Chapter 295

As usual, there was a meeting. The meeting progressed calmly as usual, but there was a heavy atmosphere pressing down on all the attendees. The kidnapping incidents showed no hint of stopping, and they had been personally ambushed now. Yet, they still hadnt found the criminal. Therefore, Zichs next words were especially impactful.

We found someone who is likely to be the suspect.

At that moment, everyones faces were quite a sight to see. Everyones eyes seemed to pop out of their faces as if someone had hit the back of their heads. On the other hand, Lyla, who already knew everything, looked like she was thinking, He is finally telling this now?

Yet, Zich seemed indifferent to all their piercing gazes and took out a portrait and profile from his belongings and placed them on top of the table.

Condel Siede. He is the guy running a casino in Janmalpi. He is still just on the suspect list, but personally, I am sure he is the culprit. Thus, I would like to request the Count to do a forceful interrogation inside his mansion and casino.

Um, wait a moment. As if he was failing to keep up with the flow of the conversation, Joachim raised his hand and stopped Zich from speaking.

Are you saying that this person seems to be the culprit?

Yes, sir.

Joachim peered into the profile. He is not one of our most likely suspects.

Yes, although he is listed as one of the suspects, he was missing one of the traits we thought our culprit had. So, he wasnt included in that list.

What was he missing?

He didnt have a lover.

Hm.

As if Joachim had already shaken off his sense of surprise, he stared down at Condels portrait with cold eyes.

Well, his face certainly looks like a culprit. Joachim tapped Condels portrait with his index finger. However, Im sure Sir Zich didnt narrow him down as the culprit for just that. What is your reason for thinking that this man is the culprit?

Yes, please tell us. We are a bit taken aback that you are suddenly bringing up a person who doesnt fit the descriptions we have already decided upon. Glen also intervened. His face was filled with puzzlement since a criminal only he shouldve known was revealed. Yet, his puzzled face also looked just as astonished that Zich had put up a person the group hadnt expected as the main culprit.

Specifically, it wasnt that he didnt have a lover. It only seemed like it.

We have to hear your explanation in more detail, sir.

Of course, sir.

Then, Zich began to slowly explain why he thought Condel Siede was the culprit. Of course, he added a few extra garnishments to the story to spice it up since he had to exclude the fact that he was suspicious of Glen. As Zich continued his explanation, peoples jaws dropped open, especially when he reached the part where Condel Siede eloped with Sia Ruebrent. Even Evelyn couldnt help but let out a shriek. Once he finished his explanation, a heavy silence filled the room for a bit.

So, to summarize your words, Sir Zich, Condel Siede is the servant who eloped with lady Sia Ruebrent, and to hide that fact, they acted like siblings.

Yes, sir.

And that was why people didnt know that he had a lover.

If they had already made sure people thought they were siblings, nobody wouldve thought that they were anything but close siblings. That is, unless they showed overt affection to each other.

Do you have any evidence?

I am asking for your permission for a forceful investigation to collect some, sir. Also, its not like I have no evidence. Zich took out another portrait. It was the portrait of the shadow human whom he had fought. This is the portrait of the monster that I fought. I questioned the people in his surroundings with this portrait. Since he kept his younger sister a secret for so long, not many could recognize her face.

As if he had suffered a lot, Zich shook his head exaggeratedly. Thankfully, we were able to find a priest who made a prayer on the day Condel Siedes sister died. He said the sisters face looked similar to the one in the portrait. Isnt this enough to warrant a compulsory investigation on him?

That is true, but... Joachims words trailed off, and a shadow loomed over his face. He didnt look pleased, but there seemed to be an underlying emotion even greater than that. It seemed like he couldnt comprehend why Zich hadnt told

them

of such important information.

Its the same for Evelyn.

Evelyns eyes turned upwards as she glared at him. It looked like she was repressing her desire to grab Zichs collar this instant and shake him up. She might have also felt a sense of betrayal since she had been the one to give them information about Sia Ruebrent.

It is as you said, Joachim said. Its something worth looking into. I will request a compulsory investigation. Im sure it will go through with this much evidence.

Afterwards, Zich and Joachim continued their conversation a bit more. Around the time they finished going over the decision to investigate Condol Siede, Evelyn asked with a chilling voice, Then, is the conversation over?

Although Joachim had witnessed all kinds of horrific things to save his falling family, he flinched in response to Evelyns pressing question. Although her face was smiling, the chill that her beautiful smile exuded seemed like it would freeze her surroundings instantly.

Unfortunately the target of her chilling smile, Zich, only had a carefree thought. Oh, she seems like her old, succubus self right now.

Mr. Zich.

What is it, miss?

We exchange our thoughts and opinions during our meetings, right?

Yes, miss.

Then why did you keep such important information from us, Mr. Zich? As if she was quite enraged, her tone sounded sharp.

Joachims eyes darted towards Zich. Even though he didnt show his rage like Evelyn, her thoughts werent that different from hers.

Because there could be a spy among us, Zich said lightly. The weight of his words was on a completely different level than everything he had said before.

Zich glanced at the people around him. No, to be more specific, he pretended to glance at everyone while focusing on Glen who also made a very surprised expression. However, his face didnt look overly shocked; it was an appropriate expression for a person who heard Zichs words for the first time might make.

Are you saying that you suspect us? Evelyns voice was mixed with discomfort. She was expressing an emotion that she had never shown before.

Zich answered her firmly, No, miss, but he secretly thought, Except Glen.

Zich put his hand up to stop Evelyn from saying whatever she was going to say and continued, I was going to tell you this anyway, but we were ambushed recently, right?

Yes, Joachim replied on behalf of Evelyn, who was too agitated.

Why do you think we were ambushed?

Isnt it because we were investigating the culprit?

We werent the only ones investigating the culprit. The whole city was basically trying to find the culprit. From an outsider's point of view, were merely one of the many collaborators hired by the city. Moreover, we only have a small number of people on our team. Why did the culprit specifically attack us?

It was strange now that Zich pointed this out. Joachim and Evelyns faces turned serious.

Was it because it was too difficult to attack the mayor or the citys armed forces, who were the main forces of the investigation? If the culprit doesnt finish off the main forces, the investigation wont stop. By attacking us, the investigation speed wouldnt decrease much either. Was it to scare the citys force away? The leaders of this city wouldnt be spooked by something like that. Instead, they would become more agitated and stir up to find the culprit.

Isnt it because we gave various suggestions that were useful to this investigation? Evelyns voice was now back to normal.

I also think the same way, but how did the culprit find out that we were the ones who made those suggestions?

From rumors

Lady Rouge, that cant be it. Joachim denied her words. Rumors wouldnt have spread. When we make plans based on our suggestions, the plans arent carried out with our names attached to them. The city just sends out its orders, and theres no reason for the city to spread information about who suggested certain plans.

Then, are you saying that there arent many people who know that we were the ones who made those suggestions?

Yes. The only people who would know about it are people specifically investigating this matternot because its a confidential matter, but because its not information that is necessary for others to know.

Yes, Zich agreed. Despite what I said, I dont think the person is some kind of amazing spy on a super-secret mission. I think the spy just received money to s