Before long, the weight of Grace's indirect rejection dragged me into the depths of despair. For the first time in my life, I even found myself wishing I could disappear.
(Why did I let my emotions take over? Why didn't I listen to Karen's advice? Look what happened. Now everything between Grace and me is awkward. I'm such an idiot! A complete idiot!)
Caught between heartbreak and self-loathing, I pounded my fist against my chest over and over, blaming myself for my own recklessness. After finally meeting the girl I loved, I'd only managed to drive her away because I couldn't control myself.
(Maybe I really should just marry with the money instead.)
Ever since I met Grace at that social gathering and learned she was the daughter of a duke, I'd already given up. She was simply too far above someone like me.
Yet during the six years that followed, not a single noblewoman I met could outshine Grace's smile.
So I convinced myself I'd spend the rest of my life married to money instead. As long as I kept making more of it, maybe I could bury these feelings for her. Besides, my younger brother could continue the family line, and I had no objection to letting him inherit the title.
Then His Majesty summoned us, and I met Grace again.
Her smile had become even more enchanting than before.
And her... her figure...
It only made me fall for her even harder.
The first time we'd only met briefly. This journey, however, had us living under the same roof and seeing each other every day. I thought it was the perfect chance to grow closer to her and earn her affection.
But Grace was the daughter of a duke.
How could someone like her ever marry a man who didn't even possess a title?
That thought ignited my determination to inherit my family's title and build enough achievements to raise my standing.
But now...
Everything was ruined.
It was over.
What was left for me to strive toward?
I couldn't even face Karen anymore after all the advice and encouragement he'd given me.
"Are the four of you traveling together?"
A clear voice suddenly broke through the shell I'd shut myself inside.
Looking up, I saw Christina Fenelbia and her maid, Mira. Christina was speaking to Alice, so Alice answered first.
"Yes."
"I'd like to invite all of you for some tea. Would that be alright?"
The unexpected invitation left Alice looking at me helplessly, asking for my decision.
Did she want me to decide?
I desperately needed time to calm my chaotic thoughts, so I simply nodded.
"That's fine."
Alice accepted the invitation, and we followed Christina and Mira to a dessert cafe.
Christina told us to order whatever we liked and not to hold back.
The problem was we'd just finished lunch.
I honestly couldn't eat another bite.
"I'll have Winter Snow Sonata."
"This one until this one."
"Black Abyss."
...Apparently I was the only one who couldn't eat anymore.
Alice, Ethefelis, and Grace all ordered desserts without hesitation.
Though Ethefelis... even if someone else was paying, couldn't you show a little restraint?
As for me, I ordered a cup of black coffee, hoping its bitterness would drown out the misery weighing on my heart.
Christina hadn't ordered anything herself. Instead, Mira headed to the counter on her own.
As her maid, she probably already knew exactly what her mistress liked without needing to ask.
Meanwhile, Kristina kept watching Alice.
Her intentions couldn't have been more obvious.
She wanted Alice's help.
But what kind of case would require someone as brilliant as Christina Fenelbia to seek assistance?
(Whatever. I'm not in the mood, and it's none of my business.)
Christina finally broke the silence.
"Did you know that there's actually a fourth continent in this world? It's a frozen desert wasteland where no humans can survive."
"Really?"
Grace asked with genuine curiosity.
"Yes."
Christina answered confidently.
Apparently she believed it herself.
Grace looked perfectly calm, which only convinced me even more that I'd imagined her feelings toward me.
Then Alice frowned at Christina.
She looked... doubtful.
"...You don't sound certain. You seem like you only half believe it yourself. Why did you say it as though it were a fact?"
Alice never lied.
If she felt that way, then there had to be a reason.
The existence of a fourth continent hadn't even been confirmed yet, so why had Christina spoken as if it were established truth?
"My apologies for misleading you," Christina admitted. "I merely suspect the existence of a fourth continent based on ancient documents. It has yet to be verified."
She then pointed at Alice.
"The real reason I invited you here... is her."
"Me?"
"How were you able to tell that man was lying earlier?"
"His expression looked unnatural."
"If I hadn't already suspected him, I likely would've been fooled by his performance." Christina turned toward me. "Sir, did you believe the murderer was innocent at the time?"
She seemed to be asking for my perspective to demonstrate how unusual Alice's ability was.
There was no point protecting my pride by denying my own foolishness. That would only make me look worse.
So I answered honestly.
"To my embarrassment, before I learned your identity, I believed he was telling the truth. His expression looked completely natural to me."
"I see."
Christina smiled at Alice with obvious satisfaction.
"It seems this young lady possesses a very unusual talent."
At last, I understood why she'd asked us to stay.
She'd been testing Alice's ability to detect lies from the very beginning.
Just then, Mira returned with the drinks and desserts.
Christina clapped her hands happily.
"We've talked for quite a while, yet I still don't know your names. May I ask how I should address each of you?"
"I'm Alice."
"I'm Jacob Zereil."
"I'm Grace Somart."
"Ethefelis Sugued."
"So you're nobles as well. Please forgive my earlier rudeness."
"It's alright."
Grace, having the highest noble rank among us, accepted Christina's apology.
"Thank you. Your family names aren't from Asrangari. May I ask which country you're from?"
"Aimebisalon."
After Grace answered, Christina continued.
"And what brings you to our kingdom?"
That question was naturally mine to answer, since I was our group's representative.
"I'm a merchant here on business. Alice is my attendant, while Grace and Ethefelis serve as my escorts."
"You hired noble ladies as bodyguards?"
"The products of my marchent guild were fortunately recognized by His Majesty King Leon, who is sponsoring their expansion across the world. These two were personally selected by His Majesty for their exceptional abilities."
I showed her the official letter of commission personally handwritten by the king at Karen's request.
Because she seemed to have her doubts.
At that moment, the waitress arrived with several slices of cake.
Ethefelis really hadn't held back.
My black coffee arrived as well.
It tasted... ordinary.
"I see."
Kristina nodded.
"Although you've already heard my name, allow me to introduce myself properly once more. I am Christina Fenelbia, and this is my maid, Mira. It's a pleasure to meet you."
"It's a pleasure."
Mira echoed Kristina's greeting using a polite expression that didn't exist in our country, so I followed the local custom.
"The pleasure is mine. However, Miss Fenelbia, our schedule is rather tight. Would you mind getting straight to the point?"
"My apologies for taking up your time."
Kristina nodded.
"I'll explain why I need Miss Alice's assistance."
"The reason I came here is to investigate Phinto Powder."
"What kind of drug is Phinto Powder?"
"It hasn't reached Aimebisalon yet, has it? That's truly fortunate."
She folded her hands neatly.
"Phinto Powder is a white powdered narcotic. Like other drugs, it produces intense euphoria. However, its side effects are far more severe. After more than ten uses, it permanently damages the brain, leaving the victim unable to think. Worse still, it's extremely cheap and simple to manufacture, allowing it to spread throughout an entire nation in a very short time."
(That side effect... sounds awfully familiar...)
"Mr. Zereil, is something troubling you?"
"...No. Please continue."
Had my gloomy thoughts shown on my face?
That was close.
Fortunately, Alice didn't question me.
Christina continued.
"People who lose the ability to think become little more than puppets, obeying any command they're given. The consequences could be catastrophic."
"His Majesty King Carter therefore ordered every knight and police officer to locate the source of Phindra Powder. Every lead points to this city, yet after an extensive investigation, no one has been able to pinpoint its origin."
"That is why His Majesty assigned this investigation to me."
King Carter was the ruler of Asrangari—Carter Kreid Asrangari.
I never thought we'd stumble into such an incredible coincidence. I stood up and addressed Christina with heartfelt enthusiasm.
"Miss Fenelbia, I give my full support for Alice to assist you. If there's anything else you need, please don't hesitate to ask. Please you have to wipe Phinto Powder from this world."
"I don't know how much help I'll be, but I'll do everything I can!"
"I'm a knight," Grace added firmly. "If you need my assistance, just say the word. We can't allow criminals like this to go unpunished."
Good.
Both Alice and Grace were willing to help.
"If the need arises," Christina replied with a grateful smile, "I'll gladly ask for your assistance."
Though surprised, she looked genuinely pleased.
A vile drug like Phinto Powder had to be eradicated completely.
It could never be allowed a second chance.
Just then, Ethefelis tugged gently on my sleeve while continuing to eat her cake.
"Bro Ren."
"It's alright."
I smiled faintly.
"He'll understand."
I knew Karen would definitely complain.
But he'd understand why I made this decision.
No matter how many days it took...
I wanted to see the day Phinto Powder disappeared from this world forever.