The photo shoot at the photo studio was successfully completed.

Similar to the wedding, Dylan wouldn’t stop complimenting Avril over the way she was dressed, and she was tickled pink.

However, the many passenger ships reflected outside the window snapped her out of it.

At present, a port was before Avril. A lot of cargo was being loaded onto ships as people came and went with large trunks. Furthermore, many ships were anchored, filling the port.

After completing the photo shoot, Avril walked through the streets of Myrtle with Dylan as her guide. Even though some time had passed since they had come to the territory, that was their first time going out to stroll around the town together.

Normally, she’d be excited and want to ask Dylan various things, but that wasn’t the case that day. When she took in the sights of that town, she couldn’t help but think about the runaway Teresa.

Dylan looked up at a certain luxury cruise ship with a stern expression on his face.

“We aren’t just investigating within the city, but the port as well. That ship is the only place I haven’t had investigated. This is an international port with connections to foreign countries. We don’t have a warrant to search foreign-flagged ships that are anchored.”

 “Considering the security is so tight that even Prince Lawrence is here in person, it’s highly unlikely that Teresa has left the city. “

“Indeed. All the other ships have been searched. So, if Teresa Pannella is still in hiding, it has to be there.”

Dylan pointed at one of the largest passenger ships moored at the port.

That ship has to have at least 10floors…

It was a ship with three red funnels and written on its white hull was the name [Victoria]. Many passengers seemed to be on board as she could hear lively voices from people on the deck.

“The Duke of Lancester family apparently had some influence over ships of foreign nationality when the former duke ruled the territory. Of course, treaties established with other countries must not be broken, but that influence has allowed us to extract concessions arbitrarily.”

“I see. The former duke must have frequented the playgrounds of these luxury cruise ships.”

“That’s right. Apparently, he wanted to participate in the casino and special balls on the luxury cruise ship, so he did a bunch of things.”

I don’t think it’s normal for a feudal lord to play around so much…

Avril was saddened by the thought of Dylan having to have had grown up watching such. She shifted her gaze to the surface of the bay.

All the passengers seem to be enjoying themselves, but the sea is rough and you can see white waves even from within the bay.

Avril pondered about it for a while before making a suggestion.

“Then, how about boarding the Victoria as a passenger?”

“If the duke and the duchess who govern the territory were to board, it’ll be the talk of the city right away… In other words, will we disguise ourselves?”

“Yes, His Highness Lawrence is with us. Falsifying our identities should be simple enough. Fortunately, the sea is rough right now, so the ship won’t leave the port for a few more days. I believe we have enough time to prepare.”

Just like before at the masquerade ball, Dylan shook his head at Avril’s suggestion of going undercover.

“It’s a very good idea, but I have to turn it down. If we’re going to proceed with this plan, we will have to assign it to someone else.”

“To whom? Grace and Chris?”

When he averted his gaze, Avril was convinced.

Could it be that Lord Dylan wants to board the luxury cruise ship with Sir Chris…?

To be frank, she almost cried from the sheer envy.

Avril, who had lived most of her life hidden away within the residence of the Count of Allingham, had never seen the sea before. That day was also her first time beholding a luxury passenger ship.

Even now, she was still really excited. She wanted to approach that ship and see it depart. However, as she had more urgent matters to attend to, she had to restrain herself.

But His Highness Lawrence has entrusted this task to me. I can’t leave it to anyone else…!?

With that, Avril made up her mind and smiled.

“Lord Dylan, we recently took a photo of ourselves all dressed up for the wedding, so this is like a honeymoon. No, this is a honeymoon. Not an undercover investigation, but a honeymoon. A honeymoon prepared by His Highness Lawrence!”

“…”

When Avril smiled innocently and mentioned the word ‘honeymoon’ four times, Dylan held his temple in resignation. He was giving her the green light.

Then, instead of the wordless Dylan, Grace, who was watching the situation, whispered to her.

“Once we returned to the mansion, I’ll pack your things right away. Should I include the nightdress just in case?”

“!? …I-I don’t need it!?”

---

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***T/N: Please, may something saucy happen on the ship… Although Avril will probably think that I was telling her to bring some sauce.

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