Oran Knight is out (1/3 chapters for today)
Last of Seven Mysteries (4): Silent Scream
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As promised to Linkert-san, we returned to the western-style mansion again in time for lunch. A variety of delicious-looking dishes were already set on the table, causing Ratt-kun’s excitement to rise immediately.
“Oh, you’re here. I’m glad you made it on time.”
Linkert-san greeted us, and Lev and Lite stepped forward to introduce themselves first.
“Pleased to meet you. I’m Rival Lev. Thank you for inviting us today.” (Lev)
Lev said politely.
“Pleased to meet you. I’m Rival Lite. Thank you very much, Chairman Linkert.” (Lite)
Lite followed.
“Thank you both for being so polite. You know who I am already, of course. Here, you may call me Linkert-san like the other children.” (Linkert)
After we finished with introductions, we all got ready for lunch.
Together, we said, “Itadakimasu!” and started enjoying the meal.
“It may not entirely suit young people’s tastes, though…” (Linkert)
Linkert-san said modestly, and indeed, while much of it was simple fare, the flavors were comforting and truly delicious. When I sincerely said, “It’s delicious!”, Linkert-san smiled, and we thoroughly savored the food.
Once lunch had finally settled, Linkert-san turned to us.
“So, have you come to a conclusion?” (Linkert)
“Yes.” (Heinz)
Heinz looked at Linkert-san with a slightly tense expression, and he slowly began explaining the circumstances. Fortunately, today was quite sunny, and the western-style mansion’s garden was bathed in sunlight. It felt warm for the first time in a while.
Linkert-san, as well as the rest of us, listened silently as Heinz carefully explained everything. When the long explanation was over, Linkert-san let out a small sigh.
“As I thought, Follet-san was right….” (Linkert)
“Follett… that’s the Ruler’s younger brother, right?” (Lux)
The friends from the town, like Hana, hadn’t met Follet-san in person on the morning of the school festival. Although they had heard about him, they hadn’t fully grasped it yet.
“Yes. When I told him about you, he insisted on meeting you. When I asked him why, he said, ‘Aren’t they searching for the hidden room?'” (Linkert)
“A hidden room!?” (Lux)
We stood up in surprise. Linkert-san had indeed said ‘hidden room’, not underground passage.
“Yes. Lux-kun, your guess is correct. There is a hidden passageway under this academy. Its purpose is exactly as you stated. And, Heinz-kun, I’ve heard that the hidden room of Duke Lengrad you’re seeking is within that underground passage. However, as far as I know, no one has ever entered that room. I don’t know if what you’re looking for is actually there. Strictly speaking, I only heard that it supposedly is.” (Linkert)
Linkert-san’s cryptic choice of words made Heinz ask with a slightly suspicious look.
“Before I guide you through the underground, could I share an old story with you? A tale of the cowardice and disgrace of adults.” (Linkert)
Saying this, Linkert-san quietly closed her eyes.
—
(TLN: POV switch)
I had resolved to tell this story, yet now that the time has come, I find myself uncertain about where to begin… Listening to Heinz-kun’s story, I realize… no, we realize… that you understand far more of the situation than I had thought.Goodness, I might not be able to recount things as systematically as Heinz-kun did, so I apologize in advance.
I was rather vague earlier, but we… at least those close to the ruler… do know that what you’re seeking lies within Duke Lengrad’s hidden room. Duke Lengrad hid a diary detailing his brother’s scandals within that hidden room in the underground passage. It’s been an open secret within the royal family since the previous generation.
Heinz said, didn’t he? That this might be the key to ending the war. I believe that as well. Now that both countries are weary of the war, more than ever. Then why, you wonder, haven’t we brought ‘this’ to light? To put it simply, ‘we lacked courage’, or perhaps we were just ‘afraid’.
Though I can’t reveal the specifics, many people died in the war sparked by a royal scandal. Many people shed tears. If we reveal this to the world, we may face immense criticism from our citizens. No, we would willingly accept that criticism. It’s the truth, after all.
However, the release of this information might create great chaos within the country. Our nation’s strength may greatly weaken. Should that happen, not only Solar but even neighboring countries beyond the mountains may invade.
…No, I’m sorry. While that risk is real, what we truly feared was for our own lives and positions.
Putting our lives at risk over such a trivial matter! If the people and the military direct their anger towards the country towards their own country, it will become a rebellion, and if it is successful, our lives will end there.
Everyone was afraid of that.
That’s very cowardly.
That’s very selfish.
And thus, we continued to wait. For people to whom we could entrust Duke Lengrad’s diary. For people who would snatch it away from us. For people who would make us abandon everything. Now, with this moment upon us, I wonder if I spent all this time here in this mansion waiting for this very moment.
—
The timeline shifts back slightly.
On the night before the school festival, Follet was enjoying Linkert-san’s homemade potage at the mansion. Lavitomivia would arrive on the night of the festival’s opening day. Guards were posted outside the room, leaving just Follet and Linkert-san inside.
“Ah, Linkert-san’s potage is truly the best.” (Follet)
Follett said cheerfully.
As she took her seat, looking at Follett with childlike joy, Linkert asked him again.
“Are you really sure it’s alright to tell those children?” (Linkert)
She told Lenglard about the children who had been led here by the cat again this year.
The night before the school festival, Follet and Linkert-san usually enjoyed this topic alone at the mansion. But this year, something seemed different in Follet’s demeanor as he listened to Linkert-san’s story.
True, this year’s group included students like the foreign prince, the daughter of one of the five great noble families, and the gray-haired boy with a strange atmosphere, and they had been excitedly searching for the Seven Mysteries in the mansion. So, it’s not that Linkert hadn’t thought of the hidden room.
But she couldn’t shake the feeling of “Why now? And why them?”
“Of course, it’s not without conditions. Only if they clear several conditions will they earn the ‘right’. Not that I’m in any position to be giving out privileges.” (Follett)
Follett said with a wry smile.
Linkert-san felt the same way herself.
“First, I’ll meet them personally the day after tomorrow. I’m quite confident in my ability to read people. However, considering the schedule, it will have to be early in the morning. Could you arrange that?” (Follet)
“I don’t mind, but is there anything else?” (Linkert)
“Yes. Since we’re at it, let them find all Seven Mysteries. I want to see if they have the passion to do it.”
“Do you think they can gather them all…?” (Linkert)
“Well, if they give up halfway, then that’s the end of it.” (Follett)
“That’s true…” (Linkert)
“And then…” (Follet)
“There’s more?” (Linkert)
“Yes. Only when they reach the entrance of the underground passage and come to you to ask will you guide them.” (Follet)
“Understood… when that time comes.” (Linkert)
“Yes, and if ‘that’ goes to the neighboring country, that’s fine. In that case, we’ll use it for our own advantage.” (Follet)
Follet grinned, and seeing that, Linkert let out a deep sigh.
“Honestly, you… Normally, you should be attending the grand maneuvers at the Ruler’s side instead of coming to some school festival…” (Linkert)
“It can’t be helped. It’s my brother’s intention. Many of his supporters don’t want me in the public eye.” (Follett)
If Follet attended the grand maneuvers, he would easily gain the soldiers’ favor with his sharp insight.
That was precisely why he was sent here every year by those who wished to avoid that.
“Brother resembles our father. He lacks decisiveness but is good at maintaining what’s been passed down. In times of peace, he’d likely be remembered by future generations as a wise ruler.” (Follet)
Upon hearing this, Linkert furrowed her brows slightly.
—
TLN: I just found out that the ruler of the Principality of Solar is a man, rather than a woman (or princess). In the raw chapter 104, Follet mentions 兄. That means older brother. However, up until now, I’ve been translating 公主 as Princess. I’ve checked various translation machines, they all translate 公主 as Princess. I should translate it as Ruler, instead of Princess.
To be honest, this novel does not use kanji for a man or a woman too much when introducing a character. For example, Saras, which I have confirmed that he is a man (only after I saw the kanji character of a man much later compared to when he was first introduced), and Ratt, which I still assume he is a man. Anyhow, it’s going to take sometime to change because I’m already this far at translating.
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