The next day, at dawn, Trope and his party hastily left Duke Esper’s territory, just as they had discussed during dinner the night before.

Carlos stood on the watchtower of the outer fortress with Zerdin, silently watching as Trope’s group vanished rapidly in the direction opposite to the rising sun, stirring up a cloud of dust.

Not long after, Trope’s group disappeared from sight, but that was only by human standards.

In the eyes of Carlos, the underground lord, Trope’s group was still clearly visible.

If they showed signs of acting strangely or diverging from their path, he planned to eliminate them as bandits. Regrettably, they were moving steadfastly forward.

Irene had said that she saw the eyes of that priest named Liam change to purple for a moment, so he thought that guy might have also bewitched other priests. But perhaps he was mistaken.

After all, Dwy also failed to find any involvement from him in this matter…

“They seem to be quite compliant,” Zerdin said, who stood a step behind Carlos.

“What are you talking about?”

“What else? I’m saying it’s surprising they are returning in one piece.”

As if reminiscing, Zerdin stroked his chin and continued.

“In the past, those pigeons would have never even crossed the gates of Duke Esper’s territory, much less returned alive. Not only did you let them leave, but you even lent them a carriage.”

When Trope’s group arrived at Duke Esper’s territory, one carriage had been sufficient. But for the return journey, they needed an additional one to carry Liam’s corpse and the captive Polo.

The deceased Liam was one thing, but because there was a risk that Polo might escape, they needed a specialized carriage resembling a prison cell.

Such a carriage was not readily available, so Trope had no choice but to ask Carlos for assistance.

Carlos, who they assumed would refuse, surprisingly agreed readily.

“What is the reason for lending them the carriage so readily, Master?”

“So that they would leave as soon as possible.”

Carlos didn’t want the priests lingering in Duke Esper’s territory under the pretext of arranging a carriage.

“And why didn’t you just kill the priests and be done with it?”

“That’s…”

Carlos hesitated for a moment and narrowed his eyes.

“Why should I explain this to you?”

“Come on, you could at least tell your cute disciple.”

“You think you’re cute?”

Carlos chuckled and turned away. Trope’s group had now moved far enough away to be out of even his keen sight, so there was no reason to remain there.

Carlos descended from the watchtower and immediately boarded the waiting carriage.

Naturally following Carlos, Zerdin sat across from him.

With a clatter of hooves, the carriage set off.

Carlos, with his arms folded and eyes nearly closed, suddenly asked,

“The morning paper has been published, hasn’t it?”

Zerdin, who had been looking at the scenery outside the window, turned to Carlos and answered.

“Yes. I checked before leaving the castle. Just as you said, they’ve run the article. But I’ll double-check as soon as we get back.”

Carlos nodded with his eyes still closed.

“I’d like to see the published morning paper myself.”

“I’ve already asked them to send it by messenger bird. But it will take two days, so please wait a bit. I’ll give it to you as soon as it arrives.”

“What do you mean?”

Carlos opened his eyes and frowned.

“Do you intend to stay here for two more days instead of returning to the imperial palace?”

“Of course. After coming all this way, enduring hardships for over ten days, did you think you’d send me back right away?”
As Carlos tilted his head as if asking why such an obvious question, Zerdin let out an exclamation, like someone betrayed by a trusted friend.

“Wow, really? Just because the hunt is over doesn’t mean you throw the hounds away so quickly, does it?”

“I’ve never thrown anyone away.”

Zerdin wasn’t a subordinate or a colleague to begin with; they’d joined hands temporarily for mutual needs, so the term ‘throw away’ wasn’t appropriate.

“Is it okay for the Crown Prince to leave the palace vacant for so long?”

“Of course. I don’t need to manage state affairs since His Royal Highness the Regent is presiding, and it’s the off-season in high society. No special parties are being held, so I can leave for a while. The Regent even granted me permission to return before the New Year’s ceremony.”

“What?”

Carlos asked in disbelief.

“So you plan to stay here for over two months?”

“Ah, no way. If you factor in the time for the trip back and the New Year’s preparation… um, about a month.”

Whether it’s two months or one, Zerdin wasn’t disliked, but his prolonged stay was inconvenient in many ways.

“Return as soon as the morning newspaper arrives in two days.”

Zerdin grimaced at the cold notification.

“It seems my Master dislikes my being here.”

“It’s not a matter of liking or disliking. Humans shouldn’t linger in Esper Castle for too long.”

“But that woman has been staying for a long time… Ah, right, she’s not an ordinary human.”