Chapter 57

Episode 57

He looks surprisingly normal.

That was my honest first impression of Prince Arthur.

As someone familiar with web novels, I couldn’t help but have preconceived notions about the term “scoundrel.” But the prince before me was the epitome of nobility.

Golden hair, well-maintained skin, a toned physique. Dressed in luxurious attire, he resembled a sculpted statue.

His handsome features easily captivated the attention of the ladies present.

What bothered me most was his smile. It was so genuinely kind that it made me question the rumors about him being a scoundrel.

He looked every bit the charming prince.

“It’s been a long time, Lady Lucia. I’ve been eagerly awaiting the day we meet again in the capital.”

Even his voice was captivating.

Arthur knelt on one knee and offered his hand. Lady Lucia extended hers and received his kiss.

It was customary etiquette between nobles of different genders, but I felt a pang of displeasure.

Was it because I sensed that breaking off the engagement wouldn’t be easy?

Or was it something else…

“You’re as beautiful as ever. You’re truly deserving of being the star of tonight’s banquet.”

“The star of tonight is you, Your Highness. Thank you for your hospitality. I believe the last time we met was when I was six, at our castle.”

“You’re absolutely right. Hahaha. The ministers would laugh if they heard this, but time flies. We’re old enough to discuss marriage now.”

“Indeed.”

Their conversation was typical of an engaged couple. The atmosphere was amicable.

Meanwhile, I was still unsure.

‘Does the Lady truly want to marry Prince Arthur?’

Before we left for the capital, she had given me a firm order: to do nothing until we left. It was the Inspection Unit’s fourth mission.

Should I let this opportunity slip away?

The problem was the lack of alternatives.

But why did the Lady personally teach me to dance? And even use the phrase “dance partner”?

“Are you Sir O’Brien Walker?”

I snapped out of my thoughts at the sudden address.

“Yes, Your Highness. Greetings.”

“I see. I’ve heard about you. There was a dangerous incident on your way here, and you played a significant role, I hear?”

He was referring to the monster attack in the Caribe territory. I simply bowed my head.

“I wish there were more brave and loyal individuals like you in the Empire. I will personally reward you.”

“It’s an honor, Your Highness.”

That was the end of our conversation.

Arthur placed his arm around the Lady’s shoulder and led her inside the inner palace. Several high-ranking nobles and officials followed them.

I could only watch them leave.

Just then, a woman covering her mouth with a fan approached me.

“It’s refreshing to meet you in a place like this.”

Even with half her face concealed, I recognized her. It was Rosalyn, the Duchess’s maid.

She was dressed to impress.

She wore a glamorous dress, unlike anything I had seen her wear at the Kalisto castle. It was a provocative outfit that revealed her cleavage and figure.

“Lady Rosalyn, what brings you here?”

“There’s no need to be so cold. Are you upset that I didn’t visit the mansion?”

“You should at least greet the Lady when you’re in the capital.”

“I sent a letter. I had some personal matters to attend to. I thought the Lady would understand… Didn’t you hear?”

What personal matters did you have with Count Apellai?

I asked myself.

The most likely answer was a physical relationship.

It was an open secret that nobles of this era had lovers. Rosalyn, in particular, was known for her insatiable appetite for men.

The fact that she chose to stay at the Count’s mansion instead of a noble’s lodging suggested a secret between them.

“I heard you danced with the Lady at the Caribe villa.”

“It just happened.”

“I heard you two were a beautiful pair, like a painting. What do you think about that?”

I finally turned to face Rosalyn. Her mouth was hidden behind the fan, but her eyes met mine with a seductive gaze.

“I have no thoughts on the matter. I simply followed my Lady’s orders as her servant.”

“Truly? Not even a hint of personal feelings? My, my. Is something wrong with you?”

“I don’t overstep my boundaries.”

“Oh my, I almost misunderstood. There are rumors circulating in the social circles about you and the Lady. People say you two look good together.”

Her leading questions were so obvious that I didn’t bother responding.

But she continued undeterred.

“I’m telling you this because I care about you, Inspector. You should be careful. Rumors often get distorted… If the prince hears about what happened at the Caribe villa, wouldn’t he be displeased? That’s why I’m here in the capital.”

It was a subtle threat.

Rosalyn was the Duchess’s maid. In other words, she was sent by the Duchess to ensure the engagement’s success.

“I only follow the Lady’s orders, so you can rest assured.”

“I hope so.”

“If you’ll excuse me.”

I bowed slightly and headed towards the inner palace entrance with my subordinates.

Jericho grumbled as he watched Lady Rosalyn leave.

“Ugh, that woman. She’s definitely here because of the engagement. The Duchess has always been interested in this matter. The question is, what role is she playing?”

“Keep a close eye on her. Record everyone she meets. And find her weaknesses if necessary.”

“I’ll have to raid some secret locations. Understood.”

As we approached the inner palace entrance, the line didn’t seem to be moving. I stepped aside to see what was causing the delay. The entrance was packed with nobles.

“Why aren’t we allowed to enter? We’re invited to the banquet!”

“Here’s my invitation. Let us through!”

“Prince Arthur has ordered that only officials may enter an hour before the banquet. Everyone else, please wait outside.”

“What? Is that true?”

The guards at the entrance weren’t ordinary knights they were the Imperial Guard, known for their strict discipline.

“This is the inner palace. His Majesty the Emperor resides here. We will not tolerate any disturbances. Return to the outer palace!”

The nobles cowered at the guard’s harsh words.

This was where the prince’s scoundrel tendencies were showing.

It was customary to provide a separate waiting area for guests arriving from afar at large banquets.

But denying entry and ignoring this custom was inconsiderate.

The Emperor might have the authority to do so, but a third prince with no real power wouldn’t issue such an order unless he had a reason.

‘He’s trying to flaunt his power. He wants to prove that he’s capable of being the heir to the throne.’

The position of third prince was precarious. Even in ordinary noble families, the third son was far from the line of succession.

The problem was that there had been instances where the third prince inherited the throne.

If Prince Arthur was ambitious, he would exploit this precedent.

The first step would be to become the son-in-law of House Kalisto, the most powerful family in the Empire.

“It seems we have no choice but to wait. We can’t fight those fierce-looking knights. I had my doubts about the prince being a scoundrel after seeing him earlier, but I guess the rumors were true.”

“There’s a way.”

“Do you have a solution, Inspector?”

I pushed past the nobles and approached the guards. Their fierce gazes turned to me.

“Didn’t you hear the order to return to the outer palace?”

They were ready to draw their swords, but I calmly placed my hands behind my back and asked,

“Who are you to raise your voice in His Majesty’s presence? I heard the Imperial Guard valued honor, but it seems that’s not always the case. What’s your name?”

The young knight hesitated. It was understandable. A young man like me, not even an old official, was questioning him.

A middle-aged knight stepped forward, narrowing his eyes.

“I am Penrose, Chief Knight of the Imperial Guard. Who are you?”

“Finally, someone I can talk to.”

I took out the Inspection Unit’s insignia and showed it to him.

“I am O’Brien Walker of the Lucius Inspection Unit. We are loyal servants of House Kalisto and Lady Lucia’s escorts. Now that the Lady has entered, it’s our duty to assist her. It’s inconvenient to be told to leave. I’m not sure how to explain this to the Duke.”

Penrose considered my words for a moment and stepped aside.

“You may pass.”

“Thank you. The two behind me are also members of the Inspection Unit. We’ll go together. Selendis, Jericho, come here.”

The crowd murmured.

I hadn’t put on this performance just to assist the Lady.

I wanted to make our presence known in a place with so many people.

Indeed, many of the murmurs mentioned my name and the Inspection Unit.

“We’re in, but what’s the plan now?”

“The Lady is occupied, so we’ll look around the banquet hall.”

I entered the banquet hall, guided by the servants.

Maids in white aprons were bustling about.

The banquets at the Dukedom were known for their extravagance, but this was on a different level. The hall was spacious and comfortable, large enough to accommodate hundreds of people.

On one side, there were glass windows that opened to a terrace, a perfect place for private conversations.

A red carpet was laid out on the main stage, and next to it was a dance floor.

As planned, the Lady and the prince would dance here. They would showcase their ‘dance compatibility’ according to Imperial custom.

“Inspector, I’ll check out the terrace. It seems like a good spot for covert observation.”

“Don’t get in the way of the staff.”

“Of course. Lady Selendis, let’s go!”

The two headed towards the terrace. Just then, I heard an unfamiliar voice behind me.

“Who are you?”

I turned around to find a woman I had never met before. Her dress and jewelry indicated that she was no ordinary person.

My days as an assistant, preparing for banquets, came to mind, and I reflexively adopted a formal posture.

“I am O’Brien Walker of House Kalisto, Lady Lucia’s escort.”

“Ah, you’re the rumored Inspector?”

“I’m honored that you know of me.”

Golden hair. She was definitely of Imperial blood.

I wanted to ask for confirmation, but I held back. In this world, a submissive attitude often yielded better results.

“Lift your head. I came to see your handsome face. I can’t see it if you keep bowing.”

“I apologize.”

“There we go. Hmm, you’re indeed handsome!”

She was a straightforward person. She smiled brightly and introduced herself.

“My name is Beatrice. I heard there was someone scolding the guards at the inner palace, so I came to see for myself. I’ve heard a lot about you! I’m very interested in Kalisto’s Inspection Unit. Let’s be friends.”

I had heard the name before.

Beatrice. The current Emperor’s daughter. An Imperial princess.

But why did she want to be friends with me? She even extended her hand.

Was she asking for a handshake?