A Mad Lady’s Confession - Chapter 52

“That incident?”

“The case of Young Lady Giela Düsseldorf.”

Matthias continued in an entirely businesslike tone, “I recall there wasn’t much of an investigation since the culprit confessed.”

“Yes, yes… that’s right. She said she didn’t remember much about that day, but there was sufficient evidence and even a confession.”

“…Did we conduct any coverage on it from our side?”

“We kept sending reporters to the Metropolitan Police. There wasn’t anything significant, but… shall I compile the coverage and submit it to you?”

“Do that. And… I’d like you to look into the previous Count Brynhill as well.”

Editor-in-Chief Albern had originally been a private detective, a man seasoned in that field. With his talent for writing, he had become a journalist, making full use of the skills he had gained as a detective in his reporting. Investigating someone’s background was no difficult task for him.

“Understood. What should I look into?”

“As much as possible. I heard he lived in seclusion for quite a long time, so find out if anything happened, or if he had any illness.”

Count Düsseldorf’s words did not leave anything particularly significant for Matthias. He already more or less knew that Eleanor was not entirely sound of mind.

Still, he could say that this verification was the result of his instincts being stirred. It felt as if something unclear was writhing deep beneath the abyss.

So what? What would change if he deliberately dug into it and confirmed it?

She is a woman he will part with in a year anyway.

“….”

Even if the previous Count Brynhill had serious mental issues and that had affected Eleanor in some way, it had nothing to do with him.

At most a year. He would send the woman out of the Nielsen household after a year. So this was merely an investigation done in preparation for any possible situation. He organized his thoughts as if making a firm resolution.

***

It was, quite literally, a dazzling sight.

It was not simply a phrase referring to the summer sunlight reflected on the vast lake.

True to the words, the summer fishing tournament held by the Imperial family was filled with decorations so lavish they were blinding.

Along the edge of the great lake stood tents adorned with golden tassels and splendid canopies embroidered with gold thread, with each family’s crest erected at the entrance of every tent.

Inside the tents, carpets were laid and large cushions piled up so the tournament could be watched in comfort. Ice was placed throughout and replaced at intervals to maintain the coolness, and attendants continuously carried food, drinks, and various amusements.

In the late afternoon, when the sun had softened, nobles began to arrive one after another, dressed in light clothing beneath their summer cloaks.

“Wow….”

A soft exclamation slipped from Eleanor’s lips.

Today, she wore a light hat woven from straw and a flowing summer dress.

Over a breathable cotton dress, a thin layer of organza was added, giving her an almost fairy-like appearance, which Matthias took in for a moment.

“My goodness, I didn’t know there was a place like this in Römern!”

“It is a lake owned by the Imperial family, so it’s only natural you wouldn’t know.”

“It’s so beautiful….”

Matthias suddenly felt a gaze.

Turning his head, he saw several young noblemen staring blankly in their direction from afar. Unlike before, this event included nobles without titles, so there were quite a few youthful faces.

Flushed or absentminded, every single one of those faces was directed at Eleanor. With foolish, dazed expressions, they looked as if they were hoping their eyes might meet hers.

“Of all things….”

“Yes? What is it?”

At Matthias’s low murmur, Eleanor lifted her head to look up at him.

“…It’s nothing.”

He swept his gaze over the young men with a chilling look, then escorted Eleanor forward.

The tent bearing Nielsen’s crest was in the best position to view the fishing grounds. Eleanor spread her dress wide over the thick carpet and sat down, looking around.

“It feels like we’re on a picnic. Doesn’t it?”

Eleanor said that despite never having gone on a picnic. Matthias, who also had no such experience, nodded.

“Will you be participating in the tournament, Your Grace?”

“That is also a duty, so of course.”

As a servant approached, Matthias stood and removed his jacket. He loosened his constricting cravat and handed it over, then took off his well-fitted shirt as well and passed it to the servant.

Eleanor’s eyes widened at the sight of the man stripping off his upper garments in an instant. Though they were inside a tent, one side was completely open, making it an exposed space, and she hadn’t expected Matthias to suddenly take off his clothes.

She could see glances from outside repeatedly drifting toward them, yet Matthias paid them no mind as he pulled a thin linen shirt the servant handed him over his head.

The V-neck shirt subtly revealed Matthias’s firm chest. There was a wildness about him that made it seem he would suit holding an axe rather than a pen.

“While I’m away….”

Having finished changing while Eleanor admired him, he spoke in a low voice.

“You mustn’t let your attention wander elsewhere.”

“Pardon?”

“What I mean is….”

Even now, he could see young men lingering near the tent. Youths waiting for him to leave so they might dare to say a word to her.

“What I mean is, don’t get distracted by anything else and make sure to watch closely how I catch a big one.”

They’re nothing more than green, inexperienced boys. He let out a scoff.

At the same time Eleanor nodded, a long, blaring note rang out.

At the signal announcing the Emperor’s arrival, everyone rose from their seats, stepped out of the tents, and bowed.

Today, the Emperor’s attire was something to behold, as if he were imitating a god. He wore a himation1) draped over only one shoulder, like something an ancient deity might wear. On his head sat a laurel crown carved from gold, and on his feet were leather strap sandals.

“Wow, he’s dressed the coolest of all.”

At Eleanor’s soft whisper, Matthias pressed his lips together to keep from laughing.

Following behind the Emperor, Alicia and Daphne Fram could be seen, but Klaus was absent. Since this event was practically for the newborn prince, Matthias guessed his mood must be thoroughly ruined.

“Blessed people of Römern!”

The Emperor climbed onto the prepared platform and grandly opened his speech. The words that followed were predictable.

Under divine protection and the excellent rule of the Imperial family, the speech ultimately meant that as the Emperor, he governed well and allowed them to live prosperously, so they should repay him.

Since this was the first fishing tournament ever held, breaking from tradition, it had its own theme and story prepared.

The male nobles, including Matthias, were suddenly cast as brave fishermen protecting the water spirits and their descendants. Listening quietly, Eleanor leaned slightly toward Matthias and whispered.

“I think Madam Carnival’s story was a bit more interesting.”

Matthias tilted his body slightly in response.

“Of course. It has a cross-dressing noble lady in it.”

“….”

Matthias’s lips curved smoothly as he glanced down at Eleanor, who pouted. He was completely unaware that someone was watching them from afar.

After the Emperor’s tedious speech finally ended, the tournament began. Matthias moved closer to the lake with a servant carrying his fishing rod.

“Do well!”

Matthias turned at the sound but gave no response, yet Eleanor felt as if she had received his answer.

Though it was nothing more than a ceremonial event, perhaps because it bore the name of a competition, the fishing tournament stirred the participants’ competitive spirit.

Rewards from the Imperial family would be granted to the one who caught the largest fish and the one who caught the most.

Matthias had no interest in any of the three, yet perhaps even the lake’s spirits favored him, as every time he cast his line, a large fish was hooked.

Because of that, he occasionally lacked the time to glance back at the tent and check on the boys’ attempts to approach. His surroundings were so busy that he didn’t even notice someone’s quiet arrival.

Eleanor watched the broad back absorbed in fishing as if it were a small dot. As she drank the grapes and cool fruit juice the servant had left, she found herself worrying whether Matthias might be thirsty.

“Duchess.”

A palace maid approached and gave a light bow in front of her. When Eleanor looked up, the maid conveyed her message.

“Someone requests a brief audience with you.”

“With whom?”

Instead of answering, the palace maid gave a gentle smile.

It was an imperial event, and they were inside the imperial palace. Not only could no outsiders enter, but the security was also strict in preparation for any danger.

She wondered if perhaps Young Lady Düsseldorf had come to see her, but the maid who had approached her was clearly dressed as an imperial attendant. One who conveyed only the summons of the imperial family.

When Eleanor did not respond easily, the palace maid added, “A distinguished member of the imperial family requests an audience with you.”

A distinguished member. Refusal was not permitted.

Eleanor slowly rose from her seat. After glancing once toward where Matthias was, she soon followed behind the palace maid.

Author’s Note

1) A general term for the outer garment worn by the ancient Greeks. It was typically draped over an inner garment and wrapped around the body. Men usually wrapped it beneath one arm and let it hang down, while women sometimes wore it draped over the head.