Chapter 81

Episode 81

The government office was the institution responsible for all administrative tasks in the Kalisto Dukedom’s capital. It was a separate entity from the castle, dedicated to managing the lives of the people.

In my previous life, it would be equivalent to a city hall.

A grand stone building, embodying the authority of House Kalisto, came into view. We disembarked from the carriage and entered the office.

“What kind of person is the director?”

“Viscount David. He’s known for his competence. He’s also said to be close friends with Maxim, the current scribe.”

“That’s going to be tricky.”

Scribe Maxim, whom I had briefly interacted with, was no ordinary man. Well, someone managing this vast Dukedom had to be exceptional.

We climbed the stairs and headed for the administrative department.

An administrator greeted us.

“Sir O’Brien of House Walker, is that you?”

Thankfully, someone recognized me. The Duke’s promotion celebration banquet wasn’t in vain after all.

I had greeted and exchanged pleasantries with countless people that night.

It seemed the effort was paying off.

“Thank you for recognizing me. I’m not here on behalf of House Walker today, but as a member of the Inspection Unit.”

“Ah, if it’s Inspection Unit business, then it must be about the trading company permit.”

“I’d like to meet with the person in charge. Could you guide me? Preferably someone with decision-making authority.”

The administrator looked troubled.

“Well… the director is unavailable at the moment. He has an external engagement.”

It was a common tactic used by those in power.

Pretend to be unavailable when someone you don’t want to deal with shows up. It wouldn’t work on me.

I pulled a chair over and sat down.

“Then, I’ll wait.”

“Ah…”

The administrator was flustered. If I sat here for a few hours, I would eventually meet the director when he returned.

After a moment of hesitation, the administrator lowered his voice and asked cautiously, “Would you like to meet with the permit officer?”

“Who’s the permit officer?”

“Chief Administrator Stuart. He should be in his office now. He’s in charge of all trading company-related matters, so he might be able to help.”

I readily accepted his offer. With the administrator’s guidance, we entered the office of this Stuart fellow.

“Welcome. You’re from the Inspection Unit…?”

His first impression… evoked a sense of pity.

He was the epitome of a overworked bureaucrat. Pale complexion, dark circles under his eyes, messy hair, and a skinny physique.

It wouldn’t be surprising if he collapsed from exhaustion at any moment.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m O’Brien Walker.”

“Ah, yes… I’ve heard a lot about you. Your recent achievements are impressive.”

Stuart forced a smile.

“You don’t look well. Are you feeling alright?”

“Hahaha… I’m always like this. Stress is the root of all diseases, isn’t it? I have a lot of work, but they’re not hiring more staff. I’m carrying the burden alone.”

I suddenly wondered if he was an NPC with a significant role in ‘Queen Maker’.

There was no other explanation for the developer’s realistic portrayal.

He was the opposite of what I had expected.

This type of person was actually more difficult to deal with. They would endlessly repeat phrases like “That’s the policy” or “I’m just following orders.”

If he had any flaws in his conduct, I could use them against him, but there was nothing I could do with this type of person.

So, I decided to take a different approach.

“Would you mind if I examined you? My subordinate here is a physician, a top graduate of the academy.”

“No, I can’t trouble you.”

“Don’t be so stubborn. It’ll only take a moment. Jericho, please examine him.”

Stuart reluctantly agreed. Jericho channeled his mana, scanned his body, and gave his diagnosis.

“There’s nothing particularly wrong with you. You can rest assured, but you should reduce your stress. I recommend taking some time off to recuperate. I can write you a medical certificate if you need one.”

“Thank you for your concern. I feel a bit lighter already. Hahaha…”

“I used healing magic. You should feel better for the rest of the week.”

“Sir Jericho, was it? Thank you so much.”

This was a good start.

I understood the struggles of civil servants. I had met many of them during my time as a private investigator.

People would come to them, complaining about their problems and criticizing the government.

It was understandable. That’s what city halls and community centers were for.

But they were also human. I had heard that a simple “Thank you for your hard work” could make their day.

That’s why I had asked Jericho to examine him.

“Now, let’s get down to business. As you might have guessed, I’m here because the Lucius Trading Company’s business license has been postponed. This is a task assigned by Lady Lucia, so we can’t wait indefinitely. I’d like to know the reason for the postponement and the future plans.”

“Well… To be honest, I don’t know the exact reason.”

“That’s unacceptable. If the person in charge doesn’t know, who does?”

“I believe the decision was made because granting a business license to the Lucius Trading Company wouldn’t be beneficial for the family.”

“By the higher-ups?”

Stuart nodded cautiously.

“They’re concerned that it might infringe on the interests of the Kalisto Trading Company… That’s how I interpret it. I heard Lady Lucia also said she wouldn’t rely on the family’s help.”

They were using that against us?

If I hadn’t felt pity for Stuart, I wouldn’t have bothered hiding my frustration and anger.

“Even if she doesn’t want to rely on the family’s help, there are still taxes generated from business activities. Claiming that it would infringe on the interests of the family trading company is absurd.”

“Well… It’s no use telling me that. I agree with you.”

“So, you’re saying that the higher-ups have no intention of approving it, and we have to either wait indefinitely or give up.”

“…”

Business licenses were required for certain activities.

You could sell food or general goods on the street without a license because the transactions weren’t significant.

But our business involved selling strategic resources: weapons, armor, and sometimes even food supplies.

These items were strictly regulated by each territory, so a license was mandatory. Trading them without a license was considered smuggling.

“Alright. I understand. We’ll establish our trading company elsewhere.”

“E-Elsewhere? What do you mean?”

Stuart, Selendis, and Jericho stared at me in surprise.

It was a simple reversal of their logic.

I didn’t know who was behind this, but they were clearly obstructing the establishment of the Lucius Trading Company. They knew we couldn’t leave the Kalisto territory.

So, I would simply flip the script.

“Do you know young master Eloan of House Caribe? He’s the eldest son and a promising individual who will inherit the family. I’m acquainted with him. If our presence here infringes on the interests of the Dukedom, then we have no choice. We’ll obtain a business license and operate in their territory.”

Stuart turned even paler. I almost felt sorry for him.

“W-Wait a minute, Baron. Don’t make such a rash decision…”

“This isn’t a rash decision. We need to start our business quickly, so we had to make this decision. Please inform the director. Tell him this is the best solution, where no one loses.”

I left the office without looking back.

* * *

“Inspector, are you really going to establish a trading company in Caribe? I don’t think the Lady would approve. Even if they have a good relationship, she wouldn’t want funds flowing out of the territory.”

“It’s a bluff. They’re the ones who are desperate, not us.”

“Aha! As expected of the Inspector. You’re a master manipulator! Hahaha!”

“Is that a compliment?”

“Of course~”

We left the government office.

Just then, an agent in an investigator uniform approached us discreetly.

“Urgent report. Young master Hylix has officially sent an invitation to young master Eloan of House Caribe. There will be a banquet in a few days.”

“An invitation to a banquet?”

“Yes.”

It didn’t take long to figure out his intentions. It was a blatant attempt to set up the Lady with Eloan. A strategic marriage to get her out of the Dukedom.

“I understand. Keep monitoring the situation.”

“Yes, sir!”

The agent left, and we returned to the Inspection Unit headquarters. Selendis resumed her training, and I discussed our future plans with Jericho.

“Young master Hylix will definitely try to arrange a marriage for Lady Lucia. That’s why he’s holding a banquet.”

“I agree. But it won’t be easy.”

“The Lady has already experienced two unpleasant incidents in Caribe. The Duke won’t easily approve.”

Jericho, as always, had a good grasp of the situation.

“More importantly, the Lady doesn’t seem interested.”

If the other party was of higher status, her opinion wouldn’t matter, but in this case, it was the opposite. Ultimately, the decision rested with Lucia.

“The way she treats you is very different from how she treats young master Eloan. She’s forced to deal with him, but she’s genuine with you. Are you still practicing dancing?”

“…Don’t say such things. You could lose your head without knowing it.”

“Hey, I’m just kidding. Of course.”

I sat down at my desk. A document caught my eye.

It was a detailed report on Inquisitor Godfrey.

“How are the preparations for receiving Sir Godfrey?”

“Everything is ready. Although I wouldn’t mind denying him even a drop of water.”

“He’ll play an important role between us and the church. Forget about the past.”

“Understood.”

And a few days later, Godfrey arrived at the Inspection Unit headquarters with a single attendant.

His expression was as frosty as ever. His cold, unreadable eyes and expression were intimidating.

But it didn’t work on me.

“Welcome, Sir Godfrey. Thank you for accepting our invitation.”

“This is strange. Why did you summon me when there’s a Kalisto church branch?”

He was impatient.

“Please, come inside. We’ve prepared some refreshments.”

According to the information I had gathered, Godfrey enjoyed wine made from grapes harvested on the southern coast of the continent. He also had a fondness for pork dishes.

Acquiring the wine was easy, and I had asked the head chef of House Kalisto to prepare the perfect pork dish.

“Hmm.”

Godfrey’s eyes softened after tasting the wine and the food. He was clearly satisfied.

“You’ve gone to a lot of trouble.”

“I’m glad it’s to your liking.”

We joined him for the meal. I wasn’t particularly hungry, but I wanted to make him feel comfortable.

“Did you summon me because of the interrogation in Caribe?”

“Not at all. It’s unrelated. In fact, I’m grateful that you concluded the interrogation quickly.”

“Hmm, then what is it?”

“We’re planning to start a business.”

“…A business?”

A glint of suspicion appeared in Godfrey’s eyes. But it quickly turned into curiosity.