Chapter 3

Episode 3

The Lucius Inspection Unit headquarters had a space for living and dining. Selendis and I each spent the night in our assigned rooms.

“Good morning, Master.”

Selendis was drenched in sweat. It seemed she had dedicated herself to training since dawn.

“You’re up early.”

“It is simply my duty as a knight, Master. Will we be departing soon?”

“Not yet. I intend to take a few more days.”

Yesterday, Jericho delivered our first mission. The document listed Gerard’s alleged crimes, but there was no mention of a deadline.

Naturally, the Lady would want swift action.

However, I had other plans.

“We cannot afford to be careless, especially on our first mission. Thorough investigation is paramount. I intend to spend the next few days gathering information on Baron Gerard.”

“I will accompany you, Master.”

“Stay here unless I summon you.”

If she hadn’t witnessed my altercation with Thomson, I’m sure she would have protested.

But it seemed both the Lady and Selendis believed I possessed genuine martial skills. It worked in my favor.

It was time to gear up.

I visited the armory and selected a longsword that felt comfortable in my hand. After a few swings, I found one with the perfect grip and weight distribution.

We had ample funds, so commissioning a custom-made weapon from a blacksmith was also a viable option.

But not yet.

For now, it was best to maintain the facade of an inspector who only knew basic self-defense. Revealing my true capabilities this early in the game was too risky.

I strapped a dagger of appropriate length to my side and secured three throwing knives to my back.

This should be enough to handle multiple opponents, especially with ‘that ability’ at my disposal.

“Are you heading out already, Master?”

“Indeed. I’m going to the castle. You’re free to join me if you find waiting here tedious.”

Selendis armed herself as well. Today, she wore leather armor beneath a dark red cloak.

The cloak complemented her golden hair and eyes perfectly. Judging by her aura alone, one would mistake her for a high-ranking knight.

I made a mental note to investigate Selendis’ past when the opportunity arose.

“Let’s go.”

We rode our horses towards the castle.

The reality of my sudden promotion to the Lady’s side, becoming an official Inspector overnight, was evident in the way the guards and knights treated me now.

“Sir O’Brien.”

As I dismounted, soldiers rushed to take the reins of my horse. Guarding the outer wall was Sir Paris, a mid-ranking knight.

Knight ranks were broadly divided into six categories.

First came the ‘Squire’.

Countless young hopefuls endured blood, sweat, and tears at academies across the land, all vying for a knighthood.

Those who passed the knight selection exam were ordained as ‘Squire’ knights.

From there, they could be promoted to ‘Junior’, ‘Intermediate’, or ‘Senior’ knights based on their achievements, experience, and years of service.

Beyond that were the ranks of ‘Captain’ and ‘Commander’.

There were no limits to the number of knights in the lower ranks, but typically, only one person could hold the position of Captain and Commander at any given time.

Those appointments were decided solely by the lord of the land.

In other words, Sir Paris, standing before me, was a knight of considerable skill and experience.

“I heard the news. Congratulations on your promotion to honorary knighthood.”

“Thank you, Sir Paris. I appreciate the sentiment. You didn’t have to acknowledge it.”

“Nonsense. Your character and capabilities are well-known throughout the castle.”

He flashed a warm smile, revealing pearly white teeth.

There was no need to use ‘Mind’s Eye’ on him. He had a good reputation within the knightly order and was rumored to be a devoted husband and father.

He was a family man, known to abstain from alcohol and spend his free time with his loved ones.

He had always been amicable towards me.

Of course, that didn’t mean he was on my side. He wasn’t that naive.

Some might question why I didn’t use my ability to read people’s true intentions more often.

There were several reasons.

The main reason was the uncertainty surrounding its limitations. I hadn’t played ‘Queen Maker’ myself, so I couldn’t be sure of the game mechanics.

Perhaps there was an invisible mana pool, or perhaps there was a limit to the number of times I could use it.

Another reason was the ‘fatigue’ it induced.

What you don’t know can’t hurt you.

It was a lesson I had learned the hard way. Knowing things I didn’t need to know could easily lead to obsession.

Therefore, I refrained from using ‘Mind’s Eye’ unless it directly pertained to my duties.

Conservation was key.

“If you’re not busy, I’d like to host a small gathering at my estate this week. My wife’s cooking is something to behold.”

“Thank you for the invitation. I’ll be sure to attend.”

“Excellent! Now, please, go on in.”

As I entered the inner castle, I was greeted by numerous servants. The atmosphere was noticeably different.

“Congratulations, Sir O’Brien. I heard you were granted an honorary knighthood.”

“I knew you would achieve great things, Sir O’Brien! There’s nothing you can’t do.”

“I’m a little sad, though. Does this mean we won’t see you as often anymore?”

I could feel the gazes of the maids on me, tinged with a hint of longing. They had been helpful to me during my time here. But I couldn’t afford to reciprocate their affections.

As someone chosen by the mastermind, I had to distance myself from such temptations.

“Lilith.”

Startled by the sound of her name, Lilith, who was sweeping the floor, froze in place. Being young and inexperienced, she usually stayed at the back.

“If you’re not busy, I’d like to have a cup of tea with you.”

“Oh…”

Lilith shrank back under the scrutiny of the senior maids. It seemed she wasn’t completely oblivious to social cues.

“Um, if it wouldn’t be too much trouble, could I perhaps visit you after I’m done with my work?”

“I’ll be waiting in my office.”

I had some time to kill.

Part of me wanted to seek out Lady Lucia, but I decided against it. I had nothing pressing to discuss, and it was best to appear focused on my new responsibilities.

A knock sounded at the door, and Head Butler Muller entered.

He was an older gentleman, his white hair a testament to his years of service.

He carried himself with an air of nobility, a product of his lineage. His family had served the Kalisto dukedom for generations.

He held the rank of Baron and was a close confidant of Duke Kalisto himself.

Until yesterday, he was the head of the butler department, the very department I was a part of.

He wasn’t someone I could usually meet so easily, nor was he someone who would visit my office in person.

“Welcome, Head Butler. To what do I owe the pleasure?”

“I knew this day would come.”

With those words, Muller handed me a document.

His expression was unreadable, a testament to his two decades of experience handling the family’s affairs.

“The Lady asked me to arrange for your new accommodations. This document contains the details. It’s a modest estate, but it boasts a lovely view and a beautiful garden.”

“Thank you.”

Until now, I had been living within the castle walls. Now, I had the freedom to come and go as I pleased.

We had the Inspection Unit headquarters, but it was a temporary base of operations, not a place to settle down.

“Were there no arrangements made for Lady Selendis’ accommodations?”

“I haven’t received any such instructions.”

I examined the document. It was a three-story mansion. With over twenty rooms, including bedrooms and guest rooms, I could spare a few for her.

“Well, as the former head of the butler department, I’m saddened to lose such a capable individual. However, this is for the Lady’s grand vision, so I trust you will serve her with unwavering loyalty, Sir O’Brien.”

Grand vision?

Under normal circumstances, I would have let it slide. But something about his words struck me as odd. I couldn’t very well ask him if he was in on the Lady’s schemes.

“I will devote my life to seeing her vision fulfilled, Head Butler. And please, call me Aubrey. The Lady prefers it.”

“As you wish.”

Once Muller left, I turned my attention to Selendis.

“You don’t have to stand at attention all the time. You’re free to relax when we’re in a secure location. I doubt anyone here would dare to attack me within the castle walls.”

She remained silent.

I sighed.

“That’s an order.”

Only then did Selendis sheathe her sword and take a seat. It was still awkward, but it was better than having a statue for company.

“It seems no arrangements were made for your accommodations. I’ll provide you with a room in my estate. You may stay there from now on.”

“As you command, Master.”

“You’ll be needing a training ground as well, I presume?”

“Yes, Master.”

Selendis wasn’t a mere squire she was a Junior knight. And a skilled one at that, capable of wielding aura. She needed ample space to train and unleash her swordsmanship without causing collateral damage.

Another knock interrupted us, followed by Lilith’s timid voice.

“Um, Sir O’Brien…?”

“Come in.”

Lilith entered, her entire demeanor radiating nervousness. She couldn’t even meet my eyes, her gaze fixed on the floor.

“There’s no need for formalities, Lilith. We were colleagues just yesterday, weren’t we?”

“But of course, sir. I am but a humble maid.”

“I thought we were closer than that. It seems I was mistaken.”

I needed her to relax.

Trying to extract information through intimidation was a fool’s errand. To get her to open up, I needed to establish a connection, a sense of camaraderie. To make her see me as an ally, not an interrogator.

Years of conducting investigations had taught me that people were surprisingly receptive when you approached them with empathy.

“To be honest, I feel the same way, sir. But with your promotion, I must show you the proper respect.”

“Nonsense. A change in status shouldn’t change who we are as people. We’ve been through a lot together. Wouldn’t you say we’re friends?”

“Friends…?”

A blush crept up her cheeks.

Phase one, complete.

When I first received the mission document and saw Gerard’s name, a sense of familiarity washed over me. It was because of Lilith.

‘She told me about it once. How her parents were unjustly victimized by loan sharks.’

And those loan sharks were under the employ of Baron Gerard. Lilith was the perfect source of information.

“If you think of me that way, I would be honored.”

“Have a seat.”

She hesitated, so Selendis pulled out a chair for her. Only then did Lilith sit down.

I wanted to summon a maid to serve us tea, but I couldn’t risk exposing Lilith, my valuable informant, to any potential mistreatment.

Being summoned to my office was already a significant privilege.

“I called you here because I have a question for you. First, you’re aware that I’m now part of the Lucius Inspection Unit, correct?”

“Yes, sir. I heard about your appointment as Inspector.”

“Do you know what an Inspector does?”

She looked unsure.

“Inspectors investigate allegations of wrongdoing and misconduct. To put it simply, it’s my job to find the bad guys and bring them to justice.”

I explained it as gently as I could, but Lilith’s face paled.

“Don’t worry, I didn’t call you here because you did something wrong.”

“Oh, okay…”

“I couldn’t help but recall something you told me a while back. About your parents taking out a loan in Baron Gerard’s territory.”

“You remember that, sir?”

“Of course.”

Her initial relief was short-lived. My next words were bound to raise alarm bells.

“I’d like to hear more about that. When, where, and what exactly transpired.”