Hopefully, at Your Mercy - Chapter 17

Chapter 9.2

‘Whether she’s a fool or simply fearless, her bizarre behavior while pleading for her life…’

Her actions reminded him of someone he used to know.

That night, when the two moons in the sky merged into one.

Since that night he saw those same moons reappear, Iskan had been reminded of that person he’d once searched so tirelessly for in the capital. Someone honest and reckless…

And, just like her, there was that slow blink she did when she was staring directly at someone.

How she’d look away, fidgeting with her nails when she felt awkward.

Her voice was gentle but surprisingly firm, and she had an unusual way of muttering “Huh?” A style of speaking that was not common in “this world.”

“…”

Iskan dragged his hand across his face, letting out a quiet sigh. A heavy tightness pressed near his heart, making it hard to breathe.

This had been his life for five years now. Always as if a thick fog blurred his sense of reality.

Iskan opened a drawer and took out a small wooden carving. It was a rough little rabbit figurine. With an unreadable expression, he ran his fingers over it, feeling its cold, coarse texture.

It was one of the few things that reminded him of his humble childhood. Moments he could never allow himself to forget.

“Rowton. Is it possible to plant an informant within the Schultz mansion?”

Iskan asked, shoved the carving back into the drawer.

Yawning lazily with a bored expression, Rowton perked up at the mention of a work-related task. His eyes sharpened, and he straightened his posture.

“Your Highness, due to their financial situation, there aren’t many servants left at the Schultz mansion. If we were to plant an informant, they would be noticed immediately.”

Planting a flower in a dense forest means it can remain hidden in the shadows, but planting one in a barren field will make it stand out instantly.

House Schultz was currently that barren field.

Iskan propped his chin on his hand, lost in thought for a moment. Once he reached a conclusion, he barked out a firm order, noticing that the commander of the knights guard had already dozed off, snoring once again.

“Get out.”

* * *

Delinda stared out the window of the drawing room with a curious expression. She saw a tall man standing with his large back to her, hands clasped behind him. The bright noon sunlight created a soft halo around him.

She gave an awkward bow in the direction of the glowing figure.

“It’s an honor to see you again, Your Highness.”

It was Iskan who turned around, surrounded by the aura of light. He nodded without a word, and just like the day before, he took his place at the head of the sofa.

Delinda also took a seat on the sofa diagonally across from him. She had been studying the alphabet in the library before coming down to the first floor at her father’s orders.

Duke Schultz was already sitting on the sofa opposite Delinda and turned to Iskan.

“Is there something you need, Your Highness?”

The duke was slightly on edge, hoping that Iskan might have reconsidered and would provide them with some financial support.

Iskan gave a gentle smile, seemingly to reassure him.

“I hope I’m not being too forward, but I wanted to take another look at the mansion. Its unique architecture left quite an impression on me. It appears to be different from the style of the capital. What era and architect is it from?”

Nobles, by their very nature, were known for throwing parties just to show off their gardens and hosting gatherings to display their new art pieces.

In other words, they possessed an instinctive desire to show off whenever possible.

While Duke Schultz was more reserved than most nobles, that aristocratic trait wasn’t entirely absent in him.

“You’ve noticed, Your Highness! About a hundred years ago, we invited an artist from the East to carry out a careful restoration of the mansion. It was likely the first and only attempt in the empire, so you won’t see this style anywhere else.”

“In that case, would you mind if I took another look around the mansion?”

“Of course. I would be honored to show you around myself.”

But as Duke Schultz moved to stand, Iskan gently stopped him. He turned to Delinda, who was sitting quietly nearby, and made a suggestion.

“Would it be alright to ask the lady here for the favor instead?”

“Delinda… you mean?”

Duke Schultz asked, looking surprised.

“To continue the conversation we started at the banquet hall yesterday.”

A flicker of unease crossed Duke Schultz’s face.

He loved Delinda dearly, but he was fully aware that she was a little different from others. It was just a few days ago that she’d caused quite the scene by throwing the flame of a spirit stone at the sofa.

He was worried she might have accidentally offended Grand Duke Anagrok.

“May I ask what it is you discussed with my daughter…?”

“That’s between the lady and I. Well then, Lady Delinda, may I trouble you with this?”

Ignoring Duke Schultz’s concerns, Iskan once again directed his request toward Delinda. She glanced between the two men before nodding her head.

“Yes, Your Highness. Where would you like to start?”

The two began walking side by side, keeping about half a step’s distance between them. They walked in silence, passing through the drawing room and the portraits of her ancestors.

When they reached the small indoor fountain at the center of the building, Iskan suddenly stopped.

Delinda nearly bumped into him, barely stopping herself before her face collided with his broad chest. She found herself staring right at it, as it suddenly filled her field of vision.

‘Woah, what the… His chest is as big as the Pacific Ocean.’

Finishing that brief thought, she lifted her head only to find Iskan gazing intensely at her.

In a low, steady voice, he asked,

“Lady Delinda, have we met somewhere before?”