Moments later, with her freedom restored, Ivyst raised her hands to straighten Lynn's somewhat disheveled collar, much like a caring wife would.
At the same time, she spoke softly, "Speaking of which, I really am a lousy master, always placing you in the most dangerous situations, getting you all bruised and battered every time."
"If it weren't for that guy's reminder, I might not have even realized this."
Time rewinds to last night, at the Bartleion Mansion.
"Solve the case within three days?" In the drawing room, Ivyst's expression was icy, "Who proposed this demand? I'd like to go and ask in person."
Even though she and Lynn had only just returned to the Imperial Capital a few days ago, they hadn't even completed the handover procedures for the Punisher, there was no time to breathe.
Yet these people clung to this point, wanting to punish Lynn severely on charges of neglect of duty.
For a moment, the atmosphere became silent and deadly.
Perceiving Ivyst's anger, Fourth Prince Joshua, seated on the opposite sofa, gently set down his teacup.
"Dear sister, getting angry with me is pointless." His lips curled into a slight smile as he adjusted his glasses, "It's the unanimous opinion of those old men in the Imperial Council, not my decision."
"Even though I dislike your subordinate, don't doubt it, my rank in the King's election is only fifth, and there's no way I can command them."
"I'm afraid even if Felit personally pleaded for clemency, the outcome would not change."
This was something everyone knew all too well.
Because of fear, they sought to weaken Ivyst's influence through various means.
If blame must be assigned, it was to her innate, terrifying power.
People often gain a lot but then inadvertently lose even more.
Hearing these words, Ivyst took a deep breath, trying to calm the restlessness and irritation in her heart.
Every time she returned to the Imperial Capital, she would be enveloped in a feeling of helplessness and rage, unable to escape.
It was an intangible constraint, known as rules and order.
She had thought that with Lynn's help this time, that feeling would be lessened significantly.
Imagine her surprise when, in just one day of being away from her side, troubles followed one after another.
Nevertheless, Ivyst didn't feel ashamed of relying on Lynn under such circumstances.
"You came to find me today, surely not just to inform me of this?" she asked indifferently, "Tell me, what else did those old fools promise?"
"Sister, your trip to the border seems to have matured you quite a bit."
Fourth Prince Joshua adjusted his glasses, gazing at her.
Ivyst remained silent, her expression cold.
Seeing this, he smiled slightly, "Well then, I won't beat around the bush."
"Besides solving the limb connector case within three days, those old men of the Imperial Council presented you with another option."
"You're familiar with the Helius Mausoleum, aren't you?"
Upon hearing this location, Ivyst's pupils contracted slightly.
She didn't expect that, after just talking to Hillena, Joshua would bring it up this evening in front of her.
It felt like the whole thing was a giant net, imperceptibly sealing off all her exits, then slowly tightening until she could no longer move.
"Due to the unique nature of this mausoleum, they believe that no more living forces should be invested in exploring it, and instead, it should be handed over to someone experienced with handling such events, which would be you, sister."
"After all, you have been playing such a role all along."
"You can view this as a trade, or you can take it as a commission."
"In any case, as long as you personally visit the Helius Mausoleum, whether the matter is ultimately accomplished or not, they will no longer threaten your subordinate's life in any name or way."
"Moreover, the Council will actively lift the power blockade against the Bartleion family, aiding them in returning to the Military Department."
"The conditions are alluring, I hope you will consider it."
As the head of the Saint Laurent Research Institute, Fourth Prince Joshua was extremely interested in what lay inside the Helius Mausoleum, and it could even solve many pressing issues.
Therefore, he was especially eager for the Imperial Council to compel Ivyst to act.
As his voice slowly faded, the atmosphere once again turned silent.
Fourth Prince Joshua wasn't in a hurry; he calmly waited, casually picking up his teacup to take a sip.
He was confident in his position, doubting that Ivyst would refuse the offer.
However, moments later, the woman opposite him let out a faint laugh.
"Sorry, I refuse the offer."
Ivyst lightly flipped the long hair beside her ear, her expression seemingly somewhat lazy.
Joshua's brow instantly furrowed as if he couldn't believe her response.
Could the intelligence have been wrong?
Did this woman not care as much about that man's safety as they thought?
Joshua's hand involuntarily clenched.
"Why?" he asked in a low voice, "Can you tell me the reason for your refusal?"
Upon hearing this, Ivyst spoke indifferently, "The reason is quite simple."
"It's because I promised to trust him."
Joshua seemed to find it absurd.
Ivyst frowned slightly, appearing somewhat perplexed.
This time, it was Joshua's turn to fall silent.
Clearly, it wasn't that he had overestimated the relationship between the mistress and her servant; he had grossly underestimated the understanding between them.
"If there's nothing else, you may leave."
Ivyst issued the dismissal without mercy.