Arthur’s private reception room.

Tristan, with a furrowed brow, had an uncomfortable expression.

Looking at Tristan, Lucan smirked and stuck out his tongue.

“It seems the lady has successfully gotten under your skin, brother.”

Tristan replied, “She hasn’t particularly done anything worthy of getting under my skin.”

“Why? It’s pitiful and cute, isn’t it?”

Tristan sternly looked at him.

Before Tristan could say anything, Lucan, as if responding to his expression, quickly raised his hand and grinned.

“No, I’ve been trying in my own way, you know?”

Lucan continued, “She had no choice but to follow orders. In the maid’s position, if the marchioness gives an order, whether she likes it or not, she can’t refuse or talk back. She just has to stand quietly, say ‘Yes, I understand,’ and listen.”

“…”

“But look at what she actually did. Did she cause us any harm?”

Lucan gestured as if asking Tristan to consider.

“The contents of that note. How could such a note come about? Passing that kind of note and not getting a good reaction from the marquis and marchioness was obviously inevitable. Why do you think that happened? Can’t you feel that she was trying to stall somehow, buying time for us, in her own way, brother?”

Tristan said coldly, “It’s an excessively favorable interpretation.”

Lucan, with a somewhat sly smile, leaned back against the backrest.

The glance he gave seemed to say, ‘That’s how Tristan is.’

Tristan stood up.

“Anyway, investigate that woman a bit more.”

With a casual gesture, Lucan saluted him.

“Yes, sir.”

“In the morning, it seems Lady Lorenson or a maid was passing a note. I apologize.”

Lionel apologized to Kae for the incomplete surveillance of ‘Reyna.’

Kae nodded.

“No problem. It might have happened while I was on watch, and I also might not have noticed.”

A brief sigh followed.

“Moreover, if she hid the note on her person and passed it, there’s no way for us to know. We can’t search a lady in her nightclothes or observe her closely.”

Kae was also uneasy.

Reyna’s temperament and security vulnerabilities were separate issues.

Even if she didn’t pass anything suspicious in content, the fact that she could pass something was a problem.

Although it was a bit concerning…

Should they assign a maid to keep a close eye on her?

Kae pondered several methods in her mind and asked, “Were there any unusual points about Lady Reyna in normal times?”

Lionel answered, “No, there were no peculiarities. Other than when you took her out, she never left the room. Conversations with maids or Professor Lorenson are all reported to you.”

“How is your reaction when reporting to you?”

“Well…”
Lionel trailed off at the end of his words, gazing downward lost in thought. There seemed to be some ambiguous thoughts, not clear enough to express, leading to a decision to postpone judgment.

“…As usual, he seems to think that she won’t cause any significant harm.”

Lionel organized his expression and spoke, “I’ll examine more closely and stay vigilant.”

Kae sensed that Lionel shared some similarity with her based on his attitude. With a small sigh, she ran her fingers through her hair, detaching herself.

“…Do you want to protect that woman by bringing her into the government?”

Lionel made a subtle expression.

“Government?”

After a brief contemplation, he continued, “…Considering your personality, I don’t think you’d place her in the government. You’re not the type to be harsh or show off to a woman, and given her position as a concubine…”

Kae pressed her temples as if feeling tired.

“I share the same opinion about your personality. However, in the current situation, it might be something you’d consider.”

“…Huh?”

Kae continued, “Since she can’t be exposed… After Lady Christina returns to her place, the woman’s position might become precarious.”

Lowering her hand, she added calmly, “There could be evidence elimination.”

As if Lionel hadn’t thought that far, his expression changed with concern.

“…That’s possible.”

Kae gave a wry smile.

“That’s why I think it’s possible that you might officially acknowledge her through the government for public protection. At least that way, there won’t be any covert attempts against her.”

No lady would like her husband’s government, but no lady would want to be suspected of assassinating her husband’s government either, especially not the current Julius.

Kae chuckled slightly, raising an eyebrow.

“It might be a loss for you. It would tarnish your clean hero image.”

Using her index finger to adjust her monocle, she carefully chose her words.

“However, if Arthur’s heart is constantly concerned about the woman’s safety, it might actually be a hindrance to you. So, I also have in mind to suggest acknowledging her through the government and placing her in a safe location. That way, it won’t bother you too much.”

Lionel responded, “It’s a loss indeed.”

Kae stood up, concluding her words.

“Still, please continue to monitor the atmosphere between you and that woman. I’ll look into other aspects.”

Lionel nodded.