773 Additional Developmen (1/2)
William Sikes… A land steward… Klein inwardly repeated the response he got before turning the topic of conversation towards the flag and the White Rose War.
After a short chat, he politely bade farewell and walked towards the other exhibits with Walter and Richardson. He continued his own tour of the exhibits, as though his encounter from before was completely trivial, a conversation that was purely coincidental.
When it was almost noon, Klein, who had returned to his high-end four-wheeled carriage, looked out at the passing bicycles when he suddenly said, ”Walter, you seem to know Mr. William Sikes?”
Walter solemnly nodded and said, ”I once knew him while I was working for Viscount Conrad's household.
”He served a member of the royal family, the former Earl of Lastings, Prince Edessak.”
He didn't conceal anything, and he described William Sikes's background in detail.
He was once in service of Prince Edessak? He's living quite a good life after the prince passed away because of the Great Smog of Backlund. I wonder what manor he's the land steward of… Perhaps he knows some secrets? Klein gently nodded and didn't probe further. He was wondering if he should find an opportunity to investigate William Sikes.
If William Sikes really knows something, the royal family's faction wouldn't leave him be. Or perhaps he is part of that faction. In short, investigating him will be a rather dangerous matter. There's no way to entrust this matter to Miss Magician, Emlyn White, or Miss Xio… Miss Sharron has the ability to do so, but this might result in destroying her peaceful life… The best solution is still to use Hero Bandit Black Emperor. But the problem is that before stealing the Antigonus family's notebook, my investigations of the Great Smog of Backlund should only be superficial. I shouldn't alarm anyone or bring about any accidental changes… Klein appeared to admire the streets outside, but many thoughts were going through his mind.
Finally, he decided to hold back for the time being, being unwilling to affect the most pertinent matter he had at present.
After having lunch and taking a nap, Klein received classes in literary appreciation until it was almost evening.
After sending away his teacher, he was just about to head to the second story's dining hall when he suddenly heard the doorbell ring.
Amidst the ringing, Klein saw Richardson immediately take a few steps forward to open the door.
Standing outside were two police officers in black-and-white checkered uniforms. From their epaulets, one of them was a high-ranking inspector, while the other was a sergeant.
”Officers, how may I help you?” Richardson asked on behalf of his employer.
The high-ranking inspector was a thin man and had his black hair hidden under his peak cap. His sideburns had a little color as he swept his gaze into the house before warmly saying with a smile, ”I'm here for Mr. Dwayne Dantès. There's a case that involves him and his butler.”
”What is it?” Klein slowly walked to the door. ”I'm Dwayne Dantès.”
After introducing himself, he asked politely, ”Officers, how may I address you?
”If the matter is a little more complicated and needs more time, why not come to my parlor. We can discuss it over tea.”
The other police officer, the sergeant, was an elegant lady. She was clearly interested in taking up the offer as she looked at the high-ranking inspector, awaiting the decision of her superior.
Due to the Church of the Evernight Goddess, the Loen police force had plenty of female officers, but due to the other faiths and the prevailing trends of society, they suffered some form of discrimination when it came to promotions and positions. They mostly did clerical work, and there was an invisible ceiling for their career development.
The high-ranking inspector smiled and said, ”There's no need for tea, but we need to question your servants.”
He paused before getting to the main point.
”Mr. Dwayne Dantès, do you know a person by the name of William Sikes?”
”I got to know him this morning at the Royal Museum.” Klein vaguely sensed that some sort of unexpected development had occurred as he asked, ”Did something happen to him?”
The high-ranking inspector wiped away his smile and said, ”He's dead. He died at a hotel near the Royal Museum.”
”He's dead?” Klein didn't hide his puzzlement and shock.
I just met him, and he's dead?
Had he already been targeted?
The inspector nodded solemnly and said, ”Yes, the cause of death is rather complicated, and we aren't ruling out the possibility of murder.”
”What about his female partner?” Klein frowned as he asked. ”He had a female partner when I met him.”
”That lady was his mistress. When she left the hotel, William Sikes was still alive. This can be confirmed by the attendants at the hotel because they had later sent him red wine.” The inspector simply shared the situation and said, ”After leaving the Royal Museum, where did you go?”
”I came back here directly. I had lunch, took a nap, and attended lessons. My servants, neighbors, and literary appreciation teacher can prove that,” Klein frankly replied.
He then turned his head to Richardson and said, ”Bring Walter here.”
Soon, Walter walked down from the second story with a white glove and answered similar questions.
After receiving Dwayne Dantès's permission, the two officers questioned the rest of his servants, but they failed to find any problems.
They didn't stay for long, politely bidding him farewell and visiting the other neighbors.
Klein's appetite wasn't affected by this matter as he went to the second story to enjoy his dinner.
Time quickly flew by as he spent the rest of the time reading books and newspapers. Before sleeping, Klein took in the scenery outside the window as he awaited his valet, Richardson, to take away the fruits in the room.