Chapter 247: Morning Briefing
Chapter 247: Morning Briefing
Take it easy, Captain. You’re the one who smells like a bar."We have survivors. We’re digging into their backgrounds—people with underworld connections. The reason was pure greed, but... they’re not talking."
He looked like he’d swallowed a whole mouthful of bitter herbs. He didn’t even touch his tea. Classic "I’m not going to say anything" act.
I leaned in.
"Actually, I can use a certain magic that makes it easy to get them to talk. Could I question the thieves myself?"
I wasn’t sure I could actually do it, but it was a bluff. The captain’s eyes went wide with panic. The Queen probably can do it... and for some reason the Duchess’s face flashed through my mind.
"I-I’m afraid that’s impossible, Ambassador. I’d have to ask my superiors and get their approval... I don’t think it would be appropriate... I’m sorry to trouble you..."
He was stammering, waving his hands.
I cut him off.
"No, I don’t mind at all. I just want to hear it from the men who attacked us directly."
His face turned even paler.
"T-then... I’ll check with my superiors and get back to you! I’m truly sorry for the intrusion!!"
He stood up so fast he nearly knocked over the table and bolted out of the room.
Yeah, that was never going to work. I told Rudolf.
Rudolf nodded grimly. "They’ll probably claim the survivors died from their injuries by morning."
Rudolf hadn’t used any force, but that detail could be twisted later. From now on, anyone who tries to break in is getting killed on sight. I should have done it that way in the first place.
I finished my breakfast, then headed straight to the Ducal Palace. The Duchess greeted me with her usual radiant smile and immediately held out her hands.
"Give me the medicine, Robin! I need it now!"
I pulled out two glasses. She drank hers in one gulp, pressed a hand to her waist, and sighed in pure bliss.
She’s younger than when I first met her—glow, smoother skin, that natural radiance. The heavy makeup from last time is gone. Probably not completely fake, but the effect is real. I felt a quiet thrill. My medicine really works.