Chapter 41: Banquet (3)

“I want you to not be so cautious.”

With a wry smile, Ethan approached Rosa.

“Your Excellency, why are you alone on the balcony tonight?”

“Oh, just a bit tired.”

(No, being with me would be more tiring, right?)

Of course, such a question was not voiced.

“What are you saying? Weren’t you surrounded by ladies?”

Ethan, looking annoyed, leaned against the balcony railing, facing the venue.

Rosa, as always, gazed at the city lights, and the two were looking in opposite directions.

While the surrounding couples had a sweet atmosphere, the air here was different.

“It seems there was a misunderstanding at this gathering.”

“A misunderstanding? What kind?”

Rosa asked with curiosity.

“It seems I’m supposed to be looking for a marriage partner.”

Seeing Ethan’s troubled expression, Rosa couldn’t help but burst into laughter.

“Isn’t this a good opportunity? There are plenty of wonderful people to choose from.”

“Oh, that. I’m not really fond of overly assertive young ladies…”

He said it with a troubled expression.

“I guess you prefer someone modest. But then they won’t come forward, making it difficult to find. Oh, speaking of which, sometimes sisters can have completely opposite personalities. How about aiming for a lively younger sister or older sister?”

Ethan sighed at Rosa’s words.

“So, how about your investigation?”

“I have no idea. I’m counting on the servants for now.”

“I’ve heard some rumors.”

“Huh? About my bad reputation?”

“I’m sure you’ve already gathered information from women, so you tried asking men.”

“So, where did the spark come from?”

Ethan shook his head at Rosa’s words.

“That’s various, you know. Some heard it from his wife; others heard it at a tavern where they had fun. There were also some from the household staff.”

“A tavern? Who was the informant?”

Rosa was surprised at the unexpected location.

“They mentioned a blonde female waiter. Of course, they were a bit intoxicated, so they don’t remember much about her appearance. Anyway, everyone just gossips in a humorous way, and they don’t seem interested in where and from whom they heard it. I think the rumors might be running wild.”

“Well, that’s the worst-case scenario.”

Now, Rosa wondered what to do.

“I’m curious about this tavern, but given the nature of the place, it’s difficult to investigate.”

For a moment, Rosa thought about having Hugh infiltrate the tavern, but she didn’t think he was suited for espionage.

He stands out as handsome and robust. Moreover, he speaks straightforwardly, so he’s probably not suitable.

“I don’t really want to introduce it too much, but if it’s the Information Guild, they might be able to find out.”

Rosa was unaware of the existence of something called the Information Guild in this world.

“I haven’t heard about it from my father either. Is it a place that mimics spies?”

“While there are actual investigations, it’s mainly about buying and selling information in those stores. There are several guilds like that in the capital, but I know of only one where you can get accurate information.”

“That’s good news for me! Please tell me about it!”

Rosa’s eyes sparkled as if she saw a breakthrough.

“However, the Information Guild isn’t in the safest place. Moreover, the only thing reliable is the information; the guild master is not a pleasant person. It’s usually a place where those with shady backgrounds gather.”

(Is that the case with His Excellency, too?)

Rosa thought, almost letting slip an unnecessary comment, but she managed to stop just in time.

“I may not have a shady background, but I can’t just ignore the source of these rumors. When many people talk, even the most absurd rumors start to gain credibility.”

Rosa stated it firmly. Especially for someone with a dark past like hers, these kinds of rumors could be quite troublesome.

“Understood. Then, let me accompany you.”

“No, it’s quite all right. There’s no need for you to go to such lengths. Besides, I have excellent guards with me, so there’s no need to worry.”

Rosa immediately declined Ethan’s offer. She didn’t want to owe favors to him unnecessarily.

“Are you talking about Hugh?”

“Oh, did you even know the name of the guard from the Croitzer family?”

“His military exploits are well-known.”

If he wanted to share, he would do so himself. Rosa didn’t want to hear rumors about Hugh from others.

“I’m not familiar with the details around here. So, where is this information guild located?”

Now that there was a glimmer of hope, Rosa redirected the conversation.

“The owner is a bit eccentric. Depending on how you use it, it can be poisonous.”

“I don’t mind!”

Despite being the one who brought it up, when it came down to it, Ethan hesitated.

However, Rosa couldn’t afford to back down now.

In the end, she managed to get detailed information from Ethan about the location of the shop, the peculiar personality of the guild master, and even their appearance.

“If you decide to go, be very careful. He’s not a violent person, but he’s extremely shrewd. Be sure not to be outsmarted,” Ethan warned.

“Well, will he give me reliable information?” Rosa retorted.

“The information is reliable, and he absolutely won’t disclose the client’s identity. However, depending on the money, he can engage in actions that are quite gray. He doesn’t lie, but he might not always tell the whole truth. Well, not revealing the client’s identity is still better than nothing,” Ethan explained.

It didn’t quite click, but it seemed that one needed to be prepared when using the Information Guild.

Rosa decided that gathering more information tonight would be impossible.