Chapter 136

Episode 136

“I greet you, my Lady. The investigation into the treason conspiracy has concluded, and I’m here to report. The final testimony has been delivered to Duke Kalisto, and all decisions have been made.”

Normally, she would receive the greeting while seated, but this time, she stood up and approached us.

“You’ve worked hard, Aubrey. The first mission was long and arduous.”

Without the formal title, it sounded like words exchanged between lovers. Moreover, the Lady clasped my hands with both of hers.

“What were the decisions?”

“Roman has already been executed but will be demoted to commoner. Rosalyn will be executed, and her family will be enslaved. Grand Duke Hylix will be on probation for a year.”

“The secretary agreed to this?”

“Yes.”

The Lady nodded. Her expression was somewhat empathetic, but she was likely pleased inside.

“Thanks to your exceptional skills and bold decisions, you’ve averted a crisis for the family. As a member of Kalisto, I sincerely thank you.”

“I was just doing my duty as an Inspector.”

“Isn’t that what you said, Aubrey? That there are many who can’t even do their duty properly?”

Lucia joked.

I glanced at Jericho. He was the only one who could have relayed those words. As expected, he avoided my gaze.

“Anyway, come in. It’s nice to see you, Sir Selendis and Sir Jericho.”

“It’s been a while, my Lady. How have you been?”

“The servants at Walker Manor are in an uproar because they miss you so much, my Lady. You should return soon! Hahaha!”

Normally, this wouldn’t be a place for banter. But now that everything was resolved, the banter brought a sense of ease.

“I was planning to return soon. But do you all have time? I thought it would be nice to have tea together today, so I prepared it. Please, have a seat.”

We each took a seat carefully. It seemed like this was the first time we were having a tea time together after completing a mission.

I took a sip from my teacup. The sharp flavor was exquisite.

“I have something to report only to you, my Lady. It’s something I didn’t mention to His Grace or Secretary Maxim.”

“What is it?”

“It’s about Oracle. I went to ask her about her connection to ‘Eclipse.'”

I recounted my conversation with Oracle, including her grand plans.

Hearing this, Lucia seemed lost in thought.

“If she plans to establish a successor from the branch families… isn’t it a fair plan since it gives everyone an equal opportunity?”

“On the surface, yes. But the reason the special class system of royalty and nobility has been maintained is because of its legitimacy. The sanctity that only direct descendants can possess is significant.”

“So, you oppose that view, Aubrey?”

“It’s a dangerous idea. While I agree with using talent broadly, the leader of the family should come from the direct line. If the branch takes control, the family will become divided.”

This is a well-known fact without needing to cite historical examples. Internal enemies are scarier than external ones.

“With the elder brother on probation, can Oracle execute that plan?”

“That’s uncertain. After all, she’s called the genius of Kalisto. It’s possible she’s already established connections with the branch families.”

“There was nothing suspicious in the Inspection Unit’s intelligence network, but I’ll investigate further.”

Jericho said, and I nodded.

The Lady smiled and said, “I think you’re smarter than Oracle, Aubrey. So, there’s no need to worry, right?”

“Hahaha! That’s true. Sometimes I think it’s a good thing our Inspector isn’t our enemy. He’s quite intimidating.”

“Is that a compliment?”

“Of course, it’s a compliment!”

The Lady seemed to enjoy Jericho’s humor, laughing repeatedly.

“I remember what you said before. It was during the first mission. You said punishing Baron Roman, or Roman as he is now, wouldn’t change anything. Even if we replaced him with a new lord, another Baron Roman would emerge.”

“To be precise, it was you who said that, my Lady. The phrase ‘interpretation is better than the dream’ exists for such occasions.”

“You’re truly a loyal servant who loves the family and the people. I can’t express my gratitude enough.”

The praise was abundant today. She seemed in a good mood, and everything was perfect. But the more that happened, the more I had to bow my head.

“It’s all thanks to your grace, my Lady. Everything will go according to your wishes.”

“Thank you. Selendis and Jericho, you’ve both worked hard. Even if I don’t meet you often, I’ve heard that Aubrey takes good care of you. I know you’re a great help.”

“I just did my duty as my lord’s sword.”

“Please give me a vacation…”

“A vacation?”

The Lady covered her mouth and laughed loudly. She laughed for quite a while.

“Aubrey, why don’t you give Sir Jericho a vacation? Isn’t the busy work over?”

“There’s a mountain of work. The sale of anti-monster equipment, planned as the main business of the Lucius Trading Company, hasn’t even started due to the territorial war. Asking for a vacation in this situation… I must have been lacking in education.”

“Ahem, if you take a joke so seriously, what does that make me?”

“Don’t worry, Jericho. I received a letter from Hassale yesterday, saying he’s secured plenty of equipment for enchanting. You’ll be very busy when we return to the territory.”

The dark circles under Jericho’s eyes seemed to reach his cheeks. Was it just my imagination?

“Aubrey, summer is coming soon. You haven’t forgotten our promise, have you?”

“Yes. I’ve arranged for several resorts in Caleon through a well-known merchant. I’ll prepare as soon as we return to the territory.”

“Inspector, where are you going?”

“I’m planning to take the Lady on a summer vacation.”

The mention of a summer vacation seemed to hit Jericho hard.

“No! Wait a minute. You’re going on vacation with the Lady while leaving me to enchant equipment?”

“I’m not going on vacation. I’m accompanying the Lady to ensure she can relax safely.”

“That’s the same thing!”

“I never said I wouldn’t take you.”

“Right? You’re the best, Inspector. Hahaha!”

It would have been a disaster if I hadn’t brought Jericho along. The Lady couldn’t stop laughing.

We chatted for about an hour. I hoped it was a precious time for Selendis and Jericho as well.

“Then, Sir Aubrey, now that things here are settled, let’s return to your territory. Can you make the preparations?”

“I understand that His Grace and the Duchess are deeply concerned about the Grand Duke. Wouldn’t it be better to stay here and take care of them for a while?”

“I think my presence here would only cause more worry. Let’s leave as planned.”

“As you command.”

Two days later, we finished preparing to return to Walker Territory.

The Lucius Inspection Unit officially took charge of the escort, but the Azure Dragon Knights offered unexpected assistance.

Vice-captain Darius, clad in heavy armor, approached with his knights.

“Sir O’Brien, we’d like to assist with the escort to the capital’s border. Captain Romero personally ordered it.”

I hesitated for a moment.

The succession race had entered a new phase. Usually, this could be a flag, and they might try to wipe us out during the escort.

‘Of course, that won’t happen with me here.’

I’m the one who dismantled the renowned Bellatrix and Kalisto swordsmanship. A vice-captain can’t do anything to me.

But that doesn’t mean I’ll let my guard down.

Prince Arthur and Sir Mars had one thing in common: they had a reckless streak. A true master never lets their guard down, no matter the situation.

“Please convey my gratitude to Prince Romero for his great kindness.”

“I was worried you’d refuse, but thank you for accepting. We’ll guard the front and rear. The Inspection Unit should protect the Lady’s carriage.”

“Of course.”

Soon after, the Lady emerged from the inner castle with Head Butler Muller. They chatted as they walked, looking like a grandfather and granddaughter.

I placed the steps by the carriage for the Lady to climb.

“Please step in, my Lady.”

“Thank you. I see the Azure Dragon Knights.”

“Prince Romero wished to ensure your safe journey, my Lady.”

Lucia smiled slightly and gracefully stepped into the carriage. As I was about to close the door, she gestured for me to join her.

She usually would have said it verbally, but this time it seemed like she had something important to discuss.

I didn’t hesitate long. I immediately called Selendis and Jericho.

“I’ll ride in the carriage. Be extra vigilant with the escort. I have something important to discuss with the Lady.”

“Yes, my lord.”

I boarded the carriage. The door closed, and the carriage began to move slowly.

“This is the first time, isn’t it? Riding in the carriage together like this.”

“Yes, it is.”

In a way, it was a significant step forward in our relationship. It was possible because Selendis and Jericho were guarding us outside.

‘I need to address this.’

With Oracle harboring other intentions and even the once-docile Prince Romero baring his fangs, the Lady needed to take action.

I planned to discuss this in the carriage today.

“For the past few days, many nobles have been visiting the Duke’s castle. Do you know why?”

“To talk about my younger brother?”

“If things continue like this, the branch families will have opportunities. We must prevent that.”

The Lady looked at me, surprised.

“Are you saying my younger brother won’t be able to hold his position?”

“He’s been too quiet until now. A year may seem long, but for Prince Romero, it’s quite short. So, I’d like you to take the lead, my Lady.”

I conveyed my sincere thoughts.

What would the Lady’s response be?

“If I don’t step up, someone from the branch families will rise, and the family will become divided, right?”

“Exactly. At least if you take the lead, it will end with a competition between the two of you.”

“I’m not interested in the successor position.”

As expected.

But then, unexpectedly, she continued after a brief silence.

“But if the family and the people truly need me, I’ll consider it positively.”

“Thank you, my Lady.”

It felt like one chapter had ended and another had begun.

The important thing was that it still felt like we hadn’t moved past the prologue.

I couldn’t predict when this mastermind would reveal her true intentions.

But as she said, she was moving forward steadily, albeit slowly.

‘My job isn’t to walk in step with the Lady.’

It’s to go ahead and pave the way for her.

That was my mission and destiny as the Inspector.