Earl Liam, who was peacefully enjoying the warm sunshine on his mansion terrace, frowned at the sound of knocking on the door.
“Earl, Earl, Viscount Steel is here to see you.”
‘Viscount Steel?’
“Let him in.”
“Earl, I came to see you because I have something to tell you.”
“It’s not bad news, I hope?”
“You might not be aware of this.”
“What are you talking about?”
“The Third Prince has captured a group transporting incense and contraband along with the inner city guards.”
“What, what did you say?”
Seeing Earl Liam’s shocked expression, Viscount Steel smiled and said,
“But don’t worry. His Highness the Third Prince assured me my name wouldn’t come up.”
Viscount Steel inwardly mocked Earl Liam for being slow to receive information.
However, despite his reassurances, Liam’s stiff expression did not ease, causing Steel to feel an inexplicable unease.
“Is there a problem?”
“Did you perhaps tell His Highness the Third Prince that your dealings were related to the Rose Inn?”
“I had no choice. Earl, if I hadn’t rushed over, the Third Prince might have sold my name to another backer.”
“……You really don’t understand the mistake you’ve made, do you?”
Like Baron Helington before, it was clear that Viscount Steel had been played by the Third Prince. Duke Blake’s hypothesis was correct.
“Do you think the Third Prince will really cover for you in this matter?”
“Wouldn’t he? His Highness said he would consider it favorably!”
“You are so naive. Have you already forgotten how Baron Helington died?”
“Wh-what do you mean by that?”
“Did you draw up any documents or contracts with the Third Prince? What binding power does a verbal promise have?”
“What do you mean?”
“It means the Third Prince has no intention of sparing you.”
Viscount Steel’s previously calm heart began to ripple with anxiety at Liam’s words.
“I’ve offered so much to His Highness, he wouldn’t do that.”
“You must have even offered him a space pouch to be so sure.”
“How did you know?”
“You must have been desperate enough to offer something you hadn’t even given to Duke Blake. But think careffully. Why would the Third Prince spare you after you’ve handed over the space pouch?”
“That, that………….”
“Wouldn’t it be more logical for him to take your head and gain credit as an inspector before the Emperor? Surely, you didn’t trust the ‘rascal’ Third Prince?”
Viscount Steel stammered, taken aback by Liam’s logical retort, which he had underestimated.
“Earl, if it becomes known that incense and contraband are linked to our noble faction, it might trouble Duke Blake.”
Steel realized that implicating Duke Blake was his only way to survive.
At the mention of a name that should not be uttered, Earl Liam scolded Steel,
“Viscount, what do you mean by that? What does Duke Blake have to do with this? Wasn’t it you who handled everything independently? Didn’t you say you’d take full responsibility if it failed, and now you’re saying something different?”
Feeling abandoned by both the Third Prince and Earl Liam, Viscount Steel’s vision darkened. After all the humiliation he endured to rise, he couldn’t die like this.
“Earl, what do you mean by handling things independently? How could I plan something related to the crown prince’s position alone?”
“Can you take responsibility for that statement? Doesn’t your life mean anything to you?”
Steel trembled at Liam’s cold voice.
Seeing fear of death on Steel’s face, Liam softened his tone to prevent the situation from escalating further. Sometimes a kind word after a harsh scolding can ease someone’s heart.
“Viscount, calm down and tell me in detail. What did you do when you met His Highness the Third Prince? If you tell me, maybe I can help you. Surely you’re not going to give up like this?”
Finding a glimmer of hope in his dark despair, Viscount Steel slowly opened his mouth.
“Th-that…….”
To help Steel collect his thoughts, Earl Liam began questioning him one thing at a time.
“What did you give the Third Prince?”
“I gave him a space pouch and gold coins.”
“What did the Third Prince promise?”
“He promised to exclude my name from this matter.”
“Anything unusual?”
“He said he would listen to other backers’ offers as well.”
The mention of ‘other backers’ led Liam to speculate that it might be the Emperor or the Chancellor. However, since the Third Prince had taken bribes from Steel, he likely hadn’t gone to the Emperor.
“Earl, please save my life. Couldn’t you speak to Duke Blake?”
“If His Highness the Third Prince doesn’t mention your name, won’t you be safe?”
“Listening to you, I realize I was wrong. Please spare me.”
Seeing Liam hesitate, Steel added,
“Earl, Duke Blake’s name will never come from my lips.”
Recognizing what Steel truly desired, Earl Liam spoke in a serious tone.
“Viscount Steel, it’s good that you understand. Let me show you an easy way.”
“What is this easy way?”
“Just say that the incense and smuggling were solely the porters’ actions. If someone like Reff or Shilder points you out, deny it and ask where the evidence is.”
“But if His Highness already has all the evidence, won’t my excuses be futile?”
“That’s precisely where His Highness made a crucial mistake.”
“Mistake?”
“Not using the palace guards for such an important investigation. Whatever group the Third Prince used, what if you deny it? Can such unclear evidence hold credibility?”
“But wouldn’t the Emperor trust the Third Prince’s word?”
“Perhaps. But if a few nobles question its credibility, the Emperor might find it politically burdensome to make an immediate decision.”
Viscount Steel’s mind began to clear at Liam’s words, delivered with a glint in his eye.
“If we handle this well, I might not be punished.”
“If the Third Prince reveals his hidden cards to catch you, Duke Blake will be pleased. He’ll find out who’s aiding the Third Prince. Then the Duke might grant you salvation, right?”
“Thank you. Thank you.”
Watching Steel bow repeatedly, Earl Liam thought,
‘Looks like I’ve successfully persuaded him.’
“Don’t worry too much. I’ll also speak to Duke Blake about this. We might gain more from this incident.”
Seeing the Earl, whom he had disregarded, now willing to help, Steel was nearly moved to tears.
“Earl, I will never forget this favor.”
After Steel left, Earl Liam began writing a letter to Duke Blake, suggesting that they might deal with multiple corpses, not just one, this time…
***
When Ian entered the abruptly convened internal affairs meeting, the nobles present started murmuring.
Rumors had already spread throughout the Empire about Ian’s upheaval involving the incense from the Rose Inn.
Some nobles who frequently used the incense glared at Ian aggressively.
“His Majesty the Emperor enters.”
The buzzing meeting room fell silent as the Emperor entered. Looking around, the Emperor addressed Ian.
“Ian, report in detail about the incident with the inner city guard.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
As Ian stepped forward, Duke Blake, Earl Liam, and Viscount Steel all focused on his words. Steel, in particular, watched nervously, fearing Ian might mention his name.
“Two days ago, I visited the inner city guard to test the ‘Detector’. There, I discovered incense and contraband that induce confusion in the user.”
“Incense and contraband, what happened to those who brought the goods?”
“I’ve detained them in a hidden location to prevent any attacks by related groups.”
Before Ian could finish, Earl Liam interjected. If the Third Prince named Steel, they would be in trouble. It was crucial to first cast doubt on the credibility of the Third Prince’s actions in the Emperor’s eyes.
“Why did you not use the palace guards for such a serious matter like smuggling?”
“I thought it would be troublesome if someone else ended up dead.”
Earl Liam was momentarily at a loss for words at Ian’s mocking tone.
“Wh-what do you mean by that………”
“Your Majesty, given the seriousness of smuggling, I believe it should be investigated by the royal guards or the knights. Could you not assign it to me?”
Ian admired Duke Blake’s brazenness for volunteering despite Ian’s attack. Watching them try to erase the scent of incense, Ian thought it was no wonder they had survived in politics for so long.
Meanwhile, Steel felt completely at ease as Duke Blake stood up for him. Even if the Third Prince mentioned his name, he had Duke Blake as his shield.
The Emperor asked Ian about Blake’s request to take over the investigation.
“Since the Third Prince captured the scene, let’s also hear Ian’s opinion.”
“That would be fine.”
Duke Blake raised his eyebrows at Ian’s prompt agreement. Although the Duke felt uneasy, he thought resolving the matter like this wouldn’t be too bad.
‘Who is aiding the Third Prince? If it were a noble within the royal palace, they would be noticeable. I should investigate.’
He needed to find out who was helping the Third Prince.
When Ian agreed to Duke Blake investigating the incident, Earl Liam glanced at Viscount Steel and nodded.
“With Duke Blake taking charge of the investigation, let’s move to the next item on the agenda.”
The Chancellor next to the Emperor concluded the discussion on incense and smuggling, allowing Blake to focus on the next topic.
As the agenda on incense concluded without mentioning his name, Viscount Steel met Duke Blake’s eyes and bowed in gratitude.
“Third Prince, as the tax inspector, please report to His Majesty on the findings regarding the Taxation Bureau.”
The Chancellor’s signal indicated it was time for the main issue. Ian smiled as he began.
“As the tax inspector, I will report on my investigation into the Taxation Bureau.”
At the sudden mention of the Taxation Bureau, Viscount Steel, who had just relaxed, became visibly agitated.
Fixing the back door of the cow barn, only to have the front door collapse.
Earl Liam, too, looked bewilderedly between Viscount Steel and Ian.
“About the Empire’s tax revenue…”
Cliche Novel 