I Don't Know the Original, I'm Too Busy Trying to Make a Living-Chapter 200

That afternoon, Penelope received a visit from Sir Ralph. After a much-needed nap, her exhaustion had completely lifted.

The office was filled with her vassals and Ivetta, creating a serious atmosphere—save for Ahwin, who sat leisurely on the sofa, legs crossed, sipping tea.

Sir Ralph, choosing to ignore Ahwin entirely, proceeded with his report on the events of the previous night. The vassals listened intently.

"Last night, we conducted a surprise raid on Hamp Street and apprehended those engaged in illegal activities. Notably, we managed to capture all the ringleaders. I must admit, Jack proved to be quite helpful."

"You captured all the leaders? That’s an incredible accomplishment!"

The administrator was full of admiration, and the other vassals looked at Sir Ralph with pride.

"We are currently interrogating the detainees and identifying those who were either absent last night or managed to escape. Efforts to track them down are underway."

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Sir Ralph’s tired complexion revealed the strain of a sleepless night spent dealing with the fallout. Despite this, he had made reporting back his priority.

"And one of the gambling dens had a secret passage."

"A secret passage?"

Sir Ralph nodded grimly and continued.

"It’s possible someone used it to smuggle out critical ledgers."

"Or to escape," Penelope noted.

"Yes. Evidence suggests someone fled through the passage. We are doing our best to identify and apprehend them."

A secret passage. Why was it always a secret passage?

Penelope resisted the urge to facepalm. Everything had been going so smoothly; of course, there had to be a complication.

Then Sir Ralph delivered another unexpected piece of news.

"Early investigations suggest that some of the ringleaders are connected to nobles from other territories, as well as some well-known magnates."

"Connected to nobles? In Hamp Street?"

Why?

"It seems the influx of money and people into Halo has attracted those looking to exploit illegal ventures for profit. They may also have aimed to use the gang’s influence to take control of Halo’s commercial districts."

"Other nobles were involved in this?"

The vassals were visibly shocked. It was bad enough that illegal activities were taking place within their territory, but the involvement of outside nobles made it even more alarming.

Penelope was equally surprised.

They hadn’t drawn swords yet, but a covert war was clearly being waged beneath the surface.

"Can we trace their backers?"

"We’ll investigate thoroughly."

Sir Ralph’s resolute response was reassuring.

"Even so, capturing most of Hamp Street’s criminals in just one night is an impressive achievement," Penelope said.

"It was only possible thanks to you, my lady. The judiciary officer’s decision to dismiss the district judge overseeing Hamp Street made the investigation much smoother."

"Dismissing him was a no-brainer," Penelope replied.

A glimmer of admiration flickered in Sir Ralph’s eyes. He hadn’t expected her to act so swiftly and decisively in dismissing the corrupt judge. Though he’d been impressed by her many times before, this felt especially satisfying.

Clearing his throat, Penelope addressed the group.

"Following discussions with the vassals, we’ve concluded that the security force’s authority has been too limited. I’ve decided to elevate the security force to a Public Safety Bureau, with Sir Ralph as its Commissioner. The official appointment will be issued later this week."

"Does that mean...?"

"It means you’ll be attending the weekly vassal meetings, Sir Ralph. The security force will also be reorganized into three divisions, each with its own commander. I’d like you to draft a list of candidates and a new organizational structure."

"...!"

Sir Ralph’s eyes glistened.

He had never sought recognition for his work, but having his efforts acknowledged brought forth an indescribable wave of emotion.

‘I’ll protect this lord... and Halo, too.’

With a determined expression, Sir Ralph knelt and swore his loyalty.

"I pledge my life in service to you."

***

A short while later, Penelope met with Sir Ralph privately. Well, Ahwin was still there, lounging on the sofa, but it felt private enough.

"So, Countess Corindel wasn’t among those apprehended?"

"No, my lady. None of the detainees were reported to be of such high status. However, it’s possible she used an alias."

Ah, aliases.

Penelope belatedly realized her oversight. It wasn’t as if every gambler had given their real name. The higher their status, the more likely they were to hide their identity.

‘Who would openly admit to being caught gambling, especially to the security force?’

Those caught gambling were facing fines, which, while minor to commoners, would be a blow to a noble’s pride. Many nobles would rather claim to be commoners than risk humiliation.

‘I should’ve anticipated this.’

Penelope could feel a headache forming. The security force was likely struggling to deal with the disguised nobles.

She quickly proposed a solution.

"If any of the nobles detained last night aren’t Halo residents, fine them and expel them. Make sure to emphasize that returning to Halo will be extremely difficult for them."

Impersonating another status, whether commoner or noble, was a crime in itself. In some ways, it was even worse than illegal gambling.

‘I’ll make sure ❖ Nоvеl𝚒ght ❖ (Exclusive on Nоvеl𝚒ght) those impostors never set foot in Halo again.’

Sir Ralph seemed to understand her intent immediately, his eyes sparkling with newfound determination.

"As for any nobles who are Halo residents, I trust you’ll recognize them right away and act accordingly."

"Of course, my lady."

"Good. That settles that. Now, there’s the matter of Countess Corindel."

"She’s important, then?"

"She’s my secretary’s mother. A chronic gambler who tried to sell her daughter for profit. I plan to apprehend and expel her before she causes any more trouble. And I’d prefer if my secretary remained unaware of this."

"..."

"By the way, my secretary is exceptionally talented. Truly, truly exceptional."

Penelope emphasized the word "truly" three times, and Sir Ralph’s expression turned grave.

"I’ll assign someone to track her down immediately."

"Thank you. I’d also like to assign a personal guard to my secretary, just in case. Can I leave that to you?"

"Of course. It’s only right to ensure her safety."

Sir Ralph’s decisive response pleased Penelope.

"That’s all from me. Sorry for keeping you when you must be so busy."

"Not at all, my lady. Thanks to your foresight, we’re solving issues that have plagued us for years."

"I’m glad to hear it. I’ll be counting on you moving forward."

"And I, on you, my lady."

After bowing respectfully, Sir Ralph left the office.

Penelope slumped into her chair, tension melting away now that she’d addressed the day’s pressing matters.

Ahwin, who had been idly watching the scenery outside, finally turned to her.

"Want another potion?"

"No, thanks. The one I had this morning is still doing its job. But thanks for offering."

"Just words?"

Penelope abruptly stood and walked over to him. Ahwin blinked up at her, curious.

She leaned down and whispered, "I like you."

"...Out of nowhere?"

Ahwin’s eyes widened as Penelope cupped his cheeks with both hands and pressed a quick kiss to his lips.

Ahwin gasped, his breath hitching.

"This isn’t just words. It’s my way of saying thank you," Penelope murmured, leaning in for another soft kiss.

Steam practically hissed from Ahwin’s ears. His brain felt like it had turned to molten chocolate.

‘Why does Penelope’s affection always catch me so off guard?!’