Chapter 33: The Commission
The woman who entered Detective Isengard's agency looked to be around twenty-five or twenty-six, clad in a red gown. Her skin was fair and smooth, her figure shapely, with a cascade of black hair framing her face. Her striking blue eyes carried a captivating allure.
Since Detective Isengard happened to be out, the house servant—clearly mesmerized—led the woman to Enber's office.
Enber was momentarily taken aback at the sight of her but quickly regained his composure. He was, after all, a man of the Information Age, accustomed to all sorts of beauties. Politely, he greeted her:
"Good day, madam. I am Enber, Detective Stanton's apprentice and assistant. Detective Stanton will return by eleven if you'd like to wait."
The lady narrowed her eyes with a smile that was simple yet dazzling. She gave Enber a leisurely look and replied in a smooth, confident voice:
"I actually came to see you, Mr. Bryan. You've already made a name for yourself in this area, and I have a small task I'd like to commission you for."
Enber was slightly surprised. Though he had gained some local reputation, most of his clients were people seeking cheaper rates. This lady, judging by her attire and jewelry, was no ordinary client. She didn't look like someone who couldn't afford his teacher's fees.
Still, he wasn't about to turn away business. He led her to the guest area and, once seated, asked, "Ms…?"
"Please, call me Rey," the woman said with a subtle nod. She drew a folded piece of stationery from her purse and placed it on the coffee table. "Mr. Bryan, I'd like you to investigate the interests and daily routines of these gentlemen."
Enber leaned forward to take the note and read carefully:
"Lord Natos, Viscount Conslet, Baron Glamir, Baron Newglass…"
'All told, twelve names, all single noblemen. She's building quite the pool of eligible men…' Enber mused inwardly, lips twitching. From his teacher's files, he already had a vague impression of who these men were.
Maintaining a look of difficulty, he said, "This commission isn't too complex, but it will be time-consuming and require manpower."
"I understand, and I'll pay you a satisfactory amount," Rey answered with a smile, her eyes carrying a suggestive glimmer.
Enber ignored the hint and replied after a pause: "Twenty pounds. Given that this involves nobility, there's a certain level of risk to account for. I'll also need at least a week."
In truth, most of the information she wanted was already in his teacher's records, though it would need updating and verification.
"That's fair. I accept." Rey's tone reflected her wealth. "I'll pay you five pounds upfront and return on Friday for an update, at which point I'll pay another five. The balance will be settled when the task is complete."
"Let's draw up a contract, then." Enber produced a standard agreement. She skimmed it only briefly before signing her name.
After escorting Rey out and snapping the dazed servant back to his senses, Enber returned to his office to review the case, as was his custom—and part of his Student of Ratiocination role-playing method.
On the surface, Ms. Rey appears to be a socialite looking to connect with men of status. That fits her demeanor and her commission. But something about her feels dangerous. And her list of noblemen… all single, yes, but none of them are prosperous. According to my teacher's records, they're either financially troubled, socially disgraced, or lacking real power. All title, no substance.
So why target them? Is she trying to use her wealth to latch onto nobility, no matter how downtrodden? That's possible, but women like her are usually courted at social events. Why hire a detective unless her wealth has shady origins?
Another possibility: she intends to use these men for some specific purpose, either as stepping stones… or—wait, Baron Glamir? That name rings a bell.
Enber's eyes narrowed as he activated his White Eye, recalling details from Lord of the Mysteries.
Baron Glamir is that unlucky fellow later impersonated by Vice Admiral Hurricane Qilangos! Which means all these noblemen share another trait: none of them employ Beyonder bodyguards.
So Rey is scouting potential targets for Qilangos? That makes sense. When he impersonated Glamir in the novel, he adapted seamlessly to his habits and mannerisms—someone must have provided him with detailed background information. And who better than a beautiful woman close to him?
Enber had nearly pieced the puzzle together. Backward deduction really is the simplest.
Now that I think of it… Rey might not even be a real beauty. Qilangos works with that unmentionable organization, which allies with the Demoness Sect in Loen. After his death, his fleet was inherited by agents of that church. Sending a witch to gather intelligence beforehand would be perfectly logical.
The thought left Enber with a headache. He glanced at the servant still dazed in the parlor and sighed inwardly. Best to feign ignorance. I've no desire to provoke agents of the Ancient Sun God. As long as they don't trouble me, I won't interfere. Besides, those noblemen aren't exactly saints. Most are better off gone.
Resolving himself, Enber decided not to compile the information immediately. Instead, he would refine his reasoning and discuss the matter with his teacher. Trusting a "witch" was out of the question—he needed to prepare for surprises.
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After leaving the detective agency, Rey looked amused and muttered to herself:
"What an interesting little detective, able to resist my charms. I'll have him drowning in pleasure before long."
With that, she boarded a carriage waiting nearby.
Inside sat a young woman with a pure, literary air about her. As Rey entered, the young woman gave a slight bow and asked curiously:
"Ms. Rey, we could easily gather this information ourselves. Why pay a detective?"
"Because it keeps things natural, in line with the persona I present," Rey said with a laugh. "Even if the authorities investigate, it'll look like I'm just a socialite hoping to become a noble's mistress. If we skip this step, how could we explain knowing so much about their private habits? That would draw suspicion."
"But aren't these noblemen too poor to afford Beyonder bodyguards? Why would they attract an official investigation?" the young woman pressed.
"It's about prudence, Lina. Just because they look down-and-out doesn't mean they truly are. We must be prepared for surprises." Rey tapped Lina's nose with her finger. "You're always too careless. You failed to monitor one of your associates, and when he was caught, he exposed you. If I hadn't been there, you would have walked straight into the authorities' ambush at that loan shark operation."
"How could I have known Turner was so incompetent he'd fail at human trafficking?" Lina muttered, deflated.
"Did you look into how he got exposed? I don't expect you to avenge him, but it's a lesson worth learning," Rey asked.
"I couldn't find the details. But before Turner's arrest, a bounty hunter was asking around about the loan shark business. She might be involved. I plan to start there. They say she's known as the 'Arbiter' in East Borough."
(End of Chapter)