Chapter 156

Episode 156

Mikhail and I sat side by side, sharing drinks.

Banquets weren’t just for feasting and entertainment. They were opportunities to foster relationships and observe the host family’s traditions.

For example, banquets held by House Kalisto were grand and opulent, subtly showcasing their status as the Empire’s most prestigious family.

House Arcnest, on the other hand, seemed far from grandeur.

That didn’t mean they were lacking in class.

As befitting a territory of adventurers, there was a strong exotic feel. If House Kalisto had a classic European vibe, House Arcnest was a blend of East and West.

There was much to see, and even more to eat.

“By the way, Inspector, have you stopped the anti-monster equipment business for now?”

Viscount Mikhail brought up an unexpected topic.

Well, it was only natural. This was practically the capital of adventurers. Many people must have tried the equipment we made.

“Production is temporarily halted. We had to stop due to various events in the territory, but we haven’t abandoned the business entirely.”

“I heard it’s equipment enchanted with holy water and potions. How did you discover that method? I heard it takes a large amount of holy water to imbue equipment with its power.”

Someone like Mikhail would know that Jericho and I were magicians.

Yet, he asked cautiously, which showed consideration.

‘I hope he doesn’t have any ulterior motives.’

Since being appointed as the “Plenipotentiary,” many vassals had requested meetings. And most of them inquired about my marriage prospects.

I understood their desire to have me as their son-in-law, but it wasn’t the right time.

“That’s a trade secret, so it’s difficult to disclose. But for you, Viscount, I’ll tell you that we discovered the manufacturing method by chance.”

“Well, many inventions are born from coincidence. You’re not only skilled but also lucky.”

“I’m not sure about my skills, but I’m definitely lucky.”

“Hahaha! We tried the equipment ourselves, and the response from adventurers has been positive. They say it’s very cost-effective.”

The viscount’s expression was sincere. I could sense his affection for adventurers.

“Sir Jericho will be delighted to hear that. He’s in charge of production. I’ll tell you one more thing, just for you, Viscount. The equipment requires special treatment using holy water and potions as a base. That’s how we were able to significantly reduce the amount of holy water used.”

“Oh! Is that so? Then let’s sign a contract at this opportunity.”

“A contract? You mean a supply contract for the equipment?”

“Yes. I’m thinking of distributing some to the adventurer’s guild and using it for the mercenary corps as well.”

“Do you have a quantity in mind?”

“How about starting with 5,000 sets? It seems like a reasonable amount to symbolize the formal exchange between our families.”

5,000 sets.

I could almost hear Jericho’s screams from here. Sorry, Jericho.

“Alright, let’s do that.”

“Oh! I like your decisiveness. I hope we can interact more often in the future. I used to travel all over the continent when I was younger. I miss those days. It happened when I was twenty. There was an ancient ruin discovered in the western wasteland. And there…”

Viscount Mikhail’s adventure story naturally flowed out.

He wasn’t exceptionally skilled in swordsmanship, but he seemed to be decent. He said he had gained a lot of experience from adventuring since his youth.

His long story ended with how those experiences helped him build his family.

“Hahaha, I seem to have been boasting about myself.”

“Not at all. It was a meaningful story that reaffirmed your reputation, Viscount.”

The viscount was delighted by my business-like compliment.

As the drinks flowed freely, Viscount Mikhail approached me and asked quietly, “About the recent incident, the Prince Arthur case. Public sentiment is uneasy. I’m telling you this because you’re an Inspector, but there’s a strange rumor circulating among adventurers.”

“What kind of rumor?”

“Well, they say Prince Arthur was corrupted by demonic energy.”

I kept my expression neutral. We were supposed to keep that a secret. Who leaked it?

Of course, we couldn’t keep everything confidential.

But for Viscount Mikhail to hear about it, it meant the rumor was spreading quite widely.

‘Who could it be?’

It seemed there was a leak within our ranks. I advised him in a low voice, “Arthur’s case is a tragedy for the Imperial Family. And a tragedy for the Imperial Family is a tragedy for the Empire. Spreading rumors could bring you trouble. The church is also keeping a close eye on this, so it’s best to be careful.”

“I know. I’m just concerned about the rumors circulating among adventurers. I thought the Inspection Unit might be involved, since it happened in Walker Barony.”

It seemed Viscount Mikhail had decided to side with me. He was spilling information so easily.

“I’ve told them to keep quiet, so don’t worry.”

“Well done.”

“Hahaha, discretion is vital for adventurers. Did I bring up a sensitive topic? Then my adventure story about the eastern desert should lighten the mood. It’s about the time I fought a giant scorpion. I thought I was going to die…”

His tale of single-handedly fighting a giant scorpion lasted for two hours.

Other guests arrived, so Viscount Mikhail excused himself and left. I took the opportunity to leave as well.

I caught Jericho’s eye and beckoned him.

We went out to the terrace.

“Whew, what were you talking about for so long? You didn’t get up even once.”

“Listening to others is also part of my job. I called you because I have something to tell you. Do you want to hear the serious news first, or the despairing news?”

“…What’s the difference between the two?”

“It depends on the listener.”

Although we hadn’t spent much time together, Jericho could read the mischievous smile on my face.

“I’ll hear the serious news first. That seems better.”

“It seems the rumor about Arthur’s corruption is spreading among adventurers. If it’s spreading among adventurers, not nobles, it means quite a lot of people know.”

“If that’s true, it must be an inside job.”

“It’s definitely intentional. Where do you think the rumor originated?”

“The most suspicious party is the church, but… Ah, that can’t be right. They would be in trouble if such a rumor spread. It means they broke confidentiality.”

“I agree. There’s an old saying: ‘If you want to find the culprit of a crime, look for the one who benefits the most from it.'”

“Do you have any ideas?”

I had already reached a conclusion. The giant scorpion story was that long.

“They wouldn’t sabotage their own business, especially with the lucrative holy water trade at stake. And it wouldn’t be the vassals of Kalisto either. That leaves only Count Apellai.”

“Ah! I didn’t think of him. It’s definitely possible. He’s the one who schemed for the crown prince position. He might still be connected to Muon.”

If my speculation aligned with Jericho’s, the probability of it being true doubled.

“Send our elite investigators to find the source of the rumor. But leave Apellai alone for now.”

“Understood. Ah, but what’s the despairing news?”

“Viscount Mikhail wants to make a deal. Prepare 5,000 sets of anti-monster equipment.”

“Ha… I should have just stayed ignorant.”

He was always so consistent.

Jericho shook his head and left the banquet hall. Viscount Mikhail, having finished greeting the guests, approached me.

“Ah, I apologize. I had to excuse myself for a moment to greet the guests from afar.”

“It’s alright. Don’t worry about it.”

“Well, um… I think I forgot to ask something I was really curious about. I heard my daughter requested a mission from the Inspection Unit. What kind of mission is it?”

“You haven’t heard?”

Viscount Mikhail nodded with a slightly uneasy expression. Well, if it was decided during his conversation with Lady Lucia, he might not have heard.

I took out the order issued by Lucia and handed it to him.

“The current mission of the Lucius Inspection Unit is to resolve Lady Sapiella’s concerns.”

“Concerns? What concerns?”

“She has a painting done in a new style, and she wants to hear some evaluations.”

Mikhail slapped his forehead.

“Oh my! This is embarrassing. To bring you all the way here for something like this…”

“Something like this? Lady Sapiella is like a sister to Lady Lucia. It’s only natural for us to help her, so don’t worry.”

“Well, Ella is quite talented at painting. She has several paintings that have been praised by famous critics. My office is full of them.”

He was a doting father, as expected.

I enjoyed the banquet to my heart’s content and returned to my quarters. There were also several paintings by Lady Sapiella hanging here.

Unable to fall asleep easily, I lay in bed with the art book Jericho gave me.

Dynamic landscapes unfolded like a panorama.

I wanted to discover more, but I soon drifted off to sleep.

The next morning, Lady Sapiella invited me and my subordinates to her atelier.

The eighth mission of the Inspection Unit had begun.

Jericho was ecstatic. It wasn’t just because of Sapiella, but he had been raving about seeing her unreleased paintings since yesterday.

“This is it. Please come in.”

The butler opened the door, and a spacious interior came into view.

It was filled with a myriad of colors.

Paintings with rich colors adorned the walls. It felt like stepping into a museum dedicated solely to art.

“Welcome, Sir O’Brien. And Lady Selendis and Sir Jericho.”

“This is amazing! I don’t even know where to start looking. I heard not just anyone can enter this place.”

It was the first time I had seen Jericho so happy.

Sapiella smiled pleasantly and replied, “That’s right. Lately, I’ve only been inviting Lucy and Amel. It’s more difficult than you think to reveal your work to the world. These days, I’m just painting for the enjoyment of my friends.”

“That’s a shame. These beautiful works should be known throughout the continent!”

He wasn’t exaggerating. Even an amateur like me was mesmerized.

Sapiella gave us a tour of the atelier.

“This is my workspace and exhibition hall. My studio is in the back, and I hang the finished paintings here. It’s also a space for receiving guests.”

“May we take a look at your works?”

“Of course.”

I had heard that it was rude to just glance at paintings and move on.

I wasn’t sure if that applied in this world, but I carefully examined each piece. Selendis and Jericho did the same.

After a while, we finally entered Sapiella’s studio.