Beyond the imposing iron fence, flowers were already in full bloom within the early summer garden. At the end of a long stone path, shadows mingled within a brightly lit mansion, and the faint, melodic strains of music drifted through the air.
Carriages arrived one after another, pulling up to the entrance. Servants immediately scurried from the gatehouse to direct the vehicles to a parking area at the side of the courtyard before sprinting toward the mansion to announce the guests.
As the evening mist thickened, Lynch stood silently in the haze, dressed in a sharp formal suit and leaning on his cane. He gazed at the mansion, his mind replaying the information Miss Valente had shared with him earlier that day.
Chloe Russell, the sixth princess of the Kingdom of Salter. Her mother was the court noblewoman, Madam Marianne, and she was the adopted daughter of one of the three giants of the Salter banking industry, representing their interests.
She had traveled to Rhine City in 1397 for further studies, enrolling in the marine department of the Rhine City High School. Over the past two years, she had maintained close ties with high level figures in the city’s banking sector and cultivated relationships with many power brokers in the Governor’s Office and the City Hall, most notably the leader of the city's financial industry, Mayor Howard Hoffman.
Because her cousin-in-law was the third daughter of the Count of Lorand, she had been residing at the Lorand family estate during her stay.
The mansion before him was the residence of the Count of Lorand. Lynch slowly pulled out his mystery relic, Lawrence’s Pipe, packed it with a pinch of calming grass, lit it, and took a deep, steadying draw.
The pipe itself possessed calming properties, and the calming grass added further tranquility, which was exactly what Lynch needed at that moment. Back when he was a corporate wage slave in his previous life, his legs would shake just meeting a department head. Now, about to face a room full of the city's top brass, a bit of nervousness was inevitable.
However, I am a Soul Severer who has embarked on the path of immortality, a future supreme being. These people are merely mortals. I should be looking down on them, right, neighbor?
【You can also ignore them.】
Tch, that might be a bit too much.
Whether it was the effect of the calming grass or the reassurance from Lady Luna, his nerves quickly settled. He put away the pipe, took a deep breath, and walked toward the gate, tapping his cane against the ground.
Miss Valente’s advice resurfaced: Remember, a noble estate is not a dangerous den like the Dreamlands, and the nobles attending are not mad dogs that bite on sight. Do not be nervous. You were never nervous when you saw me, and you were infuriating enough then, so there is no reason to be nervous now. Just be yourself. Do not worry about anyone causing you trouble, including the servants. Honestly, unless it is a family of nouveau riche, the servants greeting guests know better than you do who cannot be offended.
Is that so? According to the tropes in novels, shouldn't I be hassled by the gatekeeper and then have to reveal my invitation to slap him in the face? Although using the gatekeeper as a punching bag is beneath me, I did walk here, after all.
With these thoughts, he arrived at the iron gate and stood under the bright gas lamp. Before he could speak, the man inside glanced casually at his attire, immediately wiped the mockery from his face, and quickly opened the gate to welcome Lynch inside.
Once he had stepped through, the gatekeeper, who had been waiting, bowed respectfully and asked, "My apologies, sir. I am a new servant and not yet familiar with the master’s friends. May I humbly see your invitation so that I may announce your arrival to the master?"
After a thoughtful look at the masterwork clothing he wore, Lynch naturally produced the invitation and his business card, handing them over before strolling leisurely toward the mansion. The gatekeeper trotted alongside him while reading the letter, and within seconds, he returned the items with a beaming smile.
"Lord Levive, Her Highness is resting in the third floor lounge, and my master is currently entertaining guests in the second floor drawing room. The invited guests have been arriving; some are in the entertainment and music rooms on the first floor, while others are in the library and card room on the second floor. Ah, there are also a few guests in the smoking room. If you find the mansion too stifling, you may have someone lead you to the garden to catch some air. Several young ladies and noblewomen are currently admiring the flowers there."
"The two inspectors from the Hall of Order should have arrived by now, as well as Director Holf. Where are they?"
"The three gentlemen are currently playing cards in the card room."
While they spoke, the gatekeeper had already guided Lynch to the front of the mansion.
Behind him lay a clear fountain, its cool mist washing away the early summer heat, while the perimeter was bordered by emerald lawns and, further out, lush flower beds.
Directly ahead was the entrance to the mansion. It was a three story classical building, somewhat reminiscent of the Baroque style, taller and more imposing than contemporary architecture. A flight of marble steps extended all the way to the door.
"Lynch Levive Detective Agency, Detective Levive, arriving!"
The gatekeeper’s sudden shout startled Lynch. He was truly a professional; his voice had incredible piercing power. Lynch suspected that Mrs. Maggie on Villa Avenue could hear this shout.
Swish. Several gazes shot over from different angles. Lynch frowned and ignored them, ascending the steps into the mansion.
Upon entering, he was greeted by a spacious hall, with two curved staircases leading to the second floor. In the hall, elegantly dressed gentlemen and ladies moved about, their soft music and low conversation blending together into a quiet hum.
Seeing Lynch enter, several gentlemen near the entrance tipped their hats in greeting. Lynch responded with a polite, smiling nod, but as he brushed past them, his brow furrowed.
Miss Valente had just received news that afternoon that things were not quite right, or rather, that things were proceeding exactly as anticipated because someone had deliberately spread the news that Lynch was among the invitees.
Because he had appeared at the City Council twenty days prior, the name Lynch was not unfamiliar in high society circles. Publicizing his invitation in advance was equivalent to forcing him onto the stage in his absence. It would be difficult to remain low profile in a corner today.
Heh, bring it on. Regardless of who is pulling the strings behind the scenes, do they really think a transmigrator would be afraid of them?
Lynch sneered inwardly, held his head high, and marched straight for the second floor card room.
I will go greet the two inspectors first, regardless of whether they had a hand in today’s affairs.
However, just as he reached the second floor, he heard someone laughing loudly on the landing.
"Haha, Mr. Lynch Levive! I have heard your name for a long time and have been eager to meet you. Today, I finally have the chance."
Hm? I didn't even know I existed twenty days ago; don't you feel guilty saying that?
Lynch muttered to himself as he looked over. Seven or eight men stood on the stairs. The leader was a short, stout middle aged man wearing a red cloak, a hat with feathers, and tall boots—standard noble attire in Lande. The group around him, some in similar formal wear and others in dark blue suits, crowded around the man in the center.
With this display, is this the owner of the house, the Count of Lorand?
Though skeptical, he did not stop his pace. Lynch walked straight up to them, removed his hat, and bowed: "Could it be that you are the Count?"
"Haha, forgive my presumption for disturbing you before your sponsor could make the introduction. Lord Levive, allow me to introduce myself. I am Patrick Lorand, the current Count of Lorand."
His round face was full of smiles, but his bean sized eyes scanned Lynch from head to toe. His expression showed no surprise, but after a slight pause, he resumed his normal smile.
"Allow me to introduce everyone to Mr. Lynch Levive, a brilliant detective of antiquities. He is a great hero of our Rhine City, having recently cracked a major treason case, restoring honor to His Majesty the King and the Governor, and saving the reputation of our Lande. Let us express our gratitude to the detective."
He even knows about the detective of antiquities status. It seems they have investigated quite thoroughly. This man likely has a hand in today's events.
Lynch grew wary, maintaining a reserved smile as he gave a shallow bow without saying a word. He strictly followed Miss Valente’s instructions: speak less, do less, do not proactively offer opinions, and try to avoid exposing his true capabilities.
However, the Count of Lorand was not finished. He made a gesture of invitation: "Please come in, Detective. We are currently discussing heraldry and the painting styles of the revivalist art era of the early Fifth Age. You are an expert in ancient knowledge, so it would be perfect for you to give us a lecture."
Hiss. Is the appetizer being served this quickly?
Lynch narrowed his eyes, revealing a faint, enigmatic smile.
Rate on N.U.
