Chapter 38

Episode 38

“Welcome, Sir O’Brien.”

Sir Parris was guarding the inner castle gate today. We had been friends since my days as an assistant.

We hadn’t seen each other often since my promotion to Inspector, but he had invited me to dinner at his mansion a few times.

He was one of the most trustworthy people in Kalisto Castle.

And I cherished the warmth in his eyes, the fatherly affection I had never experienced in my previous life.

“You’re working hard as always, Sir Parris. I’ve just returned from a mission.”

“I heard you succeeded once again. Viscount Cliff had a rough time. Thank you for resolving the situation. I owe him a favor.”

“Is that so? That’s good to hear.”

“Come to our mansion for dinner now that your mission is complete. My wife is preparing a feast.”

“I’d love to.”

As I was about to enter the castle, a soldier approached me hesitantly.

“Um, Inspector?”

“How dare you block the Inspector’s path!”

“It’s alright, Sir Parris.”

I smiled at the soldier.

“What can I do for you?”

“I have a question… It’s…”

I was curious. This had never happened during my time as an assistant.

“My dream is to become an investigator in the Inspection Unit. How can I join?”

“An investigator…”

This was interesting.

The Inspector position was an honorary knighthood and a direct appointment from Lady Lucia, so it was a coveted position. But an investigator? That was unexpected.

It seemed the Lucius Inspection Unit’s reputation had grown.

“Adjutant Jericho handles investigator recruitment. You should ask him. Visit the Inspection Unit office during his off-hours. He’ll provide you with more information.”

“Um… Can a commoner like me just visit the Inspection Unit office?”

“I’ll let him know you’re coming. What’s your name?”

“B-Britz! Thank you, Inspector!”

The guards, including Sir Parris, looked at me with newfound respect.

A small act of kindness could go a long way.

I had witnessed the ugly side of power in my previous life. I had seen countless cases of abuse and exploitation. It was baffling.

Why would anyone resort to such behavior when they could easily earn someone’s loyalty with a simple conversation? The arrogance of power was truly frightening.

I would never mistreat my subordinates, even if I reached a higher position.

“My apologies, Inspector. My subordinate wasted your time. Please, go in.”

“It’s alright. I’ll see you again.”

I entered the castle.

The atmosphere felt different after my encounter with demonic energy. It was refreshing and hopeful.

I went to Lady Lucia’s room, but she had visitors.

The maid on duty today was Lillis.

“How long have they been here?”

“About an hour. Should I inform them that you’re here?”

The door was open, so I peeked inside.

The Duchess’s three ladies-in-waiting were chatting.

Rosalyn, Arisnel, and Charlotte.

I was particularly interested in Rosalyn, the Viscountess. She was connected to Baron Gerard’s territory, the location of our first mission.

She had called it a ‘land of opportunity’, but I hadn’t deciphered her meaning.

“No, I’ll wait.”

Lillis seemed eager to gossip, but it would be unwise to chat in front of Lady Lucia’s room.

The ladies-in-waiting eventually left. I entered the room.

“Oh, Inspector O’Brien.”

“I heard you completed another mission successfully. You’re quite resourceful.”

“Indeed. The Duchess even inquired about you. You’re a celebrity now.”

They showered me with compliments. I bowed my head humbly.

Only Rosalyn maintained eye contact.

“You must join our social gathering next time. Many people are curious about you.”

“You’re too kind. I’m not worthy of such an honor.”

“You’re so humble. The Lady is truly blessed with loyal subordinates. Hohoho.”

I couldn’t be bothered with a Viscountess right now. I had important matters to report to Lady Lucia. And there was something I needed to correct.

They sensed my discomfort and excused themselves.

I approached the Lady and bowed.

“It’s been a while, my Lady. I trust you’ve been well.”

“I’ve been well, thanks to you. You resolved the situation perfectly. As expected of Sir O’Brien. I knew you could do it. Have a seat.”

“Before I do, there’s something I need to tell you.”

Lucia dismissed the remaining servants. I waited until the door was closed.

“The report Jericho submitted a few days ago wasn’t entirely accurate.”

“Not accurate? You mean it was fabricated?”

“Yes. It was a formality, for the Duke’s eyes. The truth is quite different.”

If this were any other organization, I would be in serious trouble. I had essentially deceived my superior.

But the Lady’s expression remained unchanged. She calmly sipped her tea.

Perhaps she already knew? Perhaps she knew about the ‘Dark Soul’ and the corrupted servant who had attempted to destroy House Cliff.

“There must be a reason. Would you care to explain?”

“To be blunt, the incidents at Viscount Cliff’s estate weren’t caused by a servant’s betrayal. It was a demonic corruption.”

“Demonic? You mean the power of demons?”

“Yes, my Lady.”

I retrieved Jericho’s revised report from my pocket. She glanced at it, then smiled faintly.

“I’d prefer to hear it from you. Have a seat. You must be tired from your journey.”

“Thank you, my Lady.”

She poured me a cup of tea. If I hadn’t known what she was, I would have been smitten by her grace and elegance.

I sat down and recounted the events in detail.

I had to imply that I had suspected Jericho’s true identity. I couldn’t reveal that I had sensed the demonic energy thanks to a system message.

Fortunately, she didn’t question that part.

Instead, she said,

“You understand why I concealed the pasts of my subordinates, right?”

“We’re grateful for your concern, my Lady. Jericho said he felt relieved after confessing.”

“That’s good to hear. But why was the ‘Dark Soul’ there?”

“We’re not sure. Jericho said they’re scattered across the world.”

And then, it happened.

Her gentle eyes turned cold.

“Was it a coincidence?”

“…What do you mean, my Lady?”

“Demonic artifacts rarely appear without a reason. Perhaps it’s a sign. A prelude to a demonic invasion…?”

She trailed off, then chuckled, covering her mouth with her hand.

“My apologies. I’m getting carried away. I love stories about heroes. I stayed up all night reading a book my tutor recommended.”

The coldness in her eyes vanished. I was being manipulated by a teenager…

“That’s why I wanted to hear it from you. I love adventure stories. I’ve never experienced anything like that.”

“I see. But you raised a valid point. The presence of a demonic artifact is a cause for concern, regardless of the reason. Jericho is worried.”

“I’d like the Inspection Unit to handle this, but you’re short-staffed.”

“It’ll be a challenge, but we’ll fulfill your orders, my Lady.”

“Don’t overexert yourselves. We’re just getting started.”

The report was over.

I hadn’t expected her to be angry or punish me, but her indifference was unexpected.

She surprised me every time we met. This dazzlingly beautiful mastermind.

“If I may ask a question…”

“You still feel uncomfortable around me, Sir O’Brien. Ask away.”

“You knew, didn’t you?”

“Knew what? Be specific.”

I wasn’t the type to stay silent when I had questions.

And I had my reasons. This mission had been suspicious from the start. The vague wording of the mission document, the fact that it was requested by Lord Hylix’s strategist…

“You knew there was a corrupted individual at Viscount Cliff’s estate.”

“…Me?”

“I apologize for my bluntness, but your behavior has been unnatural. Everything about you today.”

‘You know too much.’

I might be dragged away and silenced.

But Lady Lucia was different.

She seemed to appreciate boldness. And now that I had successfully completed the mission, I could ask my questions without risking my life.

“You’re still young, my Lady. And as you said, you lack experience. But your reaction to my report was unnatural. This is a serious matter that should be reported to the Duke or the Church.”

‘Continue, I don’t find it offensive.’

The teenager stared at me, her expression unreadable.

“Your insight is comparable to a scholar’s, and your ability to manage people surpasses that of the Kalisto scribes. You’re gathering talented individuals. Perhaps you have other organizations besides the Inspection Unit. You’ve concealed your true intentions perfectly.”

“That’s a contradiction. You’re saying you can see my hidden intentions?”

“I can.”

She chuckled at my confident declaration. But her eyes remained cold.

“Thank you for the compliment, Sir O’Brien. But I’m not that impressive. I might be leaving for the Imperial Capital soon…”

Finally, the topic I had been waiting for.

Jericho had shared some valuable information before we left for the Cliff territory. The Imperial Family had sent an envoy to arrange a marriage, and they would arrive in a few days.

If the Lucius Inspection Unit was Lady Lucia’s personal organization, then our next mission would be related to this marriage.

She couldn’t leave yet.

“The burden of proof lies with the one making the claim. I’ll prove my theory. Our next mission will be to prevent this marriage.”

I waited for her reaction, wondering how her calm facade would crack.

“Reject the Imperial marriage proposal. That’s our next mission, I’m certain of it. What do you say, my Lady?”

For the first time, I saw a flicker of emotion in her eyes.

Her composure, usually as serene as a lake or as impenetrable as a fortress, wavered slightly.