Chapter 30

"Master Noah"

After borrowing a bench a little away and sitting down to wait, Shirley came and bowed to report.

"That man has been taken care of."

"Understood."

"And a few police officers have arrived. They seem to have heard the commotion, but they look troubled upon hearing that you are here."

"That's to be expected."

The police are commonly called "officers."

This term comes from the fact that they "patrol" to maintain public order.

Naturally, the city police are under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Justice.

While they came to maintain order upon hearing the commotion, it's only natural that they are at a loss when they realize that the person causing the commotion is the Minister of Justice, who is their superior's superior's superior.

"Bring them here."

"Yes, sir."

Shirley bowed again and went to relay my order.

After a while, two young police officers arrived.

Both were flustered and, when they came before me, their legs tangled and they fell to their knees in a rolling motion.

"I, I didn't know the Prince was here."

"Terribly sorry!"

The two said this with a look of great fear.

Although their manners were lacking, I ignored it.

"Since there are two of you, it's perfect. One of you—over there, you—take care of that body. If there's a family, let them take it; if not, cremate it immediately."

"Yes, sir."

"You, go to the Imperial Household Department. Report that the first prince's retainer, Darren, was punished according to internal law for showing disrespect to the thirteenth prince, and have it recorded."

"Understood."

"Go."

The two left with great relief.

They had undoubtedly misunderstood that I was angry and were relieved that I hadn't taken it out on them.

As they left, Shirley returned.

"What will you do now, Master Noah?"

"Go get a pair of handcuffs."

"That's fine, but... why?"

Shirley tilted her head in confusion.

She had carried out my order and continued whipping Darren until he died.

Since she had confirmed that Darren was dead, it was natural for her to wonder why handcuffs were needed now.

"I'll put them on myself, so a child's size will do."

"Huh...?"

Shirley was even more surprised and stood there with her mouth open.

☆

The first prince's residence, located on the outskirts of the palace, just like my mansion.

I brought Shirley here on foot, not by carriage.

I had the handcuffs that Shirley had procured on my hands.

Wearing handcuffs, I approached the gatekeeper.

"Oh, it's the thirteenth prince—what?!"

The gatekeeper, who knew my face, started to smile in flattery but lost his words when he saw the handcuffs on me.

"Um... what is this...?"

"I've come to apologize to my brother. Could you please announce me?"

"Ah, yes! Please wait a moment."

Although the situation far exceeded the gatekeeper's ability to handle, he took the best possible action.

He left me waiting there and went inside to announce me.

After a while, an elderly man appeared from inside the residence.

His name is Coil, a butler who has long served at the first prince's residence.

"It's been a while, Prince Noah."

"Sorry for the sudden visit. Is my brother at home?"

"Prince Gilbert is waiting inside. Please come in."

Unlike the gatekeeper, Coil, who has long served as a butler at the first prince's residence, didn't flinch at all when he saw me in handcuffs.

Led by Coil, I entered the first prince's residence, with Shirley, who was still fidgeting, in tow.

We were led to a room with luxurious furnishings.

It was the highest-class reception room, where several imperial gifts—valuable items bestowed by His Majesty—were displayed.

Gilbert was looking out the window, but when I entered, he turned around and came over.

"Oh, you came, Noah. Hmm? What are those handcuffs for? Is it some new game?"

Gilbert, seeing the handcuffs on me, asked with an untroubled smile.

"I've come to apologize to my brother."

"Apologize? What for, suddenly?"

"I just punished your retainer, Darren. I want to apologize for doing so without consulting you."

After saying this, I briefly explained what had happened on Cobalt Street.

"That was the right thing to do. A retainer who disrespects a prince deserves death. However—"

Gilbert pinched his chin and looked up at the ceiling, deep in thought.

"Darren... Darren... Hmm, I don't remember him."

"Excuse me,"

Coil, the butler who had led us in, spoke up.

"He was a man who moved from this residence to the Imperial Household Department a few years ago."

"Oh!"

Gilbert snapped his fingers.

"I remember, that guy. You don't need to worry about him."

Gilbert smiled.

"He had bad conduct, so I fired him. He's not really a retainer. Don't worry about it, Noah."

...I see, that's how it is.

"Thank you."

I immediately bowed my head.

"Rather, you did well, Noah. If you had left him alone, he would have continued to cause trouble using my name. Thank you for protecting my honor."

Saying this, Gilbert gestured to Coil, who handed him the key to unlock my handcuffs.

"You are truly remarkable. It's no wonder His Majesty appointed you as the Minister of Justice—the guardian of the law. Most people wouldn't go as far as to punish him."

"Thank you, brother."

While going along with Gilbert's interpretation, I made some small talk and then left the first prince's residence.

☆

After leaving the residence, Shirley and I started walking around the palace.

"Um... Master Noah,"

Shirley, who had been looking puzzled since I put the handcuffs on myself, finally mustered the courage to ask.

"What was that all about?"

"What do you mean?"

"Um... well... something... something..."

Shirley twisted her neck, trying hard to find the right words, but she seemed to be struggling.

"Did you think my brother's attitude was strange?"

"That's it! But I'm not sure what was strange about it..."

"My brother was furious."

"Really!? But he seemed so calm..."

"He was furious, but he wouldn't break ties with me over just one retainer. We are both princes, and I also serve as the Minister of Justice. My favor with the emperor is greater than his."

"I see..."

"Moreover, I came to apologize myself. I admitted that my younger brother had made a mistake. As the eldest son, he had to show magnanimity. You understand, right?"

"Oh, yes! I understand! That's right, if you apologize first, he can't stay angry. Impressive..."

Shirley was amazed.

"There's one more thing."

"What is it?"

"If we had left this unresolved, my brother would have harassed me later. We are practically enemies."

"I see."

"But since I came to apologize, he had no choice but to forgive me. And nobles have their pride; it would be embarrassing for him to retract his words."

"To think so much... impressive..."

Seeing Shirley's admiration, I smiled.

It wasn't necessary to go this far, but better safe than sorry.

☆

The next day, after finishing my work at the Ministry of Justice, I returned home in the afternoon. Dylan, the butler, greeted me at the door, which was unusual.

"What's the matter, Dylan?"

"There's a guest."

"Guest?"

"Yes, someone from the Imperial Household Department. I've shown them to the reception room."

"...I see."

I went straight to the reception room where the man had been led.

When I entered, the man, who had been sitting, stood up abruptly and bowed on one knee.

"It's an honor to meet you, Thirteenth Prince. My name is Don Oats."

"Hmm."

I slightly tilted my chin and sat down on the sofa.

"Feel free to sit."

"Thank you."

Don got up and sat back on the edge of the sofa, looking hesitant.

"So, what's the matter?"

"I heard about yesterday's incident."

"Really?"

"I was deeply moved by your actions, Thirteenth Prince. I have come to offer my services to you!"

"You want to serve me?"

"Yes! Please!"

"Understood. But I am the Minister of Justice, and it will be difficult to advance your career in the Imperial Household Department."

"That's fine! I just want to be of use to you when needed!"

"Understood. I'll keep you in mind."

"Thank you!"

Don bowed his head happily.

After watching Don leave the mansion through the window, I called Dylan.

"What should I do?"

"Investigate that man. Be thorough."

"As you wish."

Dylan accepted my order without asking for a reason and left the room.

☆

The day after that.

After waking up and having the maids wash my face, brush my teeth, and style my hair as usual, Dylan came in.

"I have a report. I have learned about Don."

"Hmm?"

"Although it was cleverly hidden, both his parents were servants of the First Prince."

"He's a die-hard loyalist."

Sometimes, nobles arrange marriages between their servants.

Noble residences, especially those of princes, are highly secure, and it's not easy to leave even if one wants to. Since servants regularly interact with the prince, their interactions are often restricted to maintain secrecy.

Therefore, it's common for nobles to arrange marriages between their servants.

And, of course, the children of these servants also swear loyalty to their master.

That's what it means to be a noble's servant or retainer.

"He was probably sent in by the First Prince as a spy."

"Probably. Don't tell anyone that you know this. Knowing he's a spy can be useful."

"Yes, sir."

Dylan paused for a moment before speaking in a different tone.

"Your ability to identify a spy at first glance is truly impressive."

It's more about my "ability"—

But let's just call it "ability."

The status bar that always appears in the corner of my vision.

Even after I gave Don permission to serve me, the number after the "+" didn't increase at all.

It was clear that he wasn't truly loyal to me.