Ian was a distant relative of Albert and had begun working last year. The young man had turned nineteen this year, and had been serving for the Prince since the dinner on the first day of his arrival in Bertino, but it was the first time Killian had taken a close look at him, as he was apparently quiet.

Ian's teboiling skill was incomparable to the tea Jeff and Julietta had made. Killian began to closely observe the servant who calmly responded to Oswald's raucous praise and stepped back.

"You should be more careful about hiring people these days. Wouldn't he be better than hiring a new servant?"

Adam noticed Killian's intentions, and spoke low, "Shall Oswald look into him?"

Killian nodded to Oswald after being asked if he would investigate Ian's background.

"This is how Jeff's position is lost." Oswald shook his head as if he were sorry.

"No, Jeff's place remains the same. However, unlike before, he will be under surveillance."

"You also think it was done by Baroness Lanolf." Adam nodded as he accepted the words about the person who had slandered Julietta behind the scenes. "We should trace her to the end, whether she was masterminded or driven by greed."

It was even more frightening to see his smile as he drank tea gracefully, so Oswald prayed for the repose of Baroness Lanolf in advance.

"If I return to the castle, I will give Julietta an official direct a.s.signment as a concubine."

"Your Highness!"

Adam opened his mouth to protest, but Killian's right hand flashed up as if to stop.

"I will never let any danger fall to the safety of the maid and the people around me again. And I will be the next Emperor to protect my people from danger."

Adam and Oswald sprang to their feet and saluted the formal declaration of Killian.

"Your Highness, have you finally made up your mind? This Oswald will do his best to help you wear the golden crown."

"It's the happiest day of my life. Of course, I'm sure that there will be more joyful days to come."

Killian received the bows of the two loyalists, and ordered them to stand up.

"I believe there will be no minor danger in Julietta's future."

"Of course, Your Highness."

"Of course, Your Highness. We'll prepare a wedding ceremony as soon as we get back to the castle."

It was time for Killian to laugh satisfactorily at the answer. The voice of Count Valerian who was supposed to be dealing with the Marquis in the castle was heard outside.

"Your Highness, it's Charles. I have something urgent to say. May I come in?"

The eyes of the three met.

"Don't tell me, has Prince Francis arrived already?" Oswald murmured unhappily.

"Until we left the castle, there was no word that the Prince and his party had entered the castle of Ricaren. He might have come into the castle rudely without contact."

Adam also frowned and disapproved.

"I'll see what's going on. Come in."

With Killian's permission, Charles came in, flapping his cloak.

"Charles Ebert Valerian sees Your Highness."

"All right. Say what you want."

Killian hastened Count Valerian who observed courtesy.

"Your Highness, this is a message from Sir Albert. It says that the maid Julietta disappeared from the castle. After he delivered your order to her, she completely disappeared."

Boom!

At the words of Count Valerian, Killian jumped up, hitting the table. "Do you think she was kidnapped by a group of people plotting?"

At Killian's urgent words, Valerian's expression slightly hardened in embarra.s.sment.

"The maid's personal belongings disappeared with her. I don't think it's kidnapping."

Killian, wearing a cape and gloves handed by Ian, hurried to the entrance of the tent, stopped and looked back at the Count.

"Her belongings are gone?"

"Yes, Your Highness."

As Valerian bowed his head in a much-obliged manner, Killian's expression was slightly loosened.

"She has run away."

"Run away? Why the h.e.l.l?"

Killian thought for a moment, slamming his boots with a horse whip.

"My street cat doesn't seem to like the newly prepared cage."

'Huh, she refused the courts.h.i.+p of the most popular and beautiful man in Austern, Prince Bertino.'

While Oswald muttered an unknowingly mournful sound, Adam's face brightened. "Oh, that's too bad."

"Adam, remove the smile from your mouth and say what you intend."

At Killian's words, Adam quickly changed his face. "Valerian, close the castle's gates and send a man to the border. Has anyone seen her leave the castle?"

"We have thoroughly questioned the guards of the main and rear gates of the castle and the entrance of the servants and maids, but no one saw her escape. She should have been noticed by someone."

At the words of Valerian, Killian went out of the tent and climbed up the prepared horse, saying,

"I want you to investigate again. Find a slim woman with red hair, not the usual fat figure. Search the whole capital city thoroughly and find her by tonight. Let's go back to the castle."