Chapter 80

Episode 80

Upon arriving at the Dukedom’s capital, I immediately headed to the castle to meet with Duke Kalisto.

Selendis decided to wait at the Inspection Unit headquarters.

She must be curious about my decision to involve Inquisitor Godfrey. I had instructed Jericho to explain everything to her.

“What brings you here, Sir O’Brien?”

Head Butler Muller was waiting for me outside the Duke’s office. He usually addressed me casually, but he was now using formal speech.

I was about to tell him I was here to see the Duke, but I realized there was something I needed to address first.

I had been promoted to Baron, making us equals in terms of rank.

But we weren’t truly equal.

He had been the head butler of House Kalisto for decades, known for his impeccable work ethic. He was also the Duke’s closest confidant.

I bowed slightly and made a careful request.

“Head Butler, you’ve been like a father to me ever since I arrived in the capital. I would appreciate it if you could continue to treat me as you always have.”

“I cannot. You are now a vassal of House Kalisto.”

“A teacher doesn’t use honorifics with their student.”

Muller stared at me intently, then sighed.

“If that is your wish, then so be it.”

“Thank you, Head Butler.”

Muller was a professional. He was known for his fairness and strictness among the servants.

People like him had immense pride in their work. They were also proud individuals. A little humility was the best way to handle them.

“I’m here to see Duke Kalisto. Could you please announce my arrival?”

“Do you have an appointment?”

“No, but I have an urgent matter to discuss.”

Muller entered the office. He emerged a moment later and opened the door for me.

The Duke was sitting at his desk, reviewing documents.

Even with the scribe handling administrative tasks, the Dukedom was vast and prosperous. He had to review dozens of documents every day.

“You’ve arrived.”

“Thank you for granting me an audience, Your Grace.”

“You said you had an urgent matter to discuss?”

He couldn’t help but be interested. The family’s first, and perhaps the continent’s only, “Magic Swordsman” was standing before him.

“I have a request, Your Grace. It concerns Lady Lucia.”

“Skip the formalities and get to the point.”

“I would like you to grant me the Gerard territory.”

“The Gerard territory?”

His sharp eyes scanned my face, trying to discern my intentions.

“Why?”

“I intend to use it as the base of operations for the Lucius Trading Company.”

“If it’s for the trading company… wouldn’t this be a better location? It would be more advantageous to develop it under the family’s patronage. Establishing a trading company far from the main castle would be inconvenient.”

“The Lady doesn’t want to rely on the family’s help.”

My single sentence made the Duke’s expression complex. But he eventually smiled.

“It seems Lucia has made up her mind. She’s the most mature of my children.”

His words carried a lot of weight.

It wasn’t just a personal compliment he seemed to be hinting at her qualifications as a successor.

“The Gerard territory has a well-established commercial infrastructure. If utilized properly, we can develop the trading company quickly. Moreover, it was a place rife with crime in the past. A change of ownership and a fresh start would be beneficial for the family.”

“Hmm.”

My justification was flawless.

The key point was how long the Duke would take to make his decision.

If he decided on the spot, it was a positive sign. If not, it was negative.

If his deliberation was short, it meant he was considering the Lady as a potential successor. I, the “Magic Swordsman,” was loyal to her.

But if he took too long, it would increase the chances of failure.

Women had a limited role in the Empire’s aristocratic society. There were rare instances of female family heads, but they were exceptions.

If he chose Lucia as a successor, the family elders and collateral branches wouldn’t stay silent. He had to consider that as well.

“I grant your request.”

I suppressed a smile. Duke Kalisto nodded without hesitation.

“I’ll instruct the scribe to make the necessary arrangements. I’ll send Baron Roman to the Alpheon region. Inform him accordingly.”

“Thank you for your understanding, Your Grace.”

The Alpheon region was a harsh and barren land, unsuitable for human habitation.

‘He’s essentially telling him to clean up his mess in a different way. A fitting decision for a Duke.’

It wasn’t unheard of for vassals to be relocated by order of the Grand Duke, so Baron Roman would have no choice but to obey.

‘The fact that young master Hylix will have to cut ties with him is the decisive factor.’

It was a clear demotion. Young master Hylix, a man who prioritized his own interests, wouldn’t hesitate to abandon a useless pawn.

I could imagine the look on Baron Roman’s face when he received the decree. I left the Duke’s office, feeling relieved.

I visited the Lady’s quarters.

She was just leaving her room with her maids.

“Greetings, my Lady. I hope you are well.”

“Yes, Aubrey. You’ve come at the right time. Would you like to join me for a walk? The weather is lovely.”

“It would be my pleasure.”

During my time as an aide, my mentor, the head butler, had shown me a scenic route in the garden. He said I might need it someday if I had to escort a distinguished guest.

I strolled through the garden with the Lady. I was exhausted from the trip to the Gerard territory, but I tried my best not to show it.

The flowers were in full bloom.

The Lady stopped and picked a flower. I stood beside her.

“I’ve almost completed all the tasks you assigned me. We’ve also decided on the main product for the trading company and purchased a suitable building in the capital. We’ll start operating as soon as we receive the business license from the authorities.”

“You’re always thinking about work. Even when you’re enjoying a walk with me on such a beautiful day.”

Her unexpected flirting left me speechless. She handed me the flower she had picked.

As expected of the mastermind.

I accepted the flower with both hands.

“What’s the main product for the trading company?”

“Anti-monster equipment.”

I lowered my voice and explained the enchanted items to the Lady, as her maids were following behind us.

This was possible because she knew Jericho’s true identity.

“Hmm. That’s a good idea. People are definitely more aware of the dangers of monsters and demonic beasts these days. Good thinking. Well done.”

“There’s something I did without reporting to you first.”

The Lady looked surprised when I told her that I would be receiving the Gerard territory.

“My father granted your request? That must have been a difficult decision…”

“The Duke knows that I’ve mastered magic. I believe he’s trying to support me.”

“You planned this, didn’t you?”

“Yes.”

The Lady smiled with satisfaction. It felt like spring had arrived.

After our pleasant stroll, I returned to the Inspection Unit headquarters.

Jericho greeted me enthusiastically as I entered.

“Oh! Inspector! How did it go?”

“It went well. We’re taking over the Gerard territory. Or rather, it’s becoming the territory of House Walker.”

“That’s great news!”

Jericho pumped his fist in the air. He had been the one who suggested utilizing the commercial infrastructure of the Gerard territory.

“We’re going to be rolling in money. Inquisitor Godfrey will arrive in three days.”

“Once the business license is approved, use the available funds to purchase equipment. Renovate the building we bought into a warehouse and store them there. We’ll move our headquarters there once we receive the territory.”

“Understood.”

“Any other news?”

“Nothing to report. Oh, the only strange thing is that the capital is too quiet…”

A prince, of all people, had his arms severed during a duel. Both of them. They were successfully reattached, but he could no longer wield a sword.

“We’ve been investigating Prince Arthur’s surroundings, but we haven’t found anything. It seems like he’s holed up in the palace.”

Considering his cruel nature, it was strange that he wasn’t doing anything.

“That’s unnatural. He should be causing trouble. The lack of information suggests someone is suppressing it.”

“You’re right. He’s not the type to just take it lying down.”

“Increase the number of informants. Increase their budget if necessary. There’s nothing money can’t buy. If it doesn’t work, it means you’re not offering enough.”

“Yes, sir.”

Jericho immediately carried out my orders, and our fifth mission progressed smoothly.

And a few days later, we received the news we had been waiting for.

The Duke issued a decree.

The ownership of the territory that had been ruled by House Gerard for generations had changed. It was now known as the “Walker Barony.”

Poor Baron Roman had lost his home overnight.

Was this what they called poetic justice?

I immediately sent Head Butler Balzac to the Barony to take over. I also sent all my soldiers there.

The soldiers of House Walker, rigorously trained by Selendis, were as skilled as knights, even though they lacked the title.

They would easily suppress any resistance from Baron Roman’s followers.

“The vassals see this personnel change as a demotion. A punishment, so to speak. Hehehe! It’s always satisfying to see a villain get what he deserves!”

Jericho’s jest made me laugh. But it wasn’t over yet. This was just the beginning.

“How’s young master Hylix?”

“He’s quiet too. No movements yet.”

“We can’t let our guard down. He could interfere with our plans at any moment.”

“Of course. Oh, and we’ve increased the number of informants in the capital. We’ve assigned five to Count Apellai. They’re all skilled individuals.”

“They have to be careful not to get caught. Count Apellai is no ordinary man.”

“Don’t worry. They’ll handle it.”

Just then, an investigator entered the headquarters.

It was rare for investigators to come here. It must have been urgent.

“Reporting, sir. We received a message from the authorities. They’re indefinitely postponing the approval of our business license.”

“What? Postponing? What does that mean?”

“Exactly what it sounds like. They’re refusing to give us a reason.”

“Damn them!”

Jericho slammed his fist on the table.

We had hit an unexpected snag.

But I was optimistic. Games were boring when they were too easy.

“Shall we pay a visit to the authorities? I want to meet the person responsible for this.”

“Let’s go! We need someone with a loud voice for this. Those bureaucrats only listen when you yell at them.”

“I’ll prepare the carriage immediately, Master.”

With Selendis and Jericho by my side, I felt confident. We headed straight for the government office.