In the Falser Empire, while women are allowed to work, traditional forces are quite powerful. Unless the husband's family is in genuine financial need, they typically require the wife to resign. However, if the woman's family holds significant influence, she enjoys greater freedom.
Charlotte had long known that his counterpart, the Chief Marshal, was a woman named Kitty Mavis. She graduated from Gorgia University seven years ago, her maiden name being Offey. She married a high-ranking official of the Empire and is now a 37th-class Senior Sergeant. Lady Mavis holds dual military roles, serving both as the Chief Marshal of the Luchavaro District's City Guard and as an Imperial Guard, receiving two salaries. Hence, her absence from the City Guard office is well-justified.
Within seven years, Lady Mavis climbed from a junior sergeant to a senior sergeant and gained an official military status, holding significant positions as both Chief Marshal and Imperial Guard. Her career progress was much smoother compared to Charlotte's, who achieved his rank through unconventional means.
From the carriage, a brisk voice answered, "It's me! Mr. Mecklen, I hold another position within the royal court. This visit is in my capacity as an Imperial Guard to deliver a temporary oral decree from His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince."
Charlotte was taken aback, wondering, "How does the Crown Prince know me?"
He bowed slightly, performed an Empire salute, and said, "I humbly receive the oral decree of His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince."
Lady Mavis descended from the carriage, a tall woman exuding a sharp, noble aura. Her refined features were uniquely charming; despite her age, she remained a stunning beauty. Charlotte, having crossed over, found Lady Mavis's demeanor strikingly similar to that of his senior, Menelma.
Lady Mavis declared, "For your loyalty and dedication in protecting the bodies of Grand Duke Ferdinand and his wife, you are awarded a senior post, promoted to 34th-class Fourth Grade Clerk."
"Additionally, an extra five Ecus are granted to the Luchavaro District's City Guard!"
"The Central Government's office will deliver the official documents here tomorrow, and the cash reward will arrive shortly."
Charlotte, overjoyed, said, "Thank you, Lady Mavis."
Lady Mavis smiled faintly and said, "His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince, appreciates your attention to detail. Though the Duke is dead, his body still deserves respect."
Charlotte was slightly taken aback by Lady Mavis's words, realizing the significant information they contained: "The Crown Prince was present at the scene."
He hadn't fully understood the implications when Lady Mavis, without further words, returned to the carriage. The carriage promptly departed from 1 Swallow Street.
Dubin, sidling up to Charlotte, whispered, "Have you heard any rumors about this lady?"
Charlotte shrugged, indicating he hadn't.
Dubin, suddenly animated, began to share his findings, "After my appointment, I specifically sought out friends to inquire about this lady. Nearly everyone in the palace says she is the Crown Prince's secret lover."
Recalling Lady Mavis's charm, Charlotte thought, "The Crown Prince has good taste."
Dubin continued to gossip, recounting tales of the Crown Prince sneaking Lady Mavis out of the palace at night for a carriage ride through the dark streets of Strasbourg, with all the accompanying guards allegedly hearing inappropriate noises…
Although Charlotte couldn't verify the truth of these rumors, he couldn't help but think, "The Crown Prince certainly knows how to enjoy himself," feeling somewhat irreverent towards the heir to the Falser Empire.
Soon after, a small sum of cash, all in small denominations, arrived. Charlotte, in the presence of all, opened the money bag and distributed rewards according to merit, first to Dubin and the ten who accompanied him to the scene, then to all the duty officers. As a former math teacher, Charlotte understood the importance of equitable distribution.
After distributing the cash, he reserved a portion for a communal purchase of ale, proposing another round of celebration, which was met with cheers and support from his subordinates. Although frequently absent, Charlotte's generous and fair treatment earned him increasing respect among his men.
Handing over the remaining cash to Dubin, Charlotte didn't wish to stay for more drinking. He called a guard to inform Nancy to prepare the carriage, equipped with provisions like wine, ale, food, water, blankets, and a change of clothes, and to temporarily place the three lively kittens at the Cat and Clover Café, preparing to depart for Machu Picchu.
As he awaited Nancy in his office, a short-haired woman, Hermonsa, entered.
Charlotte, seeing her, smiled and asked, "What's the matter?"
Initially part of the Giant Axe Adventurer Team, she had evaded a crisis and formed a good rapport with the remaining team members, who had been treated favorably by Charlotte.
Hermonsa produced a short gun from her coat and placed it on Charlotte's desk, saying, "I found this at the explosion site."
The gun's unique design resembled the Chiappa Rhino revolver from Earth, silver in color, with angular contours, inscribed with numerous mysterious runes along the barrel, and a thick, beast-hide-covered grip.
Touching it lightly, Charlotte knew this was an extraordinary weapon, and recalling the day's events and where Hermonsa had found it, he felt troubled. This extraordinary short gun was undoubtedly the weapon used to assassinate Grand Duke Ferdinand.
Hermonsa, speaking softly, said, "I know I can't safely sell it, nor do I dare to use it. Can you help me exchange it for money?"
"I need money to advance to knighthood."
Hermonsa had already formed a power seed, but that didn't guarantee becoming a knight with battle energy. Charlotte, too, had a power seed, cultivated through the Lamia Breathing Method at the National Academy of Behemoth.
The Lamia Breathing Method, also known as the Water Sprite Breathing Method, when mastered, could substitute for sleep, enhancing aquatic abilities.
However, Charlotte hadn't yet awakened his power seed!
Half was due to his incompatibility with the knight's path, and the other half could only be attributed to the elusive nature of luck.
Hermonsa, visibly anxious, knew this matter was highly taboo and dangerous.