“Correct. Lower-ranked monsters can’t hide their smell, but as they go up in rank, they can. So, it’s difficult for anyone other than those with abilities to distinguish it.”

Luella thought about the two-headed monster she killed today.

“True, that two-headed monster was larger than other monsters but smelled less. Are you saying you smelled that from Balder?”

“Yes, it was very faint, but it was there.”

“Could it be…”

Luella fell into contemplation. She had discussed the possibility of Duke Qur’an being a monster with Kite before, but she hadn’t considered Balder.

As her face turned serious, Lapellian added belatedly.

“I’m not certain. It could be from hunting monsters.”

“Do they also hunt monsters? Monsters are like guardians protecting Qur’an.”

Hazen shook his head.

“We can’t tell the people that the royal family is using monsters. So, there are designated days for hunting them. Even for commoners, low-ranked monsters are tough opponents. They manage to kill just a few that stray from their habitat.”

Lapellian looked out through the slightly parted curtain at the lights, muttering.

“Even if they could kill them easily, they won’t. Do you remember today’s monster attack?”

“Yes. And there was one yesterday too. They’re not from the same group that attacks us, right?”

“No. Balder’s hunting group can’t even enter the monster habitat. The ones attacking us did come from deep within. They’re entirely different. Whenever it seems the monster border might be breached, they send an attack team. Of course, Duke Qur’an must be behind it.”

“So when we hunt in habitats with large monster populations, we also have to watch out for Duke Qur’an’s attacks.”

“Yes. Anyway, Duke Qur’an’s attack team knows how to handle monsters. That means his nephew Balder might too, and if that smell wasn’t from hunting…”

“Monsters have magic, so even if I set up a barrier, they could break it.”

“Yes. So, it would be best to move your room.”

Hazen’s words were valid. But if all they said was correct, the situation would become far more dire.
Luella bit her lip and mumbled in a slightly insecure tone.

“If Balder could break through the barrier, there’s no need to learn the housing system now.”

At Luella’s listless voice, Hazen patted her shoulder.

“We could be wrong in our assumptions. And not all of Balder’s subordinates are monsters, so blocking their invasion alone will make protecting the mansion much easier. Besides, doesn’t the barrier get stronger as you level up?”

“Yes, because the skill upgrades.”

“Then, leveling up sooner rather than later would be better. Now, let’s go to the bedroom.”

Mitchel, who had been checking outside the window in turns with Raphael, objected to Hazen’s hurry.

“No, it would be better to go straight to Tien’s room. Hazen, you go with Raphael to check. I saw the lights moving outside; it seems they’ve ordered surveillance around the back of the mansion as well. If Lady Rominin’s bedroom light is on, they’ll think she’s back and come to check.”

“Stalkers, honestly…”

I didn’t know he was this obsessed with Luella.

Well, he did issue a hostile proclamation and tried to subdue her.

Luella followed Hazen up to Tien’s room. She then put on the clothes she had worn before, from Ralph, and also wore a wig and glasses.