[TIDK] 72 – See You In Court

He didn’t know Isaac could see to some extent, so he still sarcastically looked at the threadworms in his eyes.

“Scarlett, you have a good stomach, too. You’re looking at something like that and eating ice cream?”

“I don’t care.”

Arnold laughed at Scarlett’s answer.

“Is everything all right? Then Isaac tried to keep it a secret from you for no reason. I’ve put you through quite a lot. Isn’t that right?

Isaac stood up to cover Arnold’s mouth because he didn’t want him to say anything more. Walking to the sound of his voice, he stopped at a scream from beyond the open tent door.

“Hey, look at his eyes!”

Following the voice, he heard someone fall. Isaac hurriedly covered his eyes with his hands.

Arnold giggled at the sight and told Scarlett.

“Scarlett Crimson. My father will sue you with a lawyer, letting you know.”

“You’re suing...?”

“So, you thought I’d let that malicious rumour spread?” Arnold continued with a pleasant expression.

“You’re not the only one who’s in trouble. The elders of the family are even thinking of ways to deprive Isaac of his title.”

“Don’t threaten me like that. It’s impossible to take the title away from Isaac.”

“It’s different if the royal family, nobles, and parliament are all in favour. You know, in the history of the Crimson family, was there anyone as stigmatised as you?”

“It’s not a stigma. I’m right. My uncle’s method is wrong!”

“They’re not from the Crimson family, but you’re insisting as a girl who didn’t even get an education.”

Scarlett faltered at the words. Arnold said, grabbing her chin.

“First of all, you’ll be expelled from the Crimson family. And for spreading false rumours, we’ll be compensated. You’re ruining everything. Do you understand?”

Anxiety spread through Scarlett’s humourless eyes, and Arnold became even more excited.

“It’ll be a penny for the Dumfelt family, so go get it again. I guess Viktor Dumfelt still wants something from you. Well, it’s obvious what he wants.”

Arnold said and shook his head.

“Do you have anything other than this?” 

“Stay away.”

Scarlett, trembling, managed to talk and pushed him away. Fearing Viktor Dumfelt, Arnold stepped down without hitting her as usual.

“You’ll see us soon. In court.”

Arnold left the tent with his flock, satisfied enough with the collapsed brother and sister. And even before the two came to their senses, they heard a quarrel outside. Carol, the raft manager, and Patterson, the dock owner, received state approval. Carol said to Patterson.

“A few guests are just a little surprised. You know how much profit he has made!”

“That’s when I didn’t know he had such a hideous disease! Go and fire him right now!”

“Boss!”

“Why do you leave him around? You want to get fired too?” Carol painfully sighed as Patterson shouted.

A moment later, Carol entered the tent with a guilty face. “Well, young man...”

Isaac, who still covered his eyes with his hands, replied. “I’m leaving in a minute, Carol. Give me a minute.”

“Sure! And, young master, I’ll find you another job somehow.”

When Isaac smiled a sad smile instead of an answer, Carol looked teary and continued.

“I mean it, young man.” 

“I owe you a lot.”

Perhaps very attached to Isaac, Carol lingered for a long time before leaving.

Isaac looked for Scarlett after he left. Scarlett hurried up to him and said anxiously.

“Are you alright? I’m sorry. I didn’t know this would happen...”

Isaac, listening to Scarlett, carefully wrapped his arm around her and pulled her into his arms.

“Scarlett, you’re the one who’s surprised.” 

“Huh?”

“It’s not you who should ask if I’m okay; it’s me.” And he continued in a low voice.

“Scarlett, now I’m going to have a clearer view. You don’t have to treat me like a child. And you’re right. You’re right this time, as always. Why are you blaming yourself?”

Soon after he spoke, Scarlett gave a habitual laugh and nodded. “Yes, that’s right. Why do I blame myself?”

“Let’s go home.”

Isaac spoke in a chirpy tone and again covered his eyes with his hands. The brother and sister were blackened. They blamed themselves, but they supported each other on the outside.

♔♔♔

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