In the early morning, within an elegantly decorated room, a strikingly handsome man sat quietly by the window. He held a finely bound book of creation myths, reading it with care, as if he were a figure in a captivating oil painting.
Sunlight streamed through the window, bathing him in a golden glow that lent an air of sanctity to his grace and beauty.
But in the next moment, a chilling aura suddenly spread through the room. The warm, refined atmosphere drained of color, replaced by a grayish-white pallor that crept over every inch of the space. A pale, grotesque creature emerged from the floor.
It vaguely resembled a humanoid, its limbs twisted in an unnatural, spring-like contortion. A gaping, vertical mouth filled with sharp teeth stretched from its head to its chest, dripping blood-tinged saliva that formed thin, glistening threads as the maw opened and closed.
Yet the elegant, beautiful man showed no trace of distress at the creature's appearance. He continued to hold his book of creation myths, seemingly oblivious.
No—he did see it. The creature, with reverent deference, raised its twisted arms, presenting an aged notebook and an envelope.
The man reached out and took the items. The creature vanished, and the cold, pale atmosphere dissolved, restoring the room to its original warmth.
He placed the notebook on the table and casually tore open the envelope, shaking out a small stack of letters.
'Dear Mr. A,
"Please allow me to defend my actions in killing my colleagues.
Hanass Vincent and Sirius Arapis were undeniable fools, so foolish they could make a curly-haired baboon laugh!
Hanass Vincent, in his idiocy, wrote secret incantations in his notebook.
His apprentice peeked at the incantations and brazenly performed a mirror divination under the watchful eyes of the Nighthawks' heretics!
You can likely guess what happened next, so I won't belabor the point.
To protect our other lambs in Tingen City, I killed him first. I believe this was the right choice.
Sirius Arapis's foolishness surpassed even Hanass's. Knowing full well that the Nighthawks were investigating the Antigonus family notebook, he still swaggered into the library to borrow related journals. That such reckless behavior went unnoticed for over two months is nothing short of divine providence!
To prevent further complications, I killed him after the Nighthawks traced him to the library. This, too, was a reasonable choice.
Additionally, during a clash between the Nighthawks and the Secret Order, I reclaimed the Fourth Epoch notebook. According to Hanass Vincent, it likely contains clues to the Antigonus family's lost treasure.
I offer this notebook to the Lord, hoping to atone for the sin of killing His Secret Supplicants.
Lastly, Sirius Arapis seems to have taught the Lord's descent ritual to a shady swindler. Should I provide assistance?
Your loyal servant, Snow von Panredax.'
"Hmph…" The handsome man rubbed his fingers together, and the letter was instantly shredded by a sudden gust of air. He reached for the notebook, flipping it open. As the words met his eyes, a faintly sinister smile curved across his beautiful face.
…Tingen City…
"Captain, is this the last suspect's residence?" Leonard peered through the carriage window at the inn outside, pulling out his pocket watch for a quick glance. "It's still early. Looks like we won't delay Klein's onboarding task."
"Don't let your guard down," said the gray-eyed middle-aged man beside him, his crow's feet prominent and traces of light brown hair visible under the brim of his hat.
He held a sheet of paper covered in handwritten notes and spoke in a clear but measured voice:
"Snow von Panredax, from Backlund, a veterinarian. Half a month ago, he visited the Divination Club and had Hanass Vincent perform a divination for him. Since then, he's stayed in the inn without leaving. According to Backlund intelligence, he was involved with a gangster's mistress before fleeing, likely to escape pursuit."
"Sounds fishy," Leonard said with a playful whistle, turning to Klein.
Before he could speak, Klein nodded knowingly, pulling out a sheet of paper and writing a single line. As he had done with other suspects, he unfastened the pendulum from his wrist, closed his eyes, and silently recited:
"Investigating Snow von Panredax is dangerous. Investigating Snow von Panredax is dangerous…"
After seven repetitions, Klein opened his eyes. The citrine pendulum was rotating counterclockwise at a slow pace.
He exhaled softly and said, "Captain, there shouldn't be any danger, but considering the possibility of anti-divination abilities, we should still proceed with caution."
"Understood. You stay in the carriage. Leonard, you're with me." Dunn nodded, pushed open the carriage door, and headed toward the inn.
…
In a second-floor room at the Aromatic Tree Inn, a young man in a white shirt and black vest was playing with a black Rune shorthair kitten, less than a year old. He was Snow von Panredax, the target of Klein and Dunn's investigation.
The moment the pendulum divination began in the carriage, Snow's spirituality stirred. Yet he didn't pause the teasing of his cat toy, merely adjusting his mood and waiting calmly.
Then…
Feeling a bit sleepy?
The thought jolted him awake. Immediately, an urgent knock sounded at the door.
"Who is it?"
Snow scooped up the black kitten, placing it on his shoulder, and walked to the door. A steady, commanding voice answered from outside:
"Dunn Smith."
"As expected," Snow thought, opening the door. A middle-aged officer with deep gray eyes stood before him.
"Officer, what's this about…" Snow furrowed his brow, a flicker of suspicion in his eyes. Dunn wasted no time, flashing his badge and stating directly:
"We suspect you're connected to a murder case and need your cooperation."
"A murder?" Snow froze, then erupted, "I haven't left this inn in half a month! The staff can vouch for me!"
"I understand. This is just routine." Dunn's tone was calming as he glanced into the room. "May I come in?"
"Fine, come in." Snow nodded, stepping aside to let him pass. "It's just an inn, so I don't have much in the way of tea."
"No matter. I'll ask my questions and go." Dunn took a seat, pulling out a stack of documents.
"Do you know Hanass Vincent?"
"Yes. Half a month ago, I went to the Divination Club and had him perform a divination. He told me it wasn't safe to go out, so I've stayed in the inn ever since." Snow nodded without hesitation, as if the diviner had left a strong impression.
"Why would you trust the word of a diviner you'd only met once?" Dunn's gray eyes locked onto Snow's, unyielding. Snow sighed, his expression tinged with resignation.
"When someone can discern your entire life from a simple divination, you'd listen to their advice too—especially when it concerns your safety."
"Your safety?" Dunn's gaze sharpened. Snow realized his misstep, a wry smile crossing his face…
(End of Chapter)