A few weeks after the infiltration of the masquerade ball held at the Ashfield household.

Lawrence had summoned Dylan to the royal court after he had just returned from another mission, putting him in a visibly bad mood.

After inviting Avril to his study, Dylan reluctantly laid everything out.

“Avril, what I’m going to tell you now is His Highness Lawrence’s request. I have no choice but to relay this to you because he especially ordered me to do so.”

“All right.”

“Will you accompany me to the Lancester Duchy?”

“Wow, that’s amazing! Of course, I will!”

“—! …Just as I thought…”

Avril answered enthusiastically and Dylan clutched his head. Almost at the same time, Chris arrived with some tea.

“Lord Dylan, Lady Avril, why don’t you discuss this over a cup of tea?”

“…Are you aware that the more I explain, the more excited she’ll get?”

“Now, now, don’t say that.”

Chris consoled the hesitant Dylan before placing two teacups on the table.

While staring at her own cup, Avril pondered.

I see. Chris delivered the tea instead of Grace or Keira. In that case, this is a secret conversation!

The last masquerade ball was a lot of fun. Not only was it thrilling, she enjoyed being of help to someone else. In addition, she was grateful and overjoyed at having had someone teach her how to dance.

Perhaps, I’ll have to act as a villainess this time around, too! I wonder, what kind of mission will it be!?

Perhaps, this time, a masquerade ball would be held at the Lancester Duchy. Just as anticipation filled her heart, the topic shifted into something unexpected.

“The other day, at the Ashfield household, didn’t you find a list of people involved in drug trafficking? Originally, our purpose was to obtain evidence of bid rigging, but we coincidentally stumbled across drug trafficking. Of course, it’s a felony. Hence, His Highness Lawrence wants us to investigate further.”

Apparently, the evidence of drug trafficking also alluded to the involvement of dark syndicates. Using the evidence submitted by Dylan, the Ashfield family was investigated and presently awaited to be punished accordingly in the future.

For Avril, who couldn’t get enough of detective villainess novels, it was an extremely exciting topic. But then, she noticed something.

“…I see. But, isn’t this something for specialists to investigate? Why would His Highness Lawrence ask for me?”

“Because of your win streak in chess, your opponents had to remove their mask and this reveal their identities. You are also able to decipher and memorize codes in an instant. You didn’t let the situation impede your decision-making either. Not to mention, you have enough stamina to cover several hundred meters on foot. No, even after your toes were blistered and covered in blood, you never stopped dancing…”

At Dylan’s hollow gaze, Chris nodded with a smile.

“Such a young lady is unheard of. She’s just perfect for undercover investigations.”

…If that was intended to be praise, then you need to work a little harder.

Avril was a bit confused, but Dylan continued, somehow sounding even more perplexed than her.

“During the detailed investigation of said drug trafficking, a certain person was highlighted. That person resided in a building separate from the main residence in the Duchy of Lancester.”

Avril blinked at Dylan’s words.

I heard that there’s a separate building intended for mistresses on the premises of the mansion of the main residence. Is it another palace?

Those who lived in said palace should be Dylan’s father—the lecherous old pervert—and his mistresses.

Dylan continued.

“One of the women that were recently invited by the former duke to the separate building is on the list. She’s a baron’s daughter. Due to the timing of the invitation, he is suspected of being involved, as well.”

I see, considering the reputation of the former duke, it makes sense that he’d be suspected.

A flirtatious old man who shirked off both the management of his territory and his aristocratic duties, opting to instead seclude himself in his own palace. Suspicions about him weren’t surprising, and should they prove to be true, it’d be a massive scandal that would shake the aristocracy.

Would His Highness Lawrence turn a blind eye? No, he’d never do such a thing. And even if he were to, Lord Dylan would never allow him. After all, he’s a morally upright person. In that case—

“In other words, you’re going to the duchy to prove his innocence.”

“It seems that I don’t have to waste my breath. That’s correct. I don’t get along with the former duke. If I go alone, it’ll only fuel the flames. His Highness Lawrence told me to go with you. If you don’t like it, you may refuse.”

“No, I will go with you.”

Dylan sighed as if he had resigned himself, and Chris, who watched over the situation, smiled gently.

I mean—

“I want to visit the Duchy of Lancester with Lord Dylan. Even if I’m forbidden from entering the mansion, I want to see Lord Dylan’s territory along with the people who live there.”

“…Avril.”

“Oh, right, I also want to see the ocean! After all, it is the same color as Lord Dylan’s eyes!”

Upon hearing that, Dylan, who seemed melancholic until just a few seconds ago, eased somewhat.

“…All right, then. This time, you can relax. I won’t burden you.”

Apparently, she’d be able to visit his territory before the wedding ceremony. Avril, who wanted to help, couldn’t agree with Dylan’s statement of not wanting to burden her. Nevertheless, she also wanted to enjoy herself there.

I can’t help but recall Prince Lawrence referring to the former duke as ‘a perverted geezer’, and Lord Dylan reluctance to getting involved with him… Still, maybe I can be useful in this investigation!

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