280 The First Step (1/2)

In a corner of East Borough.

A drunken Zeon faced the wall, pulled off his pants, and began watering the moss in comfort.

When he was done, someone suddenly patted his shoulder.

Zeon couldn't help but shiver a few times. He picked up his pants and half turned to see a short boy in a canvas jacket and cap.

The ”boy” raised his head, revealing a mild and delicate face despite looking dirty.

”Xio?Why are you dressed like that?” Zeon blurted out in surprise.

Xio put her index finger to her lips to indicate the need for silence.

Then, she suppressed her voice and said, ”I'll ask and you answer. Keep your voice down.”

Astonished by her awe-inspiring presence, Zeon could only nod.

”Which of the guys, that Williams knew, have died within the past two days?” Xio asked in a low voice.

Zeon used his alcohol-paralyzed brain to carefully think for a while and said, ”Gavin! Gavin was found to have drowned in the Tussock River this morning!

”He probably fell into the river last night. The poor sod doesn't know how to swim and likes to enjoy the wind by the river when he's drunk.”

Xio's gaze suddenly became sharp. Without any hesitation, she asked, ”Did Gavin accept Williams's request to look for the wanted criminal, Lanevus?”

”Of course, we all got this commission from Williams. Anyway, it's not like it's a big deal. All we have to do is show the portrait to everyone we know and keep an eye out for someone who looks like him. Oh, Williams, he said that if there's a clue, he'll treat me to three days of booze and meat! The poor fellow actually died in a gas explosion. That's why I refuse to have my landlord install a gas pipe! Uh… That was months ago. I can only afford a cheap motel now,” Gene droned on.

”What region is Gavin in charge of? Did he mention anything to you?” Xio looked sideways, pursed her lips, and stared straight at Zeon.

”H-he usually goes to the dock area near the East Balam Dock. He even met me yesterday evening and said that he went to the Workers Alliance Tavern there to spread the news of his search for Lanevus, and he also showed the portrait of Lanevus to everyone present.” Gene hiccuped.

There were many docks in Backlund, most of which were considered as the dock area and designated as ”shipyards.”

”And after that? Did Gavin say what he was going to do?” Xio asked again, frowning doubtfully.

”Of course, drinking! He planned to have a good drink and then find a place to sleep! Oh, the poor sod must've felt hot from drinking and wanted to take a bath in the river, but he forgot he couldn't swim, and it's almost winter!” Zeon sighed again.

This… Gavin didn't discover anything. He had gone to the Workers Alliance Tavern in East Balam Dock and distributed ”leaflets” to search for Lanevus, but ended up meeting his demise. It even implicated Williams… The murderer's reaction can no longer be described as extreme anymore. He's simply a lunatic…

If I were Lanevus, the easiest option would be to immediately move somewhere else and avoid being found. Unless—unless he's embroiled in something and cannot leave anytime soon… But I wasn't the only one looking for him. There are also many bounty hunters. He may kill Williams, but can he kill that many people? If he had the ability, he would kill off everyone who spread wanted posters in Sivellaus Yard!

Xio was completely befuddled by the entire matter, just like how she found Williams's death was impossible.

In the end, she decided to report the problem to Miss Audrey first, and then head to the Workers Alliance Tavern in East Balam in disguise. She wouldn't make any inquiries and only observe to see if there was anyone suspicious.

…

Cherwood Borough. Rice Police Station.

Once again, Klein found himself huddled on a backrest-equipped bench with thieves and drunkards.

How unlucky… To think that I would run into the police and fail to take a detour in time. It's all because of that damn serial killer! As Klein cursed that particular person, he thought about how to hide his charms and the herbal powder he couldn't explain away and dodge the body search that followed.

He had tried to put them in his black gloves, then find a chance to slip them into a hidden spot in the police station, only to retrieve them when he left.

Just then, his eyes lit up and he saw the young lawyer, Jurgen Cooper, with his hair neatly combed back. He was dressed like he was attending a banquet. Just as Cooper came over, he was accompanied by a police constable.

”You can leave after signing your name,” Jurgen said with his usual serious expression.

”Is that all?” Klein asked in surprise.

Jurgen nodded slightly.

”Yes, they know you're a well-known detective.”

What kind of reason is this? Klein didn't dare to ask further. He immediately got up and followed after Jurgen who was wearing a long black tweed coat. He signed his name at a leisurely pace before leaving.

The weather was different from the last time he was led out from the police station by Jurgen. There was no rain and only thick clouds obscuring the crimson moon and stars. The streets were illuminated by gas lamps that lined both sides of the streets.

”Thank you so much! I've troubled you once again!” Klein briskly walked forward and came to Jurgen's side.

Jurgen turned his head to look at him and said to him without a smile, ”There's no need to thank me. This is my job.

”Two pounds.”

”…” Klein sized him up seriously and revealed a smile. ”Okay.”

His wallet was bulging recently, and he produced two one-pound notes at once.

Without a trace of politeness, Jurgen received the payment and said, ”If you're willing to enter into a formal partnership, then every time you come to the police station, I'll only charge you a pound. Of course, not for the cases that are serious. You have to understand that a large portion of the fees I charge will go to the office.”

It's as if I would frequently be invited to the police station for some coffee in the future… Pui, they don't even give coffee. There's isn't even a cup of water! Before Klein could answer, he heard Jurgen add.

”For a private detective, getting in and out of the police station is something that happens every once in a while. It's an occupational hazard.