No Need For Regrets

Chapter 28

In the morning, Serinial woke up and ate the food prepared by Kina. It was a rare breakfast.

Kina seemed very pleased. She remarked how Serinial hadn’t skipped meals for the past few days.

…Had I really done that?

Looking back, Kina’s words seemed to ring true. It was unavoidable. With all those unpleasant events that happened one after another, it had been days since Serinial had a proper meal.

After finishing the meal, Kina brought tea. Of course, it wasn’t the poisoned tea brought by Leraie.

“Madam, it’s a message from Lord Lexion,” said Kina as she poured tea.

“He doesn’t seem as bad as the rumors… suggest,” she added.

“…So?”

“He didn’t seem too harsh when I made a mistake… I thought I was in big trouble.”

But Lexion wasn’t like that. Though he seemed a bit off, he even encouraged Seriniell, saying that being cautious would be helpful.

At least, that’s how Kina saw it.

“And he helped rescue Vain too. I heard about what happened.”

When Seriniel had left to express her gratitude to Lexion, leaving the room empty, Kina heard everything from Vain.

But since Serinial returned to the mansion without properly listening to his words, Kina recounted her conversation with Vain once again.

“…So, he kept silent as always. But Lord Lexion said something about hiding Vain’s whereabouts.”

That was the person Lexion had planted in the mansion as a spy.

“It could have been a different body brought in to switch, but Lexion said it would be too easy to get caught anyway.”

“He would just touch it. That’s what he said. Even if Vain had been switched, Lord Belles would have noticed it soon enough.”

It seemed like a bother to Lexion, but in the end, it was Lexion who took care of it.

“…Well, Vain wouldn’t have opened his mouth anyway.”

And that’s how it turned out.

Literally, until the moment he died.

“That’s why he fainted in the mansion’s attic… Someone moved him secretly,” Vain told Kina.

And Lexion was the one who planted the person who did it in the mansion.

But Belles wouldn’t have killed Vain just like that. Moreover, since Vain had secretly sneaked into the basement, it was obvious.

Vain was caught in the end, but Belles was not someone who would let go of Vain. Moreover, it was obvious that Belles would have realized that someone was behind Vain, who had disappeared. And among those who were suspicious, Lexion would have been included.

“…But he’s not just scary, as people say…”

Kina murmured.

“I didn’t expect him to be so helpful. Of course… getting married is still a bit… though…”

…There wasn’t a suitable answer.

Seriniel also appreciated Lexion’s help, but…

That was all she wanted.

She didn’t want to trust someone like before, and she didn’t want to be hurt again because of that.

“…Just a deal. That’s all,” Seriniel forced herself to ignore the faint smile on Lexion’s face and put down her teacup.

“Anyway, that’s it for that story… Will you help me get ready to go out? Kina.”

“Where are you going?”

Kina asked with widened eyes.

She wouldn’t go to the Rosenvester mansion again, would she?

“I have some business to attend to. Don’t worry, I’m not going to the mansion.”

Seriniel smiled as if to say she understood, and Kina nodded as if she understood.

⚜ ⚜ ⚜

Seriniel had several things to take care of.

The first place she visited was the bank. The excuse was that she wanted to check her remaining assets, but she had other intentions.

[Is it possible to store physical items? I’m curious.]

[Of course, it’s possible. However, these days, the management is primarily done at the palace, so you’ll need to provide detailed information on what you’re storing.]

Just in case, she visited, but as expected.

A human preparing for rebellion wouldn’t entrust items with such contents to places like banks that must follow imperial laws. Especially now, when palace management has become stricter.

Next, Seriniel headed to the apothecary where she had asked them to investigate the flower tea Leraie sent.

Seriniel expressed her gratitude belatedly. Of course, there was also the intention to silence anything… just in case…

[I hope you’ll write a detailed report on the ingredients of this flower tea. The letter you sent me only provided a brief explanation.]

There was also a new request to make.

[There won’t be any traceable parts even if I hand this over to the royal police. Also, I hope you’ll store the flower tea here.]

He agreed, and Seriniel, feeling somewhat lighter with Kina, stepped out onto the street.

“When do you plan to hand it over, Madam?”

Kina, who had been listening to the conversation, cautiously asked Seriniel.

“When the time is right. But it’s not right now.”

Even if she informed the royal police of Leraie’s intentions, the situation wouldn’t be neatly resolved. Of course, it would be a serious crime, but seeking revenge for such a thing was not her intention.

She didn’t know how long it would take for the royal police to judge Leraie’s intention, and she didn’t know how she was making a way to escape.

So, the most certain time.

When no one would listen to their words no matter what measure they took.

That’s when she planned to reveal everything.

And preparation wouldn’t hurt.

“How dare she… do such a thing to you…”

Kina’s feelings towards Leraie were no less than Seriniel’s. She had been watching their long-standing friendship from the side.

“She came out of the orphanage, and it’s all thanks to you that she can live like this now! If it weren’t for you, she might still be wandering the streets!”

Kina, filled with anger, trailed off, muttering.

“…Kina?”

Perplexed, Seriniel turned to look at Kina, realizing that her gaze was fixed on one spot.

“Madam, wait…!”

Kina hurriedly called out to Seriniel, but it was already too late.

“…”

Over there.

Walking from afar… Leraie and Callian with their child.

…The last apothecary Seriniel visited with Kina was located in the most remote part of the market. Therefore, it was quite far from the bustling streets, and there were very few people passing by compared to other places.

Of course, there were still some eyes watching, and Callian walked slightly apart from the crowd. Leraie, unlike usual, wore a discreet dress.

…The child walked hand in hand with his mother, with an excited expression on his face.

“Ma… dam…”

Although Kina’s eyes were filled with worry, it wasn’t as shocking as the first time she met that peaceful family.

But it seemed even more chilling than that moment.

Like this, in broad daylight.

In this way…

“…”

The smile on Leraie’s face, which had faintly appeared, quickly froze as well.

Because she had noticed.

Standing frozen, Seriniel stared at them.

“Leraie, why… all of a sudden…”

With a puzzled expression, Callian, who was following her, also looked bewildered.

They stood there, facing each other, and…

The first to approach the other was Seriniel.

“…”

…How dare you. What do you intend to do? With eyes tinged blue, Kina hurriedly followed behind Seriniel.

“Hello, Leraie. I see you everywhere.”

“…Serri.”

Leraie’s pupils shook noticeably at Seriniel’s greeting. They tried to hide their surprise as best they could and looked at Seriniel, but there was nothing they could discern.

Since Seriniel’s voice was as calm as ever when she greeted them.

“…”

Eventually, Seriniel’s gaze, which had been directed at Leraie, fell on Callian standing behind Leraie.

“Callian.”

And Seriniel, uttering her husband’s name, slowly opened her mouth.