TOPWL 27

“My thoughts are a little different. The cause of the fire in the first place was someone’s cigarette ember. I believe it’s unfair for the Craven family to bear all the responsibility.”

At that, Lyett immediately handed the conversation over to Yudit.

“What do you think, Your Highness?”

As everyone’s attention turned to him, Yudit, not used to being the center of attention, blushed slightly in embarrassment.

“I agree with some of what the lady said.”

The crowd murmured. Lyett seemed to gain confidence from Yudit’s words.

“Yes, it’s urgent to find the person who threw the cigarette and hold them accountable.”

“No, I don’t think we should do that…”

“The Craven family’s townhouse was completely destroyed because of this. They should be receiving compensation!”

Lyett, energized by Yudit’s support, was growing more heated. Though her words were true, it seemed inappropriate to bring them up in front of people who had just experienced such a traumatic event. Already, there were murmurs of discontent and unease among the crowd.

“Does that mean we won’t get compensation?”

“Isn’t it irresponsible of them…”

“My husband broke his leg. We were planning to travel to a warm southern country…”

The murmurs grew louder. Sensing the dissatisfaction, Yudit cautiously raised his hand to speak.

“May I speak for a moment?”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Lyett, perhaps expecting Yudit to back her up, nodded eagerly.

“This was an accident. I too believe it is unfair for the Craven family to bear all the responsibility, as the lady said. However, to those who have experienced such a terrible event, talking about this now will only sound like they are trying to avoid responsibility.”

As Yudit, who had been expected to side with Lyett, took this stance, Lyett blinked in surprise.

“But… I think…”

“So, rather than trying to find the person who threw the cigarette, I believe it would be more constructive for us to put our heads together and find a good solution.”

“Then, does anyone have a solution to this issue?”

“……”

A long silence followed. Then, someone raised their hand from among the crowd. It was an unexpected person—Raphine. When Raphine raised her hand, the murmurs quieted down.

“It was a terrible night. A day I never want to experience again.”

“…I am truly sorry.”

“I thought I was going to die there, but two people helped me. Lady Selena and… His Highness, Prince Yudit.”

Raphine looked at Yudit with an unreadable expression.

“This fire occurred in the Craven family’s townhouse. That is an undeniable fact. I believe, morally, the Craven family should bear some responsibility.”

“I agree,” Selena said, bowing her head.

“But… the people who saved my life were also from the Craven family, His Highness Prince Yudit and Duke Khalid, wasn’t it?”

“…”

“Many people were helped by the three of you. You cut other people’s dresses, broke bustles, and tried to stop the fire from spreading.”

“That’s right. His Highness even saved me when my husband had abandoned me.”

A middle-aged woman from the crowd spoke. Her husband was standing beside her but kept his head down, embarrassed by her words. The woman seemed to resent her husband.

It seemed the woman’s family held some influence.

“With the wisdom to make an escape route in a fire with no exits and the selflessness to leave last after saving others, I believe they will come up with a good solution. I, Raphine, as Marchioness Kinezia, will follow whatever proposal they make.”

Having finished speaking, Raphine sat back down. What Raphine had said wasn’t just her personal opinion. She had used her name and title together, indicating that her words carried the weight of her family’s position. Even the most oblivious noblemen couldn’t fail to understand the significance. Her statement had caused a stir among the people. Though the Kinezia family was known for its neutrality, it was clear that the marquis’s wife was siding with the Craven family.

“Yes, it seems the Craven family is the only one to be pitied after all.”

“Honestly, was it Selena? That person really ran around doing her best.”

“I heard she stayed until the very end. Even though she injured, she said she wouldn’t leave until all the other guests had gone.”

“That’s very noble. I guess she’s different from her parents.”

Public opinion began to shift in a more positive direction. Yudit knew that now was his moment to speak. Raising his hand, he began to speak.

“May I say something?”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“I would like to propose a charity event.”

“A charity event, you say?”

“Nearly thirty people were injured, and the townhouse was completely destroyed. It’s burdensome and unfair for only the Count to bear the responsibility, yet we cannot deny that the fire started in the Craven family’s townhouse, so they are not free from responsibility.” Yudit spoke slowly but with clear enunciation.

“Therefore, I was thinking of holding a charity event under the Craven family’s auspices. The items for the charity will be donated, and the proceeds will be used for medical expenses and the rebuilding of the townhouse. If we invite not just those here but others as well, I believe we can cover at least some of the costs.”

“Then, wouldn’t that mean we would have to pay for our own medical expenses?”

A nobleman sitting nearby raised his hand, voicing his discontent. A large bandage was attached to his cheek, likely from the injuries he sustained the previous night. Yudit was pondering his next words when Count Craven, Selena’s father, spoke.

“I, Count Craven, will donate twice the amount of the donated items. Moreover, donations are voluntary. I have no intention of burdening those who are suffering because of what happened yesterday.”

At the Count’s offer, the nobleman fell silent, perhaps realizing he had no further objections.

“Thank you for the good suggestion, Your Highness. Does anyone else have any opinions?” After acknowledging Yudit, Selena scanned the crowd. The people seemed to think the proposal was acceptable, as no one raised any further objections. Then, someone else raised their hand.

“May I also say something?”

It was Sonia. People hesitated at the thought of a commoner speaking in front of nobles, but they were curious about what she might say.

“Yes, Sonia. Go ahead.”

Selena granted her permission.

“As everyone knows, I am a commoner. While I’ve earned some money from singing, I do not intend to infringe upon the wealth of the nobles.”

“Is she saying she can’t contribute because of that?” One of the nobles next to Yudit whispered. Sonia, though, did not flinch at the remark.

“I would like to donate my talent. If permitted, I would like to sing at the charity event.”

A murmur spread throughout the room. Sonia was the most popular singer in the troupe. If she were to perform, the charity event could generate substantial income just from the entrance fees.

“But aren’t you under contract with the troupe right now? You wouldn’t be able to participate in another event.”

Sonia looked directly at the man who asked the question. He blushed as he met her gaze.

“You often come to my performances, don’t you? As for commercial events, you are right. However, this is a charity event, and since it involves donations, it’s different. I have the freedom to sing wherever I please.”

The man seemed to understand and nodded. But Sonia didn’t stop there.

“I heard you play the violin well.”

“W-wait, you remember that?”

“Of course. It seems we’ll need an accompaniment. Could you play the violin while I sing?”

“I-I would be honored.”

Sonia gave the man a bright smile, then raised her voice to address the crowd.