Chapter 47

Episode 47

I prepared tea and snacks for my subordinates, who had traveled a long distance. I didn’t want the Lucius Inspection Unit to be labeled as a sweatshop.

“Thank you for your hard work. It wasn’t an easy journey, but you arrived on time. We’ll be leaving soon.”

“I was expecting it, Master. This is no ordinary mission.”

Selendis nodded in agreement.

He was right.

This was only our third mission since the establishment of the Lucius Inspection Unit, and we were about to meet the Emperor and the Imperial Family.

It wouldn’t be easy, especially since we weren’t going there for a pleasant occasion.

“Before we discuss our situation, I want to hear about the task I assigned you. How’s the investigation going?”

“It’s progressing smoothly. We haven’t finished yet, but we’ve uncovered some useful information.”

“Both targets?”

“Yes. As expected, Prince Arthur’s mother has a shady past. We found evidence that she worked as a courtesan.”

Being a courtesan wasn’t necessarily illegal in this world. The laws were lax, and people often changed their identities. It seemed the prince’s mother was one such case.

“She was recruited by Foreign Minister Apellai, the Count of Manald, to gain access to the Imperial Family. It was a honey trap.”

This was a development I wanted to avoid.

Political entanglements were difficult to unravel. They involved multiple families and factions.

“Isn’t Count Apellai the head of House Manald?”

“Yes. You have a good memory. House Manald has a long history of producing ministers.”

It might seem strange that a prestigious family would resort to such tactics.

But people were always greedy.

The saying “the rich get richer” existed for a reason. Once you had one, you wanted two. Once you had ten, you wanted a hundred.

Desire was endless. Even a count with the title of “Excellency” would crave advancement. It was human nature.

“But we couldn’t dig up anything more. It’s well-concealed.”

Erasing one’s past was a basic step in changing identities.

“How is it concealed?”

“Everyone connected to the prince’s mother has left the capital. Some have even passed away.”

“They eliminated witnesses?”

That meant digging deeper could endanger our lives. It also suggested that the secret was significant.

“It seems pursuing the prince’s mother is a dead end. We’ll have to target Prince Arthur.”

“Exactly. The prince’s mother might be favored by the Emperor, but her position within the Imperial Family is precarious. If anything happens to the Emperor, she’s finished.”

“What about the prince? I heard he has a department dedicated to cleaning up his messes.”

“Chloe was right. He has a colorful history. He’s a true scoundrel.”

Jericho recounted the prince’s exploits with vivid detail.

His womanizing was a given. It was especially problematic because he didn’t discriminate between nobles and commoners.

His worst habit was concealing his identity while pursuing women. If he got into trouble with commoners, he would use his status to punish them severely.

Several people had died because of his actions.

People were the same everywhere.

I had witnessed similar behavior during freshman orientation and my military service in my previous life…

Some ministers had expressed concern, but everything had been swept under the rug, thanks to the Imperial Family’s influence.

“What happened to the women he slept with? Did they join the Imperial Family?”

“No, they all left the capital. We don’t know their whereabouts. They might be dead or alive. But he’s been keeping a low profile lately.”

“He wouldn’t have changed his ways overnight.”

“It’s probably because of the Lady. Even a scoundrel like him wouldn’t want to jeopardize his marriage to a Kalisto.”

I stroked my chin thoughtfully.

I should have shaved more carefully. There was some stubble left. My mind felt the same way.

I had a good razor, but I couldn’t see the remaining stubble clearly.

I couldn’t shave my entire face off.

“I believe these transgressions are forgivable. People are more interested in bloodlines. Will this be enough to break off the engagement? It’s no secret that powerful nobles have mistresses.”

I agreed with him. Selendis remained silent, lost in thought.

“It’s not a simple matter. Sometimes, you have to confront a problem head-on. This might be one of those cases.”

“So you’re saying we should go to the capital and meet the prince?”

“If there’s a better way, I’m all ears.”

But I had a different idea.

“Do you know why high-ranking officials have adjutants?”

“To run errands? Like Chloe?”

“Wrong. Even the most experienced and skilled individuals make mistakes. Adjutants are there to advise their superiors, to prevent them from making bad decisions.”

“So you’re saying we need to find a solution before we reach the capital?”

“We’re essentially the Lady’s adjutants. Don’t you think it’s a bit lazy to just confront the problem head-on?”

Jericho laughed at my joke. Selendis’s expression softened slightly.

“You’re right, Master. But while we’re brainstorming, how about you tell us about the banquet? We were surprised to hear that you danced with the Lady. Selendis was especially surprised.”

He glanced at Selendis, who averted her gaze. Was that a hint of jealousy?

“There were some unforeseen circumstances. I wanted to involve Lord McLellan, but the Lady refused. And then she put me in a difficult position.”

“McLellan… Isn’t he the third son of House Caribe? I doubt Eloan would have taken it well. I heard he’s quite ambitious.”

“Of course he didn’t take it well. He summoned me before the banquet and tried to bribe me. He promised me a reward if things worked out.”

“Hahaha! He chose the wrong person.”

“There will be another banquet in the capital, right?”

“I guarantee it. They’re probably already preparing. It’s not every day that a distinguished guest from House Kalisto visits the capital.”

“True.”

I imagined the scene. What would it be like to attend a lavish banquet in a hall filled with priceless treasures?

The highlight of the banquet would be the dance between Prince Arthur and Lady Lucia.

There was a peculiar tradition among the Imperial nobles: ‘dance compatibility’.

They believed that the harmony of a couple’s dance reflected their future marital bliss.

What would their dance be like?

And then, it hit me.

‘Wait, the dance…’

A plan formed in my mind.

My eyes must have widened, because Jericho leaned forward with a grin.

“You look like you just had a brilliant idea.”

“It’s hard to imagine, but I have a plan.”

“If you’re not going to tell me, I’d rather not know. I’m not good with suspense.”

“It could cost me my head, so I’ll tell you.”

I explained my plan.

Time seemed to stop. They stared at me, speechless.

“…Are you insane?”

“Master, that’s too dangerous. There’s no need to take such a risk.”

For once, they were in agreement.

Even I had to admit it was a long shot. Asking Lady Lucia to dance at the Emperor’s banquet? Me, instead of Prince Arthur?

‘No, it’s worth a try.’

Ultimately, a dance depended on the woman’s consent, not the man’s request.

And Lady Lucia’s words that night had given me confidence.

*— I’m asking you as your dance partner.*

She had said those words.

I didn’t know what she meant by ‘dance partner’, but she wouldn’t refuse a simple dance request.

My goal was simple.

Scoundrels had one common trait: excessive possessiveness and jealousy.

I would exploit that weakness, loosening the reins that held the prince in check.

“If I can impress the Lady with my dancing, Prince Arthur will be furious. We’ll exploit his anger. A duel would be ideal.”

“I heard Prince Arthur is trained in Imperial swordsmanship. Can you handle him?”

“I wouldn’t suggest this if I didn’t think I could win.”

I had ‘Automatic Combat’, but fighting someone who had lost their reason was still challenging.

“Hmm, it could work. Your status as a quasi-noble will provoke him further.”

“Exactly. He’ll feel like a mere honorary knight is stealing what’s his.”

“But Master, this all depends on the Lady accepting your request. Will she?”

I shrugged at Selendis’s cautious question.

“If she doesn’t, we’ll find another way. We’ll become salary thieves, like Jericho said.”

“Salary thieves? What does that mean?”

“It’s a figure of speech from where i used to live. used for a famous thief.”

“That’s offensive! I’m not a thief!”

“You’re quite charming.”

“…I am quite good at stealing hearts. I like that analogy. Salary thieves. I’ll have to use that. Hehehe.”

We finalized the plan.

“Jericho, I need you to search the area before we leave for the capital. I’m concerned about those monsters.”

“I heard about the attack. Were there any demonic beasts?”

“No, but they seemed to be controlled. They were organized. It might be the ‘Dark Soul’s influence.”

I hadn’t sensed any demonic energy at the time.

But Jericho might be able to detect it. He was a descendant of demon hunters.

“I’ll start searching tomorrow with Lady Selendis. I hope it’s nothing serious.”

“The Caribe soldiers are probably combing the area. Try to avoid them, especially Eloan. He’s quite fond of beautiful women, Selendis. Be careful.”

“…”

She didn’t respond. Our eyes met briefly, and then she looked away. Was that really a hint of jealousy?