In a townhouse at No. 7 Pinster Street, in the northern district of Backlund—
The black-haired, green-eyed Leonard personally brewed tea for his two lady visitors and placed the cups before them on the table. Then he cleared his throat and continued the topic that had begun at the door.
"Miss Moretti, you want information on Detective Sherlock Moriarty?
"But I'm just an ordinary citizen—I don't take investigation commissions.
"If you have business like that, you should find a professional private detective."
Melissa cast a cold glance at the man who had once "helped" around her house for half a month under all kinds of excuses. Her eyes clearly said, Liar.
Leonard naturally caught that message. He gave an awkward cough and was just about to speak again when Melissa lifted her chin slightly, her eyes narrowing a bit. In a calm tone, she said:
"Mr. Leonard Mitchell, I already know you're a Nighthawk… and that Klein once was, too!
"So, can you tell me now what really caused Klein's death?"
Hearing that, Leonard's gaze sharpened. He turned abruptly toward Hazel, who was sipping her tea beside them, and demanded in a cutting voice:
"You're the one who told her about Beyonders? How could you do that? She's an ordinary person—she shouldn't know any of this!"
Hazel didn't answer right away. She calmly set down her cup, looked slowly around the room, and then said with genuine admiration:
"Such an impressive dream ability. Without this mechanical arm, my own powers as a Cryptologist would never have noticed it."
Seeing her composure, Leonard frowned deeply and said again, sternly,
"Answer my question, Miss Hazel!"
Before Hazel could reply, Melissa suddenly interrupted:
"Mr. Mitchell, please don't press my teacher like that.
"And besides, shouldn't you answer my question first?"
Leonard stared at her, surprised. His expression grew even more serious. Tilting his head slightly, he paused for several seconds before letting his gaze fall to the badge pinned on her chest—the one that emanated a serene, tranquil aura.
He stared at it for a long time before finally sighing in defeat.
"Miss Moretti… you've become a Beyonder too."
Then he gave Hazel a disapproving glance and added,
"You call her your teacher… so you've become a Thief?"
Melissa shook her head.
"No. I'm a Savant," she said, rubbing her temple. "Mr. Mitchell, could you please withdraw your ability now? My spirituality isn't strong enough to keep using this badge's power to stay lucid in a dream."
"Your brother and I were colleagues—friends. Call me Leonard," he sighed.
With that, the scenery around them suddenly shattered like panes of glass breaking all at once.
Hazel found the teacup she'd just set down was back in her hand again.
"So, Leonard… now that you know I'm a Beyonder too, can you tell me how Klein died?"
Melissa fixed her eyes on him and asked again.
Faced with her stubborn determination, Leonard hesitated but ultimately shook his head.
"Klein's cause of death falls under confidentiality. I can't tell you."
Ince Zangwill isn't an enemy a girl like you could ever face… I'll bear all that hatred myself.
Thinking that, Leonard changed the topic.
"As an official Beyonder, I need to know where you got your Savant potion. Did Miss Hazel give it to you?"
Because she had already received Ebner's permission, Melissa didn't hide the truth.
"Although my teacher passed it to me, the potion itself was a reward from Viscount Ebner Bryan—for my contribution to the invention of the projector."
Ebner Bryan? The detective suspected of carrying Rhine Carendia's revived spirit?
Rumor had it Miss Hazel was indeed close to that detective. But why would he focus on Klein's sister?
Leonard narrowed his eyes and tilted his head slightly, as if pondering. After a brief silence, he asked,
"And it was Viscount Bryan who sent you to ask me about Sherlock?"
"Yes," Melissa nodded. "I want to know why Detective Moriarty sent me a Beyonder item."
Maybe that old monster who revived in Ebner Bryan took notice of her because of that Sherlock Moriarty…
That man really is suspicious—probably tied to that Tarot-coded organization, worshippers of the Fool, enemy of the True Creator…
With Klein's sister involved, he's worth investigating again.
Having reached a decision, Leonard smiled lightly.
"The information you brought makes me think my knowledge of Detective Sherlock might be incomplete.
"I'll look into him more thoroughly. Once I have results, I'll tell you. How's that?"
Melissa studied him for a moment, then nodded.
"All right."
Then, unable to help herself, she asked softly,
"Klein… did he really die protecting Tingen?"
"Yes. He was a hero—without a doubt," Leonard said firmly, exhaling as if in relief.
"What a fool… A Sequence 9, insisting on taking such a dangerous mission," Melissa murmured, biting her lip. Then she asked, "Leonard, how much will your help cost?"
"No payment. Investigating Sherlock Moriarty is part of my own duties," Leonard replied with a smile—of course he couldn't take money from Klein's sister.
After a few more polite exchanges, Melissa and Hazel put on their veiled hats and took their leave.
When their carriage had rolled far down the street, Leonard's brow furrowed again.
"Old man, what do you think your old friend is really planning?"
There was silence for a while. Just when Leonard thought the old spirit wouldn't answer, a weary voice echoed in his mind:
"I can't read Rhine's mind either… but yes, you should investigate Detective Sherlock Moriarty again. The clues may lie with him."
…
At No. 9 Carnarwell Street, in the Cherwood Borough of Backlund—inside the Metropolitan Household Servants' Aid Association—
After settling Sharon at home, Klein came here to hire an experienced butler, someone who could assemble the staff needed for his garden villa.
After all, according to his cover story, Dwayne Dantès had earned a fortune from an arms deal in Bayam. Naturally, he had to live well; a mere housemaid wouldn't suffice anymore.
After Klein stated his requirements, the receptionist Beline, whose brown eyes shone like twin stars as she stole shy glances at the increasingly handsome gentleman, professionally recommended a candidate:
"Mr. Asnia, age 55. He once served Viscount Yorkville. Later, when the Viscount's mining investment failed and the family fell into financial crisis, he was dismissed when the estate was sold.
"Over the last decade, he's been employed by two wealthy families, making remarkable contributions to their household management.
"He's a follower of the Evernight Goddess, politically inclined toward the Conservatives, and asks for an annual salary of £130."
She paused, smiling a little.
"There was also Mr. Walter—he'd have been perfect for you too, but unfortunately he accepted employment from Viscount Ebner Bryan yesterday."
Viscount Bryan? That's Ebner. Didn't he already hire a butler before that ball? Why's he recruiting again? Maybe because his properties are expanding…
…
In another part of Backlund, deep in the sewers beneath Cherwood Borough—
A hoarse female voice spoke:
"Walter, you said you successfully got hired as Viscount Ebner Bryan's butler?
"That detective isn't simple… he once accepted a commission to investigate you. Aren't you afraid he'll uncover your true purpose?"
After a few seconds of silence, Walter replied in a low, steady tone:
"It's precisely because Mr. Bryan isn't simple that following him gives me a better chance of finding out the truth behind the prince's death."
"He used to have many subordinates who called themselves loyal," the hoarse voice sighed. "Now only a few still remember him and are willing to take risks for him. You're the one who surprises me most."
"He was the first noble to ever treat me that way—the only one I truly wish to serve," Walter answered quietly.
The woman seemed unwilling to continue that topic. Her tone shifted coldly:
"Prepare me a list of East District thugs with modest backgrounds."
"What do you want that for?" Walter asked in surprise.
Her voice came back, low and cruel:
"That fragile little thing needs to learn what a true Assassin is…
"She must understand that becoming a real woman always comes with a price."
(End of Chapter 1032)