Chapter 60

Episode 60

‘So that was her plan.’

I finally understood the Lady’s intentions.

Her order to do nothing until we left the capital was entirely for my sake.

“It seems the Lady wants to dance again.”

“Again? With whom?”

“It seems to be Sir O’Brien. Her hand is extended towards him.”

Thankfully, Princess Beatrice was explaining the situation to the crowd. The murmurs grew louder with every word she spoke.

“Sir O’Brien? The Inspector from House Kalisto?”

“I’ve heard rumors about him. He’s quite handsome.”

“Don’t they look good together?”

“But this banquet is hosted by Prince Arthur… Isn’t this too unconventional?”

The most basic way to assess the value of something was through ‘comparison’.

You needed two or more objects to determine which was better.

The same applied to human life.

Everyone living in the modern world could relate. It was difficult to live without comparing yourself to others.

That was why I had quit social media in my previous life.

People only posted their happiest moments. When those happy moments accumulated, it created the illusion that everyone was successful and happy.

How sad would it be to feel unhappy after seeing such biased data?

From that perspective, the Lady choosing me as her second dance partner was a deliberate and political move.

‘If the dance ended like this, no one would think there was a problem between the prince and the Lady. They would just say they weren’t compatible.’

But what if we showed perfect compatibility?

Rumors would spread that Lady Lucia had another lover. Especially since Prince Arthur was watching.

‘It might be a roundabout way, but this is an opportunity.’

I stepped forward and took the Lady’s hand.

Jericho, who had arrived late, gaped at me.

“What’s going on?”

I just grinned.

I told the orchestra, who were unsure whether to start playing, to begin.

The sweet melody filled the air.

We stood facing each other, not rushing into the steps.

“I didn’t expect you to do this.”

“Surprised?”

“My heart skipped a beat.”

Lucia laughed innocently. She looked more like a naive young lady than a mastermind.

“My tutor once said, ‘There is only one truth, but there are countless ways to reach it.’ As long as the result is right, does the process matter?”

“But if there’s a problem with the process, we need to re-examine it. The Duke won’t stay silent if he learns about this.”

“It’s better than you asking me to dance first.”

She had a point. I was speechless.

“You’re wise.”

“I always enjoy your compliments.”

“I’ll try my best to give you more.”

We finally began to dance. I placed my hand on her waist and moved slowly.

“They’re so beautiful!”

“It’s like watching a performance by the Imperial troupe. No, it’s even better!”

“They’re perfectly compatible. How can they be so well-suited?”

“I agree. It was a shame to see her dance with the prince earlier.”

Yes, praise us all you want. Preferably loud enough for Prince Arthur and Count Apellai to hear.

I wondered what expression the prince was making as he watched us dance.

I turned my body to the rhythm of the music and glanced at him.

As expected, his face was flushed, a mixture of red and blue. The Count was holding his arm, seemingly trying to calm him down.

A common trait of scoundrels was their intense anger at having something taken away from them.

People who weren’t scoundrels could control their anger, even when they felt the same rage.

But they couldn’t.

That’s why they sometimes ended up killing their servants or exiling their loyal advisors.

So, what should I do now?

Provoke him further.

“May I proceed with the next part?”

“Go ahead.”

I pushed her hand away, making her step back.

*Swoosh*

Our arms stretched taut, like a tug-of-war. Her waist bent, and her hair fluttered in the air.

Every movement was a masterpiece, worthy of being painted.

I pulled her back towards me, following the rhythm of the music. She fell into my arms naturally.

“…You’re good under pressure.”

“My life depends on it.”

We exchanged brief words and focused on the dance again.

We perfectly showcased the intimacy we had built as members of the “Inspection Unit.” Our efforts to practice whenever we had time weren’t in vain.

If I were just an ordinary assistant in House Kalisto, this would have been seen as a mere novelty act.

But I was the leader of the “Lucius Inspection Unit.”

The trope of a knight devoted to a noble lady was a classic, popular for centuries.

I was a knight serving Lady Lucia, a noble lady.

It was only natural for people to be curious.

They wondered if “romance” was blossoming between us.

It could be seen as a reversal of social status. People would root for me, experiencing vicarious satisfaction through our story.

“It’s fantastic, isn’t it, Lady Selendis?”

“…”

“You seem uncomfortable. I understand. I would be jealous too.”

Selendis flinched at Jericho’s words but quickly regained her composure.

Jericho spoke as if reading her mind.

“Unrequited love is tough. It’s not easy to fit someone into this tiny heart, is it? But cheer up. Your day will come.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Come on, there’s no need to pretend between us. It’s obvious.”

As Jericho said, our dance was fantastic.

It wasn’t self-praise. The cheers and applause from the crowd were proof enough. Every time we turned to the rhythm, I could see the awe in their eyes.

We had perfect chemistry, like a couple who had known each other for a long time.

Like friends during the lighthearted parts.

Like lovers during the passionate parts.

Like a fated pair destined to be apart.

“Wow! Amazing!”

“Bravo!”

“The Lady’s dancing skills are incredible! And the Inspector is so handsome!”

Amidst the thunderous applause and cheers, we finished our performance.

I would never forget this moment.

I stepped back, bowed to the Lady, and then turned to acknowledge the crowd.

I wasn’t curious about the crowd’s reaction, but about Prince Arthur’s.

His face was pale.

“Hmph… Interesting.”

Was the provocation not strong enough?

Or maybe Count Apellai had managed to calm him down. I thought he might interrupt the music, but he had endured it.

“O’Brien Walker. You seem to have forgotten the purpose of this banquet. How dare a mere honorary knight dance with the future Empress!”

The hall fell silent, as if doused with cold water.

But I remained calm. I had justification.

“I don’t understand what you mean, Your Highness.”

“What?”

Prince Arthur broke free from the Count’s grasp and strode towards me. Selendis and Jericho moved to my side.

“How dare you mock me! Me, the future Emperor of the Empire!”

He casually uttered such outrageous words.

This was a good opportunity to exploit his weakness.

“The Crown Prince, you say? I apologize for my ignorance. I wasn’t aware you were to be crowned Crown Prince. Congratulations, Your Highness.”

“Ugh…”

Prince Arthur seemed to realize his slip of the tongue and pursed his lips. But his anger didn’t subside.

“I am a servant who follows the Lady’s orders. I danced with her because she commanded it. It’s not uncommon. There’s no need to be concerned. Didn’t you have the first dance of the banquet?”

“Are you using that as an excuse?”

“I believe the Lady can answer that.”

All eyes turned to the Lady, including Prince Arthur’s. What would she say?

“I was delighted to have the opportunity to dance with you today, Your Highness. It was a dream come true. And an honor for my family. But… I don’t think it’s enough to determine our future.”

“What? Lady Lucia, what do you mean by ‘not enough’?”

“Sir Aubrey is right. You’re jealous just because I danced with my servant. Is there any lady who wouldn’t dance with her guardian knight?”

The prince stammered, unable to refute her point.

“Th-That’s a misunderstanding! But I’m the prince of the Empire-“

“I don’t want honor.”

The Lady’s eyes welled up with tears, and the prince fell silent. Everyone sympathized with her.

“I just wanted someone who would cherish and love me.”

“…”

“I’ll return to the Dukedom and think about this. I thought you were a more mature and understanding person, Your Highness, but I seem to have been mistaken.”

The prince, his face red with anger, stormed out of the banquet hall.

But the sympathy was with Lady Lucia. She had appealed to a universal desire for love and understanding, not for power and status as the future Empress.

Many nobles approached her with words of comfort.

The banquet continued after the commotion subsided, but the initial excitement was gone.

“Sir Aubrey, I’ll retire to my chambers. You can stay and enjoy the banquet.”

“I’ll escort you back to your room.”

“It’s alright. I want to be alone.”

Lady Lucia also left. The experienced officials and nobles, sensing that the main event was over, began to leave as well.

Jericho said, “It seems Princess Beatrice is quite smitten with you, Inspector.”

“Why are you bringing that up now?”

“She said she has a formidable rival after seeing Lady Lucia. I’m so envious. The rich get richer, as they say.”

I had a headache.

Now wasn’t the time to think about such things. Lady Rosalyn was nowhere to be seen. She must have sent an urgent message to the Dukedom about tonight’s events.

This was a political marriage.

The Empire would gain the support of House Kalisto, one of the most powerful families in the continent, and the Duke would gain the honor of being related to the Imperial Family.

But the engagement had been jeopardized. The family wouldn’t stay silent.

The Duchess, in particular, was known for her ambition. I had heard she was eager to become a part of the Imperial Family.

“What are you going to do now? If this escalates, the Duke will summon you back.”

“They can’t do that right now. The Azure Dragon Knights made a mistake in Caribe. The problem will be after we return to the Dukedom.”

“Then we can enjoy the banquet! Hehehe. Excuse me for a moment.”

Jericho grabbed a plate and started piling food onto it.

Then, an unexpected person approached me.

“Sir O’Brien, your performance tonight was quite impressive.”

It was Count Apellai, the Foreign Minister of the Empire.

“I have good news for a loyal servant like you. His Highness has challenged you to a duel. With real swords. What do you say? Will you accept?”