Chapter 132

Episode 132

“Well then, shall we set aside the pleasantries and get down to business?”

“You’ll regret this.”

Hylix’s eyes were still full of life. But to me, it just looked like a threat from someone abusing their position as the Young lord.

I ignored his words and asked again, “When did it start? When did you start harboring rebellious thoughts against Duke Kalisto?”

“…”

The cunning Hylix chose to remain silent.

But I had anticipated this. So, I continued the interrogation according to the prepared order.

“Rosalyn, in the next room, has confessed everything. I’m telling you, exercising your right to remain silent will only work against you.”

“Rosalyn confessed everything?”

“Yes. Jericho, bring the testimony.”

Jericho opened a large book and held it in front of Hylix for him to see. Hylix’s eyes narrowed as he scanned the lines.

“That’s impossible! This never happened! What kind of torture did you inflict on Viscountess Rosalyn to make her fabricate such outrageous lies?”

“We didn’t use any torture. The Lucius Inspection Unit upholds fairness and justice as its core values. Why would we resort to torture?”

“You hypocrite… Have you already forgotten what you did to Baron Roman?”

I chuckled, feigning composure.

“That was an action I took as the master of House Walker, not as a member of the Inspection Unit. We fought a territorial war, and we suffered significant losses. Is it so strange for a war criminal to be subjected to some torture?”

Selendis entered the room and quietly reported to me.

“The Black Dragon Knights have arrived?”

“Yes. They’re currently surrounding the Inspection Unit headquarters.”

“How many are there?”

“About thirty. Vice-captain Mars is leading them.”

It seemed like the Black Dragon Knights had thought things through. If this were a humble barony instead of the Duke’s territory, we would have been attacked immediately.

The Duke’s strict orders were protecting us.

“It seems like your subordinates are trying to attack the Inspection Unit headquarters. Wouldn’t this be strong evidence of conspiracy to rebel? Sir Mars is practically your right-hand man.”

“I didn’t order them to do that.”

“That’s not my concern. Anyway, that’s how people will perceive it. They’ll say you failed in your rebellion and are now trying to rescue the ringleader. Jericho, write that down.”

“I’m recording every word.”

Jericho seemed excited. Well, he had never imagined that we would be interrogating Grand Duke Hylix like this.

Hylix, frustrated that things weren’t going his way, said with a hardened expression, “Let me out for a moment. I’ll persuade the Black Dragon Knights to leave.”

“There’s no need for that.”

“Why not? They’ll threaten your lives if this continues.”

“It wouldn’t be fun if things ended so easily. We need to let them run wild. It’ll give us more evidence to use against you. This investigation was ordered by His Grace. And the First Knight Order is starting a riot? If that happens, the power structure of House Kalisto will be completely overturned.”

“You madman!”

I glanced at Jericho. He gave me a thumbs-up, signaling that he hadn’t recorded that comment.

I continued the interrogation.

Since I couldn’t use “Mind’s Eye” on him, I had to disarm him with logic and circumstantial evidence.

“You must be confused. Not only did Duke Kalisto turn his back on you, but even Duchess Guinevere, whom you trusted, didn’t protect you. I’m telling you this because you don’t seem to understand, but that’s your current position. And I’m sharing some facts that you’re unaware of with His Grace.”

It wasn’t a lie. Only the Duke and I knew about my “magic swordsman” title.

As expected, Hylix’s expression contorted.

“How dare a low-ranking noble of commoner origin…!”

“Don’t spit in the sky while lying down. You’re the one being interrogated by a low-ranking noble of commoner origin. You should be ashamed of yourself.”

I smirked and delivered the final blow.

“As His Grace said, if there are any misunderstandings, we can resolve them through dialogue. Surely the eldest son of House Kalisto has that much common sense? And I don’t like repeating myself.”

“…”

Hylix fell into thought. I was willing to wait, no matter how long it took.

He finally spoke.

“Can you dismiss the others?”

“That’s not possible. Recording the interrogation is a fundamental principle of investigation. But I’ll dismiss them if you want to discuss something unrelated to the investigation.”

“Do that.”

I gestured to Selendis and Jericho. They left the room.

Now, it was just Hylix and me.

“I won’t give you much time. I have to submit the testimony to His Grace tomorrow.”

“…What are you talking about with my father?”

I sat back comfortably, crossing my legs and picking up a teacup. It was a beverage reserved for the Inspector.

“Are you feeling anxious?”

“Oracle didn’t give me any advice. And she didn’t do anything even when you were secluded in your mansion.”

That was strange.

Oracle had sent a messenger requesting a meeting with me. I had declined, but could there be another reason?

I needed to check.

Oracle and House Maylense’s names weren’t mentioned anywhere in the “Eclipse” documents.

‘Perhaps she had other intentions.’

Things were getting more and more interesting. Hylix’s situation was definitely worse than I had thought.

“I was surprised that Oracle wasn’t involved in this. I couldn’t find her name anywhere in the secret ledger.”

“She didn’t like Roman. She avoided him.”

“She’s a wise woman.”

Hylix’s face flushed, but he suppressed his anger, seemingly resigned.

“The position of successor to House Kalisto is comparable to the throne. It’s the most prestigious family in the Empire. It requires a lot of support to obtain that position. No matter how talented you are, you’ll fail if you’re unlucky. Just like you are now.”

“What… what do you want me to do?”

“Reflect on your actions and stay quiet for a year.”

Hylix was startled. But since it was better than being beheaded, he started listening to me.

“Refrain from any external activities until Duke Kalisto gives you permission. You’re not allowed to attend any events, both within the Dukedom and outside. And you have to resign from your position as captain of the Black Dragon Knights.”

“Isn’t that too much?”

“If there’s something more precious to you than your life, then it might seem excessive.”

Hylix frowned at my sarcastic remark. But he had no choice.

“But will this really make this incident go away? My father will definitely be suspicious of me.”

“Even if your crimes are proven, His Grace won’t take your life. You only conspired; you didn’t take any action. It’s more likely to be seen as a transgression by your vassals.”

“Are you sure?”

“If you cooperate, I’ll make sure it happens.”

I wanted to give Romero time to consolidate his power within the family. That would also create an opportunity for the Lady, who was currently in a blind spot.

Of course, even if I didn’t do anything, the Lady would build her own power base, being the mastermind of the world.

The reason I was going through all this trouble was to become one of her close confidants.

Even though I seemed to be in her good graces, I was still thirsty for more.

I wouldn’t have been drugged by the Sommelier if I had already been accepted as a confidant.

I took a sip of tea and continued, “Admit to all the charges. And state that you were persuaded by Roman and Rosalyn and had no choice. That will help your case.”

“…Can you give me some time to think?”

“Of course. Call for me when you’re ready.”

I put down my empty teacup and left the room. As I passed through the passage connecting the secret space to the outside, I started hearing men’s rough voices.

I asked Ionia, who was waiting inside, “Are those the Black Dragon Knights?”

“Yes. Knight Selendis is dealing with them outside. I’m worried.”

“Why didn’t you go with her?”

“The Captain ordered me to stay here. She said we would end up fighting if I went out there.”

That made sense.

Mars, the vice-captain of the Black Dragon Knights, hated female knights. He would definitely make discriminatory remarks if he saw Ionia, and knowing her personality, she wouldn’t be able to tolerate it.

Even though she had been trained by a skilled mercenary, Ionia wasn’t strong enough to face Mars yet.

“I’m going out for a moment. Go to the interrogation room and keep an eye on Grand Duke Hylix. Let me know immediately if he calls for me.”

“Okay… As you command.”

She had been about to answer casually, as usual, but she corrected herself and saluted properly. The effect of assigning her a squire was already showing. I was proud of her.

Ionia entered the secret passage with Sage, her squire. I stepped outside the Inspection Unit headquarters.

A spectacular sight unfolded before me.

‘It seems like they’ve all come.’

Men clad in black armor were lined up in formation. Mars, the Grand Duke’s right-hand man, was at the front, pointing his finger at Selendis and berating her.

I felt sorry for Selendis.

She hadn’t learned swordsmanship to deal with troublesome customers.

“Sir Mars, causing a scene here is beyond common sense. What brings you all here?”

I asked, feigning ignorance. Mars shouted, “You scoundrel! How dare you arrest the Heir of House Kalisto? Don’t you fear the heavens?”

“I’m not particularly afraid of the heavens. The only one I fear is Duke Kalisto. I brought him here because His Grace ordered an investigation. Is there something wrong with that?”

“You bastard!”

*Clang!*

Mars drew his sword. That was exactly what I wanted.

“You deceived His Grace with your silver tongue and humiliated the Young Lord. You’ll pay for your crimes with your life!”

“Did you obtain permission from Duke Kalisto for this? I believe you need his authorization if the Knight Captain is absent.”

“I’m telling you, this is to avenge my personal grudge! O’Brien Walker! Accept my duel!”

He didn’t even use the “von” in my full name, even though I was a formally recognized noble. This guy was hopeless.

“This is why people say knights are all brawn and no brains. If word spreads that you came here as a mob to threaten and obstruct the Inspector, it’ll damage His Grace’s reputation and turn the people against you. Why are you acting so recklessly?”

“Shut up! Will you draw your sword or run away? Choose one!”

The bait had been taken. Now, it was time to reel him in.

“Alright. I accept your challenge. But I don’t have time to fight all of you, so I’ll duel you one-on-one, Sir Mars.”

“That’s what I wanted!”

I stretched my limbs and quietly said to Selendis, “Send someone to House Maylense immediately. Tell Oracle that I’ll be visiting her soon.”

“Yes, my lord.”

Normally, she would have expressed concern or told me to be careful, but she left without a word. She knew better than anyone that Mars was no match for me.

“Now, shall we begin?”

*Clang!*

My “Sword of Chaos,” bathed in moonlight, hummed excitedly.