Chapter 85

Episode 85

I thought Lady Oracle had left with Grand Duke Hylix, but the door opened, and she re-entered the room.

“Do you have anything else to say?”

“The young master has already returned to the main castle. I wanted to offer you some personal advice.”

“The young master will misunderstand.”

“He already misunderstands.”

Oracle revealed a glimpse of her true feelings.

She sat down without being invited. I decided to play along and sat down opposite her.

“I heard you pressured the government office regarding the trading company permit. Is it true that you’re planning to obtain a permit from Caribe?”

“There’s no need to hide it. I’ve already requested a meeting with young master Eloan.”

“Is that even possible? It’s nonsensical for the Duke’s daughter to establish a trading company in another territory.”

I chuckled. I didn’t feel the need to be formal with her.

“Nonsensical, you say? That’s a more fitting description for your actions. Postponing the permit is essentially telling us not to create the company. Why are you obstructing us? Our business won’t interfere with the Kalisto Trading Company’s main operations. Moreover, it’s Lady Lucia’s wish to create this company.”

“You don’t know that. People always say that in the beginning. And the excuse that things just happened to turn out this way…”

“It’s unfortunate that you think that way.”

Our conversation was like two parallel lines, never intersecting.

But then, Oracle’s expression subtly changed.

She was smiling.

“May I offer you a piece of advice?”

“Go ahead.”

“Lose the spar with the princess.”

I realized that Oracle was a shrewd observer. She seemed to believe I could defeat the princess.

She was right.

As far as I could tell, the princess was a step below Prince Arthur. No matter how skilled she was with a spear, she was still inferior to the Bellatrix swordsmanship.

“There’s always a chance I could lose, even without your advice. But you’re speaking as if I’m guaranteed to win.”

“The Bellatrix spear technique is weaker than the swordsmanship. And even if the princess is skilled, she’s not on the same level as Prince Arthur. Objectively speaking, isn’t it clear that you would win?”

“I refuse your suggestion.”

“This isn’t the time to be stubborn. Didn’t you learn anything from the young master’s behavior today? He’s not angry because you’re trying to create a trading company in Caribe.”

She didn’t finish her sentence, but I could clearly sense the word “inferiority.”

“That’s precisely why I can’t stop. As Lady Lucia’s loyal servant, I will spread her will throughout the world.”

“Even if it means a succession struggle within House Kalisto?”

I didn’t answer her question. Instead, I asked a different one.

“You seem to have other plans. Something concerning the future of House Kalisto.”

“I don’t understand what you’re talking about. I’m the future scribe. Hylix and I are old friends.”

“Do those things matter when it comes to achieving a greater purpose?”

My sharp retort made Oracle chuckle.

“Alright. I understand your intentions, and I’ve confirmed that you’re not easily swayed. I’ll take my leave now. I’ll pretend I didn’t hear what you just said. It was a pleasure speaking with you.”

Oracle left.

I immediately asked the butler to prepare a bath. A while later, I soaked in the hot water, relaxing my muscles.

My mind was racing with things I needed to sort out.

***

“Good morning, Inspector!”

Chloe was full of energy, as always. I greeted her briefly and entered the Inspection Unit headquarters.

I sat down in my office and picked up a book from my desk.

“The Legend of Aldebaran.”

After hearing Selendis’s story yesterday, this book had become a valuable reference for me.

However, the story wasn’t a perfect reflection of reality. The setting and characters were different.

I was focusing on the underlying structure of the story.

Despite the differences, the book’s message was clear.

‘The protagonist, reincarnated as a human, seeks revenge and reclaims the demon realm.’

And then she transforms it into a paradise for all living beings.

If this book was truly a historical record and a prophecy, then the mastermind would follow its path.

‘It doesn’t matter if the Lady is the Demon King’s daughter or not. What matters is how much I can contribute to her grand plan.’

If I used this book wisely, I could overcome my inherent disadvantage of not having played the “Queen Maker” game.

Jericho entered the office while I was lost in thought. He approached me, seemingly eager to share some news.

“Inspector, haven’t you heard? Eloan of House Caribe has arrived at the main castle.”

“I know.”

“Aren’t you going to rush over there? As expected of a hero, you have a weakness for beautiful women.”

“I would have rushed over if you had arrived breathless and couldn’t speak properly.”

“Hahaha! My apologies.”

Young master Eloan had become less important. The attention of all the vassals in the Dukedom was currently focused on the princess.

There were several reasons for this, but the main one was the friendship between the Emperor and the Duke.

They were comrades who had fought countless battles together, saving each other’s lives more than once.

The Emperor sending his daughter to the Dukedom was a significant event, especially for those who weren’t privy to the internal affairs.

Even though Lady Lucia’s previous engagement had been broken off, this could be an attempt to arrange a marriage for the princess.

Of course, the princess had arrived unannounced with her knights, but there were rumors that there might be a hidden meaning behind her actions.

“You seem to really like that book. I see you reading it every time I see you.”

“I’m not really reading it. I just find myself picking it up when I need to organize my thoughts. It’s a habit.”

“There are many novels with similar themes. Authors tend to write similar stories after a hit. Should I recommend a few?”

“No, thank you. Have you contacted young master Eloan?”

The government office still hadn’t made a decision regarding our trading company permit. Based on what Oracle had said yesterday, they were clearly observing our actions.

In this situation, it was crucial to meet with young master Eloan and discuss the practical aspects of our business.

“Yes. He said we’re welcome to visit anytime. He seemed eager to meet with us.”

“Then, it’s time to prepare.”

“Should I come with you?”

“Don’t you have a lot of work to do? As the future manager of the trading company, you should be more mindful of your time.”

“Sigh… Please, just give me one task at a time. I won’t have any energy left if I have to enchant items and manage the company.”

“I’ll raise your salary.”

“I’ll dedicate my life to you!”

Financial incentives were always effective. Jericho smiled brightly and prepared the carriage.

We went to the main castle and met with young master Eloan.

We had to wait a while because he had other guests, but he didn’t hesitate to meet with me, even though he was still tired from his journey.

“I heard you were promoted to Baron. Congratulations, Sir O’Brien.”

“Thank you, young master.”

Young master Eloan looked displeased. It was understandable. He was supposed to be treated as a guest of honor, but someone else had taken his place.

“How have you been? I should have checked on you, but I’ve been so busy.”

“I’ve been well. The monsters have been quite active lately, so I haven’t had much free time either. It seems peaceful here.”

“Yes, thankfully.”

“Let’s skip the pleasantries and get to the point. I heard you want to establish a trading company in Caribe. Is that true?”

Eloan’s expression softened. He even seemed excited.

There was only one reason why he would be excited about this.

Lady Lucia.

It seemed he had heard that the trading company was related to her.

“Yes, it’s true. For certain reasons, the government office hasn’t issued us a permit. We can’t wait indefinitely, so we chose Caribe, considering our recent interactions.”

“That’s interesting. The Lady’s trading company seeking a permit from another family. Is there something wrong?”

“Not at all. Our Inspection Unit doesn’t engage in anything illegal.”

“But isn’t it a bit strange? From an outsider’s perspective.”

He had a point. He must have used his own information network to investigate.

“Our main product will be anti-monster equipment.”

“Anti-monster equipment… Isn’t that too niche?”

“It means we won’t be interfering with the interests of other trading companies.”

“Then, it might be worth considering. This is a good opportunity to impress the Lady.”

The topic I had been waiting for finally came up.

I seized the moment.

“Young master, may I speak frankly?”

“Go ahead.”

“You must be disappointed that Princess Beatrice arrived so suddenly. You must feel like your plans have been disrupted.”

Eloan stared at me, seemingly suppressing his anger.

“But I don’t think so. I believe this is a good opportunity.”

“A good opportunity? What do you mean?”

“Kalisto is close to Caribe. But the Imperial Family is different. It’s far away, both physically and psychologically. The princess coming all the way here is a good opportunity for you to build a new connection.”

Eloan’s eyes lit up. He finally understood my suggestion to prioritize practicality over emotions.

“You’re suggesting I build a connection with the princess.”

“That’s right. I can even act as a bridge between you two, if you wish.”

“You’re certainly capable of that. She called you a friend, didn’t she?”

Eloan wasn’t a clever man.

That’s why he was more honest with his instincts. He didn’t hesitate for long.

“Alright. I’ll take your advice. I hope we can build a good relationship at the upcoming banquet.”

“I’ll make the necessary arrangements.”

“And I think we should reconsider the trading company matter. It’s beyond my authority to decide. I’ll send someone to my father. Don’t get your hopes up.”

“Thank you, young master.”

I left the room, feeling relieved. It was time to meet with Princess Beatrice.

She had come all the way here to spar with me.

Asking her to dance with the Grand Duke of Caribe at the banquet wasn’t a big deal. She would understand that Eloan was supposed to be the main attraction.

“Greetings, Your Highness. I hope you are well.”

“Welcome! I’ve been waiting for you.”

Beatrice, seemingly forgetting her royal dignity, greeted me with a wave.