Night.
“……”
Sofia stepped out into the garden and looked up at the moonlit sky.
Her profile was expressionless, making it difficult to guess what she was thinking.
A crunch—the sound of grass being stepped on.
Even so, Sofia did not turn around.
She simply continued gazing at the moon.
“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?”
The one who appeared was Albert.
He stood beside Sofia and likewise looked up at the moon.
“Can’t you sleep?”
“That was supposed to be my line.”
“Haha… well, it’s rather pathetic, but I’m nervous. Thinking that it’s finally tomorrow, I just can’t seem to fall asleep.”
Tomorrow, Guld, the lord of Lenoglade, was scheduled to inspect the mines.
Because the amount of ore being extracted had declined slightly, he would be accompanying the investigation.
Given the nature of the location, it wouldn’t be possible to go with a large group.
And since it was within the city, the escort would be kept to a minimum.
It was the perfect opportunity to eliminate Guld…
After considerable discussion, it was decided that they would carry out the plan.
If one were to say it was sudden, then it was sudden.
But chances like this tend to come without warning.
If they let this opportunity slip by, there was no telling when the next one would come.
In the meantime, the people would continue to suffer.
A large-scale armed uprising might even break out.
Taking all of that into account, they reached the conclusion that they could not afford to miss this chance.
“That’s a little unexpected.”
“Oh? What do you mean?”
“I thought that someone who thinks this much would have already steeled himself completely.”
“I have steeled myself.”
Albert answered without hesitation.
There was no trace of doubt on his face.
No sign of fear, either.
He was simply looking straight ahead.
“No matter what happens, I will kill my father… Guld. And I will save the city. I have resolved myself to that.”
“In that case…”
“Still, I’m only human. I can’t completely control my emotions. I’ve made my resolve, but even so, my feelings waver from time to time.”
“…I see.”
Sofia showed understanding toward Albert’s emotions.
After all, she herself was nervous as well.
She had decided to lend her strength, but…
If they failed, the risk would be enormous.
They might die, or even if they didn’t, they could be branded as wanted criminals and see their lives ruined.
If it were only her, it wouldn’t be a problem, but…
Once Fate and Aisha were involved, she couldn’t help but feel tense.
Licorice?
As for her… well, she’d manage somehow.
“I’m glad I was able to meet you before tomorrow, Lady Ascart.”
“Is there something you wanted to talk to me about?”
“Yes.”
This is troublesome… Sofia frowned inwardly.
Most likely, it would be something like asking her to become his wife.
She didn’t dislike Albert.
He was sincere, and highly capable.
But she already had Fate.
She belonged to him.
She couldn’t imagine becoming someone else’s—not even a little.
“I have one request.”
Perhaps sensing Sofia’s inner thoughts, Albert avoided being direct.
“If this matter is resolved successfully… would you allow me the opportunity to speak with you again like this, just the two of us?”
“That’s fine, but… does it have to wait? Couldn’t we talk now?”
“Let’s refrain for now. If we do, I feel my guard might slip. So let’s talk after everything is settled.”
“…Isn’t that raising a flag?”
“It might be.”
Albert laughed.
“But if so, then we’ll snap that flag in two.”
“Oh my.”
“And then, I hope to be given another chance to speak with you, Lady Ascart.”
He was stronger than she had expected.
In her heart, Sofia revised her evaluation of Albert upward.
Even so, he would never reach Fate—absolutely never.
“Alright. I promise.”
“Thank you.”
Apparently very pleased, Albert smiled like a child.
“And one more thing. May I make a selfish request?”
“What is it?”
“May I stay a little longer and look at the moon together with you?”
“…That’s fine.”
Without exchanging any further words, Sofia and Albert quietly gazed up at the moon.
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