For the past few days, the appearance of Calspelliver has completely changed. It was beyond recognition, and no one would ever think it was the same sword. From color to design, there was nothing left of its original form. Although it might be strange to say this with my own mouth, if someone else had done it, it would have taken much longer, but I managed to proceed smoothly without any hindrance. Now, with the final touches completed, the task of changing the appearance was finished.

During the time spent exclusively in the workshop, Zen, who had temporarily left to deliver a letter to Noksia, returned. Zen didn’t personally go all the way to the Arwen Empire, but it was a journey to a distant place since he couldn’t operate the Brellopf family’s information network.

“Miss Noksia, it’s your response.”

As soon as Zen arrived, he politely handed over the letter. Without saying anything, one could guess that it took a long time to receive a response.

“Thank you.”

As I spoke, I received the letter sent by Noksia and immediately opened the sealed envelope to read it.

[ I’ve sent the soldiers within the Brellopf family to the most likely places where my father might be. I’ll contact you again as soon as it’s confirmed. And if something happens, I’m preparing countermeasures so don’t worry too much about my father. In response to my sister’s letter, my mother is currently re-investigating the people at the villa on the day she was murdered. Once my father’s affairs are settled, I plan to meet them myself, so if there’s anything you want to know, let me know. Leave the matters within the Arwen Empire to me from now on.]

Just receiving Noksia’s letter made me feel much relieved. Even though I had thought about re-investigating the people at the villa on the day Shal was murdered, it was impressive that Noksia had taken care of it on her own initiative before I asked.

“Solid.”

Unconsciously, I smiled and burned the letter I had finished reading in the fire. Since the culprit had not yet been revealed, I was careful in case it leaked to someone else.

At first, I thought there was no need to inform Noksia about such things as she would be immersed in sorrow on Shal’s memorial day. Still, in the end, it was a good decision to ask for help this time.

I looked at Zen, who seemed to have rushed straight to the workshop, and spoke.

“It seems like you came here right away, so go and rest at the mansion.”

“It’s okay. More importantly, was there nothing unusual while I was away?”

I couldn’t readily answer.

I had discovered that the guards had been secretly protecting me all this time.

Zen and I didn’t know, but the assassins sent by the Manoko family were more than one or two.

In fact, some time ago, I caught men trailing me, and upon investigation, it turned out that they were sent by the Manoko family.

“Actually, not long ago, I caught men tailing me, and upon investigation, they were sent by the Manoko family.”

“Is that true?”

A stern light flashed in Zen’s eyes.

“I didn’t notice because Askan was watching over me, but it seems like assassins sent by the Manoko family have been constantly coming.”
“Have there been any dangerous incidents while I was away?”

“Fortunately, thanks to the bodyguards, there hasn’t been anything I needed to intervene in. However… I felt it wouldn’t be right to leave it like this.”

Although Zen seemed uncomfortable with the term “bodyguard,” he didn’t make a big deal out of it. He was already aware that he and Askan were on guard.

The problem was that the Manoko family continued to target me. In the worst-case scenario, even if I rejected Helcion’s proposal, it might not be resolved. Although I expected this, experiencing it firsthand brought various irritating aspects.

If I continued to pay attention to the Manoko family like I do now, it would inevitably constrain my actions. Moreover, being the only one affected didn’t suit my temperament.

With a thoughtful expression, Zen asked, “Due to Emperor Kalua’s proposal, it’s not easy for us to mediate in this situation. Do you have any good ideas?”

In reality, it was unfair that I, who was not at fault, had to deal with a situation where even a shrimp gets a humpback when whales fight.

“I don’t know if we can have a dialogue, but I plan to meet the Empress and talk to her.”

“But the Manoko family can use hypnotism…”

“Oh, Askan took care of that.”

I took out the precious perfume bottle I had been keeping and shook it. While there were various reasons I hadn’t contacted the Manoko family so far, the main concern was not knowing how they would use hypnotism.

But with the perfume Askan gave me, that worry disappeared.

“Isn’t that perfume?”

“Yes. To be precise, it’s a perfume that enhances resistance to hypnosis.”

After receiving the perfume, I made an effort to get used to the scent by spraying it every morning and evening. Initially, my head felt dizzy and my stomach felt nauseous, but as I got used to the smell, it seemed like my resistance was gradually building up.