“Asana?”
Yuri’s eyes snapped open wide.
She opened the door to the inn room and found Asana collapsed, utterly exhausted.
“Are you okay?”
Blood trickled from various spots on her body, but upon closer inspection, none of the wounds were deep.
Yuri let out a relieved sigh, and Asana gave a faint smile.
“I’m just tired. That’s all.”
“How did you get hurt?”
“Well…”
Asana began to explain what had happened in Genard’s room.
“I barely managed to grab the documents.”
“Good job. You’ve done well.”
From the black bag she carried, a few papers were pulled out—documents detailing Genard’s corruption.
“This bastard’s been skimming off the top in all sorts of ways.”
To Yuri, Genard wasn’t the main problem. It was far more urgent to uncover who the conspirator beyond the crystal sphere was, and what the dark energy chasing Asana truly was.
Yuri wiped the blood trickling down Asana’s leg with a handkerchief.
“Rest here.”
“Yes.”
“I’ve already taken care of the payment, so eat whatever you want. You can use as much hot water as you need.”
“Thank you.”
“You’ve worked hard. I’ll give you a bonus. Next time, treat your siblings to something delicious.”
“Yes.”
Asana smiled softly.
Yuri gently stroked her cheek, gathered the documents, and stepped out of the inn. Before closing the door, she glanced back—Asana was already asleep.
“She should wash up before sleeping…”
Sounding almost like a parent, Yuri closed the door.
She went down to the first floor, gave the innkeeper a brief explanation about the new lodger, then stepped outside.
Laurent and Jared were waiting.
“Are you alright?”
Laurent’s eyes widened when he saw blood on Yuri’s hands.
“I’m fine. My informant pushed herself too hard and got a few scrapes.”
“Is she safe?”
“Of course. She’s far more skilled than we are in this field.”
“That’s a relief.”
They had heard about Yuri’s secret informant before and often marveled at her mysterious abilities.
“I brought back a lot of material. The Allied Veterans’ Association case should wrap up smoothly.”
“Yes.”
“That’s good.”
Though the case started with the Allied Veterans’ Association, it was tangled with far bigger issues.
Still, the immediate problem seemed solvable. They had gained many valuable leads through Asana.
Without delay, Yuri mounted her horse and headed toward Genard’s estate.
As if expecting them, guards greeted their arrival. Passing through the ornate entrance and ascending the spiral staircase, a glittering chandelier welcomed them.
Genard was waiting, impeccably dressed.
The table was set with place settings matching their number.
“You didn’t bring Ace.”
Yuri smirked.
“You’re not exactly someone I’d want to share a meal with, are you?”
Despite Yuri’s teasing, Genard didn’t react. He looked utterly drained, as if eager to finish this quickly.
He gestured for Yuri to sit.
“Please, have a seat.”
Following his lead, Yuri took the seat of honor. Genard sat to her left, Laurent and Jared to her right.
Soon, the dishes began arriving.
One appetizer after another, each more delicious than the last. Yuri finally understood why Genard had grown so corpulent.
“The chef is excellent.”
“Yes. Quite expensive.”
“Where is he from?”
Yuri didn’t want to drag the conversation out. She thought it best to stick to what they needed to say.
“Brought him from the Empire?”
“Huh?”
Genard’s eyes flickered at the sudden mention.
“Never mind.”
“Why bring up the Empire all of a sudden…?”
“Because, Genard, you seem to like the Empire.”
“Me?”
“Isn’t that right?”
“I am the Duke of Briol. Naturally, I favor Briol.”
“Who says I don’t like the Empire? They make good stuff. Got something to hide?”
“That’s not it…”
“This tableware’s from the Empire, isn’t it?”
Yuri grinned.
“Do you have some secret dealings with them?”
By now, Genard caught on and his expression stiffened.
“That’s…”
Yuri hinted that the damage to Genard’s crystal sphere was caused by her. She was basically saying, “Stop beating around the bush—let’s talk about it.”
“Stay away from the Allied Veterans’ Association. Don’t do anything strange. Got it? Then I won’t make a fuss.”
“Understood.”
“Now, tell me about the Empire.”
Genard glanced at Laurent and Jared. He seemed reluctant to speak in front of them.
But Yuri pressed on without hesitation.
“Just say it.”
“Your Highness.”
Genard closed his eyes briefly, then opened them.
“I have some acquaintances among the Empire’s officials, but nothing beyond that.”
He smiled quietly.
“As Duke of Briol, I apologize for any dealings I’ve had with them.”
“Genard.”
Yuri pulled out the documents—everything that could be used against him.
“Be honest. Then I’ll make all this disappear.”
Genard’s eyes flickered nervously. If all this came out, Fiore would personally throw him into the deepest dungeon.
But after clenching his eyes shut, he spoke.
“That’s truly all there is.”
“So you’re sending all this away?”
“If I must pay for my crimes, so be it. That’s all I can say.”
“Are you scared of the Empire?”
“I have nothing more to say.”
Yuri pressed him, but he refused to elaborate, repeating the same words.
She realized Genard’s resolve was stronger than she expected.
“Is that so?”
Yuri stared at him. Genard’s lips trembled, then he lowered his head and began eating.
Yuri thought it impressive he could eat at a time like this.
She didn’t push further and took a bite herself. Laurent and Jared remained silent as usual, and the meal continued in quiet.
“Excellent.”
Yuri summoned a servant.
“Please tell the chef this was a wonderful meal.”
“Yes, ma’am. He’ll be very pleased.”
“Duke Uzes has quite the refined palate.”
Wiping her mouth with a napkin, Yuri looked back at Genard.
“Well, Genard.”
“Yes?”
“Thank you for the meal.”
“The honor was mine.”
“You probably won’t get to eat like this again, so enjoy it while you can.”
Genard said nothing.
Confusion clouded his face. Then he finally spoke.
“Yes.”
If Yuri reported the various crimes she’d uncovered through Asana to the palace, Genard would be dragged away immediately. Fiore might even personally lock him deep in the dungeons.
But Genard nodded as if resigned to his fate.
“Do as you must.”
“Oh…”
Yuri was impressed—not by his spirit, but by the expression on his face.
It was as if he was silently saying:
“You know my sins, and I know you know, but if I reveal the mastermind behind this, it will cause even greater problems. Please understand my need to pretend ignorance, at least for now.”
Yuri nodded and patted his shoulder as if to comfort him.
“Eat up.”
“Yes.”
Genard raised his hand to order more food.
Though it’s rude to bring more dishes after the royal family has finished eating, Genard seemed to believe this was his last meal and ignored etiquette, burying his face in the food again.
Yuri said,
“You won’t be able to eat like this for a while.”
“Kuh…”
“When I go to the Empire—”
“Eh…?”
Genard stopped chewing and looked up, his expression not good.
Yuri averted her gaze and continued.
“That means you won’t have the honor of dining with me anymore.”
“Does that mean—”
“You’ll be eating these wonderful dishes all alone from now on. Lucky you, Genard.”
His eyes widened.
Yuri smiled and stood.
“I’ll be watching. Don’t cause any trouble—stay as quiet as if you were dead. Got it?”
Genard jumped to his feet.
“Yes.”
“Finish what you’re eating.”
“Yes.”
Yuri led Laurent and Jared out of Genard’s estate.
Genard came to see them off at the gate, but Yuri waved him back.
“Go back.”
“Your Highness.”
“You’re not full yet. Go on.”
When he kept following, she lightly patted his stomach. Genard bowed his head in response.
Once outside, Laurent asked,
“Why did you let him go?”
“Genard’s already in our hands. No need to eliminate him.”
Jared chimed in.
“Isn’t it like this? If he’s caught but not punished, suspicion falls on whoever’s backing him.”
“That’s true. And if they reconnect, that’s good too—it gives us more chances to find the mastermind.”
“I still don’t like it.”
Laurent glanced back.
“A corrupt noble like that should be punished.”
“I want to, but it’s not easy. Who else would govern Uzes?”
“Uh…”
“Even if we have to bring Genard down someday, now’s not the time.”
With the uncertainty of what might happen in the Empire, Yuri didn’t want to throw Briol into chaos.
For now, it was better that Genard stayed. Corrupt as he was, he wasn’t incompetent.
The smooth running of Uzes was proof enough.
Stepping into the bustling streets, the city was alive with energy.
Thanks to the trial earlier that day, citizens recognized Yuri and bowed their heads as he passed.
“And…”
Yuri smiled.
“Genard may have steeled himself briefly, but now that I’m stepping back, he’s back to his usual elation. People fear losing what they think is theirs more than the loss itself.”
“So you plan to ease his mind before tightening the screws?”
“That’s more effective than pushing him right now.”
Yuri’s thoughts drifted to the mysterious figure using Genard.
If Genard reacted like that, this was no ordinary opponent. Maybe even now, somewhere out there, they were watching them.
Yuri glanced around nervously before speaking.
“All right, our part is done. Let’s leave the rest to the others here and focus on what we need to do in the Empire.”
“Yes.”
“Yes.”
Yuri entrusted Raymond with handling matters related to the Allied Forces veterans’ association. The other former soldiers agreed to join the group while continuing their civilian lives.
Just before leaving Yuses, a group of dark-clad men arrived.
At first, Yuri didn’t recognize them.
“Huh?”
But their eyes looked familiar.
“Beards?”
They were the bandits from the forest, former Allied soldiers. Now, with their beards shaved and dressed plainly, they looked like ordinary citizens.
“My name is Romer,” one said.
Unlike before, when he had been rude, this time he approached Yuri with the manners of a well-educated knight, offering her something.
Yuri took it—it was a resume. Surprisingly detailed, it was filled with more information than she expected, even the smallest details.
“Why did you leave out the part about being a bandit at the end?”
“Hmm…”
Romer bowed his head to Yuri.
“I’ve heard everything that happened in Yuses. I apologize for my mistakes. I never thought someone like the prince would exist.”
“What kind of person do you think I am?”
“A true royal who would even scold a duke for the sake of his comrades.”
“That’s right. That’s exactly who I am.”
Yuri turned around. Raymond, who was to lead the veterans’ association, tilted his head in confusion.
She handed him the resume.
“Raymond.”
“Yes?”
“This is someone applying to join the veterans’ association. Take good care of him.”
“Now that you mention it, he does look familiar.”
“Huh?”
Come to think of it, Raymond had also served in the Allied Forces.
Raymond stepped forward and faced Romer. They pointed at each other.
“Long time no see, Raymond.”
“Could it be… you’re—”
“That’s right. Somehow I ended up like this, but it’s me, Romer.”
Suddenly, the two embraced.
“What’s going on?”
“Maybe they owe each other their lives or something.”
“Fate is a strange thing.”
Watching them, Yuri smiled and suddenly looked up.
On the rooftop railing of the building across the street stood a large bird. It was unusually big, but the strong sunlight cast it in silhouette, making it hard to see clearly.
Then it took flight toward the sky.
Even as it flew off into the distance and disappeared, Yuri couldn’t tell what kind of bird it was.
All she knew was that, bathed in sunlight, its form was beautiful.