Chapter 58

Episode 58

“It’s an honor to meet you, Your Highness. I am O’Brien Walker.”

I bowed once again. Beatrice didn’t withdraw her hand.

Seeing me hesitate, she awkwardly opened and closed her hand.

“Don’t embarrass me. I just want to be friends.”

“How could I dare touch your precious hand, Your Highness? Please, withdraw it.”

“Even if I’m offering it? Wow, the etiquette of a noble house is impressive. I’m not even asking for a kiss on the hand. Just a handshake.”

She extended her hand again. I had no choice but to take it with both of mine. She shook it vigorously, smiling.

She seemed like a very lively princess. Her manner of speaking wasn’t the refined, formal style typical of the Imperial Family. She was straightforward and direct.

No, rather than lively, she was more like a tomboy.

I noticed that her handshake was surprisingly strong. Her hands also had calluses, indicating years of martial arts training.

“What are you thinking about? Do I seem unattractive?”

She even flirted openly. I bowed my head, flustered.

“I was wondering what weapon you specialize in, since you seem to have martial arts training. I apologize for my rudeness.”

“Huh? How did you know?”

“It’s rare for someone of your status to have calluses on their palms. Forgive my impertinence, but judging from the hardened skin on your left thumb and between your right thumb and index finger, I believe you practice spear fighting. Am I correct?”

“Wow… You’re right. How could you tell just by touching my hand for a moment?”

Touching, she said.

I was lucky there was no one around. I almost lost my head. I cleared my throat and replied,

“It’s what I do. You also seem to have strong arms. Considering the balance in both arms, I deduced it was a spear rather than a sword.”

“That’s right. I learned swordsmanship briefly, but I find spears more appealing. They’re more straightforward. My instructor often says it suits my personality.”

“I see.”

I activated ‘Mind’s Eye’ just in case. As expected, a purple glow appeared, indicating “Judgment Unavailable.”

It wasn’t a big deal.

This “Judgment Unavailable” result could be useful in certain situations.

For example, if I activated ‘Mind’s Eye’ and asked a passing maid in the palace a question, and it showed purple, it would mean she was hiding her true strength.

“Do you have any business with me, Your Highness? I’m concerned about taking up your precious time.”

“Not really. Oh, there was a commotion outside, right? About the entry restriction. I told Arthur not to do that, but he ignored me. So, I was going outside to arrange a waiting area when I heard about it. You gave Sir Penrose a piece of your mind. I wanted to talk to you about that, so I followed you.”

Her words contained a lot of information.

First, Princess Beatrice wasn’t close to Prince Arthur. Her straightforward personality and the way she addressed him were clues.

And she was considerate of others. She didn’t have to care about the nobles waiting outside, but she went out of her way to help them. She was a kind person.

It wasn’t a logical leap.

There was evidence. She had said she was interested in the “Lucius Inspection Unit.”

Just as the Lady cared for the people of the Kalisto Dukedom, the princess might care for the people of the Empire.

It would be almost impossible in reality, but this was a game world. Any kind of character could appear.

“I have many questions. What exactly does the Inspection Unit do? I heard it’s a wonderful organization that helps those in need and fights corruption.”

“You’re absolutely right. The Inspection Unit, created by Lady Lucia, is dedicated to serving the territory and the family.”

“Wow, that’s amazing! Just hearing about it makes my heart swell with pride. How many members are there? Oh, is that a secret?”

She was an interesting lady.

I smiled faintly and continued.

“How could I keep secrets from Your Highness? There are four agents, including myself. And about thirty well-trained investigators.”

“There are more people than I expected.”

“We’re still in the early stages of establishment, so we haven’t achieved any significant accomplishments. We’re not as impressive as you think.”

“Still, it’s amazing that you’re even thinking about this when most nobles are only concerned with filling their own pockets. The Lady is a wonderful person. And Duke Kalisto is a wise man.”

She was curious and seemed to have a sense of justice.

It was rare for women, especially those far from the line of succession, to care about the lives of the Empire’s citizens.

That was why Lady Lucia was so admired in the Kalisto Dukedom.

She had no personal stake in the power struggles.

In that sense, Princess Beatrice, the youngest Imperial princess, was in a similar position to Lady Lucia.

“Your Highness, if it’s not too presumptuous, may I ask you a question?”

“Of course. We’re friends now, aren’t we? Ask away.”

…Were we friends?

Anyway, I asked my question.

“It’s unusual to restrict entry to invited guests at a banquet. I heard that the internal affairs of the Imperial Family are a bit complicated these days. Is something wrong with His Majesty?”

“Oh, that? The Imperial Family’s internal affairs are always complicated. It’s not because of His Majesty that you were treated poorly. Arthur has always enjoyed messing with the nobles. It’s like he’s making a mountain out of a molehill. His Majesty is fine.”

“That’s a relief.”

I had already confirmed that the Emperor was ill from Jericho’s report. But it was better to pretend I didn’t know. There was a reason why the “hidden strength” trope was so popular.

“Yes. Thank you for your concern! Will you be attending the banquet tonight?”

Beatrice asked, her eyes sparkling.

I had a bad feeling. I had a hunch she might ask me to dance.

I had lost my original purpose due to Lady Lucia’s order, but dancing with a princess was still a burden.

The woman before me was beautiful and powerful. There must be countless men who admired her. I didn’t want to become a public enemy.

“Of course, I’ll be attending. I can’t miss it, as I have to assist Lady Lucia.”

I politely declined, but Beatrice clasped her hands together in delight.

“That’s great! Then, I’ll see you at the banquet hall later. Maybe we can dance together.”

When would my premonitions stop being so accurate?

“Farewell, Your Highness.”

Beatrice waved cheerfully and left. Jericho and Selendis approached me quietly.

“Inspector, I didn’t mean to eavesdrop, but I have to admit, it seems the princess has fallen for you.”

“Where did you hear that from?”

“I heard everything. Lady Selendis did too.”

I glanced at Selendis. She averted her gaze, which was cute.

Jericho was a persistent man.

“So, are you going to dance with the princess? Wow! All that training is finally paying off. I’m so proud of you. As a master of romance, let me give you some advice. You brilliantly deduced that the princess practices spear fighting, right? Challenge her to a duel. The fruit of love blossoming on the training ground. How romantic is that?”

“Stop with the nonsense. How was the terrace?”

“There were many good spots. I wanted to use eavesdropping magic, but I decided against it. It felt too risky. I’ll stake out the place myself.”

Jericho was definitely a better choice than Selendis. He knew stealth magic.

“Will it be okay with the court mages around?”

“It’s fine. I can completely erase my mana. As long as I don’t move, they won’t detect me. And those old geezers won’t be at the banquet. They hate crowds.”

“There’s no need to take risks. Just keep an eye on Lady Rosalyn.”

“Understood. Enjoy the banquet, Inspector. Don’t worry about us.”

Jericho smiled knowingly. I couldn’t shake the feeling that I had been compromised.

Just then, a group of maids approached us. They bowed their heads.

“Sir O’Brien, Lady Lucia requests your presence.”

“Where is she?”

“She’s in the VIP room.”

It seemed her meeting with Prince Arthur was over. I checked my watch less than two hours had passed. It ended sooner than expected.

I followed the maids and found Lady Lucia sitting in the VIP room.

“Did you have a good conversation with the prince?”

“Did you have a good conversation with the princess?”

I was genuinely surprised.

How did she know?

“…Did you see us?”

“I passed by.”

The Lady slowly raised her teacup to her lips.

“Next time, kiss the princess’s hand instead of shaking it. It’s proper etiquette.”

She must have been watching from the beginning.

I felt like I had done something wrong. It was a new feeling.

“No, I won’t let that happen again.”

“Why?”

“I’m just an honorary knight. I’m not worthy of associating with the princess.”

“You’re a capable man. It wouldn’t be strange for you to enter central politics. It’s only a matter of time… Wouldn’t it be beneficial to build a relationship with the princess now?”

I remembered a philosopher’s saying: “Life is a series of choices.” I snapped out of my daze.

“I have no intention of entering politics. I intend to serve you, my Lady, always. Even if you cast me aside.”

“That’s reassuring. I appreciate your loyalty.”

“Did you have a good conversation with Prince Arthur?”

I managed to change the subject. The Lady smiled and nodded.

“He formally proposed. He wants my answer at the banquet tonight.”

“I see.”

“Are you curious about my answer?”

“It’s your choice, my Lady. I’ll follow your decision, whatever it may be.”

“Thank you.”

After my conversation with the Lady, the maids led me to my quarters. Selendis and Jericho were waiting for me.

“How did it go?”

“Prince Arthur proposed to the Lady. It seems she’ll give him her answer at the banquet.”

“So she’s decided to dance with the prince.”

It was inevitable. It was Imperial custom.

I felt a sense of urgency for the first time. Was I going to let this opportunity slip away without doing anything? Life suddenly felt like it had switched to hard mode.

Was I going to get a game over before even becoming the Lady’s left hand?

Jericho, also frustrated, scratched his head.

“My biggest concern isn’t the marriage itself, but what comes after. The thought of our Inspection Unit being controlled by that scoundrel is terrifying.”

“That’s impossible. We’ve all sworn loyalty to the Lady.”

“Lady Selendis, if everything went according to plan, no one would have to worry. We fight and scheme because things don’t always go as planned.”

“Jericho is right. It’s not an entirely absurd scenario. We need to consider that possibility.”

But we couldn’t come up with any alternatives.

And so, the banquet began.

“Announcing the jewel of House Kalisto, Lady Lucia!”