Chapter 127

Episode 127

“— To my dear Sir O’Brien. This is the first time I’m sending you a letter. I feel like I’ve been too formal with you, despite you being such a meritorious vassal. I heard Lucia is very ill. You must be busy with post-war recovery and everything else. When Lucia recovers, would you both come to the main castle? I’d like to meet you.”

It could be seen as a simple letter inquiring about our well-being. But considering the recent territorial war with Baron Roman, it held a deeper meaning.

‘She seems to know about the secret ledger. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have sent a letter asking to meet us.’

There was only one reason: to protect her beloved lady-in-waiting.

Hylix might be oblivious, but Viscountess Rosalyn was in a precarious situation. If the code was deciphered, she would lose everything.

Not only would she face ruin, but her husband and his family might also be implicated.

After all, the purpose of the group was to influence the “succession.”

Depending on the perspective, it could also be interpreted as a group seeking ways to expedite the succession process.

If that were the case, she could be executed for negatively influencing the kind-hearted eldest son. That was the only way to protect Grand Duke Hylix.

‘It wouldn’t be wise to avoid her. I guess I have no choice but to face her head-on.’

It would have been reassuring if the secret ledger’s code had been deciphered before we left for the main castle. It was a shame.

I asked the messenger, “Do you need a reply?”

“No, sir. Just a simple message will suffice.”

“Tell her that I’ll visit soon. And please convey my gratitude.”

“Yes, Baron. I’ll relay your message.”

The atmosphere in the banquet hall became awkward after the messenger left.

This banquet was more like a casual gathering than a formal event. So, it was just me and the members of the Majesty Trading Company.

“Is something wrong, my lord? Your expression…”

“What about my expression?”

“You seem troubled.”

“You have the makings of a great merchant. But this isn’t something you need to worry about, so enjoy yourselves. This isn’t an opportunity that comes often.”

“Of course, my lord! We’ll do that. This ale is amazing! You should have some too, my lord.”

Mahon politely refilled my glass. I decided to change the subject and asked him a question I had been curious about.

“I’m planning to take Lady Lucia to Caleon for a vacation this summer. Do you have any recommendations?”

“The Lady is coming?”

“…!”

“Ooh!”

The merchants’ reactions were dramatic. They looked like fans who had met their idol.

“Of course! The sea is a must-see, and I also know a luxurious villa in the forest where you can enjoy forest bathing. And that’s not all! There’s an island called Milon off the coast of Caleon, famous for its beautiful scenery. It’s also the home of ebony wood. I’m personally not too keen on going there, but… Hahaha! Anyway, everyone will be delighted to hear that Lady Lucia is coming!”

“The sea and forest bathing. That’s an excellent itinerary.”

The Lady enjoyed quiet and peaceful activities. She would love a tea party at a villa in the middle of the forest.

Wait, why was I getting excited?

It wasn’t because I was looking forward to a vacation with the Lady. I had been forced to burn all the ebony wood before, but if we went to Milon Island, I could obtain fresh ebony wood directly from the source.

In other words, it would be beneficial for my magic training.

It was like having an abundance of natural ingredients that amplified magical power.

I had already trained my main spells to level ten, so I was planning to level up other spells as well.

But I had to be careful. Duchess Guinevere was keeping a close eye on me.

“When are you planning to go?”

“I’m not sure yet. If everything goes well, probably next month.”

“Understood. Just let me know the date of your arrival, and I’ll take care of everything. You and the Lady just need to show up!”

“Thank you.”

“You saved my life, my lord. It’s the least I can do! Hahaha. Your glass is empty. Here you go!”

Just as Mahon was refilling my glass, the door opened, and Jericho rushed in.

“My lord, I heard from the administrator…”

I raised my hand to stop him. I drained my glass in one gulp and took Jericho outside.

Judging by his appearance, he had heard about the Duchess’s messenger.

“You were sleeping like a log. I went to your room twice, but I couldn’t wake you up. I was going to keep it a secret.”

“Sleeping like a log? I was researching ways to decipher the secret ledger! This is an outrage!”

“Wipe the drool off your chin before you talk.”

Jericho, startled, wiped his mouth with his sleeve. Then, he swiftly changed the subject.

“I heard Duchess Guinevere sent a letter. Is it what I’m afraid of?”

“It seems so. She wants to meet us.”

“That’s not a good sign.”

“It could be worse. We were expecting Rosalyn to cling to her, weren’t we?”

Jericho, lost in thought, said ominously, “I’ll go with you. We don’t know what might happen.”

“Jericho, I’m giving you some sincere advice. Avoiding your responsibilities because you can’t decipher the code isn’t a good thing. It’s important to persevere. There’s a reason why they say, ‘The one who sits the longest studies the best.'”

“Hmm… Was that too obvious?”

“You should change your repertoire.”

Jericho ended up staying behind. He asked, “Then, who are you taking with you this time? I heard Sir Deneve is doing well these days.”

“I’m thinking of taking Lady Ionia. It wouldn’t be fair to give all the opportunities to one person.”

“The Knight Captain will be disappointed.”

“Even though the monsters are being dealt with, we don’t know what might happen. The Knight Captain has to protect the castle.”

I needed more talent. A thought suddenly struck me.

“Have you heard about a boy named Sage?”

“Yes, the boy you saved. But why did you assign him as Lady Ionia’s squire after saving his life? That’s like giving him medicine and then making him sick.”

“We’ll have to wait and see if it’s medicine or poison.”

“You seem confident.”

“Mahon, the head of the trading company, has agreed to be Sage’s guardian. And his knight is Lady Ionia. And Lady Ionia’s father is a skilled mercenary who could still be active.”

As expected of the top graduate, Jericho understood my deduction.

“Oh! If her father hears that his troublemaker daughter has a squire, he’ll be even more worried. This is brilliant. How far ahead have you planned?”

“It’s not just that. It’ll be a good experience for Lady Ionia as well.”

“I’ll contact Gladius myself. I think he’s made his decision.”

“Treat him well. I’m planning to put him in charge of the Walker Mercenary Company. And tell Hassale to start preparing for the establishment of the Walker Trading Company.”

“Yes, sir.”

A few days later, the Lady, fully recovered, left the castle to return to the Kalisto main castle. A luxurious carriage was waiting for her.

“The weather is nice today. Thank you for preparing everything. Please take good care of me on the way to the main castle.”

“Don’t worry, my Lady.”

“You’re not riding with me again today?”

She asked me this every time we rode in a carriage, so I had to come up with new excuses.

“I have other things to do outside. Please get in the carriage.”

The Lady boarded the carriage, and I closed the door.

Lady Ionia, thirty elite cavalrymen, and fifteen Lucius Inspection Unit investigators were lined up in formation.

I approached Ionia. She was mounted on her horse, and Sage was standing next to her.

“Sage, why are you standing there? We need to prepare to depart.”

“I’m sorry, my lord. I don’t know how to ride a horse. So, I can’t accompany you on this trip…”

“That’s not possible. A knight and their squire can’t be separated.”

I mounted my horse and gestured to Sage. He approached me, and I extended my hand.

“I’ll give you a ride. Come up here, in front of me.”

“B-But…!”

“Come on.”

Sage reluctantly took my hand and climbed onto the horse. Ionia frowned.

“My lord, it’s against etiquette for a knight to ride with their squire. Let’s leave Sage here.”

“It’s refreshing to hear the word ‘etiquette’ from you. As far as I know, you don’t seem to care much about etiquette. Am I wrong?”

“…”

They say the best cure is a mirror. It was certainly effective.

I gave Sage some instructions and gave the order to depart. The knights and investigators escorted the carriage, moving swiftly.

***

On a lazy afternoon, Grand Duke Hylix visited the Duchess’s quarters.

He had thought about it many times, but he couldn’t discuss this matter with Duke Kalisto. He had decided that his mother would be more helpful.

“Mother, I’ve come to pay my respects. I hope you’re well.”

“It’s been a while since I’ve seen you here.”

Guinevere welcomed her son warmly, but Hylix was nervous. Her words had an edge to them.

Come to think of it, he only visited her when he needed help.

This wasn’t a good start.

“So, what brings you here?”

“I’m here about Viscountess Rosalyn. She’s in a difficult situation. I don’t know if you’ve heard, but…”

“I’ve heard. It’s something to do with Baron Roman, right?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

The Duchess elegantly lifted her teacup and savored the aroma of the black tea. Hylix, watching her, was impatient.

He had expected her to give him an answer, but she didn’t.

He couldn’t ask her how much she knew. Knowing her personality, she might scold him harshly.

“I believe my worries would be eased if you could help her, Mother.”

“You’ve come to the wrong person. Rosalyn has already visited the capital. It seems she met with Minister Apellai.”

As expected, it wasn’t easy.

The Duchess’s tone was that of a model mother. But Hylix knew it was all an act.

“But I can’t be at ease. Count Apellai will use and discard her. He won’t protect her.”

“We won’t know until we see how things play out. Don’t worry too much. I’m more concerned about Miss Oracle.”

“Has something happened?”

Guinevere put down her teacup and sat up straight.

“Nothing in particular, but I feel like she’s different from before. She rarely visits my quarters anymore…”

“If you feel that way, Mother, then there must be something going on. I’ll look into it.”

“You must keep Miss Oracle close. Do you understand?”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

“Now, let’s talk about you.”

Guinevere took a sip of her tea. After the pungent aroma faded, she continued, “What are your plans for Sir O’Brien? I heard he gained a lot from this war.”