Which of these three was most likely to be a Ratfolk spy?
An ordinary person whose home was full of Ratfolk dolls and oil paintings, who told everyone they loved Ratfolk and dreamed of getting intimate with one.
A Professional who seemed indifferent to Ratfolk but stopped in their tracks whenever they heard about them or saw news of them, and who took a keen interest in tails, ears, and other nonhuman features.
A high-ranking Noble with no airs, plenty of friends, a willingness to help others, and no contact with Ratfolk whatsoever.
Any of the three could be a Ratfolk spy. But the one the Ratfolk were most likely to target was definitely the last.
You had to be useful before you were worth corrupting, just like Old Augusta had been.
The only question was why Babatod had betrayed Princess Sails instead of using his own blood... As a grand duke of the Royal Family, wasn't his bloodline pure enough?
There might be someone who knew the answer.
Annan had Faru Barros brought over. He had been excited by his fresh start, then depressed by having nothing to do. "It's time for you to take the stage."
"What do you need me to do?"
"No need to be so formal. Tell me about Grand Duke Babatod—the parts most people don't know."
Falu Barros didn't know much, but as someone close to the grand duke, he knew far more than an outsider.
Beyond what Reynaldo had already said, Faru Barros described some of Grand Duke Babatod's little quirks and habits.
But he knew nothing about the grand duke's bloodline either.
One thing stood out: the grand duke especially loved epic plays. Sometimes he even took a role himself and performed for Nobles he was close to.
A grand duke performing