Chapter 115

Episode 115

I had already announced that I would be recruiting talented individuals. I intended to absorb as many people as possible into my family.

My “Mind’s Eye” ability was proving to be invaluable in this process.

In my previous encounters with nobles, especially Baron Fontaine of House Regulus, I hadn’t detected any deception. He was as genuine and unpretentious as his simple attire.

The same was true for Ionia’s father, whom I was currently speaking with.

A once-renowned mercenary.

It would be a great asset to have him join our family in exchange for a house.

‘The chances are high.’

When I had observed him with “Mind’s Eye,” he was genuinely concerned about his daughter and felt indebted to me. There had been no lies so far.

His wife’s death from illness and his inability to leave his daughter alone were both true.

“I can’t accept your offer. I’m already causing you enough trouble with my immature daughter. I… I don’t know if I should say this, but she caused a lot of problems in the Hogden territory as well.”

The first part of his statement triggered a “false” reading, but the following sentences were “true.” It seemed like he wanted to accept my offer but was politely declining.

I continued to listen.

“And it would be a burden for you to take care of me as well. So, I appreciate your offer, but I’ll have to decline.”

Another “false” reading. I could push a little further.

“It would be best for Lady Ionia if you were here. My territory is where her future lies. And I would appreciate it if you could help me with some tasks from time to time.”

“Hmm…”

“A trading company will be established under the name of House Walker soon. And I’m also in charge of the Lucius Trading Company. Wouldn’t it be nice if you could accompany your daughter on missions? You’d be together all the time. I promise to provide you with all the support you need to settle here.”

“You want to hire me as a mercenary, not as a member of the knight order?”

“I don’t want to restrict you with the knight order’s rules. I’ll guarantee your freedom.”

Gladius fell into thought. I didn’t expect an immediate answer. He would need to discuss it with House Hogden as well.

“If you don’t mind, I’d like to think about it a little more. I also need to talk to House Hogden.”

“Understood. I’ll contact House Hogden myself. They sent a delegation to congratulate us on our victory. I’ll discuss it with them naturally while expressing our gratitude.”

“Thank you.”

It seemed like Gladius was half-convinced.

I was always worried about Hassale, who was in charge of the trading company. Jericho was too busy to be with him all the time, and Selendis had to manage the knight order.

Teaching Hassale martial arts wasn’t an efficient solution.

If Gladius, with his years of experience as a mercenary, joined us, we could ensure Hassale’s safety and try various things.

Just then, there was a commotion at the entrance of the banquet hall.

“The living star of Kalisto, Lady Lucia, is entering!”

…What a dazzling dress!

I prided myself on having experienced various banquets during my time as an aide, but I had never seen a dress that shone so brightly.

It was a white dress with layers of beige and pale gold. It was adorned with jewels, making her look like a living star.

But the true star was the Lady herself.

She was the center of attention, drawing everyone’s gaze. The crowd parted for her like the Red Sea.

“She’s so beautiful. How can someone be so graceful?”

“I would be happy to be even a speck of dust beneath her feet!”

But I knew.

The Lady’s charm wasn’t just about her beauty.

“Sir O’Brien is the hero of today’s victory, but I seem to be receiving too much attention. Please congratulate Sir O’Brien.”

She possessed a thoughtfulness that was rare among noble ladies.

With a slight exaggeration, her boundless compassion and selflessness, which seemed to transcend worldly desires, made her even more radiant.

At this rate, people would start calling her a saint.

“Of course! But we couldn’t just ignore the Lady’s beauty.”

“It would be an honor to dance with you, my Lady.”

“Would you grant me the same honor?”

Countless nobles courted her, but she politely declined. Our eyes met.

She smiled. It seemed like I would be dancing with her again tonight.

The crowd parted for Lucia as she walked towards me. It was like witnessing the parting of the Red Sea.

And I was standing at the end of the path.

“Congratulations on your victory, Aubrey.”

“Thank you, my Lady.”

It was nice that she called me by my name, but omitting my title made it seem too familiar. I hoped the others wouldn’t misunderstand…

“You’ve also successfully completed the Inspection Unit’s sixth mission. I want to reward you. Is there anything you need? I’ll grant you anything I can.”

Her words were filled with favoritism.

I did have a wish. I wanted to ask her to end the private dance lessons, which had become infrequent due to the recent war.

But if I did that, the mastermind might mark me forever.

“There is one thing I need.”

“Tell me.”

Everyone’s attention was focused on us. I looked at the Lady and said confidently, “I would like to receive the Inspection Unit’s seventh mission.”

Gasps of surprise echoed throughout the hall. Even Jericho, the master of flattery, was impressed and gave me a double thumbs-up.

The Lady smiled, pleased with my display of loyalty.

“You’re always thinking about work.”

“It’s the only way I can prove my loyalty to you, my Lady.”

“I’ve already decided on the seventh mission. It’ll be a special one. I’ll tell you about it when you come with Sir Jericho.”

“Understood.”

Until now, I had received most of the mission briefings alone. Even when I had company, it was only Selendis.

But I couldn’t imagine a mission that required Jericho’s presence.

No, wait.

Considering Jericho’s background, it wasn’t entirely impossible to speculate.

‘It might be something related to demons.’

The war with Roman had distracted me, but the monster and demonic beast problem was still ongoing.

The Kalisto Dukedom had mostly pacified its territory with its powerful military, but the damage was accumulating throughout the continent.

‘But it wouldn’t make sense to go outside the Dukedom for a mission.’

The Lucius Inspection Unit was established to maintain peace within the territory and the family.

Working for other families or nations wasn’t part of its purpose. The Lady wouldn’t overlook that.

A refreshing scent suddenly filled the air.

I realized that the Lady was standing close to me. She looked up at me and asked softly, “What do you think of my dress? I brought it from the main castle to celebrate the victory. It’s my first time wearing it…”

“My Lady, shouldn’t you wear such a dress at the main castle’s banquet?”

“Shouldn’t you answer my question first?”

Touché.

I couldn’t just stare at her from head to toe, so I answered while looking into her eyes.

“You look beautiful. Even a goddess descending to the mortal realm wouldn’t be this radiant.”

“Are you sure you’re looking properly?”

“Of course.”

The Lady smiled, satisfied with my answer.

“I’m not interested in the main castle’s banquet. From now on, I’ll only attend the banquets you host.”

Her words could easily be misinterpreted. The surrounding nobles whispered among themselves, speculating about our relationship.

Well, let them misunderstand.

I bowed politely.

“It’s an honor, my Lady. I’ll continue to serve you faithfully.”

“Then, let’s dance.”

The Lady offered me her hand. I gladly took it and stepped onto the dance floor.

The orchestra began to play.

“What a lovely couple.”

“I heard rumors in the capital that their dancing chemistry is the best in the Empire.”

“I agree. I’ve never seen such a perfect match.”

They were stating the obvious.

I had been practicing dancing with the Lady every night. It was only natural that we would be in sync.

We finished the dance flawlessly. The Lady seemed to want to dance more, but she released my hand when she saw my awkward expression.

“Thank you, my Lady.”

We descended from the dance floor, greeted by cheers. Jericho approached us.

“My lord, do you have a moment?”

“Why? What’s up?”

“I’m curious about the seventh mission. Since you specifically mentioned me, I have a feeling it’ll be the most difficult one yet. It seems the Empire still needs its hero.”

I chuckled.

“Wait. It’s best to visit the Lady after she returns to her quarters.”

“Hmm, I’m dying of curiosity. What could it be?”

“I know the feeling. But where’s Selendis?”

“I saw her heading towards the terrace.”

I saw Selendis’s silhouette through the large window leading to the terrace. I took two glasses of wine and went outside.

She was leaning against the railing, gazing at the moon. Her armor and cloak gave her a solitary aura.

“Didn’t I tell you not to wear armor at banquets?”

“…My lord.”

I handed her a glass of wine. She hesitated for a moment, then realized it would be rude to refuse and accepted it.

“I understand if it were an ordinary banquet, but you should enjoy yourself after all that hard work.”

“It’s alright. I’m content just watching.”

“You seem troubled. Is something bothering you?”

Selendis didn’t answer immediately. She straightened her posture.

I sighed and patted her shoulder.

“It’s just the two of us. You can tell me anything.”

“…”

“It’s okay.”

Selendis took a sip of wine. She turned and looked at the moon again.

“Seeing the residents taking revenge on Roman in this war reminded me of the past. Do you think… I’ll ever be able to take revenge?”

“On that demonic prime minister?”

“Yes.”

A long time had passed. Revenge was something you sought while the target was still alive.

“Power built on injustice doesn’t last long. Perhaps the Savion Kingdom is now ruled by someone else. But if that prime minister is still alive, I’ll definitely avenge you. I swear on my name and the honor of the Inspection Unit.”

Selendis turned to look at me.

For the first time since becoming a knight, she felt the urge to lean on someone.

But she couldn’t. She had donned her sword and armor to protect someone.

For now, all she could do was gaze at him.

But someday…