At any gathering, there’s always someone who enlivens the atmosphere, and Ferie Jajak was one such person. He injected vitality to ensure that the party atmosphere never stagnated. With keen senses, he skillfully led conversations to prevent any lulls. For ladies without partners, he would invite them to dance first, and for those feeling excluded, he would generously praise them, allowing people to take notice of them.

Naturally, he would gather two people together to continue the positive energy. When he sensed the atmosphere becoming stagnant, he discreetly withdrew, leaving a lively ambiance behind.

Everyone liked him. A man who was liked by everyone… and Ixar killed him!

“Are you asking me to believe that?”

Herisis’ expression receiving Clowin’s report was perplexed.

“It’s the truth.”

Clowin sadly reported with a pitiful expression.

“The area outside the palace is in chaos right now. The two most noble figures in the empire, who should be side by side as exemplars of nobility in educational textbooks, are now one as a victim, and the other as a murderer… Anyway, everyone is in a state of panic.”

The panic seemed to affect Clowin more than anyone else, judging by the way his eyes shook intensely, and his voice trembled. Herisis was surprised, but he did not lose his composure.

He calmly took a step forward.

“Summon the Captain of the Guards immediately. We need to investigate this firsthand.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Clowin promptly followed, submitting to the order.

An hour later, the Captain of the Guards, accompanied by Clowin, found the audience chamber.

Clowin promptly retreated, and Herisis could now hear a more detailed account from the Captain of the Guards.

Ixar was at a noble party with Ferie Jajak. A brief argument or, rather, Ixar unilaterally expressing anger occurred between the two amidst their casual conversation. The atmosphere was quite tense, with veins popping on Ixar’s fist, and people rushed to separate them.

Ferie Jajak then, according to Ixar, first offered a smile and extended his hand for a handshake, but Ixar did not accept. However, since there was no further disturbance, it seemed like it could be overlooked.

The next morning, before everyone believed it, until they discovered Ferie Jajak dead in front of the carriage storage with blood on his head…

“Do you have any evidence that Ixar did this?”

Herisis asked calmly.

“Yes, we do. There is evidence, and there are witnesses.”

The Captain of the Guards presented the evidence, wrapped in a cloth. Herisis received it and uncovered the cloth.

“…!”

Herisis’ eyes glinted for a moment as he slowly lowered his gaze.

He placed the evidence on the table. The Lily-shaped brooch sparkled brilliantly in various colors in his hand.

“Who is the witness?”
“I am the stablekeeper. I went to feed the horses and witnessed Duke Valdemion striking Ferie Jajak with a mallet.”

Heresis’ gaze sank even further.

“What did the Duke say about this?”

“Well…”

The Captain of the Guards hesitated for a moment before responding.

“He seems to have… trouble remembering.”

Heresis turned around with a whip-like glance. The Captain of the Guards, startled, added quickly.

“Oh… It seems he might have been under the influence of alcohol. It’s not my speculation… Your Highness himself mentioned it.”

“Did he admit to the crime?”

“He didn’t deny it, but he wasn’t completely sure.”

“…”

Heresis remained silent for a while. He stared quietly at a point in the empty air, occasionally blinking his eyes.

The Captain of the Guards thought this was some kind of pressure from Heresis.

He was a loyal and modest man, but he wasn’t overly rigid. He had already concluded that he should do as Heresis wished.

“If you command it, I will immediately transfer the Duke’s case from the Guard to the Imperial Inspection Corps.”

It seemed necessary to place it by the Emperor’s side to properly conclude the case. The Guard had too many watchful eyes.

“There’s no need for that.”

However, Heresis said firmly.

“If he committed a crime, he should face punishment. Moreover, isn’t the deceased someone highly praised in social circles? If we casually cover up the death of such a man, who in the future would look favorably upon the imperial family?”

The Captain of the Guards couldn’t hide his confusion at the unexpected command. As much as that resolute demeanor was admirable, it wasn’t as if he had been particularly fond of his subordinates gossiping about him in society.

In the midst of this, an Emperor’s stern order followed.

“Investigate thoroughly without leaving a trace of doubt.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

The Captain of the Guards rose from his seat, knelt down, and accepted the command.

“If it turns out that Duke Valdemion is the culprit.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

The Captain of the Guards nodded, waiting for the continuation.

“Have him placed on the public execution platform at Mariard Square.”

“Yes, Your Ma…”

The Captain of the Guards reflexively paused mid-sentence.

“…Yes?”

He raised his head. Heresis’ gaze was cold and unwavering.