a flower, I end up thinking it’s a foxglove.”
Lauren nodded as she traced the brooch with her fingertip, but Lydia didn’t know why Lauren
would ask about that now.
“Are you really only friends with the Earl?”
Then, Lauren spoke again, as though she made up her mind.
“Oh, erm, it’s not that I’m suspicious of anything weird. It’s just that, the Earl he… treasures you
very much.”
Lydia felt pained at having to lie to Lauren. But she mustn’t tell the truth to anyone.
“We’re friends. It’s just that he is someone very special to me.”
“You love him right? I mean, as a man.”
Thinking that it wasn’t anything to hide, Lydia nodded honestly.
“Yet you’re friends? Because you’re from a different social class?”
“…That’s right.”
“Then, you’ll bury your feelings for him inside your heart, and marry your fiancé?”
“No, I won’t get married.”
Lauren’s eyes widened in shock.
“To anyone?”
“Yes.”
Lydia rested her hand against her stomach unconsciously. It was Lydia’s role to give birth to this
child safely. She had no intention of marrying anyone other than Edgar.
“Lydia, you’re strong. To be able to continue carrying feelings that you know won’t be requited.”
The promise that Edgar made at Ibrazel may not be fulfilled. Even so, because she had that
promise, because she was able to believe in Edgar’s feelings then, Lydia stayed by his side.
If Lydia was able to become even a little stronger, that would be because of the love Edgar had
given her. Because she knew that she was loved deeply by Edgar from his heart, even now
when his memories had disappeared, his love didn’t disappear from inside Lydia.
“I’m not strong. When I thought that he might love you, I was so afraid.”
“That didn’t happen though.”
Lauren smiled.
“I thought that I loved the Earl. But I was just dreaming, when I got ecstatic over having such a
wonderful person as my relative, because I thought that if it were him, he may save me from the
fiancé my parents decided, the fiancé I don’t love.”
136
137
“You have a fiancé?”

“Nothing will ever change if I don’t tell my parents properly how I feel. It’s my own marriage after
all. I want to be like you, and love someone from my heart.”
“Lauren, you’re strong as well.”
Although she probably still hadn’t fallen too deeply in love with Edgar, Lydia thought that Lauren,
who faced her future upfront, was strong.
“Is that so? But I may not be able to be wholehearted like you Lydia.”
After she laughed, her face turned serious as she murmured:
“Hey, the Earl definitely loves you.”
“As a friend right?”
Edgar, who had not courted her for her to be his lover, harboured feelings towards Lydia that he
himself couldn’t understand fully. But that was nothing more than an extension of friendship.
“I told him that Lydia, you have a fiancé. I’m sorry. I was probably jealous. I told him that you
looked like you got along well with your fiancé. And when I did that, he gave up on the theatre,
got off the carriage and ran back to you."
“Is that… so.”
At that time, Edgar came back because of that. Although things got awkward between them
because of the fiancé, Lydia wondered if Edgar too had felt gloomy, like how Lydia felt jealous
over Lauren.
At any rate, even if Edgar found out about Lydia’s pregnancy, and kept a distance from her as a
result, the love which Edgar had showered on her earnestly, will forever be something that
belonged only to Lydia.
“Lauren, I’m glad to have met you.”
The brooch which matched with Lauren’s was still in Lydia’s own pocket. Lydia took it out as she
thought of wearing it.
“I dropped this a while back. I’m glad to have found it and I’ll take care not to drop it from now
on.”
Lauren stared at the lace-knitted carnation in Lydia’s hand and held her hands suddenly as
though she wanted to say something.
It was then that Dawson came to a sudden halt.
“Someone’s here.”
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He strained his eyes at the depths of the passage. It was no longer the time to talk about a
brooch and everyone held their breaths. They heard the sound of footsteps resonating through
the passageway. It’s certain that someone was there.
“Did a comrade of the fake David enter?”
“There’s no way an outsider would know about this passage.”
“Maybe they heard it from the real Mr David?”
“No, Master David should be unaware of this passage. He has never been here and his father
was not the kind of child who would play underground.”
“Then, who could it be?”
Even whilst they were talking, the footsteps continued to approach them.
Leaving the angel statue, Edgar along with Raven progressed while shaking the thickets
deliberately, in order to draw away the Organization’s people who may be in the surroundings.
“It looks like they’re following us.”
Edgar was relieved at Raven’s words. He could breathe easy for now if those people didn’t
realise that Lydia had entered the secret passage.
For Edgar, since he thought that the people here were after Lydia, things would be fine as long
as she escapes.
“It’s about time for us to take action.”
Before them was an open field. They intended to go on the offense before Lydia’s absence was
detected.
When Edgar was about to take out a knife, Raven presented an imposing sword before him;
Edgar didn’t know how Raven had been carrying it around.
“Please use this.”
It was that sword, the one with a large sapphire.
“Isn’t this the fairy sword? Did Lydia entrust you with this?”
“Well, in a way.”
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Although that was an ambiguous response coming from Raven, Edgar did not bother and held
the sword. It was heavy yet it fit to his hands surprisingly well. Edgar wondered whether it was
because of the fairy magic residing in the sword that he felt like he could move nimbly with it.
“Well then, I’ll go from the southwestern side.”
“Yeah, I’ll attack from the opposite.”
The next instant after Edgar responded, Raven’s figure disappeared as he went through the
thicket.
Taking one deep breath, the moment he thought that the thicket a few feet away from him
swayed violently, he heard the sound of something heavy being thrown against the ground with
a thud.
Just as he thought that the surroundings fell silent again, he heard a scream coming from
another direction. At the same time, a thicket near him moved. A silhouette jumped towards
Edgar.
Forced to turn around, Edgar swung his sword. The tip of the sword tore the person’s clothes.
Perhaps it grazed the person's skin as blood oozed out from his chest and the man ran away in
fear.
Shortly after his nerves calmed down, another man came at Edgar with a knife. Edgar caught
the blade with his sword. As he pushed back against the man with brute force, Edgar checked
his surroundings.
There were multiple opponents. If they all came at him at once, then there was nothing he could
do. Sensing a presence approaching him from behind, Edgar hurriedly pushed the man with the
knife away. Focusing his attention on the other man who was approaching him, he dodged while
wrapping his arm around the person’s neck.
When he pointed the sword at the man’s throat, the man raised both arms as he surrendered
and screamed for Edgar to stop.
It was the fake David, the one with the disfigured face. The man with the knife, who appeared to
be his subordinate, moved back at hearing his voice. There were also silhouettes in the
shadows of the thickets, but they didn’t seem to be coming out.
“D-don’t kill me. I’ll pretend I didn’t see you.”
With a sword pointed at him, the fake David begged for his life.
“That’s a good idea. Everyone, even those who are hidden, if you follow me, this guy is dead.”
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Edgar announced to his surroundings and moved back towards the thicket while dragging the
fake David along. Raven would probably follow him from a distance. Raven would take care of it
if any one of the enemies were to continue following them secretly.
After Edgar snatched the knife away from the fake David, he decided to make him walk in front
with his hands in the air.
When he took a step forward while having a sword pointed at the fake David's back, they heard
the sound of a gunshot in the surroundings. It wasn’t aimed at them, but it only served to distract
them. By the time Edgar realised it, the fake David had slipped his hand into the inner pocket of
his coat.
Edgar tried to swing his sword, but the thicket around him got in the way. David swiftly created
distance between them and aimed his pistol.
Edgar jumped into the shadow of the trees at once, and at the same time, a bullet scattered the
leaves.
He should be firing another shot. Just when Edgar was trying to discern his opponent’s
movements, he heard another gunshot.
“Lord Edgar!”
It overlapped with Raven’s voice.
But David didn’t fire. Edgar wasn’t injured either. Yet the blood stain on David’s left arm was
spreading. Wide-eyed, his eyes landed on a man who stood amongst the bushes.
That man who wore his hat low, slowly lowered his hand that held a pistol, as though expressing
that he had no intention to point it at Edgar.
“M… Master Teran… Why?”
The fake David muttered.
This man, is Teran? The man who is going after Lydia?
A swarthy man with large eyes and nose, he gave off an ominous or unbalanced aura. His
features, which were probably due to him being of mixed descent, weren’t something Edgar was
used to seeing. It wasn’t just his face; his entire body was shrouded in a strange presence that
made people instinctively avoid looking at him directly. For Lydia’s sake, Edgar made an effort to
take a good look at this particular man.
“How foolish, to point a weapon at His Highness.”
Teran spoke in a flat tone.
“His Highness…? That can’t be.”
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Looking at Edgar, the fake David’s face which was twisted due to its injuries, was clearly
strained due to fear.
His Highness. This title of honour that sprung out suddenly, was completely incompatible with
this situation. Yet, the fake David looked towards Edgar, as though it was referring to Edgar.
Then, as he trembled, he pointed the pistol at his temple.
“Your forgiveness… please.”
The moment Edgar realised what he was going to do, he pulled the trigger and collapsed onto
the ground at the same time when a gunshot was heard.
“My my, to think that he chose death in order to avoid punishment.”
Teran laughed as though he found it amusing. Did these people dish out punishment that was
so severe that people would pick death over it?
Such a disgusting organisation was after Lydia. Yet Teran had shot at his own people in order to
save Edgar. And the fake David took his own life out of fear at having pointed his pistol at ‘His
Highness’.
Nothing made sense.
“It has been a while, Your Highness.”
Determined not to reveal his confusion, Edgar glared at Teran.
“Why are you calling me that?”
“Oh my, have you forgotten? Even about me?”
The man removed his hat. On his forehead was a wound that cut deeply across it in a horizontal
manner.
It felt like he had seen this man before. Edgar experienced a sudden headache and his vision
turned dark. The trees and thickets around him rustled and it felt as though they were extending
their tentacles towards him. The branches and grass were capturing him.
“This man uses things that are magic-like. Please leave this place quickly!”
Raven stepped forth.
I feel dizzy. Everything’s an illusion. Even though I know that, I can’t move.
“Your Highness, can you please return? To where you ought to be."
The grass and branches that wrapped themselves around Edgar, tried to move Edgar’s legs,
ignoring his will. Edgar tried to resist and his eyes fell on the sword gripped in his hand. The
growing grass couldn’t even touch the sword and its shining sapphire, as if the illusion magic
couldn’t affect it.
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Concentrating, Edgar swung the sword. In an instant, the illusion and dizziness vanished, and
he was brought back to reality. Edgar then faced Teran with the sword in hand.
“You can't draw out that sword’s power in your current state. The most it can do is to ward off
magic.”
At Teran’s signal, his subordinates showed themselves from the thicket. The circle that
surrounded Edgar, appeared to be tightening.
Edgar’s eyes darted around in search of an escape route. Then, it happened. The grass and
leaves shook noisily, as though they were swayed by strong winds.
The leaves which swirled upwards, appeared as though they rushed at the enemies all at once
in an assault. Casting a backward glance at his subordinates who moved backwards as their
vision was robbed, Teran was the only one whom the leaves didn’t approach.
But he too clicked his tongue as he frowned. Because he sensed something approaching, along
with an intense sound that made the ground shake.
“Kelpie huh.”
At the same time when Teran muttered so, tall pillars of water shot out from the ground. The
water which spurt out rained on the surroundings like a waterfall. A wall of water surrounded
Edgar, such that he couldn’t even see Teran’s figure.
“Lord Edgar, this way!”
It was Ermine’s voice. Edgar, who dashed with Raven towards her voice, broke out from the
enormous water fountain. They caught a glance of the woman in men’s clothing who waved for
them to follow and they ran after her.
When they finally came to a stop, they were at a place where a canopy was above them. It
appeared that they entered the forest.
“Ermine, you saved us.”

Although he had been inside a waterfall, his body wasn’t very much drenched. As he wiped the
water sprays that landed on his hair, Edgar said so.
“Even so, how did you manage to create that water?”
Ermine turned towards her back, expressing that there’s the answer. Edgar found a black-haired
man walking towards them. That man was bewitchingly beautiful and wore a shirt that exposed
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his chest. Based on the feeling he gave off, it felt as though he was walking around outside in
his pyjamas.
When their eyes met, that man furrowed his brows with displeasure. Edgar too felt displeasure
the moment he saw that face so they were both equal in this regard.
“There are no signs of the enemies coming after us. Teran had probably retreated along with his
subordinates.”
Ermine said so.
“Since I showered a Nuckelavee with fresh water.”
The black-haired man laughed heartily.
“Teran still has the body of a human. Even though it was fresh water so there isn’t much
damage to him physically, it probably made him feel sick.”
“That man’s not human?”
“He’s half-fairy.”
Even if he was told that, Edgar was no longer surprised. That man was hunting a fairy doctor.
Somehow, it felt like an organisation with mysterious powers.
Speaking of fairies, Teran said something about a kelpie. As this came to Edgar’s mind, he
looked towards the handsome man with black curly hair.
“Kelpie…”
“What.”
As I thought, this guy is a kelpie. Because Edgar had occasionally heard about this fairy from
Lydia and conversations surrounding him, Edgar asked.
“Are you Lydia’s pet horse?”
Then Kelpie raged out, with his hair standing on its ends.
“I’m neither a pet nor a horse. Don’t put me on the same level as that cat. I’m a dignified fairy
who made a contract with Lydia!”
“Mr Nico is a partner. Also, he’s a gentleman.”
Raven refuted Kelpie without missing a beat.
“A gentleman? That’s the same as a liver. Nothing but trash.”
Ermine interrupted this meaningless conversation.
“Lord Edgar, actually, Mr Francis has been captured by Teran’s organisation.”
“Francis? Why?”
“Because they thought that he knew where Miss Lydia was.”
Francis had probably spilled the beans. And that’s why Teran appeared.
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“Where is he now?”
“In the Organization’s hideout in a certain town near the mouth of River Thames. I tried to
rescue him, but I failed.”
“… Do you think he’s still alright?”
“I think he is still alive.”
Ermine muddled through her words as she lowered her gaze.
“In any case, because I thought that Teran would appear where Miss Lydia is, I rushed to report
to you. I’ll try to rescue Mr Francis once more."
Who exactly is Ermine? She didn’t fit the image of being a maid who was employed to
accompany Lydia in her travels. Raven too isn’t a simple valet.
Edgar wondered why they were around Lydia and himself. He found it mysterious, but now
wasn’t the time to dwell over that.
Nodding at Ermine’s words, Edgar turned to face Raven.
“In any case, we have to hurry to where Lydia is. Raven, do you know the way?”
“Yes. Based on the direction we came from, the old well should be in the north-eastern
direction.”
When Edgar took a step forward, Ermine enquired.
“Did you split up with Miss Lydia?”
“Yeah, she should be going through the underground passage while we drew Teran away.”
Although he thought that was a safe path, he couldn’t be at ease until he saw her face. Since
the enemy had retreated, he wanted to meet her at the earliest.
But the moment he started to think about Lydia, Edgar felt utterly confused.
Because he had been bothered by Lydia’s proclamation that she wouldn’t marry. That’s right,
Lydia clearly said so. That she would only marry the person she loves. Then, as he thought, he
must have been mistaken about her pregnancy. Since if she was having a child, there’s nothing
about liking or disliking her marriage partner.
If she never had the intention to marry her fiancé to begin with, then there probably wasn’t
anything that Kelly misunderstood.
It’s just that, Edgar didn’t understand. Edgar remembered how Lydia cried as she walked.
Up until now, she had never cried in that manner. Even if she was feeling unwell or was being
pursued by suspicious people, she held herself firmly.
She even said she’ll be the decoy for the sake of the Ambers.
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If there was a reason as to why she couldn’t bear the painful feelings… It’s probably her fiancé.
Edgar wondered if Lydia had become unstable after that man appeared.
The person whom she didn’t want to marry. In truth, he may be someone she didn’t want to
meet.
…Don’t tell me that he forced himself on her. If that’s why she was crying...
When Edgar thought that far, he hastened his steps unconsciously.
“I’ll go ahead.”
As he said so, he dashed off.
When they separated, Lydia was unusually emotional as she clung onto Edgar.
‘Don’t get caught or anything. You must come to me safely. I don’t want to be unable to see
you.’
If he was being depended upon as a friend, he wanted to support her as much as he could. No,
the feelings Edgar had inside him towards Lydia had exceeded that of friendship.
If so, then would he be able to accept everything that may have happened between Lydia and
her fiancé? Even if he accepted it, was there anything he could do for her?
Trying to think only about Lydia, Edgar forcefully chased the fact that he was addressed ‘His
Highness’ away from his mind.
Edgar had probably forgotten about something important. Something that happened during
these ten years had distanced himself from Sylvainford and connected him with those people.
Even though he felt so vaguely, he shut out his thoughts.
He was on the side of the people who protect Lydia. If that’s not the case, then he didn’t need
those ten years of his past.
Finally, ancient stone walls came to view before them. Although there was no roof, the walls and
steps of the building remained. They could also see a well in front of it.
“Milord!”
Kelly, who noticed them, jumped out from the shadows of the stone walls and waved at them.
Edgar was about to be relieved but he noticed her stiff expression and slowed down his steps.
Lauren and Dawson appeared from the other side of the stone wall where they appeared to
have been hiding. But Lydia wasn’t there.
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“Where’s Lydia? She can’t move?”

Wondering whether Lydia had collapsed because she felt unwell, Edgar peeked at the remains
of the building, but he didn’t find Lydia.
“I’m sorry, even though I was by her side…”
Kelly covered her face with both her hands, and fell to the ground.
“What happened?”
“Two men appeared in the underground passage.”
Dawson answered on behalf of Kelly, who was crying.
“They were quite skilled and in a short while when we resisted, they abducted Miss Lydia.”
“They seem to know a side path in the underground passage that even Dawson didn’t know. We
soon lost sight of them and couldn’t go after them.”
Lauren explained earnestly as well.
As he heard them out, Edgar recalled the man who appeared in their lodgings at Southampton.
Unlike the fake David or his associates in the surroundings, those men were proficient in their
skills. Edgar wondered if that man had brought his comrades over.
The ones around were injured elderly and ladies. Even if those two men weren’t skilled, it would
probably have been difficult for them to protect Lydia.
Lydia, who felt uneasy at being separated for even a short while, was abducted. Even though
Edgar had arrived here safe and sound as promised.
Edgar wondered if he made a mistake in his judgement. When he thought so, he couldn’t hide
his anxiety.
No, I need to remain calm. I can’t make another mistake in judgement.
“You’re sure that their target was Lydia?”
“Yes. They went after her without a doubt.”
“Then they pushed this into my hands and left.”
Lauren held a letter in her hands. Written on cover, was a note that it was addressed to Lord
Ashenbert.
Edgar tore open the seal in a hurry and read its contents. It was written for him to come to the
specified location alone. The place was at the outskirts of a port a few miles from here. And
there was one line appended to it.
‘If you wish to save her, submit to us. If you do not come by sunset, we’ll take it that you have
abandoned her.'
Edgar crushed the letter in his hand.
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“Lord Edgar. Are they Teran’s comrades?”

Raven said so. Even after Edgar dashed off in a hurry, Raven was the only one who followed
him without fail.
“I don’t know, but it’s possible.”
“If that’s the case, it’ll be dangerous for you to go by yourself.”
“No, I’ll go by myself. I don’t want to expose Lydia to danger.”
Raven looked like he was going to oppose it but he kept quiet. Instead, he walked towards Kelly,
as though he recalled something.
“Miss Kelly, where’s Mr Nico?”
Taken aback, Kelly lifted her face, and suddenly became flustered as she hesitated to answer.
“A-about that… I’m sorry! Even though you even left the brush with me, I lost sight of Mr Nico. I
was agitated over what happened to Miss Lydia, and when we finally exited from the
underground passage, Mr Nico was nowhere to be found.”
When she felt that Raven’s eyes became stern as he looked down towards her, Kelly nearly
cried again.
“Is that so? Miss Kelly, it’s great that you’re alright.”
Although Raven said so with a look of displeasure on his face, to him, it wasn’t as if he was
angry or anything; it was his usual expression.
It was probably true that he was relieved that Kelly was safe.
Perhaps because she didn’t expect to hear such words from him, Kelly blinked her eyes
repeatedly.
“Raven, isn’t Nico together with Lydia?”
“Yes. I think so.”
He was a fairy and he could hide himself, so he may have tried to follow Lydia when she was in
danger.
“Dawson, I’m sorry but could you dispatch a carriage out to the port town?”
Nodding, Dawson requested that they wait here and looked towards Lauren. He probably
thought that he had to bring her back.
“Lauren, we troubled you as well. We’re thankful for your help. I’ll definitely rescue Lydia, so
don’t worry.”
Lauren looked up at Edgar with slight tears in her eyes.
Then she walked towards Edgar and extended her hand. On her palm was a lace-knitted
brooch. It was the flower brooch that resembled a foxglove.
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“I hope you’ll hand this to Lydia when you meet her.”

“Your brooch?”
When he enquired, Lauren shook her head to the sides.
“This one is Lydia’s. Hey, Earl, at the shop, you were staring at this flower right? That’s why I
wanted this.”
When Edgar saw that flower at the shop, for some reason, Lydia came to his mind. He
wondered if she would be happy if he gave this to her. Then his heart ached for no reason.
That’s why when Lauren liked this flower and asked Edgar what flower Lydia would like as
Lauren was going to pick another flower for Lydia, he answered ‘she likes all flowers’ but it didn’t
sit well with him.
“You know, Lydia said that foxgloves are memorable to her… Isn’t it a memory with you? Both
you and Lydia said that this flower is a foxglove, instead of other similar flowers. Isn’t that why
you were staring at it at the shop?”
Is that so? What kind of memory did Lydia have about this? Edgar wondered if a flower that was
special to Lydia was also special to him.
“That’s why, this is the flower you chose for Lydia. You chose a carnation for me. Can I think of it
that way?”
Lauren took out the other carnation brooch from her pocket.
“When I was about to tell Lydia that I wanted to exchange with her, those two men appeared…
She dropped this when she left. Please tell her that I’ll hold on to the carnation. I’ll always carry
this matching flower brooch.”
Edgar nodded as he accepted the small flower lace brooch that resembled a foxglove.
“Once she’s out of danger, we’ll be able to meet again someday right?”
“Yes, definitely.”
Lauren finally revealed a smile that was free of burdens.
“Earl, although Lydia’s not an aristocrat, you see her as a splendid Lady right?”
“Of course I do.”
“That’s great.”
Saying that, Lauren turned around energetically and followed Dawson.
Edgar mulled over Lauren’s last words.
Whether or not a person is an aristocrat may be something trivial. Lydia tried to protect the
Ambers by using her abilities as a fairy doctor. If a woman who was worthy of one’s respect was
a Lady, then Lydia was without a doubt, a Lady.
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Yet, why on earth was he trying to go through with his one-sided feelings?
Suddenly, Edgar found himself foolish and secretly laughed.
Because Lydia isn’t an aristocrat, we stay as friends? Is that the extent of my feelings for her?
These one-sided feelings I have, is that it or is it not?
It’s foolish to love someone one-sidedly. But if it’s going to be foolish, then even if she has a
fiancé, I want to protect her for as long as I am by her side.
Have I fallen so deeply in love with Lydia that I think it’s fine for me to be like this?
Will I know once I see her again?
If I ask myself when I see her face?
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Chapter 7 - The aurora’s remaining flame
The volcano that stood in the middle of Ibrazel, the fairy kingdom, spat out smoke as always.
But the smoke was much lighter than before, and the colour was much whiter.
Ever since the island quieted down, Unseelie Courts have become rare. The dragon head was
wrapped in the roots of the tree and turned into stone, sinking into a deep slumber under the
magic of the star ruby arrow and the red moonstone bow.
With her gorgeous black hair draping over her shoulders, Jet changed into a human form and
wandered along the beach under the clear moonlight.
Her original mermaid tail became two pale white legs. As she was often on land as a soldier on
duty since long ago, this posture was already very natural to her.
These legs were said to look very much like the beautiful legs of her friend, the last Blue Knight
Earl, Gladys. That’s right, that’s how it is, Jet thought.
Speaking of which, the new Blue Knight Countess, Lydia, also has beautiful legs. Being covered
by a long skirt, it truly is a pity.
At the same time, she is also a beautiful human being. Those eyes had the majestic brilliance of
a soul that fairies didn’t have. Was that because she knew the feeling of love?
Lydia and her husband, the Lord of the fairy kingdom --- the new Blue Knight Earl and
Countess, worked together to prevent the island from collapsing. However, the Earl family’s red
moon bow did not display its full power, and it is unknown when the ruby arrow will fall off the
dragon. In order to prolong the arrow’s powers, they also put the red moonstone, which was
acting as the bow, at the roots of the great tree, but this still wasn’t reassuring. With regards to
the fairy kingdom now, it was merely a brief moment of peace.
In the end, how long can this continue for?
While wandering, Jet looked up at the headlands that appeared in front of her.
On a tree by the cliff illuminated by moonlight hangs the body of a sinner. It was the man who
tragically became a shadow, the one who tried to awaken the dragon head but failed. Bodies
that still emitted strong poisonous gas after death must be hung like this to let the sea breeze
blow and purify. It isn’t until the body turns to bones and falls naturally from the tree that it can
be buried.
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In history, there was a great sinner whose body decayed later than the tree that it hung from.
And the one that hung there now was a man who was controlled by the soul of the great sinner,
but he had no power after his death. Now, it was just a shriveled corpse that was windswept and
battered by the rain.
His younger twin brother was said to have sunk into a pond underneath the great tree, but to
this day, his remains still haven’t been found. Perhaps he’s still alive, thought Jet.
If the younger brother was truly the reincarnation of the Prophet from a century ago, then as
long as the Unseelie Court fairy doctor’s soul, which transferred into the dragon egg, still exists,
then he would have survived to complete his mission.
Passing under the cliff, Jet arrived at a rocky area from the beach, squeezed into the cave there,
then headed towards the depths of the cave.
After walking for a while, a flame appeared before her eyes. Every night, the grave keeper lights
the torch on the wall of the cave for lighting. At the end of the slender cave, there is a main
hall-like space, a tomb made for humans.
This is the tomb of the Blue Knight Earls, which has continued for hundreds of years since the
beginning of the first generation. Along the spiral stone steps arranged in the horizontal cave
were many members of the Earl family in a deep sleep.
Jet stood before the entrance of the tomb and made the sign of the cross on her chest. Although
some fairies would hate this Christian action, as a mermaid who had served the Earl family for a
long time, there was no pain in doing so. For Jet, it was just an act of respect to the Earl family.
After passing through the stone arch, she walked to a small room on the side of the tomb.
There was a coffin in the room. Since no one knew whether or not it was appropriate for the
owner of the coffin to join the Earl family’s tomb, he was placed here for the time being.
Lying in the coffin was a young boy who was only about ten years old. He wore a sea sapphire
earring on his remaining ear; there was no doubt that he was among the people who had the
Earl family’s blood flowing within them. However, he was also someone who lost his
qualifications to inherit the Earl family.
But he did his very best for the fairy kingdom before facing death. Since he protected the new
Blue Knight Earl, perhaps he should be allowed to be buried as the final descendant of the
family.
Unfortunately, this wasn’t something the mermaids could decide. This had to be decided by the
human who will come and rule the fairy kingdom someday.
The young boy, known as Ulysses, looked content.
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At the end of the patrol, Jet returned to the outside of the cave, only to see a ribbon of light
floating in the night sky.
It’s the aurora. The moon was out of sight. Although the scenery of the fairy kingdom often
changed at night, an aurora was still considered to be very rare.
This rapidly changing aurora flowed through the night sky.
At this point, Jet stopped because she felt that the aurora seemed to be sending her some kind
of message.
Could it be the voice of the aurora fairy, the Fir Chlis? But she didn’t sense any presence similar
to that of a fairy.
Or was the sound coming from the direction of the tomb? Jet turned around to look at the
entrance to the dim cave. The red light that flickered inside was probably the torch in the depths
of the cave. However, that light was subtly similar to the colour of a bloodstone, also known as
“Fir Chlis’ blood”.
Without knowing how many trees he sped through, Edgar finally arrived at the town that faced
the sea. The night sky of the early summer was still somewhat bright, but there were no people
on the road.
He got out of the carriage outside the town and walked alone on the road leading to the sea.
There was a crossroad at the end of the path, and that was where they designated it.
Walking out of the mixed woods, a vast sea appeared before his eyes. The dark slimy sea was
frozen, and only the sound of the waves proved that it was just an ordinary sea.
There was a lone small light at sea; was it a boat light, or a bridge light?
After a moment's walk, Edgar saw the crossroad appear up ahead.
There weren’t any buildings around the crossing, and the view on the straight road was
excellent. One could tell at a glance whether or not Edgar had followed instructions to come
alone.
There was a carriage stopped at the side of the crossing. A middle-year-old man standing next
to the carriage saw Edgar and stopped, then asked: “Are you Earl Ashenbert?”
“Yes.”
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“This way.”
The man motioned Edgar to get in the carriage.
“Is Lydia alright?”
“My apologies, I was merely instructed to take you to the designated place.”
That is to say, even if Edgar strangled him, he wouldn’t obtain any information. Perhaps the man
really was only in charge of what was given to him.
It looks like he can only do as they say. As soon as Edgar got into the carriage, the man
hurriedly sat next to Edgar, as if to block the door. The window of the carriage was nailed
securely with wooden planks, so that the outside scenery couldn’t be seen at all.
After a while, the carriage stopped.
"Please pardon me, now I must blindfold you.”
The man said that Edgar had to get out of the carriage without seeing the outside. Immediately
afterwards, two other men who had been waiting there came forward, and they each walked
beside him, grabbing his arms.
The sound of the waves was beside him. Edgar climbed up a flight of stairs, and guessed that
he probably boarded a ship. The floor and columns gave off the smell of corrosion-resistant oil,
which was unique to a ship.
When the blindfold was removed, Edgar found himself walking into a narrow room with no
windows. Sure enough, he still couldn’t tell what it looked like outside. Only the ship’s swaying
and the vibrations of the steam-driven machinery could be felt.
The middle-aged man in the carriage, side by side with two other men, continued to monitor
Edgar at the entrance of the room. Stretching their backs and sitting down in chairs, they were
motionless even if the ship jolted, as if they were hiding fairly strong muscles underneath their
large robes.
Edgar thought that it was too reckless to attack them without any weapons, and that it was
meaningless to resist prior to seeing Lydia.
So, he calmly rested in the room. But even so, those men did not relax in the slightest.
How long has it been on this ship? Being inside the ship, where the outside can’t be seen, I
can’t rely on my own intuition.
When they finally arrived somewhere, Edgar was blindfolded again and disembarked through
the bridge of the ship. As he got on the carriage, what the port sailor said floated into Edgar’s
ear.
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He vaguely heard them mention the words “Isle of Wight”. Soon the carriage set off, and the
noise of the wheels overcame the sound of the port, but the words “Isle of Wight” had given
Edgar considerably important information.
This was an island south of Southampton. It should be right in terms of distance. Was Lydia
brought to this island as well?
In other words, does the organization of the man named Teran have a stronghold here?
All along, Edgar felt that the guys who appeared at the Amber house weren’t the same as the
current men who lead him here.
Whether it was the false David or his subordinates, they weren’t under strict management. They
gave the impression that they were forced to obey or were bewitched.
If these men belonged to another organization, then what was their purpose? Or was the goal
Lydia’s abilities? But then they wouldn’t have to call Edgar over.
As Edgar pondered, the carriage stopped again. Perhaps this place, which wasn’t too far from
the port, was the destination this time. Edgar, who got off the carriage still blindfolded, seemingly
entered the interior of a building.
The sensation of a velvet rug was felt under his feet, and from the coughs and other echoes of
quiet sounds, the ceiling of this place was rather high, and seemed to be a very luxurious
building.
As soon as Edgar’s blindfold was removed again, he found himself in a salon-like room. Sitting
in a leather-wrapped armchair, Edgar seemed like a guest treated by his master, but there was
a man standing on each side. It was clear that in the event Edgar made any sudden
movements, they would immediately hold him down.
The curtains in the room were tightly drawn. It should still be dark outside. The interior was lit
with oil lamps, but in this spacious salon, only Edgar’s surroundings were illuminated. The
vaguely visible arches and majestic stone pillars in the depths of the room, as well as the walls
decorated with artworks, were shrouded in darkness.
After waiting for a while, the door finally opened, and a surprisingly young man appeared. He
was dressed in plain clothes similar to those of other men, and it appeared that he likely wasn’t
the person of significance who called Edgar.
“It was discourteous to bring you over so late. Earl Ashenbert, long time no see.”
“Who might you be?”
Naturally, he couldn’t remember.
“Have you forgotten?”
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“I’ve lost my memory in an accident. That is why I’m terribly sorry but I do not think I will
remember even if you were to introduce yourself.”
He knew nothing about the other person’s status or identity. But he intuitively felt that the other
person was very polite to him, so he adopted a corresponding attitude as well.
“...... Amnesia? Really?”
“It’s true.”
But the other person still appeared doubtful.
“Then do you still remember Lydia?”
Edgar felt slightly frustrated hearing him call out Lydia’s name affectionately. This man has
known Lydia for a long time? Weren't they the ones who kidnapped Lydia to threaten Edgar?
Why?
Edgar decided to grasp the current situation carefully while observing the young man before
him. He has a good physique like the other men and his hair was very short. Although he didn’t
appear to be boorish, he ought to have been somewhat tough. It was likely that the men here
weren’t far apart in either division of labor or status.
Who are they, and what is this place? If he knew these points, then he could understand the
hidden intentions behind this conversation. That way, he could also come up with the best way
to control the situation.
“I’ve stayed with Lydia before and after I lost my memories. So although I cannot remember
things of the past, Lydia is still a close friend of mine.”
“Friends......huh.”
He looked somewhat distressed and frowned.
“More importantly, Lydia is okay, right? Let me see her.”
“I still have one thing I want to confirm with you.”
He was very calm. Although it wasn’t a sense of pressure, the men surrounding Edgar were
affected by his solemn tension. Edgar understood that even if he changed the subject, it would
be difficult to make him go according to his pace.
“Earl, if you have lost your memories, this would mean that you have forgotten about your
loyalty towards our master, correct?”
Loyalty? To the master of these men?
At this point, Edgar suddenly came to realize.
These people here do not belong to Teran’s organization. Edgar originally thought they were
simply well-trained soldiers, and perhaps the truth was just as he thought.
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They were soldiers. Genuine ones.

And this was the Isle of Wight, plus the distance from the port to this place…
This wouldn’t be...... Queen Victoria’s temporary palace --- the Osborne House, right?
If that was the case, then they had absolutely nothing to do with that organization. And if the one
looking for Edgar was the master of this place......
What on earth have I done?
Could I have done something that would make someone question my loyalty as a noble?
Although he didn’t remember at all, if he truly did offend the master of this place, then it would
be within reason to sever ties with the Sylvainford family.
Whether it was him being in the prime of his youth or for some other reason, could it be that he
used a pseudonym to do something rebellious? Was that why he couldn’t return home?
Edgar thought in a panic.
But under these circumstances, he fell in love with Lydia. Having heard from Raven,, it seems
that he didn’t allow anyone to hurt her.
Judging from his determination to protect her, he probably turned over a new leaf later on. Even
if the Queen were to investigate his past crimes, she would not be able to involve Lydia.
“Hold on. I can’t remember what I did.”
At this time, Edgar’s eyes fell on the arched door leading to the depths of the salon. There was
the presence of someone inside of the door curtain. Edgar vaguely felt that he knew the person
standing in the darkness where the light couldn’t reach.
The blue rose brooch she was wearing was probably made of turquoise. The brooch slightly
reflected the light even in the darkness, highlighting its own existence.
“But Lydia has nothing to do with this. If I have committed any crime in the past, please punish
only me.”
Edgar paid attention to the woman in the depths of the room while defending himself to the
young man in front of him.
“You said that she has nothing to do with this? Even if you can’t remember anything?”
“Even if I don’t remember, I know this. Lydia, she couldn’t have been involved in my stupid
actions. If I had known earlier that Lydia would experience something terrible, I would have
abandoned my desires!”
Although he didn’t know why he persisted until this point, Edgar still shouted.
When he returned to his senses, he had already stood up from his chair, and the men on either
side quickly stepped forward to subdue him. Edgar’s shoulders were pushed down by them, and
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before he was pressed down to the floor, he looked directly at the female figure behind the
curtain and knelt down.
“Your Majesty the Queen.”
The woman standing there was hardly surprised, and was not afraid of this man who was
suspected to be plotting a rebellion, as she watched him silently.
“If you doubt my loyalty, please punish me alone.”
Edgar lowered his head, and the men who pressed him down let go. It ought to have been the
Queen who instructed them to do so.
She came out calmly from behind the curtain. As she walked out from the arched door to the
middle of the salon, the petite outline appeared before his eyes.
Although she wore a gray mask, the blue rose on her chest was glistening even more by the
light. Despite not remembering anything, Edgar still intuitively felt that it was proof of the Queen.
“Just now, you said that Miss Lydia was your friend, right? Are you truly only friends with her?”
She slowly began to ask.
“Perhaps not.”
“Then why call her a friend?”
“Because she wished it as such, I consider her as a friend.”
Why is this...
Edgar pressed the pain in his chest.
Could this be love? Although he thought he knew what love was, his current feelings did not
seem to coincide with his perception of love from thirteen years ago. It wasn’t the same feeling
as wanting to take the other person for himself. This feeling was so tender, warm and
affectionate. He merely wanted to do his utmost to protect her.
It was because he didn’t want to lose Lydia that he decided not to become her lover. Yet despite
being such a person so important to him, deep down, there was a trace of reluctance to be her
friend.
The reason for this contradiction was clear. Because Lydia wasn’t a noble.
No, this viewpoint was wrong from the start. Why is it that because she isn’t a noble, that I have
to desperately maintain self-control while painfully longing for her?
“As long as it’s Miss Lydia’s wish, will you go and achieve it?”
“Yes.”
Edgar, who answered this question, finally came to a conclusion. He already understood what
Lydia expected.
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“Will you die for her?”

“Yes.”
Edgar didn’t hesitate. He originally came for this reason.
“Then I accept that.”
Nico used his round paws to pick up the gold-rimmed teacup, raised his whiskers as he leisurely
enjoyed the fragrance of the tea, and narrowed his eyes.
“The quality of the tea is very good.”
“You can tell?”
“Of course. I’m a gentleman after all. This is the new Darjeeling tea, and it was made perfectly.”
He said proudly, and took another sip of tea.
Lydia sat on the velvet sofa with a preoccupied mind.
Yesterday, she was brought here overnight. The other person did not give a word of explanation,
and only arranged a room for her to rest. But someone was guarding outside the door the entire
night, and she couldn’t escape.
The room was luxurious enough to rival London’s high-end hotels, and Lydia, who was already
rather tired, couldn’t help but fall asleep as she lay on the cozy bed.
By the time she woke up, it was already late into the morning, and the maid on the side, who
was waiting to be summoned, immediately appeared to change Lydia into a new dress. This
dress was the like the ones that Lydia wore when socializing with aristocratic women in the
Ashenbert house in London. It was made from generous amounts of fabric that were quite
comfortable to the touch, and it was the kind of dress for a Countess as it wasn’t particularly
luxurious but stood out in a dignified way.
Lydia was then brought to the tea room.
The abundant sunlight came in from the enormous window, and the white wallpaper made it
brighter. The lace curtains swayed gently in the wind, and on the tablecloths embroidered with
flowers were the same flower-patterned tea set and colorful pastries.
“No matter how you look at it, this place doesn’t seem like a hiding spot for the Prince’s
organization.”
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“Yes. They don’t like flower patterns or anything of that sort.”

However if that was the case, then she had absolutely no idea on who brought her here. Was it
better or worse than being caught by the organization? She couldn’t judge solely from the
current treatment.
However, it was actually true that their nervousness was dissipating.
From the beginning, Nico had been stuffing pastries in his mouth, and it seemed that the snacks
hadn't been poisoned. Although human poison had no effect on fairies, if it could satisfy Nico’s
picky tongue, it meant that there were no strange flavors in the pastries.
As a result, Lydia herself had been drinking tea up until now. After all, even if the other person
wanted to poison the food, there was no need to go through great troubles preparing such a
luxurious afternoon tea.
“In fact Lydia, it’s quite rare for you to add lemon in your tea.”
“Yeah... I don’t know why I wanted to drink it like this today.”
The lemon aroma was able to suppress the feelings of nausea and chest tightness as well as
evoke a little appetite for the pastries.
However, she still thought about Edgar from the bottom of her heart. Did he escape safely from
the organization? If he knew Lydia had been taken away by an unknown man, he would
definitely be worried.
She clearly wanted to stay by his side, and undoubtedly couldn’t leave him.
With that in mind, Lydia sighed.
“Pardon me, may I ask if you would like more tea?”
Appearing in front of them was a well-dressed waiter in his morning attire with meticulously
combed white hair. Although the tea room is his responsibility, he probably wouldn’t answer
Lydia’s questions.
Ever since arriving here, no matter who she spoke to, she could only get a response of “I cannot
say”.
That was why Lydia was upset. She simply asked the waiter to bring tea for the cat, but she
didn’t expect him to bring the tea obediently. It seemed that within a certain extent, the other
person would still obey Lydia’s request.
“Oh, if you would please.”
Nico answered gracefully. The waiter probably didn’t think the cat was talking. Nico’s voice
probably sounded more like a prank played by Lydia in his ear, but the expression on his face
did not waver as he calmly poured tea into Nico’s empty cup.
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I might be regarded as an eccentric woman by him, but so what? Does it matter what the
criminals who kidnapped the prisoner think?
“Hey, why on earth are you guys locking me up here? Who are you all? What do you want?”
Lydia asked him this question once more, which had been repeated countless times. Just when
she thought he would reply “I cannot say”, his answer changed unexpectedly.
“How could you say that you are being locked up here, I only ask that you remain here for the
time being.”
“According to your statement, I can leave as I please?”
“Miss, I’m afraid it’s best that you don’t do that, if you knew the truth, then you would think so.”
Is this a threat? Lydia was somewhat angry.
“So when are you going to tell me the truth?”
“My deepest apologies, I’m not too sure about this.”
“Let me tell you.”
Someone stood at the entrance to the tea room.
Seeing that the other person was someone she knew, Lydia couldn’t help but stand up from her
chair.
The young man, who had short hair and a sturdy physique, softened his expression the moment
he saw Lydia.
“Billy......!”
“I think I can more or less tell you some things you want to know. Would you be willing for me to
sit down and have tea with you?”
“Well, um yes, please.”
Billy was a soldier who served as the Queen’s guard. Him being here meant...... what’s going on
here? Could this building be an army facility? No, it shouldn’t be. What’s more, Billy was not
wearing a military uniform, and was only wearing a frock coat.
In other words, he came as the Queen’s unofficial messenger this time.
Thinking of the Queen, even Lydia straightened her back.
Billy sat down at the table, and the white-haired waiter brought his tea and left the room. Just as
Lydia was hesitating about what to ask, Billy began to speak.
“Not long after you all disappeared from London, we began to investigate the whereabouts of
Earl Ashenbert in secret. A few days ago, we finally found his trail on the list of passenger ships
from New York to England. At the same time, we also knew that you were traveling with him. It’s
just that your reported name wasn’t Countess Ashenbert, but Miss Carlton.”
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“Oh that, it’s because Edgar lost his memories. Right now, he doesn’t remember that he is
married, and due to circumstances, we can’t let him recall his past.”
Perhaps Billy did not understand after hearing that. But he probably thought he was not in a
position to have to understand Lydia and her complicated circumstances, so without asking any
questions, he continued to explain.
“Her Majesty had previously accepted the Earl’s counsel. He said that if by any chance there is
a day where someone who bears a striking resemblance to the Earl arrives, as long as you
weren’t traveling with him as his wife, then that person would not be him. Furthermore, he
absolutely could not be allowed to approach Her Majesty.”
He was referring to the Prince. It must have been because Edgar considered the possibility of
becoming the Prince that he provided counsel to the Queen.
“That is why we must confirm whether or not he is the true Earl. We thought in the case that he
was a dangerous person who merely had a similar appearance, we would have to save you, so
we tried to get in contact with you.”
“Get in contact with me? I haven’t noticed anything.”
“We were planning to separate you from him, but we failed at Southampton. We almost forgot
about the Earl family’s outstanding attendant.”
It’s the man who showed up at the hotel. So he wasn’t Teran’s subordinate.
“Then, this time at the Amber residence? You were all quite aware of the underground passages
there.”
“Is that not the underground passage left by the former monastery? Although the building above
ground was destroyed, the map of the underground remained in the hands of the royal family.”
In the past, when the king ordered the dissolution of the monastery and the confiscation of
religious property, the buildings were thoroughly searched in order not to prevent the valuables
from being hidden. And the map should have been left there at that time.
No wonder they knew about the fork in the road that even the people of the mansion did not
know about.
“Then can I return now?”
Lydia wanted to go back to Edgar’s side quickly, and hurried to the conclusion.
“As long as I can guarantee that Edgar isn’t a dangerous person, then I can, right?”
Billy, however, looked troubled.
“Whether or not he is a dangerous person is up to us to decide. We believe that there is a
possibility that you’re being deceived by him.”
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“That’s impossible. I know him better than anyone. Although Edgar lost his memory, he values
me as much as he did in the past. He is still undoubtedly Her Majesty’s loyal subject!”
To Lydia, who stood up and desperately explained, Billy also suddenly stood up, but he simply
put his hand on his shoulder and bowed his head.
What’s going on? Lydia suddenly came to her senses and looked back, only to see a lady in a
light blue dress standing behind her.
“Long time no see, Countess Ashenbert.”
“......Your Majesty the Queen.”
Lydia bent her knee in a hurry and curtsied.
She was a little worried about whether or not her dress was appropriate for the occasion, but
upon recalling that the dress and hairstyle the maid prepared for her was perfect, she felt
relieved.
“Sit down, there’s no need to be courteous.”
“Ye–yes. Please excuse me.”
Compared to Lydia’s nervousness, Nico yawned calmly in his chair. Despite calling himself a
gentleman frequently, he was also able to play the role of a good cat now. He jumped off the
chair with all four legs and abandoned Lydia.
“Thank you, William. Leave it to me to explain it to the Countess later.”
After Billy also left the room, only Lydia and the Queen remained, sitting across from each other.
Lydia stared at her hand that was on her lap absentmindedly, until her gaze fell on the
serpentine bracelet on her wrist. At that moment, she remembered the first thing she was
planning to do when she returned to London, and so she looked up.
“Umm, Your Majesty. Thank you very much for lending me this important bracelet. As we could
not return to London yet, we have been late in repaying you.”
“Have you been to the fairy kingdom?”
After taking the bracelet, the Queen fiddled around with it with high spirits. Although this was a
valuable treasure inherited from her ancestors, she probably wasn’t aware of how mysterious it
was.
“Yes. Although the inhabitants are only fairies, to this day, they still have great respect for Your
Majesty as the monarch of the Earl family.”
Other than that, I wonder if this should be revealed to Her Majesty, Lydia hesitated. She couldn’t
make irresponsible remarks about the inside information regarding Edgar and the Prince’s
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organization, but she couldn’t lie either. Would hiding this from Her Majesty be considered a
crime of deceiving the monarch?
“Regarding the battle of Britain’s future you will be facing directly, I will calmly observe the
changes from the side. This was what the Earl and I agreed upon.”
Seemingly aware of Lydia’s reluctance, the Queen began to speak.
“The fairy kingdom, the royal family sent countless fleets out to sea to investigate this place, but
they were all unable to find it. Yet the evidence indicates that it exists, and you have all been
there. Whether it’s the current situation there or the disputes pertaining to that place, even if you
report them to me, I cannot make a judgment. What’s more, letting someone unfamiliar with
fairies interject can only make things worse. It won’t matter as long as we grasp the final
outcome.”
The Queen said and gazed at Lydia.
“I simply have to protect you. The Earl once said that if he fails this time, we might face war.
Until then, I’m afraid that only you, Lady Ibrazel, are our key to victory. Those requests he made
to me in the past, I ought to understand it as such, right?”
Lydia did not know what Edgar had asked of the Queen. However, Edgar should have spoken to
the Queen after considering every kind of possibility as well as Lydia.
Then Lydia must also protect Edgar in this meeting with the Queen. Sweeping away doubts,
such as Billy’s about Edgar, was Lydia’s duty.
“To say that I might be the key to victory, that must be because Edgar is by my side. Without
Edgar, I cannot be strong. Without him making me the Countess of the fairy kingdom, Ibrazel,
without him letting me see the New World, I would just be a useless country girl.”
The Queen narrowed her eyes gently. She turned away and gazed towards the distance.
“Ever since Earl Ashenbert appeared with the sword of Edward I, I’ve always thought, that
beautiful and bright young man, is he truly the child of the fairy kingdom’s Earl, or someone
else......”
The Queen spoke halfway, then gazed at Lydia, as if to confirm her reaction.
“Is he not the survivor of the Sylvainford family?”
Lydia was startled, and this disturbance might have even showed up on her face.
“In the past, there have been rumors that the Sylvainford dukedom was planning a rebellion.
Although it turned out to be nothing more than a rumor, I was suspicious of the fact that the
timing of their family’s death was incidental and a coincidence at the time.”
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Lydia didn’t expect the topic to lead to this aspect. Perhaps Edgar’s fate was controlled by
Lydia’s words. With that in mind, Lydia couldn’t help but tremble.
“The duke’s eldest son was about twelve or thirteen years old at the time, exactly the same age
as Earl Ashenbert. If the child were still alive, wouldn’t the family’s death be a national
conspiracy? Although the Duke had no intention of plotting a rebellion, there appeared to be a
gang approaching the dukedom with impure motives during that time. If by any chance those
people escorted the Duke’s son......”
“No, Edgar and the Duke are both innocent!”
Lydia blurted out without a second thought, surprising herself into a cold sweat, but it was
already too late to regret it.
Although the Queen seemed to be talking to Lydia about some dubious rumors, she probably
determined that Edgar was the son of the Sylvainford family long ago, otherwise she wouldn’t
have told Lydia.
If this was the case, then Lydia could only turn this fact into an advantage for Edgar. After she
made up her mind, she sat up straighter.
“He always wanted to prove his father’s innocence. Therefore currently, as the Blue Knight Earl,
he is doing his utmost to fight for the country. And Edgar absolutely won’t hand me over to the
enemy.”
Muddling through, Lydia spoke to the Queen.
“I might already be carrying a child. This is Edgar’s child, so I cannot lose him... if Your Majesty
can put me to good use, then Edgar would be the same.”
“He lost his memory, could it be that he doesn’t know you are his wife?”
“It’s just as you said. But we had no choice but to make him forget the past, which is our way of
protecting the fairy kingdom.”
The Queen probably found it hard to understand, and her brows furrowed without asking Lydia
for details.
“I beg you. Please don’t ask him anything about the Sylvainford family, he was just a child who
didn’t know anything at the time, and was abducted by the people who wanted to frame the
Duke’s family. But after that disaster, he knew the man who had strong feelings of rebelling
against Your Majesty, and he knew that the other person intended to exploit the magic of the
fairies. That’s why he was determined to fight as the Blue Knight Earl.”
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“What about you? Do you think that this is possible? In the Earl’s eyes, your status not only fell
to the level of being an acquaintance, but also an unmarried woman who will soon give birth to a
child?”
“As long as he can live, I can endure anything.”
Lydia thought over what she had just said. That’s right, even though he isn’t the same as before,
there is no need to be sad. Because she was going to give birth to a child of the man who gave
up midway.
“We originally thought it was necessary to test whether or not this Earl, who was different from
before, was still on our side.”
After a moment’s silence, the Queen began to speak again.
“That is why our plan was to keep you safe first, and then see if he will respond to our conditions
and come alone. If by any chance the Earl is no longer innocent, then he will be indifferent even
if he abandons you.”
“Eh, a condition? Then Edgar, he......”
He’s already here? If he didn’t come, then he would be seen as abandoning Lydia, but that
would not happen.
“He told me he would die for you, and you said that as long as he lives then it’s okay. You are
the heirs to the name of the Blue Knight Earl, and the fairy doctor of the fairy kingdom. Perhaps
you are valuable to me.”
Speaking softly, the Queen smiled slightly.
“How about having a stroll in the courtyard? It's a nice day today, and a good opportunity to
appreciate the roses.”
Edgar also came to this mansion. I’ll see him soon. Convinced of this, Lydia hurried over to the
courtyard.
By the wall of the low fence with blooming roses, a bench was placed underneath the flower
arch. Lydia sat down on the bench and waited for a moment.
Little birds were chasing the slowly flowing white clouds, singing and flying in the sky, the
butterflies fluttered among the flowers, and the air was filled with the smell of roses.
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Since it was too quiet, Lydia thought for a moment, “can I really see Edgar?” It was an uneasy
thought, but she had second thoughts that he would definitely appear, and continued to wait
patiently.
Now, as long as she wanted to see him, she didn’t want to think about anything else.
After a while, she turned her eyes by chance and saw a tall figure surrounded by a low fence.
The bright blond hair glittered in the sun. He was always so dazzling, Lydia recalled how it felt
as if she was standing under the sun when she stood by his side.
Furthermore, the Earl residence in London was the sunshine that shielded Lydia from the wind
and rain. Whether it was a foggy day, a rainy day, or a blizzard night.
That moment would no longer come. Perhaps the price of her desire to become pregnant was
the end of their life as a married couple.
If she wasn’t pregnant, Lydia could still fantasize that Edgar would propose to her one day, but it
was impossible now. If Edgar couldn’t regain his memories, then it was impossible. But that was
exactly what Lydia tried to prevent by all means.
However, she would definitely be able to move forward positively. Lydia slowly stood up and
walked in Edgar’s direction.
Perhaps Edgar noticed the sound of footsteps, as he turned around. Seeing Lydia, he smiled
happily. He took large strides towards Lydia as well.
Lydia sped up, becoming increasingly anxious, but in-between the rush, she stepped on the
hem of her dress, which was more intricate and gorgeous than usual.
Lydia, who had lost her balance, saw that she was about to fall, and Edgar quickly reached out
to catch her.
“Isn’t that dangerous? You almost fell.”
Lydia sighed in relief, while recalling that she was carrying a child now. She couldn’t run around
like she used to.
“How troublesome, I really am reckless.”
After standing upright, Lydia hurriedly left Edgar’s arm. It was as if by touching each other’s
bodies, the boundary of being friends would break.
“Lydia, I missed you so much to the point of dying.”
Edgar ignored Lydia's self-control and drew closer to her face, looking into her eyes.
“I thought you were a rose fairy. You’re so beautiful.”
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He was the kind of person who would say words of love and not blush or gasp. However, Lydia
hadn’t put on such a great dress or done her hair so gracefully in a long time, so she was a little
shy, but smiled slightly at him.
“I also...... wanted to see you.”
“Then can I embrace you?”
Edgar was pushing his luck like he used to in the past. Lydia suddenly came to her senses and
hurriedly shook her head.
“Eh, n--no you can’t.”
But Lydia had already been embraced by him before she finished her words. Her body couldn’t
help but become stiff, but Edgar just held her in his arms even tighter.
The body temperature of the area where the two of them touched, this wasn’t an embrace
between friends, but unexpectedly, Edgar let go of her not long after embracing her.
“Thank you.”
Edgar said with a satisfied smile.
“Um...... you’re welcome.”
“It seems that I must touch you. It’s like a wilted flower without water. Finally been brought back
to life.”
He said this in an earnest tone, pulling Lydia’s hand and pressing it to his face.
Lydia felt that this was not the distance they had kept as friends for some time. Being gazed at
warmly by him, she couldn’t help but blush.
He took her hand and walked up the path full of blooming roses.
“That’s right, Edgar, how is the Amber family?”
To dispel the love-filled atmosphere, Lydia brought out a subject that she was somewhat
concerned about previously.
“Everyone is okay. I don’t think the organization will be clinging to the mansion and the Amber
family’s assets any more. After all, the false David is dead.”
In other words, after they were separated, Edgar and the others encountered a life-or-death
battle with the false David. Just thinking about it was frightening, but Edgar was here now, which
meant that they’d won.
“Are Raven and Kelly all right?”
“Of course.”
“That’s good.”
“The Amber family will definitely be able to pull together and work through the difficulties.”
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The fairies were on their side too. As for what to do about David, it was going to be the Amber
family’s own problem. All Lydia could do is expose the truth.
“Ah, I almost forgot. Lauren gave me what you left behind.”
Stopping, Edgar pulled something out from his pocket. Lying in his open palm wasn’t a
carnation, but a foxglove brooch.
“She said she hoped to see you again one day.”
“But this is...”
“She said that this is yours. Because it’s a flower you remember, she wanted to exchange it with
you.”
On the brooch is a pure-white lace flower, but in Lydia’s memories, the foxglove was a bright
red.
It was the memory of when Edgar was brought back from the organization, the night that the two
of them were alone.
“Am I in your memories too?”
Lydia couldn’t help but blush. She hurriedly turned away, but Edgar pinned the brooch on her
lapels and smiled faintly.
“It would be great if that was the case, would it be too brazen for me to think like this? But no
matter what I think, I feel my relationship with you is closer than that of friends.”
Even though Lydia lowered her head, it was hard to hide her burning hot ears and neck. But
even so, she had no intention of running away from Edgar.
“You are the daughter of my teacher. But if it was only that kind of relationship, wouldn’t it be too
strange for us to go through an endless journey together and overcome several crises?
Because our lives should have been so different. ”
“It’s because I collapsed, and was being pursued on top of that......”
“You always say that but I actually don’t think it’s a troublesome burden.”
Speaking words of flattery, his face had a gentle and serene smile.
“Perhaps it’s because I have no memories. I feel like you’ve been there for me ever since I was
conscious. On top of that, having you, who can see fairies, by my side, many mysterious things
have happened. Gradually, I took all of this for granted.”
He took Lydia’s hand and walked forward again. Although their hands touched, compared to
staring directly at each other, Lydia felt that she was able to keep her composure.
“I can’t imagine life without you.”
But his words were so affectionate that Lydia’s heart couldn’t help but skip a beat.
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“In the future, even if I return to the residence at the outskirts of London where I apparently used
to live, can I really have a sense of belonging without you? I could even go as far as to say that
even if I return to Sylvainford, I’m afraid I’ll think that it won’t be my home.”
“How could that be, you are the heir to the dukedom. I can’t thank you enough for how you’ve
been so kind to me.”
But Edgar forcefully shook his head like a child.
“Whether it was on the ship or after we arrived at the port, we always saw each other and ate
together. These have already become a part of my life. If this kind of life were to end one day,
then it doesn’t matter whether it’s London or the Sylvainford house, as I’d rather not go back.”
How is this any good? Lydia was so flustered that she wasn’t able to answer, and couldn’t help
but lower her head.
Edgar was about to realize that the feelings between them weren’t that of friends, which was
frightening.
Lydia fell silent, and so did he. As if the natural pause was to appreciate the flowers, he looked
quietly at the roses.
After a moment, he seemed to suddenly recall something, and began to speak.
“Lydia, are you bearing anything difficult?”
The reason why he asked this was because he remembered Lydia crying as she walked, before
they parted in the woods.
“I guess it’s because of your fiancé?”
“Eh......w--why do you say that?”
“If I’m thinking too much into it, then I’d like to apologize to you. But you told me before that you
didn’t want to marry him, right? So I was wondering whether or not you were worried about what
happened with him.”
I can’t be too reliant on him. Lydia warned herself.
“Edgar, a friend of the opposite sex has to pay more attention with not being too interested in
one’s private life compared to friends of the same sex. I think you’re right about that.”
In order to remain by his side, for Edgar, and even for Lydia herself, a certain distance was
necessary.
“I don’t want to give you even more trouble.”
Not expecting Lydia to reply that way, he suddenly stopped and turned to face her.
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“That’s not it. None of what I said before is true. If you’re worried, then I might be able to help a
little depending on the situation... no, I should say no matter the situation, I hope to become
your strength. Could you rely on me a little more as a man? Just a little more.”
Lydia couldn’t look away from his earnest ash-mauve eyes.
I truly am a happy and spoiled person. For Lydia’s sake, he actually accepted the threat of the
other person to come here alone. And he also told the Queen that he was willing to die for
Lydia.
Even if he had forgotten everything, he still had no doubt that Lydia was someone close to him.
“No, that’s not what I’m trying to say.”
His voice and the grip on her hand strengthened a little.
“Even though I carefully went to the forest to meet up with you, you were gone. I’m here to fulfill
your wish to meet again. Now that your wish has come true, you should listen to my wish, right?”
At that time Lydia stuck to him and begged to see him again. Once the two separated, not being
able to see each other again was more frightening than anything else, so Lydia couldn’t help but
be afraid.
“Ah...... well, it was because I was very uneasy at the time that I......”
“I don’t want to try to be your friend any more.”
He interrupted Lydia and asserted as such.
“Your abilities as a fairy doctor are also necessary for Her Majesty. That’s why they tested
whether or not I, who was by your side, was loyal and reliable enough. But I want to obtain your
trust more than Her Majesty’s. I hope you believe that no matter what happens, I am willing to
protect you, willing to bring you happiness.”
“I believe you.”
“What I want is more.”
“More?”
“I want to marry you.”
Lydia was so surprised that she was speechless for a moment.
“Marr......?”
“It’s marriage. It means being a couple, meeting each other day and night, eating together, and
having children.”
Children. But for Edgar, this child may not be his own.
“Ho–hold on. I’m not a noble.”
171
172
Lydia suddenly took a step back. Although this wasn’t a big problem in reality, this was all she
could say now.
“Do you dislike becoming a noble? It’s fine if you’re the same as you are now, nothing will
change. Whether it’s in London or Scotland, as long as you like it, you can live anywhere, ah,
the way of being addressed will change slightly. After marriage, your title won’t only be
“Madam”, there will be such minor troubles.”
Even if I forget everything, I will propose to you again. This was Edgar’s promise to her. He
didn’t break that promise.
However, he still wasn’t aware about Lydia being pregnant.
That was why marriage was certainly impossible. Either way, he will drop the proposal.
“I’m serious. This definitely isn’t a joke. I hope you can believe this at the very least.”
Although Lydia felt happy, she couldn’t help but lament.
Francis lay on the icy slate. He was so sore that he couldn’t move. The taste of blood drifted in
his mouth.
He ran to attack the guard in order to escape to the sewers, and although he was sent to the
basement as expected, the attempt to find a chance to jump into the waterway failed.
This was because he saw a fence filled with barbed wires ahead of the water current, and in the
event Ermine missed the opportunity to save him, he would be flushed away towards the fence,
and would definitely become a meat skewer.
There were presumably many people who tried to escape by jumping into the canal, but they
had all become meat skewers.
Therefore he, who missed the chance to escape, was ruthlessly beaten with a whip and
collapsed onto the floor of the basement.
If I had known earlier I would have jumped. Having reached this point, Francis thought
regretfully. If he entered the water, Ermine could have pulled him into the fairy realm in an
instant. Being locked up in an underground prison like this, now there was absolutely no way.
The sound of footsteps came from outside the prison, then something was thrown into the gaps
of the prison bars, but Francis was exhausted and didn’t even have the strength to move.
173
It was food. He faintly smelled the food. It appeared that the other person still wanted to
preserve his life.
At that moment, a voice came from behind the thin wall.
“Hey, if you eat that, then it’s over.”
Perhaps the other person was imprisoned like he was, as his voice was very weak.
“It’s......poisonous, huh.”
Francis barely managed to squeeze out his voice and ask.
“How should I say it, it’s something similar to poison. As soon as you take a bite of that thing,
you’ll immediately become the organization’s prop. You’d be willing to do anything to obtain the
medicine. I’ve already seen many people become like that with my own eyes.”
Was it a drug that created dependence like opium? But because the organization used it,
perhaps it was some other special drug.
“Then inside your food......”
“It’s in there too, so I won’t eat it.”
Francis raised his head carefully. Struggling to lean his upper body against the wall, he gasped
deeply. In front of the cell, there was a bowl of soup with bread crumbs floating in it.
“You said you’ve seen it...... how long have you been here without eating or drinking?”
“I spent three days licking the water seeping out from the walls.”
Is this a joke? Francis looked around the walls, but he’d rather die than lick the greasy, wet
stone walls that reflected the torches of the prison passage.
“Only three days? You shouldn’t have been able to see what was happening in other prisons
from here, right?”
But the man across the wall smiled helplessly.
“I’m the one who added the drugs to everyone’s meals. To use you guys that were brought here
as experiments. I was originally a doctor’s assistant...... However, after the drug was completed,
I was cast aside by them. After all, the fewer people who know secrets, the better, right?”
“Completed...... you say?”
“In other words, we invented something that works pretty well. Although many people died from
the initial pain of the drug, they were particularly comfortable when they survived - before the
drug took effect.”
So in order to obtain new drugs, the affected person was forced to obey the organization.
“If you don’t continue taking the drugs, you’ll die?”
174
“Yes, you’ll writhe in pain, then die. But if you continue to take the drug, you will eventually die
as your body crumbles. I don’t want to die in such a tragic way. Starving to death would be much
better. ”
Francis trembled in fear.
If the experiment had been repeated many times, would those drugs be effective against a
human like Francis? A human who could eliminate bad things from the body due to the
influence of fairy magic, for example, Edgar as well, who was the Prince.
But because the Prince couldn’t exactly be killed, they took advantage of a disposable person
like Francis.
“......The meals only in this underground prison are poisoned?”
Francis asked cautiously.
“It’s only here. But it’s not only the food. “You’ve been tortured by them, right? During the
interrogation, the water they hypocritically gave you also had some in it.”
I drank it. Francis was so taken aback that he suddenly forgot about the pain all over his body
and stood up at once. But as expected, his feet couldn’t move, and he fell down soon
afterwards.
Even if he tried to vomit, he couldn’t vomit the water that he drank a long time ago.
“Isn’t it taking effect by now?”
Hearing someone speak, Francis suddenly lifted his head and saw Teran standing outside of the
iron bars.
“What are you planning to do to me? Didn’t I already tell you guys everything you wanted to
know?!”
Hmph, Teran laughed disdainfully.
“I still have much more to ask you. “You’re holding the Earl family’s red moonstone, correct?”
“Is that what the dragon egg told you?”
“Seems like you still have the strength to talk. Since you hold the moon, you should be affected
by magic. Now, the final step of completing this drug is to test whether or not it works on you.”
The final step? Testing the poison?
“If it has an effect on you, then it can be used on that woman.”
He’s talking about Lydia......?
“That woman seems to be holding something very important.”
No, I can’t let him lay a hand on her.
Francis tried to move his legs with all his strength again, but they wouldn’t budge.
175
And his limbs began to grow numb. Francis seemingly saw the illusion of countless needles
piercing his fingertips.
Within the pain of losing his sense of self, he had no choice but to pray.
Edgar, you have to protect Lydia.
......Protect her and the child.
176

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Hakushaku To Yousei - Book 29 - With the aurora’s protection on thy chest

Chapter 1 - A new trial 3

Chapter 2 - The elderly sisters from the run-down mansion 26

Chapter 3 - The secrets of the dark forest 49

Chapter 4 - Feelings forever unrequited 80

Chapter 5 - The faceless man 111

Chapter 6 - When darkness draws near 132

Chapter 7 - The aurora’s remaining flame 151

Author: Mizue Tani

Please do not share or redistribute our work. Thank you!

As stated by Mizue Tani, Hakushaku to Yousei is a work of fiction. Any references to

This unofficial English translation is brought to you by Daydream Translations. We do

Chapter 1 - A new trial

“What did you say, Raven?”

However, Francis quietly waved Edgar over with a look of reluctance.

“Besides, I think it’s fine to continue being Earl Ashenbert.”

“Would it? They’re usually quite welcoming of me. ”

Chapter 2 - The elderly sisters from the run-down mansion

“It depends on how we ask.”

“What happened Nico? They are?”

“That, isn’t that something someone dropped?”

Lydia hurriedly grabbed her dress and curtsied.

“Oh, of marriageable age.”

Chapter 3 - The secrets of the dark forest

“To my dear daughter, Lydia.”

“What about you Edgar, do you have any plans?”

Lydia was here just now?

“Hey Raven, what did you find?”

(Soon...... soon we will be able to meet......)

“Did something happen?”

“Um, I don’t know either...... it ought to vary from person to person.”

“It’s Mr Darnell, right? That’s great! You’re still alive!”

Chapter 4 - Feelings forever unrequited

“Then, what’ll you do?”

“But Miss Lydia, as I thought, there’s a possibility that…”

“..You’re right. What’s passed down may be wrong.”

“What are you doing? Are you searching for something?”

As expected, her disagreement with Edgar left Lydia crestfallen.

“I’m sorry, Lauren, I…”

Chapter 5 - The faceless man

“Where did Lydia go? David...... No, Earl?”

The man sneered mockingly.

“This is...... my own problem.”

Chapter 6 - When darkness draws near

“How many are there?”

“You have a fiancé?”

“Ermine, you saved us.”

“Where’s Lydia? She can’t move?”

“Lord Edgar. Are they Teran’s comrades?”

“I hope you’ll hand this to Lydia when you meet her.”

Chapter 7 - The aurora’s remaining flame

They were soldiers. Genuine ones.

“Will you die for her?”

“Yes. They don’t like flower patterns or anything of that sort.”

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