Chapter 39

Episode 39

I activated ‘Mind’s Eye’.

There was no system message like the one I had received in the Cliff territory. But I felt a sense of liberation, as if a restriction had been lifted.

Shouldn’t there be a hidden quest or something after surprising the ultimate mastermind?

I suspected that ‘Mind’s Eye’ was linked to my social status, but I wanted to experiment.

“Sir Aubrey, you’re an interesting man. You always manage to surprise me. Of course, that doesn’t mean your deduction is correct…”

She smiled shyly, her fingers toying with her lips. But I couldn’t afford to be distracted by her beauty.

I checked her eyes. Damn it, they were purple. Getting ahead of myself always led to disappointment.

I decided to back down. She had been genuinely surprised, so it wasn’t a complete loss.

Making a strong impression was enough for now.

“My apologies, my Lady.”

“No, not at all. Before I answer your question, I have one for you. My answer will depend on yours. How does that sound?”

“Ask away, my Lady.”

I felt a surge of nervousness.

Lucia refilled her empty teacup and continued.

“You bravely eliminated the demonic seed with your subordinates, without involving the Church. But demonic power is beyond the scope of a single family. It could become a national crisis. Even if we don’t inform the Church… shouldn’t we report this to the Duke?”

I had considered this. I already had an answer.

“I won’t report it. I’ve informed you of the truth, my Lady. The rest is your decision.”

“Even if I choose not to inform my father about the demonic involvement?”

“Everyone will respect your decision. And if the Church investigates, I’ll remain silent.”

“I see. You’re a true and loyal servant.”

She nodded, a satisfied smile gracing her lips.

Was she finally revealing her true nature?

“I have a third mission for you.”

My heart skipped a beat.

Perhaps I would finally get a glimpse of her secret organization. The Lucius Inspection Unit was a public organization. She must have a secret network operating in the shadows.

I wanted to be her left-hand man, her trusted confidant in the shadows.

“I’ll be traveling to the Imperial Capital soon. I need someone to accompany me… Would you be willing to come with me?”

“Is it because of the marriage proposal?”

“Perhaps. What do you think?”

She wasn’t going to give me a straight answer.

How disappointing.

I thought I had figured her out, but she was still hiding her true intentions.

If I hadn’t known she was the ultimate mastermind, I would have believed her innocent facade.

It was alright. There would be other opportunities.

“I’ll obey your command, my Lady. It’s an escort mission, so I’ll bring Lady Selendis. You might not have heard, but she’s recently reached a higher level of skill.”

“Really? That’s wonderful. But I only need you this time. I don’t want to attract attention.”

“As you wish.”

I bowed my head and was about to leave when she stood up.

“I’d like to reward you for completing your mission. How does that sound?”

“I was simply doing my duty, my Lady. Your words are reward enough.”

“It’s nothing grand. Just a small token of appreciation.”

She rang a bell on the table. A maid entered.

“Prepare a meal. Sir Aubrey will be joining me. Make it special.”

“Yes, my Lady.”

The maid left, and Lucia led the way.

A tantalizing aroma filled the air.

“Is dinner alright?”

“I’m not worthy of dining with you, my Lady. I fear the other vassals will disapprove.”

“You misunderstand. The rumors about my Inspector are spreading. They say he’s a skilled and humble man. Would anyone criticize me for dining with such a person? If they do, it’s just jealousy.”

I followed her without a word.

As we walked down the corridor, we encountered a group of people approaching us.

It was Lord Hylix.

He must have been looking for Lucia.

“Brother.”

“Lucia, are you going for a walk?”

“I’m having dinner with Sir Aubrey. We were just heading to the dining hall.”

“Hahaha, Sir Aubrey, you’ve made it! Dining alone with my sister is an honor reserved for princes.”

His mention of princes was unsettling, especially considering the marriage proposal. Lucia must have felt the same way.

But to my surprise, she blushed.

She was a better actress than me.

“Brother, stop it. You’re embarrassing me.”

“There’s no need to be embarrassed. You’ll be a member of the Imperial Family soon, and our families will be connected. It’s a great honor.”

“I’ll do whatever it takes for our family.”

“That’s my girl.”

While they chatted, I made eye contact with Oracle. She approached me, a subtle smile on her lips.

“What kind of magic did you use at the Cliff estate?”

“I’m not a mage. I simply revealed the truth.”

“You’re an interesting man.”

I ignored Hylix’s glare and continued.

“I hope you’ll visit the Inspection Unit often. I’ve heard you’re destined for great things. We’ll do our best to assist you.”

“Those are kind words, O’Brien.”

Hylix interrupted. I bowed my head.

“I’ve been meaning to speak with you. Lucia, may I borrow your companion for a moment? I won’t keep him long.”

“Of course, brother. I’ll be waiting for you at Rosetta, Sir Aubrey.”

Lucia left with her maids. I followed Hylix to a nearby drawing-room.

He was serious, judging by the fact that he had left Oracle outside.

He sat down on the sofa, crossing his legs and leaning back. He looked at me, his chin resting on his hand.

“Oracle told me about your mission. You said one of the vassals used poison?”

“Yes, Your Highness. I can provide you with more details if you’d like.”

“No need. Lucia is waiting. Let’s get to the point. Would you be interested in working for me?”

“Working for you? You mean leaving Lady Lucia’s service and serving you directly?”

“My dear sister will be joining the Imperial Family soon. Her subordinates will eventually work for our family. It’s not a bad idea to choose your allegiance now.”

He smiled arrogantly.

I had met many people like him in my previous life.

He was a typical power-hungry individual.

He claimed to be interested in my talent, but that was just a facade. As the heir apparent, he wanted to eliminate any potential threats.

He wasn’t interested in my abilities he wanted to control me, to prevent me from causing any trouble.

If I had been an ordinary person, this would have been a great opportunity.

He was offering me a position of power and security.

But I knew who the real mastermind was. I didn’t need a mediocre lifeline.

It was time for a gamble.

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

His expression soured.

“…Even if she leaves House Kalisto?”

“She’ll still need people, even if she’s a member of the Imperial Family. I can send you letters and acquire items for her. It’s best to have a trusted person in the capital.”

“So you’re her trusted person?”

“Trust is earned, Your Highness.”

I repeated a phrase I had once told our head butler. Hylix chuckled.

“What do you gain from earning her trust? You’re more likely to be discarded.”

“You should be saying that to Lady Oracle or Sir Mars.”

“…What do you mean?”

“Heroes are unnecessary in times of peace. Once you inherit the Dukedom, your needs will change. Don’t worry about me, Your Highness. Focus on managing your current subordinates.”

I had indirectly alluded to the concept of ‘abandoning one’s allies after achieving victory’. Hylix, despite his arrogance, seemed to understand.

“She’s quite a find. I doubt Lucia is acting on a whim.”

He stood up abruptly.

“I should behead you for your insolence, but I’ll spare you, considering your talent. The offer still stands. Come find me if you change your mind.”

I bowed my head.

I had no intention of accepting his offer.

***

“What did my brother say?”

Lucia asked as soon as I sat down.

I was surprised. Her expression was softer than usual.

The usual sternness and regality were gone, replaced by a charming and almost childlike demeanor.

“What’s wrong?”

“N-nothing, my Lady. My apologies. The Lord praised my success and didn’t say anything else.”

“I’m sorry if I caused you any trouble. I should have handled it better…”

She even looked apologetic. I couldn’t read her at all.

“Please, don’t apologize, my Lady. It’s my duty to serve you.”

“I’ll be more careful in the future.”

“I’m truly fine, my Lady.”

A bowl of warm soup and some bread arrived.

We were at ‘Rosetta’, a high-end restaurant reserved for members of House Kalisto. The tableware was exquisite, and the servants were all highly trained.

The soup and bread were simple, but I appreciated the gesture.

I understood why she had called it a ‘small token of appreciation’.

“Have you ever been to the Imperial Capital, Sir Aubrey?”

“No, my Lady. I’ve traveled around the southern regions, but I’ve never been north.”

I was guessing. I couldn’t access the original owner’s memories, so I didn’t know for sure.

“Then this mission will be an eye-opening experience. The capital is full of travelers. There’s so much to see and do. I’m excited. I’ve never left the Dukedom.”

She smiled brightly.

I felt a sense of déjà vu.

This reminded me of something from my previous life…

Blind dates.

We were getting to know each other over a meal. Her cheerful demeanor and chattiness amplified the resemblance.

“Sir Aubrey? What are you thinking about?”

“Ah, my apologies, my Lady.”

“Don’t be so formal. Are you worried about the mission?”

“No, my Lady. Not at all.”

I would have to prepare thoroughly for the trip to the capital. I needed information about the city and the prince she was supposed to marry.

Her true intentions would be revealed then.

But for now…

I wanted to enjoy this moment. It was rare for us to have such a casual conversation.

A humanized mastermind wasn’t so bad.