Chapter 42

Episode 42

“It wasn’t much of an achievement. It was actually easier than my first mission.”

On the surface, that was true.

In the Gerard territory, we had to fight a secret organization. Several investigators were injured.

My reputation as a skilled fighter stemmed from that first mission.

I had single-handedly eliminated the ‘Council of Seven’ and beheaded their leader, Satyr.

In contrast, the investigators had only conducted investigations in the Cliff territory. Their main contribution was uncovering suspicious items in the basement.

“Hahaha, Sir O’Brien, we’re alone here. You can relax! Excessive humility can be off-putting.”

“It’s not humility it’s the truth.”

Despite my obvious discomfort, he showed no intention of leaving. He drained his glass and refilled it.

“I knew you’d say that. Sigh, this wine is excellent. Would you care for some?”

I picked up my glass but didn’t drink.

It was time for ‘Mind’s Eye’.

“I believe you have another reason for visiting me.”

“Hmm, you’re as perceptive as the rumors say. I didn’t intend to deceive you. To be honest, I have a reason for being on this mission. Lord Romero sent me.”

His eyes were clear for the first time. He was telling the truth.

Romero de Kalisto.

He was the Duke’s second son. He was skilled in both swordsmanship and strategy, but he had always been overshadowed and underestimated compared to his brother, Lord Hylix.

I had learned about his true abilities from Jericho.

During my time in the butler department, I had only seen what was on the surface. Romero had always lost to his brother in sparring matches, and his achievements were relatively minor.

So I had assumed Hylix was the stronger brother. But I was wrong.

Jericho’s words had surprised me.

*— It’s all part of his plan. He’s hiding his strength to make his enemies underestimate him. According to a reliable source, Lord Romero has already reached the level of a high-ranking knight. That’s impressive, considering he’s not even twenty yet. If he reveals his true power, there will be chaos.*

Lord Hylix had only recently reached the level of a high-ranking knight.

It was still a remarkable achievement for his age, but the fact that his younger brother was stronger was unacceptable.

If this information were to spread, people would question Hylix’s leadership. The Duke would have to intervene.

“To be blunt, Lord Romero is impressed by your abilities.”

Another truth.

There was no doubt now. Romero was trying to recruit me.

“I’m grateful, but I serve the Lucius Inspection Unit.”

“That’s temporary. There are rumors that the Inspection Unit will be absorbed into the Kalisto Knights once Lady Lucia marries.”

“Which knight order specifically?”

“The Azure Dragon Knights, of course.”

He had already thought that far ahead.

Romero was more ambitious than I had realized. He wasn’t just interested in me he wanted to control the entire Inspection Unit.

“Your assumption seems a bit premature. Forgive my bluntness, but the Black Dragon Knights are the highest-ranked knight order in House Kalisto, not the Azure Dragon Knights. Why would the Inspection Unit be placed under their command?”

“I can’t answer that. You haven’t made your decision yet.”

Another truth. He definitely had a plan.

“If you join Lord Romero, we can guarantee your position as Inspector and your future advancement.”

I withdrew my hand from my glass and crossed my arms. I glared at him.

“…Sir O’Brien?”

Darius faltered, intimidated by my sudden shift in demeanor. It was intentional.

“Your words are dangerous. Only the Duke can guarantee advancement in House Kalisto.”

“Ah, well…”

“Lord Romero is just a lord, not the heir apparent. There’s already a designated successor. How can you discuss advancement?”

Darius flinched. He had realized his mistake. He shouldn’t have made such a careless promise.

But he was a seasoned knight. He swallowed his nervousness and tried to salvage the situation.

“I didn’t mean it literally. I was simply expressing Lord Romero’s appreciation for your talent. Hmm, there seems to be a misunderstanding. This isn’t about succession. It’s about making the Dukedom a better place, which aligns with Lady Lucia’s goals.”

“Is that so?”

“Of course! You’ve misinterpreted my words. I would never defy the Duke’s authority.”

He drained his glass again, trying to hide his embarrassment.

His last statement was a lie, according to ‘Mind’s Eye’.

There was nothing left to confirm.

“Let me summarize. Lord Romero appreciates my talent and wants to recruit me to secure my position as Inspector. Is that correct?”

“Yes, that’s precisely it. It’s a gesture of goodwill from Lord Romero, who values talent. We’d like to hear your decision.”

“Very well. One last question. What will you do if Lady Lucia doesn’t marry and remains in House Kalisto?”

“…What?”

I smiled. A smile at a time like this conveyed seriousness.

“What do you mean? It’s a marriage proposal from the Imperial Family. It’s not easily broken.”

“Anything is possible. Did you ever imagine that the Kalisto territory would have an Inspection Unit?”

“Well… no…”

“There have been countless cases of broken engagements with the Imperial Family. The engagement with the Aphelion Duchy, the engagement with the Norvik Kingdom… They were all broken off without much fuss. That’s the nature of Imperial marriages.”

I was grateful for Jericho’s thoroughness. He had provided me with a wealth of information.

“Political marriages are easily made and broken. It’s too early to jump to conclusions. Don’t you agree?”

“Hmm…”

He had no response.

What frustrated him the most was that I hadn’t made a decision. I had simply pointed out the flaw in his premise.

“Please convey my gratitude to Lord Romero. I appreciate his offer, but I need more time to consider it.”

“…As you wish.”

“It’s getting late. We’re leaving tomorrow, so you should rest.”

Sir Darius obeyed. He left his unfinished wine and exited the room.

But he didn’t close the door. I heard him greeting someone.

Another visitor?

I stood up as the next person entered.

“My Lady, what brings you here at this late hour?”

“Am I interrupting? I was about to knock, but Sir Darius was leaving.”

“Please, have a seat.”

I offered her my chair. She sat down gracefully. I stood before her, awaiting her command.

“Did you drink?”

“No, my Lady. Sir Darius brought wine, but I didn’t drink any.”

“I heard you enjoy drinking.”

She knew everything about me.

I had been a heavy drinker in my previous life. But this world was different. I couldn’t afford to let my guard down.

“I abstain from alcohol during important missions.”

“I know. Jericho mentioned it in his reports. He’s a trustworthy man.”

She seemed to have something on her mind. Was she waiting for me to ask?

“I have a question. I’d appreciate an honest answer.”

“Ask away, my Lady.”

“I’m going to the capital to meet Prince Arthur. My future husband. What is the Inspection Unit doing?”

It was a tricky question. But it wasn’t unexpected.

She had never explicitly ordered me to prevent the marriage. She had simply instructed me to escort her to the capital.

My decision to prevent the marriage was based on my knowledge of the game.

The ultimate mastermind wouldn’t marry a scoundrel.

“I’m escorting you, my Lady. Selendis and Jericho are investigating Prince Arthur and his mother.”

“As expected. Why are they investigating?”

It was decision time.

I hoped my intuition was right.

“To prevent the marriage.”

“I never ordered that… Why did you make that decision? The Inspection Unit’s actions reflect on our family.”

Her tone was cautious.

But I felt like I was walking on a tightrope. That was her charm, her dangerous allure.

“I believe you’re destined for greater things, my Lady.”

“Greater things?”

“I mentioned it before. Your ambitions.”

“Ah, that…”

I had mentioned it after the attack by Satyr’s followers, when I had reported to her directly.

It wasn’t disrespectful. She had said she welcomed such questions.

“I thought I had explained myself clearly, but it seems you still misunderstand.”

“Whether it’s a misunderstanding or not is irrelevant. I trust my instincts.”

Her gaze intensified. I was starting to understand her patterns.

“The Sir Aubrey I know is a man of conviction. You’re also incredibly tenacious. You trust your instincts above all else… So you won’t abandon your plan to prevent this marriage?”

“If I may, I’d like to offer an alternative.”

She nodded.

“Sir Darius told me that the Inspection Unit will be absorbed into the Azure Dragon Knights once you marry.”

“My brother seems to like you. What did you say?”

“I asked him what he would do if you didn’t marry and remained in House Kalisto. His expression was priceless.”

To my surprise, she laughed.

It was the first time I had heard her laugh.

And I felt a thrill of excitement. My intuition was right.

She stood up and walked towards the door.

“It’ll be a difficult journey, Sir Aubrey. Get some rest tonight.”