"Worst hour of my life." Casper complained, lifting himself off the floor.
Dusting himself off, Casper grumbled, "Everything was so awkward…. it was fun teasing Klein."
"Speaking of Klein, his death will take place some time this week. His death also spells Dunn's death, meaning, Daly will be more motivated to join my organisation."
He laughed in an evil tone, mimicking Light.
"Anderson was already eager to join, so I don't have to worry about him. Everything is coming up Casper, huh?"
Backlund wasn't very exciting to be honest, Casper had always dreamed of going out to sea, the Gehrman Sparrow arcs were one of his favourites. Though Merlin Hermes was just straight peak, although the Gehrman arcs were fun to read, Merlin had more aura.
The agenda has to be maintained, Casper thought silently.
Casper had thoughts of setting sail after reaching Sequence 6 or 7.
But first, he had to make bank.
…
In the bright early mornings of Backlund, Casper's Brilliant Detective Bureau was established which provided premium service for people of all backgrounds for the low, low price of 5 Soli to 1 Pound.
It definitely wasn't a scam and was completely legitimate.
Wink, wink.
As afternoon fell and the sun's radiance slightly dimmed, Casper received his first commission!
It was a murder too!
Or at least a murder that happened a few weeks back, a cold case that the police gave up on after finding no leads.
Truly they were useless rascals, following in the footsteps of the Backlund Nighthawks. They could learn a thing or two from the goats over at Tingen.
Alas, if Casper's Sequence wasn't low, he definitely would've made an effort to try and save them. But since he was a mere Sequence 9, he could only quietly sit down like a good puppy, unable to interfere lest he wanted to die miserably.
Yep, he had definitely lost the plot, anyways, back to the case.
…
"So, Madame. What brings you to my humble Bureau?" Casper asked with a devilish smile.
The woman — an old lady of about forty whimpered, wiping her nose with a tissue. "Oh, Mister! My darling — my beloved daughter. She died a few weeks back," she cried.
Casper's smile was wiped away as a trace of pity flashed through his face, "I'm sorry for your loss, Miss. But, hasn't the police caught the suspect or at least have any leads?"
Listening to him, the woman's hysteria deepened, "That's the thing Mister! They're saying it's a cold case, and that they don't have leads."
Casper hummed to her words, in such a backward world, simple cases like this that would take barely twenty minutes to solve in his previous world were tremendous challenges.
It wasn't that the detectives were bad, it's just that they lacked information and technology to act.
Casper straightened his head, "I'm sorry for your loss, lady. My heart aches to ask you this, but could you explain her situation and the circumstances behind her death."
"My darling Rostava was a cheerful young girl," she muttered, "She had a bright future ahead of her, I sent her to a university in Tingen for that too. Although she had some problems there, they weren't that bad — you get it right, Mister? Some harsh words, and a push here and there."
Casper nodded, gesturing for her to continue.
"She recently returned after completing her studies, I was overjoyed you know! She had an opportunity I never had, the first woman in my family to get an education!" She said proudly.
"My life was ruined by my parents, marrying me off to a man twice my age the second I turned legal. Thankfully, the Goddess saved me and took him to her embrace soon. But that left me alone with the young Rostava.
"I cared for her for years, she was my pride! My joy! And my life! I busted my back, doing all sorts of…. odd jobs," she whispered, shifting uncomfortably.
A hooker? Casper thought, not daring to voice his inner thoughts.
"I worked hard to provide a good life for her, she had hopes of becoming a maid for a noble! Alas, she can't do that now! The bastard who took her away from me, stole her future!" The old lady weeped.
"Don't worry, Miss. I'll catch the little scamp for you!" He comforted her, placing a hand on her shoulder.
"But, first, could you tell me where they found her and how they found her?"
"They found her in one of the apartments in East Borough, what she was doing there I don't know! 213, Boulevard, I think," the lady sniffled, "Apparently, her nails were chipped and had deep scratches on her calves, showing signs of a struggle. Her clothes were damp in places but other than that, nothing!"
She repeated the statement countless officers told her.
"I understand, trust me, Detective Casper is on the case!" He consoled her, placing a hand on his hat as he got ready to depart.
"B — but, Mister, I can't afford —"
Casper raised his hand, "Special price, just for you. This is the lowest I can go to break even, two pounds. Is that fair?"
The lady stood still, silently counting before nodding, "Can I pay in installments, Mister?"
"Yes," Casper said with a faint smile, "And, Mister is old fashioned — call me Detective Casper!"
____
A/N - If this book receives 50 stones today or tomorrow, I'll upload an extra chapter.