Chapter 119
‧₊˚ ☁️⋅♡𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ☾.
“Questioning a criminal can be dangerous, and we’re taking preventive measures.”
“But I saw someone from the royal court arrive. Aren’t they supposed to take custody?”
“I’m sorry, madam.”
With that, Emilia could not proceed further and had to retreat. Glancing back, she saw the guards blocking the entrance near the annex.
‘They haven’t handed him over yet?’
She had gone down, curious about the proceedings, but learned nothing of value.
Emilia turned back toward the mansion with a hint of disappointment.
Through the guards, she caught a glimpse of a figure disappearing into the bushes. She stopped in her tracks.
‘It looks like someone is being taken away.’
Emilia quickly turned to observe the person vanishing into the foliage.
* * *
Mikhail read the letter sent by the royal court.
[To Duke Heinrich,
You are hereby ordered to transfer the criminals involved in the illegal dog fighting ring to the royal court for prosecution. Expedite the handover and provide all related documentation.]
He could imagine Adrian’s anxious face. He put down the letter and looked at the commander of the royal guards, Etreze.
“I questioned them myself because they attacked me. Do you think that’s a problem?”
“If there are suspicions of illegal dog fighting, the royal court must investigate.”
“I informed the guards that I would release them after my interrogation.”
“….We received the message. However, despite the attack, the royal court has the priority for investigations.”
“What if your wife had been nearly killed by a dog?”
“Your Grace.”
“How could I stay rational when my future wife was nearly killed? You know how much I adore her.”
Mikhail’s expression was one of exaggerated understanding.
Etreze, with a stiff expression, took a step back and spoke.
“I understand your feelings as a husband, Your Grace. But as the commander of the royal guards, I must say you were wrong in this instance.”
“I’ll be more careful next time.”
Mikhail nodded indifferently.
Etreze’s eyebrows twitched slightly. Despite his stance, he knew better than to directly confront Mikhail.
“But now, about transporting the criminals.”
Mikhail tapped his fingers on the table.
Although Mikhail had already obtained all the confessions related to the matter, he didn’t let it show.
The fact that Adrian had sent the royal guards so quickly was a clear sign of his anxiety.
Etreze glanced at his watch and said.
“We’ll handle the transfer to the royal court ourselves.”
The guards in their white uniforms stood at attention at his words.
Etreze’s demeanor towards Mikhail was polite, but his eyes remained cold.
“Sir Etreze, the criminals have already been questioned and sent away.”
“Are you saying they’re no longer at the Duke’s residence?”
“Yes, they’re not here anymore. You should have arrived earlier.”
The guards’ expression hardened at Mikhail’s words. It was clear they couldn’t have arrived any sooner. Mikhail was clearly taunting them.
Etreze composed himself to avoid getting swept up in the situation.
“…If they have been sent away, does that mean they were sent back to the dog fighting arena or to the royal court?”
“Since the interrogation is over, they had to be sent somewhere. With the wedding preparations for tomorrow, I couldn’t keep them here any longer. They probably went wherever they were supposed to.”
Etreze’s voice grew harsh.
“Why didn’t you send them to the royal court?”
“If I had captured and sent them myself, it would undermine the authority of the royal court. If news spread that the Duke himself apprehended the criminals, it would cause difficulties for His Majesty.”
This was a clear indication that the Duke’s reputation was being praised behind the scenes.
Mikhail’s reputation was far superior to Adrian’s, despite the fact that he had played a role in a coup. The fear he instilled made him a more formidable figure.
Seeing Etreze’s crumpled face, Mikhail smiled.
“Don’t worry. They won’t be able to escape from there.”
“…If the criminals are not in Epoheim, we will hold the Duke responsible.”
“Of course.”
Realizing there was no reason to stay any longer, Etreze bid farewell and turned to leave.
He and his guards were about to exit the audience chamber when Mikhail called out after him.
“Oh, and let His Majesty know that I will visit him after the wedding.”
“…Understood.”
Etreze left the audience chamber without looking back and headed straight for Epoheim.
Mikhail watched the royal guards leave the Duke’s residence, his eyes twinkling with pleasure.
“Kartho, isn’t every day just so entertaining these days?”
“What about those dogs, then?”
“Kartho, it’s harsh to hold animals accountable for something they can’t even speak about.”
“That may be true, but…”
“I have my reasons.”
Kartho, who didn’t understand the full context, nodded uncertainly. He felt uneasy seeing his lord seemingly pleased.
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