I didn’t particularly want to hear the investigation results. However, if this is the reality, there’s nothing I can do about it.

“The Saintess requested proper attention for Quad without even properly thanking us, and she approved a significant budget, but it seems like they just embezzled money in the East.”

Pyvel, who was reading the report with me, frowned.

“Sigh, it’s getting worse in the next sentence.”

“What is it?”

“It turns out the Eastern Lords are really fond of art auctions. Merchants from the Seven Kingdoms are planning to hold an art auction soon. It seems to be quite famous in the East.”

“Of course, the lords of the Eastern territories must have colluded together, right?”

“Exactly.”

And an art auction is being held in one of the ‘successfully attracting tourists’ two territories.

The success was due to the art auction.

“They probably laundered money with art.”

“That seems to be the case, Merem.”

“Considerable amounts have already flowed towards the Seven Kingdoms.”

“The passage of time is considerable.”

Creating a special tourism territory was closely related to people’s livelihoods. When tourists come, they sleep in lodgings and buy food in restaurants. All the money they spend in tourist spots goes to the local residents, and that’s how the economy runs smoothly.

Especially, building new buildings was crucial.

When they hire workers in the respective territories, the budget allocated by the palace goes into the pockets of the people.

“Of course, the people in the East are not prosperous. We need to investigate more, but… they are requesting support. It seems that the current personnel is not enough.”

“Hmm. If only we had Lord Nort there to send.”

Pyvel voiced his opinion.

I agreed silently and closed the report.

Since Derek left, I haven’t received a single letter. I don’t know if he arrived in Kwon or if he stopped somewhere on the way.

But anyway, Derek was no longer there, and I had to find another way.

‘Someone who can quickly go to the East. Someone very powerful, ruthless, and capable of protecting Ilsin’s safety… a powerful figure.’

As I contemplated alone, I opened my eyes wide.

Come to think of it, there is someone like that, a unicorn-like person.

Shyilo Silver Rose!

Moreover, it’s been quite a while since Shyilo said he would visit. He should be coming soon.

“If we send Duke Silver Rose, all the problems will be solved at once.”

After mentioning the name of the suitable candidate, Merem and Pyvel both admired simultaneously.

Pyvel, in particular, noticed that sending the Duke would not require additional budget.

“It’s a goodwill visit. So we don’t need more money…!”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“I’m definitely in favor of it, Master.”

Pyvel smiled broadly.

It felt like the refreshing feeling after a fever suddenly breaks.

“How about you, Merem?”

I deliberately asked for Merem’s opinion.

Upon hearing that, he twisted his lips and replied.
“He has a decent force. Sending Duke Silver Rose would be better than sending several competent investigators to each field.”

A governor folds the paper and assesses the profit. I really liked that side of Merem. Such is the Emperor, the demeanor of the ruler.

“And he is smitten with you, so he won’t find it troublesome and will handle the work properly.”

“Hmm.”

“Why is the Northern Duke stepping into Eastern affairs, you may oppose, but if you say you appointed a completely unbiased third party as an investigator, ordering a fair investigation without any involvement, it should be enough. If there’s no crime, it’s even beneficial.”

As it flowed so smoothly, it seemed I could rule Kwon as it is.

It was so heartwarming to see the child I raised in my hands grow up so well and become a sage. I gently wiped away Merem’s tears of joy.

“Now, all that’s left is for Shailo to come….”

It felt like he might come tonight or tomorrow afternoon. I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to escort him during the Autumn Banquet.

Whether this was just baseless confidence or not, it would become apparent after a little time.

Shailo’s entrance was truly dramatic.

Even though I fully expected him to appear magically, I was still surprised.

“Petal?”

I was on a walk when I slightly glanced at the pale pink flower petals that fell on my shoulder.

Such fragile flower petals in the cool autumn weather.

I wondered where they came from when, without questioning it, the whole world was suddenly filled with flower petals.

The gentle flower rain falling from the sky makes you forget the season.

I smiled softly at the gentle sign behind me that appeared unnoticed.

“Have you been well? Lady Arti.”

“Duke.”

“You decided to call me Shailo.”

His voice, filled with a subtle charm, tickled my ears, and I took a step away.

Caught off guard by the sudden event, Shopen was frozen, halfway drawing his sword from its sheath.

Glancing at him, I opened my mouth with a stern tone.

“Shailo.”

“Oh, right. I’ll release it.”