Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 163: The Marchioness Appears
The authorities examined the dead the following morning.
Among them was Uwaakin, the man who had commanded the motley force of attackers.
“This appears to be the man rumored to have had an affair with the Marchioness of Van Dyne,” the officer in charge said. “His death is unfortunate for the investigation. The prisoners claim that he was the person who directly hired them. Without his testimony, proving that the Marchioness was involved will be difficult.”
“What about the testimony from the attempted kidnapping?” Tauro asked.
“The principal witness was murdered in his cell last night. Even if the remaining criminals testify, accusing a high-ranking noble on the word of common offenders is difficult without physical evidence. Uwaakin was a disgraced noble and the Marchioness’s known lover, so his testimony would have carried more weight.”
“So circumstantial evidence isn’t enough to charge her.”
“We have secret instructions from the royal family to investigate her connection to the Assassins’ Guild. After everything that has happened, the two sides must have exchanged contracts or written orders. If even one document remains, it could become irrefutable evidence.”
“Documents…”
“With those, we would finally have a case.”
“I understand. I’ll see what I can find.”
Tauro answered before he had decided how to accomplish it.
Aeris soon emerged from the house after getting some sleep. A Royal Guard knight in full armor followed her. After an attack of this scale, the royal family had ordered a more formal guard detail to protect its future ward.
“What’s wrong, Tauro? You look frighteningly serious.”
“Good morning, Aeris. Do you remember the layout of House Van Dyne’s residence in the Royal Capital—and where its safe or vault would be?”
“Of course. What are you planning?”
“A little Lupin-style work.”
“Lupin?”
“A famous thief from my previous world.”
“You intend to rob House Van Dyne? We’re one of the leading families of the neutral faction. The outer security is extremely strict…” Aeris paused. “Although, once someone gets inside, the security is much weaker. This might actually work.”
“You approve?”
“You can enter with me. Mother knows that once the Queen’s guardianship is announced, she’ll lose control over me and the family. If I say I’ve reconsidered and want to help her, she’ll be desperate enough to let us in.”
“No. They’ve already tried to kill you. Walking into that residence would be far too dangerous.”
“That’s why the Royal Guard will accompany us.”
“But if they see the guards, won’t they become suspicious?”
“Mother can’t openly refuse the royal family’s protection. She also can’t afford to reject what appears to be her final chance to win me back.” Aeris looked directly at him. “What exactly are you trying to steal?”
“Documents proving her connection to the Assassins’ Guild.”
“I see. If we find them, everything ends.”
“Do you want me to stop?”
“No. I can’t remain naive after everything she’s done. Too many people have been dragged into this. We need to settle it properly.”
“Then we’ll visit the Van Dyne residence immediately.”
Without sending advance notice, Tauro and Aeris traveled to the mansion with their Royal Guard escort.
The Marchioness nearly fled when she heard that her daughter had arrived with royal knights. However, the Assassins’ Guild had already informed her that the captured House Van Dyne servants had been silenced.
I can pretend to know nothing, she told herself.
Uwaakin had died during the assault. Though she hated Aeris and Tauro for surviving, she could present herself as the grieving victim and endure the meeting long enough to draw Aeris back under her control.
The newborn would help.
The wet nurse had cared for the baby since the birth, and the Marchioness had barely looked at the child. Now she ordered the infant brought to her immediately.
“Bring me my child. Take Aeris and her companions to the reception room. Hurry, you useless fools!”
“Yes, my lady!”
The maid who had delivered the news rushed away.
The wet nurse lifted the sleeping infant from the cradle and carried the baby to the Marchioness. The moment the Marchioness took the child, the baby woke and began to cry.