I recalled Marquis Angelos, who had a neat appearance but a shady appearance like a sly sparrow.

“Physiognomy is a science….”

I knew that he committed all sorts of corruption within the empire, but I didn’t know he could predict murder fortunes, especially when the target was me.

“You don’t seem surprised.”

In response to Layan’s words, I chuckled and nodded my head. There was certainly a basis for his insight.

“Well, he’s such a person. Besides, Marquis Angelos doesn’t get along well with my father.”

‘Well, are there any families with good relationships?’

Among the four major families, there was a somewhat amicable relationship with the Crundell family.

Anyway, this was information that also appeared in the original work.

In the original, the antagonist Dorothea had various support from Marquis Angelos to torment Estelle, the daughter of Ferdia.

Marquis Angelos harbored a deep sense of inferiority towards Ferdia.

So, knowing that Ferdia cared for Estelle, he intended to eliminate Estelle to bring Ferdia down.

‘Did I take on that role instead of Estelle?’

Since the relationship between Ferdia and me had changed from what it was in the original, it seemed that way.

However, there was something bothering me. If my hypothesis was correct, the explanation for the first attack didn’t make sense.

At that time, I had just regained memories of my past life and was ruining Ferdia’s inside with a declaration of divorce.

Anyway, the confession of the assassins that Marquis Angelos was behind it had credibility.

“What do you plan to do with Marquis Angelos?”

“Um. I’m not the person who can do anything.”

As a mere noble youth, Marquis Angelos was a giant to deal with.

Understanding my intention, Layan suggested another method.

“How about talking to Marquis Ferdia?”

“If I do that… wouldn’t it lead to a territory war?”

Territory war. A war between territories that took place under the Emperor’s tolerance.

The winning family could absorb the territory of the opposing family, but the damage was severe.

Regardless of who won, soldiers and territory residents of each family would be sacrificed, so it was a tragic event.

“But we can’t just leave it like this.”

“I won’t stay still either.”

As long as Marquis Angelos kept targeting me, it would interfere with my independence, so I had to deal with it.

Besides, I couldn’t stay within Ferdia’s fence forever since I wouldn’t know when the next attack would happen.

Of course, the fact that I didn’t know when the next attack would happen made me uneasy. I had no desire to die.

But there was a corner of trust in me.

“Also, Layan will continue to protect me.”

“Yes, no matter what happens.”

“That’s enough then.”

Given Layan’s actions in a series of events, I was confident that he wouldn’t leave me to die regardless of his intentions.

Regardless of his intentions, Layan always prioritized protecting me.

Since he had handled this attack well, I had no worries about the next attack.
Still, it seemed advisable to carry a bit more poison. There might be unavoidable circumstances where Layan couldn’t intervene.

As I pondered which poison to take, I suddenly looked up at Layan.

“But seriously, how did you manage to make the assassins talk?”

He was someone who didn’t budge even when I threatened him with words.

In contrast, Layan found out not long after that the mastermind was Marquis Angelos.

However, Layan avoided my curious gaze filled with curiosity.

“It’s better not to know.”

“Why? I’m curious!”

“It’s cruel.”

“I’m not far from the coming-of-age ceremony. I’m an adult too!”

Pause. Layan, looking at me with new eyes, responded firmly.

“Then I’ll tell you when you come of age.”

It wasn’t cruel; not a drop of blood had splattered.

But since Layan had no intention of telling me, I had no choice but to give up. However, Layan still seemed unaware of how persistent I could be.

“Let’s see after you come of age.”

After Elodie left, Layan locked himself in the office and dealt with the mercenary group’s tasks.

Checking documents wasn’t a hobby, but it had to be done for the mercenary group to function.

Thud, thud!

Someone rudely knocked on the office door.

“Come in, Mark.”

Already knowing the identity of the person outside from the footsteps, Layan allowed entry, and the door creaked open.

“Captain! I’m so frustrated!”

“You didn’t have to make me frustrated just because you’re frustrated.”

“Oh, are you frustrated right now?”

“Yes.”

Having experienced the consequences of bothering the captain and not enjoying the aftermath, Mark hastily straightened up.

Layan put down his pen and tilted his head as Mark approached.

“So, what’s going on?”

“Well, there are guys we caught this time. As soon as they came to their senses, they caused all sorts of trouble.”

“Do they still have the energy for that?”

Despite having explained enough earlier for them to understand, it seemed they hadn’t snapped out of it.

When Layan stood up, Mark quickly shut up and followed him, asking, “Are you going downstairs?”

“That’s more certain.”