The workers—including Miyeon himself—stood up and bowed in respect the moment they saw the plaque.
"I apologize for the disrespect shown by my team,"
Miyeon said sincerely.
"We didn't know you were the famous detective working for His Highness,"
the same worker who had made the offensive comment earlier tried to justify his behavior.
"I see… so you need a reason to treat people with kindness,"
Nephthys remarked coldly.
"That's not it at all,"
the team rushed to defend itself.
"But that's exactly what it looks like. Didn't you all seem annoyed by my presence just minutes ago? And look at you now… bowing,"
she continued.
None of them could meet her gaze; shame kept their eyes fixed on the floor.
"Send me all the information regarding the investigation of the ghost serial killer."
Having said what she came for, Nephthys turned and left the room.
"Nephthys, wait,"
Miyeon called after her.
"We're taking the same road. Let us go together."
She didn't answer, so Miyeon followed her anyway.
"Ah…"
He felt embarrassed by the first impression his team had made on her.
"Look, I'm really sorry. I know you were offended—"
Miyeon tried to apologize, but Nephthys stopped him.
"I never expected anything else. I knew they would react like that. I am not offended. I have long lost any hope in the human species."
"….."
Miyeon had no response to that. Still, it helped him understand her a little better. She was clearly someone who had been through a lot in life. Afraid he had triggered painful memories, he decided to change the subject.
"So, what do you think?"
"About what?"
"About the ghost killer."
"He most certainly has a purpose."
"So you don't think it's just a psychopath killing for his own pleasure?"
"You are trying to sound like you think it is."
That was true. Miyeon often played these small mind games, trying to uncover what people truly thought.
"I was a fool to try that with you, I believe."
"You believe right,"
Nephthys agreed.
"So why do you think he goes around killing all these people?"
This time, it was Nephthys asking the question.
"He only goes after certain types of people."
"And what type would that be?"
"Nobles."
"Hmm… interesting."
"We should find out what all these people have in common besides being rich."
"Maybe. How about the autopsies? Did they find anything unusual?"
"Nothing unusual."
"Then we should check for ourselves tomorrow. This killer seems to be someone with power. If I were the killer, I would infiltrate my people everywhere to gain the upper hand."
"So you're saying we might have a rat in our team?"
"You should never rule out that possibility."
"You're right…."
Deciding that they had talked enough about work, Miyeon changed the subject.
"So, how is it being Avner's master? I bet it's tough."
"Nothing I cannot manage."
"I'm glad. You know, I was really worried when I heard Avner asking me to train him. I thought he might have done something that made you resign."
Nephthys stopped abruptly, forcing Miyeon to stop as well.
"He asked you to train him?"
she asked.
Nephthys and Miyeon finally arrived at their destination, only to be greeted by chaos. Seeing massive flames from afar, Miyeon rushed forward, while Nephthys never broke her calm pace.
Miyeon reached the crime scene first.
"Of course it was you."
The training ground was completely surrounded by fire. The flames burned so intensely that even the mansion—protected by magic—was starting to give way.
"WHAT HAVE YOU TWO DONE?!"
Miyeon shouted, furious.
"It wasn't our intention. Amabilis was trying to help me train, but things got out of control, and this happened,"
Avner explained quickly.
"I AM GOING TO KILL YOU BOTH!"
"Woah, how can an investigator talk so casually about killing someone?"
Avner asked Amabilis.
"I know, right."
Miyeon was beyond livid, and the two of them were doing absolutely nothing to calm him down.
"AAAHHHH!!!!!"
Miyeon let his rage take over and charged at them.
"WWWOAAAHHH!"
They ran for their lives, but with everything engulfed in flames, there weren't many places to escape to.
As the three of them ran in frantic circles, Nephthys finally arrived at the scene and witnessed the complete circus unfolding before her.