The Mansion Awaits Spring - Chapter 149

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Episode 149
* * *
The rumor had flown even into the Imperial Palace of the Rasa Empire.
“The fog began earlier than our projections.”
“I see.”
At the Emperor’s dismissive reply, the Inspector continued.
“The last time as well, this fog-formed cloud was observed in the middle of the Strait between Left Island and Right Island.”
Only then did the Emperor turn his attention to the Inspector’s words.
“Are you saying that cloud could cross the Strait?”
“The probability is small for now, but if the fog becomes denser than it currently is, I cannot say it is impossible. In winter, the wind that blows toward Left Island naturally strengthens, and if by any chance strong air currents and fog generation were to coincide…….”
“If they were to coincide?”
“The Capital City of Rasa has worse air quality than the Dieusz Grand Duchy. Moreover, the population is overwhelmingly larger, so if the soot from the capital combines with the fog, the damage would inevitably be far more severe than on Right Island.”
…….
The Inspector continued.
“Until we obtain the technology to prevent fog from forming, we must halt the factories.”
After hearing the Inspector’s report, the Emperor fell into thought for a time.
He understood what the Inspector was concerned about.
But in truth, it was difficult to feel alarm about something that had not yet actually occurred.
It seemed wasteful. That sense of waste was too great; he could not bring himself to stop the factories.
The Emperor asked with a reluctant expression.
“What do you estimate the probability to be?”
“Do you mean the probability of the fog reaching the capital?”
“Yes.”
“Of course, it remains slim for now…….”
Knowing that the Emperor was unwilling to halt the factories and was asking the probability for that reason, the Inspector trailed off.
The Emperor closed his eyes and sighed softly.
He made his decision soon after.
“Let us wait and see a while longer.”
……Yes, that would seem the wisest course.”
The Inspector answered thus in the end.
There was nothing else for it. The Emperor’s power was formidable, and it was only natural that a mere Inspector would not wish to cross his will.
Therefore, concerning dangers with even slimmer odds than that, in the end, he could not even file a report.
* * *
The fog covered Right Island for more than five days before dispersing with the cold wind.
The aftereffects of fog denser than usual were severe.
In place of the Head of the Dieusz Grand Duchy Police and the chief of the Empire Police headquarters, both of whom had completely abandoned their posts, Pejin confirmed the casualties from this fog.
Pol, who had thoroughly investigated the fog-covered areas, spoke.
“The casualties are…… fewer than last year?”
“There are shelters now, and the people of the Grand Duchy have gained experience with the fog.”
“Yes, that’s right. The people coped well, and…… the shelters really performed their role properly. April, you truly saved so many people.”
“Right? What’s so pretty about that.”
In the middle of the empty streets of the Capital City, still under traffic control, the two looked up at a Church, one of the seventeen Shelters designated by April—consisting of schools, churches, and hospitals.
Since those who went through April’s hands would not be accepted at the Church, Pejin spoke directly with the priests.
The Church reluctantly accepted what amounted to an order from Pejin—that they allow April to pray in the Church, having once before controlled a priest for that purpose.
And these seventeen Shelters protected the elderly and infirm who could not return home due to the sudden fog for five days.
“Controls have been lifted! You may come out now! I repeat! Controls have been lifted!”
Police ran through the streets announcing that the fog danger had passed.
Pejin walked toward the Priest standing at the Church door, observing the conditions outside.
“You may come out now. However, I must ask for the priests’ cooperation to ensure no accidents occur as people gather near the door.”
The Priest groaned and asked him.
“How much compensation will the Head of House Lunos be taking for this Dye?”
At such a question from the Priest, Pejin, standing with his hands clasped behind his back, shrugged his shoulders.
“It seems you would not be able to afford it.”
“I will try.”
“I’m not taking money.”
……What?”
“Do you see? It is difficult for you to manage, is it not?”
At Pejin’s sneer, the Priest, his face clearly flustered, quickly asked.
“You are not taking payment?”
“No. I simply saved people. For House Lunos.”
“Ah, the cause of the fog……how did that come to pass? You must know, Inspector? You have continued investigating, have you not!”
At such a question from the Priest, Pejin absently turned to look in the direction of the Lunos Fiefdom. Then, looking back at the Priest, he spoke.
“I am someone who reports to His Majesty, the Emperor of Rasa. I have no reason to answer you.”
“Then, then……!”
“Then, as to how this came to pass, you yourself, as a Priest of the Grand Duchy, should judge directly. And if you mean to ask God, be sure to distinguish well whether that answer comes from Him or from a voice within yourself.”
At Pejin’s words, the Priest’s strength drained away and he gripped the door.
A few police officers entered through the door in the meantime.
“Safety has been secured, so you may exit!”
“There are many people, so please form a line and exit one by one!”
The citizens walked out of the Church one by one under the partial direction of the police.
Most of the citizens who emerged from the Church looked back at the wall April had marked with Dye on her orders.
Like many falsehoods, the existence called a witch was made of fear and suspicion. Truth shattered illusion.
That wall, painted by April Lunos to save even one more person, was the truth.
* * *
Quite a number of people had taken refuge at the Lunos Residence this year—a family passing near the Fiefdom and farmers.
Sebio, the hunting beast, flattened himself to soothe the frightened children and play with them, growing tired before curling up at the feet of April, who had settled into an easy chair.
April stroked Sebio’s head and spoke.
“You worked hard, soothing the children.”
Sebio found stability in April’s touch and soon fell asleep.
This keen beast was the first to sense that the fog had receded and it was now safe to rest.
Soon a person arrived to bring word that controls had been lifted at the Residence as well. It was Shaper Meyer, who had cooperated with the police to maintain order within the fog.
He took inventory of how many people had sought refuge at the estate while grumbling.
“This isn’t even a Shelter, so why are there so many people here?”
“Tell me about it.”
“Nobles have lost all dignity anyway. A great House like Lunos should have turned them away, but taking them all in—what’s that about?”
“I think so too.”
April agreed in a teasing tone, but Shaper Meyer knew full well that she would never have turned anyone away no matter the circumstances.
When everyone who had been at the Lunos Residence had withdrawn outside.
Snow clouds, arriving with the cold air that had driven away the fog, began to cover the windows.
Late at night, after Shaper Meyer and the others had all left.
When snow began to fall outside the windows, Pejin, who had been busy on duty all day, arrived.
Pejin, brushing snow from his hat and coat, asked April as she came into the lobby.
“Did you see what’s outside?”
“Outside?”
“It came down quite a bit.”
Unable to understand what the word “quite” meant to convey, April narrowed her brows.
Pejin let himself in and found her coat, draping it around her, then led April toward the rooftop.
As April followed Pejin to the rooftop, she stopped at the sight unfolding below the hillside. Multiple people had come out to clear the snow from the path connecting the nearby city to the Residence.
April laughed softly without thinking and murmured.
“What are they doing, when it’ll just pile up again anyway.”
Then Pejin, as if not understanding, clicked his tongue and spoke.
“It’s just how Right Island people are, isn’t it. Stubborn, they make their own mistakes but won’t admit them. Even grateful, they can’t say thank you; even in love, they can’t say they love. That’s the kind of people they are.”
“So, you’re spending time clearing snow that will be covered again by tomorrow?”
“Yeah, that’s what they’re doing right now.”
As Pejin spoke, a rueful laugh escaped him, while April gazed silently at the people clearing snow.
Heavy snow always came without much cold. Today was no exception.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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