Chapter 41: An Additional Development

Chapter 41: An Additional Development

William Sykes… a steward of an estate…

Klein repeated the other man’s answer inwardly, then naturally guided the conversation toward the banner and the White Rose War.

After a few words of casual conversation, he politely excused himself and, together with Butler Walter and his personal valet Richardson, walked toward the other display cases and continued his visit. It was as if the encounter just now had been nothing more than a trivial little incident—an accidental exchange made in passing.

Close to noon, after returning to the luxurious four-wheeled carriage, Klein watched the bicycles outside pass by with jingling bells and suddenly said, “Walter, you seem to know Mr. William Sykes?”

Walter nodded solemnly.

“When I was serving in Viscount Conrad’s household, I once met him.

“He served a member of the royal family—the former Earl Rustin, Prince Edessak.”

He made no attempt to conceal anything and introduced William Sykes’s background in detail.

He once served Prince Edessak? After the prince died in the Great Smog of Backlund, this man still seems to have done rather well. I wonder which estate he serves as steward now… Perhaps he knows certain secrets?

Klein gave a slight nod and asked no further questions, though inwardly, he began thinking about whether he should find an opportunity to investigate William Sykes.

If William Sykes truly knew something, then the royal faction involved would not simply leave him alone. Or perhaps he himself belongs to that faction. In any case, investigating him would be extremely dangerous, which means I cannot entrust the matter to Miss Magician, Emlyn White, or Miss Xio… Miss Sharron’s abilities would be sufficient, but this could very likely shatter the stable life she now has… The best method would still be to let the chivalrous thief “Black Emperor” act. The problem is that before I steal the Antigonus family’s notebook, I want my investigation into the Great Smog of Backlund to remain limited to the periphery—not alerting anyone, and not bringing about unexpected changes…

Appearing calm, Klein admired the street view outside the window as countless thoughts flashed through his mind.

In the end, he decided to endure for the time being and not allow this matter to disrupt his current highest priority.

After lunch and a nap, Klein received his education in literary appreciation until dusk approached.

Once he saw off the tutor and was about to go to the second-floor dining room, he suddenly heard the doorbell ring.

Ding-ding-dang-dang.

Amid the sound, Klein glanced at Richardson. This personal valet immediately stepped forward and opened the door.

Outside stood two police officers in black-and-white checkered uniforms. Judging from their epaulettes, one was a senior inspector and the other a sergeant.

“Officers, what can we do for you?” Richardson asked on behalf of his employer.

The senior inspector was a tall, thin gentleman. His black hair was hidden beneath his cap, only the color at his temples visible. He swept his gaze over the interior and smiled gently.

“I have come to see Mr. Dawn Dantes. There is a case involving him and his butler.”

“What case?” Klein slowly walked toward the door. “I am Dawn Dantes.”

After introducing himself, he said politely, “Officers, may I ask how I should address you?

“If the matter is complicated and requires some time, why not come to my parlor so we may speak over tea?”

The other officer—the sergeant—was a lady with a heroic air. She was clearly somewhat tempted and looked toward the senior inspector beside her, waiting for her superior’s decision.

Because of the influence of the Church of the Evernight Goddess, Loen’s police system included no small number of policewomen. However, owing to other faiths, social trends, and various related factors, they still faced a certain degree of discrimination in both promotion and placement. Most served as internal clerks, and an invisible ceiling…