“Did you call for me, Father?”
A few days after receiving the news that Cassion had secured the final letter of approval, for a reason I didn’t know just yet, Father called me to his office.
“Ah, you’re here.”
While I looked around the office I hadn’t visited in a long time, Father moved to sit on the sofa. Two cups of tea were already prepared on the table.
“Sit down.”
“Yes.”
I replied and sat down opposite my father.
We both drank our tea.
For a while, neither of us said anything.
I suppose the situation was awkward for my father as well, but the occasional glances he gave me suggested he had something to say.
…Well, there’s no choice then.
I guess it’s up to the less awkward one to break the silence.
“What did you want to see me for?”
“…It’s nothing much. I’ve noticed you’ve been going out a lot lately.”
“Me?”
Going out… a lot?
Now that I think about it, after the ball, I did go out a few times.
I went out a few times for the sake of securing Cassion’s letters of approval.
I met with Evelyn, and after receiving House Riddle’s approval letter, I went to see Blanca.
And then, somewhat unexpectedly, ended up having to get another letter from Blanca, so I went to see her again.
The last two times, I was able to meet up with Cassion alone, but only because I wanted to and insisted.
Really, I was just making up excuses to see him.
Maybe it was three times in total that I went out.
It wasn’t frequent, but I usually don’t go out much. So, it might seem a lot to others.
Father hastily added when I neither confirmed nor denied,
“I’m not criticizing you. You’re an adult now, and it’s your right to go out as you please.”
“Thank you. But then, why am I here…?”
If it wasn’t to scold me, then why was I summoned?
Father cleared his throat and finally got to the point.
“I heard that the Carter family’s eldest son passed the first trial on the day of the ball.”
The news had already reached him?
The nobility always had their ways of quickly circulating information. I nodded in response.
“That’s good news.”
“Yes, it is. But…”
He paused again, seemingly struggling to continue.
I realized what my father wanted to ask.
‘He’s curious about my relationship with Cassion.’
Although he had clenched his teeth and pretended to be deceived at the ball, he must already know that Cassion and Maxwell were one and the same.
Given my increased outings since then, he must suspect I’m meeting Cassion.
‘I suppose he thinks I’m meeting Cassion.’
With that thought, I feigned innocence and tilted my head.
“But why is that?”
There was no need for me to incriminate myself.
Father stared at me silently for a moment, then shook his head and looked away.
“No, it’s nothing.”
In the end, Father failed to ask about my relationship with Cassion.
Instead.
“Don’t get too deeply involved in anything too dangerous.”
He left me with a brief piece of advice.
“I only hope you aren’t putting yourself in any danger. I know I don’t have the right to say this now.”
With a murmur almost like an afterthought, I quietly watched Father before asking,
“Do you feel sorry towards me?”
The unexpected question seemed to catch my father off guard, his brow furrowing not in anger but in what looked more like pain.
Ah, was my father always so expressive?
Amidst these curious reflections, his answer came.
“Yes. I’m sorry.”
“Then, have you accepted me as your family because of that? Because you felt sorry?”
With my direct questions, Father rubbed his forehead as if in pain and shook his head.
“No, that’s not it. I merely acknowledged my own foolishness. My apology to you is just a part of that.”
Honestly, I was just as embarrassed and flushed as him.
Although I was the one asking, I never imagined having such a conversation with my father.
But I couldn’t stop.
“Does that mean it doesn’t matter to you who my mother was?”
“Yes, no matter who your mother is, you are still my child.”
It was a sort of confirmation and reassurance.
“Thank you, Father. Please don’t ever forget that sentiment.”
Just in case. Just perhaps.
In the future, even if it becomes known that Alicia and I were switched at birth, so no one gets hurt.
“Please.”
Even to my own ears, my last word sounded exceedingly earnest.
My father looked at me with a slightly puzzled expression before slowly nodding in response.
“Alright, I promise.”
* * *
A few days later, despite the comments about my frequent outings, I was on my way out again.
‘Well, I suppose I have permission to go out freely now.’
Once again, Cassion was the reason for my outing.
We both walked along a secluded path that Blanca had told us about.
Though the wind was still chilly, neither of us were particularly susceptible to the cold, so it didn’t matter.
After exchanging a few words about our well-being and daily lives, I stopped and took out something I had brought.
“Here, a gift.”
“Suddenly?”
“Yes, suddenly.”
The gift I presented was a necklace.
“It feels like there’s some magic in it?”
“That’s right. It’s not an ordinary necklace but a magical tool. A collaboration between House Riddle and Blanca.”
I explained as I put the necklace around Cassion’s neck.
Cassion turned around and allowed me to place it on him.
“You’re about to leave for the second trial soon. I prepared this as a way to wish you a safe journey.”
“Can I ask what it does?”
“It’s a protective charm. In a critical moment of absolute peril, it will protect you once.”
“Just once?”
“Yes, just once.”
“What will trigger it?”
“Dunno.”
I gave Cassion’s back a couple of light pats, indicating I had finished putting on the necklace.
When he turned around to face me again, his eyes were filled with questions.
“You don’t know what triggers it either?”
“Nope, I don’t. Even the ones who made it don’t know. It seems a bit random, but they said the effect is guaranteed.”
Cassion nodded, still wearing a slight look of doubt but seemingly somewhat convinced.
“If House Riddle and the Madam say so, then its effectiveness is assured.”
“Right?”
“…But, are you sure you want to give me something this valuable? Wouldn’t it be better for you to keep it?”
He spoke with concern. Just as I worried for Cassion who would be departing, he seemed worried for me staying behind.
However.
“Sorry, but as I’ve said many times, I am…”
“Yeah, I guess I’m the one who needs more concern.”
I couldn’t help but laugh at the somewhat resigned tone in his voice.
But this time, my worry for Cassion was especially grave.
“It can’t be helped. You’re the one going alone—to a place that’s obviously full of traps.”
“…That’s true.”
On the day Cassion received the third letter of approval, he contacted me through the communication crystal.
“I’ve secured the third letter of approval, but… something feels off.”
“What’s wrong?”
“The person who gave it to me is from Leo’s side.”
That was certainly strange. If even Cassion was so sure, then it meant that the person was publicly known to be ‘on Leo’s side’…
Why would such a person go out of their way to deliver the letter?
Without even being asked?
“…Leo and Urien must be behind this.”
“I think so too.”
As I responded quietly, Cassion agreed. But why?
Why would they do something that would benefit Cassion?
They could have found another way to get the third letter of approval, but it wasn’t certain.
Perhaps the trial would have ended at the first stage if the final letter wasn’t secured.
Why would they give him the letter and allow Cassion to reach the second trial…?
I paused in my thoughts, realizing something.
The second trial.
Yes, they want to ensure Cassion safely reaches the second trial.
“Cassion, the place for the second trial is quite secluded, isn’t it?”
When I casually asked, Cassion’s face showed realization.
He answered grimly,
“Yes, very secluded.”
“And you have to undergo the trial alone?”
“Correct.”
“Then it’s clear, they plan to deal with you there.”
The second trial was, in many ways, the ideal condition for them.
A secluded area, Cassion alone, and he had a mission to perform.
“But would they really lay such an obvious trap?”
“Hm?”
“If it were me, I would have used someone least suspected of being on my side, rather than someone known to be my ally.”
Indeed.
Cassion’s point was valid.
After all, a trap is most effective when it’s not obvious.
Yet, they were openly advertising that the second trial was a trap.
This meant one thing.
“They’re confident.”
Whether we’d catch on or not.
They’re confident enough that it didn’t matter.
Suddenly, it felt like this might be the final stand.
If they were coming out this boldly, they probably saw this as the ultimate opportunity, the final chance.
And, though I didn’t tell Cassion…
‘Perhaps, they’re not just targeting Cassion with this opportunity. If Cassion is alone, it means there’s one less person by my side.’
I closed my eyes tightly.
Anyway, it’s truly infuriating.
* * *
Lost in old memories, my expression turned serious without me realizing.
“Rosetta?”
At Cassion’s cautious call, I quickly composed my expression.
I flashed a smile and fumbled at my neck.
“And, I have something for myself too.”
I casually showed what I had grabbed.
A delicate silver chain with a green ornament hung on it.
Before Cassion’s gaze deepened, I tucked the necklace back under my clothes.
“What does that one do?”
“Oh, nothing much. Just something to give the enemy a good hit.”
“Isn’t it dangerous?”
Instead of answering, I just shrugged my shoulders and lightly placed my hand on Cassion’s cheek.
His cold face instinctively leaned into my hand.
Though he’s much taller, he was consistently just so adorable.
“Don’t worry and just take care of yourself, okay? Come back safely. Don’t get hurt. Don’t die.”
At my rather grim request, Cassion laughed and nodded.
His large hand covered mine, which cradled his cheek.
“Of course. Without your permission, I dare not get hurt or die. And…”
“And?”
“When I return, I have a gift for you, too. So, I’ll definitely come back.”
“Oh, that’s not good.”
His words sounded too much like a death flag, and I muttered without thinking.
“Huh?”
“Nothing, it’s nothing.”
Luckily, Cassion didn’t seem to hear. I shook my head and responded,
‘Well, after all…’
Since my goal is to disrupt the original story.
If I’m disrupting the original story, I should be able to disrupt a death flag too.
I smiled slyly and pressed my lips to Cassion’s.
After a deep kiss, we spent some time idly chatting.
Hand in hand.
Walking slowly along the long road.
Maybe, just maybe.
This could be our last day, but neither of us pointed that out.
We just silently hoped that the end of this path would never come.
That we could walk this road together, all throughout the night.
“Did you call for me, Father?”
A few days after receiving the news that Cassion had secured the final letter of approval, for a reason I didn’t know just yet, Father called me to his office.
“Ah, you’re here.”
While I looked around the office I hadn’t visited in a long time, Father moved to sit on the sofa. Two cups of tea were already prepared on the table.
“Sit down.”
“Yes.”
I replied and sat down opposite my father.
We both drank our tea.
For a while, neither of us said anything.
I suppose the situation was awkward for my father as well, but the occasional glances he gave me suggested he had something to say.
…Well, there’s no choice then.
I guess it’s up to the less awkward one to break the silence.
“What did you want to see me for?”
“…It’s nothing much. I’ve noticed you’ve been going out a lot lately.”
“Me?”
Going out… a lot?
Now that I think about it, after the ball, I did go out a few times.
I went out a few times for the sake of securing Cassion’s letters of approval.
I met with Evelyn, and after receiving House Riddle’s approval letter, I went to see Blanca.
And then, somewhat unexpectedly, ended up having to get another letter from Blanca, so I went to see her again.
The last two times, I was able to meet up with Cassion alone, but only because I wanted to and insisted.
Really, I was just making up excuses to see him.
Maybe it was three times in total that I went out.
It wasn’t frequent, but I usually don’t go out much. So, it might seem a lot to others.
Father hastily added when I neither confirmed nor denied,
“I’m not criticizing you. You’re an adult now, and it’s your right to go out as you please.”
“Thank you. But then, why am I here…?”
If it wasn’t to scold me, then why was I summoned?
Father cleared his throat and finally got to the point.
“I heard that the Carter family’s eldest son passed the first trial on the day of the ball.”
The news had already reached him?
The nobility always had their ways of quickly circulating information. I nodded in response.
“That’s good news.”
“Yes, it is. But…”
He paused again, seemingly struggling to continue.
I realized what my father wanted to ask.
‘He’s curious about my relationship with Cassion.’
Although he had clenched his teeth and pretended to be deceived at the ball, he must already know that Cassion and Maxwell were one and the same.
Given my increased outings since then, he must suspect I’m meeting Cassion.
‘I suppose he thinks I’m meeting Cassion.’
With that thought, I feigned innocence and tilted my head.
“But why is that?”
There was no need for me to incriminate myself.
Father stared at me silently for a moment, then shook his head and looked away.
“No, it’s nothing.”
In the end, Father failed to ask about my relationship with Cassion.
Instead.
“Don’t get too deeply involved in anything too dangerous.”
He left me with a brief piece of advice.
“I only hope you aren’t putting yourself in any danger. I know I don’t have the right to say this now.”
With a murmur almost like an afterthought, I quietly watched Father before asking,
“Do you feel sorry towards me?”
The unexpected question seemed to catch my father off guard, his brow furrowing not in anger but in what looked more like pain.
Ah, was my father always so expressive?
Amidst these curious reflections, his answer came.
“Yes. I’m sorry.”
“Then, have you accepted me as your family because of that? Because you felt sorry?”
With my direct questions, Father rubbed his forehead as if in pain and shook his head.
“No, that’s not it. I merely acknowledged my own foolishness. My apology to you is just a part of that.”
Honestly, I was just as embarrassed and flushed as him.
Although I was the one asking, I never imagined having such a conversation with my father.
But I couldn’t stop.
“Does that mean it doesn’t matter to you who my mother was?”
“Yes, no matter who your mother is, you are still my child.”
It was a sort of confirmation and reassurance.
“Thank you, Father. Please don’t ever forget that sentiment.”
Just in case. Just perhaps.
In the future, even if it becomes known that Alicia and I were switched at birth, so no one gets hurt.
“Please.”
Even to my own ears, my last word sounded exceedingly earnest.
My father looked at me with a slightly puzzled expression before slowly nodding in response.
“Alright, I promise.”
* * *
A few days later, despite the comments about my frequent outings, I was on my way out again.
‘Well, I suppose I have permission to go out freely now.’
Once again, Cassion was the reason for my outing.
We both walked along a secluded path that Blanca had told us about.
Though the wind was still chilly, neither of us were particularly susceptible to the cold, so it didn’t matter.
After exchanging a few words about our well-being and daily lives, I stopped and took out something I had brought.
“Here, a gift.”
“Suddenly?”
“Yes, suddenly.”
The gift I presented was a necklace.
“It feels like there’s some magic in it?”
“That’s right. It’s not an ordinary necklace but a magical tool. A collaboration between House Riddle and Blanca.”
I explained as I put the necklace around Cassion’s neck.
Cassion turned around and allowed me to place it on him.
“You’re about to leave for the second trial soon. I prepared this as a way to wish you a safe journey.”
“Can I ask what it does?”
“It’s a protective charm. In a critical moment of absolute peril, it will protect you once.”
“Just once?”
“Yes, just once.”
“What will trigger it?”
“Dunno.”
I gave Cassion’s back a couple of light pats, indicating I had finished putting on the necklace.
When he turned around to face me again, his eyes were filled with questions.
“You don’t know what triggers it either?”
“Nope, I don’t. Even the ones who made it don’t know. It seems a bit random, but they said the effect is guaranteed.”
Cassion nodded, still wearing a slight look of doubt but seemingly somewhat convinced.
“If House Riddle and the Madam say so, then its effectiveness is assured.”
“Right?”
“…But, are you sure you want to give me something this valuable? Wouldn’t it be better for you to keep it?”
He spoke with concern. Just as I worried for Cassion who would be departing, he seemed worried for me staying behind.
However.
“Sorry, but as I’ve said many times, I am…”
“Yeah, I guess I’m the one who needs more concern.”
I couldn’t help but laugh at the somewhat resigned tone in his voice.
But this time, my worry for Cassion was especially grave.
“It can’t be helped. You’re the one going alone—to a place that’s obviously full of traps.”
“…That’s true.”
On the day Cassion received the third letter of approval, he contacted me through the communication crystal.
“I’ve secured the third letter of approval, but… something feels off.”
“What’s wrong?”
“The person who gave it to me is from Leo’s side.”
That was certainly strange. If even Cassion was so sure, then it meant that the person was publicly known to be ‘on Leo’s side’…
Why would such a person go out of their way to deliver the letter?
Without even being asked?
“…Leo and Urien must be behind this.”
“I think so too.”
As I responded quietly, Cassion agreed. But why?
Why would they do something that would benefit Cassion?
They could have found another way to get the third letter of approval, but it wasn’t certain.
Perhaps the trial would have ended at the first stage if the final letter wasn’t secured.
Why would they give him the letter and allow Cassion to reach the second trial…?
I paused in my thoughts, realizing something.
The second trial.
Yes, they want to ensure Cassion safely reaches the second trial.
“Cassion, the place for the second trial is quite secluded, isn’t it?”
When I casually asked, Cassion’s face showed realization.
He answered grimly,
“Yes, very secluded.”
“And you have to undergo the trial alone?”
“Correct.”
“Then it’s clear, they plan to deal with you there.”
The second trial was, in many ways, the ideal condition for them.
A secluded area, Cassion alone, and he had a mission to perform.
“But would they really lay such an obvious trap?”
“Hm?”
“If it were me, I would have used someone least suspected of being on my side, rather than someone known to be my ally.”
Indeed.
Cassion’s point was valid.
After all, a trap is most effective when it’s not obvious.
Yet, they were openly advertising that the second trial was a trap.
This meant one thing.
“They’re confident.”
Whether we’d catch on or not.
They’re confident enough that it didn’t matter.
Suddenly, it felt like this might be the final stand.
If they were coming out this boldly, they probably saw this as the ultimate opportunity, the final chance.
And, though I didn’t tell Cassion…
‘Perhaps, they’re not just targeting Cassion with this opportunity. If Cassion is alone, it means there’s one less person by my side.’
I closed my eyes tightly.
Anyway, it’s truly infuriating.
* * *
Lost in old memories, my expression turned serious without me realizing.
“Rosetta?”
At Cassion’s cautious call, I quickly composed my expression.
I flashed a smile and fumbled at my neck.
“And, I have something for myself too.”
I casually showed what I had grabbed.
A delicate silver chain with a green ornament hung on it.
Before Cassion’s gaze deepened, I tucked the necklace back under my clothes.
“What does that one do?”
“Oh, nothing much. Just something to give the enemy a good hit.”
“Isn’t it dangerous?”
Instead of answering, I just shrugged my shoulders and lightly placed my hand on Cassion’s cheek.
His cold face instinctively leaned into my hand.
Though he’s much taller, he was consistently just so adorable.
“Don’t worry and just take care of yourself, okay? Come back safely. Don’t get hurt. Don’t die.”
At my rather grim request, Cassion laughed and nodded.
His large hand covered mine, which cradled his cheek.
“Of course. Without your permission, I dare not get hurt or die. And…”
“And?”
“When I return, I have a gift for you, too. So, I’ll definitely come back.”
“Oh, that’s not good.”
His words sounded too much like a death flag, and I muttered without thinking.
“Huh?”
“Nothing, it’s nothing.”
Luckily, Cassion didn’t seem to hear. I shook my head and responded,
‘Well, after all…’
Since my goal is to disrupt the original story.
If I’m disrupting the original story, I should be able to disrupt a death flag too.
I smiled slyly and pressed my lips to Cassion’s.
After a deep kiss, we spent some time idly chatting.
Hand in hand.
Walking slowly along the long road.
Maybe, just maybe.
This could be our last day, but neither of us pointed that out.
We just silently hoped that the end of this path would never come.
That we could walk this road together, all throughout the night.
