~Chapter 122~
Even though it was dark, there was no doubt—the person approaching us was Idette.
“…She really came.”
Penny whispered quietly, while Idette pushed open the iron bars.
Creaaak.
The sound of metal scraping against the floor echoed as she gestured for us to follow.
“I’ll show you the way out.”
For a moment, Penny and I exchanged glances. Then I silently stood and followed her.
Outside, everyone was busy searching for the missing Idette.
“Wait.”
At a distant noise of footsteps, Idette stiffened instantly. Under the flickering torchlight, her tense face was clear.
Only after the sound faded into the distance did she finally let out the breath she had been holding.
“Thank you for saving us.”
At my words, Idette nodded slowly, then froze.
“N-no… it’s nothing.”
She seemed unable to meet my eyes, guilt weighing down her gaze—especially whenever she glanced at Penny.
“Are you heading to the capital?” I asked carefully, trying to read her intentions.
“No, but… I’ll make sure you both escape Tyrannian safely. You don’t have to worry.”
“You seem like someone from the capital. Why not just come with us?”
“I’m sorry.”
Her refusal was instant, without hesitation.
I stared at her silently. Then, as if trying to explain herself, she added,
“I have someone I need to meet.”
Of course. She was planning to speak with Erkessian.
Not unexpected, though it wasn’t what I wanted to hear.
“At the Lantern Festival?”
“…Yes.”
“People are hunting you everywhere. Is that meeting really worth the risk?”
Idette stayed silent.
“Does this person even know you’re in danger right now?”
She still couldn’t answer. And into that silence, Penny spoke bluntly,
“If they planned to meet at the Lantern Festival, then of course they know. Which means they probably already ran away by now.”
“He’s not that irresponsible! He promised he’d save me!” Idette’s voice trembled, her eyes wavering even as she defended him.
“I don’t understand.” I tilted my head.
“You ran away. We got caught instead. Was I wrong to think that’s how it happened?”
Idette’s expression turned flustered, her eyes darting nervously.
“If you trusted he’d save you, then why run at all?”
“I-it wasn’t running away. I’m just heading to our meeting place.”
“Oh really? Where is that, then?”
At my question, she only clenched her fists, refusing to answer.
So, she was just planning to meet Erkessian blindly.
“You could meet somewhere else. Why insist on the Lantern Festival?”
I stepped closer, and Idette stepped back.
“Are you sure this person can be trusted?”
For a moment, her steps faltered. But then she shook her head hard, unwilling to admit her doubt.
“You don’t understand. He’s my lover!”
“…”
“I know him better than anyone. He would never hurt me.”
Her voice sounded like she was reminding herself, as if she had to believe it.
“He promised never to betray me. That’s why I have to believe in him.”
Penny smacked her forehead with a loud thunk.
“I just sound confused, but he really is a good person. The most reliable person I’ve ever met!”
“If he were really that good, you wouldn’t have needed to defend him.”
“….”
“You wouldn’t even feel the need.”
Idette’s lips quivered before she tried to argue back.
“There was just a misunderstanding. If I see him and ask directly, I can find out the truth. It won’t be too late then—”
“Wake up, Idette.”
“…!”
“By then it’ll already be too late.”
I dragged a tired hand across my face.
“Fine. Let’s say he really is good. Then in this situation, he would put your safety above anything else.”
Beside me, Penny nodded furiously.
“So why risk everything to clear a misunderstanding right now?”
“Even a child can see it’s wrong.”
I tilted my head toward Penny, who agreed. Idette frowned.
“He said he’d… save me…”
“Think logically. What’s wrong with escaping on your own?”
Did I really have to spell this out for her?
“If he’s the kind of man who can’t accept that, then he’s not your lover.”
If even that didn’t convince her, then there was only one choice left—I’d have to knock her unconscious and drag her away.
I was just about to move when she suddenly spoke.
“Lady Bianca.”
“…Yes?”
I answered without thinking—then froze.
Wait. How did she know my name?
I touched my cheek nervously. Idette blinked in shock, then stammered,
“S-sorry. I must have mistaken you for someone else.”
Her face crumpled as she clutched my hand.
“I know I’m foolish. But I want to believe in him one last time.”
“Idette.”
Then a voice came from behind—familiar and gentle.
“I’ve been looking everywhere for you. You’re not hurt, are you?”
Even to me, a stranger, it sounded like a lover’s voice.
I couldn’t see Erkessian’s expression from where I stood, but from Idette’s reaction, he was perfectly imitating the man she wanted him to be.
“Come with me. I promised to make you the most noble woman in the Empire, didn’t I? Lord Richard wishes for it as well.”
His footsteps drew closer.
“With your strength alone, you’ll never escape here.”
At those words, Idette’s hand slackened in mine.
“You know, as always, only I can save you.”
…Unbelievable!
As though bewitched, Idette took a step toward him. My teeth clenched hard.
“Fine. If you want to hear his explanation, do it.”
“Sis!” Penny cried out.
“But only if you survive first.”
I tightened my grip on Idette’s hand.
“If you come with me, you can always return later and hear the truth. But if you stay now, you’ll never get the chance.”
“…!”
“You asked me once to go with you to see Lord Richard, didn’t you? You weren’t joking then, were you?”
Her face was unreadable. I couldn’t tell what she was thinking, but I pressed on.
“That’s what both you and Lord Richard wanted.”
Idette stammered,
“I… I have a future I want. For that, I have no choice.”
I glanced at Penny. She caught on quickly and gave a small nod.
“His Highness has always been kind to someone like me, so lacking in everything…”
Idette closed her eyes. A faint light glowed at her fingertips. Penny instinctively stepped back, alarmed.
“…That’s why I believe he’ll forgive me again this time.”
But the light hardened into a sharp magic circle—not between us, but forming a perfect barrier between Erkessian and Idette.
