Chapter 36

Episode 36

The series of incidents at the Cliff family’s estate was summarized in a few pages of official records.

Jericho, living up to his reputation as a top graduate of the Kalisto Academy, crafted a convincing narrative, pinning all the blame on Nielsen.

He was charged not only with betraying his master but also with attempting to disgrace House Kalisto.

It was the worst possible crime for a vassal.

Additionally, evidence of illegal drug trafficking was fabricated, along with the fact that he had been hoarding ebony wood.

Nielsen was now a smuggler who had used ebony wood to conceal mind-altering drugs.

Dead men tell no tales.

And besides, any crime was preferable to being labeled as a demon worshipper. Nielsen, now residing in hell, probably had no complaints.

Betraying humanity was a far graver sin than betraying one’s master.

“This is absurd. I can’t believe it… Nielsen was a loyal servant. He always fulfilled his duties as head steward.”

Viscount Hamilton was incredulous, shaking his head and sighing repeatedly.

But his remarkable recovery served as evidence.

And the fact that Lady Ronia was standing beside him was further proof. They had regained consciousness as soon as the castle was cleansed of demonic energy.

“I understand your disbelief, Viscount. But I assure you, Nielsen used a powerful hallucinogen. Your recovery and your family’s well-being are proof of that. You wouldn’t have recovered so quickly from a natural illness.”

“I understand, but… what kind of poison did he use?”

I gestured to Jericho, who was standing nearby. He handed me a piece of ebony wood the size of a human forearm.

It was one of our fabricated pieces of evidence.

I held it up for the Viscount and his family to see.

“This is the ebony wood Nielsen recently imported. You must have noticed the excessive amount he was purchasing.”

“…I did hear about it. But Nielsen insisted it was necessary…”

“Ebony wood is rarely used for anything other than decorations. Why would he need so much? Here’s the reason.”

I twisted the seemingly solid wood. It split in half, revealing its hollow interior.

There was a compartment the size of two finger joints, filled with white powder. The ebony wood had been used as a smuggling tool.

Hamilton and his family gasped.

“Is that… poison?”

“Yes. Our analysis revealed that it’s a hallucinogen called ‘Pailophone’. Jericho, would you care to elaborate?”

“Yes, Viscount. Pailophone is a common hallucinogen. It’s not particularly toxic on its own, but prolonged exposure can damage the nervous system. It’s classified as a narcotic.”

“So we were exposed to this drug for a long time?”

“Your immediate response to the antidote confirms it. It’ll take some time for you to fully recover. You’ll need long-term care.”

Jericho showcased his medical expertise. I was glad I had introduced him as a top graduate of the Kalisto Academy.

“Where is he? I want to see Nielsen.”

“Unfortunately, he died during our confrontation. He was wounded and fell off a cliff. His body was swept away by the current. We couldn’t recover it.”

“Sigh…”

It was a devastating blow.

His territory and his family had been brought to the brink of ruin by a single servant’s betrayal. It was a chilling reminder of the fragility of power.

This was where the Lucius Inspection Unit’s flexibility proved advantageous.

As an independent investigative body, we weren’t obligated to submit evidence to the main castle. We just had to provide a plausible explanation.

This was only possible because the Inspection Unit was relatively new. Once it grew in size and influence, there would be more bureaucratic hurdles.

“I understand. I’ll have to take charge and resolve this situation…”

“We incinerated the smuggled goods. And we also incinerated the ebony wood, as we couldn’t be sure of its effects. We didn’t seize any other assets.”

“Thank you, Inspector. But what will you report to the main castle…?”

He looked worried.

Fortunately, the Cliff territory was a hereditary domain, so it wouldn’t be confiscated. But if he fell out of favor with the Duke, he wouldn’t receive any support.

“I think there’s a misunderstanding. The Lucius Inspection Unit doesn’t answer to the main castle. We report directly to Lady Lucia.”

“So the Duke might not know about this?”

“He might, or he might not. To be honest, this investigation was requested by Lord Hylix, not Lady Lucia.”

“Lord Hylix…”

Hamilton trailed off, his expression bitter.

Out of the frying pan, into the fire.

It was important to stay in the Duke’s good graces, but it was equally important to please the eldest son. He could inherit the Dukedom at any moment.

“Don’t worry, Viscount. I believe this incident will be a turning point for House Cliff. I’ll speak to Lord Hylix on your behalf.”

“I’m indebted to you, Inspector. On behalf of House Cliff, I express my deepest gratitude. You’ll always be a welcome guest in our home.”

“It’s an honor. I was simply doing my duty.”

I was relieved that Hamilton was a decent man. It would take time, but his territory would eventually recover.

“We’ll be taking our leave. Thank you for your cooperation.”

“Safe travels.”

“Thank you for your help, Inspector.”

Lady Ronia stepped forward and bowed her head. I smiled and patted her head. She was still a child.

“You look much better now, my lady. I’ll see you again.”

She looked up at me, then nodded.

It wasn’t a bad idea to show a bit of humanity.

We returned to our inn.

“The mission is complete. Write a report for the Lady. It should arrive before we do.”

“Yes, sir. So you’ll be providing the celebratory beer and snacks, right?”

“Is that a condition?”

“You promised to hear my story. But if you’ve changed your mind, we can postpone it.”

I rarely lost an argument…

But a thirsty man digs a well.

I went downstairs and ordered food and drinks from the innkeeper. I also sent the same order to the investigators, who were camping outside.

“If the investigators refuse the drinks, offer them twice more, then bring it back.”

“Yes, sir!”

The innkeeper, delighted by the unexpected windfall, prepared the food with enthusiasm. I returned to our room, wondering if the investigators would accept the drinks.

Jericho was writing the report with impressive speed.

Despite his quick movements, his handwriting was elegant. It was easier to list his strengths than his weaknesses.

“Selendis, you’ve been acting strange. Why are you so conscious of me?”

“Not at all, Master. I’m just relaxed.”

“You’re relaxed? That’s a first.”

She still avoided my gaze. This was just giving Jericho more ammunition.

“You fought well earlier. You broke free from the illusion just in time.”

“No, Master. You deserve the credit. You destroyed the demon’s core.”

“Jericho helped.”

I steered the conversation towards the battle, trying to ease the awkwardness. Selendis, being a rational person, played along.

As we analyzed the battle, we gradually became more comfortable with eye contact.

Illusions were truly terrifying.

“Jericho! Are you almost done? The food will get cold.”

“Almost, Master! I’m on the last page. I can’t rush a report for the Lady.”

I chuckled.

“Selendis, want to bet on Jericho’s secret?”

“I wouldn’t dare bet against you, Master.”

“It’s just for fun. The winner buys dinner in the capital. What do you say?”

It wasn’t a difficult decision, but Selendis hesitated, then nodded.

“I think he’s an eccentric mage who was expelled from a magic tower. He’s probably over a hundred years old, but he’s using magic to maintain his youthful appearance.”

“…That’s a detailed guess.”

“What about you, Master?”

“I had a similar theory initially. He’s clearly a talented mage. But watching him fight Nielsen today, I sensed something different.”

“Different how?”

“Remember the silver hammer he used to destroy the Dark Soul?”

Selendis nodded.

As someone who had consumed countless fantasy novels and games in my previous life, I found it strange. It felt like a blend of mage and paladin abilities.

He wasn’t just a powerful mage he seemed to possess a unique power that suppressed demons and demonic energy.

“The hammer and the light chains he used to bind Nielsen didn’t seem like ordinary magic. It suggests that he has a specialized ability that counters demons.”

I didn’t mention it, but Jericho had fired a light orb at me during my melodramatic performance, before Selendis broke free from the illusion.

I had been surprised, as I hadn’t expected him to attack me. But the orb had no effect.

“It means his abilities are effective against demonic energy. There’s a legend about ‘demon hunters’. They specialize in hunting demons and demonic beasts.”

I had mentioned it casually, recalling a game I used to play. Jericho suddenly stopped writing.

He looked at me, his eyes wide with surprise.

“…How did you know?”

“Know what?”

“You just mentioned demon hunters. How did you know I come from a long line of demon hunters?”

“You’re serious?”

Jericho looked utterly bewildered.

I didn’t need to explain that my meta-cognitive analysis was a result of my possession.

“Wait, you didn’t hear about the silver hammer and the light chains?”

“No, Master. The term ‘demon hunter’ just caught my attention.”

“There were clues. Think about your actions before you doubt me. You revealed everything yourself. As a member of the Inspection Unit, you need to use your head.”

“…”

I had won the bet. I grinned at Selendis.

“I’ll choose the restaurant. I’ll ask the Lady for recommendations when we return.”

“Yes, Master.”

“Hold on! This isn’t the time for you two to plan a date!”

“We made a bet. The winner buys dinner.”

“Then you have to take me too!”

“That wasn’t part of the deal. Selendis, what do you say?”

“I didn’t agree to pay for Jericho, but I’ll treat him this time. I owe him a favor.”

“Sigh… How did I end up in this situation…?”

Jericho joined us at the table and drained his beer.

His story began.