Chapter 30

Episode 30

‘Should I have Jericho examine him?’

I wasn’t concerned about Hamilton’s health I was interested in what he was hiding.

This would be a legitimate way to assess the demonic energy. Demonic traces were often found in the form of artifacts.

If I could examine the Viscount’s body under the pretense of a medical checkup, I might find a clue.

‘Demonic Sense’ was active, but the faint aura was emanating from multiple sources, making it difficult to pinpoint its origin.

I would have to investigate systematically.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Viscount. I am O’Brien Walker of the Lucius Inspection Unit. This is my guardian knight, Selendis, and my adjutant, Jericho.”

My approach was a combination of firmness and courtesy.

Baron Roman had been arrogant and dismissive. But Hamilton seemed different, so I treated him with respect.

“Welcome, everyone… The Lucius Inspection Unit is a respected organization, recognized by the Duke himself. I assure you of our full cooperation.”

“We appreciate your cooperation. But you seem to be unwell.”

I stepped closer. Hamilton looked uncomfortable, trying to suppress a cough.

“Don’t hold back your cough, Viscount. It’s not good for you.”

“Hmm… Cough, cough! I apologize for my appearance.”

“It’s alright. We seem to have caused you a great deal of stress. Please, forgive us. Perhaps you should have a medical checkup? My adjutant is a doctor. He graduated from the Kalisto Academy with honors.”

Hamilton looked at me with surprise.

He must have heard about the incident at Baron Gerard’s territory. He knew what the Inspection Unit was capable of.

He wouldn’t have been able to protest if we had barged in and conducted a forced investigation.

So he was naturally surprised by my gentle suggestion of a medical checkup.

‘It’ll be difficult for him to refuse.’

There was a reason why people valued courtesy. I didn’t, but many nobles were easily offended by a refusal.

Hamilton, who knew little about me, couldn’t afford to take the risk.

“Thank you for your concern… But I have a question, Sir O’Brien.”

“Please, call me Aubrey. Lady Lucia prefers it.”

“Is that so? You’re in her good graces, Inspector…”

Hamilton agreed to the checkup, and we moved to his bedroom.

Several people joined us. The Viscount introduced them as his family.

They all looked gaunt and lifeless.

Were the depictions of demon worshippers in movies and dramas accurate?

“This is my wife, Natalie. And this is my eldest son, Heinz…”

I greeted them politely.

“We have a daughter, but she couldn’t join us. She’s quite ill.”

“Is it serious enough to require medical attention?”

“…”

Hamilton and his family remained silent. It was a scene that would normally evoke sympathy.

But I knew the truth.

They were simply corrupted by demonic energy.

It was obvious.

Their weakened state was a symptom of demonic influence. And their youngest daughter was likely destined to be sacrificed. Perhaps the entire family, except for the Viscount, would perish.

I was unsure where to begin, but I recalled my mentor’s advice: focus on the task at hand.

“Jericho, proceed with the examination. And try to be discreet.”

“Yes, Inspector. Please, Viscount, lie down on the bed. Close your eyes and relax.”

Hamilton obeyed. Jericho placed his right hand on the Viscount’s chest.

“You might feel a slight discomfort as my mana flows through your body, but it’s nothing to worry about.”

*Hum*

A blue light emanated from Jericho’s hand and seeped into Hamilton’s body. The Viscount’s body flickered with a blue light, like fireflies.

Jericho’s eyes gleamed with intensity.

But he maintained his composure, his hands moving with practiced precision as he examined the Viscount’s body.

The light faded, and Jericho sighed.

“It’s over. You can get up now.”

“How is he, Jericho?”

“He’s malnourished. He’s weak from not eating properly, and his heart and lungs are weak. He’s in a fragile state.”

In other words, he was on the verge of death.

“Can you treat him?”

“I can prescribe some medicine. But he needs to eat properly, or his condition will worsen.”

“…Thank you, Sir Jericho.”

Hamilton adjusted his clothes and dismissed his family. Only Jericho, Selendis, the head steward Nielsen, and I remained.

Wait a minute. Something wasn’t right.

Why was the head steward still here? It was unusual for a servant to remain after the family had been dismissed.

Of course, he could be staying out of concern for the Viscount’s health…

‘That’s it.’

I finally understood the unease I had felt when I first met Nielsen.

He noticed my gaze and asked,

“Is there something I can assist you with, Inspector?”

“We’re about to begin our investigation. It’s an official matter, so I’d appreciate it if you could excuse yourself.”

“Ah, unfortunately, I can’t leave the Viscount’s side while he’s ill. Please, don’t mind me and continue your conversation.”

He was a tough nut to crack.

The unease I had felt stemmed from his health.

It had been the same with the townspeople, the soldiers, and the knights.

They all looked malnourished and sickly.

But Nielsen was robust and healthy. His skin was clear and radiant.

I hoped his vitality wasn’t related to the demonic energy.

“…Inspector, if I may be so bold, Nielsen is more familiar with the territory’s affairs than I am… Cough, cough! Ugh… He’s also well-versed in our family matters. Perhaps you should speak with him…”

“It’s against protocol, but I think you should rest. I’ll question the head steward.”

“Thank you…”

I tucked him in and left the bedroom. Nielsen led us to a shabby drawing-room.

“Head Steward, you’re dismissed. We need to discuss something.”

“Very well.”

We were alone. I lowered my voice and addressed Selendis and Jericho.

“He’s suspicious. Be on your guard. He might unleash his demonic energy at any moment.”

“Don’t worry about me, Master. Lady Selendis has a strong mind, and honestly, I’m more worried about you.”

“You’re still holding a grudge? I told you there’s nothing wrong with being portly.”

“Ahem!”

My instincts were rarely wrong. If Nielsen was the culprit, he wouldn’t miss this opportunity.

‘He’ll try to brainwash us with his demonic energy and turn us into puppets.’

He would shut down the Inspection Unit’s investigation and use our information for his own gain. I didn’t know his ultimate goal, but it couldn’t be good.

I activated ‘Mind’s Eye’ as we entered the drawing-room.

Would it work?

It should. He was just a Viscount’s head steward. He was probably an honorary knight or a junior baron, so his level should be similar to mine.

“We apologize for the inconvenience. We’re grateful for your hospitality.”

Nielsen bowed his head. His eyes flickered with a murky light.

‘Mind’s Eye’ detected a lie.

Very well, Head Steward. Let the games begin.

“Your gratitude hasn’t been proven. We wouldn’t want to conduct a forced investigation, as it would be against our principles.”

“Thank you, Inspector.”

I presented the warrant. He examined it carefully, then returned it with both hands.

“The order to investigate all ‘unfortunate events’ is rather vague. Of course, I’m not questioning the warrant’s validity. As you know, the Cliff territory is vast. Anything could happen.”

“Lady Oracle informed us that several servants have gone missing or died. Is that true?”

“Well, it’s not uncommon for people to go missing in the Cliff territory. And some servants have committed suicide, but our investigation didn’t reveal anything unusual.”

Another lie.

They hadn’t committed suicide they had been murdered.

But it was too early to celebrate.

I needed to prove how they had killed their victims. I couldn’t accuse them based on suspicion alone.

“We need to understand the situation. We’ve reviewed the family’s history. Could you tell us about the current situation?”

“Hmm, it’s a difficult situation. As you’ve seen, the entire territory is in decline. We’re short on food, and the constant threat of monsters makes it difficult to live in peace.”

“How long have you worked for this family?”

“About twenty years. I was born and raised here, so I’m familiar with the family and the territory.”

That statement was true.

Nielsen continued his explanation. It was mostly consistent with the information Jericho had gathered. A classic tale of decline.

‘Mind’s Eye’ detected a lie during his final statement.

“It’s unfortunate, but this was inevitable. It’s all because of those damned monsters. The neighboring territories mock us instead of offering assistance! We can’t hold on much longer. The Viscount and everyone else are ill. This is the end for our family…”

So that was it. He was the culprit.

It was like a ray of light piercing through the darkness. I just had to keep an eye on him.

“So you’re saying this is all due to the incompetence of House Cliff?”

“Of course not. I’m simply stating that we’re in a geographically disadvantaged position. The Viscount is blameless. He simply inherited the family at an unfortunate time.”

I stared at him.

He met my gaze, and his eyes suddenly flashed red.

I felt a surge of demonic energy.

“…”

“…”

“…”

I had often been disappointed by the predictable behavior of villains in movies and dramas.

But now, I was grateful for their predictability.

He had played right into my hands. The demonic energy intensified, reaching its peak.

But nothing happened.

I had my new skill, Selendis had her strong mind, and Jericho had his magic.

Nielsen’s eyes widened with confusion as he realized his plan had failed.