[TIDK] 147 – Her Parents’ Death

“With the Royal Police…May I ask how close you are?” 

“We’re not on good terms.”

“But Sir Hylum…”

“I think he was originally a spy, but now he’s just a watchmaker.” 

Scarlett took another sip of tea.

“I guess he’s not a very good spy, seeing how easily he’s caught.” 

“I suppose so…”

“If you suspect that I am in communication with the Royal Police… Why did you come to see me? You can ask someone else,” Scarlett said.

“I can’t ask the Navy about this. The royal family...” Joseph’s voice quietened.

He faced her. He looked at Scarlett’s fragile face and tried to read what she was feeling.

After a while, he opened his mouth. “I know you’re repairing the trams.” 

Scarlett stilled.

“…How?”

“My brother drives a tram.” 

She paused at his words. She didn't say anything for a long time. Then she asked him another question. “Why are you telling me all of this?”

“I didn’t mean to. I was visiting my brother, and I saw you there, Miss Scarlett there,”  Joseph said in a hurry.

“...”

The two stood silent again.

“My brother appreciates you alot, Miss Scarlett. You are almost thirty years younger, and he even said he admired you. Anyway… I was just surprised to see Sir Hylum here, but I came here with some confidence in you, Miss Scarlett.”

Joseph took a deep breath and continued.

“I’ll tell you why I can only rely on you, Miss Scarlett.”

He took a notebook out of his arms. The shape and writing stood out to her.

“This is a list of people in the royal family and the Senate who are certain to have spoken to Vestina.”

Scarlett looked at the list. It was written in very neat handwriting. She recognised some names from her memory.

She lowered her head as her eyes scanned further down the notebook. Her eyes widened.

“…His Highness the Crown Prince?” 

“That’s right,” Joseph grimaced.

“Why on earth… Why?

“The Crown Prince is in charge of the state affairs now. His Highness Prince Yuli Irène is responsible for most matters regarding the tour.”

“But why would he do such a thing? What could he possibly gain by doing something like this?”

"You know, Miss Scarlett, it's not easy to answer your question.”

“I see,” Scarlett muttered.

“I saw it on that tour, Vestina’s power. And he was sure of Salantier’s defeat.”

“...”

“It was Crown Prince Yuli Irène who blocked the tram repair by law. And the senators listed, also voted for the law.”

“The law has stopped trams from being repaired… It was for Vestina.”

“Right, policies to curb technological development in Salantier. It is to pave the way for Vestina to devour Salantier.”

Scarlett’s hand, holding the notebook, began to tremble. Scarlett felt a chill run through her body.

“Can you show me this?” She asked. It was confidential information.

“Yes, first of all, because our ministers think Miss Scarlett is deeply involved in this...”

“By repairing the tram?”

When Scarlett asked, Joseph wiped out a cold sweat.

 “Well… it's because you don't believe in their faith, religiously. And the Countess of Crimson...”

Scarlett looked up at what he said. “My parents?”

“Oh, no. It’s just a guess.” 

“What’s your guess?”

Joseph gulped down when she asked urgently.

But they needed Scarlett Crimson. She was perhaps the best mechanic in Salantier now and, at the same time, was able to get through to Viktor Dumfelt and extract information at any time.

Scarlett had much knowledge – and it was what they needed. If she had ties to the Navy, and her own skills, she was invaluable.

Joseph knew that Scarlett was the one person who could help them.

And if Scarlett were involved with Vestina, then she would be a great asset to them.

Joseph finally opened his mouth.

“His Majesty has been belittling engineers for religious reasons for the past ten years. He may have the wrong belief. That’s why I think perhaps the mechanics who died at that time were killed because of their faith.”

Scarlett stared at Joseph. She didn't say anything.

“Miss Scarlett, please forgive me for telling you.”

Scarlett, held the notebook, clenching it tightly. 

“…Are you saying that my parents might have been killed because of that religious belief?”

Scarlett looked back at Joseph.

“To be honest with you, our ministers take it as almost a fait accompli.”

Joseph’s words distorted Scarlett’s expression. It was unacceptable. She clenched her jaw.

“Is that why my parents died, and Isaac became blind?”

“Yes,” Joseph stated grimly.

She tried to hold it in, biting her cheeks, but she couldn’t bear the feeling. It was disgusting. She grabbed the table with both hands because she felt like vomiting.

“Please calm yourself, Miss Scarlett. I’m sorry for bringing it up.”

Scarlett shook her head.

“No, it's fine. I'll listen to what you have to say.