Suppressing the overwhelming sweetness churning in his stomach, Lucien Valois kept a bright smile on his face and asked, "Lady Furina, have there been any performances lately worth watching?"
Furina looked utterly listless. "None! Either cliché operas with predictable plots or cases with no suspense at all. Boring beyond belief."
A faint smile tugged at Lucien Valois's lips. "Have you heard about the recent drowning of a young girl?"
Furina nodded lightly, a trace of regret appearing on her face. "I heard it was due to academic pressure. Poor grades, couldn't bear it, and chose to end her life."
Lucien Valois let out a quiet scoff. "From what I know, she just earned a scholarship last semester."
Furina blinked. "Then why?"
Instead of answering directly, Lucien Valois said calmly, "Lady Furina, why not investigate it personally? I assure you—it will be a most fascinating case."
His words piqued her interest at once. She placed her hands on her hips, confidence returning to her eyes. "This goddess shall personally uncover the truth! An unexpected and brilliant twist is about to unfold!"
Lucien Valois immediately followed up with praise. "Your performance will undoubtedly astonish the world and become an eternal legend."
With his goal achieved, he added a few more flattering remarks before taking his leave.
By the time Lucien Valois stepped out of the Palais Mermonia, evening had fallen.
The sky dimmed gradually, and street lamps flickered to life one after another, their warm yellow glow lighting his path.
With light steps, he headed home.
About half an hour later, he stopped in front of a somewhat worn-down house. Taking out his key, he opened the door.
When he turned on the lights, the sparse and modest furnishings came into view.
He entered the kitchen and skillfully boiled a bowl of macaroni.
Once the steaming pasta was ready, he poured beef sauce over it—dinner, simple and sufficient.
After washing up, he lay on his bed and gazed through the window at the bright moon hanging high in the night sky. His thoughts drifted far away.
There were roughly three years left before the main storyline began.
That meant he had only three years.
Because once Neuvillette became the true "Complete Dragon," he would stand almost beyond challenge.
In the face of absolute power, any scheme or calculation would be meaningless.
…
Early the next morning, Lucien Valois awoke at dawn.
After a quick bowl of macaroni, he dressed neatly and stepped outside.
Morning light spread across the stone-paved streets like scattered flakes of gold.
Pedestrians hurried along, each occupied with their own livelihood.
The Court of Fontaine was a romantic and elegant city—but for most ordinary people, life was neither romantic nor elegant.
Before long, Lucien Valois arrived at the Gardes detention center.
The staff there were familiar with him. After a few casual greetings, the paperwork was quickly handled, and he was allowed inside to visit Luke—the officer detained for drunken brawling.
Lucien Valois walked through a dim corridor and entered a cramped holding cell.
On a rusty iron bed lay a bearded, middle-aged man—Luke—sleeping soundly, his snores rising and falling like waves.
Lucien Valois stepped forward and kicked him squarely on the backside.
Luke jolted awake, yawning as he slowly sat up.
Rubbing his bleary eyes, he muttered, "Deputy Captain Lin, even prisoners have the right to proper rest."
Lucien Valois shot him a glance. "Old Luke, while you're locked up, the workload for the rest of the boys skyrockets. Don't you think you deserve a beating?"
Luke gave an awkward chuckle. "Yeah… I probably do."
Then his smile faded, and his expression grew serious. "You came because of Flora's case, didn't you?"
Lucien Valois nodded without hesitation. "She'sFrederic's sister. I have to seek justice for her."
Luke sized him up and shook his head. "Forget it. A small fry like you won't just fail to get justice—you'll end up dragged down with her."
"Even so, I have to try. Otherwise, I won't be able to face my own conscience," Lucien Valois replied firmly.
Luke stared into Lucien Valois's deep black eyes and, for a fleeting moment, seemed to see his younger self reflected there.
He let out a cold laugh. "How much do you know about the Kappe family?"
Lucien Valois remained calm. "The Kappe family has stood for centuries, deeply rooted in Fontaine. The family head, Audeman, is the Chief Justice of the Court. Their influence runs through every branch of the judicial and governmental system."
"Since you understand their power, why do something so close to stupidity?" Luke raised his voice.
"I already told you. Flora wasFrederic's sister." Lucien Valois spread his hands.
Luke fell silent.
After a long pause, he exhaled deeply. When he spoke again, it was as if he had become someone else—his words rapid and precise.
"This was a deliberate murder disguised as a drowning.
The perpetrator lured the victim to his residence with ill intent. When she firmly refused him, he flew into a rage and used violence, causing her death by asphyxiation.
Afterward, with guidance from a seasoned investigator, he dumped the body into the river to stage it as a suicide."
Lucien Valois waved a hand impatiently. "Old Luke, anyone with a functioning brain could reach that conclusion. You used to be the ace intelligence agent of the Special Investigation Court. Is this really your level?"
Luke flushed red, veins bulging on his neck. "I've never even been to the crime scene! Getting this far on deduction alone is already my limit!"
"I don't need speculation. I need decisive evidence," Lucien Valois said with a frown.
"The simplest method is to arrest Olivier and interrogate him directly. A playboy like him won't withstand professional questioning."
"You think I haven't tried? Not a single one of those vermin would sign the arrest warrant."
"Was an autopsy conducted on Flora?"
"Her body was barely recovered and identified before it was sent straight to cremation."
"When she was taken to Olivier's residence, there must have been witnesses."
"No one dares offend the Kappe family. I questioned them one by one. Every single one claimed ignorance."
"…"
They went back and forth for a long time, yet still made no progress.
Just as Lucien Valois was about to leave in disappointment, Luke suddenly spoke.
"There might be someone who can provide a clue. You could try finding her."
"Who?"
"Emilie."