Chapter 126
‘There is no conclusive evidence yet, so bring Killian in for investigation…’
The Emperor finally permitted an investigation into Killian, and Orhelin and Ian took action.
‘He hid it so well.’
Beatrix admired Killian. Though he was eventually caught in her trap, it was impressive how long he had managed to evade capture.
Despite having spies everywhere, how did he slip through so deftly?
His endurance was remarkable.
Or perhaps Killian had also employed people to deceive the Empress?
‘If only he had taken the lesson from his parents’ deaths and kept a low profile.’
Beatrix clicked her tongue at Killian’s recklessness.
After witnessing his parents’ fate, did he still need to search for the illegitimate child?
‘Well, thanks to his antics, I managed to find the illegitimate child I had missed. So, in a way, it’s fortunate for me.’
The gods of luck and victory were entirely on Beatrix’s side.
“Everything is falling into place, Elisabeth.”
The Empress expressed her deep concern to the commander of the Orhelin knights, instructing him to handle the matter with the utmost seriousness, even if the suspect was Killian.
‘I do feel sorrow for the child I raised like a son, but it has been months since we failed to capture Black Moon. Above all, capturing that murderer is most important.’
Beatrix exerted pressure on both Orhelin and the military police.
They were to resolve the case that had thrown the empire into fear for months, by any means necessary.
The burden of closing such a high-profile case as the Black Moon murders weighed heavily on the investigators.
‘Even for Killian, there will be no mercy.’
Beatrix managed to suppress her rising smile.
There was still the possibility that the investigation might be hindered by concerns for Killian’s reputation and status.
‘… A bit more pressure wouldn’t hurt.’
The public needed to believe that Killian was Black Moon. Public opinion often had a significant impact on matters of national importance.
Moreover, the Emperor would likely defend Killian to the fullest extent…
For the Empress to influence the Emperor’s decision, the opinions of the nobles and the public needed to align with hers.
If they loudly proclaimed Killian’s guilt, the Emperor would have no choice but to comply.
Beatrix had long maintained relationships with those useful in such times.
The Duchess Chanelia would undoubtedly be intrigued by this shocking news. (T/L: The one in the beginning of the story, in case you don’t remember her. The one who published the newspaper).
Though the Empress couldn’t spread the rumour directly, it wouldn’t hurt to let the maids’ tongues wagging.
* * *
“Where did the Grand Duke go?”
“He mentioned an urgent matter and said he would be away for a few days.”
“I’m asking where he went.”
Sophia, having brushed past Jenny, questioned Garfield. But Garfield couldn’t provide a clear answer.
Sophia felt increasingly uneasy due to Ian’s attempts to prevent her from meeting Killian.
Moreover, the atmosphere in the Grand Duke’s residence was different from usual.
“Is something wrong with His grace?”
“No, it’s nothing serious. He just left for an urgent matter assigned by the royal family.”
Garfield adjusted his glasses awkwardly as he replied.
“… Butler Garfield.”
“Yes, Miss?”
“You once said that the Grand Duke is a good master, that he takes care of matters when people have difficulties.”
“That is correct, Miss.”
“Do you still follow him sincerely?”
Sophia locked eyes with Garfield.
A moment of confusion flickered in Garfield’s eyes.
Sophia recalled the incident with Nicholas.
Killian had discovered that the person closest to him in the military police was associated with Rozaripi.
Killian feared that everyone around him might be loyal to the Empress.
He seemed to communicate with the Grand Duchy, but only about the general state of the territory as a Grand Duke.
His worries, fears, future… even his doubts about the previous Grand Duke’s death—couldn’t be discussed with the Grand Duchy.
He feared the Empress’s influence might have reached there too.
And he feared information might leak through Garfield or the household staff who handled his letters.
Thus, Killian had always tried to solve problems alone, in isolation.
‘I know why Killian has to be wary of them.’
Most people in the Grand Duke’s household had been recommended and introduced by the Empress. Garfield was no exception.
But Sophia hoped.
“The only person His Grace can truly trust and entrust with this mansion is you, Butler Garfield.”
She hoped that among those sent by the Empress, there was someone who genuinely believed in and followed Killian.
That at least one person was there for Killian.
Someone who had watched over Killian for a long time, who knew how good a person he was…
As Sophia held Garfield’s gaze, he slowly nodded.
“It is an honour to hear that, as the butler serving His Grace.”
Garfield’s voice seemed lower than usual.
“If His Grace returns, please contact me immediately, even if it’s in the middle of the night.”
“Of course, Miss.”
Garfield bowed his head in response.
* * *
“Thank you for your efforts, Sir Ian. We will take it from here. His Majesty will personally acknowledge your contributions.”
As soon as Killian was brought to the palace, the knights of Orhelin informed Ian.
“What are you talking about? This is my case.”
“His Majesty entrusted you with locating the culprit. Going forward, Orhelin will handle the investigation of the suspect.”
“… So, you’re just going to take over the fish I caught?”
Ian’s eyes sharpened like a blade.
Even in front of the Orhelin knights, he remained unyielding.
“Don’t misunderstand. The royal family will properly recognize your contributions…”
“Do you think I’m doing this just for recognition?”
When Ian threatened in a low voice, the knights of Orhelin looked visibly uneasy.
‘So this is it!’
The knights finally understood why even the usually composed Zenon found it difficult to handle Ian.
Ian Fraus operated by a different set of values. Honour, recognition, and material rewards meant less to him than his pride and stubbornness.
This made him particularly hard to placate.
“What is the reason for excluding me?”
Still full of anger, Ian demanded a valid reason.
“No one understands the relationship between the Grand Duke and Black Moon as well as I do.”
He was the one who found the evidence and captured Killian. And now he was being told to step aside from the investigation.
The feeling of being used and discarded like a hunting dog was deeply unpleasant.
“You’re also busy with the Ruchtainer matter. The demon hunting season will start soon, and you’ll be dispatched.”
“Is that your answer?”
“Black Moon is a criminal of national importance. Killing within the palace is treason. Therefore, it’s appropriate for Orhelin to handle this.”
As the knight of Orhelin spoke, Ian’s mouth twisted.
“You’ve been sitting idle and watching until now?”
“Sir Ian, mind your words.”
The knight’s face twisted at Ian’s sarcasm. However, Ian Fraus was not one to hold back his words.
“Am I wrong? Orhelin has done nothing but reinforce palace patrols.”
Ian hit the mark.
As he said, Orhelin had taken a passive stance in the Black Moon investigation. They had only increased palace security and the protection of the Emperor, Empress, and Crown Prince.
They had contributed nothing to catching Black Moon.
“Nevertheless, you can’t continue to cling to this case. Moreover, such a serious matter should be handled directly by the royal family.”
“Then it could be handled by the military police.”
The military police were also a direct arm of the royal family.
“With the Grand Duke of Rivelon, suspected of being Black Moon, we cannot entrust the investigation to the military police.”
The Orhelin knight stated firmly.
“The military police will not be able to properly investigate their former superior. For the sake of a fair investigation, please leave now.”
“A fair investigation…”
To Ian, it seemed like they were simply trying to take credit.
“This is an imperial decree, Sir Ian.”
Finally, the knight of Orhelin invoked the imperial decree.
No matter how stubborn he was, Ian had to obey the imperial command.
Faced with an unyielding command to leave, Ian bit his lip in frustration.
Bringing up the imperial decree as soon as they encountered a difficult situation was infuriating.
“Do you mean to say that I should get the Emperor’s permission again?”
Ian nodded rebelliously, causing the Orhelin knight’s eyes to waver.
No, that wasn’t the point. The decree was meant to make him give up…!
“As you wish.”
Ian’s footsteps turned toward the Emperor’s palace.
(T/L: Served him right. Boooooo Ian)
