"Not yet, ......!

　Madame Magnom's reign would not last long. On the witness stand, the Marquis de Merces shouted with a black face.

"Even if Oleg, Rhyno, and Bel have no connection to the Red Rose. Just because Oleg, Rhyno, and Bell have no connection to the Red Rose doesn't mean that the 'someone' who gave Oleg his orders isn't connected to the Red Rose!
"Huh. The Marquis of Stresia was amused.

　The Marquis of Stresia cut back in an amused manner.

I'm sure you'll be able to find out more about this person from the heir to the Hizet family. It's a good idea to use the time you have to make sure you're getting the most out of your time.
"...... Even if you are the Marquis of Stresia, you are rude!
I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that I'm not the only one who's a fan of your work.
"I don't need a hearing to condemn the 'evil' of the kingdom, the daughter of Clester!

　The Marquis of Merces, trapped in a corner, can no longer afford to mend his pretenses. The Marquis of Harlai took advantage of this.

Yes!　I'm sure the people here are well aware of how infamous that little girl is and how many people she has messed with and made unhappy!
I'm sure you're all aware of how infamous that little girl is and how much misery she's caused many people. If we show an opening like this, the smart ones will counterattack with quibbles. And they will drive the righteous who are in their way to ruin. In order to prevent this from happening, we tried to proceed quickly to prevent them from fighting back, and we were not wrong!

　He said softly. Without saying a word, the people in the council exploded in anger.
　Led by Juke, who was seated at the king's table. In addition to the Chancellor, Volz, and the courtesans, a large number of the nobles sitting in the council seats are also showing their anger.
　Dualis sighs loudly against the wall.

"I don't care what your standards are, right or wrong. At least according to the Kingdom's legal standards, it's wrong, and that's why you're in trouble.
"Shut up!　You're the master of evil, and you're talking nonsense!
Refrain, Lord Mercia!
No, my lord. Your Majesty. Don't be fooled. They're the ones who are poisoning the kingdom!

　To summarize what the Marquis of Merces is trying to say, "Since the Red Rose is an evil person, execution is the right conclusion, and the process leading up to it is irrelevant. ...... If such logic could make human heads fly, this country would be full of raw heads by now. It's not Deanna's place to think about it, but I'm amazed that a man who disrespects the law to this extent could even become an assistant director of the Mediation Bureau.

　In the face of the spitting and screaming Marquis of Merces, the atmosphere in the rear court becomes scarier and scarier in three steps. It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're going to be doing and how you're going to do it.

I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that.
I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that.
Or do you just want to disappear until there's no trace of you left?

　It was the first time Deanna had ever seen Ria, Yolanda and Leticia speak so flatly. The sight of the entourage bearing the name "Flower" all breaking through the critical mass and becoming enraged was enough to let them know that the Marquis of Merces had turned the tables on them.

Ladies and gentlemen, may I remind you?
The witnesses from the inner court are not finished yet.

　Lia and Yolanda drew attention. Letitia urged.

"You are only trying to frame Master Diana. You will not stop blaming Deanna-sama, will you?

　Shayla was there, speaking in a sad, yet firm voice.
　At her urging, Shayla opened her mouth to the council.

I believe that the investigation of the palace has shown that the accusation that Master Diana was the 'mastermind' behind my abduction was false. However, none of the people on the stand now are convinced. ...... I'd like to add my own testimony as well.
You're the victim, your story can't be a red herring. Tell me more.

　The Marquis of Eustace urged her to do so, and Shayla folded her knees to show her gratitude and took a deep breath.

I was taken out of the palace after the star gazing party was over and everyone was asleep. I was led out of my room by the bell and led to a place in the palace that was almost deserted. By the time I realized what was wrong and tried to return to my room, it was too late. A strange smelling ...... cloth covered my nose and mouth, and I was knocked unconscious.

　I wonder if they used some kind of inoculation drug that can take away a person's consciousness immediately. Such strong drugs have many side effects and after-effects that can be fatal, so only qualified people are allowed to use them, but if Ryno and Oleg are behind the perpetrators, it is possible to obtain them.
　I'm worried about Shayla herself, though. If Kai had rescued her, taken her to King's Landing, and met with Chris, he would have told her if there were any serious problems. The potion didn't seem to bother Shayla as much as it should have, seeing as how she was standing here, apparently in perfect health.
　Underneath Deanna's personal concern, Shayla's story continues.

When I regained consciousness, I was lying in an abandoned cabin somewhere in the woods. Fortunately, I was thought to be a helpless little girl and was not restrained. --And inside the hut were the six men who were supposed to have kidnapped me.

　The number of kidnappers was consistent with what Edward had found at the tavern in the downtown area, as well as with the records kept by Eunos' men. In the event that you've got any questions regarding where and the best way to get in touch with us, please do not hesitate to contact us. ...... In fact, Deanna can't even tell for sure how much of what is going on in the current Congress was planned. In fact, Deanna can't tell for sure how much of what's going on in the assembly has been planned.

The kidnappers, unaware that I was awake, continued to talk. I didn't understand what was going on, so I pretended to be asleep for a while and listened to their conversation.
That's quite a gutsy thing to do.
That's very brave of you." "Whatever you do, it must be suicidal if you don't know what you're doing. ...... And then I learned that they were going to take me out of the palace and wait for night to kill me.

　It must have been terrifying to learn of such a plan, but Shayla showed no fear. Her speech was firm and her voice did not tremble.


　Shayla folded her hands in front of her chest, squeezing them tightly.

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't terrified in the face of the men who were planning to kill me. But as I listened to the ...... story, I had a question. Five of the six men seemed to want to kill me right now, but the other one was opposed and was modifying his plan. It seemed that they had kidnapped me because they had been hired by someone who had not told them when to kill me. Nevertheless, at the discretion of that one person, they are still driving their wagon through King's Landing, hiding in this abandoned hut, and waiting for the night to kill me. The man was unnatural for a kidnapper who had also just been hired for money.

　Shayla is often underestimated and scorned senselessly because of her circumstances, but until two years ago, she was the highly educated daughter of the heir to the Caleldo Trading Company, one of the top five traders in the country. Originally, the Careldo Trading Company was granted nobility in recognition of its achievements in spreading rare goods from other countries to the Kingdom of Ergeland, while at the same time introducing Ergeland's unique culture to other countries, and acting as a bridge in both culture and economy. There was no way that the heiress of this noble family was just polishing her exterior. In fact, Shayla is a very logical thinker, even though she is not aware of it, and has excellent insight into the nature of discomfort and contradictions.

(If Shayla had thought about it, she probably would have figured out who "Dee" really was very easily. ......)

　(If Shayla had thought about it, she probably would have figured out Dee's identity easily. That's why she didn't go into detail about the setting of "Dee". I had a feeling that I might end up with a snake if I were to contradict myself by constructing a poor setting. I'm not going to let Shayla scare me by looking at me. ...... I don't know if it was a good thing that I kept on fooling around like that.

　The congress is buzzing with surprise at the reality of the "kidnappers" coming out of the "favored princess" who was thought to be just a kidnap victim, neither poison nor medicine. As if to win over her audience, Shayla raised her voice.

As I watched the men, the time came for this unnatural man to stand guard alone. Caught off guard that I was asleep, he let slip his true intentions in the hut with no one to hear him. It would be bad if I killed him without the Marquis' orders.

　There was a murmur, and everyone's eyes turned to the "Marquis" on the witness stand: the Marquis of Harlai and the Marquis of Merces.
　They were stung by the obvious suspicion in their eyes and shook their heads rapidly.

"No--no!　It's not us!
It's not us. ...... The girl there must have misheard 'Count' for 'Marquis' in her fear of being kidnapped.
"I mean!　This is not the Red Rose's personal crime, but the entire Crestor family's.
"What?

　In the event that you have a lot of time, you may want to take a look at the following.
　A single word from Dualis on the wall froze the air of the assembly in an instant.

"And?　What if it was all of us who kidnapped Miss Callerd?　Would you add my name to the guillotine petition?
"Let me tell you something. It's a good thing that you're not the only one who has a problem with this. If you are planning to switch your target to the Cresta here, we will do the same, and we will consider it as an indication of our intention to attack the entire Cresta. Oddly enough, as Mistress Stresia said, an insult to the top of the organization is an insult to the entire organization.
I mean... You still don't understand that I dared to let you off the hook for your outrageous rhetoric that since we are evil, we should be allowed to behead Diana without reason. Since you seem to have forgotten, I'd like to remind you that we, the Cresters, have been entrusted by His Majesty to deal with this matter at all costs. I'm sure you understand that insulting us is a direct disrespect to His Majesty, don't you?

　The Marquis of Harlai and the Marquis of Merces looked up at Juke in the king's seat, pale.
　The Marquis of Harlai and the Marquis of Merces looked up at Juke in the king's seat.

I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that I'm not the only one who's had a bit of trouble with the whole thing.

　As usual, he replied with an air of 'what's the point now'. The two marquises are even more pale now that they've incurred the king's wrath, but that's nothing new.

"Your Majesty!　It was a misunderstanding. We are in no way connected to such lowly people as the perpetrators of the kidnapping!
We do not disrespect you, Your Majesty!　We have no intention of disrespecting His Majesty, nor would we execute anyone without His Majesty's name!
"...... I'm tired of hearing your excuses. No matter how you explain it, it doesn't change the fact that you tried to kill the Red Rose out of personal passion, using the name of the state, without following the laws of the state.
"No, sir!

　The Marquis de Harlais rolls off the witness stand and kneels directly under the juke.

"Your Majesty. I swear by the name of Harlai and by my conscience. It's true that I knew beforehand that the maidservant of the Red Rose faction, along with outside collaborators, were attempting to kidnap Miss Shayla Callerd, but I dared to overlook the crime as a noble sacrifice in order to capture the Red Rose, who was avenging the kingdom. The Knight of Eunos also witnessed the kidnapping and agreed to capture her because he cared for the country. --But we never!　But we are not connected to those three, nor to the six who carried it out!
"Yes, Your Majesty!　Your Majesty, I do not wish to be lumped in with such lowly people just because I witnessed the kidnapping of Miss Callerd!

　After the Marquis of Harlai, the Knight of Eunos kneeled down next to him and urged him earnestly. Juke watches them intently.

"In short, Harlai. "So you admit that you knew about the kidnapping plan before it happened, and you let it go?
"I did it to ensure the capture of the Red Rose, the poison of the kingdom!
Do you admit it?

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　The Marquis de Merces, left alone on the witness stand, shook his head vigorously.

"You're talking about the wrong thing, Lord Harlai!　You said yourself that this kidnapping was indeed planned by the Red Rose and that you had proof of it!
The main culprit in this kidnapping is the Red Rose. I'm sure of it!
Don't be ridiculous!　Do you think you can make such an excuse after witnessing the kidnapping without any knowledge?
Eunos only witnessed the kidnapping, he didn't do anything!　You can't count me as a collaborator!


I'm not sure what to make of this.

　In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can contact us at the web site. The Marquis of Merced jumped down from the witness stand and grabbed the chest of the good-looking Marquis of Harrai. ...... Apparently, this is a habit of his when he gets excited.

You!　I'm not sure what to make of this.　You said it was a certain evil that could silence the King and the Prime Minister, so I helped you!
"You're not wrong!　Kidnapping and killing a concubine is a serious crime!　The Red Rose is the one who planned it!　The Red Rose is the one who plotted it, and according to the laws of the kingdom, she deserves to die!　What is wrong with you?
If you're right, then why are we in such dire straits?　If you're right, why are we in this predicament? If you're right, then why are we in this predicament?　I'm not sure what to do.
What are you saying at this moment? It is impossible for a mere maidservant to take a concubine out of the palace by herself. I only ordered Eunos knight to loosen the guards in the palace a little in order to confirm the crime of the Red Rose. --You are the one who signed the execution petition without even taking a look at our investigation, when common sense would have told you that!
"You ......!　How dare you do such a shameless thing?
"Both sides, you idiot!

　The majority of the people in this place, Duarisse's voice spoke for them. The icy voice of the Demon Lord seemed to bring the two Marquesses back to their senses in an instant.
　Duarisse stepped forward from the wall, clutching her forehead with her fingers.

"To summarize. Duke Harlai knew from the beginning of the plan to kidnap Miss Callerd by Bell, Rhyno and Oleg, and thought that if it was carried out, he would certainly be able to incriminate the current Red Rose. There were holes in the plan, even to the untrained eye, and in order to fill them, he embraced Eunos, the small commander of the royal palace knights who was in charge of security, and dared to create a way in, saw the plan carried out, and captured Bell. If he knew about the plan from the beginning, he probably prepared this "Investigation Report on the Kidnapping of Sheila Callerd" in advance. And after all the preparations were made, you went to capture the current Red Rose, Diana, in high spirits.
"Wow, I didn't know that!
"Now I see you're not lying, Lord Merced. But that doesn't change the fact that you're an idiot and unfit to be Assistant Director of the Mediation Bureau. If you knew that you were doing something wrong and you dared to act on it, you'd have a better chance of getting out of this situation, but as far as I can tell, you're just being honest. I'm sure you'll be able to figure out what's going on, but I'm not sure you'll be able to.

　It's too good a theory to be true, and everyone, left and right, is nodding their heads in agreement. The Marquis of Merced shuddered, and finally collapsed in a heap.
I'm not sure what to make of that.

I'm not sure what to say. I'm not sure what to make of that. Where did you get that information in the first place?
What's ......?
In case you're wondering, even we, who you consider 'evil', didn't foresee Miss Callerd's kidnapping from the palace and Diana's capture as the main culprit. I'm sure you're not the only one who has a problem with that.
I'd like to know more about the movements of the palace.
I'm sure Madame Magnum was keeping a close eye on the movements of the court. After all, she's the matriarch. --Isn't that right?
Of course, sir. I swear to you, there was no sign of it.

　The Marquis of Harleigh was stifled by Madame Magnum's immediate response.
　Duarisse's words were aloof but sharp, and did not escape the Marquis de Harlais.

In this case, there are two possibilities, right? The first is that the Duke of Harrai himself was the main culprit in the plot to kidnap Miss Callerd, and was planning to frame the Red Rose for the crime. If you're the one who planned it, you should know about it.
No!　I would never do anything like that!
"Then the second. Lord Harlai, somewhere you had the opportunity to hear about this "kidnapping plot". I'm sure you've heard of this kidnapping plot. ...... I'm sure you've also heard that the current Red Rose, Deanna Crestor, is planning to kidnap your favorite princess.

　The Marquis of Harrai's eyes widened as he looked at her. Even though it was the middle of winter, he was sweating profusely, and it was running down his face.
　At the sight of him, Dualis let out a deep breath.

"The fact that you're not mentioning his name at this point. Maybe he's in a position to stop or mitigate your punishment if it comes to that. I'm sure you've been told that if you never name him, he'll back you up.　...... Lord Harlai, I'm pretty sure you don't have a very high position in the royal court for your family.

　The position of Assistant Vice-Minister of the Interior is not as important as it sounds. The Ministry of the Interior has a large number of deputy ministers due to the breadth of their positions, and an 'assistant' is merely their errand boy. Even though it is a higher position, the general feeling is that it is somewhat low for a marquess, and for the head of an old noble family that survived the Azure Civil War. In fact, the Marquis of Merces, who had been on the wrong side of the fence until a moment ago, is in the second position of assistant to the director of the Mediation Bureau, despite being so incompetent.
　It is unfair to say that the same assistant deputy minister is not considered to be of such a low rank in the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which have very different jobs. ...... By any chance.

If the current Red Rose is indeed plotting the kidnapping and murder of the Favored Princess. Taking the lead in exposing and bringing it to justice would certainly be a tremendous achievement. It would be a dream come true to become an assistant minister.
Yeah, that's .......
If you succeed, you'll move up the ladder. If it doesn't work out, there will be someone to protect you. This is why I was able to proudly assert such a reckless, hole-filled theory of the Red Rose's mastermind. ...... So that's how it is.


"Well, the Red Rose must have planned it!　The three of them are unconnected to us. The Red Rose, the leader of the innovators in the Inner Palace, can move them, but we can't!
And by "we," you mean "the conservatives"?　The majority of ...... are already glaring at you with a 'don't lump me in' look.

　The right side of the chamber shook uncomfortably as Dualis' jade eyes looked at me. With a bit of pity in his eyes, Dualis looks at the Marquis of Harrai.

"I'll wager. I'd wager that none of the people gathered here would be suicidal enough to defend you.
"No, of course not!
In fact, why are you so confident that they'll cover for you?　It's a good thing that you're not the only one who has a problem with this. In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site.
It's for the good of the kingdom.
I have a simple question. Why is letting Miss Callerd's kidnapping slide for the good of the kingdom?　If you knew about the kidnapping plan and placed Eunos' small band in a position to immediately capture the maidservant (Belle), you could have captured all the kidnappers, including Belle, before Miss Callerd was taken out if you wanted to. Maybe even Rhyno and Oleg who were waiting in the carriage. I'm not sure what to make of that, but I'm sure it's a good idea.

　The Marquis of Harrai and the Knight of Eunos also make a brilliant "I never thought of that" face at the question of Duarisse, who seems to be wondering from the bottom of her heart. It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.

I'm not sure if you've ever heard of this, but I'm sure you've heard of it. I'm sure the Red Rose Faction would be happy to get rid of her, but it's only an advantage for you guys if your favorite princess is gone and even her murder can be covered by Diana to make her guilt heavier. I understand the logic, but for God's sake, think a little more before you act. The more you expose, the more you'll only be able to say "idiot.

　The hypothesis that Dualis and Edward constructed after their investigation was a plan by the conservative faction to kidnap the Favored Princess, place the blame on the Red Rose, the first in line to her side, and get rid of both of them. However, Shayla's testimony crumbled their stronghold, and the truth was revealed: "I didn't make such a difficult plan. When I heard that the Red Rose was going to kidnap the Favored Princess, I was so excited that I thought, 'If that's the case, we can capture the Red Rose, we can cut off her head!　The Marquess of Harlai is too shallow and has a head start. This can't even be called an evil act. It gives me a headache even if I'm not Dualis.
　After a short pause, Dualis, who seemed to have managed to regain his composure, gave the Marquis of Harrai a devilish smile.

And?　It's a good thing that you're not the only one who can't think straight. Wouldn't you like to testify here about the name of the person who whispered about the Red Rose's plan to kidnap your favorite princess?
You can find it at .......
Just a moment ago, I was ready to condemn you, the signers of the investigation, the mediators, and, of course, Eunos' second son to a life of sipping rainwater for the rest of their lives. If you spit out your 'top' here, I'll at least let you have a bite of bread once in a while.
"d*mn you, Count Clester!　I was not aware of such a scheme!
"I didn't know of such a scheme! "You're right, Lord Mercer. 'I didn't know' isn't good enough. Don't worry, you'll be dealt with after the rest of the charges are dropped. --If you have nothing to be ashamed of, stand tall.

　If you can do so in this situation, I respect your nerve. Hearing the very effective "Shut up," Diana thought sincerely that there were many variations in the aristocratic phrase.
　The Marquis de Merces, with his white complexion, had shut up as expected. It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.
　It's a good idea to keep your eyes and ears open.
　You can find a lot more than just a few things that you can do to make your life easier.

I'm sorry to interrupt, Miss Callerd.
"Oh, ......, no, not at all.
I'm sorry to interrupt, Miss Callerd. I knew that, but the testimony of those involved is still very important. Thank you for coming here.
"Thank you. Thank you for your kind words, Count Crestor. ...... Um...
Hmm?　What's wrong?
Well, the person the Count asked about, the one above the Marquis of Hurley... --I think I might know him.

　I'm not sure what to say.
　I'm not sure if it's a good idea, but it's a good idea.
　The Voltz, and the Juke on top of it, are leaning forward.

"What do you mean, Miss Callerd?
I've been pretending to be asleep for a long time in order to look for an opportunity to escape. I kept pretending to be asleep so that I would have a chance to escape, but then I noticed that the man who had muttered the word "marquis" went out and came back a moment later, reading something while he was alone. It was something small, like a piece of paper.
Could it be...?
Yeah. I thought it might be an instruction from the Marquis. So I checked the place where the man had hidden the paper, and at ...... the end of the day, when all the kidnappers were outside the hut for dinner, I took what I could find and ran away.
......That was a bold move.

　I'm not sure what to make of that. I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that I'm not the only one.
　You'll be able to find a lot more than just a few of them.

"Here's the paper from the stash.
"...... May I read it to you?
"Yes. I would like to ask the Count to read it.



　After receiving Shayla's approval and seeing that Juke nodded, Dualis opened a small folded piece of paper and looked it over. --She smiled through it.

The king has called for a special session of parliament to make known his guilt over the execution of the Red Rose. The time is ten o'clock tomorrow morning. At that time, I will inquire into the Red Rose's murder of his favorite princess. At the end of the night as planned, murder Sheila Callerd. But make sure everyone knows her death was orchestrated by the Red Rose. I'll leave the specifics to you. ...... I see. It's a good idea to take a look at the website and see if you can find anything you like.

　Duarisse's mumbling voice echoed through every corner of the assembly because it was so quiet.
　No one - not even the noblemen sitting in the council chamber - could have imagined that the kidnapping victim would come to the rescue of the alleged master criminal with such conclusive evidence in hand. Even Deanna was able to believe that Shayla was safe and that they would meet again because Kai had undertaken to rescue her, but it was completely out of the realm of possibility that she would bring something like this back. The silence in the room was proof of the surprise and speechlessness of those gathered.
　As she carefully folds the evidence paper back together, Dualis gives Shayla an unmistakable smile. That smile, known as the Demon King's cold smile, is the one that makes Dualis truly happy.

"Mistress Shayla Callerd. As the father of Deanna Clester, the Red Rose, I have the utmost respect for you. You were kidnapped and could have been killed at any moment, but you kept your wits about you and brought back proof of my daughter's innocence.
"What are you saying, Count?

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It's a great way to make sure you're getting the most out of your money. As a nobleman and protector of my people, I am prouder than anyone. Overflowing with kindness and compassion, unable to abandon those in need. For the sake of the kingdom, for the sake of the people, and for the sake of those of us who suffer, no matter how hard it is, she keeps looking forward. He who loves the world and people so much that he is willing to take on the unreasonableness of the world with his own body, would never plan to gain power by sacrificing the lives of others. It would be folly not to reach out to him when the proof is right in front of you.
"Miss Shayla: ......
"I'm sorry, Count. I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that I'm not the only one who's had to deal with this. ...... Please forgive me for being shallowly happy that I was able to meet Diana-sama after all of your sorrows.

　--Don't cry.
　Deanna is desperately trying to tell herself not to cry.

I'm sure you'll be happy to know that I'm not the only one who's a bit of a jerk. When Shayla tried to say something, she just laughed and ignored her. It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for. ...... I was prepared for people to hate me and say, "I never want to hear your voice again.
　Hate me, be afraid of me. I wanted Shayla to be alive. I wanted her to be happy and laughing.
　And when I heard Shayla had been kidnapped. I just wanted her to live, that's all I wanted. I pushed Kai around for the sake of my selfishness and indulged him when he said it was okay.

　And then Shayla came back to me. She must be tired, but she personally brought the proof of Deanna's innocence here, even though it was not her duty. She tells me that she believes me and that she's glad to see me, a sentiment that has never changed since the beginning.
　She was prepared to mourn. But now, Deanna realizes the truth.

"As long as you live... (As long as we live, we never truly lose anything. We meet, we say goodbye, we communicate, we don't understand. We'll live with all of it.

　The pain I felt in my heart when I thought Shayla might have hated me...
　The pain I felt in my heart when I thought Shayla might have hated me, and the joy I feel right now when I realize that my fears were unfounded.
　It is such an irreplaceable part of "Diana".

　I'm sure you'll be able to understand why I'm so excited about this. I'm sure you'll be able to understand why I'm so excited about this.

"Thank you, Miss Shayla. It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for. We've been wondering if this was the right thing to do. ...... But you can see it in her face now. I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that I'm not the only one who's a fan of your work. --It was a mistake not to keep her.
"Crestor, Count, ......
"Thank you so much for befriending and liking Diana. I may be a foolish parent, but I want to thank you.
"Oh, no, not like that.

　Shayla laughed as she shook her head and cried.

The Count really does look like you, Diana.
"Hmm. Is that so?
"Yes. He always does what he wants to say and what he wants to do before he does it. I should be the one to thank the Count for the good fortune of meeting you, Deanna.
I would be happy to accept a thank you from such a beautiful and lovely young lady. I'd be happy to accept a thank you from such a beautiful and lovely young lady, but I'll leave that for another time if I can. --Edward.
Yes, Father.
I'll work with Hizetto on the handwriting analysis of this paper. ...... I hope this identifies the Marquis.
Yes, sir. It's not necessarily the Marquis himself who wrote the paper.



　The concerns of the father and son are valid, and the paper that Shayla brought back shows that the Red Rose Faction is not really the mastermind behind this matter, but it is not enough to find out the identity of the Marquis.
　I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that I'm not the only one who has a problem with this.

I'm not sure what to say. ...... this way.
"Miss Shayla?　--What's this?

　I'm sure you'll be able to understand that I'm not the only one who has a problem with this.

This is the one that was found in the same place as the paper with the instructions. The traveler who drove me to the capital had traveled all over the kingdom, so he was knowledgeable about this as well.

　As she said this, Shayla held up something high. It is....

(Bell ......?　It looks like...

　It was a small bell, barely big enough for Shayla to pick up with her fingers. It was a small bell, only large enough to be picked up by Shayla's finger. Although Deanna could only see it from a distance, it was clear that it was not just a bell that left Dualis speechless.

It's not just a bell," she said. "Normally, I wrap this bell in a soft cloth and carry it around with me so that it doesn't make a sound. We usually carry this bell with us wrapped in a soft cloth so that it will not make a sound, because by ringing it three times like this--

　In the center of the assembly hall. In that eerily quiet place.
　Shayla holds the string connected to the bell and slowly moves her hand back and forth.

　Lean, lean. Lean.

　With a third sound, the bell leaves Shayla's hand. It rolls to a stop on the floor of the chamber.
　Before anyone can raise a question, a sound is heard that is terribly out of place in this place.

　It is the sound of the wings of a winged creature as it flies freely through the sky.

　With a graceful flap of its wings, a beautiful bird with glossy brown feathers flew straight in from the front door of the assembly hall, which had been left open since the arrival of the Imperial Guards. The bird, about the size of a man's face, was called an ex-bird.
　One of the birds reached the bell that Shayla had rolled without hesitation, put it in its beak and ...... looked around for the first time, and then jumped up easily.
　This is the first time I've ever seen such a thing.

　The person the bird is aiming at has lost his "irrelevant" and "bystander" expression, and is just stuck to his chair, unable to escape, unable to believe the reality.
　After landing in his lap and dropping the bell, the bird chirped a high-pitched bleep, as if in praise of him.　as if to express its admiration.

　When Shayla saw who it was, her spring sky eyes flashed with a terrifyingly sharp light.

I know your face, my lady. Your wife, Marcia's father, the Marquis de Cocotte. The man who kidnapped me and asked for instructions from the Marquis had that bell in his possession, why did he bring it to you? --Can you please explain?

　I'm not sure what to make of it, but I'm sure it's a good idea.