[TIDK] 36 – Raft’s Main Attraction

Viktor opened his mouth. 

“I guess she drew it because it was worth the risk of the death penalty.”

 There was a moment of silence at the table. 

 Viktor continued.

 “Why would you make such a detailed blueprint when you have no intention of making one?”

 Pallin, whose heart was weak compared to his physique and strength, stuttered.

 “But that’s too dangerous….”

 “Isn’t the whole of Salantier in danger without the Air Force?”

 “… That’s right.”

 Silence fell again.

 While his men were restless next to him, Viktor asked, looking towards Blythe.

 “Does Scarlett have a good memory? Enough to memorise the blueprints from twelve years ago?”

 “I do not know.”

 Viktor recalled Scarlett’s clear eyes and immediately told Blythe.

 “Or is it possible that a person suddenly remembers what they saw as a child?”

 “I do not know.”

 It was when Blythe hesitated to answer. Viktor somehow remembered the day the royal police interrogated Scarlett.

He still could not understand what Scarlett was doing that day. They could never have tortured a lady. If Scarlett had come and informed him, the Royal Police would have been disbanded immediately.

 “I don’t remember. Sorry.”

 “Really. I don’t remember. I must have lost my mind for a moment.”

Scarlett had acted as if she were agonising over an event that had never happened. He thought she found it hard to remember why she couldn’t bear the lure of drugs for Isaac. Coupled with the pressure of the royal police, it was difficult for her to admit her fault.

 Scarlett Dumfelt was the one who always did what he wanted. She had been living as if giving her life for the sake of her beloved Viktor was so natural that it wasn’t even worth thinking about.

 She was someone who would take her heart out if he loved her, and she was a person who would do anything to be loved. Then, when her love waned noticeably after only two years of marriage, she eventually betrayed him. Viktor wanted to whisk her to Neverland and die together. 

She was the only one in this world who loved him. Not even his mother did. It was painful to know that the heart of the one who loved him had changed. It was even more despairing than the fact that his ignorance had been revealed.

♔♔♔

Scarlett had no spare time to be terrified. She had a store, staff, and family to look after her.

 She wanted to visit Viktor right away, but she didn’t have time to go to the embassy where he was. It was next Wednesday that she had time. That day, she had to go near the embassy anyway. 

The tram from 7th Avenue stopped at a vast lake. One could take a tram around the lake or take a raft that crossed the middle. -Even to the opposite side of Rilson Square, the administrative centre. The naval embassy was there.

Liv, next door, followed Scarlett as she went to see Isaac.

“I have a regular customer who likes our fig bread and apple cake so much. You have to know them”, she said.

“Look, what are you doing.”

“He looks just like you. He’s handsome.”

Liv spoke candidly and took her breadbasket, stepping gaily.

They arrived at a small dock with moorings for rafts on the lake. For some reason, many women were gathered and murmuring. The voices grew louder as Isaac had just arrived from the other side.

He was catching the ladies’ attention in the business suit worn by the middle class in Salantier, which Scarlett had bought him. He attracted people with a large body inherited from a blacksmith’s bloodline, a warm impression, and a pretty face.

After attaching the raft to the small dock, he hung his hook and wound it with a pulley. With the raft fully anchored, he reached out a gloved hand to the person in front.

“Give me your hand.”

Then, the female customer waiting in the front held out her hand, blushing. As they rowed with guests on the raft, Isaac grinned. 

“This is my friend Liv.”

“Oh, you’re the bakery girl.”

 Isaac took Liv’s hand and put her on the raft.

“I always enjoy eating your bread.”

 At Isaac’s words, Liv looked at him with a bewitched face and nodded.

 Isaac pulled the rope and started moving the raft. As the boat slid, the beautiful lake scenery came into view.

 Isaac’s lunch break began after going to the other side and back again, and he got off the raft.

 As if the young man was used to this place, he pointed his cane towards the bench around the lake. There, a bonfire was lit. Liv, who had decided to deliver the bread, looked at Isaac with a blank expression.

 Scarlett said to Liv.

“If you don’t go back, won’t the boss scold you?”

“It’s okay….”

Liv answered in a hazy voice, and Scarlett called again.

“You told me to tell you to go back soon because there were a lot of orders today.”

“Huh? Ah!”

 Liv exclaimed, roused.

“I will go! I will go!”

“Be careful, Liv,” Isaac called.

Liv almost fell at Isaac’s parting message. Scarlett hastily supported Liv, and she ran and disappeared.

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