Chapter 88

“It seems like Kililul has no intention of becoming our ally,” said Louise as they made their way to the carriage after leaving the wild men’ dwelling.

Alec couldn’t disagree with her.

Going to Mount Kalanysh wasn’t the problem.

However, searching for a fruit that might not even exist there was a troublesome task.

As expected, Kililul was wary of him and Louise, and not even their new weapon, the fireworks, worked on them.

Would Cassdain know anything about the Hiliberry?

The wild men had lived here for hundreds of years, so it was likely that Cassdain was aware of their existence as well.

“Still, if we actually manage to find the Hiliberry, maybe they’ll be a bit more willing to talk with us?”

Louise chuckled softly as she said that, as if she herself found the mission absurd.

“After meeting them, I thought it would be nice if the wild men became our allies.”

“…For now, I’ll go and search for the fruit.”

“I’d only be a hindrance if I went with you, right?”

Louise stopped and looked at him, a little disappointed. She seemed like she wanted to go with him.

After a moment of thought, Alec replied.

“It’s not that, but it would be better if you stayed safe at the castle.”

“…Alright.”

She answered with a faint smile, though she still looked disappointed.

Does she really want to go?

Since they’d be together, there was no reason he couldn’t take her with him, but—

“Louise! Alec!”

“Andrew!”

At the sudden shout, Louise turned around, startled.

Alec also turned toward the sound.

The man named Andrew, who had been released by the wild men, was now running toward them, panting heavily.

Fortunately, Kililul had agreed to release Andrew, as Louise had requested.

On the condition that they accept an invitation to Wiltsbrook Castle.

“Louise! I never thought I’d see you again! Thank you so much for saving me.”

“Andrew, you’ve been through so much. You don’t have to worry about anything anymore.”

With tears welling in his eyes, Andrew reached out to take Louise’s hand but stopped himself.

Louise, equally moved, hesitated as if she were about to hug Andrew, only to pull back again.

Then, without warning, the two embraced each other tightly.

“Louise! Waaah!”

“It was such a close call, Andrew!”

“…”

…A hug?

Who was Andrew?

Were he and Louise close enough to hug each other out of relief after meeting again?

Judging from the fact that he wasn’t listed among the characters, he probably died in the original story around this point.

“Those bastards treated me like a slave all this time. I can’t even count how many times I got caught trying to escape.”

“Oh my, really?”

“Yes. The women kept making me do laundry. If I hadn’t met you and Alec today, I would’ve definitely ended up hanging myself! Waaah, Louise!”

“Andrew…”

After the brief hug, they now lightly held each other’s hands.

Alec, for a moment, forgot what the man’s surname was.

Monterey? Mondelay?

Just then, Andrew, with his tearful eyes, looked at Alec.

“Ah, Alec.”

Alec, slightly taken aback, quickly composed himself and smiled as if relieved to see Andrew alive.

“…Andrew.”

“Waaah, Alec.”

Andrew buried himself in Alec’s arms and rested his head on Alec’s shoulder.

Alec awkwardly raised his hand and gently patted Andrew’s back.

“You must have gone through a lot.”

“Huh? Your way of speaking—”

“Andrew! Let’s head back to the castle now. You need a proper meal and some rest.”

“Ah, yes, Louise.”

“We can talk about everything on the way.”

“Yes.”

“We should hurry and leave now.”

Louise supported Andrew as she began leading him to the carriage.

The way she looked at him—like she was rescuing an abandoned orphan on the street—was filled with deep sympathy and affection.

Alec, blinking once as he watched them, followed after them.

* * *

By the time they returned to the estate, dusk had fallen.

Surely, the days were shorter in the North.

During that time, Andrew had marveled at Wiltsbrook Castle, his jaw practically on the floor, and had finally taken a bath.

Only after changing into new clothes did they gather in the dining hall.

“This is so delicious. I can’t even tell if this is a dream or reality.”

Andrew devoured the food in front of him, tearing up once again.

“Andrew, drink some water and eat slowly. You might choke.”

Louise, feeling emotional herself, motioned to Jane to bring him some water.

Alec quietly observed them as he ate his meal.

From the looks of it, Andrew seemed to have a pretty good relationship with both Louise and Alec.

Amidst the nobles, it felt like there were enemies on all sides, but Andrew showed no signs of reluctance toward Louise or him, perhaps because they had saved his life.

“By the way, Alec, I can’t believe you’ve recovered from your illness. It seems like people really shouldn’t die and should just hang on until the end,” Andrew said, swallowing his food.

Alec lowered his glass of wine and responded appropriately.

“Thanks.”

Tears welled up in Andrew’s eyes.

“You and Louise are my lifesavers. I’ll repay this debt for the rest of my life.”

“No need, Andrew. We’re going back to the capital in a few days; we have some business there. Let’s return together then.”

“Thank you, Louise. I hope my estate and title are safe.”

“Don’t worry. Everything is as it was, except that people think you’re dead.”

“That’s a relief. Has there been any news from the capital during this time?”

“Yes, Julia has been imprisoned.”

“What? Lady Julia Howard?”

“That’s right.”

“How did that happen…?”

“There were a lot of events. She tried to poison me but got caught.”

“How could that happen…!”

Andrew’s jaw dropped in disbelief. It seemed Julia’s downfall was quite shocking in high society.

After a moment of astonishment, Andrew spoke sharply.

“Did she try to kill Louise too? I’m really grateful you didn’t fall for it, Louise. It’s great to hear Julia’s in jail.”

“I also want to visit her. It’s not something you get to see every day, right?”

“…”

It seemed Andrew wasn’t fond of the elite.

With renewed determination, Andrew said,

“I’m looking forward to returning to the capital. Having died once, I want to use my life for something more meaningful and important.”

“Really?”

“I’m saying this in front of Louise and Alec, but the Emperor is truly a despicable person.”

“…”

“Of course, I don’t mean I’ll kill him myself; I don’t have the power for that. It’s just how I feel.”

“…”

Andrew quickly shifted back to eating, as if realizing the implications of his words.

Could it be that Andrew, like Marquis Brooks Heitz, had an interest in rebellion?

Louise’s gaze toward Andrew softened slightly, as if she didn’t want to miss this moment.

“Andrew, you have a good reputation in high society,” she said.

“Really?”

“You get along with everyone. There aren’t many who dislike you, and you didn’t deliberately avoid us.”

“Well, that’s…”

“As Count Andrew, you could do so much when you return to the capital.”

“…Louise.”

Andrew stared at her, captivated. It was understandable, given how firm her gaze was.

It felt like everyone present shared the same sentiment.

“Andrew,” Louise called again, her expression resolute.

She continued seriously.

“There will be many people in the capital who are different from us. Even if we can’t get rid of the Emperor right away, we could eliminate similar people, couldn’t we?”

“…!”

“Until only the Emperor is left.”

Gulp.

Andrew’s eyes shimmered with a different enthusiasm than before, as if he had found a purpose.

“I understand. I’ll be your eyes and ears.”

After saying this, Andrew looked back and forth between Louise and Alec.

Finally, Louise smiled faintly and raised her glass.

“It’s great. It’s been a while since I wanted to toast.”

Andrew, satisfied, lifted his glass as well.

When Alec raised his glass last, they all leaned in toward the center.

Due to the wide table, they couldn’t clink their glasses directly.

TL NOTE: More advanced chapter of this story is already up to the site. Visit dusk blossoms for more advanced chapters and stories