Published: August 25, 2025
Today, three chapters are posted simultaneously.
This is the first chapter.
Three days after returning to Gimul Town, on a sudden morning, a letter arrived announcing Ms. Eleonora’s arrival.
I had heard she was rushing to take up her post, but even so, this was quick. The letter included a line saying she wanted to meet and talk as soon as possible. While it wasn’t an emergency, it was clear that the matter required some urgency.
Curious about what was going on, I got ready and headed into town. The letter said she would immediately notify the laundry service upon arrival, so if we didn't miss each other, we should be able to meet up.
“Sorry to interrupt your conversation.”
When I arrived at the laundry service, I was relieved to hear from Ms. Lilin at the reception that there was a visitor. Heading to the lounge, I found Ms. Eleonora—not in her usual maid outfit, but dressed in a pantsuit that made her look every bit the secretary.
She seemed to be discussing something with Mr. Calm, Mr. Eudam, and probably Mr. Sebas, the butler who must have accompanied her. When I opened the door, all of them glanced my way simultaneously.
I could see their expressions clearly, and judging by the atmosphere in the room, it didn’t seem to be bad news.
“Lord Ryoma, I apologize for summoning you so suddenly,” Mr. Sebas bowed first.
If an unexpected situation had arisen, it was understandable. Faster responses are better in such cases. When I told him that, Mr. Sebas and the others gave a slight smile.
Though the tense mood was briefly softened like when a new tea arrives during a stalled meeting, I still didn’t understand the situation. To join the discussion, I asked for an explanation.
“Then, I will explain,” Ms. Eleonora began.
Perhaps because this was a hurried report, her usually firm tone was even sterner and more serious.
“To get straight to the point, we’ve received information suggesting that a certain lord has begun constructing and operating a facility modeled after Lord Takebayashi’s ‘garbage disposal plant.’”
I see.
Currently, I am recognized as an engineer by Duke Jamil’s household. Therefore, the garbage disposal plant is not only a private enterprise but also a site of technical research under the protection of the duke’s household. If the information is true, it implies suspicion of technology theft from an engineer under the duke’s protection.
“We are still investigating the authenticity of the information, the facility’s completeness, and operational status. Even with a slight possibility, His Grace the Duke judged that ‘It’s better that I am here to handle the situation,’ hence sending Ms. Eleonora quickly.”
Indeed, it’s helpful that she is here, and that explained her early arrival. I understood.
“If we don’t have proof of technology theft... then we can’t make any big moves yet. But it might be good to check on the slime management system and operation at the disposal plant.”
“We were discussing exactly that—monitor the situation and wait for further reports,” Mr. Calm said.
It would be pointless to cause a fuss without evidence, and doing so could worsen the situation. For now, the goal is to share information and prepare thoroughly for any necessary response. That is why the duke’s household dispatched Ms. Eleonora, and it’s within expectations that other nobles might make some sort of contact eventually.
“But this came faster than I expected, assuming the information is true,” I said.
“Rather than fast, I would say it’s reckless,” Ms. Eleonora replied. “Common sense dictates that no one would try to steal technology from engineers under the duke’s protection. They would also avoid actions that could arouse such suspicion.”
“That makes sense... but is the noble in question the kind of person who would do something so abnormal?” I asked, curious.
The noble group except Mr. Calm frowned.
“Actually, there’s been an increase in problems starting with certain nobles. Tracing it back, it links to the incident at the end of last year... You know about the nobles involved in hostile acts against Duke Jamil’s household being punished, right?”