Less than an hour later, Count Abbott arrived at my mansion.

“You just returned from the Northern expedition, and found some spies had snuck in?” Count Abbott

“Yes, my Pi-chan, the snake you saw when you entered, she caught them.” Pat

“Well, I may have some information on their masters. My Intelligence Department identified some people who are after Count Snake and Her Royal Princess Sonaris. Here’s the details we have on them.” Count Abbott

I take a few sheets of paper from the Count.

“I’ll take a look.” Pat

I quickly skim the pages.

“I see, you’ve got much more here than what I got out of that flunky! So helpful! Those captured spies only had a vague idea of their employer.

Oh, where did these idiots get the nerve to pick a fight with me? I’ll show them a good time. Well, I’ll be the one having the good time.” Pat

“Are you sure the spies are connected to this matter?” Count Abbott

“Definitely, the plan was to attack when I was tired after returning home. Count Abbott, you don’t need to accept, but would you like some of these tasty morsels? As a sort of thank you?” Pat

“Are you comparing this to food?” Count Abbott

“Well…” Pat

It seems I frightened Count Abbott with my metaphor. I’ll need to keep this in mind for future interactions with him.

“I know you’re tasked with skullduggery operations, but will you be allowed to pursue this?” Count Abbott

“Hmm, I’m pretty sure I can swing this. I’ll have to get permission, but I think it’ll get approved without a second thought.” Pat

“Well, I don’t think I’ll get any blowback, so I can assist somewhat. My bigger question is can you handle the hit to your already tattered reputation?” Count Abbott

“I don’t think I can redeem it at this point. The worse choice would be to let them think I can be attacked without repercussions, I’m a young head of a new house, so I have to err on the side of action!

So don’t think too much on it, I’ll jump right into the dirty work.” Pat

Oh, I should probably check with the captured spies about the new information…

“By the way, do you want to observe an interrogation?” Pat

“No thanks…” Count Abbott