Lynch's Persistence

“No matter how many times I look at it, it’s always so beautiful...”

Miss Diana made no attempt to conceal her adoration for Flaming Red Lips.

After Lynch was knighted last night, Miss Diana had offered nothing beyond congratulations, yet the perceptive Lynch could still sense a subtle shift in the count’s daughter’s attitude.

Simply put, she had become far less guarded about concealing her emotions and feelings. It wasn’t a lowering of suspicion, but rather the way one acts around those closest to them—no longer exerting every ounce of effort to maintain a pristine image.

It was an extremely slight nuance, difficult even to put into words, yet Lynch noticed the change right away.

Prior to his knighthood, no matter how much the girl adored this gemstone, she would never have allowed herself to appear so utterly enchanted. Now, however, she made no effort to hide it, showing a side far more genuine than before.

Lynch had never studied psychology and didn't know the exact reason behind this shift, but his instincts told him it wasn't a bad thing.

In any case, he didn't dislike Diana being like this; rather, he preferred her authentic self. Watching her focused, spellbound gaze, Lynch couldn't help a quiet chuckle.

Women... no matter how wealthy, can never resist the temptation of jewels and accessories. No, it would be more accurate to say that the wealthier and more knowledgeable they are, the more entranced they become. It’s practically an instinct etched into the depths of their souls.

The gemstone was indeed stunning: crystal clear, suffused with a soft crimson glow—striking without being glaring, warm to the touch without being scorching hot.

Holding this in hand through the winter would probably save quite a bit on heating bills.

“You’re always talking nonsense. With something like this in hand, who would still worry about heating bills?”

The count’s daughter shot Lynch a petulant glare. Fortunately, this wasn't her first time seeing it, and she quickly collected herself. Lightly caressing the smooth surface of the gem, she knitted her brows in contemplation.

“Did you say earlier that it belongs to... to u-u-us?”

“Yeah.” Lynch glanced at her with sudden confusion. “Are you all right? Why is your face turning so red all of a sudden? Are you sick?”

“It! Is! A! Reflection!” Miss Diana ground her teeth, puffing up like an enraged quail. “The reflection from the gem! Stop paying attention to such trivial things!”

“Getting sick isn't a trivial thing. You were bitten just a few days ago, I... All right, all right, I won't mind it.” Lynch sighed, thinking how strange this girl was. “Princess Chloe gave it to me as a reward, then tossed it and ran off before I could even stop her. I suspect I got the short end of the stick. But regardless, it belongs to us now.”

Miss Diana gently bit her lip, her voice noticeably lighter. “Then what do you intend to do with it?”

“Isn’t that why I’m asking you? I’m completely in the dark about these things. Is it of any use to you?”

“Are you giving it to me?”

“It's not 'giving' it. We resolved Princess Chloe’s matter together, so by right, it belongs to you too.”

Lynch wondered what he could have possibly said wrong. Why was this girl suddenly glaring at him so fiercely and grinding her teeth? That couldn't be good for her enamel.

Fortunately, Miss Diana didn’t stay angry with him. Her attention shifted back to the gemstone, and after pondering for a moment, she spoke.

“Selling it would be the worst choice. I estimate it could fetch six to eight thousand pounds at most. It feels like its true value ought to be higher, but... no one will pay an exorbitant price for it unless under special circumstances—like Prince William’s bounty of fifty kilograms of gold back then. But those kinds of circumstances are unpredictable.”

Lynch listened attentively, nodding repeatedly.

“I don't recommend selling it, because its symbolic value far outweighs its practical worth. I think it would be better if you offered it to Emperor Rudolph. What he gives you in return will be worth far more than what you'd get from selling it.”

Lynch asked thoughtfully, “Does this hold some special meaning to him?”

“Because of Princess Chloe, practically the entire world knows this item is linked to the Salter royal family. Once it falls into his hands, no one will be able to tell whether you presented it to him or if the Salter royal family offered it willingly. Although the Salter royal family is on good terms with the Lande royal family, they engage in plenty of underhanded power struggles. With this gem, Emperor Rudolph can completely eclipse the Salter royal family in terms of prestige. That is reputation—something far more valuable to him than mere profit. He will certainly pay a hefty price, and it might even aid your future promotion to a formal peerage.”

Yet Lynch shook his head. “I’d rather not do that.”

“Why? Do you have some reservations?”

“Flaming Red Lips was passed to me directly from Princess Chloe’s hands. If I let Rudolph use it to suppress the Kingdom of Salter, I can't help feeling like I've betrayed Princess Chloe. If I did that, she’d probably find herself in a difficult spot. Though that princess is rather silly, she isn't bad. I don't want to screw her over.”

Miss Diana blinked, resting her chin on her hands as she gazed intently at him for a while. Gradually, a faint smile blossomed on her face, and she said softly, “You're actually overthinking it. Since Her Highness was willing to hand the gem over to you, she wouldn't care how you use it. Still... it’s good that you think this way. I think you're right. In that case, I have another suggestion.”

“Hmm?”

“Why not ask the other princess?”

“Huh?” Lynch stared blankly at her, momentarily unsure whether the girl had lost her mind or if he had.

“Pfft. That’s just how nobles are. When it comes to interests, all personal emotions can be compromised.” Miss Diana covered her mouth and giggled softly. “Do you remember the public reason Prince William gave when he demanded the gem from Princess Chloe?”

“He wanted to set it into his crown for the Crown Prince investiture ceremony,” Lynch realized. “So she might be able to use it to strike a blow against Prince William?”

“Yes, that’s possible.”

“Looks like before we head in, I need to make a trip to the Duke's mansion to get this sorted out before Her Highness returns to Norin.”

Hm? Miss Diana’s smile vanished, her eyes turning sharp.

Before she could say anything, however, Officer Natalie’s voice drifted in from outside the door.

“Then there’s no need to rush. It won't be too late to go after you return. Just now, Viscount Moliere notified the Watchers that Her Highness's itinerary has been delayed. She won't be leaving Rhine for the time being, not until mid-July.”

“Huh? Why?”

Lynch turned his head and saw Officer Natalie and Judy walking in, accompanied by Mrs. Nightingale.

“How should I know? They didn't notify me. You can go ask your princess yourself later.”

While speaking to Lynch, the female officer’s gaze locked onto Flaming Red Lips, her breathing catching for a beat. Miss Diana smiled and handed it straight over. The female officer turned her head away, refusing to even look at it, until the count's daughter giggled and shoved the gem into her hands. Only then did she reluctantly look down to admire it.

“Lynch.” Seeing that the three women weren't about to break out into a fight on the spot, Mrs. Nightingale let out a sigh of mild disappointment. She sat across from Lynch's desk, putting away her smile and speaking solemnly, “Since you can't put your mind at ease, allow me to explain in detail how plagues are formed in the world of the occult. You can also reflect on whether your actions could have potentially led to a plague. If they truly might have, we need to prepare our plans early.”

Lynch took a deep breath and nodded grimly.