Chapter 265: The Person at the Center of the Storm
Siana’s Side
The day before the “that time” Elizalina was talking about.
A little while after Lux had returned to the noble academy.
In her own room, Siana spoke to Violet, who stood before her wearing a black hooded coat.
“Violet, what we’re doing today is simple, but let’s review it beforehand just to be safe.”
“Yes.”
“Most likely, Elizalina-anesama will have her guards firmly stationed around her in the royal castle. If the two of us can break through those guards and restrain Elizalina-anesama, we’ll make her tell us what she’s plotting and put a stop to it.”
“And if we can’t get her to talk, we keep her restrained as she is… correct?”
“Exactly.”
At first glance, it sounded like a simple and easy plan, but Elizalina was a highly intelligent person.
Perhaps anticipating that Siana and Violet would make a move right before the time Elizalina had mentioned, she’d been directing the soldiers under her command in ways different from usual.
“From what I’ve observed of the royal castle over the past few days, it seems a considerable number of soldiers are guarding the area centered around Elizalina-sama’s room. Still, considering they’re dealing with you and me, Ojou-sama, I believe that number’s reasonable.”
“Reasonable? You must be joking.”
Siana continued in a firm voice.
“No matter how many soldiers there are, they won’t be a match for you and me. Isn’t that right?”
“That’s true… my apologies for the careless remark.”
“As long as you understand, that’s fine. Even though the Lage faction’s been wiped out, I still can’t afford not to have you stay with Lux-kun, so I avoided going to Elizalina-anesama during the day. But if it’s the mansion, Lux-kun should be safe… let’s head to Elizalina-anesama’s place right away.”
“Understood, Ojou-sama.”
The two of them left the room and made their way to the entrance.
At that moment…
“Ah, Siana!”
Violet vanished so she wouldn’t be seen by Lux, who’d arrived at the entrance as well. Siana turned toward him and spoke.
“Master! What’s the matter?”
“I’ve settled down with my studying for a bit, so I thought I’d get some fresh air. What about you, Siana?”
“I was thinking of going out to do a bit of shopping!”
“I see. It’s already dark outside, so be careful.”
Ah…! Lux-kun, how can you be so kind? When Lux-kun says something that gentle to me, the corners of my mouth always start to lift in a strange way, but I have to endure it so Lux-kun doesn’t think I’m acting weird!
“Yes!”
Completely unaware of the inner conflict Siana was going through after being so deeply moved, Lux looked at her, who at least on the surface seemed the same as always, and smiled gently.
At that gentle smile, Siana almost felt her heart struck again.
But then, right after…
“…Hm?”
There was a knock on the mansion door.
“At this hour… I wonder who it is.”
Lux said that with a slightly puzzled look, as if nothing came to mind.
“…”
Siana felt the same sensation she’d had not long ago, when Violet came to this mansion as Felisiana’s attendant.
But the person beyond this door definitely wasn’t Violet.
…Then who on earth could it be?
“I don’t know, but I’ll try opening it for now.”
Unlike Lux, who spoke in a gentle tone, Siana was on guard, considering the possibility that it might be an assassin sent by someone who resented Lux’s excellent results.
But when Lux, who wasn’t being cautious at all, opened the door, the figure that appeared beyond it was…
“Lux! It’s been a few days!”
Elina… no, to be precise, it was Elizalina, the very person at the center of the storm.
“…”
She came to the place where I am, of her own accord…? What’s her objective…?
Faced with Elizalina’s incomprehensible actions, Siana was shaken to her core.