Chapter 70
Jerry had been looking forward to hearing news that someone sent from Hwangseong had gone to the Duke’s residence.
“Why haven’t I heard anything? By now, I should have some news about what happened afterward.”
Jerry paused from his work and thought for a moment. Eventually, he got up and approached Tom.
“Inspector Tom.”
“Yes, Sergeant.”
“The person who came from Hwangseong… do you know what happened after that?”
“After that? Hmm…”
Tom closed his eyes and pondered. As he went through his memory, he suddenly opened his eyes and replied.
“Oh! There is one thing.”
“What is it? If you knew something, why didn’t you say it sooner?”
“Sorry. I heard from one of Duke Salmare’s aides that he decided to give Duke Calix some time.”
“Give him time? Are you sure?”
“Yes. I heard it directly from a close aide of Duke Salmare, so it should be correct.”
“Alright. Carry on with your work.”
“Yes, sir.”
Hearing Tom, Jerry returned to his desk, but his expression had hardened.
“He’s giving him time? Is this because they’re both high-ranking nobles?”
No matter how many guards were present, the rules and punishments for crimes differed between nobles and commoners.
High-ranking nobles often used money and power to lighten their crimes or even erase them entirely. Meanwhile, commoners without such resources could face severe punishment for even minor offenses. Not everyone, of course, but that was the reality Jerry had seen most often.
Because of this, Jerry held nobles committing crimes to especially strict standards. Otherwise, they wouldn’t even consider their actions wrong.
Duke Calix was no exception. His silence during the investigation alone made it clear how arrogantly noble he behaved.
Commoners often struggled just to hire a lawyer and could be wrongfully accused, yet Duke Calix was deliberately dragging out time despite his wrongdoing.
Of course, no concrete evidence had emerged yet. Investigations couldn’t be based solely on suspicion, but Jerry was confident in his judgment.
“He says he’s giving time, but it’s far too quiet. What’s he really plotting?”
Jerry felt uneasy. While the people of the Duke’s territory were protesting outside the Duke’s residence, there had been no statements from him. It was suspicious.
And in that moment, one person came to mind.
“Elena must still be alive, right?”
Since their breakup after his confession, they hadn’t contacted each other, so he had no way of knowing. He had resolved to focus on work, but he couldn’t help occasionally wondering about her.
Jerry genuinely cared about Elena.
He had wanted to send her a letter, but it wasn’t possible. After turning away coldly before, it would be strange to suddenly reach out now.
“I decided to let it go. She’ll handle herself.”
Jerry shook his head, trying to push thoughts of Elena away.
That morning, after giving Duke Calix his medicine, Jerry estimated how much of it was left.
The supplies in the medicine room were also running low. I’ll have to go out.
Lately, he had spent most of his time in Duke Calix’s room and secret chamber, leaving no time to make medicine or even purchase ingredients. There was just too much to do.
He knew Duke Calix would oppose him going alone.
“Duke,” he called.
Duke Calix, seated at his desk, immediately turned his gaze from the papers to him.
“I need to go buy medicinal herbs. Are you very busy?”
“Going now?”
“Yes, I think I must.”
“Then go.”
Duke Calix rose and approached.
“Aren’t you busy?”
“I’m fine. I can finish this later.”
“Hmm, then should I just take Luca with me?”
“Good.”
“Oh, but just in case…”
“…?”
“Wear a hood when you go. If people recognize you as the Duke, you might be in trouble.”
“Yes.”
Duke Calix obediently retrieved a hooded cloak from the wardrobe and put it on. It might be a little warm, but better than risking danger.
Prepared, they left the room with only Luca accompanying them.
Riding the carriage into the bustling town, they entered the familiar herbalist’s shop. As usual, the herbalist greeted them warmly.
“Miss! Long time no see!”
“Indeed. How have you been?”
“Great! I was just worried because you hadn’t come by in a while!”
“Thank you. Could you prepare the herbs listed here?”
Jerry handed over a note with the required herbs. The herbalist frowned as he looked it over.
“That’s quite a lot today. I don’t think two people can carry all this.”
“Then send it to the Duke’s residence.”
“Alright… the Duke’s residence…”
The herbalist trailed off, glanced at Duke Calix, and leaned forward, lowering his voice cautiously.
“Who’s that with you? A bodyguard?”
“Yes, something like that.”
It wasn’t worth revealing the truth.
Thanks to the hood, the herbalist seemed unaware that Duke Calix was a Duke, simply assuming he was a bodyguard.
“By the way, miss, are you okay?”
“Excuse me? What do you mean?”
“The Duke… is he really… a murderer?”
“No.”
As expected, the influx of unpleasant assumptions made it hard to maintain his composure. It was frustrating that he couldn’t prove Duke Calix’s innocence right now.
Reading his expression, the herbalist carefully added:
“But the newspaper says he’s a prime suspect?”
“No. I’m his physician; he’s not a murderer. Don’t believe speculative articles.”
“O-okay, miss. You want the herbs sent to the Duke’s residence?”
“Yes.”
“I’ll pack them carefully. Don’t worry.”
“Thank you. I’ll come by next time.”
“Alright.”
After greeting, Jerry left the shop with Duke Calix quietly following.
No matter where they went, the feeling was the same. As expected, it wasn’t a pleasant situation.
“Are you alright, Duke…”
He glanced at Duke Calix, expecting him to be annoyed, but instead, he was smiling cheerfully.
“Duke? Why are you smiling?”
“Because I’m glad Elena is on my side.”
“Is that all? She just said what’s true.”
“That’s enough to make me happy.”
Seeing Duke Calix smile brightly relieved him slightly. If he was happy, then that was enough.
“Shall we go home now?”
“Yes, let’s go home.”
They turned toward the carriage waiting outside the herbalist shop. Duke Calix opened the door and waited for her.
Just as they began to move, a voice called:
“Elena?”
Inspector Jerry and Sergeant Tom emerged from the shop next door. Jerry looked surprised at the unexpected encounter.
There was no need to greet them warmly now.
She merely nodded slightly and started toward the carriage.
But she didn’t reach it. Jerry grabbed her wrist.
“Elena.”
“….”
Seeing Jerry’s worried gaze, she looked down at her wrist. It didn’t hurt, but it was uncomfortable.
“Let go.”
“Ah, sorry. I was just relieved you’re safe.”
Jerry quickly released her wrist. Duke Calix, who had appeared silently beside her, met Jerry’s gaze. Sparks seemed to fly in the tension-filled standoff—a battle of wills, neither yielding.
Perhaps it’s the encounter with an enemy… it’s intense.
“What do you mean by relieved she’s safe, Inspector? Are you implying I’d harm her?”
“If you wanted, your status wouldn’t stop you.”
“Causing harm isn’t about status. Just because someone’s a commoner doesn’t mean they’re innocent. You know that, Inspector.”
“That may be true…”
“Duke, let’s go.”
To end the confrontation, Elena tugged on Duke Calix’s sleeve, deciding it was better to leave than argue needlessly.
“Yes. We wasted precious time earlier.”
Duke Calix looked down at her with a smile. Passing Jerry, she added:
“You won’t be able to keep hiding for long, Duke.”
“What did you say…?”
“I’ll make sure to prove you’re the culprit.”
Inspector Jerry stared Duke Calix down with unwavering determination.
