Chapter 46

Episode 46

It was strange. Her hand was pointed directly at me.

That couldn’t be right. Was there someone behind me?

I was close to the stage, so I turned around. But there were only a few ladies gathered there, no men to receive her invitation.

And then, I realized what was happening.

‘…I didn’t anticipate this variable.’

She was asking me to dance.

Before the banquet, I had asked her to choose Lord McLellan as her dance partner, for the sake of the mission.

It was all part of my plan.

I wasn’t doing this for personal gain it was for her benefit. And she was betraying me like this?

I suppressed a sigh and forced a smile.

“My Lady, do you need anything? Would you like some wine?”

I immediately switched to assistant mode. It wasn’t unusual for her to summon a servant for refreshments.

But her smile didn’t falter.

“I’m choosing a dance partner, Sir O’Brien Walker. You’re the guest of honor tonight.”

Her words sent a ripple through the crowd.

“Is that Sir O’Brien Walker?”

“He’s handsome! I heard his name mentioned a few times in Kalisto social circles.”

“He’s impressive. He’s Kalisto’s Inspector and a skilled swordsman. He escorted the Lady all the way here.”

“Really?”

I ignored their whispers. My focus was on Count Suleiman, Eloan, and McLellan.

I needed to gauge their reactions.

Count Suleiman looked surprised. It seemed he hadn’t considered a marriage alliance with House Kalisto.

It would have been a beneficial alliance for House Caribe.

But the Count was a pragmatist.

Lucia was the Duke’s only daughter, and she was already involved in a marriage negotiation with the Imperial Family. It wouldn’t be wise to pursue her.

But his son, Eloan, was a different story.

He had pulled me aside and begged me to help him dance with Lady Lucia. He had even promised me a reward.

He was a man driven by his desires.

And I had just stolen his chance. He would be furious.

I had inadvertently made another enemy.

McLellan, on the other hand, clapped politely, a smile on his face. He seemed to have accepted defeat, either out of genuine kindness or resignation.

Either way, things had gotten complicated.

“What are you waiting for? The music is about to start.”

“…Please excuse me.”

I reluctantly climbed onto the stage and took her hand. It was still warm and soft.

If I had been an ordinary person, I would have been fantasizing about a happy life with her, complete with grandchildren.

The thought sent a chill down my spine. Her small hand felt cold and clammy.

It was like stepping into the jaws of a monster.

The music started, and she led the first step.

I had never been a good dancer. I had only received a few lessons during my time as an assistant.

She, on the other hand, was considered the best dancer in the Kalisto Dukedom. She was experienced and graceful.

My clumsy steps couldn’t match her elegance.

‘Should I try it?’

I activated ‘Automatic Combat’.

…No way.

I almost tripped, but she caught me, her movements smooth and effortless. The audience cheered, mistaking my clumsiness for a deliberate move.

It would be a cheat skill if it could handle everyday actions.

“I’m not a good dancer, my Lady.”

“Look into my eyes. And trust your body. Slowly… Now quickly.”

She guided me patiently. The music was beautiful, the setting was grand, and my partner was stunning.

It felt surreal. My thoughts froze as we danced.

She captivated the audience with her beauty and grace.

That’s how it must have looked to an outsider.

But for me, it was different. Her movements, sometimes slow, sometimes fast, felt like a guide, a map of the path I had to take.

She even leaned into my arms at times. She was so small and delicate. I felt a surge of protectiveness.

And there were moments when I leaned against her. I tried to avoid physical contact, but her touch was insistent.

‘I should have had some wine.’

Alcohol would have slowed my thoughts, allowing me to enjoy the moment.

The music ended, and we raised our hands, signaling the finale. Applause erupted. The audience showered us with praise.

“That was a wonderful dance! I heard the Kalisto social scene was impressive, but this exceeded my expectations!”

“Indeed! And look at Sir O’Brien. They look so good together!”

“A perfect match.”

The applause continued until Count Suleiman approached us.

“That was an impressive performance, Lucia. Your father is a lucky man.”

“You’re too kind, Your Excellency.”

“It was a beautiful dance, my Lady. As if the goddess of beauty had descended upon us.”

Eloan interjected, his words insincere. She simply smiled.

“My Lady, would you honor me with a dance later? The night is young.”

“Thank you for the offer, but I’m a bit tired from the journey. I’ll rest for a while.”

“Of course, my Lady. Allow me to escort you to your chambers.”

Eloan was persistent. It wasn’t his place to interfere, but I had a special position as Inspector.

“I’ll escort the Lady, Lord Eloan. Please enjoy the banquet.”

“…Very well.”

He glared at me, his eyes promising retribution. I escorted the Lady to her chambers.

We didn’t speak in the corridor, as there were too many ears listening.

I closed the door behind us and asked,

“Why did you do that?”

“What are you curious about? The fact that I chose you as my dance partner? Or the fact that I didn’t choose McLellan?”

Her words sent a chill down my spine. I was suddenly wide awake.

I had spoken impulsively, accusingly.

I bowed my head and apologized.

“My apologies, my Lady.”

“It’s alright. I’m not scolding you. I just want to answer your questions.”

“To be precise, I was surprised that you didn’t choose Lord McLellan. I told you it was related to the mission. Choosing me was unexpected.”

“I never promised to fulfill your request.”

She smiled innocently. If she were my boss in my previous life, I would have quit on the spot.

“You seem to be under the misconception that the Inspection Unit’s third mission is to prevent my marriage. I don’t recall giving you that order.”

I was speechless. Her reluctance to marry was just my assumption.

“And if I had chosen Lord McLellan, it would have caused problems. Eloan wouldn’t have taken it well.”

“You anticipated that?”

Her expression turned somber.

“I grew up in a ducal family. I’ve seen many nobles consumed by their desires… They were all unhappy. It’s wrong to cause someone else’s misfortune for your own goals.”

She was saying that it was best not to provoke Eloan, who was clearly jealous. House Caribe had its own succession struggles.

I agreed with her in principle.

I had never exploited someone else’s misfortune for my own benefit in my previous life.

But this world was different.

I wasn’t born here. I didn’t know when or where my life might end. I was starting from a different point than everyone else.

Only saints could afford to worry about other people’s happiness in this situation.

“Lord McLellan is a good man. He didn’t abandon us, even though he could have pursued the monsters and earned glory. Please reconsider your plan. I’m begging you.”

“You shouldn’t beg, my Lady. Please, don’t say that.”

“I’m asking you as your dance partner.”

What did she mean?

I bowed my head.

“As you command, my Lady. I’ll make sure there are no problems.”

“Would you mind leaving me now? I’ll convey your apologies to the Count. I feel bad for cutting the banquet short.”

“As you wish. But my Lady, may I ask one more question?”

She nodded.

I would have preferred to wait until tomorrow, but I wouldn’t be able to sleep without knowing the answer.

“If Lord McLellan had asked you to dance, would you have accepted?”

“Perhaps. What do you think?”

She didn’t reveal her true feelings.

***

Fortunately, Lord Eloan didn’t cause any trouble.

Lady Lucia had arranged a private tea party for him.

After spending two hours chatting with her, he approached me with a triumphant grin and shook my hand.

“It seems you spoke well of me. We cleared up the misunderstanding at the banquet. I won’t forget your efforts. I’ll reward you handsomely once I win the Lady’s heart.”

He left with his knights, his confidence restored.

The villa was peaceful for the next few days.

I spent my time reviewing my plans and enjoying the tranquility. I occasionally glimpsed the Lady strolling through the gardens.

She seemed to have adjusted to life at the villa.

She had befriended the staff, and her laughter filled the air. She had a charm that drew people to her, regardless of their gender.

‘She seems happy since the banquet.’

I couldn’t pinpoint the reason. But whether she was a demon lord or a mastermind, her happiness was a good thing.

And the next day, the people I had been waiting for arrived.

“Master.”

Selendis.

And Jericho.

“Inspector, you look exhausted. I heard the battle was quite dangerous.”

“Do you have any potions for skin rejuvenation?”

“Don’t worry, I brought some.”

I wanted to call a meeting immediately, but I felt sorry for them. They must have been exhausted from their journey.

“Get some rest today. We’ll talk tomorrow morning.”

“No, it’s alright. We heard something interesting on our way here. The Lady chose you as her dance partner? Is that true?”

“…Is that more important than rest?”

“Of course! You had a plan, and it backfired! Hahaha, what could be more entertaining?”

“Whose side are you on?”

“The Lady’s side, of course.”

I led them to a secluded spot.