章節 73: Homicide
"So, you dreamed of the dragon in that village called Hartlarkh, and successfully arbitrated many events in the game set up by the dragon, thereby digesting the potion?"
The time had come for Thursday afternoon when Xio and Ebner had succeeded in meeting and telling of her strange dream the night before.
Ebner rubbed his temples when he heard that. He was no stranger to the name "Hartlarkh." In the original version of the Mysteries novel, the sea of collective subconscious of this village hid Ancient Dragon Ariehogg, a Sequence 2 Clairvoyant. However, there was no need to tell Xio about it, lest she be frightened.
"That's right. The strange thing is that I didn't doubt the authenticity of those events in my dream at all. I actually dutifully completed all sorts of arbitrations…" Xio said in disbelief.
"What about the others you saw in your dreams? Do they remember those things when they wake up?" Ebner asked, frowning.
Xio shook her head and said solemnly, "My brother and mother also appeared in the dream, but they don't remember anything when they wake up. They only think that it was a dream, but they forgot what they dreamed of."
It feels like he's targeting Xio… By helping her complete her role as an Arbiter, is he planning on collecting interest after giving her some benefits? But this isn't the case for an "ancient dragon." Apart from the God of Knowledge and Wisdom, what other good-tempered ancient dragons are there? They should be threatened.
Besides, I can't determine if this ancient dragon is Ariehogg or the Dragon of Imagination Ankewelt. The latter shouldn't have awakened on the former at this time, but if the God of Knowledge and Wisdom were to know of the plot ahead of time, that might not be the case.
The book, Groselle's Travels, was in the hands of Edwina, the iceberg who believed in the God of Knowledge and Wisdom. It was not difficult to revive Angor using it. Besides, the God of Knowledge and Wisdom also had a motive to revive him.
Ankewelt was the "father" of the Dragon of Nightmare, Azulhod. "He" had a close relationship with 0-08. Letting "Him" revive ahead of time and snatch 0-08 would definitely have a restraining effect on that person…
The only problem was that both Angor and Weed were enemies, and the God of Knowledge and Wisdom might not be able to control the situation.
However, if I could think of all these, who wouldn't? Who wouldn't have a backup plan? Would the God of Knowledge and Wisdom's plan be so simple?
For a moment, Ebner's thoughts wandered off, and he didn't recover until Xio tugged at his sleeve worriedly.
Xio looked at Ebner's tightly furrowed brows and sighed. "It looks like I've encountered another troublesome matter… Even you can't easily judge."
Does Xio really think I know everything… Ebner mocked himself inwardly. Then, he organized his words and said, "What you encountered might be very complicated. I can't tell if it's a good thing or a bad thing… Anyway, let's leave that village first."
The ancient dragon's intentions are unknown, but Xio likely doesn't have anything "She" covets… The next Tarot Club will have to ask Mr. Fool if he can reveal his honorific name to a trustworthy person. In Xio's situation, it's safer to use the gray fog to "kill poison."
"That's what I plan on doing too… So I want to stay for a few more days and move to another place for my mother and brother. I'm worried about leaving them in that village. Go back to Backlund first. I'll return in a few days." Xio had clearly made up her mind. After some thought, she continued, "After returning to Backlund, help me apologize to Fors. I'm afraid she'll be worried."
Back at Enmat Harbor, they had already sent a telegram to Backlund, arranged a rough time with Detective Isengard and Fors to arrive in Backlund.
Ebner pondered for a moment when he heard that. He felt that even if the ancient dragon had ulterior motives, he wouldn't fall out so quickly since he had already given them the benefits. Xio should be fine in a short period of time, and there was no point in him staying here to wait. Hence, he nodded and said, "Don't worry, I'll deliver the message."
…
In Viscount Glaint's study, Audrey walked in from the door and saw Glaint sitting behind a table, playing with a fountain pen. As for Miss Fors Wall, she was standing in front of a bookshelf, casually flipping through the books.
"Audrey, you're here. Let me introduce you. Ma'am Fors, a true Beyonder." Glaint put down his fountain pen and came forward.
"Is that so?" Audrey deliberately expressed her doubts.
Fors stuffed the book back to its original spot and turned her head with a smile. "From the looks of it, I need to prove myself."
She slowly walked to the wall, reached out her right hand, and pressed it against the wall, performing a show of creating a door out of nothing, successfully making the two nobles' eyes widen.
"What a magical ability," Glaint praised.
Audrey took a light breath and said, "I have no more questions."
At the same time, Fors's ability made her curious.
Which pathway's Beyonder is this? Perhaps I should ask Mr. Tower at the next Tarot Gathering… Sigh, it's a pity that my family's treasure vault doesn't have the Tree of Elders' Heart. It looks like I'll have to write another letter to Alfred to ask.
Audrey tried her best to look like an audience as she thought.
Fors chuckled and said,
"Let's have a frank exchange. I was once a doctor at a clinic and became a Beyonder by chance. It's been more than two years since then."
"I wish for you to help me investigate something, and the reward I'll give you is to lead you into the circle of true Beyonders and sell you the formulas and corresponding ingredients for certain Sequence potions."
Upon hearing such a promise, Glaint asked eagerly, "What is it?"
"I have a companion who was forced to leave Backlund because MI9 ordered an investigation. She hasn't returned yet. I hope you can help me find out who gave the order," Fors succinctly described.
Audrey carefully observed his expression and body language. She deliberated and asked, "What did your friend do to attract MI9's attention?"
Fors organized her words and replied, "My partner is actually very respected. She's noble and kind. Previously, she attacked a loan shark gang and found a related human trafficking case… Then, she was investigated by MI9."
…
Ebner was standing on the deck of the "Mart" on the inland river liner, admiring the beautiful scenery along the canal. However, at this moment, there was an intense dispute not far behind him.
Ebner turned his head and saw a man in his thirties or forties with short black hair and a round face dancing around in exaggerated movements. He also argued, "I told you, your son's death has nothing to do with me! There's nothing wrong with that medicine. He didn't die because he took my medicine!"
"You should look for the real culprit instead of maligning me!"
However, the man and woman next to him refused to listen to his explanation. They held onto him tightly and refused to let go. Even the security guards on the ship surrounded him to prevent him from escaping.
Is this a murder case? Ebner's heart skipped a beat. He recalled that he had already become a Knowledge Keeper, and his nickname was Detective. Although he didn't know the acting principles, it shouldn't be too bad to take the initiative to do some detective work.
At the thought of this, he separated from the crowd and went to the man who had grabbed the suspect.
It was a man in a white shirt and black trousers who looked to be in his forties or fifties. His face was filled with grief and indignation.
Including the ladies around him, all of them were cheap goods. This family didn't seem to be rich. With this in mind, Ebner took the initiative to step forward and promote himself.
"Hello, sir. I'm a detective. Perhaps you need my help here."
"Regardless of whether this gentleman's words are true or false, someone has to verify it. If it's true, I don't think you want the culprit to get away scot-free. If it's false, then you can use it to convict him."
"What do you think?"
The man was stunned for a moment before he hesitated. Finally, he gritted his teeth and said, "Mr. Detective, I do need help! May I know how much you charge?"
Ebner knew that the other party was shy, so he smiled and said,
"It's not too late to discuss the price after the case is investigated… I'm sure you want to know who the murderer is as soon as possible."
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