Chapter 47

In the Prime Minister's office, Jeffrey was being informed of the government's response to the current situation.

"Victoria Serrars was apparently Hagar's ace agent. An assassin was sent after she escaped."

"An ace, you say."

"By the King's judgment, Victoria is considered a citizen of the Kingdom of Randall, and although the reason is unknown, she was killed by a Hagar operative."

The Prime Minister continued, looking at Jeffrey's questioning eyes, which silently asked, "Why?"

"The Hagar people will likely keep sending assassins to our country if they find out Victoria is still alive. It's troublesome. We will lodge a complaint with Hagar, hinting that we know their true identities, which should make them more cautious."

"..."

"I also asked the Third Knights for their input, but they said they have no interest in her since they have four active agents who can provide Hagar information and her whereabouts are unknown."

The Prime Minister pushed up the bridge of his glasses with his middle finger.

"Our country will act as if we didn't realize her true identity. A Randall woman was killed by Hagar men in our country. That's all there is to it."

The Prime Minister cleared his throat and asked Jeffrey in a strangely theatrical tone.

"So? Did you realize her true identity, or did you not?"

"I had a vague idea. I apologize for not reporting it."

"Hmm? Is it because of my age? I didn't hear you clearly. Did you not realize anything?"

"No, I didn't have concrete proof, but I had a vague idea."

The Prime Minister sighed deeply.

"How honest. You should know that you could have gotten away with saying you didn't know. Being too honest can be a problem, you know."

Still, Jeffrey did not retract his statement and remained silent.

"Ah, well. No choice, then. You will also be disciplined. Stay at home and await your punishment. The matter of Victoria is to be kept secret for the rest of your life. Understood?"

"Yes, sir."

Jeffrey Asher was packing his personal belongings in the Knights' headquarters, lost in thought.

Victoria had disappeared just as the assassination squad arrived. She probably didn't know that she had been spotted by Hagar operatives or that an assassination squad was after her. If she had known, she wouldn't have left Lady Yolana and the others behind. The thought that she was hiding, unaware that she was presumed dead, made him feel helpless.

Later, Jeffrey was relieved of his position as the Knights' commander and reassigned to a completely different job. He became the security administrator of the territory that included Hayden, a port for timber exports. Younger knights saw him off with sad faces.

"Good luck."

When Jeffrey said this, some of them even cried.

Jeffrey bowed to his older brother Edward at his family home.

"Brother, I am truly sorry for what happened this time..."

"Oh, don't worry about it. I'm more of a miscellaneous duties person anyway. I won't be affected by your situation. Please focus on your new job. Also, Mother is doing better these days. Don't worry and head to your new post."

"Yes, sir."

"Are you okay? You look a bit thinner, don't you?"

"No, I'm fine."

"Good. The climate there is mild. Enjoy good food and take it easy for a while."

"Thank you."

Watching his younger brother leave, Edward Asher looked thoughtful.

The official stance on this matter was that a traveler from Randall was killed by what seemed to be Hagar-born robbers within our country, and the robbers were killed by the nobles' guards. It was good that we could at least lodge a formal complaint and create a sense of indebtedness.

However, since Victoria herself cannot be found, it is problematic that we cannot communicate the details of this measure. Edward thought, "Well, it will be what it will be," and cut off his thoughts. There was a lot to do.

One of the assassins captured this time was an informant. In the Third Knights, only he and one other person knew this. The man, who had been a lookout, was seeking asylum in this country. He needed to consider the man's future and find the next informant.

Jeffrey declined the family carriage and rode his horse to the territory where the port town of Hayden was located. A man from the management office ran up to greet him upon his arrival.

"Welcome to the Duke's territory, Security Administrator. I am Hamz, who has been managing this territory. Please, it's a pleasure to meet you."

Hamz was probably in his late forties. He had short brown hair and a well-built body. His smile was gentle, but he exuded a strong resolve, and it seemed he would be a formidable opponent if angered.

"Administrator, the Duke has been waiting for you since yesterday."

"Huh?"

This territory was important due to the port of Hayden and was to be managed by the second prince when he became a duke. However, Prince Cedric was still a prince. (Who is the duke?) Jeffrey was thinking when a cheerful voice called out.

"Hey, Jeffrey! My brother was disappointed to lose you."

"Prince Cedric!"

A handsome man with golden hair and blue eyes walked out of the management office. Though his attire was that of a composed lord, he still exuded the vibrant and cheerful aura of the second prince.

"I'm no longer a prince. I will finally take my duties seriously and work for the country. My father and brother want me to fulfill my royal duties here."

"Ah, I see."

"That's a rather lackluster response. By the way, let me introduce my fiancée. Hey, Beatrice!"

The woman who came out was indeed Beatrice, Cedric's former fiancée, but Jeffrey squinted, wondering if it was a different person with the same name. The once pale and frail Beatrice now had a plump figure, a healthy complexion, and a shiny face as she ran over.

"Lord Asher, it's been a while."

"Jeffrey, you must be surprised. I was too. She came to the castle when she heard I was moving to the duchy, insisting, 'If you haven't decided on a wife yet, please marry me.' She had changed so much, both physically and mentally, that I was shocked."

Beatrice continued with a determined expression.

"I was released from the engagement due to my poor health. I was so frustrated that I worked hard to get healthy and show them. I was determined not to lose to the future wife of Prince Cedric. When I heard that he was being demoted to a commoner without an engagement, I couldn't sit still. I insisted on marrying him no matter what. Hehehe."

Cedric looked at Beatrice's profile with a gentle smile and then turned to Jeffrey.

"Wouldn't it be a waste to ignore such a devoted woman? We plan to have the wedding once things settle down."

Cedric looked genuinely happy.

"This territory has a lot of people coming and going. The only major event is the annual Cadiz festival, but there are many things to keep an eye on. Hamz has managed it well so far, but I plan to work hard for the prosperity and peace of the territory from now on."

"I will do my best to support you, Duke."

Jeffrey bowed, and Cedric and Hamz nodded in agreement.

(The management of this territory, with its many foreigners, will probably not be easy. If we let our guard down, illegal items could circulate, and unlawful activities could spread. I need to start learning from Hamz and get a good grasp of the situation.)

Jeffrey tightened his resolve as he watched the young couple.