Special treatment for myself?
How interesting.
I just wonder how much Princess Lina will actually grant me.
“Lucas, I hereby grant you special authority, in the name of the kingdom’s princess, regarding cases related to the Eight Sins. From now on, if you encounter any crime scenes involving the Eight Sins, you no longer need to contact the higher-ups; you may act directly.”
Was there really any need to say that again?
“Not only that, all your expenses for future operations will be reimbursed by me. If you have any needs, just speak up; within my capacity, I will fulfill them. Lastly, act freely, and I will take responsibility for whatever remains.”
“You must have motives beyond just these benefits, right?”
“Hehe, don’t overthink it. Little Vina grew up with me and has a sharp eye for people. She thinks highly of you, so naturally, I want to give someone as outstanding as you some deserved advantages.”
“Well then, thank you for your kindness.”
“However, I have only one request.”
Lina narrowed her eyes, staring intently at Lucas.
“Loyalty to the kingdom, that’s all.”
“Of course. I have no reason to betray you. Betraying you brings no benefit.”
“Exactly, no benefit. If such a thing ever happened, I’d kill you with my own life on the line. And don’t forget who’s working by my side now.”
Though Lina spoke in a very casual tone, Lucas still felt his heart twist sharply upon hearing that.
This woman… she assigned Relia to work by her side just to keep me in check?
“Don’t be so nervous, I’m just saying.”
But Lina’s tone was anything but casual — it was a blatant threat.
What does this woman want?
Lucas couldn’t shake the feeling that this princess was far more complicated than she appeared.
“Any questions? If not, then let’s have a good cooperation.”
Lina extended her hand to Lucas.
For Relia’s safety, Lucas decided it was better not to oppose her directly.
He reached out and shook Princess Lina’s hand.
“Well then, here’s a new mission related to the Eight Sins.”
“Go ahead.”
Lina gave Ivina a glance, signaling her to explain the task.
“We reviewed the documents and notes seized from Cohen last time, but unfortunately, most of the valuable content was destroyed. Apart from the previous contact with Serfi, the only other clue was a place name—Port Dibis.”
“A coastal area?”
“The Eight Sins might have some operations there. Lucas, your next task is to investigate Port Dibis. If possible, eliminate their forces there.”
After reporting the details, Ivina looked at Princess Lina.
“That’s the mission. But this time, there’s an additional special requirement.”
“Please go on.”
“I’ll be going with you, Lucas. I’m entrusting you with my personal safety. Little Vina, during my absence, you’ll take full charge of my duties, and the vice-captain will handle the knights.”
“But, Lina…”
Ivina frowned, seeming hesitant.
Lina shot Ivina a sharp glare.
Whatever she was about to say was cut short, and Ivina fell silent.
“That’s the situation, Lucas. Do you understand?”
“I do. I’ll fulfill your request.”
For Relia’s safety, Lucas had no other choice.
The meeting with Princess Lina wasn’t very long—only about half an hour.
Relia accompanied Lucas as they left the palace.
Ivina left with them as well.
Once outside the palace and after confirming Relia had left safely, Lucas immediately confronted Ivina.
“So, why did you tell the princess about my matters?”
“I told Lina about how we dealt with Serfi back then. She became very interested in your case. Sorry, even though Lina and I grew up together, she’s still my superior. I couldn’t disobey orders.”
Lucas sighed. Ivina had no choice but to say that.
He just hadn’t expected Lina to use Relia’s safety as leverage.
“Are you worried about Relia’s safety?”
“Lina’s tone just now wasn’t mere words; I think she really means business.”
“Lucas, don’t worry. Lina won’t actually harm Relia. What she said was truly just talk.”
Ivina placed a hand on Lucas’s shoulder to soothe him.
“She has no reason to target an ordinary girl.”
“Hopefully, that’s true.”
“More importantly, Lucas, please pay attention to the mission the princess just assigned, especially protecting her safety.”
Lucas was about to ask Ivina why she reacted so strongly when Lina insisted on going to Port Dibis.
“Port Dibis… well, it’s a coastal area, but security there isn’t very good. Being far from the capital and a port city, it’s a hotspot for smugglers.”
Lucas wasn’t surprised by Ivina’s words. Having lived on the border before, he was no stranger to smugglers.
Port cities meant even tougher smugglers to deal with.
“There are daily clashes there. You must protect Lina well.”
“I understand. I’ll stay alert. So, when do we depart?”
“It might be a few days yet. Go back and get things in order. The journey to Port Dibis is long; the knights will prepare the supplies and carriages.”
Looks like I’ll be away from home for a while again. Can’t I get a few more days of rest at home?
***
“Going on a long trip?”
Nori put down her book and looked at Lucas.
“Sure, I’ll go with you. But where exactly this time?”
“A bit far—a coastal area called Port Dibis.”
“The seaside… I’ve only heard of the sea growing up, but I’ve never actually seen the ocean. What’s the mission’s purpose?”
“The Eight Sins might be active there. We’re going to investigate. By the way, Princess Lina of the kingdom will be accompanying us.”
“Oh? Why would someone so noble come with us?”
Lucas shrugged.
Who knows what she’s thinking.
But… Port Dibis… a coastal area.
That reminds me, the knights found records mentioning strange things that landed on the kingdom’s coast decades ago.
Could this mission to Port Dibis have something to do with outside invaders?