Many might think Ethan's roundabout way of extracting information was unnecessary, but he disagreed. Imagine asking a stranger on the street for personal details—chances are, they'd refuse or even react aggressively. Unwarranted inquiries are suspicious at best. Fortunately, Ethan had laid the groundwork and was ready to dig deeper.
"First, to know who's targeting you, I need to know your position and who your superior is," Ethan began.
Without hesitation, Andy responded, "I belong to the Duke's Third Knight Regiment, mainly handling logistics. This time, it was Vice-Captain Bordeaux who ordered us to clean up."
Ethan was puzzled. "A vice-captain? Why would he be involved in this? Did he take a bribe?"
"He's not local, is he?" Ethan speculated, suspecting Bordeaux might be from outside the region, where money held more sway.
Andy, slightly confused, asked, "Are you asking if Vice-Captain Bordeaux is a Northerner?"
"Yes," Ethan nodded. "It's important. Please be honest."
Andy thought for a moment, then shook his head. "I see where you're going, but that's not the case. Only those who've lived here long-term and served the Duke can join the Duke's private knights. Vice-Captain Bordeaux was born and raised here. He and his family have made countless sacrifices for the North. His promotion wasn't just due to his strength but his dedication. He once froze his foot transporting supplies through a winter night. If anyone tried to harm the North's supply chain, he'd be the first to object."
Ethan's confusion deepened. Andy's respect for Bordeaux was evident. Was he protecting Bordeaux, or was there someone higher up involved? Unsure if Andy was being truthful, Ethan probed further.
"From what you're saying, the vice-captain was kept in the dark, following orders from someone else. Is that right?"
Andy's face paled, and he stammered, unable to respond.
"By your reaction, I'm guessing I'm right. And you seem to know who's pulling the strings. Care to share?" Ethan asked.
Andy's expression grew more troubled, his eyes darting away as he remained silent. Ethan didn't press, letting the silence and his casual demeanor pressure Andy instead.
Feeling the weight of the situation, Andy finally relented, "It might be Prince Nolan. The vice-captain was personally promoted by him. If anyone could command him, it's Prince Nolan."
"Nolan? Who's that?" Ethan asked, this being the third time he'd heard the name.
"You don't know Prince Nolan?" Andy was surprised. "He's famous across the Empire. Not just here."
Ethan shook his head. "No, I don't. Please, enlighten me."
"He's the Duke's grandson. Or…" Andy hesitated before continuing, "Rumor has it he's actually the Duke's illegitimate son."
Ethan was taken aback. "So, is he the Duke's grandson or son? Shouldn't the knight regiment know the truth?"
Andy's face turned awkward. "I can only tell you his mother was the Duke's second daughter-in-law. The Duke's second son died years ago. Prince Nolan was born a year after his death. You understand what I mean."
Ethan laughed awkwardly. Such scandals were common in noble circles, though involving the Duke made it more delicate. Avoiding prying further, he shifted the topic. "So, you think Prince Nolan is sabotaging the North's supplies. Why?"
"It's just a suspicion. I have no proof and no idea why," Andy admitted, looking worried. "I've told you everything. Will you help me now?"
Ethan smiled. "Of course. But understand, I've reported this already. If the Duke decides to punish you, I can't stop him. It's an internal matter."
Andy's relief turned to anger. He stood up, glaring at Ethan. "So you were just using me for information, with no intention of helping?"
Ethan stood, placing a reassuring hand on Andy's shoulder. "Calm down, Sir Andy. I said I couldn't prevent punishment but didn't say I wouldn't help you, right?"
Andy's anger subsided. "Then what will you do to help me?"
Ethan shook his head. "Your group trashed my office. The others ran off. I hold grudges, so there must be consequences. But you returned and provided information, so I'll protect you."
"What do you propose?" Andy asked, desperate.
Ethan, satisfied with Andy's desperation, smiled. He returned to his desk, picked up a quill, and began writing.