Chapter 86

Episode 86

“Why are you looking at me like that? Come and sit down.”

“I’m afraid someone might see us.”

The princess tilted her head, a question mark floating above her head. Seeing her innocent and curious expression, I wondered if she was doing this on purpose.

“You must maintain your dignity. This is the Dukedom. There are many eyes and ears watching.”

“Ah, I hear that all the time. Don’t worry about it.”

I hoped she wouldn’t wave at me every time she saw me.

I sighed briefly and sat down where the princess gestured. Thankfully, she dismissed everyone else.

I activated “Automatic Combat” just in case.

There were no signs of anyone nearby. She was a truly carefree princess.

“I have a request, Your Highness. Are you acquainted with Eloan of House Caribe?”

“Yes, I’ve heard of him. House Caribe is doing quite well these days, aren’t they? I heard he’s arrogant. Not as much as my brother Arthur, though.”

Her opinion was negative. Would this be difficult?

I had to try.

“Young master Eloan wishes to become acquainted with you at the upcoming banquet. Would you be willing to grant him an audience?”

“You’re not trying to set me up with him, are you?”

“No, Your Highness.”

I had no such intention. I was simply trying to use him. Princess Beatrice was the only member of the Imperial Family who was friendly towards me.

“The main attraction of the banquet has changed. That’s why I’m making this request.”

“So, you also think I’ve become an uninvited guest?”

“Not an uninvited guest, but…”

I trailed off, letting her draw her own conclusions. It worked.

“You must be in a difficult position. Hmm, in that case, I’ll help you! But I have a condition. Don’t call me ‘Your Highness’ anymore. Call me by my name. A nickname would be even better.”

She was being so straightforward with her feelings.

This was impossible. If anyone found out, I would be immediately summoned back to the capital. Considering the incident with Prince Arthur, I would likely be punished for disrespecting the Imperial Family.

The princess sighed, reading my expression.

“I’m not asking you to do it all the time. Just when we’re alone. We’re friends, aren’t we?”

“In that case, I agree. And since we’re being informal, how about we drop the honorifics?”

“Perfect!”

I hoped this wouldn’t turn into romantic feelings…

If it did, I had no idea what the mastermind would do.

Masterminds were known for being fiercely protective of their people. She might feel threatened.

“About the spar, I would like to request a private match. What do you think?”

“We’re dropping honorifics, remember?”

“Ah, my apologies.”

I rephrased my question informally. But instead of answering, the princess asked a different question.

“What nickname should I call you?”

I didn’t expect her to be so fixated on nicknames.

“How about Bice?”

“Bice” was a common nickname in my previous life, especially in Italy. Perhaps thanks to my thorough research, the princess seemed to like it.

“Then, I’ll call you Aubrey.”

Our relationship was progressing too quickly.

A thought suddenly crossed my mind.

‘Could this be related to affection levels?’

I activated “Mind’s Eye” and continued the conversation.

“We seem to have gotten sidetracked. Let’s get back to the spar. What do you think about having a private match?”

“Is that really necessary? Everyone knows I came here to spar with you.”

A remarkable change occurred.

A white, pure light flickered in the princess’s beautiful eyes.

It was the color of “truth.”

‘I’ve finally uncovered a secret.’

I had conducted several tests to determine the extent of “Mind’s Eye” after my promotion.

Some individuals were now susceptible to it, but Lucia and Hylix remained unaffected.

This implied one thing.

The activation of “Mind’s Eye” wasn’t solely based on social status.

The princess and I had formed a close bond, almost like a quantum leap. We were now friends, speaking informally. This was unusual, even in a game.

But as a result, I could now see things I couldn’t before.

‘There’s definitely an affection level system.’

My hypothesis that “Mind’s Eye” could be used on individuals with a certain level of affection was proven.

But then, another thought occurred to me.

‘Is there even a need to use “Mind’s Eye” on someone with high affection?’

It was the same reason I didn’t use it on Selendis and Jericho.

But it wasn’t entirely useless.

The fact that “Mind’s Eye” worked on someone meant their affection level was above a certain threshold. It was an indirect indicator.

“Everyone’s attention is on me because of the duel with Prince Arthur. If we have a public spar, it will attract too much attention. That’s not appropriate for an Inspector who needs to maintain secrecy.”

The princess chuckled.

“You’re asking for a private match because you’re confident you can defeat me, aren’t you?”

“Not necessarily.”

“You’re right. Objectively speaking, I’m weaker than my brother Arthur. But I want to assess my progress. I want to become stronger.”

A white light flickered in her eyes again. Her desire for strength was genuine.

A princess who sought strength. She was an intriguing character.

“Alright. I’ll accept your request. But I would like the Duke to be present. He’s my teacher.”

“Sure.”

“What? You’re leaving already?”

I tried to stand up, but the princess grabbed my arm and pulled me back down.

“Aren’t you being too cold? We’re friends now, and you’re just going to leave?”

“I have a lot to report to Lady Lucia.”

“You’re truly smitten with the Lady~”

It was understandable that she would misunderstand. I mentioned the Lady at every opportunity.

But I wasn’t smitten with her appearance or personality. It was because she was the mastermind. At least for now.

“I can’t keep a busy person like you. So, when are we sparring?”

“It’s best to wait until after the banquet and find a quiet day. We need to divert attention for now.”

“If you wait too long, I might become stronger. Think carefully.”

After obtaining the princess’s consent, I went to see the Lady.

She was stroking a white cat she had recently adopted as a pet.

The cat, which had been resting with its eyes closed, opened its eyes and looked at me.

“Welcome, Aubrey.”

“Meow.”

It was a haughty cat, the opposite of the Lady.

“I apologize for interrupting your rest.”

“No, it’s alright. I was just about to summon you after hearing you had returned to the castle.”

The cat cleverly jumped off her lap and curled up in a cozy bed nearby.

Perhaps the mastermind’s cat could understand human speech. It might even be a divine beast or a spirit animal.

“You seem to like the cat. Have you named it yet?”

“I named her Lulu. What do you think?”

“It’s cute. I like it. I have something to report. First, about Grand Duke Hylix…”

I recounted everything that had happened with Hylix and Oracle yesterday.

“It’s understandable that my brother is angry. Even if he could accept the trading company being established in Caribe, the princess’s arrival was unexpected. Did you orchestrate this, Aubrey?”

“Not at all. I would have reported to you first if I had.”

“My brother won’t calm down even after the banquet.”

Although she didn’t say it explicitly, Lucia seemed to understand that the princess’s visit had effectively blocked any further marriage proposals for her.

“The part I’m focusing on is different. I believe the young master is most sensitive about the spar with the princess.”

“He must be curious. A provincial knight defeated a prince trained in the Bellatrix swordsmanship. And now the princess, who also uses the Bellatrix technique, has come to challenge you. He can’t just sit still.”

“Lady Oracle’s reaction was interesting. She might have other plans.”

“Other plans?”

“She might betray Grand Duke Hylix.”

The Lady simply said, “Interesting.” I continued.

“How about trying to recruit her? She would be a valuable asset to our side. It would help us avenge the traitor Diablo.”

“You’re still hung up on that? I’m sorry for pranking you.”

“I hope you’ll consider it seriously. It would be beneficial either way.”

“I’ll think about it. Then, I can attend the banquet with a light heart. Young master Eloan will be enjoying himself with the princess.”

I bowed respectfully. Lucia smiled mischievously and asked, “I let you off the hook last time. Shall we dance together this time?”

“Absolutely not.”

“Why? I’ve heard we look good together.”

“That’s precisely why it’s not possible. I intend to keep a low profile for a while. I want to focus on establishing the trading company.”

“How do you think it’ll turn out?”

“The government office will eventually surrender. They won’t be able to handle the consequences if the Lucius Trading Company establishes its headquarters in Caribe.”

The Lady nodded.

“Then, please rest well.”

A few days later, the government office finally responded. Jericho rushed in, flustered.

“Inspector! Administrator Stuart sent a messenger. He wants to meet with you. Those bureaucrats are so shameless. They should come here themselves if they need something.”

“He must have heard that young master Eloan sent a letter to the Lord of Caribe.”

“They would have heard if they have ears. What are you going to do?”

“It wouldn’t hurt to hear what he has to say. Prepare yourself.”

Jericho and I went to the government office. Chief Administrator Stuart looked even paler than before.

“Oh my… I’m so sorry. I should have come to you…”

“No, it’s alright. You must be busy with official duties. So, have you reached a decision?”

“Before that, there’s something I need to confirm. I heard that the Lucius Trading Company is planning to establish its headquarters in Caribe…”

It was a cautious question. I smiled readily.

“That’s correct. I met with young master Eloan a few days ago and we’re currently discussing the possibility. So, you’ve heard the news.”

“Ah…”

Stuart clutched his head in despair. But it was only for a moment. He apologized and then got to the point.

“The director has decided to approve the Lucius Trading Company’s business license. If you submit the necessary documents, we’ll process it immediately…”

“I apologize for causing you trouble.”

“No, it’s alright. As I said before… I agree with you. We have to follow orders from above.”

Jericho quickly submitted all the necessary documents. The Lucius Trading Company was finally officially established.