Chapter 25

Episode 25

The young man approaching with his hands clasped behind his back was none other than Hylix de Kalisto, the renowned eldest son of the Duke.

“Greetings, Your Highness. May peace be upon you.”

I greeted him with a flawlessly executed courtesy, a product of my rigorous training. He seemed pleased, a faint smile playing on his lips.

I wasn’t entirely surprised by this encounter. I had started my career as an assistant and had frequented the inner castle even after becoming an Inspector.

I had seen Hylix often during my work, so I recognized him. He, however, probably only became aware of me after the establishment of the Inspection Unit.

Sir Mars stood beside him, his expression stern.

He didn’t seem particularly friendly.

But what was interesting was Selendis’ reaction.

“How dare you, Selendis! A mere low-ranking knight, looking at me with such defiance! Are you still riding high on Lady Lucia’s charity?”

“I am not your subordinate, Sir Mars. And I wasn’t staring. I only lower my gaze before my Master.”

“You’ve lost your discipline since leaving the Knights. What will you do when you return? Will you still be so insolent?”

“I’ll consider that when the time comes.”

“What’s there to consider? Why don’t you become a dancer? You’re quite attractive I’m sure you’d be popular.”

Had there been some conflict between them during their time in the Knights? They clearly didn’t get along.

“I demand a retraction of that statement. I can tolerate insults directed at me, but the honor of a knight serving House Kalisto must be upheld.”

“Hmph! You’re quite eloquent for a fallen knight. Don’t misunderstand me. I’m not criticizing you as a knight, but as a person, Selendis.”

I understood the situation.

It reminded me of a superior who had been rejected by a subordinate and was now seeking revenge.

He was someone Selendis needed to impress to advance her career, and yet he was defending my honor. I was grateful, but also concerned.

I placed my hand on Selendis’ shoulder.

She looked at me, surprised, then lowered her head obediently.

“Sir Mars is a respected member of the Knights. Be mindful of your words.”

“Yes, Master.”

“Sir Mars, I apologize for my subordinate’s behavior. She’s still a bit on edge after a difficult mission. I hope you can forgive her.”

Sir Mars frowned, about to retort, but Hylix raised his hand.

“I can’t stand idly by while a Master defends his subordinate. I apologize as well. Sir Mars was out of line. A good leader should care for his subordinates, just as you care for Lady Selendis. Don’t you agree?”

“You’re right, Your Highness, but there are protocols to be observed. Selendis was disrespectful.”

“Then Sir Mars is also at fault. A gentleman shouldn’t make such comments about a lady. It’s considered bad form in social circles. Don’t you agree? Hahaha.”

The tension dissipated. But how did he recognize me?

He might have heard rumors about ‘O’Brien Walker’, but we had never spoken before, so he shouldn’t know what I looked like…

Unless he had investigated me.

There were skilled painters in this world, capable of creating lifelike portraits. It was highly likely that a document with my portrait had reached him.

I was certain of this because the Inspection Unit employed similar tactics. Their intelligence network was far superior to ours.

They were, after all, the future rulers of this land.

“I heard Oracle requested your assistance. Something terrible happened at Viscount Cliff’s estate.”

I activated ‘Mind’s Eye’ as soon as he mentioned House Cliff, focusing on his eyes.

“Indeed. We were just on our way to see Lady Lucia about this matter.”

“What’s the general consensus within the Inspection Unit? About this incident?”

“It’s too early to say, but it doesn’t seem like a simple accident.”

“If it’s not an accident?”

“It could be a crime.”

Hylix grinned, his gaze fixed on me.

“I like your way of thinking. How about working for me?”

I couldn’t read his thoughts.

‘Mind’s Eye’ flickered with a murky purple, unable to provide a clear assessment.

‘Is it because of the level difference? Or perhaps our social standing is too far apart.’

One thing was clear.

Based on my experiences using ‘Mind’s Eye’ on various individuals, the skill didn’t work on those who were at Lady Lucia’s level or higher.

And since Hylix was likely on par with her, it was a safe assumption.

Even if I met the Duke, I wouldn’t be able to read his thoughts.

‘So I need to increase my level or my social standing.’

There were a few options.

First, I could try to increase my skill level. But I didn’t know how to do that, so I would have to rely on chance.

Using items was the most common method. Or perhaps the skill level increased with usage.

Another option was to improve my social standing.

‘I’m an honorary knight now. Perhaps things will change once I become a Baron.’

I decided to create a list of people who appeared purple to me. It would allow me to track my progress.

“You’re taking too long to answer. Don’t worry I have no intention of stealing my dear sister’s subordinate.”

“Thank you for the offer, Your Highness, but I intend to serve Lady Lucia.”

“Even if she marries into the Imperial Family?”

He was referring to a political marriage.

“My needs are irrelevant. I serve at the Lady’s pleasure.”

“You’re quite loyal. I suppose that’s a prerequisite for being an Inspector. I enjoyed our conversation. Let’s talk again sometime, O’Brien.”

I bowed my head. Hylix and Mars left.

We continued towards the inner castle.

“Don’t worry about what happened. I’ll get your revenge.”

“It’s not worth your concern, Master.”

“I protect my people.”

I wasn’t saying that to win her favor.

I was genuinely annoyed by Mars’ behavior. His insults towards Selendis were a reflection of his disrespect towards me, her Master.

And I intended to repay him in kind, with interest.

Don’t worry, Selendis.

We have the ultimate mastermind on our side. He might disappear without a trace, without me having to lift a finger.

The Lady’s chambers were quiet. We were granted an audience immediately.

“It’s been a while. I heard you’ve been resting at the mansion. How are you?”

“I’m well, thanks to you, my Lady. You’ve been too kind.”

“Don’t mention it. The territory is thriving thanks to the Inspection Unit’s efforts. You deserve a break.”

“I put the gold coin you gave me to good use.”

Lucia nodded, her smile warm and inviting. It was a healing presence.

“So, what brings you here today?”

“I have something to report. Lady Oracle of House Maylense has requested our assistance. She wants us to investigate House Cliff.”

I handed her the documents. She reviewed them carefully.

“You brought this to me because it involves Lady Oracle, right? She’s my brother’s close friend.”

Lucia was truly extraordinary.

Considering she hadn’t even reached adulthood yet, she should have been more interested in the bizarre nature of the case, a series of disappearances and deaths.

But she saw the bigger picture.

“Indeed. We’ve made a decision, but we require your approval.”

“What’s your decision?”

“We’ve decided to accept Lady Oracle’s request.”

She pondered for a moment, then spoke.

“You believe my brother is testing us?”

“Yes, my Lady. In my humble opinion, he’s trying to gauge the threat level of the Inspection Unit.”

“That’s a valid assumption. But I have a different theory. House Cliff is aligned with my brother, just like Baron Roman, right?”

“You’re correct. They’re not wealthy, but they’re known for their loyalty.”

“Perhaps… he’s trying to eliminate his own people. Using the Inspection Unit, or rather, you, O’Brien.”

I shivered. I hadn’t considered that possibility.

“Look at what happened to Baron Roman. My father warned him about accepting dirty money. Perhaps something similar is happening at House Cliff.”

She set aside the documents.

“You’re suggesting there’s something more to this case.”

“That’s my theory. But your instincts will be more accurate. You’re the one on the ground.”

“One thing is certain. We’ll investigate House Cliff.”

She placed her empty teacup in front of me and refilled it.

“I’m counting on you, Sir O’Brien.”

***

Hylix, walking down the corridor, stopped abruptly. He glanced over his shoulder.

“I need to speak with Oracle in private. You’re dismissed.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

He entered Oracle’s office. But Mars lingered, his gaze fixed on the closed door.

‘Damn it!’

He had grown to despise these private meetings. A mixture of envy and jealousy gnawed at his heart.

But he turned and walked away.

He needed to control his emotions if he wanted to become the next Captain. Now was the time for patience and obedience.

And inside Oracle’s office, a conversation was taking place that would have shocked Mars to his core.

“Why don’t you just accept his proposal? I’m worried he might stab me in the back.”

Hylix, perched on the edge of her desk, took a bite of an apple. He was aware of Mars’ feelings.

Oracle, buried in paperwork, remained impassive.

“What good is mastering the Kalisto Swordsmanship if he can’t even control his expressions? He’ll get himself killed. He’ll provoke the wrong person and get punished.”

“He did it again earlier. He was flirting with Lady Selendis.”

“He’s delusional. I have no interest in such a pathetic man. So stop meddling. Understand?”

“I’m going to marry you two as soon as I become Duke.”

“I told you, I prefer ambitious men.”

Oracle sighed and leaned back in her chair. Hylix, as if waiting for this moment, stood behind her and placed his hands on her shoulders.

He attempted to slide his hands down her chest, but she stopped him.

“By the way, isn’t Selendis O’Brien’s sworn knight? When did they meet?”