Chapter 21
Chloe never forgets a grudge.
Until now, she had always put up with it because it was a hassle.
But strangely, in the place where her usual laziness and indifference had been, there was now an awkward anger left behind.
“…I’ll deal with those who speak too cheaply first, and then move on to the rest.”
The soldiers who had carelessly talked about Chloe and Coco trembled in fear.
Duke Ardoth murmured as he walked.
“Do whatever you want. It’s more fun to see the chaos unfold.”
***
The interrogation room of Duke Ardoth’s estate.
A space decorated like a small courtroom, where a few people were seated.
Lady Lea Amond, the first to witness the death of the spirit beast, the black tiger. Rus and Chloe, who were in the Bastille Annex. Also present was the supervisor of the annex, Patricia, along with the record keeper holding a quill.
Duke Ardoth glanced around the interrogation room, then looked at Coco.
He had wanted to comment on this for a while.
“…What’s with that blanket?”
Coco was wrapped up in a pink cotton blanket, with soot on her cheeks.
“It’s warm, soft, and cozy, but…”
“…”
That wasn’t what he was trying to address.
He sighed inwardly, thinking that Coco was just a regular child after all.
Ignoring Coco’s innocent gaze, he turned to the veterinarians.
“Is the tiger dead?”
The veterinarians, who had been checking the tiger, all answered in unison.
“Yes, there’s no doubt about it. The tiger is dead.”
“It’s not breathing, Your Excellency.”
He pointed to the lifeless spirit beast lying on the floor of the interrogation room.
“Look at this. This is the tiger you killed.”
“I didn’t kill it…”
Coco pouted her lips, sounding like a mischievous child.
Ignoring her again, Duke Ardoth turned to Lea.
“As the witness, do you have something to say?”
“The tiger is definitely dead. I’ll swear on my ‘Empathy’ ability,” Lea said as she hesitated for a moment, preparing for the grand accusation.
“Your Excellency, the child confessed to killing the spirit beast. I have evidence.”
She clicked a small recording device in her hand.
“Really? You were the last one to touch the tiger, right?”
“That’s true…”
“Then we must consider this confession valid.”
Lea, nervously wiping her palms on her dress, continued.
“Oh, and I have additional information. I also found evidence that Chloe helped the child kill the spirit beast.”
The sound of the quill quickly scribbling could be heard.
“Really? Chloe helped?”
“Yes, Chloe helped!”
“Hmm… Okay, I will report that Chloe helped kill the spirit beast.”
Duke Ardoth commented with a displeased expression.
“I’ve already heard the rumors inside the family.”
“I apologize. It seems the gossips couldn’t keep quiet.”
“Then keep your mouth shut from now on.”
Lea shrunk back at his cold gaze.
“Yes, Your Excellency.”
“Alright, then. You’re free to go for now,” Duke Ardoth said coldly.
Coco, after hearing all this, stood her ground.
“Lies! I didn’t kill the tiger!”
“…You’re quite the feisty child.”
He eyed Coco for a moment with mild interest.
“Do you have any proof of it being alive?”
“The spirit beast told me… It said that if I eat the ‘blue rose thorns,’ I will heal.”
“Did the spirit beast communicate with you?”
“Yes!”
“A special ability, huh? Maybe you have an animal affinity power.”
“That’s possible, but it’s not that impressive,” Duke Ardoth mused.
An animal affinity power is known to be difficult to activate and even harder to control. Even if this child had it, it wouldn’t be a big deal, he thought.
Turning to the child with a curious glint in his eye, Duke Ardoth asked,
“Well then, let’s test your ability.”
“Sure! I’m ready!” Coco eagerly agreed.
“Then I will use my ability to check the truth.”
Duke Ardoth’s ability was called “Detection.” It could distinguish between truth and lies and discern others’ powers.
A translucent blade appeared at the tips of his fingers, and it moved toward Coco’s chest.
Coco stood proudly, keeping her back straight.
“If I really have an ability, then light should surround me as the blade touches me. If not, there will be no light.”
The magic circle started to form beneath Coco, and everyone watched intently.
Rus, with his eyes shut tightly, was praying under his breath.
“Please, please…”
“Praying? Are you treating your little sister like this?” Duke Ardoth murmured.
Chloe, on the other hand, looked on with an expectant gaze.
The magic circle slowly moved and enveloped Coco’s body…
And then, unexpectedly, it vanished, leaving a radiant rainbow light that circled around Coco.
Duke Ardoth, who had used his “Detection” ability, was the only one to see it.
‘This child… she really isn’t an ordinary child?’
This was strange. He had never seen rainbow-colored light appear from someone without abilities before.
Coco confidently spoke, “If I turn out to be powerless, then the Detection ability is wrong!”
“Do you dare question my ability?”
Duke Ardoth’s voice grew colder as he looked down at Coco.
“Yes, it’s wrong because it’s wrong! Is that a problem?”
This child was undeniably logical and fearless.
“Hmm… If the spirit beast doesn’t wake up, what will you do?”
“It will wake up, I’m sure of it!”
Her voice was clear and firm, like a confident declaration.
At that moment, Teresia, who had been silent until then, spoke.
“Should we keep waiting? The precious black tiger spirit beast is dead. We’ve heard enough of this child’s nonsense.”
“I heard she isn’t even the Blessing Baby,” Lea added, further escalating the situation.
Rus, who had been silent, glared at Chloe but received no reaction.
She was only focused on the tiger.
The time ticked on, and Duke Ardoth’s expression hardened as he stood before them.
Just as it seemed he could no longer wait, a voice came from the back.
“Excuse me, Your Excellency…”
A veterinarian nervously spoke up.
“Yes?”
“Your Excellency…”
The room grew tense.
***
Rus was now standing before Chloe, who looked calm but unsettled, as they prepared for Duke Ardoth’s return.
She had gathered all the necessary information to confront him.
As the situation unfolded, they had to figure out how to deal with the spirit beast’s death and the growing suspicions surrounding Coco.
Chloe felt something in the air shift, and she braced herself for whatever came next.
