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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: Yuziro
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“Hee hee. Judging by this unexpected development, even your letters are as unpredictable as a hamster.”
I wanted to retort with, “Use your turn signal next time,” but honestly, this was largely my fault.
“This seems like a personal letter. I’ll read it later…”
I began, attempting a smooth escape.
“No way, Egga! This isn’t something you can just brush aside!”
“Did I really just read that? Are you sure?”
“I feel like I’ve witnessed something I shouldn’t have.”
It seemed this confusion was my burden to bear.
Thoroughness was essential; one small misstep could lead to chaos, as evidenced by the current situation.
Even Ginh, when I stood, wore an expression of disappointment, as if he’d missed out on something entertaining.
Yet, to their credit, they maintained a respectful distance while I read.
I glanced at Asirye, considering sharing the letter, but she shook her head with a gentle smile, a silent gesture of respect for Esmee.
With their tacit consent, I began reading the letter, which was undeniably Esmee.
…Perhaps distance had emboldened her.
So very Esmee, I thought.
She was already well-informed.
Perhaps returning through the gate and appealing to her directly would have been more efficient.
As I continued reading, the next sentence surprised me.
Just how far ahead did she think?
My face warmed at the mention of her “true feelings,” but I also admired her ingenuity in concealing crucial information within a seemingly personal letter.
The following content detailed information I was already partially aware of: Count Bosha’s relationship with Lagnis, the royal family and aristocracy’s exploitation of this relationship, and Bosha’s motivation for taking such a risk.
A scapegoat must be weaker and less influential to be easily manipulated.
He prolonged the trial, despite its futility, to stall and hinder Lagnis’s growing power because he still considered her a valuable asset.
She could, for instance, be framed for his treason, buying him time to complete his rebellion.
Two cunning foxes.
Undoubtedly Duke Lesrom and the King.
He was, at least, capable of plotting treason.
He could disrupt the status quo, even if he couldn’t maintain control afterward.
Had the letter been tangible, it would have radiated warmth.
The remaining content consisted of Esmee’s personal thoughts, expressing a slightly guilty satisfaction at having gained a reason to hasten Lagnis’s return to the Empire.
The postscript finally explained the ring.
A curse-repelling ring!
I was almost moved to tears.
The ring’s simple elegance had me worried it might be an engagement ring, and I’d been agonizing over how to react.
This was a relief.
…But how did she know my ring size?
It fit perfectly.
With a mixture of relief and bewilderment, I folded the letter and turned to find Asirye watching me.
“Finished?”
“Yes, sis. The beginning was written that way to ensure I’d read the rest in private. She’s already aware of what’s happening here.”
“Typical of the Empire, and of the Princess… What about the ring?”
“A curse-repelling ring.”
“Ah, she mentioned that before.”
She must be referring to the incident after I defeated the demon.
It must have come up in their conversation.
“Egga? Care to explain now?”
Rellie, as always, was incredibly eager.
Haha, but thanks to Esmee’s foresight, I was prepared.
“She wrote it that way intentionally. To make it seem personal so I’d read the important parts alone.”
“…Liar.”
“It’s true.”
If Rellie pressed further, I’d be forced to lie, but thankfully, they simply expressed disappointment without suspicion.
Esmee was brilliant!
“So, what’s the ring?”
“A curse-repelling ring, she said. A precaution.”
“Hmm… You live quite the life.”
“It just… happened.”
“That such a life ‘just happened’ is rather unbelievable…”
This conversation felt strangely familiar.
“Well, since that’s settled, shall we depart, Eldmia? I’m ready.”
Gies, feigning indifference despite his earlier interest, urged us to leave.
I couldn’t help but eye him suspiciously.
If he hadn’t brought the letter, I wouldn’t have had that heart-stopping moment.
“Why, why are you looking at me like that?”
“Nothing. Let’s go. I have things to do, so we should hurry.”
Letter aside, I had to deliver the missive.
After a brief farewell to the others, Asirye and I mounted the wyvern.
“We’ll return to the capital once we’ve finished here. We should have a proper drink then. We didn’t get the chance today.”
“Haha, alright. I’ll see you at the guild.”
With a warm smile and a wave to Gaendal, the wyvern ascended.
I was curious about the trial’s outcome, but I was even more curious about Count Bosha’s reaction to the news.
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[Damnnnnnn Esmee is the GOAT]
> Send letters
> Send ring
> Abruptly cause chaos
> Discuss serious matters in a personal-seeming letter
> Never be there, but he feels your warmth anyway