Chapter 53

Episode 53

“So that’s what he said?”

The man with his chin resting on his hand muttered.

This was the office of a central official, located in the outer palace of the Imperial Palace. To be precise, it was the Foreign Minister’s office.

Unlike the offices of other ministers, this one was filled with books. The Foreign Minister was known for his love of reading, almost to the point of addiction.

He was particularly knowledgeable about the languages and cultures of various races, in addition to the Empire’s common language.

Some even said he was more suited to be an academy professor than a Foreign Minister.

“He’s as audacious as I’ve heard. Hmm. This will be interesting.”

The man who had just muttered was Count Apellai, the head of House Manald and a powerful figure who had held the position of Foreign Minister for many years.

Across from him, head bowed, was Foreign Affairs Officer Moros.

The tense atmosphere was due to Moros reporting back to his superior, Count Apellai, after being outwitted by Aubrey.

“I apologize, Your Excellency. It was beyond my capabilities.”

“That commoner brat, barely an honorary knight, has quite the tongue. You haven’t informed the Duke yet? Is House Kalisto’s reputation that formidable?”

Count Apellai chuckled. Every twitch of his lips made Moros flinch.

The Count’s presence was that overwhelming.

Moros knew the Count’s true nature better than anyone, despite his gentlemanly facade.

“But Moros, you’ve been in the capital for a while now… How could you make such a blunder?”

“P-Please forgive me. Next time, I’ll-“

“Do you think opportunities for ‘next time’ are so easily given?”

Count Apellai clicked his tongue.

It was his responsibility to welcome the esteemed guest from House Kalisto. And it was he who had ordered the cold treatment.

Moros, lacking experience, had been easily manipulated by Aubrey’s words.

On the other hand, he couldn’t understand why the Count was engaging in a power struggle when they should be treating their guests with utmost hospitality.

The reason was simple.

While it was true that Count Apellai had staked everything on this marriage, he also harbored a conflicting desire to seize control.

He was a greedy man, and his ambition had brought him to this position.

“I’ve never wished for a ‘next time’ in my entire life. Get rid of such weak thoughts.”

His life hadn’t been easy. House Manald was a prestigious family, but the Empire was vast, and there were many other prestigious families.

More prestigious families meant more competition for limited positions.

It had been a thorny path. He had to be willing to sacrifice much to gain much.

And after overcoming all the hardships and trials, he had achieved a level of experience and honor that few could match.

At first, he thought it was luck, but now he knew better.

He was enjoying the feeling of being at the center of the world.

He was using his position as Foreign Minister to reap enormous profits through diplomacy with neighboring countries and even the New World.

While his legitimate businesses were attributed to the Imperial Family, everything he did in the shadows went into his own pockets.

It was this financial power that allowed him to influence Imperial affairs.

“Poor Moros. Listen carefully. For our family to become a true pillar of the Empire, Prince Arthur must ascend to the throne. House Kalisto is just a stepping stone, not a family above us. Don’t you understand?”

“I-I’ll engrave it in my heart, Your Excellency. Please forgive me…”

Moros trembled.

Count Apellai knew nothing about swordsmanship, but he had the power to kill with a few words.

Sighing, Count Apellai beckoned with his hand.

He needed talented individuals right now. It would be a waste to kill Moros over a minor setback.

“An esteemed guest will be arriving from the Dukedom in a couple of days. She’ll be staying at my mansion, so make sure everything is prepared.”

“An esteemed guest? Could it be… her?”

“Yes. It’s time for her to experience the city life. She must be bored. The Dukedom might be large, but it’s still a rural backwater.”

Moros realized something.

The Count had forgiven him not out of kindness, but because thinking about her had put him in a good mood.

“I’ll prepare everything meticulously.”

“She’s a demanding guest, so be careful. She’s known as the queen of Kalisto’s social scene.”

“Yes, Your Excellency.”

Moros bowed and hurried back to the Manald mansion.

***

The aftermath of Selendis’s duel lasted longer than expected.

Many people inquired about her. I even had to answer personal questions about her relationship status.

Ultimately, it was all thanks to Lady Lucia.

She had generously rewarded not only Selendis for her impressive swordsmanship but also the defeated Azure Dragon Knights.

200 gold each.

200 gold was enough for a commoner family to live comfortably for a year. She had casually bestowed such a large sum.

Moreover, she hosted a banquet for all the Azure Dragon Knights.

Delicious food and fine wine were served endlessly.

The knights, who were already willing to lay down their lives for the Lady, were naturally filled with even greater loyalty.

And the icing on the cake?

The Lady’s speech, which added fuel to their burning loyalty, was the highlight.

“— There may be differences in swordsmanship, but the loyalty and passion for martial arts you’ve shown cannot be measured. I express my gratitude on behalf of the Duke.”

Touched by her words, the knights all saluted and swore their eternal loyalty.

The morale of the Azure Dragon Knights soared. Leblanc and the two other defeated knights immediately began training to regain their honor.

As I observed this, I had a different thought.

‘Her sphere of influence seems to have expanded considerably.’

Until now, the Lady hadn’t had many opportunities to make public statements. But since arriving in the capital, she had been making comments that appealed to the family’s members.

She had praised the knights who repelled the monster attack, charmed the people at the Caribe villa, and now she was boosting the morale of the knights.

Simple extrapolation.

If this trend continued, similar events would likely occur in the future.

I didn’t know the specifics of the mastermind’s plan, but it was clear that it had begun.

“Inspector.”

Selendis entered my office. I set aside the documents I was reviewing. I still hadn’t found any useful information.

“I apologize for interrupting you while you’re busy. I have something to discuss.”

“Did the Azure Dragon Knights request another duel?”

“No. I saw you talking with Sir Darius after the duel.”

“Ah.”

I smiled.

My loyal knight must have been worried that I had been troubled.

“It was nothing serious. Sir Darius, being a reputable knight, challenged me to a duel. He said the fight between our subordinates was just a preliminary round, and he wants a final match.”

“Did you accept?”

“What do you think?”

After a moment of thought, Selendis answered confidently.

“I believe you refused.”

“Why?”

“The Inspector I know wouldn’t engage in unnecessary fights. I believe you politely declined.”

“You know me well.”

That was one of Selendis’s strengths. If it had been Jericho, he would have said something like, “Don’t embarrass yourself again. Just stay quiet.”

Even though the matter was settled, Selendis remained standing.

“Is there anything else? I’m not busy, so don’t hesitate to speak. Even if it’s difficult to say. We’re comrades who trust each other with our lives.”

“No, it’s nothing. I apologize for the intrusion.”

As she turned to leave, I casually said, “You fought well today, Selendis. I was proud to have you as a knight of the Inspection Unit.”

“…Thank you, Master.”

It seemed like the answer she wanted. Selendis left the room with a lighter expression.

I was about to return to the documents when another knock interrupted me.

“Inspector, did you reward Lady Selendis?”

It was Jericho. I shook my head.

“That’s strange. She was smiling when she left the room. It’s rare to see Selendis smile.”

“You know she’s not the type to smile just because she received a reward.”

“Of course. She’s so uptight. Sometimes I wonder if she’s a golem disguised as a human. How can she be in the capital and not even have a drink? It’s frustrating. You should talk to her about it.”

“Enough with the gossip. What’s the matter?”

Jericho’s expression turned serious.

“We just received information. Rosalyn is coming to the capital.”

My mind went blank at the unexpected news.

“Rosalyn? That’s sudden.”

Rosalyn, the Duchess’s maid, was a person of interest to the Inspection Unit. We had been keeping tabs on her.

“We thought she was going on a trip to a neighboring territory, but she changed course and is heading here via Caribe. That’s why the report is late.”

“Why is she coming?”

“As you know, Rosalyn often visits the capital. She’s not called the queen of the social scene for nothing. Even the Dukedom’s social scene pales in comparison to the capital’s.”

But the fact that he rushed here to report it meant there was something more to it.

I felt the same way.

“This is related to our mission. Rosalyn is very interested in the Inspection Unit.”

“The Duchess might have sent her. It’s important for the family to secure the engagement.”

“When is she expected to arrive?”

“The earliest is the day after tomorrow. I asked the head butler, but she hasn’t contacted us. It seems she’s planning to stay elsewhere.”

The capital was vast.

But there were only a limited number of places someone like Rosalyn could stay.

“There’s something going on. Keep a closer eye on her. And keep tabs on House Manald as well.”

“Understood.”

The next day, Foreign Minister Count Apellai visited the mansion. He brought gifts of fine fabrics, jewels, and crafts.

He was completely different from what I had imagined.

He bowed repeatedly, as meek as a lamb.

“My Lady, I apologize for not greeting you personally last time. Please forgive my rudeness.”

“It’s alright. Don’t worry about it. I heard you were unwell. Are you feeling better?”

“I’m honored that you’re concerned. I’m getting old, so even a slight cold puts me in bed. How are you finding the capital, my Lady?”

“I’m enjoying it very much. Every day is a delight.”

After exchanging pleasantries, Count Apellai got to the point.

“Prince Arthur has set a date. He requests your presence at the palace three days from now. There will be a grand banquet that evening.”

“I’ll be sure to attend. Please convey my gratitude to the prince.”

The D-day had been set.

As I was reviewing our plans, Count Apellai glanced at me and said,

“You must be Inspector O’Brien.”