Chapter 27: Post-measures
After waiting for Ashley to calm down, everyone decided to head to Rosetta's house together.
According to Rosetta, it was to devise post-measures. Well... I can't say I don't understand what she's worried about.
Originally, Ashley should have just returned to the dormitory. The fact that she brought her along probably means that she has the same thoughts as me.
"――There's a possibility that Maurice might consider Ashley as an enemy."
"Me, you say?"
Ashley remained seated in the reception room, wearing a puzzled expression.
"In other words, since Ashley-sama reacted to the matter concerning my mother, he might think that there's a connection between us. If he gathers a bit of information, he might also find out the reason why I left home to some extent."
Considering that I've severed ties with my family and I'm just a commoner, while Ashley is a lord... there's a possibility that Ashley is seen as being behind me. However, we shouldn't expect Maurice to interpret things conscientiously in that regard.
He's the kind of person who tries to force his own ways upon others, and he probably thinks that one thing leads to another in that manner.
Specifically... it means that those close to Maurice might subject Ashley to tangible and intangible harassment, or in a worse case, resort to direct use of force. It's only natural to take precautions for her safety before it comes to that.
"After all, the Earl is still the Earl, in a way. There are still connections vertically and horizontally."
"There will definitely be deeper conflicts because of this incident. However, there are people who have obligations to the Cardiff Earl's family or those who are more inclined towards violence and are directly affiliated with Maurice."
In other words, the old-timers and those who share Maurice's way of thinking will remain around us. It can be said that they have a rather unsavory nature.
"Are you asking what we should do to ensure Ashley-sama's safety?"
"Well, something like that."
Rosetta nodded in response to Grace's words.
It's necessary to inform Ashley about these matters, although it might make her anxious. Without the awareness of being protected, the protectors cannot take action.
Even when told so, Ashley didn't panic and shook her head earnestly.
"I will take responsibility for the trouble caused by my own actions..."
Ashley probably wants to say that she will take responsibility for her own actions.
Not that there is no way. She is the head of the baron's family, and she can hire guards or seek assistance from noble families close to the Sirun Baron's family.
"No, it's the opposite."
"The opposite?"
"If Ashley-sama hadn't said that at that moment, someone among us would probably have resorted to the use of force."
"...I see."
"Really. I need more training myself."
The three of them exchanged glances and let out a sigh of relief and melancholy, unable to determine which one it was.
That's right. Even in situations like that, I need to become more composed and handle things better.
"So, that's why it's only natural for us to fully cooperate with Ashley-sama in this matter. Rather, I want to be allowed to do so."
As I said, looking into Ashley's eyes, she stared back at me for a while before nodding.
"...Thank you very much."
"Now, as for what to do next..."
The first thing to consider is how to ensure Ashley's safety until we can be sure that there will be no retaliation or interference from the Earl.
I think Prince Albert will take action once he hears about it. I don't know if it's out of duty or self-interest... but that also depends on whether the Earl takes any further actions.
If the Earl is taking the matter seriously and keeping a low profile, even the prince wouldn't have a reason to act. Besides, Prince Albert's foundation is not solid, so it's somewhat optimistic to rely on him from the beginning without taking any action.
"For now, I don't think it's a good idea to stay in a dormitory where multiple people can come and go. It would be better to move to a different place."
"Do you mean, for example... returning to the territory of Shilun?"
That could be one solution... but Ashley's expression didn't show much enthusiasm.
Well, she's paying the tuition, and there are also Kennel and Berine's intentions for her to come here, but I think there are other reasons besides me.
"If you're not enthusiastic about it, I would like to take a different direction. After all, this situation has caused trouble due to the school's poor response. As for the lectures you were supposed to receive, I will do my best to provide the maximum convenience."
...It seems it will become something like a private tutor. Having trustworthy individuals around her will directly contribute to her safety, so it's fine for the lectures to be arranged in that way.
The reason Belline recommended studying abroad at Termwills was partly for Ashley to build a network of connections.
And that information alone, which resulted in a hostile relationship with the Count, would have both positive and negative effects on Ashley in her surrounding circumstances.
The enemy of my enemy is my ally, and the reverse is also true. Those who don't hold a favorable impression of the Count tend to lean towards the allies, while those who do not lean towards the enemy side. The same can be said for me, Rosetta, and Prince Albert, for example.
As for Talcott... based on the detailed information I heard from Rosetta, he would likely side with Prince Albert.
Once the discussion was settled, both Talcott, the party involved, and Rosetta, who came to report the outcome, didn't seem to want me to hear the details... Apparently, right before being disowned, Talcott was subjected to sanctions by Maurice.
It was a story about being blown away by magic, repeatedly kicked while lying on the ground, and having several ribs broken, which Rosetta treated. That's how she came to know about the current commotion and reported it to me. While we were waiting in the vacant room, it seems they were quite chaotic over there.
Albert would also want to secure Talcott for sure, so he will likely talk about how Maurice dealt with Talcott and under what intentions.
I don't know how Talcott feels about that conversation, but if it were me, I would be angry at being constantly assigned dirty work just to maintain the reputation of the eldest brother.
Well, Albert will probably think about that and take action.
"Well then, I'll consider renting a house or taking a lodging somewhere."
After that, I just have to protect that place. That's how the conversation goes.
There's also the option of assigning Kagesui to personal protection.
"Well... that's fine too. But there are other ways."
Rosetta glanced at me and Grace, then returned her gaze to Ashley.
"Ashley... even if this incident is resolved, I think your personal affairs will become quite tumultuous. If you think about the future, it would be better to consider and plan for those matters."
"Tumultuous? Why?"
"First of all, you will attract attention from those who are antagonistic to Maurice."
Hmm... If they are adversaries of Maurice, they would want to team up with like-minded individuals. Building a network of connections means unintentionally creating enemies as well.
"In the Shilun Baron's household, the current head possesses remarkable talent in healing magic. Moreover, with the absence of an engagement partner, it becomes inevitable. Even when a healing magician reaches my age, there will inevitably be suitors if they remain single... However, there are fools who try to exert their influence or power to force their way through. Whether one lives in a dormitory or hires servants and lives in a rented house... It cannot be unrelated to such matters. To resolve this, one would have to decide on someone... But as for that matter, what about young Theodore... No, the three of you—what am I thinking?"
...Does Rosetta consider such matters as well? And she mentioned the three of us.
It seems that Belene also had a similar impression from the beginning... But I wonder how our attitudes toward each other, Grace and me, appear to others.
Well, indeed... There is a possibility of having them stay in my or Rosetta's house to protect Ashley. I was thinking it would be at Rosetta's house.
Even if it's due to abnormal circumstances or temporary reasons. And also because they are children. Having Ashley stay at my house for her personal security is almost like declaring to those around us that we have a close relationship with an eye on the future.
"Well... Isn't this conversation progressing too quickly?"
I understand that there are situations that do not allow for stagnation in discussions like this, but Rosetta tilts her head.
"Oh? Ashley is the head of the Baron's family, and you have also been attracting attention. So, I don't think the conversation is too fast or difficult to understand at all. It's not about me; it's about how to perceive the current situation and how to act if there are still no engagement partners around."
"Well..."
...Or rather, the situation may already be changing. It's Maurice's camp.
Knowing that I have a connection with Ashley, it's possible to see it that way. If Maurice starts using people to exert his power, regardless of the actual situation, a common understanding like that will emerge among the people around us.
"Henry... He might have been considering your future, including Grace. But as a young man with such magical talent, you understand that one person is not enough as a partner, right?"
Ah...
...Unlike Berine, Rosetta doesn't bring in personal interests and is relatively straightforward, so if we proceed with the conversation, it will likely come to a straightforward conclusion.
Aside from what my father intended for Grace and me in the future...
Rosetta will probably continue to be Ashley's instructor for healing magic, and since she seems to know about Ashley coming here due to our mutual acquaintance... She probably understands the significance of Ashley being here.
I know it's not a conversation that can be put off for too long. People will start paying attention to me and Ashley because of the Cardiff Earldom incident, huh. Well, indeed.
Ashley's cheeks turned slightly red, and Grace... had her usual calm expression.
"Well, the most important thing is the feelings between the individuals, right? How about the three of you stay at my house tonight and have a calm discussion? It would give me more time to teach healing magic to Ashley, so you can stay at my place. However..."
Rosetta looked into the distance and spoke.
"If you have feelings for each other, I think it's better not to leave them unsaid. Whether you convey them or not, whether you understand each other or not, there will be separations regardless. But that's why, I wonder..."