Chapter 2, Episode 29: Condemnation (3)

　What should I do?

　Claire gasped as she watched Loteccia and Lars interact.
　My sister Viola must have hidden the necklace in this dress.

　In the past, when Claire was still living at home. There was a maid who often defended Claire.

　There was a time when the maid who protected her was fired by her father after a false theft case planted by Viola.
　The situation is exactly the same as it was then.

　Why is the viola harassing me after I left home?

　If they use a magic tool, it will surely react.
　Lars-sama doesn't know about this, I have to stop them.
　Otherwise, Claire will be charged with a crime.

　And that's not all.
　Lars and Riese, who protected her, may even be implicated in the crime.
　I have to tell them about this somehow.
　In a panic, Claire grabbed Riese's hand tightly, but Loteccia immediately activated her magic tool.

　―――NO!!!!! －――

　Claire's heart's cry was in vain and was drowned out, the magical tool glowed and pointed to ―― Ivan's jewel box.

"――Eh?”

　All eyes focused on the priest Ivan.

"W-What does this mean?”
　
　Viola was the first to let out a panicked cry.
　Lars smiled at Viola's question.

"What, it's simple.
　Since Claire and my niece were going to be dressing up together, I was able to check the dress that Claire's family had sent beforehand.
　At that time, the necklace was sewn on in an unnatural way, so we had to remove it."

　When dressing Claire and Riese, the temple inspected their belongings beforehand.
　Although it was unlikely, they were inspecting their belongings in case anything happened to the saint.
　After investigating the unnatural magical reaction from the dress Claire had given them, they discovered that the necklace attached to it was from the royal family.

"Now, this necklace had the royal family crest on it, so we have been keeping it in the Forsha faith since before the ball with the permission of His Majesty the King.
　How could you carry a necklace that the Forsha church was supposed to be in possession of until the dance?
　From what I've confirmed with His Majesty, this necklace is supposed to be one-of-a-kind."

　Everyone's suspicious eyes gathered on Loteccia in response to Lars's words.
　Loteccia's cheeks twitched for a moment, and then.
　
"Viola…… Did you do something so elaborate just because you hate your sister?
　I can't believe it……"
　
　She hid her face with a folding fan and struck a pose to evoke sympathy.

"What!???”

　Viola couldn't help but let out a cry.
　It was clear to Viola that Loteccia, who felt that the situation was unfavorable, was going to lay all the blame on her.
　Having been led by Lars, Loteccia, who could no longer get away with it, decided to pin the blame on Viola.
　If she were to take all the blame as Loteccia had planned, she would undoubtedly be executed as the mastermind of the crime, having stolen the royal family's precious jewelry and disgraced Loteccia's position.
　If she didn't avoid that at all costs, the only thing waiting for her was death.

"T-t-t-t-that’s not true!!! I was told to do it by Loteccia-sama!!!”

"Viola!!!”

"I mean, isn't that right?!”

　Claire was stunned to see the two of them start to verbally abuse each other in front of the crowd.

　Perhaps I was saved?

　The memories of past events came flooding back, causing her hands and feet to shake uncontrollably.
　Riese tightly gripped Claire's hand.

　“I'm so happy for you, Claire.”

　When Riese said this and smiled, Claire also nodded happily.

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