“I don’t want the information to be leaked from there, Princess.”
Amidst the negative opinions, Lakyus clapped loudly.
"...Everyone stop. Hey Renner, Marquis Raeven doesn’t have a good reputation. Can we trust him?”
“It’s not an absolute guarantee. I also think he has been receiving a certain amount of bribes from the Eight Fingers.”
“Huh?”
Everybody had confused expression, but those who had their own suspicion asked.
“Diverting their attention with false information?”
“Used for assassinations. Give false information to focus the security elsewhere.”
Renner shook her head at the former assassins’ words.
“Tina-san, Tia-san, that’s not it. Even if he accepts money from the Eight Fingers, it doesn’t necessarily mean he wants to co-operate with them. Marquis Raevan was a better man than I thought… Climb, go get Marquis Raevan. He’ll meet with you immediately if you tell him that you destroyed one of the brothels and have captured the head of Eight Finger’s slave traders.”
Climb looked outside to check where the sun was. As it was still bright with morning light, it was still too early to request an audience. However, since great nobles were not the easiest people to have an audience with, it would be better to start early.
“Should we even talk about the head of the slave traders? I think it might be best to keep it a secret…”
Since even a great noble wouldn’t refuse a personal invitation from the Princess, Climb thought it would be best to reserve that fact as a card Renner could use.
“If we want to make him our ally, we must show our hand as well. It’s the best way to prove to the Marquis that we trust him.”
Climb nodded and bowed respectfully.
“I shall bring over Marquis Raeven as soon as possible per your orders.”
“Thank you, Climb. Now, since that will take time, would anyone like some red tea?”
♦ ♦ ♦
Lower Fire Month (9th Month), 4th, 9:37
The Blue Roses already knew. Even if Marquis Raeven came, it would be after midday. Great Nobles held meetings with other nobles in the morning. It would be a different story if the King summoned him, but Renner was still powerless.
Obviously, this would be a lower priority for the Marquis. So when Climb returned early, they wondered if he had been turned back at the gate. However, when they saw the two men standing behind Climb, they could not hide their surprise.
One was Marquis Raeven. His appearance could be described nothing less than immaculate. He wore a doublet made from a beast’s, or probably a monster’s, high-quality fur, woven with golden threads. Around the buttons and the sleeves, intricate patterns were sewn in, and from the way it reflected light, there were many pea-sized jewels embedded in there. Clothing of the highest class worn only during important occasions, it truly suited him as one of the six Great Nobles.
The next person was a rather chubby man.
Renner looked at him with surprised expression.
“Older brother.”
“Oi, my younger sister from another mother. You look as healthy as ever… Oh, if this is the daughter of the Alvein family, then is she the famous Blue Rose? To see Adamantium ranked adventurers here.”
The man who entered without knocking was the second Prince, Zanack Barleon Igana Ryle Vaiself. As Lakyus showed signs of respect to the royalty, he spoke in a relaxed manner.
“I came because it sounded like an interesting discussion.”
“At your service, Princess Renner.”
“Thank you for coming, Marquis Raeven. Please raise your head.”
Renner stood up to greet her older brother who was higher in the line of succession before speaking. As Marquis Raeven raised his head, he had a thin smile on his face. It was a truly creepy smile and made others feel uncomfortable, but other kinds of smiles would not fit him well.
“Would there be a problem in sending the others to another room?”
“As you say, older brother. Lakyus, Climb, would you mind waiting for me in the other room?”
“Alright.”
Lakyus accepted without a complaint and motioned her comrades to the other room. They would prepare without delay in the other room. The Blue Rose and Climb bowed their heads and disappeared into another room. After watching them leave, Renner guided the two to the table.
“Please, sit.”
“Of course, Princess Renner.”
“Alright, my dear sister.”
One person sat down with class and the other simply plopped himself down. Renner poured a cup of red tea and pushed it towards Marquis Raeven.
“It’s an honour to have the princess pour it personally for me.”
“I’m sorry that it’s only lukewarm.”
“Hmmm, is there none for me?”
Zanack looked towards both of them with disappointed face.
“My, my... I thought older brother disliked teas.”
“Yea, I don’t like weird water dyed with tea leaves, but having nothing to drink feels lacking.”
“Should I tell the maids to bring something over? Would you prefer liqueur?”
“Doesn’t matter if it’s red tea. No need to tip off the maids.”
“If we act today, maids won’t have the chance to send information back to their family.”
“Should we not be careful? Women’s tongues are very loose. Especially the maids that work in the palace. They’re faster than they look.”
With a smile, Renner poured a cup of red tea and placed it in front of Zanack.
“Hmmm… You’ve already tested the maids’ information network, haven’t you.”
“What might you be talking about?”
“Well, it doesn’t matter.”
Zanack replied curtly and sipped the red tea before sticking out his tongue at the bitter taste.
“But, Princess Renner, what is the matter this early on? Of course, I am always prepared to answer your call.”
“Thank you, Marquis Raeven. We don’t have much time so I will be frank. I wish to borrow your wisdom.”