Chapter 118

Episode 118

“Who hasn’t read it?”

The sommelier, with a gentle smile, continued, “I believe any well-educated person, anyone who can read fluently, would have read it at least once. Lady Lucia recommended it to me, and it was a truly magnificent story.”

As expected, getting straight to the point was impossible. His reaction was too natural.

“Is that so? May I ask your opinion on the story?”

“That book isn’t just about one person’s struggle. It’s a grand epic about confronting the inevitable greed that all living beings face. Personally, I believe it’s the pinnacle of philosophy that prose can achieve.”

In short, he considered it a masterpiece. It seemed like I couldn’t extract any more information from him.

“I also read it with great interest after the Lady recommended it to me. It seems we share the same sentiment, Sommelier.”

“Lady Lucia’s knowledge and sophistication are truly remarkable.”

“I agree.”

“Mr. Walker, if you’re done with your business, I have something I’d like to show you.”

Intrigued, I followed him. It wasn’t the main exhibition hall but a side room.

A sweet and savory aroma filled the air as we entered.

Like the main hall, transparent display cases lined the walls. But instead of weapons and armor, they were filled with snacks.

I chuckled.

“I believe I mentioned preparing a snack corner before. It’s finally ready, so I wanted to show it to you.”

“It wasn’t a crucial request, but I didn’t expect you to go through so much trouble.”

“Supporting the Inspection Unit is an important task for me. I couldn’t take it lightly.”

I had been indebted to the Lucius Club. I had obtained many rare weapons, armor, and items from here.

Thanks to that, I had been able to provide Selendis and Jericho with equipment, but I hadn’t had anything suitable for Chloe, the office assistant.

“The Florence milk chocolate you gave me last time was a hit. She said you’re a womanizer who knows how to capture not only their eyes but also their taste buds. She even said she wants to meet you, Sommelier.”

“That’s flattering. But as you know, this place is exclusively for the Inspector.”

“I suppose she doesn’t go out often?”

I tried to phrase it casually, so it wouldn’t sound like an interrogation. The sommelier nodded.

“I stay here as much as possible. Unless I hire new staff, I’m still responsible for this place.”

“It must be tough.”

“Not at all. It’s one of my daily pleasures. There’s nothing more romantic than reading a book or meditating in a quiet place with sunlight streaming in.”

He was still suspicious, but it seemed like I couldn’t get any more information from him. So, I browsed the snacks on display.

‘I have no idea.’

I wasn’t involved in social circles and didn’t know what kind of snacks noble ladies enjoyed.

I had worked as an aide at the Kalisto main castle, but preparing refreshments was the maids’ duty.

“I’ll have to rely on your expertise again, Sommelier. Please choose some snacks that a sixteen-year-old girl would like.”

“Is the recipient a noble?”

“She’s a commoner.”

“Oh, no problem. The Lucius Club always satisfies its customers, regardless of their status.”

The sommelier’s hand moved swiftly inside the display case. I added, “She has a rather refined palate for a commoner.”

His hand paused for a moment, then shifted slightly.

He took out a box about the size of my palm. It was wrapped in paper, so I couldn’t see the contents.

“Someone who appreciates the value of Florence’s limited edition milk chocolate must have a discerning palate. These cookies are also from Florence. They’re signature cookies made with nuts grown in the vast plantations of the western continent, bathed in abundant sunlight. If you enjoy them with coffee or black tea, you’ll definitely experience the essence of the west.”

“They sound lovely. Could you give me one more type of chocolate?”

“We have a new dark chocolate from Blanc Rose. As you know, Blanc Rose is a famous franchise with its main store in the capital. All their ingredients must pass strict quality control. That’s why they’ve always been able to satisfy even the most discerning customers.”

This should be enough to make Chloe happy to move. She had been feeling left out lately because I had been away from the Inspection Unit headquarters so often. It would be nice to give her a good present.

The sommelier kindly packed the snacks into a luxurious paper bag.

“I’ll deliver them to her. I have a feeling she’ll become your biggest fan, Sommelier.”

“It’s all thanks to your influence, Inspector. I look forward to hearing good news from you. I’ll see you again in the Walker Barony.”

There was no need to mention the club’s relocation. It seemed like the sommelier was already prepared.

I left the club and went to the Inspection Unit headquarters with Deneve.

Chloe’s eyes widened in surprise, and she greeted me warmly.

“Inspector! I heard you were in the capital. What brings you here?”

“Everything alright?”

“Nothing special, except for being busy~ You saw the report about the increase in clients, right?”

Everyone knew about the Lucius Inspection Unit now. We had even gained some fame outside the Dukedom.

But since we weren’t accepting any cases, the number of clients hadn’t increased exponentially.

Chloe was the one who had to deal with the disappointed nobles and wealthy merchants.

“Of course, I’m keeping an eye on everything. I have two pieces of good news for you today.”

“Wow! Are we finally going on vacation? I’ve been struggling with the heat lately!”

“Here, take this.”

Chloe’s eyes gleamed like a predator who had spotted its prey as she received the paper bag.

“Don’t tell me… Are these snacks from the Lucius Club?”

“Yes. Florence cookies and Blanc Rose dark chocolate.”

“Yay!”

The clients sitting on the sofa were startled. Chloe quickly switched to hospitality mode and apologized to them.

“They’re amazing! I’ve been saving up to buy Blanc Rose chocolate! What’s the other good news?”

“We’ll be relocating the Inspection Unit headquarters to the Walker territory soon. Not just the headquarters, but also the Lucius Club and the trading company.”

“Really?”

Chloe was so happy that she covered her mouth with both hands. Should I have done this sooner?

Even though we had met through Lady Lucia’s orders, the Inspection Unit was a special organization to me.

It gave me a sense of family, something I had never experienced as an orphan. That’s why I was taking care of Chloe as well.

It felt like having a younger sister, something I had never had in my previous life.

“But Inspector, who’s that handsome knight behind you?”

Chloe whispered discreetly.

“He’s Sir Deneve, a newly appointed knight of our family. He’s also the eldest son of House Regulus.”

“House Regulus? I heard they’re known for their integrity and honesty.”

“That’s right.”

“Can I use my connections? Introduce me to him.”

Her strong interest was evident.

That was unexpected.

I thought she would be interested in someone from a wealthy and high-ranking family.

I gladly called Deneve over and introduced them.

“Sir Deneve of the Walker Knight Order, it’s a pleasure to meet you, Lady.”

“Oh my, you’re so handsome! I’m Chloe. I assist Sir Jericho with administrative tasks at the Inspection Unit.”

The word “Inspection Unit” worked like magic.

Deneve was deeply influenced by me. It wasn’t just because I was the head of House Walker but also because I was the Inspector of the Lucius Inspection Unit.

“I’ve heard a lot about you from my lord. He said you’re one of the few people who can handle Sir Jericho.”

“…Excuse me?”

I felt a cold stare, but I pretended not to notice and looked away.

“Of course not! Sir Jericho is a wise and wonderful person! I have a lot to learn from him. I respect him greatly.”

“Is that so? I heard from my lord that the Inspection Unit is relocating to the Walker territory. I suppose we’ll be seeing each other often.”

His words gave me an idea.

I interrupted Chloe and said, “Sir Deneve, I’ll assign you some support troops. How about escorting Chloe safely to our territory? I trust you.”

“I’ll gladly accept your order.”

“Good. Then, wait at the Inspection Unit headquarters starting today. I’ll send you the troops soon.”

“But wouldn’t it be dangerous for you to travel alone, my lord? The war might be over, but there might still be remnants of Roman’s forces.”

Chloe’s face, which had been bright as the sun, darkened instantly.

She shook her head vehemently, making sure Deneve couldn’t see. She even went as far as crossing her arms in an X.

She was telling me to refuse.

“If they attack me, I’ll be grateful. They’ll be saving me the trouble of hunting them down.”

“You’re amazing, my lord.”

“Then, Chloe, take good care of Sir Deneve.”

“Leave it to me!”

After finishing all my business in the Kalisto capital, I spurred my horse to travel faster.

But I had to stop shortly after leaving the capital gates.

Someone I knew very well was standing in the middle of the road, waving at me.

“Aubrey!”

I immediately dismounted and was about to bow, but I stopped, knowing she would scold me. We had become friends through various incidents.

Princess Beatrice was wearing a helmet that partially concealed her face.

“Were you waiting for me?”

“Yes. I didn’t enter the city because I was worried someone might recognize me.”

“Let’s move somewhere else.”

It was still daytime, and there were many people around, so we had to be careful.

I was already the subject of gossip because of Lucia. If rumors about the princess were added to the mix, I might get a migraine.

“I was in a hurry because I had to go to the Imperial Palace, but I’m glad I didn’t miss you. Congratulations on your victory, Aubrey.”

Victory.

I wanted to thank her for helping Selendis. But I decided to just convey my gratitude with my eyes, considering the Knight Captain’s pride.

“Thank you.”

“You’re still as blunt as ever. You don’t even seem happy to see your old friend? Well, we can talk about that later. Something urgent came up. That’s why I was waiting for you.”

She lifted her visor, revealing her worried expression.

“Something’s wrong with Brother Arthur. I think he’s succeeded in learning magic.”