William Sykes… the butler of an estate… Klein repeated the answer in his mind, then steered the topic toward the banner and the Wars of the White Rose.
After chatting for a few sentences, he took leave politely and, together with his butler Walter and his valet Richardsson, walked toward other display cases to continue their tour, as if their chance encounter had been nothing more than a trivial matter, an exchange under fortuitous circumstances.
Nearing noon, back in his high-class four-wheeled carriage, Klein gazed at the bicycles passing by with a jingle and suddenly spoke:
“Walter, you seem to know Mr. William Sykes?”
Walter nodded seriously. “I met him once when I was working for Viscount Conard.
“He served a member of the royal family, the former Count of Rasting, Prince Edessak.”
He gave a detailed account of William Sykes’s background without any concealment.
Once served Prince Edessak? After the prince died in the Great Backlund Smog Incident, he’s actually managed to live pretty well, I wonder which estate he works for now as a butler… Maybe he knows some secrets? Klein nodded slightly, asking no more questions, but inwardly pondering whether he should find an opportunity to investigate William Sykes.
If William Sykes really knew something, the faction within the royal family wouldn't let him be, or perhaps he belonged to that faction. In any case, investigating him would be quite dangerous, so he couldn't entrust the task to Miss “The Magician,” Emlyn White, or Miss Xio… Miss Sharon had more than enough ability, but it would very likely disrupt her current stable life… The best method would still be to get the chivalrous thief “Black Emperor” involved, but the problem was that, before stealing the Antigonus family notebook, my investigation into the Great Backlund Smog Incident was only meant to stay on the periphery, not alert anyone, and not bring about unexpected changes… Klein appeared calm as he admired the street scene through the window, a multitude of thoughts flashing through his mind.
In the end, he decided to hold back for now, not wanting to sabotage the most important matters at hand.
After lunch and an afternoon nap, Klein received a lesson in literary appreciation until dusk approached.
Seeing the tutor out, he was heading to the second-floor dining room when he suddenly heard the doorbell ring.
Amidst the jingling chime, Klein glanced at Richardsson, and the valet immediately stepped forward and pulled open the door.
Standing outside were two police officers in black-and-white checkered uniforms. From their insignias, one was a Chief Inspector and the other a Sergeant.
“Officers, is there something I can help you with?” Richardsson asked on behalf of his employer.
The Chief Inspector was a tall, thin man. His black hair was hidden beneath his cap, only the temples showing its color. He swept a glance over the interior of the house and said with a gentle smile:
“I’m looking for Mr. Dwayne Dantès. There’s a case involving him and his butler.”
“What case?” Klein asked as he walked slowly toward the door. “I am Dwayne Dantès.”
After introducing himself, he said politely: “May I ask how I should address you both, officers?
“If the matter is troublesome and requires some time, why not come into my parlor? We can talk over tea.”
The other officer, the Sergeant, was a rather spirited-looking woman. She seemed visibly interested and looked toward the Chief Inspector, waiting for her superior’s decision.
——Due to the influence of the Church of the Goddess of the Night, the Loen police force had a considerable number of female officers. However, influenced by other beliefs, social ideologies, and various other factors, they still faced a certain degree of discrimination in promotions and postings. Most worked as internal clerks, and their upward mobility was hampered by a glass ceiling.
The Chief Inspector chuckled. “No need for tea, but we will need to question the servants in your household.”
He paused, finally getting to the point: “Mr. Dwayne Dantès, do you know a man named William Sykes?”
“I met him at the Royal Museum this morning.” Klein sensed that the situation had taken an unexpected turn and took the initiative to ask, “Has something happened to him?”
The Chief Inspector put away his smile. “He’s dead. He died at an inn near the Royal Museum.”
“Dead?” Klein didn’t hide his shock and surprise.
He died right after I met him?
Had he been targeted all along?
The Chief Inspector nodded seriously. “Yes. The cause of death is rather complicated, and murder hasn’t been ruled out.”
“And his companion?” Klein asked with a frown. “When I met him, he had a companion with him.”
“That lady was his mistress. She left the inn while William Sykes was still alive. The inn’s waiter can confirm that, as they delivered a bottle of red wine later on,” the Chief Inspector briefly explained the situation. “Where did you go after leaving the Royal Museum?”
“I came straight here. I had lunch, a nap, and then a lesson. My servants, my neighbors, and my literature appreciation tutor can all confirm that,” Klein answered frankly.
He then turned his head to Richardsson. “Go and fetch Walter.”
Soon, the butler Walter, wearing white gloves, came down from the second floor and answered the same questions.
With Mr. Dwayne Dantès’s permission, the two officers also questioned Richardsson and the other servants, finding nothing amiss.
They didn’t stay long, took their leave politely, and went to canvass the surrounding neighbors.
Klein didn’t let this incident ruin his appetite. He went up to the second floor and enjoyed his dinner.