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Episode 6
At that time, in front of the Investigation Bureau.
I gathered my clutch bag and got out of the carriage.
“Wow, Miss. This is my first time here.”
“Me too.”
Yesterday evening, a letter had arrived from the Public Safety Division.
It said the initial investigation into the murder case was complete and requested a visit.
So, after closing the boutique early, I arrived at the Investigation Bureau.
Well, it’s not like I could really start work anyway, since Chris is the only one who came back.
To look stronger, I had tied my hair up tightly, pulling the corners of my eyes taut, before heading out.
The name was… Lionel, I think.
Recalling the name of the officer in charge from the letter, I looked for his spot.
Soon, behind a nameplate reading ‘Lionel Daphite,’ my eyes met with a person’s.
“Would you happen to be Lady Blinn?”
It was a man with short red hair and eyes that shone with a sense of justice.
“Ah, yes. That’s right.”
“Nice to meet you. I’m Lionel Daphite from the Public Safety Division of the Investigation Bureau.”
As I gave a slight bow, the large cross necklace hanging around his neck dangled.
He must be a really devout person.
On his desk were small angel statues and a thick Bible, objects that seemed far removed from a typical police officer’s desk. I sat across from him, observing these things.
“I’d like to get straight to the point, if that’s alright?”
A quick explanation was exactly what I wanted. I nodded.
Lionel pulled out some documents and spread them open.
“Originally, the First Princess and my senior were exclusively handling the case, but due to its severity, we’ve divided the responsibilities. Unlike the other victims, the Viscount and Viscountess were murdered inside their mansion, so the Director ordered a more thorough investigation.”
That was probably because, after giving birth, my sister’s health was weak and she hadn’t been going out.
It meant the murderer couldn’t wait those few days and acted anyway.
It was also evidence that he must have harbored an immense grudge against my sister.
Lionel handed me a thickly bound file.
“These are the testimonies of the servants who worked at the mansion.”
“Were there survivors?”
I had heard most were killed.
At my question, Lionel gave an ambiguous smile.
“They are the ones who barely survived. There aren’t many of them, though… Anyway, according to the testimonies, there wasn’t a single guard at the mansion that day.”
“Not a single guard… that means…”
“After checking the duty logs, it seems the Knight Commander deliberately altered the schedule so there would be no guards on duty at that time. When we went to find that Knight Commander, he and his family had disappeared. And…”
Lionel drew out the end of his sentence.
Maybe they still haven’t found him.
My heart pounded anxiously for a moment, then he grinned.
“We tracked him down after a thorough search and have been interrogating him since yesterday.”
“…Ah.”
Well, at least there’s some progress.
The Knight Commander of the Viscount’s residence was someone I vaguely knew.
Lacon Quarts.
He was the one who guarded my sister when she came to the villa to celebrate my birthday.
I asked immediately.
“Can I see him now?”
At my question, Lionel thought for a moment with an “Hmm,” then said.
“I think you can see him now. Let’s go right away.”
He had the refreshing personality I liked. I nodded with satisfaction.
“And if there’s anything I can help with during the investigation, tell me. Anything at all.”
“Ah, yes. I’ll let you know right away.”
Lionel replied while organizing the documents.
I was about to get up, watching him, but…
“Is there something more you want to say?”
Lionel’s expression was unusual. Was there something left to tell me?
…Surely it’s not about the baby?
“Well…”
Lionel smiled sheepishly and handed me a fountain pen and a piece of paper.
“Could I possibly get your autograph?”
“Um, what?”
“My younger sister is a fan of Miss Mary, so she asked me to…”
“…Ah.”
And here I thought something truly important was coming.
“I-If it’s inconvenient, you don’t have to.”
“No, it’s fine. Give it here.”
I took the paper and pen without hesitation. This is the fate of a celebrity, I suppose.
“Right, then, to Liniel Daphite
Lionel traced a circle on the paper with his fingertip.
It was an unexpected impromptu autograph session, but I was glad the signature turned out pretty.
***
Inside the Investigation Bureau, there was a corridor lined with small doors closely packed together.
Our destination was the room at the very end of that corridor.
“Please wait a moment.”
Leaving me standing beside him, Lionel began to examine the file folder attached below the nameplate on the door.
Just at that moment.
Bang.
“Ugh…!”
The moment the door opened, a sharp scream like a nightingale’s cry burst out.
Surprisingly, the sound came from Lionel’s mouth.
“…*”
He probably didn’t expect someone to be inside, but honestly, the situation wasn’t startling enough to warrant that kind of reaction.
More startled by the scream than the door opening, I looked at Lionel with a distinctly cool expression.
The person who came out of the room also looked dumbfounded.
“Hey, you punk. When are you ever going to grow a backbone? Don’t you dare go around saying you’re with the Public Safety Division. Aren’t you embarrassed in front of the young lady?”
“Ugh, Ugh… I’m, I’m so sorry.”
Lionel, finally seeming to compose his startled feelings, sniffled while clutching his cross necklace.
The man stared at Lionel with an expression that reminded me of how I look at Chris when he causes trouble, then gave me a quick bow and disappeared.
I think I understand now why there were so many angel statues on his desk…
For someone so timid to be a police officer in the Public Safety Division.
I silently gave Lionel the nickname ‘A Devotee Who Chose the Wrong Profession.’
The room we entered shortly after was dark.
In front of the steel table placed in the center sat a large man.
…Sir Lacon.
His face was haggard.
His jaw was stubbly with unshaven beard, his lips were dry, and his gaze revealed frayed nerves.
Of course, even seeing him like this, I could sit across from him without fear.
Because I was angry enough not to be crushed by the gloomy atmosphere.
According to what I heard, in the early morning, Racon had confessed that he knew the murderer would come and sent the guards away, claiming he was threatened over his family.
The current situation was that he was refusing to give any other information, saying the murderer might harm his family again.
“It’s regrettable meeting like this.”
So, my goal now was to absolutely force that mouth of his open.
“I’ve heard the whole story. The Knight Commander, who should rightfully protect his lord, disappears, leaving only the lord and lady and the young servants behind. Where did you pawn your chivalry?”
“…”
At my sarcastic words, Racon’s face twisted sharply. It seemed he had the leeway to be upset by something like this.
“You’d better think carefully. As long as you’re held here, there’s a lot I can do.”
As my monotonous tone continued, Rakon mouth opened heavily.
“…What do you want from me?”
“All the information you know.”
“That’s… how many times must I say it? I absolutely cannot tell you.”
Is that so?
Instead of sneering, I glared at him with meaningful eyes.
Just that simple action made him flinch, and he raised his voice unnecessarily.
“My family is involved in this! What’s chivalry compared to my family?”
“Sir Racon.”
“I only vacated the mansion. Did I harm anyone? Did I harm the Viscount or the Lady…”
As he continued speaking, perhaps reality dawned on him, Racon trailed off and avoided my eyes.
“Those people…”
Mentioning the Viscount and my sister alone visibly agitated him.
It seemed he did possess some human guilt.
“I said I can do a lot. If you just talk, I can arrange for your release quickly.”
Despite my coaxing words, Racon still seemed hesitant.
…I had wanted to maintain the most humane approach possible, but it seemed it wouldn’t work as I’d hoped.
“Do you think I can’t harm your family?”
At my chilling voice, Racon gasped and shouted.
“Young lady!”
“Who told you to shout?”
When I snapped back sharply, Racon faltered, looking flustered.
“…ha.”
What followed next was a sigh that seeped through Racon’s hands as he roughly rubbed his face.
“You really… do resemble the Lady.”
At those words, I could also recall my sister. My eyes grew warm.
My sister was bright and cheerful, but she could be resolute as ever when needed. Even more so than me.
Just then, Lionel, who was behind me, cautiously spoke up.
“I don’t know if my senior mentioned it, but if you tell us the whereabouts of your family, the Public Safety Division can protect them. Of course, this is only possible if you cooperate… but since the First Princess, who is in overall charge, personally gave the word, you can trust and leave it to us.”
Did seeing me, who resembled his lady, cause his wavering heart to crumble with that one remark?
Racon, as if having made up his mind, let out a calmly composed voice.
“…I don’t know who that bastard is either. That’s the truth.”
“…”
“But.”
