They had reached the main gate by the time Ryuto had finished his thoughts.

Before Ryuto could even steady himself, a harsh and rude voice came through the loudspeaker, sounding almost like a reprimand.

"Who goes there?"

It was a man's deep voice.

Hmm...

It wasn't the voice from last night.

Coming to this conclusion, Ryuto couldn't help but relax his tense nerves.

Phew...

Seems like he had overreacted a bit.

Facing the guard's rough inquiry, Crepes Clair remained calm and replied briefly, "It's me."

"Oh, Captain Crepes, my apologies, my apologies."

As soon as the man at the gate saw who it was on the screen, he quickly apologized, and the previously rough tone vanished instantly.

That was fast...

Whoa, faster than a woman changing her mind.

Since the man had already apologized, Crepes Clair didn't mind much, and she didn't seem like someone who would dwell on such matters.

"I'm here with this gentleman following orders, I believe you've been informed beforehand."

With a subtle gesture, she indicated for the man to open the gate.

"Oh, we've received the relevant notification early this morning. I apologize for my rudeness earlier, I'll open the gate right away."

Saying so, the man began operating the gate mechanism, but...

Before that.

"Oh..."

The man caught a glimpse of Ryuto and couldn't help but exclaim, freezing in his tracks.

"Ugh..."

Ryuto also let out a grunt involuntarily.

Although it was a shift change, Ryuto hadn't expected the guard to be the same as the one at his residence last night, the one with the worst fake bravado skills. Because he hadn't paid much attention and hadn't looked at the screen, he didn't recognize him.

And from the man's reaction, it seemed like he had already recognized Ryuto. If Crepes Clair and her team found out he had been here last night, it would be a disaster, especially if the man greeted Ryuto.

Uh...

Great, now he's been recognized by the worst fake bravado guy...

Because it's crucial, let's emphasize it once again.

Is fate playing a cruel joke on me? Come on, God, you don't have to be this ruthless.

With these thoughts, Ryuto helplessly pressed his temple, resigned to whatever fate had in store for him.

Crepes Clair seemed to sense something amiss as well.

"What's wrong?"

Furrowing her brows slightly, she asked the man who had stopped in his tracks.

"Oh, nothing..."

The man quickly waved his hand, regaining his composure.

Huh? What's going on? How could...

Although Ryuto was surprised by this response, he restrained himself from saying anything. He couldn't just give himself away.

"Alright, I'll open the gate now."

With a "clang," the gate swung open.

Without hesitation, Crepes Clair walked in, with Ryuto following closely behind.

As Ryuto was about to leave, he naturally glanced at the man on the screen, only to find...

The man was nodding at Ryuto and seemed to be saying something, but no sound came out, probably to avoid Crepes Clair overhearing. Ryuto, reading the man's lips, caught his words in an instant.

Don't worry, sir, I know you're here for a secret investigation. I'll keep it confidential.

...Something along those lines.

Well, even though he had misunderstood, it ended up saving him. He should be thankful for that, and...

Nice job on the acting this time, quite an improvement. Full marks from me!

To appreciate the guard's efforts, Ryuto hastily caught up with Crepes Clair who was leading the way.