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It seemed they were still talking about the maid outfit.
Even for investigators who must have seen all sorts of things, this was an unusual enough topic to pique their interest.
'Even if they declare him innocent, the fact that Ambassador Lucian wore a maid outfit will definitely make tomorrow's headlines.'
It was the kind of incident that would tarnish the image of such a high-profile figure. Those who read the newspaper would surely spread the story to others, and rumors would snowball and spread in no time.
"Huh?"
Snowball and spread?
At the sound of my voice, Theon and Jeffrey looked at me.
The three of us were models for my dad's soon-to-launch children's clothing brand.
Coincidentally, we had been riding in the carriage with Ambassador Lucian, dressed in a maid outfit.
"Berry, did you leave something inside?"
"No, Brother Theon. Sister Berry… seems like she's about to cause trouble. She's grinning."
Jeffrey, having caught sight of the corners of my mouth curling upward, whispered to Theon.
Theon didn't react much, but he did give a small nod.
Sure, the situation should've had me more worried about my reputation within the secret task force than about Ambassador Lucian… but...
"Mr. Damian!"
At my call, Mr. Damian and the branch chief turned their heads toward me.
I giggled and asked Mr. Damian.
"Can you send a telegram from the Investigation Bureau too?"
***
"Thank you for your hard work. Please get home safely, Sir Alexis."
Seeing him off, Damian watched as Lucian left the Investigation Bureau.
When he had entered the Bureau earlier, the sky had been bright and blue, but now a deep sunset had settled in.
He had wondered whether Reytan Quartz Travel would actually believe his absurd plan, but to his relief, the conversation had ended well.
Since Reytan knew Bellesa's nature well, despised her, and shared the goal of protecting Berry from her, their interests aligned in many ways.
Lucian also thought that this time, Bellesa's methods had clearly crossed the line.
"With the Central Investigation Bureau now involved, Her Highness will try to find another way to secure her standing with her own people. You won't need to worry too much for the time being."
"For the time being? Tell her never to show her face again for the rest of her life."
Lucian didn't know exactly what history there was between Reytan and Bellesa, but it was clear that Reytan's hatred for her ran far deeper than he had imagined. Whenever the princess was mentioned, Reytan's expression would twist as though recalling a mortal enemy.
And just as Reytan had promised, Lucian regained his freedom, along with a new outfit.
"Good day, Lord Lucian Alexis. It is such an honor to meet such a famous figure in person. I am Pierre O. Trang, the manager of Trang Boutique in Hispoth Town. Master Reytan said that he was… er… deeply impressed by that forward-thinking outfit of yours, and as a token of appreciation, he has sent you a new set of clothes."
"…The measurements are a perfect fit. The design is excellent as well."
"I'm truly delighted that you like it. Master Reytan provided your measurements himself. He even gave specific instructions for everything from the design down to the necktie. It suits you perfectly, though of course, I already knew of Master Reytan's impeccable eye for fashion, but to pick something that matches you this well on the first try, and even remember every accessory in the boutique… That is a gift I could never achieve even if I were reborn dozens of times—!"
"……"
What began as praise for how well the outfit suited him quickly devolved into sheer admiration for Reytan.
To be honest, Lucian liked the clothes Reytan had sent. As someone often called "the face of the Kingdom of Edencia," he could hardly afford to neglect his appearance. Changing between outfits from various renowned tailors was part of his daily routine, and his wardrobe was constantly updated with trendy garments and accessories.
Even to his own discerning eye, Reytan's taste was exceptional. In the past two years, there hadn't been an outfit he liked this much. Lucian stole a glance at his reflection in the Bureau's glass window.
It was the kind of suit often worn by nobles of the Hayshal Empire, perfectly tailored, clean, and understated. It naturally highlighted his advantages his tall frame and broad shoulders.
If someone were to photograph him now, the papers would no doubt claim once again that Lucian Alexis had set a new standard for beauty, and every news outlet would be scrambling to feature his photo.
"……"
Lucian lifted his head.
From the second- and third-floor windows, investigators had been plastered against the glass, peering down at him. But the moment their eyes met his, they vanished in a hurry.
That only deepened his gloom.
Tomorrow's newspapers would be filled with nothing but stories about him in a maid outfit.
An alchemist…
He wanted to sue the alchemist who had sold him that potion, but doing so would only stir up the case that had just barely been smoothed over with a "not guilty" verdict.
"Are you all right, Captain?"
Peeking his head out from the opening of the bag slung over Lucian's shoulder, Sir Tori asked.
Lucian resumed walking and, in a glum voice, posed a question to his subordinate.
"Sir Tori, do you think the Dexinao River water would be warm?"
"It's autumn, so it would be cold."
Sir Tori replied. Though small in stature, he was a golden hamster beastfolk who had lived for thirty years. That was long enough to answer without hesitation about the water temperature of the Dexinao, the longest and widest river in the Kingdom of Edencia.
"Let's head back for now. We need to report to Princess Bellesa."
"Report, my foot. Word's already reached her ears."
Whether or not her eyes and ears extended into the Investigation Bureau, it was certain that she already knew his plan had collapsed into complete failure and that Reytan Quartz Travel had been present during his interrogation.
Lucian walked on, looking for a carriage to hire.
"Captain, are we just going like this? Aren't you going to ask the embassy to send one?"
"I'm sure word has already reached the embassy…"
If he gave the order, the Edencia Kingdom's embassy would immediately dispatch a carriage. But surely the maid outfit story had spread there as well.
Despite being impeccably dressed, his shoulders gradually slumped. Suddenly, someone dashed in front of him, blocking his path.
"Lord Lucian Alexis!"
"How rude! How dare you block his way!"
Sir Tori leapt out of the bag and landed on the person's shoulder. The small sword perfectly matched to his small hands gleamed as he aimed its sharp tip at the stranger's neck.
It was a young woman in her early twenties wearing glasses, with a camera hanging from her neck and a notebook in hand, dressed in brown trousers and a shirt.
Lucian recognized the attire immediately.
"Sir Tori, she's a reporter."
"Know that you live thanks to the Captain's mercy, insolent human."
"I–I'm sorry! I just wanted to ask you a few questions about your visit to the Investigation Bureau today."
Sir Tori sheathed his sword and hopped back into the bag. Lucian asked the reporter.
"Which paper are you from?"
"I'm Pepper, a journalist with the Daily Sunrise."
It was a well-known newspaper in the Hayshal Empire. When Lucian nodded, the dazed look behind her glasses sharpened instantly.
Pepper flipped open her notebook and began scribbling rapidly, her mouth firing off words without pause.
"I'd like to extend my deepest sympathies for the wrongful arrest. There's something I'd like to ask-"
Lucian glanced at what she was jotting down. When leaving the Investigation Bureau, not in a maid outfit, but in an ivory-colored suit with black accents; handsome in person; tall; hamster…
His head hurt. His mood sank further, yet the reporter kept firing questions.
"I heard the maid outfit you wore today was made by Trang Boutique. Was appearing in public dressed like that a bold promotional move in line with Trang Boutique's new slogan, 'Clothes Anyone Can Wear'? What was your reason for personally taking such action? Recently, at the international conference, you proposed an agenda on 'Respect for Cultural Differences in Race, Gender, and Class'—was that part of your intent as well? I also heard the suit you're wearing now was sponsored by Trang Boutique, and that it may be connected to the new clothing brand of Count Travel's second son, Reytan Quartz Travel…"
Lucian was momentarily at a loss for words at the torrent of information, but his expression gradually brightened.
Perhaps he wouldn't need to check the Dexinao River's water temperature after all. Someone was rescuing him.
"Where did you hear all that?"
At his question, the reporter lifted her eyes from her notebook and looked at him.
"From an anonymous tipster."
***
"Anonymous."
Jackjack reported.
"Oooh!"
I threw both arms up in triumph at his report.
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