“Pontiff, and members of the Holy Order, may I ask? Is it common for giant-level monsters to suddenly appear in the mansion like that?”

“No. As magical creatures grow larger, their intelligence increases, and it is not common for them to invade human settlements.”

In response to Cloé’s question, a Holy Knight promptly answered. She then subtly expressed her gratitude with a small smile.

“Yes, that’s true. However, this time, a monster appeared not only in the mansion where I was but also in the central square. Isn’t it suspicious for them to coincidentally appear in two locations?”

“In that case, does it mean Duke Argen not only enhanced my abilities but also used a substance to excite the monsters?”
“Yes, there might have been an ambition to summon powerful monsters and defeat them to win in the hunting competition.”

Cloé didn’t explicitly mention that her opponent had tried to use the monster to harm her. It was because she didn’t want to complicate the situation further.

“Also, I would like to request another identification along with my arrows. It concerns the jacket that Duke Argen wore that day. It seemed like there might be a substance on the jacket pocket, speculatively.”

“Understood. We will check it later.”

“Yes, and please strictly trace the situation in which he obtained the substance. Considering the rarity and value of substances that enhance abilities or strength, given Duke Argen’s deteriorating financial state, there must be someone assisting him.”

Cloé, who served as a veil, glanced subtly to the side. At that moment, the figure that had been glaring at her as if to kill her was still present.

“You have an extremely meticulous personality. If your words are true, the Pantheon Temple will spare no effort to find the culprit.”

“I appreciate your respect for my opinion.”

Cloé immediately turned her gaze towards the Pope’s response coming from the other side.

In response to the Pope’s changed tone, Cloé smiled as if expressing gratitude.

“May Pantheon be blessed.”

“May you have the divine protection.”

After the Knight of Honor ceremony ended, the crowd began to disperse from the Pantheon Temple. As the nobles, who had been strolling outside with dignified steps like their status, gradually disappeared, a man hidden behind a pillar emerged.

“Your Grace!”

It was Calis Argen, who had been expelled from the temple a few hours ago.

He shouted towards someone passing by, pretending not to notice me. His voice was as desperate as his face had quickly turned pale.

In response to the echoing voice from the forest, the man turned around with an annoyed expression.

“Why, why are you going like this!”

“Going like this?”

“I’ve become like this, and we should discuss future matters…”

“Discuss? Do I have to have a conversation with someone like you?”

Cedric Theodore responded with a disdainful look, treating the person who spoke to me as if he were a bug.

Only then did Calis face reality. He had invoked the name of camaraderie, but he was nothing more or less than Cedric Theodore’s pawn.

“Since you messed up everything, you should bear the consequences later.”

Cedric shrugged his shoulders contemptuously. It wasn’t a trivial joke; it was a sincere intention to abandon Calis.

Confused, Calis began to threaten the other, blurting out any words to assert dominance.

“Your Grace, how can you say such things! Your Grace has been involved in this matter more than once or twice. If I confess to being an accomplice with Your Grace, it will be the end for both of us!”
“Ah, the water ghost operation, is that what you’re planning?”

However, Cedric’s response was indifferent. Instead, he smirked as if finding the situation amusing.

“Go ahead.”

“…Excuse me?”

“I said, give it a try. I’m curious if it’ll work.”

Cedric’s nonchalant attitude instilled immense fear in Calis. His confident demeanor, as if nothing in the world could scare him, gave an impression of credibility.

“To establish that I’m an accomplice, there should be evidence, right? But there won’t be any chance to prove it.”

“The substance you received from me…”

“Who do you think you’re fooling? Of course, I purchased it under your name. Oh, by the way, I borrowed the Duke’s seal to create a nicely crafted secret maintenance contract with the merchant.”

According to Cedric, Calis directly purchased the substance and used it for the hunt, creating a predicament for himself.

Ironically, the one in dire straits was Calis himself.

“…M-Money! Just show the money Your Grace gave me.”

Calis desperately thought of something. It was the considerable amount of money they exchanged when their relationship was initially formed.

If Cedric revealed that he had given him a large sum of money, proving the financial transactions at the beginning of their relationship, it would raise suspicions among the public.

“Pfft!”

However, even the last desperate attempt at reasoning earned nothing but laughter from Cedric.
“Don’t you remember? You weren’t supposed to carry that money around, so I said I would manage it. It’s neatly stored in my vault under the name of Duke Argent. Ledger? That’s all useless. On the contrary, in the ledger of Duke Theodore’s estate, it clearly states that you gave me money.”

Cedric, who had been generously giving out large sums of money like a big spender, changed abruptly after the contract was signed.

He expressed concerns about Calis just taking the money and decided to leave it in his vault under the name of Duke Argent. He mentioned that Calis could come and ask for it when needed.

Similarly, the money Cedric gave to Calis was recorded in the opposite way, making it seem like Calis gave money to Cedric.

Furthermore, he mentioned that depositing such a large sum into the Theodore Duke’s estate might raise suspicions. So, he would write an excuse, stating that Calis contributed money for the purpose of participating in the hunt.

At first, Calis had doubts as well. However, there was no other option. If he resisted, he would not only lose the money but also lose his supporter. Despite being unfair, he believed it was best to accept the situation.

Little did he know that it would come back like a boomerang.

“I’ll just say I took this money and made you participate in the hunt. It’s not a great excuse, but it’s a hundred times better than introducing you as my friend.”

Cedric laughed pleasantly.
On the contrary, Calis’s complexion turned ashen. His face resembled that of a cornered rat, desperately seeking survival, and his moist eyes were silently pleading for help.

Soon, Cedric approached even closer.

“Hey, Duke. Want to hear something interesting?”

“…….”

“I killed your wife.”