Chapter 22

Episode 22

Two figures on horseback emerged from the crest of a quiet hill.

“The territory is in shambles.”

The man astride a white steed with luxurious tack was Hylix, the eldest son of House Kalisto.

His gaze swept over the town of Gerard, which, as he had observed, was indeed in a state of disarray. Black smoke billowed from various points, and the streets were eerily deserted.

The reason for this chaos was the Lucius Inspection Unit, or more specifically, O’Brien Walker.

Soldiers from Baron Gerard’s forces and reinforcements dispatched from the main castle were busy burning down suspicious locations and purging any remaining remnants of the criminal organization.

Aubrey had given the order to show no mercy, and the commanders in charge were diligently carrying out his instructions.

As a result, the entire town was shrouded in a gloomy gray, resembling a dying man taking his last breaths.

“It’s to be expected, Your Highness. I heard the underground organization was completely eradicated. And with the Duke supporting the Inspection Unit, the situation is quite delicate.”

The man accompanying Hylix also possessed a formidable aura. He was Mars, the Vice-Captain of the Kalisto Knights and the Captain of the Knights.

Named after the god of war, he was a seasoned veteran who had distinguished himself on numerous battlefields. He was also one of the few knights who had mastered the Kalisto Swordsmanship.

The Kalisto Swordsmanship was renowned throughout the empire as one of the most powerful and sophisticated sword styles.

The fact that Mars had mastered this secret technique, passed down only to members of House Kalisto, demonstrated the trust he held not only from Hylix but also from Duke Kalisto himself.

This perception was shared by others.

It was widely believed that he would succeed the current Captain once he retired.

Of course, that assumed Hylix would inherit the Dukedom.

“This will be a significant setback for us. Baron Roman’s financial contributions were substantial.”

“Oracle will have a lot to say about this.”

“He already did, before we left. He said that we must rectify this injustice.”

A glint of malice flickered in Mars sharp eyes.

This territory, located on the outskirts of the Kalisto Dukedom, held a strategic position as a crossroads connecting various regions.

It was an ideal location for conducting illicit activities like human trafficking and smuggling. If things got too hot, they could easily move their operations to another territory.

But Satyr, the man who had overseen these operations, was dead. The entire organization, from its leaders to its foot soldiers, was being dismantled.

“That Inspector… he’s not ordinary. Baron Roman isn’t known for his incompetence.”

“Indeed.”

“Perhaps we should eliminate him quickly. I’ve heard rumors of suspicious activity from Romero’s faction.”

“Don’t worry about Romero. He’s no match for me, no matter how hard he tries. It’s not arrogance it’s simply a difference in caliber. But what did Oracle say to make you suggest such a drastic measure?”

Oracle von Maylense.

The eldest daughter of House Maylense, she had been Hylix’s childhood friend and study partner. She now served as his strategist, demonstrating exceptional intuition and foresight.

As the succession drew near, their relationship had shifted from friendship to a lord-vassal dynamic. But Hylix still held her in high regard.

Anyone who had spoken to Oracle recognized her vast knowledge and strategic brilliance. She was a certified genius.

Like Mars, she was expected to become the next Chief Scribe once Hylix inherited the Dukedom.

“He was hiding his true strength. A commoner, no less.”

Hylix’s gaze, which had been fixed on the distant horizon, snapped towards Mars.

“Hiding his strength? What do you mean?”

“Oracle said he was suspicious and investigated. It seems O’Brien is an aura user.”

“It’s not uncommon for aura users to conceal their abilities.”

“His aura is said to be at least Intermediate level.”

Hylix’s eyes lit up, not with hostility, but with genuine curiosity.

“Why would someone with that level of power remain a commoner? He could have easily joined the military and earned a title.”

“I’m not sure. Oracle is investigating. I’m sure we’ll find out soon. But he was working as an assistant in the butler department until recently. That’s how he caught the Lady’s attention.”

“An assistant…”

His youngest sister, whom he had always considered cute and harmless, had become a source of concern. He had dismissed the Inspection Unit as a trivial matter, but things weren’t going according to plan.

The Lucius Inspection Unit was becoming a symbol of justice, and Lucia was gaining popularity among the people.

Was she aiming for his position?

He shook his head.

Impossible.

She had no power, no influence. Her beauty and kindness wouldn’t be enough to make her the head of House Kalisto.

‘The throne of House Kalisto was built on blood and sacrifice. Only I am worthy of inheriting it.’

He reaffirmed his belief.

“Let’s go, Your Highness. I sent word ahead, so they should be expecting us.”

“Lead the way.”

They rode through the quiet town and arrived at the Baron’s castle. But Baron Roman, who usually greeted them at the gate, was nowhere to be seen.

Mars, as expected, wouldn’t let it slide.

“Where’s the Baron?”

“Well…”

“How dare he disrespect the eldest son! This is outrageous!”

Hylix raised his hand.

“It’s fine. There must be a reason. Take us to him.”

As they entered the inner castle, Hylix realized the extent of the damage.

The walls, usually adorned with paintings and artifacts, were bare. The castle felt empty and desolate.

And it wasn’t just the decorations that were missing.

The servants, usually abundant, were few and far between. Baron Roman had dismissed most of the female staff to erase any evidence of human trafficking and kidnapping.

“Head Butler.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“What’s the status of the Gerard Knights? They must have been affected by the downsizing.”

“Well…”

“Speak! Don’t test my patience!”

“Y-yes, sir! We’ve reduced the number of knights by half.”

“Half?”

House Gerard, once known for its powerful army, had been halved in size. They had dismissed many of their paid knights, creating a security vacuum.

Hylix’s suspicions grew.

*Creak*

He opened a door and found Baron Roman eating.

Or rather, he was sitting at the table, staring blankly at his food, his fork and knife untouched.

He stood up and bowed his head.

“Welcome, Your Highness. I apologize for my rudeness.”

“It’s fine. I understand. You’ve lost weight.”

Baron Roman was under Aubrey’s surveillance.

He dismissed the servants with a wave of his hand, and they quickly cleared the table. Tea was served.

“I was surprised by your letter. I wondered what had happened. You’ve never canceled a banquet before, especially not one dedicated to pleasure.”

“I’m not in the mood for celebrations.”

“I understand. It’s a shame.”

Baron Roman’s banquets were legendary. They featured beautiful women and special elixirs that enhanced pleasure.

The nobles eagerly awaited his invitations.

“How are things? I noticed the damage on my way here. The inner castle is practically empty. And your collection, which rivaled the Imperial Museum, is gone.”

“The underground organization has been eradicated, and I can no longer continue my business.”

“You’re not giving up entirely, are you?”

Baron Roman couldn’t meet his gaze.

“It seems there’s something you’re not telling me.”

“…”

“Are you being blackmailed?”

Silence.

Baron Roman was at a crossroads. If he told the truth, he might not receive the antidote.

He would be at the mercy of these powerful individuals, facing a grim fate.

He couldn’t speak.

“I don’t know how that Inspector got to you, but listen. I’m the rightful heir to House Kalisto. I’m just waiting for my father to step down. I’ll guarantee your safety. Tell me the truth.”

“…I can’t.”

“Why not? What could possibly be more important than my authority?”

Mars, unable to contain himself any longer, placed his hand on his sword hilt. Baron Roman flinched, realizing he might die right here, right now.

“If I tell you the truth, will you help me?”

“Of course. What are you talking about? We’re allies. I’ll do whatever I can to help you.”

“…I was threatened by the Inspector.”

He confessed everything. How he had been forced to switch his allegiance, how he had sent Lady Lucia his treasures and gold, how he had been poisoned.

“Do you know what kind of poison it is?”

“No, Your Highness. He didn’t tell me.”

“What did he say would happen if you didn’t take the antidote?”

“He didn’t say. He just said it would be excruciating.”

“If we knew the symptoms, we could find an antidote. But this is going to be difficult.”

Baron Roman despaired. But Hylix grinned.

“That’s just my opinion. Oracle can help. Isn’t she known as the Unrivaled Genius?”

He promised to send Oracle. Baron Roman’s face relaxed.

“Thank you, Your Highness. Please forgive me for switching my allegiance. I’ll gather more funds and resume my support.”

“Keep sending the money to Lucia for now.”

“Your Highness, that’s not a good idea. It’s a significant sum. We should be taking it…”

Mars protested, but Hylix shook his head.

“You’re a seasoned warrior, Mars. You should know better. Think of this as a battle. Is it wise to give your enemy time to prepare their defenses?”

“Time to prepare their defenses… You’re saying we should lull them into a false sense of security?”

“Exactly.”

Hylix stood up, adjusting his collar.

“We need time to investigate. And if you suddenly change your attitude, they’ll become suspicious. So, Roman, keep playing the role of their loyal dog until I give you further instructions.”

“As you command, Your Highness.”

“Don’t bite the hand that feeds you. Understand? Hahaha.”

“…”

Hylix patted Baron Roman’s shoulder and left the room, muttering to himself.

“Mars, send a message to Oracle. I need to see her.”