Chapter 128

Episode 128

That question confirmed it.

His mother knew about the secret ledger and “Eclipse.”

She had used the vague phrase “gained a lot,” but she wouldn’t have used such an expression just because I had won the territorial war.

Before coming here, Hylix had heard that his mother had sent a separate messenger to O’Brien.

Yet, she was pretending to be oblivious and continuing the conversation. And now, she had shifted the focus to his own problems.

‘She wouldn’t be considering giving Romero a chance, would she?’

He had started worrying about things that hadn’t even happened recently. Hylix suppressed his pounding heart.

“I missed the opportunity to deal with him because I was too hesitant. Baron Roman messed things up. In the end, I only helped him.”

“Deal with him? You were planning to kill him?”

“There are many ways. I didn’t think it was necessary to take his life.”

“Romero would have made a different choice. He would have tried to win him over instead of pushing him away. You’re perfect in every way, but you lack inclusiveness.”

He hadn’t expected his brother’s name to come up in this situation.

“Your father has also been talking about Sir O’Brien a lot lately. You’re smart enough to understand what that means.”

“…I understand. But don’t worry. I’ll never disappoint you, Mother.”

Duchess Guinevere just smiled and sipped her tea without answering.

The warm gaze she had given him when he was just a toddler learning to walk was gone.

There’s a saying, “There’s no finger that doesn’t hurt when bitten.”

But Guinevere had a finger that hurt a little more than the others. It was her second son, Romero.

Unlike Hylix, he wasn’t greedy, he was well-behaved, and he visited her every day. He always brought her special gifts on her birthday and anniversaries.

And he wasn’t lacking in swordsmanship either. He was leading the Second Knight Order, the Azure Dragon Knights, well.

It was natural for elderly parents to favor a filial child, regardless of their social status.

Guinevere didn’t care who inherited House Kalisto as long as it wasn’t someone from a branch family, but her heart was gradually leaning towards Romero.

But the reason she was giving Hylix this advice was because of Lucia.

She thought it was absurd for her daughter to push aside her brothers and inherit the family. It wouldn’t just end with objections from the branch families.

“Mother, I’m worried about the north. It seems like the logistical support hasn’t been sufficient. I heard our family sent the most supplies.”

Hylix changed the subject. He wanted to score some points with his mother.

“The north? You mean House Whitefield?”

“Yes.”

Sending supplies to House Whitefield in the north was an annual event. This year, the Emperor had sent a letter to all the Grand Dukes.

Unlike previous years, the northern barbarians were showing unusual activity.

House Whitefield had been defending the Empire’s northern border against the barbarians since its founding. The current head, Finwinter, was one of the most powerful Swordmasters in the Empire.

The Margrave often used supply issues to create a sense of crisis when the Imperial Family’s authority weakened.

House Kalisto had also held a vassal meeting to discuss this issue. And they had decided to send supplies to House Whitefield.

But Kalisto and Whitefield were geographically distant.

So, Kalisto had carefully calculated and sent only the minimum amount of supplies.

The fact that Kalisto had sent the most supplies meant that the other families had sent even less.

In the end, the supplies heading north were dwindling.

“I heard the Margrave is furious. I’m worried that there might be unrest with the Emperor being ill. We need to be prepared. Peace doesn’t last forever.”

“If the barbarians invade, we’ll have to send troops, so it’s best to prevent it beforehand. Discuss this matter with your father.”

“Understood, Mother.”

A maid’s cautious voice came from outside.

“Madam, Sir O’Brien of House Walker requests an audience.”

“Bring him in.”

The Duchess rose from her seat.

“You should go now. We have a guest.”

Hylix stopped in his tracks. His eyes met O’Brien’s. As if time had stopped, they acknowledged each other’s presence.

***

“The tea will get cold. Why don’t you have some?”

“I apologize. This is the first time I’m meeting you in person, so I’m a bit nervous.”

I finally picked up the teacup.

It wasn’t because I was worried about poison. I was intentionally acting nervous.

I had to put in this much effort to make her lower her guard.

My “Mind’s Eye” didn’t work on the Duchess either.

“You were so confident in front of His Grace. I’m curious why you’re nervous in front of me.”

“House Kalisto is the most prestigious family in the Empire, renowned for its strict etiquette. And I understand that you played a significant role in establishing the current etiquette. How could I not be nervous?”

In short, I was implying that the Duchess was stricter than the Duke when it came to etiquette.

Judging by the way her lips curled into a smile, my strategy seemed to be working.

“As expected of a former aide, you’re quite perceptive. You’re well-versed in etiquette.”

“You flatter me. But there seems to be a shadow cast over your beautiful face. I hope I haven’t caused you any discomfort.”

“Is that what you see?”

“The current situation isn’t ideal. Isn’t that why Lord Hylix just visited you?”

Why was I digging my own grave?

Because I didn’t want to waste time here. I would rather be talking to the Duke.

“Then, there’s no need to beat around the bush. Let’s get to the point. O’Brien, I respect your missions and your business, but I don’t want you to cause chaos in our family. Do you understand?”

“If you’re referring to Baron Roman, I can only say that I acted lawfully, according to Imperial and territorial laws.”

“Even if it means your own downfall?”

She was coming on strong.

It seemed like the Duchess didn’t know how the Duke felt about me.

Well, I had asked him to keep my magic swordsman identity a secret, so she wouldn’t be an exception.

And the Duke had even said that he didn’t think I was any less valuable than a member of the Imperial Family.

In other words, no matter how much pillow talk the Duchess engaged in, she couldn’t pressure me.

“I only serve House Kalisto and its people. Even if it’s a self-destructive move, I’ll gladly accept it if it benefits the family’s honor and interests.”

“So, you won’t listen even if I tell you to stop what you’re doing in Alpheon.”

It seemed like she knew about the secret ledger. And “Eclipse.”

“Nothing has been confirmed yet. I believe it’s not too late to make a decision after the truth is revealed.”

“It shouldn’t affect Hylix.”

“May I interpret that as His Grace having already chosen his successor?”

“Isn’t it natural for the eldest son to inherit the family?”

“I believe His Grace values ability and character.”

The Duchess’s eyes sparkled. This was unexpected.

“Then, who do you think possesses those qualities? Hylix or Romero?”

“How could a lowly person like me presume to know His Grace’s thoughts? And this is a matter of family succession. I have no right to interfere.”

“I’m just asking for your opinion. Don’t feel pressured.”

“Then, I would say Lord Romero.”

The Duchess’s expression softened when I mentioned Romero’s name. As if she had been waiting for me to say that.

“Why do you think so?”

“There was an incident before. When rumors spread about Lady Lucia marrying into the Imperial Family, both lords asked for my allegiance. Lord Romero politely asked me to work for him. Several times. It was different from Lord Hylix.”

“I see. It’s true that Romero has a keen eye for talent. He’s also very inclusive.”

This was getting interesting.

She had changed her attitude after I praised Romero. The Duchess was quite opportunistic.

I wanted to return to my castle as soon as possible and discuss this matter with Jericho.

This was a classic case of “the fisherman reaps the benefits.”

“I seem to have pushed you a bit too hard. Did I make you uncomfortable?”

“Not at all. I was actually impressed by your love for your family and your territory. You’ve given me valuable insight.”

“You’re right. Even if there are unpleasant matters, it’s important to uphold the family’s traditions and honor. Forget what I said before. Do as you see fit, Inspector.”

“As you command, Madam.”

After the audience, I returned to my mansion and waited for news from Lilith.

As expected, that evening, I received a report that Lord Romero had entered the Duchess’s quarters and hadn’t come out for a long time.

Things were getting more and more interesting.

‘Lord Romero’s leadership skills are superior. If he hadn’t been born second, he would have already secured the position of successor.’

He had already sent people to gauge my intentions several times. It was a cautious and respectful approach.

Now, it was time for him to personally persuade me.

‘Well, that’s something to think about later.’

I took out a pen, ink, and a small piece of paper. I wrote a message for Jericho.

“— The Duchess favors Lord Romero as the successor.”

Jericho would understand even if it was a brief and cryptic message.

I immediately summoned Thunder, placed the note in the container, and sent him off.

But shortly after Thunder left, I heard a tapping sound from the window.

I opened the window and saw Jericho’s messenger hawk.

I immediately opened the message container and read the contents.

“— I’ve deciphered the secret ledger’s code!”

You clever bird! You finally did it!

The exhilaration I felt from that short message was indescribable.

It seemed like Lady Luck was on my side.

‘Hylix, just you wait. I’m going to expose everything.’