Caron committed suicide? He used a suicide note to accuse me of forcing him to sell his shares? And his family is willing to provide evidence? As Klein listened to the lead officer's statement, he digested the information, generating questions in his mind.
After figuring out what had happened, his first reaction was:
Baron Syndras made his move!
After failing to cooperate, this big banker had no hesitation in treating Klein as an enemy and launching subsequent actions without any restraint!
Moreover, he had clearly gathered enough intelligence to know that Dwayne Dantès had some connections with the Church of the Goddess of the Night, with Councilman Mackht and the forces behind him. Dealing with him directly would easily invite unnecessary trouble, so he chose Caron, the other party to the transaction, as a breakthrough. This was more indirect and safer, but equally ruthless and vicious.
He completely disregards the lives of ordinary people... Klein suddenly thought of the innocent victims who fell during the Backlund Smog Incident, and uncontrollable anger welled up in his heart, bubbling up and then turning icy cold.
Klein used his "Clown" ability to control his facial expression, making himself look even more bewildered, and asked as if he didn't understand:
"Are you sure this isn't a joke?"
The lead officer nodded solemnly:
"Without sufficient evidence, we wouldn't come to disturb a gentleman like you.
"Mr. Dwayne Dantès, please come back to the police station with us to assist in the investigation."
Klein, who appeared calm and unruffled while his mind was churning, was about to respond when he suddenly caught a logical inconsistency:
No matter what, murder is a serious crime in the current Loen Kingdom. Given Baron Syndras's status, position, and network of connections, he had at least dozens of effective ways to deal with a wealthy outsider who had only been in Backlund for two months. There was no need to go to such extremes.
You see, people of his level in high society should more or less understand or have access to certain Beyonder powers, and know full well that there are all sorts of incredible methods to track down the real culprit. Unless they are absolutely certain, risking murder and framing someone is the worst choice.
If Baron Syndras could use his power to suppress the official Beyonder investigation, then other methods would certainly be more effective and simpler!
Even if he didn't yet know that I am about to cooperate with the military, he must know my relationship with the Church of the Goddess of the Night and Councilman Mackht. He wouldn't act so crudely... Most importantly, if he was willing to hire a killer over that 3% of the shares, why hadn't he done it earlier? If he had just put a gun to Caron's head earlier, the matter would have been resolved without any waves... Klein looked thoughtfully at the officers across from him and didn't give an immediate answer.
In the next room, Xio and Fors were leaning against the wall, using the "Door" that the latter had opened to listen to every word of the conversation without missing anything.
"What do we do? If the police insist on arresting him, should we provide protection?" Fors, lacking experience as a bounty hunter, asked her friend in a low voice.
She hadn't expected a business dispute to evolve into a case involving a death and possible false accusation. The enemies she had anticipated had gone from robbers and assassins to the police, and she didn't know how to handle the situation.
Xio was also troubled:
"Normally, bodyguards only deal with illegal offenders.
"But... they're paying us well."
Fors was both surprised and amused, and retorted:
"If he's actually thrown in jail, are you planning to break him out?
"Not to mention the danger, but you'd be wanted yourself and couldn't work as a bounty hunter anymore. Then what, are you going to flee with this gentleman?"
As she spoke, having already concocted a story, she noticed that Dwayne Dantès was moving.
The refined gentleman with graying temples turned to Butler Walter and said in a steady, calm voice:
"Two things: first, go visit Baron Syndras and tell him someone is trying to frame him."
Butler Walter rarely showed an expression of surprise and confusion, unable to understand why his employer would give such an order.
In his view, this matter was very likely orchestrated by Baron Syndras, and visiting him would do nothing but invite humiliation.
Klein smiled and said:
"He just came here as a guest and threatened me over that 3% of shares, and now Mr. Caron ends up in trouble. It's hard not to suspect him. I think it's necessary to give him a reminder—it's only a gentleman's courtesy."
The officers were slightly moved, feeling that things might be more complicated than imagined. Butler Walter had a moment of understanding and immediately responded:
"Yes, sir. I will visit Baron Syndras immediately and inform him and your friends of this matter."
This way, if the matter wasn't Syndras's doing, he would handle the subsequent trouble; if he was indeed the mastermind, dragging him in under the guise of a friendly reminder and spreading the news would create enough public pressure to make it easier for Councilman Mackht and others to "rescue" him.
Smart... A good butler saves trouble... Klein praised inwardly, and continued:
"Second, call my lawyer to handle this small problem."
After giving instructions to the butler and his valet, Klein turned to the officers:
"Alright, I'll go to the station with you, I won't make things difficult for you.
"But I won't answer any questions until my lawyer arrives."
The lead officer breathed a sigh of relief and nodded:
"Thank you for your cooperation, Mr. Dantès."
At that moment, in the next room, Fors said hurriedly:
"Should we follow?"
"Yes, I'll hide under the carriage now and follow them to the police station. We can't be sure those police officers are real!" Xio replied cautiously.
She paused and asked quickly:
"Anything else you want to say?"
Fors thought for a second and said with emotion:
"The nobles and the rich are really terrifying!"