Unlike the previous days, Dr. Aaron no longer showed the confusion and panic from before. He saw Klein bending down and entering the carriage, and immediately smiled:
"Charlotte, don't be nervous. The one who invited us this time is His Royal Highness Prince Edessak August."
The Third Prince? Klein recalled what he had seen at the Quelaag Club and the occasional descriptions in newspapers and magazines. He understood, but was also curious about Aaron's change. However, given the inappropriate setting, he didn't speak rashly.
Finding a window seat and nodding slightly to Dr. Aaron, Klein casually asked:
"Then are we going to Empress Borough?"
"No, His Royal Highness is waiting for you at Red Rose Manor, outside Empress Borough," the old butler said without concealment.
The carriage drove through street after street, bypassing the area with an artificial lake and heading northwest. After more than an hour, it finally arrived at a vast manor.
After multiple checks, Dr. Aaron was led alone deeper into the manor, while Klein followed the old butler to a study decorated with restrained luxury, where he met Prince Edessak, who remarkably resembled Henry August I on the 5-pound banknote.
Even without activating his Spirit Vision, Klein could clearly sense that His Royal Highness was in a very bad mood, but seeing his invited guest arrive, he softened his tone:
"The investigation into Talim's death did not go through me, Mr. Moriarty. I hope you can help me find the truth."
The investigation didn't go through you? Could it be at the behest of your two elder brothers? Such a level of infighting right from the start, I can't handle it.
If you suddenly drop dead in front of me, I wouldn't be able to clear myself of suspicion even if I jumped into the Tussock River...
Stared at intensely by Prince Edessak, Klein could only respond with a bitter smile:
"Your Royal Highness, you should know my principle. I still want to live another fifty years."
Edessak's expression darkened, and he was about to speak when a maid suddenly walked in, quickly approached, and whispered a few words into his ear.
He stood up and paced two steps, his serious expression softening, and his blue eyes gaining a hint of tenderness and helplessness:
"Alright, I know. We have guests today, so don't wander around the manor casually."
Although he didn't know what had happened, Klein wisely didn't ask. Hearing too much about matters that might involve the royal family could easily lead to being silenced.
He just had a strange look on his face, examining the maid who had just left again. It was this person who had brought Dr. Aaron away alone after entering the manor.
Klein cleared his throat and quietly asked the somewhat distracted Prince Edessak:
"Your Royal Highness, with your status and position, you surely don't lack subordinates. There are plenty of people willing to investigate Talim's death for you. Why do you insist on finding me?"
Edessak shook his head and chuckled softly:
"As a prince, with great power comes great restriction. Many things cannot be done by those around me, as most eyes are on me.
"You are a capable and intelligent great detective, and you had a good relationship with Talim. You were also at the scene. I don't think anyone is more suitable than you.
"Don't worry, if there are any problems, I can certainly guarantee your safety."
Such promises are like toilet paper in the washroom... Klein couldn't help but inwardly grumble, but seeing that the Prince had already spoken to this extent, he felt that if he refused again, he might not be able to leave Red Rose Manor. He could only sigh and agree.
A smile appeared on Edessak's face as he walked to the window with his hands behind his back. He waved slightly, and the old butler, who had been standing by the door, immediately walked in and took out a stack of banknotes with a strong smell of ink from his In arms and handed them to Klein.
"Those who serve me are never short of compensation. This is 300 pounds. If you can investigate more useful information, you will receive more generous compensation."
"For example, an opportunity to advance further in MI9...."
I am indeed a commoner.... muttering to himself, Klein obediently stuffed the stack of banknotes into his wallet, his expression solemn, almost thumping his chest to guarantee:
"Your Royal Highness, I will definitely bring the murderer who secretly harmed Talim to justice."
Nodding with satisfaction, Edessak looked at Klein and smiled, saying:
"I appreciate your work ethic. So, Detective, you can go home now and prepare to start your investigation."
"My butler will provide you with all the help you need, well, within my capabilities."
So urgent? I haven't even had lunch... Klein looked at the old butler, who was turning to lead him away, and carefully asked:
"What about Dr. Aaron?"
Edessak didn't respond. Instead, the old butler, who had already reached the door, turned slightly and explained in a solemn tone:
"That guest has other matters to attend to. I will send you home first...."
-----------------
Backlund West Borough, Intis Serenzo Restaurant.
Aaron, who had changed his appearance in advance, looked at the red-vested waiter who came forward and casually said:
"I have a reservation, in the Raphael private room."
Upon hearing the name of the private room, the red-vested waiter's attitude became even more respectful and humble:
"Alright, honored guest, please follow me."
Nodding lightly, Aaron passed through the elaborately decorated door and saw walls that seemed to reflect golden light.
At that moment, he seemed to be in a vault.
As expected of the most renowned Intis restaurant.... Aaron briefly evaluated it in his mind and, led by the waiter, arrived on the second floor.
The red-vested waiter did not continue to follow, but stood at the stairwell. Following the direction indicated by his gesture, Aaron saw a large golden door with a "Raphael" sign.
Aaron casually surveyed his surroundings. His spiritual intuition did not give any special feedback, so he immediately pushed the door open and saw a slightly familiar figure.
It was a lady in an olive-green long dress. She was tall, with excellent proportions, and her chestnut hair fell naturally. Her straight eyebrows were perfectly arched, giving Aaron the impression of a professional woman, and one who had long held a high position.
Roselle's aesthetic influence on Queen Mystic was quite significant, but unfortunately, the result clearly went awry... Aaron casually pulled out a chair and sat down, tasting the restaurant's specialty, Intisian Cuisine.
"It's not at all the Chinese-style I imagined. Roselle definitely wouldn't cook. At most, he'd expound on the concept, and then it would be magically altered into the so-called Intisian Cuisine."
Putting down his utensils with a hint of regret, Aaron looked up at the deep blue eyes and said in a calm voice:
"The Loen royal family has a hidden cooperation with the Demoness Sect and the Aurora Order. Panatiya, the 'Despair Nightingale' of the Demoness Sect, will cause a disaster in Backlund."
"And the Aurora Order, utilizing the accumulated sins in the East Borough and the Docks, intends to imitate Tingen City and once again perform the True Creator's descent ritual."
"And the opportunity I previously referred to for your advancement to Sequence 2 Sage is to thwart the Aurora Order's conspiracy."
To advance to Sage, one must prevent a high-level disaster. Preventing the True Creator's descent naturally meets the condition.
While the source of the great smog was initially just Panatiya, a Sequence 4, what truly involved high-level power was the ring in Trissy's hand, which originated from the Primordial Demoness. Hmm.
Even if Bernadette wielded two Sealed Artifacts of Grade 0, compared to Trissy, who was a quasi-descent vessel, preventing the Aurora Order's ritual was clearly easier to succeed at.
Bernadette fell silent for a moment, her eyes slightly unfocused. After a while, she spoke in a deep voice:
"Does the Church of Evernight know all this you're saying?"
She hadn't forgotten that this Duke was also a Blessed of the Evernight Goddess, and held a high position within the Church of Evernight.
Looking at Bernadette, who seemed to be seeking confirmation, Aaron was silent for a moment. He didn't answer directly, but hinted:
"What the Goddess knows doesn't necessarily mean the Church knows. It's the same for all Seven Deities."
"Also, there's something I must remind you: the Church of the Evernight Goddess's renegade Archbishop is also involved in this matter in Backlund. Be careful of that Grade 0 Sealed Artifact."
"Although I think, given its nature, it's more likely to use your hand to trick Ince Zangwill, you still need to be careful at all times."
"Hmm, if it's convenient for you, please also keep an eye out for Sherlock Moriarty. He's a friend of mine, currently living at 15 Minsk Street, and he's a private detective."
"In Backlund, if he encounters a life-threatening situation, please save him for me once. I will pay the corresponding compensation."
Aaron shrugged, selling out Klein without any psychological burden. For the foreseeable future, it would be difficult for him to openly act in Backlund. Once Will Auceptin restarted, the only one who could offer assistance in Backlund would be Azik.
But this Death Consul, who hadn't recovered his memories, already had considerable trouble with MI9's pursuit. To prevent the dear Mr. Fool from accidentally dying in Backlund, it was best to find him a reliable bodyguard.
Bernadette's blue eyes narrowed slightly. She noted the person Aaron mentioned and asked in a calm voice:
"Since you know that renegade Archbishop is in Backlund, why don't you act yourself? With your strength, even if he controls that Grade 0 Sealed Artifact, he wouldn't be your opponent."
Guessing that Bernadette would ask this question, Aaron chuckled and shook his head. Regardless of whether she understood, he softly said:
"Life is like a play. Some people are destined to be supporting roles. The one who wraps up his scene in the written script is not me."
Without waiting for Bernadette to continue asking, Aaron directly changed the topic:
"My meeting with you this time, besides informing you of the specific disaster hidden in Backlund that fits your advancement ritual, to give you time to prepare."
"I also want to ask you for a favor?"
Bernadette nodded slightly and said softly:
"Please speak...."
Quietly activating his Spirit Vision, Aaron observed Bernadette's changing expression and slowly began:
"I received some news that after Emperor Roselle was titled 'Son of Steam', he was granted an item by the God of Steam and Machinery. It originated from the Night Emperor of the Fourth Epoch's Trunsoest Empire."
"Hmm, do you have any impression of this item?"
Bernadette frowned in thought for a moment, then responded with some uncertainty:
"I haven't heard him mention this item since then. I was just born when he was titled 'Son of Steam', so I don't have much of an impression."
"Among the items he left me, there's nothing originating from the Night Emperor. Is that item very important to you?"
Nodding noncommittally, having somewhat anticipated Bernadette's answer, Aaron wasn't too disappointed and then asked:
"Since that's the case, can you help me ask Benoit Gustav? I want to know if that item is still with the Church of the God of Steam and Machinery."
Bernadette thought for a moment, then slowly nodded:
"Yes, give me two days. Once I have concrete news, I'll contact you through your messenger."
Aaron waved his hand, glanced at the opulent private room, and casually said:
"My messenger might not be reachable for a while. Two days from now, same time, same private room, I'll await your news."
Bernadette's expression subtly froze. She involuntarily recalled the terrifyingly powerful messenger, then nodded:
"Alright, this restaurant is actually a secret base I established for Oravi Island in Backlund."
"Heh, Trier, the capital of Intis, is traversed by the Serenzo River. Compared to White Maple Palace, it's more like my hometown. That's why I named this restaurant."
Not interested in the Queen's childhood experiences, Aaron smiled apologetically, bowed slightly, and then his figure vanished from the private room.
-----------------
Loen, capital of the Midseashire Prefecture, Constant City.
This is the second largest city in Loen, second only to the Backlund metropolitan area. Due to its proximity to the Midseashire, both commerce and industry are highly developed, making it a purely industrial city.
The bright but not scorching sunlight fell, and a vivid, layered oil painting world emerged. Aaron took a step and stood high in the sky, gazing at Constant City.
This was his second time here. The last time was to raid the home of that Jacob family demigod. It was hard to imagine that a year later, these towering chimneys and tall buildings would turn into ruins.
Shaking his head lightly, Aaron withdrew his gaze. He wasn't here for nostalgic sentimentality this time. He immediately took out his Divination Pendulum, determined the direction, and activated short-distance teleportation.
On the other side of Constant City, to the west of the industrial district, this area was somewhat similar to Cherwood Borough in Backlund, considered a gathering place for entrepreneurs and factory owners. Compared to the industrial district, the atmosphere of daily life here was noticeably much stronger.
And deep within the street, inside a luxuriously decorated psychology clinic with a "Closed Today" sign.
A figure wearing a three-piece suit, a semi-tall silk top hat, and a bizarre mask sat at the dining table.
The mask's mouth was stretched wide, reaching almost to the ears, and remained perpetually open, as if it wanted to swallow everything its two eyes saw.