Chapter 23

Episode 23

I opened my eyes.

Even after a night’s sleep, my body felt incredibly light, as if I could sprint at full speed.

‘That liquor is amazing.’

For the past few days, I had been drinking a cup of the herbal liquor Balzac prepared before going to bed.

It not only ensured a deep sleep but also left me feeling refreshed and energized the next morning. It was more like medicine than alcohol.

Balzac, our head butler, had taken my words to heart: “Trust is earned, not given.”

He had been working diligently to earn my trust, being attentive without being overbearing.

Thanks to his efforts, I had been able to relax at the mansion since completing the first mission. The lack of incidents also contributed to my peace of mind.

“Good morning, Master. I heard you coughing.”

“Yes, good morning. It’s a beautiful day.”

A maid entered and opened the curtains, revealing a bright and sunny sky. I glanced at the clock. It was past eight.

During my time at the main castle, I had to wake up at six every morning.

Compared to that, this was pure bliss. I deserved a little luxury, considering I was the protagonist of this story.

Speaking of protagonists, it reminded me of the web novels I used to read.

The protagonists in those stories were always busy searching for the original protagonist or the villain. But I couldn’t do that. I hadn’t even played the game.

I only had one clue, the true ‘mastermind’.

And she could be either the protagonist or the final boss.

It all depended on my actions.

“Balzac.”

“Yes, Master.”

“That liquor you give me before bed… it’s quite effective. Isn’t it expensive? Our family is relatively new, and we don’t have a lot of assets.”

I had entrusted Balzac with managing the family’s finances. I was curious.

“It’s a very rare liquor, Master. It wasn’t purchased by our family. It was a gift from Lady Lucia.”

“A gift from the Lady?”

That changed things.

Was there something else in it? I suddenly recalled Pervitin, a drug widely used by German soldiers during World War II.

It had given them boundless energy and courage. Its main ingredient was methamphetamine, a highly addictive stimulant.

“Don’t worry, Master. It’s a traditional liquor with a long history. It’s been consumed since before the founding of the empire. It’s perfectly safe.”

“Is that so? Well, that’s good to know.”

The maid left the room, and Balzac stepped closer.

“I understand you’re wary of Lady Lucia, Master.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. How could I possibly be wary of someone who has shown me such kindness?”

“My apologies, Master. I was simply expressing my observations. I wanted to demonstrate my loyalty.”

“Why do you feel the need to do that?”

He bowed his head.

His voice was a calm, low baritone.

“You’ve entrusted me with managing the Walker family, Master. I believe it’s my duty to serve you with unwavering loyalty. You’ve given me an opportunity, just like Lady Lucia gave you an opportunity.”

…He was an intriguing individual.

But I wasn’t ready to trust him completely. I would observe him, evaluate his actions.

“I appreciate your efforts, Balzac.”

“Breakfast is ready, Master. I’ll be waiting in the dining hall.”

I changed my clothes and went to the dining hall.

It was a small and modest space, a far cry from the opulent dining halls of the main castle. There were over ten dining halls there.

Selendis was already seated at the table. She stood up and saluted.

In her casual attire, she looked elegant and refined, like a noble lady.

She would be quite popular at social gatherings.

“I heard you’ve been training at dawn. Don’t overdo it.”

“I have a goal, Master. I’ve doubled my training regimen.”

I sat down and asked,

“Your goal is to become a Senior knight? Your aura has increased, so you’re eligible for promotion.”

“No, Master.”

“Then what is it?”

She hesitated, then spoke softly.

“To defeat you, Master.”

“…”

The already quiet dining hall became even quieter. Selendis realized her mistake and corrected herself.

“I apologize, Master. My goal is to defeat you in a sparring match.”

“That’s a good goal. I’m not sure if it’s achievable, but I encourage you to try your best. Balzac, let’s eat.”

Selendis had initially refused to eat with me, considering it disrespectful.

But I didn’t want to eat alone, so I had ordered her to join me after our first mission.

She was a capable knight, but her adherence to tradition could be frustrating at times.

“Today’s dish is lamb stew with potatoes.”

There was also freshly baked bread. It was a hearty meal.

I wasn’t a huge fan of meat, but I had instructed Balzac to include it in Selendis’ diet to support her training.

And I had told him to spare no expense when it came to food.

A well-fed soldier was a happy soldier.

“I’m planning to visit the Inspection Unit headquarters after breakfast. I haven’t been there in a while. You’ll accompany me.”

“Yes, Master.”

“Any news from Jericho?”

“Nothing, Master.”

The situation in Baron Gerard’s territory had been resolved smoothly. The lack of communication from Jericho suggested that we didn’t have any new missions.

‘And Lord Hylix has been quiet as well.’

I had hoped the incident would lead to a confrontation, perhaps at a banquet, but it hadn’t happened.

And I couldn’t just barge into the eldest son’s chambers.

‘I’ll have to target Lady Rosalyn.’

I decided to pay her a visit the next time I was at the main castle. As a lady-in-waiting, she would be residing in the Duchess’s quarters.

Visiting the Duchess’s quarters would have been unthinkable during my time as an assistant.

But now, as an honorary knight and an Inspector, it was within my authority. Technically, I could go anywhere in the name of ‘inspection’.

“That was delicious. We’ll skip dessert. Prepare the carriage.”

“Yes, Master.”

Selendis and I boarded the carriage and headed towards the headquarters.

“Are you comfortable at the mansion?”

“Yes, Master. I’m grateful for your generosity.”

“Don’t mention it. I appreciate your efforts in maintaining security. We’re helping each other.”

I brought up a topic I had been planning to discuss.

“How are the guards?”

“They’re competent, Master. But their lack of loyalty is a concern.”

“Lack of loyalty?”

“They were assigned to us by the Lady. They’re not truly our soldiers.”

“Ah, I have an idea. Why don’t we establish our own knight order?”

Selendis stared at me, surprised.

“Is that so surprising?”

“Master, with all due respect, establishing and maintaining a knight order is expensive.”

“I know. I’m not suggesting we recruit knights right away. I want you to become the Captain and integrate the soldiers into a knight order. Train them, nurture their loyalty. Start small.”

“Yes, Master. I understand.”

I trusted Selendis to handle the rest.

The carriage stopped. The coachman opened the door and lowered the steps.

It was good to be back at the headquarters.

We entered the building.

“Welcome back! Oh, Inspector! And Lady Selendis? What brings you here?”

“It’s my office. Why wouldn’t I be here?”

“Of course! I thought you were on vacation. I heard you were taking the week off.”

Chloe was as cheerful as ever. I was starting to understand why the Lady had sent her to the Inspection Unit.

I glanced around the room.

There was one noticeable difference. Someone was sitting in the guest area.

Our eyes met, and she approached me, extending her hand.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Inspector O’Brien.”

“Likewise.”

I shook her hand. She smiled brightly and introduced herself.

“I’m Oracle of House Maylense. I came here to consult with the Inspection Unit. I’m lucky you’re here.”

She didn’t need an introduction.

Oracle von Maylense.

Lord Hylix’s close friend and current strategist. She was one of the key figures behind his rise to power.

She was considered a future Chief Scribe within the Dukedom, so I was well aware of her reputation. I had even seen her from afar a few times.

“I’ve heard great things about you, Lady Oracle. You’re known as a genius among geniuses.”

“Oh my, you’re making me blush. Thank you for the compliment.”

“What did you want to consult with us about?”

“I’d prefer to discuss it in private… if that’s alright.”

She smiled seductively. Sorry, but your charms won’t work on me. I knew she was someone to be wary of.

“Could you wait a moment? I just arrived, so I need to settle in.”

“Of course. Take your time.”

I bowed and entered the safe house. I activated the secret mechanism and entered the passage, leading to Jericho’s office.

“Welcome back, Master. I was just about to visit you.”

“Lady Oracle is here.”

Jericho’s expression turned serious.

“Lady Oracle? Isn’t she with the eldest son?”

“Yes. She said she wanted to discuss something with me.”

“I wonder what it could be. Ah, I have something to report as well. It might be related. Perhaps even the starting point of this whole affair.”

It seemed Lord Hylix was making his move. I waited patiently.

“Lord Hylix recently visited Baron Gerard’s territory with Sir Mars.”

“Sir Mars? Isn’t he the Vice-Captain of the Knights?”

“Yes, Master. And not just any Vice-Captain. He’s mastered the Kalisto Swordsmanship.”

In other words, he was a knight chosen by the family. And now, Oracle, Hylix’s right hand, was here? This was serious.

“And the Lady has given us a new directive. We’re now accepting external investigation requests. She said to prioritize families with territories, since we can’t handle everything.”

“I see.”

The pieces were falling into place.

Even Oracle, the eldest son’s right hand, couldn’t just barge into the Inspection Unit headquarters without a valid reason. She had seized the opportunity.

“So our next target is House Maylense. Jericho, gather information on them, in addition to what I asked for earlier.”

“Yes, Inspector.”

I left Jericho’s office and returned to the main office.

I met Oracle’s gaze. She was still smiling.