Chapter 15

Episode 15

Satyr’s head rolled off his shoulders with a sickening thud, his men staring in disbelief.

But he wasn’t alone.

As I had initiated the attack, assassins had emerged from their hiding places, both in the corridor and within the room itself.

Selendis intercepted those in the corridor, but the ones inside charged towards me, their blades aimed at my throat.

“C-Captain!”

“How is this possible?”

My swift execution of Satyr had its intended effect.

A leaderless organization, caught off guard, was easily dismantled. Especially when its members were motivated by greed.

With their leader, the man who had orchestrated their illicit activities, dead, they had two choices: flee or cooperate.

“Surrender your weapons, and I’ll spare your lives. I’ll even offer you a reward. Don’t throw your lives away for someone else’s crimes. Think carefully. You won’t find a better deal anywhere else.”

“…”

“Ugh…”

My investigators had already surrounded the building.

They could try to escape, but they would be hunted for the rest of their lives. One by one, they dropped their weapons.

Once the first few surrendered, the rest followed suit, raising their hands in defeat.

I opened a window and shouted to Jericho.

“It’s over. Send up the investigators.”

“Yes, sir! What are you waiting for? Get in there and round them up!”

The investigators were efficient, binding the prisoners with handcuffs and ropes.

There were about ten of them.

They would confess to their crimes, detailing Satyr’s operation and the other atrocities that had been committed in Baron Gerard’s territory.

‘But simply following the law wouldn’t be enough. Men like Baron Roman would simply replace Satyr, and the cycle would continue.’

I wasn’t doing this to create a just and equitable society.

I had impressed the Lady with my actions, but it wasn’t enough. I needed a decisive event, something that would solidify her trust in me.

And I had chosen Baron Roman as the sacrificial lamb.

And if it alleviated the suffering of the people, that was a bonus.

“Inspector, did you really kill Satyr?”

“Did you think I was joking?”

“Well… I wasn’t sure. I didn’t think you would actually do it. And I didn’t expect things to end so quickly.”

“As you can see, I didn’t need him alive. I just needed his head.”

Jericho tilted his head, his expression curious. He didn’t seem bothered by the severed head.

“It was a clean kill.”

Jericho’s eyes widened at Selendis’ words. Even she seemed surprised.

“You killed him with a single blow? Wow, you never cease to amaze me, Inspector! Your swordsmanship is truly remarkable. I’ll make sure to include that in my report.”

“Do as you see fit. Interrogate the prisoners thoroughly. I want a detailed list of their crimes.”

“Should we hand them over to the guards?”

“No. Keep them under our custody. A joker is most effective when it’s not played.”

We left the headquarters and returned to the camp. It was time to confront Baron Roman.

I had sent a messenger on the way back. We would receive a response soon.

“How long will it take?”

“The town isn’t far from here. We should receive a response within half a day. Assuming Baron Roman is cooperative.”

“Shouldn’t we just storm the castle? I’m worried he’ll destroy the evidence.”

“You’re more aggressive than you appear, Lady Selendis.”

I explained my reasoning. We had time.

“He’s a noble. We need to follow proper procedures to avoid any complications. This is the Inspection Unit’s first mission. We need to be mindful of public perception. And there’s something else I haven’t told you. It’s actually the most important reason.”

They both straightened, their expressions serious.

There was no need to keep it a secret now.

I had already informed Lady Lucia.

“It seems Baron Roman is sponsoring Lord Hylix. There’s a banquet scheduled for next week.”

“Sponsoring the heir apparent is common practice… but you’re suggesting there’s something more to it?”

“You’re right. Even a small amount of money can be problematic if it’s acquired illegally. And the problem is, we’ve just destroyed his source of income.”

“Hmm.”

They fell into a contemplative silence. I gave them time to process the information.

We hadn’t been working together for long. We were still getting to know each other. I intended to value their opinions.

Selendis spoke first.

“The damage is done. We can’t undo it. We have to proceed according to the law.”

“He might become a target now that his funding has been cut off. He could lose the support of the knights.”

Jericho’s assessment was also valid. I simply nodded, not expressing my own opinion.

“That’s why I intend to bring Baron Roman over to our side. Or rather, I’m going to change his allegiance. From Lord Hylix to Lady Lucia.”

“…Sir? What do you mean? Change his allegiance?”

“That’s impossible.”

Their reactions were expected. I hadn’t even shared this plan with the Lady.

They were worried.

But I had a different perspective. Baron Roman had lost his source of income. He wouldn’t be able to engage in illegal activities for a while.

And with a little persuasion, a few veiled threats about potential consequences, I was confident he would seek a new path.

‘The key is to understand his psychology.’

Fortunately, I had ‘Mind’s Eye’. I intended to keep it activated throughout my meeting with the Baron. It was a risky move.

“It’s dangerous, Master. Please reconsider.”

I couldn’t exactly tell them I had a cheat skill.

I changed the subject.

“Before we reconsider anything, I have a question. Are you both prepared to serve Lady Lucia with unwavering loyalty?”

“Hahaha, well, if my career path is blocked, I can always return to my hometown and become a doctor. I’ll miss the excitement, though.”

That was a very Jericho-like response. I was satisfied. I turned to Selendis.

“…That doesn’t apply to me, Master. I am your sword.”

“So you’ll follow whoever I follow?”

“That is the way of the knight.”

It was an important moment, so I used ‘Mind’s Eye’.

They were both telling the truth. I could trust them, for now.

“Master, please reconsider your plan regarding Baron Roman.”

…He was persistent.

Fortunately, fate was on my side. We received unexpected news.

“A messenger from House Gerard?”

“Yes, Master. He claims to have a message from Baron Roman.”

But we had just sent our own messenger!

It seemed they had crossed paths.

Baron Roman must have been feeling the pressure. He had sent a letter of protest, and now he was sending a messenger.

“Bring him in.”

A knight in full armor entered the tent. He radiated a menacing aura, but he softened his stance as he approached me.

“Greetings, Inspector.”

“The Lucius Inspection Unit is an official organization sanctioned by the Duke himself. We’re essentially an administrative branch of the Dukedom. Is it customary in Baron Gerard’s territory to withhold one’s name and rank?”

My words, laced with authority, caused the knight to frown.

He couldn’t ignore me, not with my investigators present.

I needed to establish our authority.

“My apologies, Inspector. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Donovan, Captain of the Gerard Knights.”

“You’re young for a Captain.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment.”

He looked to be in his early thirties. The Captain of the Baron’s knights would be a Senior knight, at the very least… This was intriguing.

There were only two explanations for a young man holding such a high position.

Either he was exceptionally skilled, or he had bought his way in.

Considering Satyr’s strength and his role as the Baron’s enforcer, it was highly likely that Donovan had either bribed his way into this position or had been appointed through nepotism.

I hoped this wasn’t another one of the eldest son’s schemes.

“We sent a messenger to the Baron’s castle earlier. Did you not encounter him? It seems our paths crossed.”

“It would appear so.”

“What’s your message?”

Donovan handed me a letter sealed with wax. I broke the seal and retrieved the letter.

“Do you require a response?”

“No, sir. The Baron simply requests a verbal confirmation.”

The message was brief.

He wanted to meet, without his subordinates present.

“Inform the Baron that I’ll be there shortly. I just need to make a few preparations.”

“Yes, Inspector. I’ll see you at the castle.”

Donovan left, and I instructed Selendis to accompany me.

“Bring Satyr’s head. Place it in a nice box. It’s a gift.”

We left the camp and rode towards the Baron’s castle.

The castle loomed before us, its imposing structure a symbol of the Baron’s power.

We presented the Inspection Unit emblem at the gate, and it opened immediately. Someone was waiting for us.

I dismounted and addressed Selendis.

“I appreciate your concern, but I’ve made my decision. Don’t worry.”

“You’re going through with it?”

“Do you think this town will become a better place if Baron Roman is eliminated?”

We both recalled the scene in the slums, the helpless victims being dragged away.

“It would be an improvement.”

“The world isn’t that kind, Selendis. Sometimes, you have to fight fire with fire. Like now.”

She didn’t press the issue.

Servants took our horses, and a man who appeared to be the butler approached us, bowing politely.

“Welcome to House Gerard. I am Crisper, the head butler. It’s an honor to meet you.”

He was surprisingly welcoming. There was no hostility in his demeanor.

“O’Brien Walker of the Lucius Inspection Unit. This is my lieutenant, Selendis.”

“Just the two of you?”

I nodded.

“Please, follow me. Allow me to carry your luggage.”

“That’s a gift for the Baron. Handle it with care.”

He had no idea it contained Satyr’s head.

We entered the inner castle, and I was struck by its opulence. The paintings on the walls, the artifacts on display…it was a testament to the Baron’s wealth.

It was clear he had been living a life of luxury.

‘He’s a regular at secret auctions, they say. It seems he has expensive tastes.’

I recalled a passage from a book I had read, something about the connection between art and sexuality. The castle was filled with erotic art, alongside a variety of other valuable pieces.

“This way, please.”

Two burly knights stood guard outside a set of double doors. I unbuckled my sword and handed it to Selendis.

“I’m meeting with the Baron alone. Wait here.”

She gave me a worried look, and I smiled reassuringly. I stepped inside.

(TLN: Aight everyone the kofi link should be ready if anyone is intrested in advanced chaps enjoy the read :3)