TKMLTE 103

CHAPTER 103

Translator: Rae

***

Destruction of Evidence

"The terms and conditions are as written in the contract. Are you sure you want to become the Knights of the Duchy?”

Whitney immediately wore a puzzled look at Randy’s sudden declaration that they would officially join the Duchy.

“Has Your Grace reviewed the contract? Are you really accepting all 55 of us as we are?”

It was a larger number than she had expected, but there was ample space to accommodate them. In fact, it was better this way—having enough men to forgo hiring private soldiers. If the number had been closer to a hundred, the royal family might have intervened, but fifty-five was just the right amount to avoid unwanted danger.

Maintaining a composed and dignified expression, she spoke firmly.

"You may have already heard, but the Duchy currently lacks both private soldiers and knights. In truth, they don't exist at all." 

“There have been a lot of rumors about House of Orléans lately. Shouldn’t that be a concern?”

“You don’t need to worry about delayed wages.”

He seemed aware that the Duchy wasn’t in the best financial situation. However, with business going well and matters unfolding favorably, there was no need for concern. Most of the overdue wages had already been settled, so as long as no new issues arose, things would be fine.

“You’re free to leave whenever you wish, but you must stay for at least three years.”

“As long as accommodation is provided, we have no objections. We simply seek a place where we can serve with pride.”

“You need not worry about that. There is ample space here for all of you. The building once used by the household guards will be prepared for your use. Training grounds and equipment will also be provided. Most importantly, I assure you that I will never assign you tasks that would compromise your pride.”

"Understood. SInce the protection of the winery must continue, we will divide our forces accordingly.”

Whitney nodded. He still had not let his guard down.

“Since there’s been increased attention lately, keep a close watch for any suspicious individuals. More people will be eyeing the vineyards.”

“Understood. I will relay the message.”

“The probation period will be three months. During that time, everyone will receive the same wages without discrimination. If any of them find that this isn’t the right fit, they are free to leave within that period. Afterward, those who are recognized as full-fledged knights will officially become knights of House Orléans.”

Randy nodded. He looked satisfied. Whitney recommended that they go after lunch.

"Then I will not refuse.”

He looked at Zegmon with a warm smile. Whitney noticed at once that they were close friends, as the look in their eyes was full of affection.

***

Cheston observed the Count of Owen’s expression as he faced the king. Having spent the night in private conversation with his father, he expected that some kind of conclusion had been reached.

However, both men’s expressions remained frustratingly ambiguous. Cheston hesitated, unsure whether he should bring up the matter of the Marquis of Aroche.

‘I’m not sure if this is the right time to bring it up.’

If he had solid evidence, he wouldn’t be struggling with a decision like this. He had ordered Aaron to keep an eye on the queen, but so far, there had been no results.

“Count of Owen, have you found out anything?"

“We captured and interrogated the culprits, but they only recited that they were paid to carry out the task by a noble in the capital.”

The king clicked his tongue in frustration.

“They refuse to talk, which makes things difficult. More importantly, have you identified the traitor within the Count’s household?”

“…My apologies. They had already taken their own life.”

“Haa.”

“It seems we’ve learned nothing, even after interrogating them all night. Father, please allow me to question them myself.”

Cheston spoke to the king. He couldn’t just sit back and watch—it was too frustrating.

“Very well, do as you must. Among those invited to the Count’s residence, was there not anyone particularly close to the queen?”

“Yes, since the Duchess Regnant of Orléans was invited, we deliberately excluded families associated with her, assuming that Prince Cheston would attend as well.”

Cheston rose from his seat after the count said so. There was no reason for him to remain here any longer. Now that the news had spread, protecting the criminals-turned-witnesses was the priority.

"Where are they?"

As Cheston moved toward the door, preparing to take matters into his own hands, a knight rushed in while panting. His eyes flickered with confusion, and for a brief moment, fear was evident in his expression. Cheston let out a brief sigh.

“Haa. It seems there’s nothing more to uncover. We can’t exactly torture every noble in the capital.”

The knight reported that all those imprisoned had been found d*ad. The king’s gaze darkened, his expression turned grave as he rose from his seat.

“Count of Owen, remain vigilant until further notice. Strengthen the security around your residence.”

“I have no excuse, Your Majesty. Shall we begin investigating the families associated with Her Highness the Queen?”

“That wouldn’t be a bad idea. Start by checking if any of them have recently traveled to Ninetree Village.”

As the Count of Owen left, Cheston turned his gaze toward the king, studying his expression.

“The queen seems to be making her move. Do you know anything else?”

“There’s one thing that concerns me—Cassius Aroche, the recently emerged provincial noble. Did Your Majesty know that Her Majesty has a lover?”

"Well, that wouldn’t be surprising, would it?”

“I believe the Marquis of Aroche is the queen’s lover. There’s no solid evidence yet, but I have seen him leaving the queen’s palace before.”

“Are you saying that the man known as the Marquis of Aroche might not actually be the real one?”

There was no solid evidence, but the suspicion was strong. Information on the Marquis of Aroche was scarce, making it difficult to confirm. However, the longer a tail, the easier it was to step on.

“He’ll be exposed soon enough.”

“We’ll have to test the queen. I didn’t expect her to latch onto the Duchess Regnant like this.”

"Did you really not expect it?”

Cheston let out a self-deprecating smile. There was no way his father hadn’t known. He was the kind of man who stepped back and observe everything, fully aware but choosing to sit back.

“I hear the Duchy now has knights and private soldiers.”

"Are you going to intervene?"

“They are the household that is to be tied to the royal family. Even if they gain private soldiers, it won’t pose a threat—so long as you marry her.”

The king stepped down from his seat and gripped Cheston’s shoulder firmly.

“You must protect her well. If you wish to be crowned crown prince, you must solidify your standing. Do not let the queen’s schemes shake you.”

As his father passed him and exited the audience chamber, Cheston stared after his retreating figure with dry, weary eyes.

***

Whitney enjoyed the lunch hour.

Listening to the two recount their heroic tale was everything but boring, and Lady Rene chiming in, the conversation flowed effortlessly.

“I’m sure the Duchess Regnant will be surprised when Your Grace sees them! They’re all so big and intimidating—but they have a soft side too,”

“Serene, there’s no need to say that. How abou you shut up for a moment?”

"You're embarrassed, aren't you?"

She burst into laughter, clutching her stomach, while Randy scratched his head and let out a deep sigh at Serene’s words.

“When we work, we set aside those emotions as well, so you don’t have to worry.”

“It’s fine since that’s not something I’m concerned about. Sir Zegmon mentioned that your skills rival those of the royal guards.”

“That’s right. I doubt you’d find another mercenary group in the Kingdom of Luowen as skilled as ours. Some of us were even offered positions of the royal guards but turned them down—we take great pride in our abilities.”

Whitney’s eyes widened at Randy’s words and nodded in understanding. She was already aware of their skills, but thanks to Randy’s unexpectedly cheerful demeanor, she was able to get a better grasp of the Kennedy Mercenary Group’s atmosphere.

“I hope everyone finds it comfortable to stay here. When are they expected to arrive?”

“They should be here in two days. Since the contract is settled, I’ve instructed half of them to stay behind and the rest to come.”

"We should hurry and get things in order.”

She called for the butler to arrange accommodations for the soldiers. Since Randy would be staying here for the time being, she decided to let him use one of the guest rooms until everything was properly prepared.

“Oh, right! Your Grace, I heard there was another incident this time. Why not take this opportunity to learn swordsmanship for self-defense?”

“...Swordsmanship?”

It wasn’t a bad idea. If she kept relying on others, she wouldn’t be able to handle herself in situations where she was alone, like last time. She turned to Sir Zegmon and spoke.

“Learning the sword doesn’t seem like a bad idea. Would you be able to teach me?”

“...Your Grace, while we are always available to teach you, isn’t there a better instructor?”

“Better instructor?”

Whitney tilted her head, not quite grasping the meaning behind his words.

"His Highness the Prince Cheston."

“Oh…! But His Highness is often away from me and has many responsibilities. Wouldn’t it be better to learn from those staying in the estate?”

"Understood. I will do my best to teach you.”

Once again, Zegmon’s eyes burned with enthusiasm. Seeing this, Whitney chuckled and took a sip of her tea. But the moment she caught sight of the pure white bird in the butler’s hands, her expression hardened.

‘A secret message from the royal family?’

Whitney rose from her seat. The butler explained that he had found the bird tapping at her window. Unsure of what to do, the had brought it to her, seeing the note tied to its leg.

Whitney carefully untied the note from the bird’s foot.

"Thank you. Please take the bird outside and release it."

The butler carefully held the bird and left the dining room. The air in the room grew tense as everyone watched Whitney’s expression in silence. She slowly unfolded the note.

[Duchess Regnant, the ones captured at the Count of Owen’s residence are all d*ad. The suspected spy has also already taken their own life. It would be best to keep a low profile for now.]

They must have probably anticipated even this outcome. Whitney crumpled the note in her hand, biting down on her lip out of frustration.

“What’s the matter?”

At Zegmon’s question, both Randy and Serene looked at her with concern. Whitney rose from her seat and spoke determinedly.

“It seems I need to start learning swordsmanship as soon as possible.”

***

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