Chapter 11

Felix's mansion is located in the inner district of the capital city.

This is where the nobles of the Filfarria Kingdom, who hold high ranks, have their grand residences. There are gatekeepers between the outer and inner districts, but Shiro could pass through with just a nod of recognition. The inner district also houses the mansion of Orpheus, the former Duke and Shiro's father-in-law. Having visited many times, he was well-known.

"Is this it..."

He stopped in front of a certain mansion. It was not ostentatious but exuded a calm and dignified atmosphere. He called out to the guard and was allowed to enter the premises.

"Master Shiro"

Called by a clear voice, Shiro turned around. A delicate-looking woman approached him from among the women in dresses who were admiring the flowers in the garden.

"Is it business with my brother?"

"Yes, by the order of the Knight Commander Gaius."

"Oh! Master Gaius!"

The woman's face lit up at the mention of Gaius's name.

"Unfortunately, Knight Commander Gaius was too busy to come here, so I was sent in his place..."

He deflected with a non-committal response. She was the real reason Gaius didn't want to come to Felix's mansion.

"I see..."

Shiro's heart ached at the obvious disappointment on the woman's face. He was lying and causing her pain.

(Why would such a nice girl go for that bear... I'll remember this, you bear.)

Honestly, he couldn't understand the reason. As Shiro was filled with resentment, a voice called out from the terrace.

"Lily, don't trouble Master Shiro too much."

"O-Oh, brother..."

Felix leaned forward and raised his hand, and Shiro bowed slightly.

"Master Shiro, please come in."

Felix said this and moved into the mansion. Shiro watched him go and then turned his gaze back to Felix's sister.

"I'm sorry, Master Shiro..."

Lily bowed her head, still dejected. Shiro smiled at her.

"Not at all, Lady Lily. Don't worry about it. Oh, by the way..."

Lily looked at Shiro with a puzzled expression as he leaned in and whispered in her ear.

"I'll arrange for you to be alone with Knight Commander Gaius next time."

"Wh-What?"

Lily's face turned bright red, her expression changing from confusion to shock.

"W-Well, Master Shiro, if you suddenly put us alone together, I-I..."

Shiro couldn't help but laugh at Lily's trembling lips.

"You're so mean, Master Shiro."

Lily hurriedly returned to the other women, and Shiro entered the mansion.

In the reception room, Shiro handed over the sealed letter from Gaius to Felix.

"This is troublesome..."

Felix sighed as he cut the seal and read the report inside.

"I apologize. Knight Commander Gaius wanted to report to you as soon as possible. As the Third Knight Regiment, we couldn't leave our post to confront the Second Knight Regiment..."

Shiro apologized politely, and Felix smiled.

"No, it's not about the Earl of Cardy."

"Huh?"

Shiro was puzzled by his words. Felix cleared his throat and covered his mouth.

"I was wondering when Gaius would come to court Lady Lily."

"Ahahaha..."

It seemed his brother had seen through everything. Shiro gave a forced smile, and Felix sat back in his chair.

"We are monitoring the Earl of Cardy's movements here as well. There are always rumors about him. However, his son, who is involved in the recent incidents, was not on our radar."

"Do you plan to take action against the Earl?"

"Without solid evidence... We could find plenty of dirt if we dug, but if we act rashly and he escapes, it could be troublesome later. If we do it, we want to finish it in one go."

Felix's smile disappeared as he thought. Despite his usually gentle and composed demeanor, it was clear how many steps ahead he could think.

This expression was enough to remind Shiro of just how sharp Felix was.

"I'll take my leave now."

"Ah, I'm sorry for keeping you so long."

Felix stood up hurriedly at Shiro's suggestion.

"I'll report to the Second Knight Regiment Commander for you."

"Thank you for your trouble."

Shiro bowed, and Felix smiled at him.

"If you find any of those types, feel free to take them down. I'm sure you're uncomfortable with the poor security, Master Shiro."

"Hehe..."

Shiro had a family. Incidents like this were not pleasant, and if they involved family, they were unforgivable.

Felix knew exactly how far Shiro would go. Shiro had no intention of letting anyone who crossed him think they could do it again. Felix's words were a secret agreement: "If you take action, I'll back you up."

"Also... please convey my regards to Gaius."

"Understood."

Shiro smiled, sensing the underlying meaning in Felix's words.

Before leaving Felix's mansion, Lily came to Shiro again, blushing and bowing. "Please take care of that matter for me."

Shiro responded with a smile, "Understood," and left the mansion.