Without even considering the danger for a moment, Lynch had already decided to accept the commission. There was no room for hesitation, even if it was just to save his own life.
But to maintain the upper hand, no matter what he thought inside, he put on a hesitant expression, as if his heart were full of struggle: "Tell me the details first; I can only decide after I have heard them."
"Heh, child, you have already written the word 'yes' all over your face," the old man said with a kindly smile.
Lynch thought about it carefully. He was currently acting in front of a sixty or seventy year old man, someone with high status who had been dealing with people for decades.
It seemed a bit stupid.
He simply stopped acting and said sheepishly: "I can accept it, but at least let me know what I am supposed to be investigating."
"The Bester Tunnel is part of a new railway line. I need you to conduct an investigation into this railway and provide me with an investigative report at the end."
"And the content?"
"In the month that the entire railway was being planned and designed, three of the twenty four master craftsmen invited to study and discuss it died in Rhine City. One rotted away for no reason, one put himself into a steam forge and was hammered into mincemeat, and another slit his own throat after cutting open the stomachs of three pregnant women," the old man said with a gloomy expression. "During the year of surveying in the mountains, there was news of a member of the survey team dying every month, including a professor of archaeology and geology from Norin University in the capital."
"In the six months of the engineering preparation period, the project command changed three times. The first two died one after another; one drowned in his own dry latrine, and another choked himself to death on a plate of roast suckling pig at the dinner table with an apple."
"These are just the more important personnel. The deaths of ordinary workers were even more numerous, and coupled with today's incident, the number of victims is beyond counting."
"So I want you to launch an investigation into this railway. Be as systematic and detailed as possible. It is not just about what happened, but about restoring the truth behind it. Is it the work of the mysterious, or is it human, or is it half mysterious and half human? If it is mysterious, is there any possibility of solving it? If it is human, which parts are human, which factions are involved, what are their respective positions, what might they have done, what secrets lie behind it, and does it involve evil gods or even true gods?"
"I only have one requirement for this report: you do not need to include uncertain content, but for whatever does appear, you must maintain an objective and neutral stance as much as possible, and you must ensure it is true, or at least subjectively true."
Lynch took a deep breath. The entire project felt like it was cursed; every detail was permeated with strangeness. It was much weirder than what he had encountered the night before, and it made his skin crawl.
Is this the norm for the mysterious world? If I become a Soul Severer in the future, will I often have to deal with such events?
Beyond the horror, a sense of uncontrollable anticipation and curiosity welled up in his heart, making him ponder for a moment before replying: "I need to know more details."
"There are no details. I will not tell you any more details, including information about the tunnel itself. Everything must be investigated by yourself," the old man said without hesitation. "I require you to be objective and neutral, but every word I tell you contains my own position and subjective views, and I am the client. You can filter out the attitudes of others, but my position is difficult not to influence your final conclusion. So I will not reveal anything; you can find a way to check it yourself. In any case, none of this is a secret."
Lynch pursed his lips. He had no objections to this, but this attitude only increased his curiosity about the commission, so he could not help but ask: "It has been going on for several years now; has your church not investigated it?"
"The client is not me, and his identity needs to be kept secret. I only learned about it this morning," the old man explained. "I was late this morning not because I actually slept in, but because I went to meet him. He asked me to scout for a candidate to conduct the investigation. His awareness of mysterious events is not that sensitive, so he did not pay attention to it before, and only recently did he start to feel that something was wrong."
No wonder.
Lynch nodded: "But why choose me? I really cannot understand. I do need the memory of the red moon, but what makes you trust me with this commission? Not only do you have so many subordinates, but there are also many more professional private investigators outside."
"The content you are to investigate includes the attitudes and secrets of various factions, child," the old man laughed. "Indeed, both he and I have many more suitable subordinates, but once these people move, they reveal our position. Clergy cannot show their positions, and his own position cannot be revealed easily. Moreover, our candidates cannot help but carry preconceived notions, and the results of their investigations would be unlikely to meet expectations. As for third parties, are you not one? I think you fully meet the conditions, and they are not even as reliable as you."
"Hm?"
"You have absolutely no affiliation with us. No matter what you do, it is impossible for people to associate it with us, and your intelligence is up to the task. The key is that I observed you along the way this morning and found that you are just a silly rookie who could not even land a blow properly, but you have principles in how you conduct yourself. Why should I not hand the task to you?"
"And you are just a rookie picked up on the side of the road; it would not be painful even if you died, right?"
"No, it would be painful. I still like you quite a bit. When the time comes, I will personally pray to the goddess for you."
"Skip it. I do not think I will need it." Lynch thought for a moment and asked: "What about the investigation methods and confidentiality? Do you have any requirements?"
"None. You decide for yourself. You do not need to deliberately hide my existence; just limit the commission to the specific events of this morning. It would be strange not to send someone to investigate such a major event. I estimate that half of the private investigators in Rhine City will soon be focusing on Crown Square. You are not worth noticing as an extra."
Such a high degree of freedom.
Lynch was already tempted, but his eyes rolled, and he showed a strange smile: "I can accept this commission, but there is one problem I need to explain in advance."
"Speak."
"Do you think such a complex commission with such wide reaching implications can be completed within a month?"
The old man paused, then said after a moment of silence: "It is indeed difficult. So, what is your meaning?"
"It is shameless to ask you to prepay the red moon memory, but it would be suicidal to pay after the fact. Let us compromise. I will complete the preliminary investigation within a month and give you an initial report. You can prepay the red moon memory for me then, and I will complete the follow up investigation. You also said that the investigation is very dangerous. Whether it is the mysterious or those factions being investigated, they could all take my life. This can be considered as strengthening my capabilities, which in turn improves the effectiveness of the investigation."
"Heh, you are good at calculating. However, the reason is sufficient, and I accept this proposal."
"Wait, wait, there is more, there is more." Lynch rubbed his hands. No matter which world it is in, the church should be wealthy. If he went soft now, he would be crying for a lifetime. "My dear Archbishop, I am a very down and out detective, and I have no money in my pocket..."
"Do you know how much a holy memory sells for on the black market? The cheapest starts at one hundred pounds," the old man said with a half smile. "For twenty pounds, I could hire a very successful private investigator."
"Hiss, but I am indeed a poor person." Lynch was one step away from writing 'I am poor, please give me money' on his face. "Investigation not only requires frequent contact with various factions and buying off informants, but it might also require field investigations at various relevant locations. All of that costs money. I once knew a very unscrupulous small factory owner who actually would not prepay me for goods. You represent the will of the gods, so you certainly would not do such a thing, right?"
"Praise the Lord, everything for the glory of the Black Night." The church was indeed wealthy. The old man did not even consider it and laughed, gasping for breath as he said: "There is no help for it. In order to defend the honor of the Lord, one cannot do such immoral things. How about this: for the expected three month investigation period, I will give you a reimbursement limit of five pounds per month, but it must be based on actual expenses, and receipts must be reviewed by the church. In addition, within one month, you will submit the initial investigation report to me, and I will hand the memory of the Crimson Lady to you, but you must guarantee that you will submit the complete report to me within three months."
Tsk, I am truly a genius. Not only did I save my life, but I also scraped out fifteen pounds in reimbursements. Although it must be based on actual expenses, I was deeply influenced before I transmigrated, and I know too well how to 'base it on actual expenses'.
Of course, there could be no contract for such a secret commission. Lynch shook hands with Archbishop Trinlais on the spot to set the agreement, then picked up his cane and left the Black Night Cathedral, holding a paper box, feeling quite satisfied.
The threat of death still hung over his head, but at least he had found a clear direction: complete the initial investigation of the commission, take back his soul from the evil god, and then he could enjoy his new life to the fullest.
However, how should such a bizarre case be investigated?
Lynch, who had walked out of the Black Night Cathedral, once again organized his thoughts in his head according to his habits from watching detective dramas, listing the information he needed to know one by one.
First, detailed information about this railway. This is the foundation of all problems. Only with this can we further understand those bizarre events.
Second, relevant information about the Bester Tunnel. It is now causing a lot of disputes, and we need to figure out why.
Third, today's protest activity. Other related events are currently unknown, but today's protest is definitely an extension of the case and has a huge impact, so it must be understood clearly.
Someone wanted to create panic from four directions simultaneously. Although he and Archbishop Trinlais stopped one of the directions, the incident still occurred. This was clearly someone deliberately creating chaos, and the purpose was likely to disrupt the protest. Although the murderer escaped during the chaos that followed, the murder weapon was left behind at least, which might be a breakthrough.
Hmm, let us figure out the first two problems first, and then start from the third breakthrough. Alright, let us do that.
It is just that these investigations, especially the third one, have a lot of resistance, and the danger is also very high. I am still just an ordinary person, and I cannot even hit anyone with a broken cane. I must first find a way to have the power to protect myself.
Let us do it simultaneously.
Having made up his mind, Lynch let out a long breath. As soon as he looked up, he saw a face almost pressed against his own, staring at him.
What the hell.
Lynch stepped back sharply, hit a street lamp on the side of the road, and squatted down clutching his head on the spot. However, he had already realized that it was a beautiful and upright familiar face.
Officer Natalie Angel.
"It hurts to death. Why are you here, Officer Natalie?"
"I wanted to ask the same thing. You have been standing here for several minutes. The police are hesitating whether to send you to the Hall of the Departed or the Hall of Order."
Only then did Lynch realize that since leaving the Black Night Cathedral, he had been distracted and had unintentionally returned to Crown Square.
The scene here had been cleaned up almost entirely. A group in blue uniforms were using buckets and mops to clean up the remaining blood and filth. There were no pedestrians around the square for the time being, and it was still in a state of blockade.
And five or six people wearing dark suits were gathering not far away. There were several familiar faces inside, all of whom he had met in the bar at the Scarecrow Club yesterday, and even the suave Mr. V was there.
That is right. After such a big event, especially one related to a mystery relic, the Watchers would definitely intervene.
"Huh? You just happened to encounter the event breaking out in those few minutes?" Listening to Lynch's explanation, Officer Natalie looked at Lynch suspiciously. "How did such bad luck related to the mysterious fall on you again?"
Yes, I would like to know why too. Having just transmigrated for three days, I have bumped into the mysterious several times. Is this considered good luck or bad luck?
"Forget it. If you have finished your business, leave quickly. This place will be blocked for a few days. The Watchers will probably be specifically watching this matter during this time."
Hm? Lynch suddenly had a thought.
That is right. The Watchers have also entered the field.
The Archbishop repeatedly emphasized that this investigation is very dangerous and that he is just an ordinary person with no way out, but the combat power of the police officer is not low. If he could let her participate in the investigation, he would be much safer.
If it had absolutely nothing to do with her, he certainly could not drag her into danger.
But investigating the tragedy itself is the duty of the Watchers. Both sides could fully cooperate.
In any case, the investigation method of this commission is entirely up to him. Hiding behind the official identity of the Watchers would be even more convenient. It would only have benefits and no drawbacks, and... Lynch's eager gaze turned to Officer Natalie.
The police officer suddenly took a step back, showed a fierce expression, and stared at Lynch with a vigilant look, which startled him.
"What are you up to?" The police officer bared her teeth, her hand already pressed on the hilt of her sword. "Your eyes are full of evil, and you must not be thinking of anything good."
Damn it, I accidentally revealed the look of seeing a fat sheep.
Lynch quickly rubbed his face, squeezed out a serious expression, crooked his finger at Officer Natalie, and whispered beside the police officer: "I am an eyewitness to the accident."
"Tell me something I do not know." The police officer stared at Lynch vigilantly.
"What do you think of my ability to investigate, analyze, and reason?"
This time, the police officer nodded without hesitation. The impression Lynch left on her throughout the whole night the day before yesterday was simply too deep.
"Then what do you think, if you Watchers hired me as a consultant for this case, would it be helpful to you?" Lynch hung a loyal and honest smile on his face. "Let them continue to investigate according to the original plan in a moment. You and I will conduct an investigation separately. To use a phrase I heard before, it is called walking on two legs. This should be more stable."
"I always feel that you have bad intentions." Lynch found that a woman's intuition was truly terrifying. The police officer pondered for a moment and shook her head. "Today's situation is different from yesterday. This case today is too serious. If you want to hire an outsider, I am afraid you must have sufficient reasons. Separate investigation is not impossible, but it also requires proof that it is necessary. It is not that I think you have this ability, but you need to convince Victor. It is impossible."
"How about we make another bet?" Lynch raised his eyebrows. "You help me call Mr. V over, and I will talk to him. I will certainly be able to convince him to agree. If I lose, the previous bet is void, and you do not owe me anything. But if I win, hehe, you owe me another condition. How about it?"
Officer Natalie's face turned red immediately, and she gritted her teeth and glared at Lynch.
"This is also an opportunity for you to have a perfect ending. Otherwise, do you really want to agree to everything I say? Or do you want to renege on your debt? I am thinking of you, the opportunity is rare, so you must grasp it, Officer."
"Hmph, this is what you asked for. Do not regret it. I do not believe that you can convince Victor to accompany you in this kind of mess. You wait, I will go call him over, and I will see how you lose."
Ms. Natalie stamped her foot and turned away, leaving the half smiling Lynch in place.
It seemed that Mr. V still valued Lynch highly. Although he was busy listening to reports from his subordinates, after Natalie went over to talk for a while, he put down his work and walked over together.
"Good afternoon, Mr. V." To this person in charge of the Watchers, Lynch respectfully put away his mockery, raised his top hat, and bowed slightly. "Sorry to bother you."
"It does not matter, Mr. Lynch. I heard Natalie mention your suggestion. Do you have any special plans, or do you have any additional discoveries?"
This is the steady leader. Lynch smiled, handed over the paper box in his hand, and after opening it, there was a gift box tied with a ribbon: "You should look at this first."
"A mystery relic?" Mr. V frowned and asked for his meaning with his eyes.
"William's Holiday Surprise. Its story is that I will do my best to exchange it for the innocent smiles of children. Although I have not actually used the effect, it should be twelve light clusters that look like fireworks. This is also something I just got today."
"Fireworks?" Mr. V suddenly realized something, took out his monocle and put it on, looked down and carefully checked the box, and said in a deep voice: "The investigation said that there were explosions and flashes in the east, north, and south directions at that time, and only the west side did not..."
"Well, because I came from the west, I intercepted it on the spot and smashed a stick hard on the owner's shoulder. It is a pity that he escaped during the chaos afterward." Lynch said nonchalantly. "I think I can investigate separately with Officer Natalie following this clue."
"Natalie, you will cooperate with Mr. Lynch for these two days and follow up on this clue of his. When necessary, you can mobilize the resources of the bureau normally."
Blink, blink. The police officer opened her mouth slightly, looking confused and unbelievable, and then she heard Mr. V continue to say:
"Mr. Lynch's suggestion just now is very good. In this case, the Watchers will hire Mr. Lynch as a consultant. Natalie, you have time to draft another commission contract, prepay five pounds, and pay the remaining five pounds if the commission is successfully completed afterwards. Mr. Lynch, are you satisfied?"
Double selling is indeed a huge profit. Now that I have some money in my pocket, I can find a way to buy some real self defense supplies, and I do not have to think about self immolation every time.
Lynch thought in his heart, nodded to Mr. V, and then showed a bright smile to Natalie, holding up two fingers.
The police officer stared at the fingers and the smile, her face turning redder and redder, as if steam was coming out of her head. Suddenly, she stepped on Lynch's foot, and amidst his wails, she grabbed his arm and turned away.
Rate on N.U.
