Episode 128: An Unwelcome Guest (3)
Despite his suspicions, Demian couldn’t immediately start investigating Ballad Vigo.
Ballad was visiting the Haxen estate for a few days on vacation. While Ballad spent time with the Haxen family, Demian took the opportunity to relax and even distributed bracelets he had acquired from the church archives to his family.
“Thank you so much for everything these past few days.”
On the day of his departure, Ballad bowed his head in gratitude to the members of the Haxen household.
“There’s no need for thanks between us.”
“Exactly. We’re practically family now, aren’t we?”
The family saw Ballad off with warm smiles.
As soon as Ballad left, Demian and Louise sprang into action. They told their family they were going to the capital to see a performance, but in reality, they were following Ballad to the city of Ocean.
Upon arriving in Ocean, the salty sea breeze greeted them. It was the first time Demian had seen the ocean since his return, but there was no time to enjoy the view. Ballad was already heading into the castle.
The two carefully tailed Ballad, making sure not to be noticed.
“Ah! Mr. Ballad!”
As Ballad walked down the main street, a young girl selling flowers ran up to him with a delighted expression.
“Is your vacation over already? Did you have a good time at the Haxen estate?”
“Hello, Miss Plu. It’s been a while. And it’s the Haxen count’s estate now, not the viscount’s.”
“Oh, I forgot!”
The girl chatted away, and Ballad listened patiently, showing no signs of annoyance.
“I have to go now. I need to get to work.”
“But I still have so many questions…”
“We’ll talk next time.”
As Ballad left, the flower girl looked disappointed.
The flower girl wasn’t the only one who stopped him.
“Oh my, Mr. Ballad!”
The young owner of a general store recognized him.
“Why haven’t you visited our shop lately?”
“I still have some candles left from last time.”
“I should’ve given you ones that burn out quickly so you’d come back sooner.”
This scene repeated itself two or three more times. Watching it all, Demian felt a bit uneasy.
“Just like you said… he’s really popular, isn’t he?”
“So you didn’t believe me all this time?”
Louise feigned annoyance.
“Do you know how many women clung to Ballad when we were in the West? If I hadn’t fought fiercely, I would’ve lost him. Just thinking about it still gives me nightmares.”
Demian was bewildered by her words.
“Did my sister really cling to that guy?”
It was a reality he found hard to believe—or rather, didn’t want to believe. How could his brilliant sister be so attached to someone like that?
“This is why I didn’t want Ballad coming to this city…”
While Louise lamented, Ballad entered the city hall.
“What do we do now? We can’t just walk in…”
Louise paced anxiously. Demian looked around and then asked her, “Do you know which floor he works on?”
“Huh? I think it’s the third floor.”
Demian wrapped his arms around Louise and leaped onto the rooftop of a building that was about the same height as the third floor of the city hall.
“Wow, my little brother is amazing.”
“This is nothing.”
They peered through the windows, waiting for Ballad to appear.
Soon, Ballad came into view.
“My sister might have a hard time seeing from here.”
The distance between the city hall and the building was quite far. While Demian might manage, it seemed difficult for an ordinary person like Louise to observe.
“Sister, are you uncomfortable…”
When he turned to look, Louise was pulling out a pair of binoculars.
“Huh? What?”
Noticing his gaze, Louise tilted her head and asked. Demian, flustered, asked, “When did you prepare that?”
“I bought it just in case something like this happened. Oh, it’s a magic tool, so I can hear conversations too.”
Demian felt a slight headache. What was it about this man that made Louise go to such lengths?
“You’re always so prepared.”
“Right?”
The siblings lay on the rooftop, watching Ballad.
Ballad brought a mountain of paperwork to his desk and began working. Since he was sitting by the window, they could see his profile clearly.
Then, someone approached Ballad. Judging by her attire, she seemed to be a maid working at the city hall.
-Mr. Ballad! You should’ve told me you were back! I’ve been waiting for you!
-Oh, Emily. I’m sorry. I’ve got a lot of work piled up.
Ballad greeted the maid with a smile, creating a very friendly atmosphere.
-That’s a lot of paperwork. Do you have to handle all of it?
-I took a break, so I need to catch up. But I should be done by tonight.
-You’re amazing!
The maid clapped her hands in admiration. Then, her gaze turned suggestive.
-So… you’ll have some free time tonight?
The maid subtly placed her hand on Ballad’s thigh. Seeing this, Demian felt a surge of anger.
“That bastard?”
His sister’s suspicions were correct. He was definitely two-timing.
To think he was doing this while leaving his sister hanging.
“Sister, wait here. I’m going to break that guy’s legs!”
“De-Demian! Calm down! Let’s just watch a little longer, okay?”
“What is there to watch? Everything’s clear now!”
Louise held onto Demian. As the two bickered, Ballad spoke up.
-I’m sorry, Emily, but I can’t. I have plans tonight.
Ballad gently moved the maid’s hand aside. The maid pouted in disappointment.
-…Alright. Work hard, then.
The maid left in a huff, and Demian’s actions came to a halt. His burning anger dissipated, leaving him directionless.
”…Ballad!”
Louise watched the scene with a face full of emotion.
“Tch.”
Demian clicked his tongue, looking disappointed.
Time passed, and it was soon lunchtime.
Ballad Vigo stepped out to grab a meal.
“Sister, let’s follow him.”
“Okay.”
They quickly tailed Ballad to a small restaurant.
Demian and Louise approached the window, peeking inside.
“Oh, it’s Ballad!”
A waitress, upon seeing Ballad, lit up and rushed over.
“Why haven’t you been here? Was our food not good enough?”
“Of course not. I was on vacation.”
“Vacation? You should’ve told me. I’ve been waiting for you.”
The waitress playfully slapped Ballad’s arm.
“Sit down. What would you like? The usual?”
“Yes, please.”
“Got it. Dad! Ballad’s here! Make him a set meal!”
Ballad took a seat at an empty table, and the waitress naturally sat beside him.
“Ballad! I have a favor to ask. Can you help me?”
“What is it?”
“Could you take me to that beach you showed me last time? I want to see the full moon over the sea again, but it’s a bit scary to go alone since it’s so secluded.”
Hearing this, Demian’s eyes widened.
A young man and woman going to a secluded beach at night?
”…Sister, it’s definitely her.”
“Uh, Demian?”
“Stay here. I’m going to break that bastard’s arms and legs!”
“Wait, Demian! Just a little longer! Let’s watch a little longer!”
Louise desperately tried to calm Demian. Meanwhile, Ballad smiled and replied.
“Sorry, Susan, but I can’t.”
“Why? You went with me last time!”
“That was to repay you for helping me when I first arrived in the city. If a young woman is seen with a man, it could lead to rumors.”
The waitress hesitated, then said, ”…I don’t care about rumors.”
“But I do. As I mentioned before, I’m engaged.”
The waitress sighed and backed off.
Demian glanced sideways. As expected, Louise was watching with joy.
“Ballad…!”
She was so happy that tears welled up in her eyes.
Demian had no choice but to suppress his dissatisfaction.
The two continued to observe Ballad throughout the day.
Several women approached him, but each time, Ballad politely declined.
“I guess I misunderstood.”
As the sun began to set, Louise spoke to Demian.
“I must be a terrible person. I couldn’t trust Ballad until the end.”
She gazed affectionately towards the city hall, where Ballad was still working.
”…I’m glad it wasn’t true.”
“Hmm? Then why do you look so displeased?”
“It’s nothing.”
Damian clicked his tongue in frustration.
He had hoped this incident would be an opportunity to find someone better for Louise, but it seemed that plan had gone up in smoke.
“Well, I suppose I have to accept it.”
On the other hand, this situation had given him a new perspective on Ballad Hugo.
Despite the attention from countless women, he had eyes only for Louise.
“As long as my sister is happy, that’s all that matters.”
Just as Damian was mulling over these thoughts, the door to the government office swung open, and Ballad Hugo stepped out.
“Looks like he’s finally off work. Must have been a tough day.”
But for some reason, Ballad didn’t head straight back to his lodgings. Instead, he lingered at the entrance, checking his pocket watch repeatedly.
“Ballad!”
A woman approached, waving her arm enthusiastically. She was an exotic beauty with jet-black hair like obsidian and sun-kissed skin.
“Have you been waiting long?”
“Not at all. I just finished up myself.”
The woman wrapped her arms around Ballad’s, and he offered it to her as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
“I’ve booked a nice place for tonight. Let’s hurry.”
The two of them disappeared into the night.
”…”
Damian could only gape in disbelief.
“Sister? Did you see that?”
When he turned to his side, Damian was startled.
Louise was staring at the pair with a gaze as cold as ice.
A chill ran down Damian’s spine. He had never seen Louise wear such a terrifying expression in all his life.
“Damian?”
“Uh… yes, sister.”
“Let’s follow them. Now.”
Louise’s voice was laced with a deadly intent.
Damian could do nothing but nod in agreement.