The Investigation Begins

“Ugh… to think I was comforted by my junior… this is humiliating…”

“Eeeh…”

Just when he thought she had finally stopped crying, Marguerite started grumbling for some reason.

From Jonah’s perspective—whose jacket was now soaked with tears and snot—this was utterly unfair.

But—

“Heh…”

Seeing her blush and smile bashfully like that, Jonah couldn’t bring himself to say anything.

“S-so, I have a suggestion: why don’t we try to find out why the Count raised the taxes in the first place?”

“…That’s impossible. I asked him once myself, but he wouldn’t tell me anything.”

Marguerite’s face clouded over as she buried it in Jonah’s chest again.

When she asked so directly, it was only natural the Count would react that way.

“That’s why we won’t ask the Count directly—we’ll investigate ourselves.”

“…!? Investigate!?”

At Jonah’s words, Marguerite jerked her head up.

“Mr. Hans probably won’t help us, so let’s start by watching the Count ourselves. We could also try asking around town.”

“Yes! Yes!”

A spark returned to Marguerite’s ruby eyes.

That strong, proud, confident smile truly suited her best.

“Ah… b-but you were looking for your relatives’ house, weren’t you…?”

“It’s a little late for that now, don’t you think? Besides, once we prove the Count isn’t looking down on the people, I’m sure the townsfolk will help us look for my relatives too.”

“Y-you’re right!”

At those words, Marguerite’s face lit up brightly.

Her smile made Jonah happy too.

“Then let’s begin right away! First, we investigate around the Count!”

“Yes! …But we’ll have to start tomorrow. It’s already this late.”

“Ah… y-yes, you’re right.”

Following Marguerite’s gaze to the darkened window outside, Jonah nodded.

“In that case, we’ll eat plenty tonight to prepare for tomorrow!”

“Y-yes!”

The two smiled, nodded at each other, took hands, and headed to the dining hall.

The next morning, after breakfast, the pair headed toward Count Hagenberg’s study.

Hans had told them beforehand that a visitor would be arriving in the morning, so they planned to eavesdrop.

“…They’re already here.”

“It must be one of Father’s business contacts.”

They nodded to each other and pressed their ears to the study door.

Just as Marguerite said, a business negotiation was in progress.

“…I don’t mind if the price is a little high. I just want as much as possible.”

“Well, that’s fine, but…”

The Count seemed to be purchasing something, and the merchant sounded perplexed.

In any case, this appeared to be where the tax revenue was going.

“Then I leave it to you.”

“Yes, understood.”

The deal seemed concluded, so the two quickly hid in the hallway shadows.

However—

“I’ll see you again soon.”

“Very well.”

When the merchant emerged, Jonah nearly cried out and hurriedly covered his mouth.

Of course he did—that merchant was the very man he had shared the stagecoach with.

“…He’s gone.”

“Y-yes. Um, may I say something?”

Jonah showed her the wooden tag he had received from the merchant and explained.

“So you know that merchant, Jonah?”

“Yes. He told me if anything happened, I should bring this tag to the inn at the end of the main street…”

“I see… then we have no choice but to go.”

“Where might you be going?”

“…!?”

A voice suddenly spoke from behind them, and both froze.

When they turned, Hans stood there with his usual gentle smile.

“O-o-of course, we’re going to look for Jonah’s relatives’ house! Right!?”

“Y-yes!”

Jonah hurriedly agreed with Marguerite’s on-the-spot lie.

If Hans found out what they were really doing, he would surely stop them.

“I see. Then I shall accompany you.”

“!? N-no need! Jonah is with me, isn’t he?”

“Y-yes! I will absolutely protect Lady Marguerite!”

“Huaaaaa!?”

At Jonah’s declaration, Marguerite let out a strange squeak.

Ever since she was little, she had secretly admired the knight from the bedtime stories her late mother used to read—the one who swore to protect the princess.

She had never dreamed Jonah would say the exact same line as that knight; her fair skin flushed crimson in an instant.

“I understand. Then, Master Jonah, I leave the Young Lady in your care.”

Hans gave them a warm look and bowed politely to Jonah.

“C-c-come on! Let’s go!”

“Wah!?”

To hide her embarrassment, Marguerite yanked Jonah’s hand and dragged the stumbling boy away as fast as she could.