Chapter 11.6

After sending the Countess and Wendy to their rooms, Jayden began to worry about Lucas.

“That guy seemed out of his mind. I shouldn’t have left him like that”

Jayden murmured anew.

Usually, Jayden was the one causing trouble, and Lucas was the one cleaning up. But somehow, this time the roles were reversed.

“He should’ve never let Wendy slip away in the first place. What a mess for both of them.”

Reflecting on it, new complaints arose. Would Wendy change her mind after this incident?

But another friend was on his mind. Especially since the key to the method he confidently promised Wendy was held by that friend.

“Having such an amazing sister is exhausting, really exhausting.”

Jayden let out a chuckle-laced sigh and shook his head. To him, she was a little one needing care, yet to someone else, she was a lady worth protecting. It was still unfamiliar to him.

“Well, that aside. This won’t do.”

Using a military-issued gun without permission on civilians was a problem, and killing or half-killing a civilian was also problematic.

Jayden put on his coat again and hurriedly went down to the first floor. But a stranger was standing at the entrance. For a moment, Jayden rushed forward, thinking Lucas had already caused trouble and an investigator had come.

“Who is it?”

“Hello. I apologize for coming unannounced, but I have something to deliver. The Duke instructed me to give it to the Earl if anything happened.”

“What?”

He handed Jayden a thick envelope. With a puzzled look, Jayden opened the envelope to check its contents.

“Ha, this crazy guy.”

Despite his words, Jayden grinned. As expected, he wasn’t someone who’d recklessly cause trouble.

“So where’s Lucas?”

“He voluntarily went into confinement.”

“Already? Oh, that crazy guy. The charges?”

“For unauthorized firing on a civilian.”

Why did he have to shoot at a civilian and cause such a mess? Leaving the cleanup to him like this.

But since it wasn’t a murder charge, it seemed he hadn’t killed anyone. Jayden put the documents back into the envelope.

“Thanks for your effort. I’ll handle it from here.”

***

“…What a scary guy.”

Jayden lowered the newspaper, sending an incredulous look. But Lucas calmly drank tea before him.

“It’s the punishment I deserve.”

“That’s true, but isn’t it excessive?”

Kevin Avon was indicted for drug possession, illegal gambling, fraud, and more. In truth, these were typical misdeeds of wealthy noble offspring, not something that would draw significant attention. They usually go through the motions of a trial and imprisonment, then pay a hefty bail and get released

However, the newspaper criticized the depraved lifestyle of noble offspring, strongly condemning the damage to the dignity and honor expected of nobles in the Adlen Kingdom. Additionally, the Crown Prince’s remark about not showing leniency to restore the discipline of nobles, who should be exemplary, prevented Count Avon from openly intervening to save his son.

Even Kevin’s associates, fearing they might be dragged in wholesale, were keeping a low profile, making Kevin bear all the blame alone.

“It’s only been expanded to a social issue; there’s no falsehood.”

“That’s true.”

The documents Lucas had given to Jayden via his subordinate contained evidence and a list of witnesses to Kevin Avon’s crimes. One witness was an opera singer abandoned while pregnant with Kevin’s child, who testified in detail about Kevin’s activities and past deeds.

The building where Wendy was taken was one of the hideouts of debauchery.

“You even gathered evidence neatly? I only thought of surveillance, I didn’t think of going this far.”

“Well, it was a precaution.”

It was only because Wendy intervened that he let it go at the time, but he never intended to leave Kevin to live peacefully. Even while recovering from his shattered right hand, once he regained his senses, he indulged more madly in pleasure. He even used painkillers for hallucination purposes, so that says it all.

“Anyway, it’s fortunate it was resolved safely. You got away with just a reprimand.”

The firearm usage was a clear charge, but Lucas’s testimony that he fired due to the suspect’s risk of escape was accepted, leading to a brief reprimand as the resolution.

Few believed that testimony, at least as far as Jayden knew, but the military subtly added their spoon to the case due to the newspaper’s ongoing coverage. Moreover, with the Crown Prince’s commendation, they couldn’t escalate the issue.

“How’s Wendy?”

“No issues. She’s quiet now.”

“That’s a relief.”

When Lucas and Jayden left the office afterward, Wendy was chatting with Ryan on the first floor. Seeing her, both men stopped in their tracks, unable to approach immediately.

“Hey, Jayden! Lucas, you’re here too?”

Ryan was the first to greet them, waving his hand broadly toward the second floor.

“Why does that guy keep coming without notice?”

Jayden, feeling guilty, hurriedly headed to the first floor, with Lucas following slowly behind.

However, seeing Wendy smile brightly after a long time, his expression was somewhat stiff. Knowing that smile was directed at Ryan.

“Jayden! It’s what you’ve been waiting for!”

Ryan waved the documents. Jayden quickly ran to him, snatching the papers with a delighted look.

“Oh, it’s faster than expected.”

“I put in some effort.”

“Don’t brag. It’s annoying. Just in time. Lucas, stay a bit longer.”

“Why?”

“Remember what I hinted before? The best solution to navigate this crisis.”

Jayden grinned.

“I need your help too.”

***

“Not bad.”

“It’s not just ‘not bad,’ it’s the best and ideal solution right now, isn’t it?”

Lucas’s brief reaction made Jayden show his disappointment openly. Knowing Lucas was generally stingy with praise, even that much was a positive signal, but there was no better solution than what Jayden proposed. At least in Jayden’s view.

“So, can we use Helios Port?”

“Hmm.”

“Our ships are docked at the East Port. There are ships arriving within a month. If we move them to Helios Port and go down South through the new route, the distance is significantly reduced. We can transport more goods at once than by land.”

Jayden explained using the map. Lucas, listening intently, crossed his arms. Considering time and quantity, Jayden’s method was the best and most optimal.

However, it was a newly pioneered route. There were many risks to consider for civilian ships, unlike the navy.

“How do you plan to ensure stability? Is there any guarantee that pirate remnants won’t appear?”

“That’s why the navy will accompany us.”

“They plan to perform both guidance and escort. The documents you just saw are the approval papers from the top.”

“Why the navy?”

“There’s no reason to refuse. If there are any hidden pirates left, it’s an opportunity to completely eradicate them. Plus, if civilians use the route pioneered by the navy and it ends without incident, it becomes a means of promotion in many ways.”

The destinations of the route are two places: the south of the Adlen Kingdom and the southeastern new continent.

Domestically, the goal is to strengthen connectivity with the south, and internationally, to connect with the southeastern new continent for economic and diplomatic expansion. The navy wanted to widely publicize this achievement.

“The Crown Prince has also promised active cooperation.”

“What if an accident happens? It’s an unverified route, so insurance coverage is impossible.”

“The navy will compensate for the losses. Since the damage occurred while sailing a route not officially opened at the navy’s request.”

“For us, or rather for you, opening Helios Port means there’s no loss.”

Indeed, Jayden’s idea was groundbreaking and the best option in the current situation. If it succeeds, that is.

Even with the navy accompanying, if pirates appear and a battle ensues, losses will undoubtedly occur, and no one knows the extent of those losses.

“If an accident happens, Jayden, it’ll be a real disaster. Are you okay with that?”

“It must succeed. That’s why I’m involving you.”

Still a reckless fellow.

Lucas frowned. But even in the military, it was always Lucas’s role to realize Jayden’s innovative yet reckless tactics. To reduce mistakes and trial-and-error, Lucas meticulously reviewed and planned execution, and the top paired the two as a team because of such synergy.

“High probability, good odds, that’s not enough. It has to succeed no matter what. If it goes wrong…”

“Come to the ducal residence.”

“Come to our house.”

“……”

Lucas and Ryan simultaneously offered a helping hand, making Jayden fall silent. He was grateful as a friend but sensed Wendy’s presence behind their offers.

“Ryan, you’re not independent yet, so how can Jayden rely on you? It’d be awkward.”

“Isn’t it the same for you? Your grandmother and mother are all there.”

“Enough.”

Jayden intervened awkwardly.

“Thanks, but I can take care of Mother and Wendy. I still have military salary, danger pay, and rewards.”

“Oh, really? That’s unexpected.”

“Where else would I spend money except occasionally drinking with you guys? So don’t worry about anything else, just focus on this operation.”

While Jayden and Ryan bickered, Lucas was seriously lost in thought.

Certainly, Jayden’s idea wasn’t bad, and if it went well, the tourism industry and the dead Helios Port would be revitalized, increasing the estate’s revenue. Even the navy and royal family promised full support.

“Let’s create a joint company, Jayden.”

“Suddenly?”

“I’m planning to do it properly this time.”

“That’s good for me. If the Duke Devon is involved, fundraising will be easier.”

Jayden and Ryan exchanged brief opinions on the joint company. Ryan suddenly got annoyed, having only looked at his friends, especially Lucas.

“Lucas, you idiot.”

“Huh?”

Lucas and Jayden simultaneously turned their heads toward Ryan.

Calling someone an idiot out of nowhere, how absurd. It was unexpected and nonsensical.

But Ryan didn’t explain. He gathered the approval documents and stood up, saying he’d return to the military. Thanks to him, Jayden and Lucas could only stare blankly at Ryan’s retreating figure.