The moment Lucien Valois stepped out of the detention center, he spotted Captain Grothar standing at the entrance, clearly waiting for him.
Grothar was a broad, greasy middle-aged man whose position as Captain of the Gardes owed everything to his even broader wife's family connections.
The instant he saw Lucien Valois, Grothar plastered a smile across his face and hurried over, feigning distress.
"Lucien Valois, I know you're loyal and sentimental, but Flora's case truly cannot be investigated any further!
Yesterday, all the higher-ups ordered me to suspend you. I practically risked my life to block it for you."
As he spoke, he shook his head and let out a theatrical sigh. "But I'm only one man. I have elders and children to support at home. I can't withstand the pressure for long…"
His face twisted into a pained expression.
Watching the performance made Lucien Valois's stomach churn, but he forced himself to look deeply grateful.
"Captain Grothar, thank you so much for standing up for me!
I understand your difficulties. ButFrederic is our brother in the Gardes. I have to at least make a show of investigating, or I won't be able to face the men."
A flicker of displeasure crossed Grothar's face, and his tone stiffened.
"Lucien Valois, I've already asked some acquaintances in the Special Investigation Court to reopen the case. Stop interfering.
Our job in the Gardes is to maintain order. Criminal investigations are not our responsibility."
Lucien Valois pretended to hesitate, then with visible reluctance pulled a pouch from his pocket and discreetly slipped it into Grothar's coat.
"Captain, don't worry. I'm only putting on a show for the men."
Grothar accepted the pouch and instinctively weighed it in his hand. Instantly, the folds of flesh on his face bloomed like a flower.
"Good. Since you understand, I'll continue shouldering the pressure from above for you."
"Captain Grothar, I'm truly grateful," Lucien Valois said with practiced sincerity.
Grothar nodded in satisfaction, his bulk swaying as he turned and left with exaggerated outward-turned steps.
The moment his bloated figure disappeared from view, Lucien Valois's smile vanished. His eyes turned icy, unmasked disgust flashing within them.
If his foundation weren't still shallow, if his position weren't unstable, he would have already found a way to bring that man down.
Like most middle-aged men drunk on power, Grothar kept a mistress behind his wife's back.
Though he had been careful, Lucien Valois had discovered the affair—and secured quite a few compromising photographs.
Those very pieces of leverage had allowed Lucien Valois to rise rapidly among the ranks and secure the position of Deputy Captain.
After standing there for a moment to compose himself, he strode off.
By midday, the sunlight had grown warmer. Lucien Valois arrived before an elegantly styled residence and gently pressed the doorbell.
Soon, the door opened.
A slender young woman stood there.
She wore half-rim glasses, and behind the lenses, her pink eyes narrowed slightly—elegant, captivating, with a hint of mystery.
She was dressed in a dark green, high-slit ruffled gown. As she moved, her long, shapely legs appeared and disappeared in graceful rhythm.
My wife.
"May I ask, Officer, what brings you here?" she asked softly.
Lucien Valois offered a warm, courteous smile. "Miss Emilie, my name is Lucien Valois, Deputy Captain of the Gardes. I've come to inquire about the circumstances surrounding Flora's death."
At the mention of "Flora," Emilie's expression shifted almost imperceptibly—but she quickly regained composure.
"I was responsible for cleaning the crime scene," she said calmly. "All relevant information has already been submitted in my report to the Prosecutorial Office."
Lucien Valois sensed her caution and decided to speak plainly.
"Frederick, Flora's brother, is my close friend. I don't want her to wither away in the prime of her youth without clarity."
His sincerity eased her guard.
She glanced around carefully to ensure no one was nearby, then lowered her voice.
"Come inside. We'll talk there."
Lucien Valois followed her in.
The room was modest in size, filled with a faint perfume fragrance. Crystal bottles of various shapes sparkled from shelves and tables.
He got straight to the point.
"Miss Emilie, could you describe the scene in detail?"
A trace of recollection surfaced on her face.
"When I arrived, Flora had already been taken to the funeral home. Her family didn't even get to see her one last time.
An investigator from the Special Investigation Court told me to spray disinfectant and leave."
Lucien Valois felt a twinge of disappointment.
Her testimony might prove procedural irregularities—but it wasn't enough.
Emilie noticed his expression. She took a slow breath, her tone turning solemn.
"While spraying disinfectant, I found something."
She turned and quickly entered the inner room.
Moments later, she returned holding a transparent evidence bag.
"This was at the scene."
Inside the bag lay an ornate button.
Lucien Valois examined it carefully. Engraved upon it was the emblem of a soaring eagle.
"This… is the Kappe family crest?"
He looked up for confirmation.
Emilie nodded. "Yes. The eagle symbolizes authority. It's unique to the Kappe family."
Lucien Valois fell into thought before meeting her crystalline gaze.
"Miss Emilie, if necessary, would you be willing to testify in court?"
Without hesitation, she answered firmly, "I would."
Surprised, he asked, "Why? You understand the Kappe family will retaliate."
Emilie smiled softly, like a lily-of-the-valley trembling in the evening breeze.
"Do you think I wouldn't run? Besides… I have this."
She revealed the Dendro Vision at her waist.
Seeing it, Lucien Valois nodded. "Then I'll trouble you. I'll continue gathering additional evidence."
She waved lightly. "No need for courtesy."
Just as he was about to leave, a thought struck him.
"Miss Emilie, could you help me prepare a perfume? Actually… two perfumes."
She arched a brow, amusement flickering in her eyes.
"Captain Lin, a man shouldn't be so fickle."
Lucien Valois sighed helplessly. "One is for a close friend. The other… for my superior."
"Is that so?" Emilie covered her lips with a gentle laugh. "Who knows? Perhaps they'll both become your girlfriends."
A quiet, flowing current seemed to pass through the room, like the murmur of a stream.