Chapter 41

Episode 41

“If it’s top secret, it can’t be good.”

I appreciated his quick wit. I hesitated, unsure how much information to reveal.

It wasn’t that I didn’t trust Jericho.

It was confirmation bias.

Both Selendis and Jericho were deeply impressed by my leadership. They would believe anything I said, potentially overlooking crucial information.

It was best to filter my orders, to keep my options open.

“It’s not anything shady. I need you to investigate someone.”

“Tell me who it is.”

“Use all your resources to investigate the Third Prince and his mother. Dig up everything, even the smallest details. Don’t miss a single speck of dust.”

Jericho’s eyes gleamed with understanding. He had grasped my intentions.

“You’re looking for a reason to break off the engagement. A wise approach. High-ranking nobles prioritize justification over practicality. Smaller families focus on survival, but larger families are concerned with their legacy. I understand.”

“I agree. The Duke needs justification, not practicality.”

“But what will you do with the information once we find it?”

The Third Prince’s mother was a commoner. Unlike nobles, commoners were more likely to have skeletons in their closet.

That was what I wanted him to find. Everyone had secrets.

It might seem cruel, but this was the best way to prevent the marriage. Of course, there might be unforeseen circumstances once we arrived in the capital.

If there was a way to resolve this without resorting to blackmail, I would take it.

Efficiency was important, but I preferred to minimize collateral damage.

“I have a plan. I’ll tell you later. Just gather the information and meet me in the capital.”

“I’m not curious, Master. Absolutely not. Please don’t misunderstand my loyalty. I need to understand your intentions to gather the right information. So please, just a hint.”

He even pretended to cup his ear, eager to hear my plan. I couldn’t help but chuckle. He was dying of curiosity.

I relented and gave him a brief outline of my plan.

“What? What did you just say?”

“If you didn’t hear me, too bad. I don’t repeat myself.”

“Huh…”

I had never seen Jericho’s eyes widen so much.

“Will that work? Even for you, Inspector, it seems a bit…”

“There’s a reason why they say ‘nothing ventured, nothing gained’. Just keep it to yourself for now. There might be unforeseen circumstances.”

“Yes, sir. I’ll get right on it.”

Chloe bombarded Jericho with questions, but he remained silent, lost in thought.

Selendis, as always, didn’t ask anything.

The preparations at the Inspection Unit headquarters were complete. A few days later, an envoy arrived from the Imperial Capital.

It was Minister Scala, accompanied by Imperial Guards.

***

I avoided the inner castle while Minister Scala was staying there.

I spent most of my time at my mansion, occasionally visiting the Inspection Unit headquarters to receive updates from Jericho and Chloe.

They had connections with the castle servants and were able to gather information in real-time.

“He presented specific conditions for the marriage?”

“He was sent to discuss the next steps. It’s not surprising.”

“They’re moving quickly. I thought they weren’t even engaged yet.”

Jericho provided a plausible explanation.

“Just between us, there are rumors that the Emperor is in poor health. They’re probably trying to secure a powerful ally before a succession struggle erupts.”

“I agree. Having the support of the most powerful family in the empire would be reassuring.”

“It’s sad that the Lady is being sacrificed for political reasons.”

I agreed with Jericho. But this was reality. It was the same in my previous world.

“When is Minister Scala leaving?”

“Tomorrow. The Lady will be leaving for the capital in three days.”

Our third mission was set. I would escort Lady Lucia to the Imperial Capital.

“What’s the escort formation?”

“The Vice-Commander of the Azure Dragon Knights will lead the escort.”

“Isn’t that Sir Darius?”

“Yes. He’s a highly skilled knight.”

The Azure Dragon Knights were the second-highest ranked knight order in House Kalisto. They were only ranked second because their commander was Romero, the Duke’s second son.

No matter how many achievements they earned, they would never surpass the Black Dragon Knights, led by Lord Hylix.

“It’s a significant event. It’s strange that Lord Hylix isn’t leading the escort.”

“He’s leaving for the Cliff territory with the Black Dragon Knights.”

I was surprised.

“Did he figure out what we did?”

“No way. He’s probably just checking. According to our sources, they still believe it was dark magic.”

“As expected.”

“It was brilliant of you to deduce the possibility of dark magic from a single piece of ebony wood. I can’t believe they sent us there for that reason. We have to be more careful.”

Jericho had been showering me with compliments lately. Was he asking for a raise?

“Anyway, we’ll receive our fourth mission after I return from the capital. Our work will continue, so don’t dwell on the past.”

“Of course, Master.”

“Inspector, I’ll escort Jericho to the capital. Is that alright?”

Selendis was determined to accompany me to the capital. How could I refuse?

“Don’t overexert yourself. I doubt a demon hunter from the Tulu family needs protection.”

Minister Scala returned to the capital the next day. And the day of Lady Lucia’s departure arrived.

I donned my Inspection Unit uniform and headed towards the inner castle. I couldn’t carry all my weapons, so I only brought the Sword of Chaos.

A carriage adorned with elaborate decorations awaited the Lady. The Kalisto family crest was emblazoned on both doors.

And there was more.

Knights in blue armor stood in formation, their movements precise and disciplined. There were ten knights and thirty soldiers.

They were like finely honed weapons, their every move radiating an aura of danger.

Even without intelligence, monsters would think twice before attacking.

“Inspector O’Brien.”

A middle-aged knight approached me. He was wearing more ornate armor than the others. It was Sir Darius, the Vice-Commander of the Azure Dragon Knights.

“Sir O’Brien Walker, at your service. I apologize for any inconvenience.”

“Don’t be so formal. Inconvenience? You’re the Lady’s chosen escort. I would be honored to be in your position.”

“Please, speak casually. You’re making me uncomfortable.”

“Hahaha, you’re just as humble as the rumors say. Everyone in the Dukedom knows about your humility, Sir O’Brien. It’s a good example for the knights. Sir Parris told me…”

He smiled warmly, but his eyes were dark.

I activated ‘Mind’s Eye’. Everything he said was a lie.

People were truly unfathomable.

‘Mind’s Eye’ often revealed things I didn’t want to know. It was useful at times, but more often than not, it was a burden.

But it was useful in this case.

I had to be prepared for the possibility that the knights might betray Lady Lucia.

I was the only one she could truly trust.

“The Lady is approaching! Show your respect!”

The knights turned as one and saluted Lady Lucia.

She appeared, her hair adorned with glittering ornaments.

She was radiant.

Her name was truly fitting. ‘Lucia’ meant ‘light’ in ancient language.

The knights and soldiers looked at her with adoration. She was beloved by all.

A set of stairs was placed beneath the carriage door, and I escorted her inside.

“Would you like to join me, Sir Aubrey?”

“No, my Lady. I’ll escort you from outside.”

She didn’t insist. I closed the carriage door.

“Sir Darius, you may depart.”

“Very well. Let’s go! Listen up! We’re escorting Lady Lucia to the Imperial Capital! We’ll protect her with our lives!”

“Oorah!”

The knights and soldiers cheered as they set off. The carriage began to move.

I had been tempted to accept her offer to ride with her.

It would have been a chance to solidify my position. But spending hours alone with the ultimate mastermind was mentally exhausting.

Crowds gathered as we entered the city, cheering and waving.

I had heard about her popularity, but seeing it firsthand was different.

She opened the curtains and waved back, her smile genuine and heartwarming. No one would suspect that she was the ultimate mastermind.

We left the city.

“Be on guard! Watch out for monster attacks. Eliminate any threats!”

“Yes, sir!”

We arrived at our first destination, the town of Adran, in the evening. It was close to the capital, so they were well-prepared for our arrival.

The mayor offered us his mansion.

The Lady retired to her chambers. I sat in the waiting room, reviewing the documents Jericho had prepared.

*Knock, knock*

I granted permission to enter.

It was Sir Darius.

I set aside the documents and stood up, my manners ingrained from years of service.

“What brings you here at this late hour, Sir Darius?”

“Hahaha, I brought some good wine. I thought we could share a drink and get to know each other better.”

“Thank you for the offer, Sir Darius.”

I offered him the seat of honor, but he waved it away and sat beside me.

He poured us some wine.

Many people would be eager to build connections with the Vice-Commander of the Azure Dragon Knights.

But I wanted to avoid him.

Because of Lord Romero.

I was already dealing with Lord Hylix. Adding his brother to the mix would give me a headache.

“I heard you achieved a great victory at the Cliff territory. Lord Romero is quite interested in your exploits. Would you mind sharing some details? It’ll be a good accompaniment to this fine wine.”

Damn it.

My premonition had been right.