Klein was instantly reminded of a romance story Talim Dumont had told him:
His noble friend fell in love with a commoner woman and insisted on marrying no one else. This was absolutely forbidden in the highest circles of the aristocracy. Talim was very troubled by this and nearly hired a killer, but in the end he convinced the woman to leave his friend voluntarily.
Could the protagonist of that story be Edsac Augustus? Everything matched perfectly. As a prince, marrying a commoner in this day and age was almost heretical. Since the founding of Loen, the spouses of direct members of the Augustus family could only be noblewomen… From what he had just heard, had Edsac brought that commoner woman back? And even punished her with house arrest? True love… In an instant, a story of a domineering prince and a poor innocent girl formed in Klein’s mind.
He let his gaze drift, appreciating the winter scenery ahead.
“This is not what it really looks like now. When spring comes and the grass sprouts, you’ll see the finest golf course,” said Prince Edsac, dismissing the maids and raising his riding crop to point around.
“Golf?” Klein asked, already knowing the answer.
Prince Edsac gestured for the guards and attendants to keep their distance, allowing only the old butler and Klein to stay close.
Walking across the barren flat land, he chuckled:
“Yes, golf. This is truly a sport for the aristocracy. Even most magazine and newspaper owners rarely get a chance to play it. “Although I don’t like Roselle, I have to admit his whimsy has given us an interesting enough world. If you can figure out Talim’s death, this place will be open to you anytime.”
So it is Roselle… Klein sighed softly.
Seeing no response, Prince Edsac continued his musings:
“Roselle has many qualities worth learning from, but his attitude toward relationships disgusts me. Of course, that’s a common trait and style among most Intis nobles, and the root of their obsession with luxury and debauched lifestyle.”
Edsac looked at the slow, thin stream ahead and spoke with a maturity beyond his years:
“Ninety-nine percent of people are not geniuses like Roselle. To succeed and build a great career, you must figure out what you truly want, what price you are willing to pay for it, and then press on without looking back.”
At this, his tone softened, and he laughed self-deprecatingly:
“Until this year, I always thought I liked Earl Hall’s daughter. She has perfect looks, elegant manners, a vast fortune, a prominent family, and a very powerful father—a marriage prospect beyond reproach for a prince. But now I understand that what truly attracts me, what I dream of possessing, is a unique aura and a profound soul forged by experience. Hah, I’m not saying Miss Hall lacks that, but it’s not what I want, appreciate, or love.”
Your Highness, your tone, manner, and expression are almost identical to Talim’s when he was alive… Don’t suddenly drop dead in front of me, or I won’t be able to clear my name even by jumping into the Tassok River… And hearing this kind of thing too often easily gets one killed. Are you trying to rope me into your chariot? Klein inexplicably felt a bit scared.
He cleared his throat and changed the subject:
“Your Highness, with your status and position, you certainly have no shortage of subordinates willing to investigate Talim’s death. Why must you insist on me?”
Edsac shook his head and chuckled softly:
“Being a prince means that as much power as you have, that much lack of freedom. There are many things I can’t have my people do—too many eyes are on me.
“You are a capable and intelligent detective, you had a good relationship with Talim, and you were also at the scene. I don’t think there is anyone more suitable.
“Don’t worry. If any real trouble arises, I guarantee your safety.”
A promise like that is like toilet paper in a restroom… Klein mentally scoffed.
Prince Edsac had made it this explicit. Klein felt that if he refused again, he might not leave the Red Rose Estate. So he sighed and said:
“Actually, I’m as angry about Talim’s death as you are, but reality forces me to remain calm.”
Edsac smiled slightly:
“What help do you need?”
“Hair from Talim, or a piece of his blood or flesh—any one of those—plus his personal belongings,” Klein demanded.
“Alright, I’ll have these delivered to your home,” Edsac agreed immediately, then asked curiously, “That’s all?”
Klein didn’t hold back:
“I’ll know what kind of help I need when I have some initial leads. Your Highness, you’d better give me a way to contact you. A private investigator coming to this estate too often will arouse suspicion.”
Edsac nodded, as if he had already prepared:
“I will secretly rent the house next to yours, that is, 13 Minsk Street. When you need to get in touch, write a letter about visiting the new neighbor and drop it in the mailbox. As for the reward, you should know I’m not stingy. Even if nothing comes of it, as long as you contribute and take risks, you’ll get corresponding compensation. If you indeed uncover the truth, I will give you a sum enough for your retirement.”
This prince is very decisive… Retirement, that’s at least 3,000 pounds and above… Klein noted internally.
“Alright, may Talim’s spirit find peace in the kingdom of storms and lightning.” He bowed.
Edsac nodded slightly and instructed the old butler: