Chapter 78

Episode 78

The reason for the sudden change of plans was Lady Rosalyn’s behavior. It gave me a crucial insight.

‘My promotion to Baron wasn’t just for saving the Lady’s life. It’s connected to the creation of the trading company.’

What if all of this was part of a larger scheme?

‘The mastermind is capable of such a thing.’

Baron Roman, the ruler of the Gerard territory, was the Lucius Inspection Unit’s first target.

He had amassed a fortune through shady dealings, engaging in kidnapping, human trafficking, and even sexual exploitation. He was a truly despicable individual.

However, I hadn’t eliminated him immediately because I believed his removal wouldn’t solve the problem at its root.

Lady Rosalyn and even young master Hylix might be involved.

I wanted to sever their connection in one fell swoop.

Baron Roman would eventually realize he had been tricked with the fake poison. I had planned to start my hunt when he came for me again.

But the Lady had suddenly shifted gears. I had to keep up with her pace.

‘What if we drive out House Gerard, take over their territory, and use it as our base of operations for the reconstruction project?’

The Gerard territory, with its devastated economy and infrastructure, needed a reconstruction project. What if the Lucius Inspection Unit, or the trading company, took charge of it?

The outcome was obvious. The Lady’s popularity would skyrocket.

House Walker had received a hereditary barony. I would soon be granted a fief.

Moreover, I had proven that I was more than just a skilled swordsman.

Driving out Baron Roman and taking over the Gerard territory wasn’t an impossible task.

“We’ve packed enough food and emergency supplies. We can depart immediately.”

Selendis had selected swift horses. I mounted mine with a powerful leap.

“What did you think when we were discussing the trading company? When I said the Lady might be aiming for the family headship?”

“I believe she’s qualified. She’s benevolent towards everyone. The territory and the family will prosper under her leadership.”

It wouldn’t end with the family and the territory. She might even bring peace to the entire continent.

Both Jericho and Selendis shared my thoughts. Having the same values when it came to risking our lives was a source of strength.

Perhaps they had also found a clear purpose and direction.

“Let’s hurry. We’re going straight to the Gerard territory without any detours. Don’t conserve your aura.”

“Yes, Master.”

We rode towards the Gerard territory without rest.

***

We rode day and night, crossing the border into the Gerard territory. We only camped once, and I used “Thunder” to send a message to Jericho.

The message read:

— Contact Inquisitor Godfrey in Caribe and invite him to Kalisto. I’ll negotiate the holy water purchase with him.

Normally, I would have spoken to the high priest in charge of the Kalisto parish, but I chose the inquisitor instead.

It wasn’t because I knew him personally.

In fact, inquisitors were difficult to deal with. They were always suspicious and bound by the church’s strict doctrines.

‘But that’s what I like about them.’

Inquisitors acted in the best interests of the church, whether it was purging heretics or generating revenue.

I had recently mentioned the donation amount to Inquisitor Godfrey.

‘The fact that he backed down then suggests he’s sensitive about financial matters.’

That’s why I decided to negotiate the “Holy Water Project” with Godfrey. He might be more receptive in the current situation.

It wasn’t just about the money he hadn’t gained anything from the 1-star demonic beast incident.

The high priest in charge of the Kalisto parish was too soft. He was a man who prayed for the well-being of the people and might hinder our plans.

“The territory seems more lively than before, Master.”

“I agree.”

“Where did they get the funds?”

During our first mission, we had destroyed and burned down the Gerard Trading Company and all the infrastructure supporting their underground economy.

But now, just a few months later, merchants were already coming and going.

It was impossible for them to recover without external help.

“It’s obvious. Jericho said young master Hylix and even Lady Oracle have visited a few times. They must have received their help.”

“They betrayed us again.”

“No.”

Selendis looked at me, surprised by my words.

“They were never loyal to us in the first place, so it’s not betrayal. His change of heart was within my expectations. I never trusted him.”

“I see. What are you planning to do now?”

“Confirm the facts and punish him.”

Selendis instinctively touched her sword hilt, as if anticipating another battle.

Relax, Selendis. There probably won’t be any bloodshed.

I had the cheat-like skill “Mind’s Eye.”

If I used it wisely, I could uncover the truth without resorting to violence.

“Let’s go.”

We rode towards the Baron’s castle.

As we passed through the main street, Selendis rode closer to me.

“Master, shouldn’t we investigate the slums first?”

I knew she would suggest that.

Normally, we would dispatch troops to the slums to maintain order. It was a direct order from the Duke after the incident in the Gerard territory.

But few lords followed that order diligently.

They either sent troops as a formality or pocketed the funds.

It was probably the same here.

People were the same everywhere. No matter how high-ranking a noble was, it was difficult to manage a vast territory.

The more opportunities for corruption, the more corruption there would be.

“There’s no need. It’s a waste of time. I’m going to meet with the Baron directly.”

“Understood.”

We soon arrived at the outer gate of the castle, guarded by burly knights. They were unfamiliar faces.

‘He hired new knights. It wouldn’t have been easy to hire knights while paying us donations.’

My suspicion was turning into certainty.

We checked the Baron’s overall revenue and net profit when we collected the donations. We received a fixed percentage of his profits.

‘He must have falsified his accounts… That bastard must be living the good life.’

We were wearing our Inspection Unit uniforms and badges, so the knights didn’t dare to disrespect us.

I dismounted my horse, handed the reins to a servant, and approached the outer gate.

“I am O’Brien Walker of the Lucius Inspection Unit. I’m here to see Baron Roman.”

“Welcome, sir. But this is the first I’ve heard of it. Do you have an appointment…?”

*Shing!*

The knight couldn’t finish his sentence. My cold blade was pressed against his neck.

“How dare a knight of the Baron question an Inspector?”

I activated “Mind’s Eye.”

“I-I apologize… Please, come in.”

As he tried to move away from the blade, I pressed it deeper. A trickle of blood appeared.

“I haven’t seen you before. Are you a newly appointed knight?”

“N-No, sir. I’ve been serving in this castle for three years. My name is Hineskel. Please, spare me…”

A murky black light flickered in his eyes.

I knew it.

“Alright, Hineskel. I have a few questions. Answer truthfully. I noticed many commercial facilities have been restored on my way here. The place seems lively again. Whose help did you receive?”

“I-I don’t know… I’m just a knight guarding the outer gate…”

Again, a murky black light appeared in his eyes. I wanted to strike him down, but I had to restrain myself.

“Go and inform the Baron of my arrival. I’ll be meeting with him.”

“Y-Yes, sir!”

Selendis and I entered the inner castle without any further obstacles.

Whether it was my previous world or this one, there were always people who only listened after you showed them force.

They were usually those who lived by the principle of “strong with the weak, weak with the strong.”

Baron Roman was drinking in his office. As usual, naked women were attending to him.

“You still haven’t broken that bad habit. Shouldn’t you put down the alcohol when an Inspector arrives?”

“You were the one who promised me this luxurious life. I don’t understand what you’re talking about. I’ve never missed a donation payment. I’ve even paid generously.”

Baron Roman, seemingly intoxicated, even smirked. I immediately activated “Mind’s Eye.”

“This luxurious life is only guaranteed if you abide by the law. Dismiss the women.”

“Tsk. You still treat me like a criminal.”

He waved his hand, and the women left. Only the three of us remained in the office.

I had also activated “Automatic Combat” just in case. There were no hidden enemies.

Baron Roman crossed his legs arrogantly and rested his chin on his hand.

“So, what brings you here? I don’t see any reason for the Inspector General to grace me with his presence.”

“Where did you get the money?”

“…?”

Baron Roman tilted his head, his expression languid. I wanted to draw my sword, but I held back.

“I saw some new knights. I’m well aware of the financial situation of House Gerard. Where did you get the money to hire them? I doubt they’re volunteers.”

“I haven’t appointed any new knights. You haven’t changed. That arrogant attitude of yours, as if you know everything, is disgusting.”

Disgusting?

He was being defiant.

“Hineskel, Ruthold, Maverick. Aren’t these three new knights?”

“…”

“Don’t underestimate the Inspection Unit. Do you think we just sit around and collect our paychecks?”

These were the knights I had tested with “Mind’s Eye” before meeting Baron Roman. They had all lied to me.

As expected, Baron Roman’s expression contorted with displeasure.

“Young master Hylix is being careless. The Duke specifically warned him not to help you. I guess the allure of the ‘land of opportunity’ is too strong.”

“That’s baseless. What evidence do you have to support such an absurd claim?”

“He’s the only one who can confirm that you’re not poisoned. Or rather, Lady Oracle must have helped him.”

Baron Roman’s face paled for a moment. He quickly regained his composure, but he couldn’t hide it from my eyes.

“How does it feel to be tricked? The antidote must have tasted awful. I heard it was a mixture of insect carcasses and animal dung. You pretend to be a gourmet, don’t you? Did it suit your palate?”

“Hehehe… Hahahahaha!”

I had successfully pushed his buttons.

He burst into maniacal laughter.

Baron Roman stood up abruptly and strode towards me. Selendis was about to draw her sword, but I reached out and reassured her.

“You dared to trick me with that Aura potion. You have guts, O’Brien Walker!”

“I didnt trick you. You were the one who was fooled.”

“You bastard!”

He tried to grab me by the collar, but I easily swatted his hand away.

“I gave you a chance, but you threw it away. You’re doomed.”

“Doomed? Hmph! Don’t make me laugh! Do you think Grand Duke Hylix will stand by and watch? You’ll disappear without a trace-“

“You’re just another pawn. You’ll be discarded when you’re no longer useful. Oh, did I forget to mention? Making people useless is one of my specialties.”

I smiled and turned away.

“Just wait and see what I mean. I guarantee it’ll be entertaining.”