A grand fenced gate gave way to an early summer courtyard where flowers were already in full bloom. At the end of a long paved path, figures moved back and forth inside a brilliantly lit mansion, with melodious music faintly drifting into the night.
From time to time, newly arrived carriages pulled up at the entrance. Servants immediately hurried out from the gatehouse to guide the carriages toward the parking area on one side of the courtyard before sprinting off to the mansion to announce the guests.
As the night mist thickened, Lynch stood quietly in the haze in his crisp, formal attire, leaning on his cane as he gazed at the mansion in the courtyard. The information Miss Valente had shared with him earlier today surfaced in his mind.
Chloe Russell, the sixth princess of the Kingdom of Salter. Her mother was court noblewoman Madam Marianne, and she was the adopted daughter of one of the three giants in Salter's banking industry, acting as one of their interest representatives.
In 1397, she traveled to Rhine City for academic study, enrolling in the marine department at Rhine City High School. Over the past two years, she had maintained close ties with high-ranking figures in Rhine City's banking sector and befriended numerous powerful individuals in both the Rhine Governor's Guard and the Rhine City municipal government. Her relationship was particularly close with Mayor Howard Hoffman, the leader of Rhine City's financial industry.
Because her cousin-in-law was the third daughter of the house of Count Lorand of Lande, she was staying at the Count of Lorand's family residence during her stay.
The brilliant mansion inside was that very residence. Lynch slowly pulled out the mystery relic Lawrence's Pipe, packed in a bit of calming grass, lit it, and took a deep drag.
The pipe possessed an innate calming effect, and calming grass carried properties of composure and tranquility as well, making it perfectly suited for Lynch's current state of mind.
Back in his past life as a corporate drone, his legs would shake just meeting a corporate executive. Now that he was about to face a bunch of high-ranking city officials, feeling nervous was unavoidable.
Still, I'm a Soul Severer walking the path of immortality, a future Supreme Being. You lot are merely mortals; I should be looking down on you instead, right, neighbor?
【Ignoring them works too.】
Tsk, that's going a bit too far.
Whether it was the calming grass taking effect or Lady Luna's response giving him confidence, his nervous anxiety quickly subsided. Putting away his pipe, he took a deep breath, lightly swung his cane, and walked toward the gate.
Miss Valente's advice surfaced in his mind once more: Remember, a noble's residence isn't a dangerous lair like the Dreamlands, and the attending nobles aren't mad dogs biting anyone they see. Don't be nervous. You weren't even nervous around me—and you were so irritating then—so there's even less reason to be nervous around them. Just be yourself. Don't worry about anyone making trouble for you, including the servants. Honestly, unless they belong to some newly rich upstart family, the greeting servants know better than you who shouldn't be offended.
Is that so? According to web novel tropes, shouldn't I be harassed by the doorkeeper, only to whip out my invitation letter and slap them in the face? Although slapping a doorkeeper's face is beneath my dignity, I did walk here on foot after all.
Muttering to himself, he arrived at the iron gate and came to a stop under the bright gas light. Before he could say a word, the gatekeeper inside took a casual glance at his attire, instantly wiped away any hint of mockery, quickly unlocked the gate, and ushered Lynch inside.
Only after Lynch had stepped inside did the waiting gatekeeper lower his hands deferentially and ask politely, “Sir, I am deeply sorry. I am a new servant and not yet familiar with the master's friends. May I take the liberty of viewing your invitation so I can announce your arrival to the master?”
Looking thoughtfully at the masterwork suit he was wearing, Lynch naturally pulled out his invitation, handed it over along with his business card, and then strolled casually toward the mansion. The gatekeeper trotted along beside him while checking the letter, returning both items with a warm, beaming smile a few seconds later.
“Sir Levive, Her Highness the Princess is currently resting in the third-floor parlor, and my master is entertaining guests in the second-floor drawing room. Today's invited guests have been arriving continuously. Some are in the first-floor game room and music room, while others are in the second-floor library and card room. Oh, there are also a few guests in the smoking room. If you find the mansion a bit stuffy, you may also ask someone to escort you to the garden for a breath of fresh air; several young ladies and madams are admiring the flowers out there.”
“The two inspectors from the Hall of Order should be here by now, as well as Director Holf. Where are they?”
“The three gentlemen are currently playing cards in the card room.”
As they spoke, the gatekeeper led Lynch to the front of the mansion.
Behind him stood a crystal-clear fountain whose cool mist washed away the early summer heat. Beyond it lay lush green lawns, with flourishing flowerbeds stretching further into the distance.
Directly ahead was the entrance to the mansion—a three-story classical structure with a style reminiscent of Baroque architecture, towering higher than modern buildings. A flight of marble steps extended all the way to the mansion's main doors.
“Detective Levive of the Lynch Levive Detective Agency has arrived!”
The gatekeeper suddenly bellowed at the top of his lungs, giving Lynch a start. Truly a professional—his voice possessed incredible penetration. Lynch suspected Mrs. Maggie all the way on Villa Avenue could probably hear it.
Swish. Several glances shot over from various angles. Lynch frowned slightly and ignored them, ascending the steps to enter the mansion.
Upon entering, an expansive main hall greeted him, with twin curved staircases leading directly to the second floor. Impeccably dressed gentlemen and ladies drifted back and forth through the hall, as soft music blended seamlessly with hushed conversations.
Noticing Lynch's entrance, several unfamiliar gentlemen near the door tipped their hats to greet him. Lynch smiled warmly and returned the gesture, but as they brushed past each other, his brow furrowed once more.
Just this afternoon, Miss Valente had received fresh news. Something wasn't right—or rather, things were unfolding precisely as anticipated, because someone had deliberately spread the word that Lynch was among the invitees.
Having made an appearance at the city council twenty days ago, the name Lynch was hardly unfamiliar to high society circles. Publicizing his invitation in advance effectively dragged him onto the stage before he had even arrived, making it nearly impossible to keep a low profile in a corner tonight.
Heh, bring it on. No matter who's plotting behind the scenes, do you really think a transmigrator would be afraid of you?
Lynch sneered silently, holding his head high as he headed straight for the second-floor card room.
I'll go greet the two inspectors first, regardless of whether they had a hand in tonight's setup.
However, the moment he stepped onto the second floor, loud laughter echoed across the landing.
“Haha, Mr. Lynch Levive! I've heard your name for a long time and have been most eager to meet you. Today, I finally have the opportunity!”
Huh? Twenty-some days ago, I didn't even know I existed myself. Doesn't saying that make your conscience hurt?
Muttering to himself, Lynch turned his gaze toward the sound.
Seven or eight men were standing on the landing. The leader was a short, plump, middle-aged man draped in a red cloak, wearing a feathered hat and knee-high boots—attire common among Lande nobility. The surrounding group, dressed either in similar formal wear or blue-and-black suits, clustered around him.
With an entourage like this, could he be the master of the house, Count Lorand?
Though curious, Lynch didn't break his stride. Walking straight up to him, he removed his hat and bowed slightly. “Could you be His Lordship, the Count?”
“Haha, it is my presumption to disturb you before your introducer could present you, Sir Levive. Allow me to introduce myself: I am Patrick Lorand, the current Count of Lorand.”
A genial smile covered his round face, yet his small, bean-like eyes swept over Lynch from head to toe. While his expression revealed no surprise, he paused ever so briefly before regaining his pleasant smile.
“Allow me to introduce everyone to Mr. Lynch Levive, a most formidable antique detective! He is a great hero of our Rhine City, having recently solved a major treason case, safeguarding the honor of His Majesty the King and His Excellency the Governor, while also upholding the reputation of our Lande. Let us express our gratitude to the detective!”
He even knows I'm an antique detective. Looks like he did a thorough investigation. He's probably involved in tonight's trap.
Lynch grew vigilant internally while maintaining a reserved smile. Bowing slightly without saying a word, he strictly followed Miss Valente's advice: speak little, do little, offer no opinions voluntarily, and avoid revealing his true depth.
However, Count Lorand was not done yet. Making a welcoming gesture, he said, “Please come in, Detective. We were just discussing heraldry and the painting styles of the retro-art era of the early Fifth Age. As an expert in ancient knowledge, you are just in time to give us a lesson.”
Tsk, the appetizer is served this quickly?
Lynch narrowed his eyes, a faint, ambiguous smile touching his lips.
Rate on N.U.
