Chapter 66

Episode 66

There was something strange about the monster attack in the Caribe territory.

The monsters didn’t just charge in they seemed to be controlled by someone. Moreover, the mastermind remained incredibly calm during that tense situation.

‘It wasn’t a separate incident. There’s something more to it. Definitely.’

A hypothesis formed in my mind.

What if the Lady had controlled the monsters to weaken the Knights?

I had a reason to suspect this.

Romero, the second son of House Kalisto, had extended a recruitment offer to Sir Darius. The monster attack occurred right after I informed the Lady about this.

It felt like a warning, a “How dare you?” from the mastermind.

She might have been angry at her brother for trying to poach her key personnel.

‘If my hypothesis is correct, it confirms that the Lady is connected to demons or black magic.’

And there was another incident.

The mysterious case in the Cliff territory.

It was Oracle Maylense who requested our investigation into the disappearances and suspicious deaths of servants there.

But the Lady had written in the official mission order, “Investigate all the unsavory events happening in the Cliff Viscounty.”

Even Jericho had questioned it at the time.

It felt like we weren’t just investigating a simple case. It felt like something bigger was at play.

Perhaps the Lady knew everything that was happening in the Cliff Viscounty.

‘It’s unlikely that she’s a black mage. Someone of her status would be something more powerful.’

I could understand if she was a demon lord or a demon god. K-content shouldn’t be underestimated.

I was a transmigrator with meta-cognitive abilities. That’s why I could think outside the box.

‘Anyway, if I can’t find any evidence in Caribe this time, I’ll have to create a similar situation.’

The method was simple.

I just had to give the Lady a slightly exaggerated report. I would tell her that Romero had approached me with another offer during our journey back.

I felt sorry for the Azure Dragon Knights, but this was the easiest and most effective way.

It wasn’t an entirely fabricated story, so the Lady would believe it.

I would then observe her actions after I told her.

If another monster attack occurred, it would confirm that she was behind it.

“It’s a shame you’re leaving so soon, Inspector.”

The head butler approached me. I turned around and bowed humbly.

“The Lady wishes to return as soon as possible. We’ll have another opportunity to talk later.”

“I look forward to it. I wonder what kind of events await us next time.”

Head Butler Charlton was on my side. He had shared our anger and concern over the Foreign Ministry’s disrespect.

He had also provided valuable information about the Foreign Ministry personnel and key nobles in the capital.

“I have a favor to ask, Head Butler.”

“Please, just call me Charlton.”

“How can I do that? You’re the highest-ranking person in this mansion.”

Charlton looked embarrassed but pleased. This was why working in sales was so difficult.

“Just tell me what you need. I’ll gladly help if I can.”

I looked at the carriage, almost ready for departure.

“It’s not a personal matter. As you know, there was a sensitive incident involving the Imperial Family.”

“Ah, yes.”

“I would appreciate it if you could keep me informed about the news from the capital. We have our own intelligence agents, but they have their limitations.”

This was the capital. It was where nobles and officials gathered.

Just as nobles and officials interacted with each other, butlers also had their own community. Especially head butlers, who were practically minor nobles with extensive connections.

I wanted access to the high-level information circulating among the head butlers of various families.

“I’ll pay you a sponsorship fee if necessary.”

“No, no, that’s not necessary. You’re doing this for the family and the Lady. I’m a retainer too.”

“Thank you for your understanding. I’ll still provide you with a small activity fund.”

“I’ll send a letter immediately if anything happens. Don’t worry too much.”

I had secured a valuable informant. It was a small victory, but it felt good nonetheless.

Then, a servant came to report.

“Inspector, the preparations for departure are complete.”

“Go and escort the Lady.”

Selendis and Jericho had already left. They were carrying out the mission I had assigned them.

I felt a strange sense of emptiness.

It was odd.

We had only been working together for a few months, but they felt like an indispensable part of my life. Was this what it meant to have comrades you trusted with your life?

Lady Lucia emerged from the mansion.

“Sir Aubrey, let’s ride in the carriage together this time. You must be tired from the duel.”

She seemed to enjoy teasing me.

“That’s not possible. I’ll escort you from nearby in case of any unforeseen threats.”

“Sir Darius will handle that.”

“The Inspection Unit and the Knights have different duties.”

“You can be so stubborn sometimes. Always following the rules.”

“Please tell that to Lady Selendis. I feel the same way every time I see her.”

The Lady chuckled, covering her mouth with her hand.

“Get in the carriage.”

I took her hand and helped her into the carriage.

As the door closed, Sir Darius, leading the procession, shouted, “We are returning to the Kalisto territory. Protect the Lady at all costs!”

“Yes, sir!”

The carriage carrying the Lady slowly left the mansion. We exited Arcnest, drawing the attention of the capital’s citizens.

But as we were about to leave the main road, someone blocked our path.

It was an unexpected person.

Prince Karma, the first prince of the Empire.

‘What’s going on?’

Sir Darius and I dismounted our horses and bowed our heads. It seemed he had been waiting for us.

“Greetings, Your Highness.”

“I wish to speak with the Lady.”

Karma gracefully dismounted his horse and stood before the carriage. The window opened, revealing the Lady’s face.

“Lady Lucia, it seems you don’t have a farewell escort. I came to see you off. I suppose the Foreign Minister is too preoccupied with the current situation.”

He was subtly telling her to understand that there was no official escort because she had broken off the engagement. The Lady smiled beautifully.

“I’m so happy you came, Your Highness. This will make my journey back much more enjoyable.”

“I’m glad to hear that. Hmm… It’s unfortunate about what happened with my brother, but I consider House Kalisto to be the most important family in the Empire. I’ve sent a personal letter to the Duke, so don’t worry too much.”

He glanced at me. I bowed my head respectfully.

He had kept his promise.

We had made a tacit agreement. I would eliminate Prince Arthur, a threat to his claim to the throne, and he would ensure my safety.

Our debt was settled, and our business relationship had entered a new phase. It was a matter of who would make the first move. It would probably be the prince.

He needed talented individuals to solidify his position. I wasn’t the one in a desperate situation.

“And I have something to tell you. About Sir O’Brien, your escort. He possesses impressive talent.”

“Thank you for your kind words. Sir Aubrey will be pleased to hear that.”

“You’re close enough to call him by his nickname?”

“I consider all my subordinates to be family.”

Prince Karma still seemed suspicious of my relationship with the Lady. At least he wasn’t interested in her romantically.

“If you ever decide to let him go, send him to me. I have a job for him.”

“Shouldn’t you be telling that to Sir Aubrey himself?”

“Hmm? Hahaha. You’re right.”

The prince turned and walked towards me. He tilted his chin slightly and looked at me with a haughty expression.

“If you ever need a new master, come to the capital without hesitation.”

The Lady, the Azure Dragon Knights, and the servants were all watching. An ambiguous stance would be detrimental.

“Thank you for the offer, but I cannot accept. Once I choose a master, I cannot change.”

“Even after the Lady marries?”

“I’ve dedicated my life to the Lady. I cannot decide my own fate.”

“Hahaha. Interesting. If neither of you can decide, who should we ask?”

The prince laughed heartily and mounted his horse. He raised his hand, and the Imperial Guard knights approached.

There were about twenty of them, all skilled warriors.

“Lady Lucia, my loyal knights will escort you until you leave the capital’s territory. I wish you a safe journey.”

“Thank you, Your Highness. I’ll be sure to tell my father about your kindness.”

“Tell him I’ll visit soon.”

The prince returned to the capital’s entrance, with the Imperial Guard knights leading the way.

Our journey continued smoothly for the next few days.

The lords who heard about the passing of House Kalisto’s precious daughter all came out to greet us and offer their hospitality.

They provided us with delicious food and comfortable lodging.

Thanks to them, we were able to conserve our energy until we reached the Caribe territory.

“It’s a pleasure to see you again, my Lady.”

“I apologize for troubling you again.”

“Not at all! All guests from House Kalisto are VIPs. Especially you, my Lady.”

Eloan, the eldest son of House Caribe, knelt on one knee and kissed the Lady’s hand.

We settled into the Caribe villa where we had stayed before.

Eloan wasn’t the only one waiting for us. Selendis and Jericho, who had left earlier, were also there. They must have finished their mission and were waiting for our arrival.

“Did you have a smooth journey?”

“It was a pleasant and enjoyable trip.”

“You’re not being sarcastic, are you?”

I chuckled.

While the Lady was dealing with Eloan, I went to a secluded spot to hear my subordinates’ report.

“We searched the area thoroughly, but we didn’t find anything unusual. In fact, the monster population has decreased significantly.”

“Decreased?”

“The Caribe regular army eradicated the monsters in this area after our attack.”

“Were there any signs of demonic energy?”

“No, none at all.”

This was good news.

I needed a clean slate to test my hypothesis.

And that night…

I took a bottle of fine wine I had brought from the capital and visited Sir Darius’s quarters.