Chapter 16

Episode 16

“My lord, Sir O’Brien of the Inspection Unit has arrived.”

Crisper, the head butler, announced my arrival with a courteous bow.

But Baron Roman, lounging in his chair with his legs crossed, didn’t seem pleased.

I understood.

He had sent a formal letter of protest and even dispatched his Captain as a messenger. He must have been anxious.

Even without knowing my previous profession, anyone who had lived in modern society would understand one thing:

The more suspicious the circumstances, the more money involved.

It was a universal truth, applicable even in this game world. I had witnessed it firsthand during my time as an assistant.

“I received your messenger. I sent my own, so you can tell him to return.”

I hesitated.

Should I address him formally?

Technically, he outranked me. An honorary knight was a quasi-noble, while he was a Baron. But addressing him formally felt like it would undermine the authority of the Lucius Inspection Unit.

“Even the Inspection Unit has to follow certain protocols, especially when dealing with nobles. I hear you haven’t even made your debut in social circles yet.”

His tone was condescending. There was no need for formalities.

I smiled.

“Is there a law that allows nobles to commit crimes and live in luxury? If it’s that great, I would have become a noble long ago.”

My words were laced with sarcasm.

He chuckled, seemingly amused.

“What are your thoughts on the saying ‘let bygones be bygones’?”

“Why bother thinking about it? It’s just a self-serving justification used by cowards.”

“I was hoping we would be on the same wavelength, but it seems we’re not.”

“What are you talking about? If we were on the same wavelength, I wouldn’t be here. And I wouldn’t have sent you a letter with the Inspector’s seal.”

The atmosphere grew tense, and Crisper, the head butler, stepped forward with an awkward laugh.

“My lord, Inspector O’Brien has brought a gift.”

“…A gift?”

“Open it. I’m sure you’ll like it.”

It seemed he hadn’t received news of the raid yet.

It was understandable.

I had arrived quickly, and everyone involved had been apprehended by my investigators. It would take time for the news to reach him.

The Baron gestured lazily with his hand, and Crisper opened the box.

“Oh. Oh my god!”

As expected, the sight of the severed head sent the butler reeling.

Satyr’s head rolled onto the floor.

“A head butler mishandling a precious gift? How disappointing.”

I walked over and picked up the head, placing it on the table in front of the Baron.

It was showtime.

I activated ‘Mind’s Eye’.

“Recognize him? I hear he was a frequent visitor.”

“…”

He remained silent.

He had probably intended to bribe his way out of this mess, but with his right-hand man dead, he knew it was futile.

I addressed the room.

“Leave us. The Inspection Unit will conduct the interrogation.”

The butler and the other servants hesitated. It was the downside of being a newly established organization.

“Are you defying the Duke’s orders?”

“N-no, sir! What are you waiting for? Let’s go!”

They scurried out of the room like rats fleeing a sinking ship. It seemed he wasn’t a very good employer.

I turned my attention back to Baron Roman.

“I don’t need to explain why he’s dead, do I? You were his close associate. You must have received regular reports.”

“He was just a subordinate who helped me with my business. I have no idea what he was involved in…”

“You didn’t know? And you didn’t want to know? Why are you all so lacking in creativity? There are so many plausible excuses.”

‘Mind’s Eye’ detected a lie. As expected.

Time to dig deeper.

“Our investigation has revealed that countless individuals have been bought and sold in this territory. Human trafficking. There’s evidence of organized activity, primarily in the slums. I don’t know how much you profited from this, but I’m sure we’ll find inconsistencies in the origins of the women currently residing in this castle. Am I right?”

“I’ve never heard of such a thing.”

Another lie.

My confidence grew.

“Even if you haven’t heard of it, this is your territory. You’re responsible for what happens here. Do you think you can simply claim ignorance when a serious crime has been committed under your watch? Let me give you a piece of advice. We have enough evidence to convict you.”

In other words, if this went to trial, there would be no turning back.

His expression shifted.

His jaw clenched, his teeth grinding.

“But there’s something else that truly angered me. You were planning to do something to a maid working at the Duke’s castle, weren’t you?”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

Another lie.

I smiled.

“All servants working at the Duke’s castle are considered his personal property. Attempting to harm one of them is a serious offense. It’s a direct challenge to his authority.”

“Do you have any proof?”

“Of course I do. You underestimate me. I’m sure you’ve done your research. You know why Lady Lucia appointed me as Inspector.”

I had no proof, but the situation was in my favor.

I had learned something from handling civil cases.

Suspects were more sensitive to ‘variables’ than evidence.

Variables were anything they couldn’t control. That was why I had eliminated Satyr and the Seven.

With no one to provide accurate information, he was bound to be anxious.

“He confessed everything before he died. You’ll find it in the records. I paid off the debt he had placed on the maid’s parents. Two hundred gold coins.”

“…”

“You knew, didn’t you?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

He should have just remained silent.

‘Mind’s Eye’ confirmed that he was aware of the repayment.

This was going to be easy.

“I’ve learned something from meeting all sorts of people. The more they have, the more suspicious they become. You’re no different, are you? So let’s consider this from the Duke’s perspective.”

“What are you trying to say?”

“You might be right. You might not be legally culpable. But it’s difficult to erase the seeds of doubt. Some might even feel insulted. A lowly vassal coveting his property.”

His expression changed.

It wasn’t difficult to instill fear, especially in those who had a lot to lose.

And in that regard, Baron Roman was a very vulnerable target.

“You seem to have expensive tastes. You enjoy collecting things, indulging in fine dining. Wouldn’t it be a shame to lose it all? Even if you avoid execution, you’ll likely lose your territory. Everything you’ve built will be gone.”

“Your goal is to bring me to trial, isn’t it? Why are you wasting your breath? We can settle this in court.”

“I told you, the seeds of doubt don’t disappear easily.”

I removed Satyr’s head from the table, placing it out of sight.

“I understand why you’re so confident. You’re relying on Lord Hylix, aren’t you? You believe he’ll protect you.”

“Lord Hylix is a just man. He’ll understand my situation.”

“No, that’s not what I meant. You’re sending him money, aren’t you? Can you still afford to do that now that your businesses have been raided? The Gerard Trading Company was just a front for your illegal activities. You’ve lost your source of income.”

“…”

He couldn’t answer.

“What happens when we connect these two seemingly unrelated events? Your desire for the Duke’s maid and your dwindling funds? It paints a rather interesting picture, don’t you think?”

“…What do you want from me?”

‘Mind’s Eye’ confirmed that he was being sincere.

I deactivated the skill. I didn’t need it anymore.

“Good. You’re not as stupid as I thought. You should have cooperated from the beginning.”

I pulled up a chair and sat beside him, placing my hand on his shoulder.

“Let me summarize the situation for you. Unfortunately, you and your territory have become the Lucius Inspection Unit’s first target. The first. The inaugural case. You understand the significance of that, don’t you?”

The concept of a ‘test case’ existed in this world as well. I could sense his growing unease.

“Even if you plead your innocence, it will be difficult to escape the ‘first case’ label. Lady Lucia’s reputation is on the line. And the Duke will listen to his daughter.”

“So?”

“How much are you sending Lord Hylix?”

He didn’t answer.

It wasn’t important.

“I don’t know why you were chosen as our first target. The Lady gave me the order. But here’s your chance to prove your worth. Change your allegiance. Start sponsoring Lady Lucia instead.”

“…!”

His eyes widened in shock. He hadn’t even considered that possibility.

“You said you were hoping we would be on the same wavelength. Well, here’s your chance to find out if you’re compatible with the Lady. Start sending her money.”

“But if you bring me to trial…”

“We’ll change the narrative. You’re not a perpetrator you’re a victim. If you promise to sponsor the Lady exclusively, the Inspection Unit will protect you. Doesn’t that sound better?”

“Why should I trust you?”

“Hahaha, you talk as if you have a choice. You don’t. Cooperate, and you might just survive this. It’s a rare opportunity. I could easily throw you to the wolves and enjoy the spoils. You’re a big fish.”

I leaned closer, my voice low and menacing.

“But I’m a flexible person. Reputation is important, but my priority is serving Lady Lucia. You understand what I’m saying, don’t you?”

“…I understand.”

I retrieved the vial of Mana Tea and offered it to him.

“Drink this. It’s a symbol of our agreement.”

“What is it?”

“A very potent poison.”

His face contorted in fear. He started to stand up, but I stopped him.

“Listen carefully. This poison won’t kill you instantly. As long as you take the antidote once a month, you’ll be fine. And as long as you continue to sponsor the Lady, I’ll provide you with the antidote.”

“What happens if I don’t take the antidote?”

“Something unspeakable. Don’t test me.”

He hesitated, and I pushed the vial closer.

“Think of it as an opportunity. If you impress the Lady, you might even receive the permanent antidote. Trust me. This is your chance to start over.”

I had chosen Mana Tea for a simple reason.

It was a rare and valuable tea from the East. And since Baron Roman was an aura user, he would feel its effects immediately.

With a little theatrics, it was the perfect placebo.

And it was easy to disprove. If he realized it was a trick and rebelled, I would have a legitimate reason to eliminate him.

“Don’t take too long. I’ll give you ten seconds. If you don’t drink it, our conversation never happened. I’m not running a charity. Ten, nine, eight…”

“I’ll drink it.”

He snatched the vial from my hand and downed the contents in one gulp.

“Ugh.”

He groaned. His aura was reacting to the tea.

He was now convinced that he had ingested a deadly poison.

“What do I have to do?”

“First, let’s write a letter.”

I placed a piece of paper and a pen in front of him.

“Write this down. To Lord Hylix… Oh, that sounds a bit too casual, doesn’t it? To the esteemed Lord Hylix. I regret to inform you that the banquet has been canceled. I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. I’m afraid I won’t be able to see you for a while. Sincerely, Roman von Gerard.”