Published: August 10, 2026
The Duke of Dutchman's mansion was, just as the merchant had said, north of the port, around the center of the island.
It was in a lively area not far from the market and the residential district. If it hadn't been surrounded by an iron fence about as tall as a person, one might have mistaken it for a public square or a park where townspeople came to relax.
Beyond the iron fence, a vast garden could indeed be seen... but the gate had not been locked. Even Lord Cyrus seemed taken aback by that.
"Why is the gate left wide open? Even if this is a peaceful remote island, this is a duke's house... It's not some poor backwater noble's place."
Come to think of it, I remembered that the main gate of the Shadelan Family had also been left with its broken lock as it was, but I kept quiet.
"...Our visit was announced in advance by a fast courier, right? Does that mean they've left it open and are telling us to come in as we please?"
"No way, surely not—though there doesn't seem to be a gatekeeper..."
"Maybe the gatekeeper stepped away from his post for a break?"
We stood there talking for a while, but no one showed any sign of coming out.
We exchanged glances, and both of our faces clouded over.
"...As I thought, is this a trap...?"
"...Even so, we can't exactly refuse to go in."
After saying that like a mutter to himself, Lord Cyrus stroked the sword at his waist beneath his cloak.
Using a map sent by the enemy as our only guide, he pushed open the gate himself and entered the place that might have been a trap.
Crossing straight through the garden, we arrived at a fine mansion. ...It was smaller than I had imagined, but this was apparently the duke's residence.
When we knocked on the door, a male voice from inside, sounding like a footman, said, "Yes, coming now."
...Well then, would something like a demon appear, or a serpent—holding my breath, I waited.
The footman who eventually appeared wore a friendly smile.
"Thank you for waiting. You must be Duke Granado and his wife? Welcome, welcome."
...Hm? Something about him... seemed rather old for a footman.
And he was dressed in clothes made of fine fabric. His manner was refined as well. Was he the chief butler, perhaps?
I was about to lift my skirt for a bow, but for some reason Lord Cyrus stopped me.
Then he placed a hand on his chest and lowered himself in a formal greeting. The highest salute exchanged between nobles.
"Pleased to make your acquaintance. I am Cyrus Granado. Duke Dutchman."
—Huh!?
This elderly gentleman?
I hurriedly returned the highest courtesy as well, and the old gentleman smiled even more broadly, the deep wrinkles on his face folding in.
"Yes, I have been expecting you, Lord Granado."
His speech was gentle and unhurried, and his smile was calm.
Judging by his age, he was probably in his seventies, but Duke Dutchman, who had come to greet us personally in the lobby, gave the first impression of being a person who was incredibly humble for his imposing build. I had heard that Oracle people tend to be tall, and Duke Dutchman was indeed astonishingly tall. Thinking about his age, he may even have been taller than Lord Cyrus in his youth.
I was fairly tall for a woman myself, but when two mountains stand side by side, the sight is naturally magnificent. While I was staring in a daze, the formal exchange between the two dukes proceeded solemnly.
"I have already read the letter from his majesty the king of the Dilz Kingdom. My name is Cornelis Dutchman. I govern this island as well as the surrounding territories. I look forward to our continued acquaintance."
"We are deeply sorry for the sudden visit. To think that Lord Cornelis himself would come to greet us, I am profoundly grateful for your kindness."
When Lord Cyrus showed his embarrassment, the duke smiled as though he were very pleased.
His shoulders shaking with a chuckle, like a child whose prank had succeeded.
"No, no, the truth is that we are simply short-handed. If I had known of your visit sooner, I would have hired more people, but this is a house without footmen or gatekeepers."