The Princess is Going on Strike - Chapter 12
Chapter 12
“So, what do you mean by asking me that question? What did you expect me to tell you when you asked for more details?”
I could see that Ethan couldn’t answer my question easily.
Was it a difficult question?
I stared at him when Velfor, sitting beside him, spoke instead.
“To summarize, the statements speak of the corruption of not just military officials but also the Duke and the Brixia Family. If your family’s involvement is revealed during the investigation, then Brixia’s reputation will be harmed. It won’t end with just a fine, they may have to stand trial, or at worst, the Duke may need to step down. Do you understand?”
“Ah…..”
I exclaimed lightly and nodded. But once they saw my reaction, the two expressed a look of concern before one of them spoke.
“Although it may seem as if we are repaying you for your help with punishment, we are still obliged to do things according to law. However, we do not intend to do nothing while you suffer, Aerylle. You won’t be able to avoid going to court, but we can assist you so your testimony about your participation in this case and how it helped us with our investiga-”
“No, there’s no need for that.”
“…..What?”
I cut Ethan off since there was no need for more to be said. I originally gave Velfor a hint because I wanted him to be able to solve the case properly.
But you’re thinking of giving a lighter punishment just because of me? Don’t be ridiculous.’
I looked at the two men who were unable to hide their expressions since earlier, sighed, then spoke again.
“Something like that is unnecessary. So just…”
Velfor turned his head and looked at Ethan. Their eyes met as I finished my sentence.
“Do everything according to the law.”
I saw how both men gave me a shocked look when I mentioned the law.
Did I say something strange? Why are they like that when it’s not wrong of me to say that?
Of course, I understood their point of view, especially since it is strange to want one’s family to be proven guilty of a crime. But for me, I had to shake the family to the point where they would not have the luxury to pay attention to me. I appreciated their concern, but if they lessened the charges against the family, then they’d blame me and I’d end up taking the brunt of their anger. So I needed them shaken up which was why I had to act more resolute.
“It doesn’t matter to me if you do things according to the law since it won’t cause me to suffer much. I assume that you already took a look at the draft design sketches and found that there weren’t any problems with it, correct?”
“As you say, those designs and the initial manufacturing plan were fine. On the contrary, it was too detailed that it caused the engineers to have a hard time understanding the information. It was so detailed to the point where it caused me to wonder whether they were created by the same person.”
Velfor clicked his tongue and expressed disappointment over Oledin’s actions. Everything was known to be his achievements, when in fact they were all the result of my hard work. I quietly stared at Velfor’s face as he double-checked the statements. Feeling a strange gaze on me, I turned my head and saw brown eyes staring at me.
I wonder what’s wrong.
Ethan took a deep breath and spoke softly.
“Mask.”
“…..”
My face naturally stiffened after hearing him say that word. Bewildered, Velfor put away the statements and tried to stop Ethan from continuing.
“Commander.”
“Why do you wear it?”
“Stop talking, please!”
Velfor flailed his arms about in embarrassment, but Ethan didn’t look away from my mask. Despite having it covered, it felt as if he was looking at my bare face. I raised my hand and touched my mask with my fingertips to make sure it was still on as Velfor bowed his head with a sigh.
“I apologize. The commander is someone who cannot hold back his curiosity… so we sincerely apologize if you were offended.”
I didn’t particularly feel unpleasant nor was I offended. But it was surprising to find that he did not know why I wore a mask. If one were a noble from the Empire, they would’ve heard about the monster princess of the Brixia Family at least a hundred times. I gestured to Velfor that everything was fine, looked at Ethan and said,
“Others feel that it is unpleasant to look at my ugly face because I was born with discolored patches all over it. That is why I wear a mask.”
Did that satisfy his curiosity?
Ethan tilted his head and shifted his eyes in thought before nodding once. He rose from his seat and Velfor and I followed. Ethan walked towards the door and opened it then stopped before turning to look at me.
“I shall see you at the banquet if you plan on attending it.”
“I won’t be participating in it. I don’t really find it interesting, so….”
“Is that so? That’s a shame.”
As his question was out of courtesy, I also gave a light reply. Ethan gave one last nod and walked through the open door. Velfor stared at his back with a blank look before he sighed and bowed to me once more. He really had no need to feel sorry as I felt that Ethan had no ill intentions when he asked me that question. Even if he did, it was nothing compared to some of the insults I’ve heard until now, such as being called a monster or the devil.
“I’ll warn the Commander about this. Because he is a soldier through and through, he doesn’t know how to deal with women and ends up treating them awkwardly. I apologize, once more.”
“Ah, no. There is nothing to apologize for. It’s alright.”
I reassured Velfor until the end, which finally caused him to look defeated as he glanced over his shoulders towards Ethan who stood unwavering, as if his legs were rooted into the ground like a tree. Ethan looked at me and it felt as if my shell was being peeled away. I bit my lip and avoided his gaze until the door shut.
With a sigh, I took off my mask and looked towards the sky. Ethan had only stayed for a short moment, but he had such a sharp and piercing presence. Ethan Lloyd Berlstein, the Young Master of the Berlstein Family that I heard of wasn’t someone like this. He was known to be a calm man, like a serene lake with still waters. But the gaze he gave me resembled rough, raging waves. I bit my lip again and tossed my mask on my desk.
Let’s forget about it. He’s not someone important to me, anyway.
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