“Hmm, I’ve heard that many times.”

Viktor smiled, and Basili knew that even if he continued to urge him, it would not help his judgement.

Basili waved lightly and left the Dumfelt mansion. Pallin Redford looked at the carriage departing, and told Viktor.

“Are you sending him off like this?”

Evan Wright, poked Pallin in the ribs.

“Lord Basili is part of the royal family of Vestina. He’s a nephew to the current king. If you touch him, it’s war,” Evan stated.

“What?”

When he said royal, Pallin asked in surprise.

“You’re saying that the royal family stopped by the Dumfelt house, not the Salantier imperial palace?”

“Yes, that’s exactly what I’m saying,” Evan glanced at Viktor.

He had been serving Viktor for a long time, but Evan couldn’t figure out what he was thinking.

He knew for sure that Viktor hated war. But that was why he might even try to join hands with Vestina. If that happened, his subordinates had to stand firm and draw the line.

But even Evan, who was opportunistic for the promotion, was not confident he could remain loyal to Salantier and go against Viktor’s choice to defect. Even if he was a loyal subject.

To the Navy, Viktor was the most important person.

At the age of eight, most of the sailors and sailors entered the military school and, at thirteen, boarded the ship. It was difficult to shake off obedience to superiors, who had been educated from the age of eight.

Before, Viktor had a relaxing time. Viktor was the head of the grade every year at the Military Academy. And like the other seniors, a part of the Military Academy, had gone to Vestina for half a year on Exchange. He had met Basili there, who was his roommate. The two had gotten along well, and became close with each other for half a year.

It was remarkable that Basili, a member of the royal family, was sent from Vestina. Regardless of Viktor’s opinion, it was clear that this meeting would appear strange to many people. And for this reason, more and more people with wealth to their name were likely to move to Vestina.

Someone arrived in front of the mansion while his men were curious about Viktor’s thoughts. It was Scarlett Crimson.

Blythe welcomed her, affectionately as usual. “Why are you here?”

“I’m sober today.” 

“I see.”

Blythe smiled and continued. “In the Oval Office.”

Scarlett nodded and climbed the stairs. When she went in, the office was empty; she heard the water running in the shower in the bathroom adjacent to the office.

Scarlett carefully picked up the document, and the bathroom door opened. She flinched and looked at Viktor.

Viktor, in his gown, walked over to Scarlett. 

“You want to find something, don’t you?”

Scarlett paused as if she had committed a great crime. She thought she had to pretend to have lost her memory, but it seemed too late. Before the divorce, she would not have dared to go near Viktor’s papers.

Viktor walked up close and grabbed Scarlett’s hand holding the documents.

“If you want to know anything, ask me.”

“…I didn’t think you’d tell me the truth.”

“But you can’t just pick up my papers at will, you know.”

“If there’s anything I shouldn’t have seen, don’t leave it out anywhere. The Oval door isn’t locked.”

“It’s not a secret, but it’s called ‘common courtesy’; you shouldn’t look as you please.”

With Viktor’s low voice, Scarlett belatedly realised that she was doing something she shouldn’t have done because she was so distracted. She felt a little frustrated at herself for doing so.

“I heard you met an Officer from Vestina,” Scarlett said.

Viktor’s reply was short, typical of his character.

“I did.”

The two were silent.

“So, what are you going to do?” Scarlett asked after a moment.

Viktor didn’t immediately answer. 

If she didn’t know, she would ask so directly. Scarlett felt a sense of panic, she hastily continued.

“So? Why did you meet him?” 

“Why are you in such a hurry? I merely met someone.” Viktor asked back.

“…I don’t know if I can say it.”

“What is it?”

“Well, the carriage accident, where my parents died, may not have been an accident after all.”

“...”

“Don’t you know anything?” Viktor was silent for a moment. 

“Viktor,” Scarlett said hastily.

“It’s possible that his Majesty ordered it.” 

“...”

Scarlett spoke trembling, at his response. “Is there a spy in the royal family?” 

“Probably.

“I see.”

Scarlett nodded.

Viktor thought, what would he do with the man who touched my papers if he were himself? He couldn’t think of a precedent. He doesn’t lock the door because no one touches his papers, and if anyone touches it, he’s a spy.

Viktor thought carefully about what to do with her. He asked. “So, who was that conversation with?”

“...”

“You don’t trust me?” 

“Yes.”

She answered firmly.

There was a time when she believed anything Viktor said. But trust had long been broken. Viktor didn’t believe in irrational things, and it always included Scarlett.