I Just Wanted to Avoid a Gruesome Death, But Everyone Keeps Holding Me Back - Chapter 89

Schedule: Wednesday and Sunday

The sun-drenched, vibrant man shrugged lightly.

“Miss Adelina, you mentioned a secret you couldn’t tell me, hidden within you. Being near you, I sense a subtle, unfamiliar energy, something I can’t quite grasp.” The words could have been misconstrued, but Lumiere’s delivery, laced with a smile, was utterly refreshing.

A discreet knock echoed. “Excuse me. May I enter?” A clear, girlish voice followed. After receiving permission, the maid who opened the door relayed Baron Barrett’s invitation to breakfast, inquiring about immediate availability.

“Me?”

“Yes. Count Barrett wishes to speak with Miss Adelina, the acolyte from the Grand Temple. He has questions regarding the map you provided yesterday.”

“Ah…” Glancing at Lumiere, I saw him shake his head, indicating he wouldn’t attend. After a moment’s hesitation, I nodded. It would be an uncomfortable situation, but necessary for information sharing.

***

Count Landon Barrett was a middle-aged man whose large frame exuded an aura of authority. While his body appeared robust, his hair, unlike his sons’ dark locks, was a striking silver-grey, suggesting premature aging. He addressed me directly.

“An acolyte from the Grand Temple, you say?”

“Yes.”

“I reviewed the map you sent. Quite concise, yet it reveals a depth of knowledge.”

“You flatter me.”

“I have a few questions about some unclear points. I hope I’m not inconveniencing you.”

If you ask if I’m inconvenienced! It’s only right I answer! However… “…It’s just… I feel unworthy of being in such esteemed company.”

I mustered a socially acceptable response. Truth be told, I couldn’t possibly be comfortable. The table was filled with individuals of immense status—the Crown Prince, the Viscount, the Marquis, the Baron, and others. Some of them, I had been intimately involved with just the night before. The men who had seen me naked stared intently, their gazes so blatant that the Baron’s sons glanced between them and me.

“Please, ask your questions. I will answer to the best of my ability.”

Escaping this situation was my true priority. My politely veiled prompt for the Baron to get to the point worked; he nodded and began his inquiries. His questions weren’t particularly difficult, but someone unfamiliar with the Imperial style of cartography could easily be confused. Apologizing for any oversights, I carefully explained the correct interpretations, clarifying each point.

Throughout my explanation, all eyes remained fixed on me. The Baron, watching with a curious glint in his eyes, smiled as I finished.

“You’re not quite what I expected.”

“I beg your pardon? What did you expect…?”

“Nothing negative, I assure you.”

He then turned to Seikan. “You see, I studied alongside Count Ferdian—or should I say, Duke Ferdian now—in our younger days.”

Ah. So, Duke Ferdian, the man who’d hired mercenaries to kill me, had thoroughly slandered my character, painting me as a villain. I grasped the situation instantly but merely lowered my head. The Baron continued to observe me silently for a moment before apologizing for interrupting my meal and gesturing for me to continue eating.

What followed was a meal that felt like chewing on sand. While I kept my head down, focused intently on my plate, the conversation above me shifted to the day’s patrol route and the knights’ formations. “We must ensure sufficient supplies and weaponry. I will accompany you today.”

“The Baron himself? Wouldn’t it be better for you to remain at the castle?”

“With His Highness the Crown Prince gracing us with his presence, I can hardly remain idle.” Count Barrett’s hearty words lightened the mood. Due to the long-standing connection between Seikan’s father and Count Barrett, the Baron’s two sons reminisced with Seikan, while Clovis, displaying his leadership, skillfully guided the table’s conversation.

Anxious to escape, I concentrated on my food, my eyes darting around. My gaze locked with Reynard’s. He offered a knowing smile, acknowledging his awareness of the conversation about Seikan’s father. I mimed zipping my lips, urging him to keep silent, then returned to my meal.

***

In that exchange with Reynard, I had overlooked something crucial: Seikan was an exceptionally astute knight, and his attention was entirely focused on me. As I left the dining hall, rubbing my undoubtedly unsettled stomach, I was seized by a firm hand in the hallway.

“What was that about my father?” Seikan pressed, his face etched with anxiety. “How would I know? You’re aware Duke Ferdian doesn’t exactly hold me in high regard. He likely shared that sentiment with Count Barrett.” Seikan’s immediate challenge to my quick response left me momentarily debating whether to yell.