In the main hall of the Secret Section manor, Tales stopped before a portrait facing the entrance.
"This is Lenster Cavendish."
Raphael's voice came from behind him.
The man in the painting had handsome, refined features and wore elegant clothes. He sat in a red leather chair, idly playing with a dagger drawn slightly from its sheath. The exposed blade gleamed coldly, while the scabbard's tip was set with jewels.
"One of the six knights under the command of the King of Revival—the Lethal Iris."
Hearing the surname and epithet, Tales seemed to understand. He looked at the tapestry hanging beneath the frame:
[Lenster P. T. Cavendish, Formerly 27–20]
"Seven hundred years ago, he funded and campaigned on behalf of Prince Tomund, who had yet to become king. He recruited and trained the first batch of professional spies and informants, made great contributions to the Ending War, and helped establish Star Kingdom. He was the kingdom's first Intelligence Chief."
Raphael gazed at the portrait as though he were looking at the man himself.
"Widely recognized as the founder of the Kingdom Secret Bureau."
The Lethal Iris beneath the painter's brush was only in his thirties or forties. His expression was focused, yet his brows were slightly furrowed, giving him a gloomy, hazy air. It was as if his chest concealed endless sorrow with no way to release it.
He stirred pity in all who looked upon him.
Lenster Cavendish.
The founder of the Secret Section.
The Prince mused aloud:
"He was also the ancestor of the Cavendish Family, the first Duke of Southbank Territory?"
"Exactly."
Tales nodded without saying anything and followed Raphael onward.
Once inside, they stepped onto the star-blue carpets commonly found throughout the kingdom. The manor's main hall that appeared before Tales was spacious and bright, completely