‘Ah, right. I remember now. I warned this maid that if she caused another disturbance, she’d be sent back to her hometown. People really do repeat the same mistakes. Getting involved with a knight of the grand duchy of all things…’

The romantic affairs of the servants were none of his concern. However, it was a different story if there was a potential security risk.

That said, it was unlikely that Sera knew anything significant enough to pose a threat. She was just a servant, easily replaceable at any time.

‘Tsk. Foolish girl. Does she actually dream of becoming a knight’s wife?’

Hoffman had been born and raised in Lagos, but he was well-versed in the affairs of the continent.

He had filled the gaps in his experience by reading countless books and documents. The Juan Merchant Guild also provided him with a steady stream of new information.

On the continent, knights were not nobility, but they were treated with the same level of respect. Why would a knight of Jericho, of all people, lack options to the point of marrying a Lagos servant—someone not even from the continent?

‘That man must have his own agenda. He must have lured Sera in for a reason.’

For now, it was something to keep an eye on. If it ended as nothing more than a romance between two people, that would be for the best.

About an hour after Sera entered Richard’s room, the door quietly opened, and she slipped out.

Her face was flushed, her breathing uneven. After hastily adjusting her clothing, she quickly scurried down the dimly lit hallway.

Richard sat on the bed, his bare upper body exposed, lost in thought. There was no trace of the heat that had burned between him and the woman just moments ago.

 

⌜ Sir Richard. You’ll really take me with you, won’t you? ⌟

 

Richard frowned. Every time Sera said those words, it ruined the mood.

‘She’s got a decent enough face, and her body’s nice too, but she’s a fool.’

A knock interrupted his thoughts.

“Richard.”

A voice he recognized called his name in a low tone.

“Come in.”

Bernie, a knight of Jericho, entered. His expression twisted in distaste at the sight of Richard, half-naked.

“I could hear everything from my room.”

Bernie’s quarters were directly next to Richard’s. Richard cleared his throat awkwardly.

“Was it that bad? I’ll be more careful.”

“This isn’t the first time. I’ve held my tongue until now, but enough is enough. And you—do you really think this is the time to be fooling around with women?”

Bernie’s voice carried a sharp edge of contempt, and Richard bristled.

“Don’t talk like you know everything. Do you think I’m doing this just for fun?”

“They say every grave has its excuse.”

“I told you to watch your mouth. I’m gathering information.”

“…Information?”

Bernie’s interest was piqued. He pulled out a chair and sat at the table.

“We were given an important mission by His Grace the Grand Duke. But the way things are going, we’re stuck in a deadlock. Isn’t that our biggest problem?”

At Richard’s words, Bernie sighed and nodded gravely.

Grand Duke Jericho would not have betted on his three knights functioning well as skilled spies. Clumsy espionage would only cause more harm than good.

Instead, he had given them clear orders: Escort Cecilia diligently. Follow her wherever she’d go. Observe and memorize everything she saw and heard. Then, upon their return, report everything.

The three knights had no knowledge of the true circumstances behind this marriage. All they knew was that the grand duke would summon them back when the time was right.

Since it was a temporary mission, they had remained at Lagos Castle without complaint.

The problem was that they couldn’t fulfill their duty of guarding Cecilia at all.

Cecilia had firmly rejected their presence from the start, bluntly telling them, ‘Do not follow me.’ After that, she had never once sought them out.

In her past life, Cecilia had also lived without a knight’s protection, but the circumstances had been different.

Back then, Benjamine roamed Lagos Castle freely as if it were her own domain. She, at least, always had knights accompanying her.

Thus, while trailing Benjamine, the knights had still managed to complete their mission for the grand duke.

But now, Benjamine was keeping a low profile. Her movements were restricted, and she wouldn’t even dare to bring knights around with her.

Richard, Bernie, and Mathis were growing anxious. If they returned like this, they would have nothing to report to the grand duke.

Frustration was also building.

Their quarters were located near the entrance of the west wing’s first floor. Beyond that, the entire section consisted of storage rooms.

The thought of being treated like outsiders by these Lagos commoners was infuriating.