Naturally, there were still questions lingering in Mile's mind.
“If you are thinking like this, why did you come to me? You know, if the Duke asks me, I have to answer honestly.”
“I know. You have to tell the truth. But it's okay.”
“...yes?”
"Yes. Let me continue. I couldn't ask Ethan or Jack to investigate the man I saw. Nor could I find someone else to do it without Ethan knowing. And with Ennis's safety at stake, I couldn't afford any interference."
“So how did you manage that?”
“I asked my brother for help. He arranged an investigator for me. It was the only way to avoid Ethan’s gaze. All the servants in my family’s house are loyal to me, and Jack would not be able to bribe them. It is impossible for him to know what happened between us.”
“……”
It was a meticulously planned operation, impressive enough to astonish any strategist.
Mael wondered how Camille could hide this side of her personality, and why no one ever noticed it.
“I received the results of the investigation a few hours ago. This is how I learned that the man’s name was Marcel Patch, and that he was working under your command.”
"Is that why you came to me? To make sure Patch was the killer by knowing his personality?" Mael asked.
Camille shook her head, “No, that’s not it.”
“...No?”
“Yes. A person who appears perfectly healthy on the surface may be capable of committing horrific acts in secret. Hearing your testimony now will not be conclusive proof.”
Mile had to admit she was right.
“To confirm that Patch is the culprit, I need direct, concrete evidence. That’s what I’m asking of you.”
“Excuse me? But I have no proof that Patch is the killer...”
“They searched his house. He killed at least four women, perhaps more. There must be some evidence of his previous crimes.”
Mile was left speechless for a moment, stunned by her sudden and shocking request.
“What do you mean… I can’t do something like this alone. Isn’t it the duty of the police to find the culprit?”
“The police won't just act on my report. They'll likely call Ethan to ask him what's going on.” The Duchess makes the allegations; What is your opinion?"."
“Then why don't you tell the Duke and have him take care of it?”
“I told you, Ethan still doubts me. He will think there is another motive behind my claims, and will dig deeper into it instead of believing my words. Isn't that how you feel too? Be honest. How much of my story do you believe today? Half of it? Or only part of it?”
“……”
Mael couldn't find any words to reply, and Camille let out a small, knowing smile.
"Who would believe a story like that? They'd think she was just a bored noblewoman lost in mystery novel fantasies," she said, referring to an idea that Mael himself had had moments before.
But now he realized more, especially after listening to her.
“That's not true. At least, I don't think the Duchess would speak without reason. I'm sure the Duke feels the same.”
“Maybe. Or maybe not. Anyway, I thought you, Sir Mael, would be best able to take me seriously and help me.”
“What about Jack? It has to do with his wife. He won’t ignore your words easily.”
“Yes, Jack loves Ennis very much. But that's exactly the problem.”
“What do you mean?”
“If I had told Jack what I told you today, he would have focused on the fact that an unknown man was tracking Ennis, rather than the possibility that Patch was a murderer. For Jack, protecting his wife immediately is more important than investigating previous murders. He might confront Patch directly, threatening to stay away from Ennis. If Patch had run away, Ennis would have been safe, but that would not have prevented more murders.”
“……”
Mael admitted that her logic was sound, and was again impressed by Camille's acumen.
“Even if my guess is wrong, Jack will still follow Ethan's orders to monitor me. This means that Ethan will likely share his suspicions about my motives and tell him instead of following my order.”
“That's a good point. But I'm in a similar position to Jack. I can't move knights on my own, especially something as illegal as breaking into someone's house. And as I mentioned before, I have to inform the Duke of everything.”
“I know. But I still ask for your help, because I believe you will do the right thing, Sir Mael,” Camille said confidently, her tone steady.
Mael looked at her in confusion, “Why do you believe that?”
“There are two reasons. First, you are not the type to ignore someone in danger. If something had happened to Ines or another woman without you doing anything, you would have felt responsible and deeply regretted. Me too.”
“…and the second reason?”
“The second reason is that you prioritize actual justice and the public interest over formal rules and regulations. Even if it means defying the Duke’s orders or the law of the Knight Order, you will choose to save lives.”
“……”
Mile found himself very surprised during his conversation with Camille today. Her words were undoubtedly sincere. This was a vow he made to himself after leaving the rank of Capital Knight due to the Bash Incident.
“I order you to devote yourself to Dumont, but I will never force you to do what is contrary to your convictions. I promise »
Ethan's promise was the decisive reason why Mael agreed to become the leader of the Dumont Knights. As with Jack, Mile never imagined that Camille would understand him so accurately.
“Please, Sir Mael. I have no one to turn to. I am not asking you to arrest and execute Patch. You know him personally, so you may find a way to enter his house without using force. Or you can wait for an opportunity when he is not around.”
“……”
Mile was confused.
He couldn't decide how much to believe the Duchess's story. What is the right decision? Which option will stay true to itself?
Camille took a small piece of paper out of her pocket and placed it on the table.
“This is Patch’s address. He is an orphan with no siblings, and since his dishonorable discharge four years ago, he works odd jobs to support himself. He is usually out of the house during the day.”
“……”
“I think I have said all that is necessary. The rest is up to you, Mr. Mayle,” Camille rose from her seat.
When I opened the office door, footsteps were heard coming up the stairs.
The young knight who preceded her appeared, carefully holding a cup in his hands.
“Duchess, this is your lemonade.”
“Thank you for bringing it. You can have it yourself.”
“Sorry? But...”
Camille smiled warmly, patted the knight on the shoulder, then turned to Mael.
“See you next time, Sir Mile.”
“……”
Mile bowed his head without saying a word.
The young knight blinked in confusion, then looked between them and hurriedly followed Mael's lead in bowing to Camille.
***
“Aw, I'm totally exhausted.”
I sighed quietly as I descended the stairs. I didn't realize how nervous I was until that moment, and suddenly I felt extremely thirsty.
Maybe I should have just had lemonade.
But his refusal had a purpose in my action.
Overall, things seem to be going according to plan so far.
It all started on the day I visited Viscountess Grandbert.
The reason for my visit was to find someone to replace Marcel Bach.