When Audrey first mentioned, “The Duchess of Dumont wants to participate in volunteer activities,” I had some doubts.
It wasn't as if noble women hadn't volunteered at the orphanage before. But most of them joined on a whim, only to end up complaining and not coming back. This was the ideal scenario.
Some of them would get angry at the children or push them away in disgust when they sprayed snot on them.
The physical wounds from a fall may heal quickly, but the emotional scars may last a lifetime — and sometimes never heal.
For this reason, we recently stopped accepting volunteers and relied solely on donations. But this time, Audrey begged urgently, and after much thought, she agreed.
Audrey has been volunteering for a long time, since her childhood.
Everyone in the church praised her character and dedication.
But there was no guarantee that her friend would be like that.
Specifically, the Duchess of Dumont was known for her love of extravagance and a luxurious lifestyle. It was hard not to think that her desire to volunteer was just a passing whim.
But in the end, Miriam was wrong.
Camille treated the children with the same care as she treated Audrey.
Although her dress - which, by her standards, was simple and easy to move around - was undoubtedly luxurious, she did not mind getting it dirty.
Camille hugged the children to her and patted their heads without hesitation, smiling a bright and sincere smile. When the children sensed her sincerity, they opened up to her in no time, even those who had isolated themselves from her after being hurt by other noble women in the past.
“Armas taught us not to treat people with prejudice, but I still have a long way to go.”
Miriam closed her eyes briefly, then looked at Audrey.
“Please pass on my sincere thanks to the Duchess and let her know she is welcome at any time.”
Audrey smiled brightly, looking satisfied.
“Certainly, Abbess. I will certainly do so.”
***
I sat in the waiting area outside the confession room, my face hidden under a veil.
I wasn't specifically waiting for my turn to confess, but rather I was waiting for the person inside the confession chair.
In the original story, it was said that he used to come to Father Dreyfus for confession here in the Jena Church on the evening of the last Wednesday of every month.
After a while, the door to the confessional opened, and a man came out wearing a hat and a black silk suit. He glanced at me before trying to pass.
While my head was still bowed, I spoke, “Baron Arthur Roban, right?”
The man's steps stopped.
"Who are you?"
“I have a job I would like to assign”
“A job? You must be mistaken. I’m just an ordinary person—”
“Eternal Crimson Snow”
Upon hearing my low murmur, the man immediately fell silent.
I continued, “Eldorani Crown. Dragon Eye.”
“……”
“I didn't confuse you with anyone else. I came here knowing exactly who you are.”
Those words I just mentioned were all famous gems. One was owned by a high-ranking noble from Alvini, another by a distant royal family, and the last was said to have been lost during a war.
But I knew. The man in front of me, Arthur Ruban, owned the original three gemstones.
This was information that only someone who knew him well would know.
"… Who are you?"
It was the same question as before, but now his voice was more cautious.
I placed the item I was holding next to me on the bench – a ring engraved with the Dumont logo.
Arthur walked up slowly, picked up the ring, and examined it.
“You...”
I looked at him through the veil.
Arthur was an imposing-looking man, with bushy eyebrows, a prominent straight nose, and a neat moustache.
She met my gaze with narrowed eyes.
“I'll do it again. I have a mission to do.”
He stared at me for a long time, his expression unreadable, before he placed the ring back at my side.
“…This is not the place for such discussions. Let’s set another date and place.”
It seemed that Arthur no longer intended to deny his identity.
No doubt he decided that if Dumont's intelligence network knew about him, there was no point in hiding. Just as I expected and intended.
Although my sudden approach was certainly unexpected, his reaction was quick, calm, and not panicked.
In the original story, Arthur Robin was called "The Black Man."
During the day, he played the role of a lazy rich man, but by night, he was an elusive professional thief and a prominent figure in the underworld.
After the conflict between Dumont and Gerard intensified, he played a major role in helping Elodie.
“If not today, it will be difficult. I am under surveillance.”
At my words, Arthur's gaze changed again, “Are you saying we're safe now?”
“Yes. The confession hall only has one entrance, and unless someone shouts loudly, the sound doesn’t leak out. So, even if we are being monitored, they can’t eavesdrop on this conversation.”
I took out a pocket watch from my coat and checked the time before continuing: “I have an appointment with Father Dreyfus for confession in twelve minutes. No one else will come until then.”
“……”
Arthur sat on the bench one person away from me.
“Tell me what you need.”
“Find me someone. His name is Gabriel Blanchard. Until two or three years ago, he worked as a spy for the Duchy of Gerard. He faked his death during a mission, but I’m sure he’s still alive.”
Gabriel was a character in the original story, and he provided crucial evidence that exposed Marlon's crimes. Disillusioned by Gerard's brutal methods, he faked his death to avoid silent elimination.
Gabriel knew that Marlon was the one who killed Nicholas' mother.
But in the original story, this truth is not revealed until after Nicholas' death.
If I had found Gabrielle earlier and revealed the truth, I might have been able to convince Nicholas, unlike the original story. Then, I might end my conflict with Gerard early.
Of course, finding Gabrielle won't be easy.
He succeeded in deceiving Marlon, and proved that he is a competent agent.
But if anyone can find him, it's Arthur. If he couldn't, it would be impossible for anyone.
“It will not be an easy task. It may take several months, perhaps more than a year. However, I hope you will not give up and see it through to the end. If you succeed, I will guarantee you a decent wage.”
“What is this compensation?”
“Location of the ‘Heart of the Chimera’.”
Arthur's eyes lit up with a completely different intensity at my words.
The diamond was called the “Heart of the Chimera,” extracted from a mine about ten years ago. Its weight exceeded 300 carats, which aroused great interest.
But the Chimera Heart disappeared without a trace after being ambushed while being transported. All of his companions were destroyed in the attack.
“…How do you know where the Chimera’s heart is?”
“I can't tell you that. And I don't have any evidence to show you.”
“So how can I believe you?”
“I showed you the Dumont logo. I will not make false promises under that name.”
“……”
“Of course, I don’t expect you to accept the job based solely on my promise. As an agent, I will give you the gems I have. They are all of the finest quality.”
I handed over the bag I had prepared earlier.
Arthur took out some gems and examined them closely.
He had the eyes of a first-rate appraiser, so he recognized their value immediately. And I was sure he knew safe ways to sell them discreetly.
Arthur put the gems back in the bag and placed them on the seat next to me.
“Give me some time to think about it.”
“Take all the time you need. But this is not my only request.”
“What next?”
"I need a safe way to leave the country, a new identity and a place to stay. I will cover all costs, including gem fees."
“……”
Arthur's eyes narrowed at that.