The Lady Only Deals With the Real Ones - Chapter 173

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————

“For example?”

William blinked, seemingly puzzled by my calm inquiry.

“Uh, um, you’re not surprised?”

“I was expecting it. I even have some guesses about who it might be. So please feel free to tell me whatever you’re comfortable sharing.”

“Oh….”

William, who had been making a thoughtful sound, snapped his fingers together with a click.

“Well, that’s good for me! I was worried because if our young Manager got too shocked, I’d have to comfort you. But I’m not really good at that sort of thing.”

“This is a bit off-topic, but may I ask how you were planning to comfort me?”

“I was thinking maybe I should give you another glass of juice?”

I almost would have received three glasses of juice.

Having lightened his burden, William continued his explanation cheerfully.

“First, of course, we’re tracking the movements of the old Manager, that is, young Manager’s Grandfather.”

He said there were people going around to hospitals in the Capital City with Grandfather’s composite sketch, asking if a relative by that description had been admitted there.

Seeing that it was similar to the investigation method Rosaline had used, it seemed Crodil had indeed heard stories about Grandfather before she was arrested.

As I was thinking, I stiffened at the words that followed.

“There are people searching for survivors of the Ilante Archipelago battle from twenty years ago.”

“…Survivors?”

Twenty years ago, that would be.

“Yeah. They’re secretly searching while saying things like they’re going to award new medals or they have plans to provide support funds.”

The battle where my parents died.

I swallowed and barely managed to ask back.

“But that’s strange. Why would they do such a merit-based project secretly? If they were going to do it, wouldn’t it be right to do it publicly to promote their achievements as well?”

“That’s exactly what I’m saying. It felt fishy, so our guys went to find the survivors those people had met. And apparently they asked about Princess Beatrix Rionet, who was pregnant at the time.”

How could this not deviate even an inch from my expectations?

Crodil was indeed investigating my parents as well.

“That person said they didn’t know anything… Anyway, I thought young Manager should know about this, so I’m telling you.”

“Yes, thank you.”

“My guess is that the people asking around seem like mercenaries.”

“Mercenaries?”

“Yeah, they’re guys I don’t really like. I’m reverse-tracking them and I’ll interfere with them while I’m at it, so don’t worry too much.”

As I listened to the story, I suddenly had a question.

‘…Mercenaries are investigating? Not Eivor?’

Aren’t Crodil and Eivor on the same side?

Actually, it’s bad news for me, but from Crodil’s perspective, it would be easier if he had Eivor do it.

Since he’s a Mage, he could investigate without being tailed by William’s Information Guild.

But why?

‘Is their collusive relationship not what it used to be?’

After thinking it over, I came to a conclusion for now.

Securing Grandfather’s safety should be the priority, as originally planned.

“If you happen to learn any new information about Princess Beatrix during the reverse-tracking process, please let me know.”

“Puha, she’s young Manager’s Mother, so why are you calling her so formally? Got it, of course.”

I smiled awkwardly.

The word “Mother” was still a bit unfamiliar.

Come to think of it….

“Did you know our Grandfather is a Duke?”

It was so natural that I had forgotten.

That William and I had never talked about this topic before.

William waved his hands dismissively.

“Well, I’d say I was just guessing. The old Manager was extraordinary in many ways, wasn’t he?”

What kind of image did our Grandfather have on the Street that everyone says this?

“Then when I saw Hugo visiting young Manager’s Shop late at night, I half-expected it, and after the Founding Festival I became certain. …Hey, hey, I never told anyone else?!”

“Yes, I understand.”

“Really! Don’t tell the old Manager!”

“Oh, come on. I said I understand.”

Hmm, I can fully understand what kind of image that was.

I nodded and asked.

“You said there were two things, right? What’s the other one?”

“Ahem, this is related to the first request young Manager made.”

William, whose throat seemed dry, gulped down his juice and wiped his mouth.

The first request?

“Ah, you mean when I asked you to let me know if there were any noteworthy rumors?”

“Yeah. But I have a feeling young Manager might already know about this?”

“…What kind of rumor is it?”

“Well, young Manager is friends with the Princess, right? That’s what the Nobles are going around saying.”

“Yes, we are friends. But….”

A rumor related to Lina?

I narrowed my eyes, then burst into laughter at the words that followed.

“The Princess has changed a lot lately, something like that. She’s very active in meetings and seems to have become more bold.”

“Geez, you scared me. I thought some bad rumor was going around.”

I thought Crodil was pulling some scheme to ruin Lina’s image.

I was relieved, but William’s expression was somehow strange.

“What’s wrong?”

“Hmm, I’ve met all sorts of people, you know.”

William crossed his arms.

“People don’t change easily.”

“Couldn’t it happen if there was a catalyst?”

“Catalysts depend on the catalyst. The circumstances surrounding the Princess haven’t changed much, have they?”

William frowned slightly.

“But someone who was depressed, timid, and intimidated changes just through their own mindset? Is that possible….”

“…Do you think there are other factors?”

“I wouldn’t know. I’ve never met her directly. I’m just talking about people in general. Suspecting is my job, after all.”

“Hmm….”

“But there are cases where people completely change due to psychological factors, well, sometimes.”

“What would that be?”

William’s frowning eyes curved mischievously.

“When they fall in love?”

“Pardon…?”

Lina fell in love…?

I shook my head vigorously.

“Why! There’s a living example close by! Geez, I never dreamed I’d see such a sight!”

“Who?”

“Are you going to pretend you don’t know?!”

I stood up and said my farewell.

“Well, I should get going now. Thank you for today.”

“Why are you leaving so suddenly? Do you have an appointment?”

“It’s not an appointment… I need to go meet a friend.”

“A friend? With the Princess?”

Seeing William’s eyes sparkling as if he considered this information too, I smiled.

“No.”

Ah, before I go.

“We don’t have plans for a branch yet, but if we do, I’ll give William exclusive priority.”

Even though it was paid work, helping to obstruct the mercenaries’ reverse tracking was clearly William looking out for me.

‘And giving me an extra glass of juice too.’

It was a small token of gratitude.

“Really? You promised!”

Leaving behind two empty glasses and William’s wave goodbye, I stepped outside and looked up at the night sky dotted with stars.

Lina’s story did weigh on my mind.

Her tea time invitation was nothing but joyful and wonderful for me too.

But.

“Sorry, I’m sorry. Elisha, I have something, to research. Just a short, break…”

Just like when we first met in this life.

And compared to Chloe, who looked as struggling as when we first and last met in my previous life, the place I needed to go was.

‘I don’t know what’s wrong, but… in that state, it would be better for someone to be by her side.’

Today, it was the Duke of Alchemiya’s residence, not the Imperial Palace.

‘I’m not weighing the importance of friends. It’s a matter of circumstances.’

I boarded the carriage I had called in advance and headed to the Duke of Alchemiya’s residence.

*

…I’m sorry, Lina. I really want to go too, but I have urgent business today…

Elisha’s reply that began this way was gentle.

She asked if Lina might be free another day since she must be busy too, saying they could spend a long time together then…

It was a kind postponement.

Katarina, who had been staring intently at those words as if they were Elisha’s face itself, raised her head.

“So.”

Patrick stood before her.

He was a regular knight.

With Ailren away, going between the Imperial Palace and temple for the investigation, he never imagined he would be the one having a private audience with the Princess instead of the vice-captain.

“What did you hear about Elisha’s schedule for today?”

Seeing Katarina’s expression, Patrick gulped nervously.

“She’s meeting with someone called a guild master…”

“And then?”

“I heard she’s going to see a friend.”

The kind postponement was, in the end, a rejection.

Katarina fell silent for a while.

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————