The Lady Only Deals With the Real Ones - Chapter 92

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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‘I understand the desire to repay kindness.’

 

Even I have a personality that feels awkward and uncomfortable receiving help, wanting to compensate with something in return.

 

‘But isn’t this spending way too generously?’

 

I was about to speak up.

 

But Ailren was faster to open his mouth.

 

“I assume you’re curious about the investigation results regarding Appraiser Malcolm Rinoer.”

 

No, you can’t just smoothly change the subject like that.

 

But it was too intriguing a topic to just let pass…

 

I rubbed my forehead and sat closer to him.

 

“Yes, how did it turn out?”

 

On the day I met Ailren at the temple, I had asked him to arrest Malcolm.

 

There was Alter’s testimony about facilitating stolen goods transactions, and Nicholas’s statement about appraising replicas as authentic pieces—evidence was overflowing.

 

Moreover, Malcolm had essentially confessed with his own mouth during the festival, which was as good as a confession.

 

Since Malcolm had fled with all his employees, it would have been easy to collect evidence related to stolen goods transactions from the empty pawnshop.

 

‘Though Ailren couldn’t come himself, he sent his subordinate knights instead.’

 

After Malcolm was arrested, one of his subordinate knights told me:

 

“Captain Ailen Hugo Radeian of the Royal Knights sends his regards.”

 

Remembering that message—gentlemanly yet oddly roguish—made me smile again.

 

However, unlike my smiling face, Ailren’s expression wasn’t good.

 

“He confessed after interrogation. Handling stolen goods, forging certificates and documents, and operating illegal establishments.”

 

Observing his expression, I slightly furrowed my brow.

 

“…He confessed, but he’s insisting he committed all the crimes alone, isn’t he?”

 

“Yes. That’s correct. Considering the scale of the crimes, there must be someone behind him, but he’s maintaining silence about who that mastermind is.”

 

“Weren’t there any ledgers with transaction records or correspondence?”

 

“There were. But they’re written in code, so it’ll take time to decode them without the criminal’s confession.”

 

Hearing the story, it seems like a fairly thorough planned crime.

 

“We’re analyzing deposit and withdrawal records for suspected money laundering, but due to frequent transactions with unspecified individuals, we haven’t found any particular suspects yet.”

 

The investigation had only been going on for two days, and it was during Founding Festival week at that.

 

It didn’t seem like a situation where they could devote full resources to the investigation.

 

However.

 

‘If it’s about deposit and withdrawal records, there is something that comes to mind.’

 

Recalling Hugo’s transaction history, I smiled again.

 

“Still, getting a confession in just two days is impressive. You’ll find a lead soon, since there’s so much evidence.”

 

“Thank you. I hope so as well.”

 

“By the way.”

 

I broached the subject carefully.

 

“It would actually help Malcolm’s situation if he revealed who’s behind this and negotiated for a reduced sentence.”

 

There was still more important matter to discuss.

 

“Seeing how he won’t open his mouth at all, Malcolm must be quite afraid of whoever’s behind this. Right?”

 

Ailren looked at me with surprise, as if I had accurately pinpointed the facts.

 

“Yes. I think so too. He appeared to be keeping silent out of fear of retaliation.”

 

“Then if we just catch the mastermind, Malcolm will readily talk.”

 

I know that Malcolm’s mastermind is Rosaline.

 

‘I asked William to find out the list of nobles attending the Founding Festival.’

 

Rosaline will definitely be on that list.

 

‘She must be furious, so if she encounters me at the Founding Festival, she’ll surely show some weakness.’

 

So I just need to wait for the right moment.

 

The moment when Rosaline reveals her hand herself.

 

After clearing my throat, I spoke to Ailren who was staring at me intently.

 

“How did you know about that boutique? From the atmosphere, it didn’t seem like a place you visit often.”

 

“…I checked the Imperial Palace’s clothing expense records from the previous year. Among them, I recommended a place with high repurchase frequency that also operates during late night hours…”

 

Cough.

 

I choked.

 

“You analyzed data to make that recommendation?!”

 

I thought you had just heard about it somewhere!

 

Seeing my surprise, Ailren shook his head.

 

“However, it cannot be said that it was a proper analysis. I had no idea it would be an establishment that behaves rudely toward customers…”

 

“Oh no, that’s not true. If it weren’t for you, Knight, where could I have bought something like this at this hour?”

 

“But.”

 

“Besides! You even gave me a gift.”

 

If I left him alone, he seemed ready to blame himself endlessly.

 

I had no choice but to refer to his ten million gold as a ‘gift.’

 

Though my conscience pricked me because it was such a large sum, Ailren raised his head at those words.

 

“I’ll wear it prettily. I’ll even go around bragging that you bought it for me, Knight.”

 

“…There’s no need for that. If you’re satisfied, that’s enough for me.”

 

“Is that all? You even escorted me so courteously. I was startled when I first saw you come, but you helped me choose clothes and even waited for me…”

 

Ailren flinched.

 

“Are you saying you didn’t expect me to come?”

 

“Um, that’s right?”

 

It’s not like I can see the future, so why would I have thought that?

 

As I tilted my head in confusion, Ailren rubbed his throat.

 

“…I was very rude. I, well. I thought you had… permitted me to accompany you.”

 

“Pardon…?”

 

Was there something in Ailren’s message asking to go together?

 

Retracing my memory, I asked hesitantly.

 

“Um, by chance. Does recommending a visit today usually mean ‘let’s go together’ in noble society?”

 

“It’s not necessarily like that, but…”

 

Was there something I missed reading in that long, long greeting?

 

While I was thinking hard, Ailren, who had paused, let out a small sigh.

 

He added.

 

“No. It seems I mistook your reply saying you would definitely go as an intention to accompany me.”

 

“A mistake?”

 

“Or… it might have been my wishful thinking. You don’t need to worry about it.”

 

What did I send back then.

 

Thank you for letting me know, Knight! I’ll definitely go at that time! See you again!

 

I was wondering if there was anything that could be misunderstood when the carriage arrived in front of the pawnshop and stopped.

 

Looking at my watch, it was already 3 AM.

 

“Oh my, it’s gotten so late. Anyway, thank you for going with me today. Please get home safely!”

 

I bowed and was about to get off.

 

Ailren spoke up.

 

“Um.”

 

“Yes?”

 

I think this was the first time I’d seen him hesitate like this.

 

Wondering if something was wrong, I stopped getting off and sat closer when.

 

“…Don’t you need my energy today?”

 

Ailren extended his hand.

 

Looking back and forth between his hand and his face, I couldn’t help but smile.

 

“I need it. A lot.”

 

‘Geez, I almost forgot something this important.’

 

Ailren seemed to think I was crazy, but at least he didn’t seem suspicious, which was fortunate.

 

Taking a deep breath, I firmly grasped his hand.

 

I could feel energy trying to repel me, but Ailren’s grip was holding me even more tightly.

 

1 second, 2 seconds, 3 seconds, 4 seconds, 5 seconds.

 

“Haah…”

 

I exhaled and opened my eyes.

 

Fatigue rushed over me rapidly.

 

But because of the distinctive energy that had blown my hair into a disheveled mess, Ailren didn’t seem to notice the change in my complexion.

 

He just quietly looked at me before withdrawing his warm hand.

 

Though my vision was blurry, I deliberately greeted him more cheerfully.

 

“I think the success after the festival was all thanks to you, Knight. Well, I’ll be going now! Thank you for the dress!”

 

“…Take care.”

 

As soon as I opened the door and entered the pawnshop, drowsiness hit me like a wave.

 

Without even properly organizing the dress, I collapsed behind the counter and thought.

 

‘Still, the energy trying to repel me has definitely weakened. Ailren is getting better, thank goodness.’

 

Judging by how Ailren didn’t say much, it seemed there hadn’t been any particular movements from Crodil’s side yet.

 

But who exactly was the mysterious mage helping Crodil?

 

And what were they cooperating with Crodil for?

 

‘What exactly is that mage’s ulterior motive?’

 

As I blinked my drowsy eyes, a thought suddenly occurred to me.

 

‘Come to think of it… originally when I looked at Ailren, he sparkled so much it hurt my eyes, but lately that seems to have lessened too? Is that also an effect of mana poisoning…?’

 

Thinking about Ailren’s light that used to sparkle like looking at a holy relic, I slowly closed my eyes.

 

That’s when it happened.

 

“Ah.”

 

Step, step.

 

In the hazy boundary between dream and reality, I heard someone’s footsteps and voice.

 

“So you were here.”

 

It was a leisurely and slow man’s voice.

 

I could see dress shoes.

 

“You’re quite skilled at interfering.”

 

Interfering?

 

Was I dreaming?

 

‘More than that, this voice, I’ve heard it somewhere before…’

 

Just as I was trying to open my eyes properly.

 

“But I quite enjoy being interfered with, so I think I’ll watch a little longer.”

 

What did that mean?

 

“So, shall we meet again?”

 

Along with the man’s voice mixed with laughter, an irresistible drowsiness poured over me.

 

I fell asleep just like that.

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