Two weeks after the incident in Gozes, I, Duke Nelson Dia Valdeck, was organizing the documents related to that event.

"No issues with the documents. Now, just need to stamp them."

Taking the seal in hand, I carefully applied the vermilion ink to ensure a clear impression. Then, one by one, I pressed the inked seal onto the documents.

"...Phew, with this, the work on this incident comes to a close."

I double-checked each document to ensure no stamp has been forgotten, then stacked them neatly on top of the already organized pile.

"My brother, upon hearing about this incident, mentioned that investigations are ongoing at the national level. He's probably as busy as I am..."

After arresting Gulbert, confirming the Gozes branch of the General Guild has no issues, and writing a report, I made a quick return to the Royal Capital.

In the past two weeks, the verdicts for the three main culprits caught in Gozes have been issued.

Gulbert, according to the international law decided in the intercontinental conference, should have received the death penalty for the crime of illegal slave trading, regardless of status. However, considering his cooperation in the investigation and sincere confession in this case, the sentence he received was deprivation of title, confiscation of assets, and banishment from the Lavelant Continent.

In court, Gulbert expressed his belief that he should be sentenced to death for what he had done. However, the judge advised him to carry the burden of guilt, lead an honorable life without forgetting that guilt, and work for others' sake, not just for himself.

Moved by the judge's words, Gulbert fell to his knees, expressing his gratitude while shedding tears.

The second culprit, the former president of the Brewma Slave Traders' Guild, Razbeth Brewma, who had partnered with Gulbert in illegal slave trading, received the death penalty for the crime. However, he was dissatisfied, questioning why he received the death penalty when Gulbert, who was banished from the continent, did not.

He attempted to appeal, but due to his financial situation, with his ill-gotten gains confiscated and no money left, he couldn't afford the appeal cost. As a result, his death sentence was finalized, and he is scheduled for execution next weekend along with his involved employees.

The third culprit, the former Adventurers' Guild Master, Debtol, faced charges for involvement in the attempted assassination of the General Guild Chairman in Lavelant, the former lord of Gozes' assassination, and various other exposed crimes. He and his remaining subordinates were turned into criminal slaves and sent to dangerous coal mining.

"It was surprising to find the remaining members of Debtol decapitated in the woods."

The official record by our soldiers states they were killed by bandits. But... could that really be the truth? I wonder if Elaina would say the same thing as the soldiers of Liedgarm if I asked her.

"...Should I discuss this with Elaina?"

Come to think of it, when we parted ways, she declined Guell's invitation to join the knight order, saying, "I appreciate the offer, Guell, but for now, I want to live freely. However, once I've saved enough money, I plan to go to the Royal Capital."

"Freedom, huh...? She probably prefers adventures over becoming a knight. Hmm... Alright!"

I took out a blank sheet from the drawer, grab a pen, and started writing a letter. I decided to send a letter to Elaina in Gozes to inquire about her opinion on the demise of Debtol's remnants. She might offer a different perspective from the soldiers, considering her unique viewpoint.

Once I finished the letter, I rang the bell, summoning a servant. After a short wait, there was a knock on the door.

"Come in."

Entering the room, the butler, Meldin, politely greeted me.

"Is there anything you need, Lord Nelson?"

"I wrote a letter to Elaina in Gozes. Arrange for it to be delivered through the General Guild there."

"Gozes, you say... Just a while ago, a letter arrived from the head of the General Guild in Gozes addressed to Lord Nelson."

"What? Has something happened again?"

"I haven't read the contents of the letter, but I believe it's not an urgent matter. Unlike the previous letter, the name is not hastily written."

"I see."

Meldin handed me the letter, and I opened it to check its contents.

"Oh! Elaina is coming to the Royal Capital. Right, I should inform Guell and the others. They'll surely be delighted!"

"Shall I cancel the previous arrangement to send a letter to Gozes and instead inform Lord Hondou that Lady Elaina is heading to the capital?"

"Yeah, please do, Meldin."

"Very well."

After that, Meldin left the room.

Well, when Elaina arrives, I should inquire about the remnants of Debtol and express my gratitude for her help at that time. Also, my wife mentioned wanting to meet Elaina. I should arrange that. But... is that okay? My wife and Elaina...

Knock, knock.

"Huh? Come in."

"Excuse me."

Huh? Meldin? He just left a moment ago... Did he delegate my request to another servant? No, this guy is so meticulous that there's no way he would do that.

"What's the matter?"

"Just a while ago, Lady Amy Ristett of the Second Knight Order visited and informed that Lady Elaina has arrived in the Royal Capital."

So Elaina has already arrived...! Huh? Huuuhh??

"It seems she will go to the General Guild to take care of matters before heading here."

"Is- is that so... Got it."

"Is something the matter?"

Meldin seemed concerned as he gazed at my face.

"Everything's fine. No need to worry. However, it's unexpected for things to take a turn like this. Is today an unlucky day? Well, at least it saves me some trouble."

"No need to worry. Rather, it is fortunate that Lady Elaina is coming to visit your residence, is it not?"

"Well, I guess it depends on how you look at it."

"In any case, if there is nothing else, I will bring some tea shortly."

"Ah, please do."

With that, Meldin left once again.

However, Elaina arriving so quickly, is it just my imagination? This letter also just arrived, right?

I took out my pocket watch from my pocket to check the current time.

"It's 9:30. If she came by a shared carriage, it would take a little longer... So, did she go to the stables and rent a horse?"

Renting a horse can be a bit expensive, but it allows for a quicker arrival compared to a shared carriage.

"Huh? Come to think of it, when we parted ways, she mentioned, 'and also, I can't ride a horse, so I'll walk. But thanks for the offer.' She said that with a wry smile."

Then, how did she cover the nearly four-hour journey from Gozes to the Royal Capital on foot?

"Did Elaina lie to me about not being able to ride a horse?"

I concluded as such. If she's coming here without any problems, then how she got here from Gozes doesn't really matter to me.

"Now, once I finish my tea, I should prepare for her arrival."

Nelson leaned back in his chair, awaiting his tea while enjoying the view of the garden through the window.