Duchess in the Attic: Volume 3 [Parts 1 to 5] by Mori

Author:Mori
Language: eng
Format: epub

13. A Fortress

“Hello. Were you able to sleep well last night?” a voice inquired.

“Julian, do you just have too much time on your hands?” Opal asked.

“Of course not. I’ve been tasked with keeping watch on our precious hostages.”

“So you do have time on your hands.”

He brought in a tray of breakfast as she gave him a snarky remark. She didn’t expect him to get angry with a simple provocation, but she was shocked to receive a playful smile in return. Nadja was testing the food.

“You seem to be in a good mood,” Opal observed. “How creepy.”

“Say what you will,” Julian replied. “I won’t respond to your foolish words, but why don’t I tell you something nice? The faction against the king has taken up arms and have gathered outside of the royal capital. And that moron of a king hasn’t suspected a thing.”

Nadja dropped her spoon in astonishment, but Opal only gave a small shrug.

“I pity him, then,” she said. “And? How many soldiers do you have for this uprising? The royal capital is teeming with the king’s personal knights, and the royal army. You know that a half-baked uprising will only end in failure.”

“And why are you so keen to know our numbers?” Julian replied. “Are you going to send a letter? I don’t mind that. It won’t arrive in time to make a difference.”

“Oh? Are we not in the middle of eloping? Whether I make it in time or not aside, sending such a letter shall look unnatural. I’m starting to think that the better strategy was for you to drag me to the royal capital as a shield, instead of trapping me in this remote location.”

“The royal capital? Alessandro doesn’t value your life at all, does he? You’re just a hostage for Claude.”

“I get it now,” Opal continued, undeterred. “This place—the Bocceli Duchy—shall become a fortress for your faction should the worst case scenario arise. Perhaps you’ve got a vessel docked on the port of the royal capital so that you may retreat with it should the situation go awry? Port Pasma truly is a convenient place, isn’t it? Because of the port you can sidestep receiving money from me in order to funnel it into your military funds. You can just receive support from Socille directly.”

“Just shut up already,” Julien spat. “Talkative people only look like fools.”

“Oh, I don’t mind that. But as you say, I’ve got much to learn. Would you mind bringing me a few more books?”

“You’re a pain of a hostage.”

“But I’m not a useless one.”

Julian huffed angrily at Opal’s cheeky remarks and left the room, making sure to lock the door behind him. The duchess exhaled and noticed that Nadja had gone pale as a sheet.

“I’m sorry,” Opal apologized. “I’ve made you scared, haven’t I? But you don’t need to worry. Everything will work out.”

“But if soldiers are gathered at the royal capital...” Nadja murmured. “That’s a cause for concern. Madam, when soldiers come to the duchy, what shall you do? I believe that at least you and His Grace should flee Taisei and head back to Socille.

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