Chapter 4: The Great House Barielle

Chapter 4:
The Great House Barielle

 

HOUSE BARIELLE—in other words, Loic’s family—was one of the Alzer Republic’s Six Great Houses and one of the most powerful among them at that. It was for that very reason that its leader, Bellange Leta Barielle, was displeased with their present circumstances.

Bellange had an excellent physique, with chiseled arms and a broad face and chin. Imposing and heroic were the first words to come to mind when a person looked at him. And if there was one thing that irritated the man, it was Albergue’s spineless foreign policy with regard to Holfort.

“Does that fool not understand that by acting subserviently, we only diplomatically hamstring ourselves in the future?”

An earl from Holfort had antagonized House Feivel without provocation. On the surface, they had played off the incident as Alzerian nobles feuding amongst themselves, but knowing the truth, Bellange simmered with fury. Feivel was one of the weakest of the Six Great Houses, and yet Holfort had let their victory over the house go to their head.

Although it got under Bellange’s skin, if one were to ask him whether he planned to avenge House Feivel or not, he wouldn’t have hesitated to say no. He was wise enough to know that he would wrest no easy victory from Leon if they were to fight. But that was precisely why Albergue’s attitude irritated him so.

“We should have combined the might of our five houses to deal with the situation. Instead, Albergue handled it without regard for the rest of us.”

Bellange and Albergue weren’t mere rivals. It went beyond that—they were enemies. Despite the fact that both of their houses stood at the top with almost equal power, when House Lespinasse fell, it had been the Raults who took up the mantle of chairman over the joint assembly. Bellange couldn’t stand his house’s inferior standing.

“Is there no way I might steal the seat of chairman from Albergue?”

As he contemplated this idea, a subordinate hurried over to him with a report. “Lord Bellange, sir, um…”

Bellange glared at the stuttering man. “Hurry and spit it out. What is Loic up to now?”

His son Loic was to be the next head of Barielle, but lately, his behavior had been rather…bizarre. Bellange had heard the rumors that Loic was enchanted with a peasant girl some time ago, but his problematic conduct had begun to escalate recently, so Bellange had directed his men to investigate.

“It’s true what they say. He’s had his eye on a girl, and there are even untoward whispers about it at the academy.”

“How disgraceful for the next head of my house.” Bellange shook his head. He considered having Loic brought back home for a strict scolding that would set him straight.

“However, there is something curious about the girl in question.”

“Hm?” Bellange placed a cigar between his lips and lit it as he listened.

“The Beltre sisters are actually twins. The younger of the two is in a romantic relationship with House Pleven’s young Lord Emile.”

“What a nuisance,” Bellange grumbled. Pleven was another of the Great Houses, and if Loic caused trouble for one of its descendants, it would be difficult to sweep under the rug. But that was the extent of Bellange’s concern.

“I looked into it a bit further, and it seems there’s a high possibility these Beltre sisters are actually from House Lespinasse.”

The cigar fell from Bellange’s lips. He shot out of his chair. “House Lespinasse?! You’re telling me there were survivors? No, that must mean those twins are… But it couldn’t be.”

An image of two young girls sprang to his mind—two young blonde-and-pink-haired girls, as he last remembered seeing them. They had been the heirs of their house as well as possible candidates for the position of Priestess. Suddenly, his expression changed.

“Did Albergue allow them to live? No, that bastard would never… Unless he had some reason for it?”

His subordinate grimaced. “Lord Bellange, what would you like us to do about Lord Loic?”

“Bring him back here!”

Bellange needed to hear the full story from his son’s lips.

 

***

 

Having left Marie’s estate, Noelle returned to her apartment and the life she’d led prior to Leon’s arrival. There was no need to visit the academy, since it was still summer break.

When Lelia went out that morning, Noelle was left all to herself. She decided to spend her time shopping to prepare for dinner.

“What shall I make today? I know Leon loves meat and fish, but—ah?!”

It was force of habit. When she’d helped out in the kitchen at Marie’s place, Noelle had often found herself wondering what Leon might enjoy. Her heart squeezed painfully, but she played it off with a laugh.

“I really am completely hopeless. My crush on him is over. I need to get my mind off of him and focus on other things.”

She looked at the calendar. Lelia had circled the date.

“Lelia has plans today, so she won’t be coming back tonight, huh?”

Noelle had no idea what these plans were, but Lelia had been fired up this morning as she got herself ready. Considering Emile’s car had come to retrieve her, Noelle could only guess it was a date.

“Lelia has always been so smooth at romance. Meanwhile, I’ve always been such a klutz.”

Although they were twins, it was always Lelia who had everything together and earned the approval of others. Even their parents had held great expectations for her.

“But I’m the older one, so I need to shape up and act like it.”

Staying cooped up inside would only dampen her spirits, so Noelle decided to leave and go shopping. As she was locking the door on her way out, a voice called to her from behind.

“Heya, Noelle.”

Flustered, she whipped around to find Loic with a collar dangling from his right hand. A chill ran down her spine. She tried to bolt back inside, but he slammed his hand against the door to stop her. The sound of impact echoed.

“Don’t try to run.” Loic fixed his ominous gaze on her, his yellow eyes narrowing.

Noelle flinched. “You—you know this is pointless, don’t you? I won’t go out with you no matter what you do. And there’s no way the heir of one of the Six Great Houses could even be with someone like me.”

Loic smiled, stroking her cheek. “With the power I wield, nothing can stop me from having you. Even if I have to agree to a political marriage, you’ll still be my number one priority. Noelle, be my—”

Unable to stand his touch any longer, Noelle slapped him. In that same instant, the bandage that had covered the back of her right hand came loose.

Loic’s eyes flew open when he spotted the crest.

Oh, no! Realizing her folly, Noelle clapped her left hand over her right, trying to hide it. Then she shoved Loic and scrambled past him to escape.

“W-wait! Noelle, that mark…!” Loic snarled after her.

Her heart hammered with fear.

I need to escape, she thought as she ran with all her might.

Alas, Loic’s athletic build allowed him to easily catch up to her. He grabbed her by the arm, yanking her back. “Noelle, show me! That crest you bear—”

“L-Let go of me!”

Loic kept her pinned as she struggled. An unsettling grin stretched across his face. Realizing her secret was out, Noelle panicked.

This is bad. If Loic knows I have the Priestess’s Crest, it’ll only make more trouble for Leon.

The Alzer Republic would go to any lengths to secure her and the sapling once they found out. Try as she might to flee, Loic was too strong for her.

“Noelle, let me get a good look at your crest! I know what that is. I know. I’ve seen it before.” Loic’s smile had turned completely deranged.

A needle of fear ran through Noelle. She snapped her eyes shut.

“Get off her, you bastard!” someone snarled.

By the time Noelle opened her eyes again, Marie had already come barreling down the road. She soared through the air, her foot connecting with Loic. Despite her petite stature, she somehow sent Loic flying. Marie landed gracefully as a cat, readying herself in case she had to whip out her martial arts skills.

“What kind of creep are you, attacking a lady in the middle of the day?! If you lay a single finger on her, I’ll sic Leon on you and have your whole house burned to the ground!”

Despite the threat of Leon looming over him, a faint smile remained on Loic’s face, as if he hadn’t even heard Marie’s warning. He thumbed away the trickle of blood running down from his nose and kept his eyes on Noelle.

“It was as I thought, Noelle. The two of us are bound by fate.”

Noelle clamped her left hand over her right, but Loic already knew her secret. What do I do now? People will realize I’m a survivor of House Lespinasse.

Loic pulled himself back to his feet and glared at Marie. “Be gone with you, woman. This matter doesn’t involve anyone but Noelle and me.”

Marie’s brow twitched, anger boiling within her. “Think again, you stalker perv. Can’t you get it through your thick skull that she doesn’t want you? Keep this up and you’ll end up like Pierre—unprotected.”

Unable to tolerate this impertinence any longer, Loic raised his hand, his crest glowing. Noelle jumped in front of Marie to shield her.

“Rie, you can’t pick a fight with him,” said Noelle. “He really is strong!”

Marie shook her head. “I already know that! But if anything happens to you, my brother will have it out for me!”

Noelle froze for a moment, not knowing who this brother could possibly be, but she didn’t have the luxury of trying to puzzle out that mystery at present.

Right as Loic was about to unleash his magic on them, several cars pulled up nearby. The doors flew open and men hopped out, hurriedly seizing Loic. Noelle and Marie gaped while Loic struggled to break free.

“Unhand me! How dare you!”

“Lord Bellange wishes to see you. Please come quietly!”

The instant Loic heard that name, he stopped resisting. “My father has summoned me?”

“Y-yes! He wants you to come to the Barielle estate right away.”

Noelle could only assume that these men were retainers of Loic’s household. For some reason, several of them sneaked glances at her.

Loic paused to contemplate for a few moments before obediently slipping into one of the vehicles. As the door closed, he flashed a smile at Noelle. “Wait for me just a little bit longer,” he said. “I swear I’ll come to fetch you.”

When they left, Marie hollered after them. “And don’t ever show your face here again, you big douche!”

Noelle wrapped her arms around herself, crumpling to her knees. Her face was pale, and her whole body was shivering.

Marie looked down at her. “Noelle, pull yourself together! Come to my place, okay? At least for now. I swear I’ll protect you.”

And so, Noelle took refuge at Marie’s estate once more.

 

***

 

Loic sat on a couch at his father’s house, grinning from ear to ear. A table stood between him and Bellange, and the latter was red with fury.

“Did I not tell you that today is an important day?”

“Yes, I know that. House Rault and House Druille announced their engagement, yes?”

“Precisely. And what were you thinking, frolicking off in the meantime?! Not to mention, I thought you understood the significance of that collar—what were you doing, walking around with it? If you had caused a fuss with that, it would have put our house in a terrible position!”

The collar in question sat on the table between them, and it was no ordinary collar. A chain was attached to it so that whomever it was secured to would be unable to escape. At the other end was a bracelet that the owner could secure to their wrist.

“Father, this is the engagement ring I was going to give Noelle.”

“What part of this collar looks like a ring to you? Are you an imbecile? This item has a part of the Sacred Tree embedded in it. If you attach it to yourself, you will never be able to remove it.” Bellange shook his head, choosing to ignore his son’s babble about an engagement. “More importantly, did you know that girl’s true identity from the beginning?”

“Her true identity?” Loic echoed.

“Then you didn’t know? That girl is a survivor of House Lespinasse. I don’t believe you ever met them when you were younger, but you know that House Lespinasse had two daughters, yes? Twins.”

Loic vaguely recalled hearing about that. “I didn’t think House Rault would let anyone slip through their fingers, but I see. Now it all makes sense.”

Bellange scowled. “You idiot of a son. If you could have established a romantic relationship with one of those girls, we could have welcomed them into our home and reestablished their house. Instead, you’ve frightened her half to death. What were you thinking?!”

With the situation as it stood, Bellange wanted to get his hands on Noelle even if he had to do so by some less than savory means. As for Loic, having seen the crest on the back of Noelle’s hand, his head had finally cooled.

The longer Lord Albergue monopolizes the position of chairman, the more it will chafe at Father’s pride, Loic realized. He could surmise that his father wanted to use Noelle to wrest the seat of chairman from his enemy. Or perhaps he wanted to make Noelle the Priestess and wield the power that would bring to their house.

“It would be the perfect pretense for taking down Albergue,” said Bellange. “I’ll send someone to retrieve her, but don’t you dare touch a hair on her head.”

These words puzzled Loic. Then he doesn’t plan to nominate her to be Priestess? Well, it’s no matter either way.

Whether his father did so or not, Noelle had already acquired the Priestess’s Crest.

“Father, I am afraid I cannot abide by that. Noelle and I must marry.”

“Do not disappoint me any further, boy. You will be doing no such thing.” His voice would brook no argument.

“It’s for the sake of our house,” Loic protested. “She already has the Priestess’s Crest on her hand.”

Bellange shot out of his seat, jaw hanging open. “That can’t be!”

Loic snickered inwardly. Now you definitely won’t be able to run from me, Noelle.

 

***

 

The Six Great Houses and their closest friends and allies were all gathered at a party venue. Lelia wore a fine dress, accompanying Emile as his partner.

“It’s only an engagement announcement,” she said. “Hard to believe all of the Great Houses are gathered here. Surely many of them are political rivals.”

Emile smiled wryly. “True enough, but alliances can change from generation to generation. Besides, we’re all from families recognized by the Sacred Tree. We should get along with one another when we can.”

“Huh.” Lelia wasn’t too interested in that. What concerned her more was one specific love interest who would be present at the event.

I really screwed things up. Since Loic always got so jealous over other boys, I didn’t let Noelle get close to the other love interests. Now that’s come back to bite me in the butt.

In the otome game, Loic was extraordinarily possessive. If the player was too free with their affections, it would anger him and result in a bad ending. That was why Lelia had kept her sister from meeting the prerequisites for triggering the route for Hugues (and Hugues’s obsession with his brother.)

Louise wore a stunning dress, and Hugues stood beside her, the top buttons of his suit left open, tie hanging loose. He had the same golden-blond hair as his older brother Fernand, though he let his grow longer. His green eyes hung half-lidded with boredom, but he was a handsome man by any definition. He did look a bit like a delinquent, but that was part of his charm.

He may be way too fixated on his brother, but I still should have picked him over Loic. I guess it’s too late to regret that now though.

The player had to meet the prerequisites for the Hugues route early on or they would lose the opportunity, and he would instead become engaged to Louise. In the game, it was impossible to romance him after that. Reality didn’t seem to be any more forgiving. He was probably a lost cause.

Desperate to find something to talk about, Emile started babbling. “Uh, so anyway… It looks like the ties between House Rault and House Druille will be strengthened with this union. Lord Albergue and Druille’s leader, Lord Fernand, have been on good terms for a while now, but this just gives their alliance more political weight.”

“Well, it is a political marriage, right?” said Lelia.

“Y-yes. It is, but also…well, I hope this will help Lord Hugues settle down a bit.”

Hugues was a ladies’ man in the game, and he wasn’t much different in reality. Even after word of his engagement with Louise came out, he still messed around.

Rault will lose their position anyway, and Louise will no longer be a noble by the end. That said, she sure is an impressive villainess. I wonder if she somehow realized I’m not the real protagonist.

Louise, for whatever reason, had never messed with Lelia. Her only target was Noelle. It was as if her intuition told her that Noelle was the true lead character—at least, that was how it felt to Lelia.

The newly engaged couple made their way over toward Emile. Lelia slipped behind him, hiding.

“Heya, Emile,” said Hugues. “Never dreamed you’d bring your girlfriend with you.” He spoke far too casually for an aristocrat.

Emile hesitated. “Your clothes are a bit rumpled.”

“Eh, who cares? It’s all family and friends here anyhow. We’ve all known each other since forever.”

He had a point; all the people at the party had been acquainted with one another for a long time. Perhaps that was why Hugues felt so at ease.

As Louise stood beside her betrothed, her gaze wandered over to Lelia. “How is your sister doing? Well?”

The question came across as snide, but Lelia only shrugged. “Yes, well enough.”

That was a complete lie. Noelle was heartbroken and depressed, but Lelia wasn’t about to reveal that kind of private information to the enemy.

Louise smiled. “I see. Well, Emile, you seem to cherish this girl so much. You had best take good care of her.”

Emile stood a little straighter. “Yes, ma’am.”

As the two left to continue greeting their guests, Lelia let out a sigh. “That sounded so sarcastic. I’m sure she really wanted to say that I don’t belong in a place like this.”

Emile tilted his head. “You think so? It sounded to me like she was being sincere. Besides, Louise has always been very kind.”

“What part of that woman is kind? You know how much she’s picked on my sister—it’s practically part of her daily routine.”

“Y-yeah, but I’ve known her for a long time.”

Emile’s attitude frustrated Lelia. Is this the type of guy he is? If we get married, will he still put his house before me and leave me to fend for myself?

It made her anxious about the future.

Ignorant of her inner thoughts, Emile kept his eyes on Louise, who seemed to be enjoying herself in conversation. His eyes filled with sadness. “After her younger brother died, she was inconsolable. She may look fine now, but it was heartbreaking to watch her back then.”

“Her younger brother? What?” Lelia’s face screwed in thought. He’s talking like she has some other sibling besides Serge.

Loic arrived at the venue belatedly and made his way over to Louise and Hugues. Lelia dragged Emile over so she could stand close enough to eavesdrop.

“Hugues, congratulations.” Loic smiled.

Hugues scowled. “It’s just an engagement. No congrats to be had here. Louise and I have known each other for forever, and this is purely political.”

Neither of them had any romantic feelings for the other. However, Louise did look a bit dejected.

Boy, does it feel good to watch her get exactly what she deserves, Lelia thought. Louise was always bullying Noelle; it was only right for karma to punish her.

Since the two boys were chatting away, Louise excused herself, claiming she needed a break. As soon as she was gone, Loic’s tone turned serious.

“Hugues, there’s something important I need to speak with you about. I would like you to summon Lord Fernand for me.”

“My brother? Do you know what you’re asking? Our houses are at odds right now.”

“That’s completely contingent upon present circumstances, isn’t it? Besides, Druille only stands to benefit from what I have to say.”

As Lelia listened in, Loic shot a sharp look her way. She hurriedly averted her gaze and turned toward the exit.

“Emile, I need to go get some air.”

“Huh? Oh, o-okay.”

 

***

 

After fixing her makeup, Lelia exited the bathroom, where she found Loic waiting for her.

“Hey there, Lelia.”

“Loic.” She glared at him, but it seemed to have little effect.

He smiled at her. “Come now, don’t scowl at me like that. I come to you with a proposal that I think you’ll like.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“You know as well as I do that you won’t be able to marry Emile with things the way they stand currently.”

Emile was descended from one of the Six Great Houses. Since Lelia was currently nothing more than a peasant, the gap between them was near insurmountable. Their marriage would in theory become possible, depending on how things turned out with Noelle, but Lelia wasn’t about to share that information.

“Well…yes. But what of it?” she asked.

“I told you, no need to be so hostile. I’m offering to lend you a hand and set you up so you can marry Emile no problem. In fact, should we include him in this conversation?”

Lelia furrowed her brows. She couldn’t get a read on Loic at all. “Look, if this is about my sister, she’s made it clear that she—”

“I know that. I’m the one at fault.”

“What?”

Loic looked genuinely repentant, contrary to how stubborn and insistent he’d been up until this point. “It was my fault for frightening her so terribly. That’s why I want to enlist your help.”

“Are you really serious?”

“Of course I am. I don’t want to scare Noelle. I simply want to be in a loving relationship with her, like the one you share with Emile. No, sorry, that’s an understatement. I want really want to commit to her.”

His playful attitude coaxed Lelia into gradually lowering her guard. “What are you planning?”

The mirth in Loic’s eyes faded as he turned serious. “Lelia, you and Noelle are survivors from House Lespinasse, aren’t you?”

Lelia held her breath. She’d never dreamed anyone would find out their identities so quickly. As panic started to overcome her, Loic placed a hand on her shoulder as if to console her.

“Don’t worry. I’ll protect you. The reason I want Emile’s help is because there are people out there who are after you and your sister.”

Someone was targeting them? Lelia could easily guess who that might be. “House Rault?”

“That’s right,” said Loic. “It will prove difficult to take down the current chairman, but my house will back and protect you both. To be honest, I’ve already seen what’s on the back of Noelle’s hand.”

Sweat beaded on Lelia’s brow. Oh crap. This is bad. This is really bad! If Loic somehow finds out that Leon has the Guardian’s Crest, who knows what he’ll do?!

While the Priestess traditionally chose her guardian, Leon had been the first one to receive a crest. There was a high possibility that Loic would mistakenly assume Noelle had selected Leon. Given his possessive nature, there was no telling how he might lash out. Even if they tried to resolve the misunderstanding, the fact was that Noelle really did have feelings for Leon. The order of these things wouldn’t change the result.

“Loic, um, you see…”

“It’s the Priestess’s Crest,” said Loic. “Noelle has been chosen. Lelia, I want you to help me. I swear I won’t make the same mistake this time.”

“Huh?”

“If Noelle picks me as her Guardian, House Barielle will provide you both with its protection. You’ll lend me a hand, won’t you?”

Lelia’s head was spinning. This at least confirmed that he didn’t yet know about Leon’s crest. “S-sorry, I’m a little confused right now.”

“Apologies. Perhaps I was a bit hasty. Regardless, if anything happens, I hope you’ll turn to me for help.”

Lelia gave him a small nod and watched as he turned and left. So he’s finally cooled his head. Maybe my sister will actually…

Now that Loic had his act together, she might actually be able to entrust Noelle to him.

 

***

 

After turning his back toward Lelia, an eerie grin spread over Loic’s face. Noelle, only a little bit longer and you’ll finally be mine.

He had calmed down, yes, but only because he had finally thought up a surefire plan to get his hands on Noelle. His status had been an obstacle up until this point—small though he thought it—and it hadn’t helped that Noelle refused him at every turn. Now, he had the perfect excuse to make her his wife.

Sensing a presence approaching, Loic quickly plastered a more socially appropriate smile on his face.

“Loic, it’s been a while. You certainly have grown,” said Fernand as he strolled up with Hugues close behind him.

“You say that every time we see each other.”

The two shook hands, and Fernand smiled.

“It’s a stock phrase. I hope you won’t hold it against me. More importantly, I heard you have something important to discuss?”

“We should find somewhere more private for this conversation. It’s a delicate subject pertaining to Alzer’s future.”

Fernand narrowed his eyes, and Hugues quickly cut in, “You’d better not be wasting my brother’s precious time.”

“Enough, Hugues,” said Fernand. “There’s no harm in hearing him out.”

Hugues scowled but didn’t push the matter any further.

“Much appreciated. Now, if you will come this way…”

The three disappeared into an empty room.

 

***

 

Meanwhile, in one of the lounges at the party venue, Louise was conversing with her father.

Albergue wore a troubled expression. “Hugues isn’t much of a gentleman, is he? Going off to have fun while leaving his betrothed behind.”

“This is a political arrangement.” Louise shook her head. “Love isn’t part of the equation. I am marrying for the sake of my house.”

“Even so, Louise, there is no rule saying you cannot find happiness.” Albergue paused. “However, there is something on my mind.”

“What’s that?”

Louise looked entirely grown up in her elegant party dress. Gazing at the woman she had blossomed into made Albergue beam with pride.

“I wonder if perhaps you would have preferred to marry Earl Bartfort instead.”

Although Albergue was only teasing, Louise’s entire face burned bright red—all the way to her ears. “D-don’t be absurd! Do you even hear yourself? He’s like a little brother to me.”

“Aha ha ha. Well, if he didn’t already have two fiancées of his own, I might have been able to force an arrangement. Seems I’ve let my personal feelings get the better of me.” A part of Albergue wanted to forge a personal link to Leon, and he was ashamed for feeling that way. He sighed. “Your wedding will be after graduation, but you’ll have to live with Hugues in the meantime.”

“Yes, I know.”

Albergue dropped his gaze to the floor. “I’m sorry, Louise, for using you as a political chip in my game. Had I not, you might have found someone else to love and marry—if you don’t have such a person in mind already.”

Maybe she already did. Or maybe she would have found one in the future. Regardless, it was a moot point now.

“I was born into one of the Six Great Houses. I long gave up on such dreams. After all, talks of Leon’s engagement were already being made when he was only five years old.” Louise was referring to her little brother, not the man with whom the two had recently become acquainted.

As soon as she realized what she’d said, Louise slapped a hand over her mouth, but Albergue didn’t blame her for it.

“Yes, you’re right. If he were still alive, I would have nothing to worry about. Alas, my only son now is Serge. Until he becomes an adult, I’ll have to continue shouldering the burdens of our house.”

The moment she heard her foster brother’s name, Louise’s mood soured. “I hate that boy.”

“You’re siblings now. I would like you to accept him.”

They had been resting here for far too long now. Albergue started toward the door. “Louise,” he called behind him, “I realize it may be difficult for you, but I hope you will give him a chance.”

Once the door closed and he was gone, Louise gritted her teeth. “The only brother I have ever had or will ever have is Leon.” Tears welled in her eyes, and she tried desperately to hold them back. “Why? Why did you have to die, Leon?”

Louise continued to reminisce until a servant popped in, worried that she had been absent from the party for too long.