It felt warm and smooth to the touch, as if holding a cup of warm water. The dazzling gemstone caught Lynch's gaze like a black hole, seemingly imbued with a magical charm that made him uncontrollably crave it, similar to the temptation felt when facing a mystery relic.
As his fingers brushed over the gem, feeling the surge of possessiveness in his heart, Lynch couldn't help but be secretly alarmed.
Could it be... that this thing is also tainted with mystery filth? Otherwise, why would it have such great temptation?
【Because it is expensive, and you feel like you can't afford it in your entire life, so you're drooling over it.】
‘…… My dear neighbor, do you know why humans sometimes prefer to hear lies? Because lies don't hurt, but the truth is like a blade.’
【It's alright, neighbor. You must know that you have already embarked on the path of immortality. To walk toward the supreme, one must endure various trials, including facing the interrogation of the truth. I am doing this for your own good.】
‘Huh? Really?’
【I don't know. I made it up on the spot. Maybe it was false before.】
‘You vicious neighbor…… deception is not something a god should do.’
【Remember, neighbor, there is never deception from the supreme toward mortals.】
‘Hmm?’
【Regardless of whether it was true or false before, the moment we speak it aloud, it becomes true.】
‘Hiss, my word is truth. Suddenly it feels very stylish. But can you not act so high and mighty over such a boring matter? And how do you keep a straight face while saying such ridiculous things?’
【Pfft, I have undergone professional training. I don't laugh easily, unless I can't help it.】
‘You’re peeking at my memories again. Next time you pirate them, I’m going to charge you.’
Lynch, who had clearly also undergone professional training, took the gem with a serious expression, stroked it for a moment, and then carefully tucked it into his pocket.
The item was in his possession, and he had to leave as quickly as possible to avoid any unexpected trouble. Lynch actually wanted to revert to his true appearance before leaving to vent the frustration of being toyed with, but he held back in order to watch a good show between two tigers later.
Sorry, Officer Walker. I accidentally put your family's lives on the line. You can figure out how to explain it to the twelve major gods later. I'm leaving now. Goodbye.
The eerie piano music started up again. Davis, completely unaware that he had been deceived, closed his eyes and played the strange melody. From the maddening music, Lynch actually caught a hint of joy.
Tsk, then you go ahead and be happy. I wish you a good dream tonight.
Smiling as he exited the captain's quarters, he continued to ignore the grotesque ship structure and the clamoring alien sailors. When the one-eyed deep one saw Lynch come out, he immediately looked disappointed and spat fiercely.
It’s alright, don’t be impatient. You’ll have a chance to get revenge soon, trust me.
But not now. They were still partners for the moment, so the one-eyed deep one reluctantly let Lynch board the small boat and unwillingly sent him back to the pier.
The port was still brightly lit, and for some reason, it was exceptionally bustling even in the early hours of the morning. The docks, in particular, were crowded with figures. It made the one-eyed deep one afraid to dock, so he had to circle to a nearby stretch of coastline and chase Lynch off the boat.
Only when his feet touched the shore did Lynch let out a long sigh, touching the warm gem in his pocket to confirm that his clever ruse had succeeded and he had successfully retrieved the item.
‘This gem is real, right, neighbor?’
【Hmm, it is real.】
‘That’s good.’
Feeling completely relieved, Lynch waved his hat in farewell to the cursing one-eyed deep one who was sailing away. It turned out that there were such honest and helpful people even among pirates. Truly not bad.
Muttering to himself, he turned and walked toward Rhine City. As he walked, he bit down on his pipe and lit it. This time it was real tobacco, and the strong aroma helped calm the boiling blood and tension in his chest. Each step he took was accompanied by a twitching of his facial muscles, and by the time he stepped out of the beach and onto the asphalt road, he had restored his youthful appearance.
Feeling refreshed, Lynch tried his best to suppress the urge to throw his hat in celebration and quickened his pace along the road. He wasn't far from where Miss Valente was waiting outside the port. Lynch didn't know why he suddenly felt a sense of anticipation, wanting to show his harvest to that noble girl as soon as possible.
It must just be the psychology of a child showing off a treasure. After all, I’m still young, that must be it.
【Heh heh.】
Ignoring the strange laughter in his mind, Lynch could already see the lights of the port and the familiar carriage parked under a streetlamp outside.
There really was someone waiting for me. Since crossing over, this was the second time Lynch felt a warmth in his heart, and his eyes even grew a little hot.
This world doesn't seem so scary after all. I like... eh?
As he approached, Lynch noticed Miss Valente standing outside the carriage. She wasn't alone; several gentlemen in formal wear were standing next to her, and the two parties were in conversation.
Trouble?
Lynch frowned, feeling a bit uneasy, but he relaxed as soon as he ran close enough to see.
One of them was an elderly man he didn't recognize, looking every bit the bureaucrat and clearly holding some status. He recognized the others: the stern and rigid middle-aged gentleman leading them was Mr. V, Victor, the head of the Rhine branch of the Watchers, and beside him were two other Watchers, one of whom was the bearded Truen.
What are they doing here, and who is that?
As soon as Lynch approached, Miss Valente’s clear eyes turned toward him. No words or expressions were needed; a single glance filled with amusement was enough. The relief and joy hidden behind her folding fan were impossible to conceal.
I'm back.
Welcome back.
“Cough, cough, Mr. Lynch, Natalie should be waking up within these two days.”
Lynch turned his head and found Mr. V’s gaze looking somewhat strange. Hiss, you guy, you love watching the chaos, don't you? Don't misunderstand, we are just... don't give me that 'all men understand' look. Don't laugh, I'm serious.
Feeling that the sparkling eyes behind him were hiding a profound meaning, Lynch quickly coughed to change the subject. Only then did he learn that the Watchers had appeared here because the Rangers had suddenly mobilized their entire force half an hour ago.
It was as if something major had happened. They were gathering toward the docks with a large number of blue uniforms. The Watchers, already alerted by the commotion Lynch had caused earlier that night when he instantly killed those deep ones, had immediately noticed their movements. To avoid any unexpected situations, Mr. V had led the team personally to follow them.
He had dealt with the Valente family when he served at the Watcher headquarters in Norin years ago. Upon arriving at the port and seeing the Valente carriage, he had come over to say hello and ask about the situation. However, the noble girl seemed to know nothing, wearing an expression of perfectly timed bewilderment.
Yeah, it’s really strange. Lynch pulled out his pocket watch and checked—it was already past three in the morning. What were these Rangers doing out instead of sleeping? Probably just digesting after eating too much fish and chips and tequila.
“Hmm? I understand.” Mr. V’s eyes flashed, and he nodded with a cryptic smile. “Then we shall withdraw. No problems, right?”
This guy is a real shrewd character. Are all these government bureaucrats this scary?
“Ah, right, about those documents regarding the railway project and the related accidents we spoke of earlier.” Mr. V’s smile faded, and he said seriously, “The matter is more troublesome than expected. The security classification for these documents is extremely high, encrypted by Prince William himself. Although he is not as favored by His Majesty as Princess Sophia, he is the eldest son after all, and he is about to be named crown prince next month. Even Aira would find it difficult to pull the information he has encrypted. Oh, Aira is Ms. A of the Watchers. In short, there is definitely a major problem here. I am still trying to find a way, but it will take more time.”
Lynch nodded with a frown. It seemed the water here was deeper than he had imagined. If the eldest prince, William, had personally stepped in, perhaps he couldn't rely entirely on the Watchers and would need to find another way.
After seeing off the three Watchers who had been drawn here, Miss Valente also waved goodbye to the unfamiliar old man. Seeing Lynch looking over, she didn't wait for him to consider whether to ask and took the initiative to explain:
“That is the head of the Dockworkers’ Mutual Aid Association. He was also alarmed by the Rangers and came to investigate the situation. He was the one who had contacted me earlier, and upon seeing the family carriage, he came over to say hello. Actually, he mainly wanted to persuade me to join their opposition camp. This time I didn't brush him off; I told him the truth. The railway incident involves too much, and the conflicts of interest are too complex. The Valente family cannot pick a side and must remain as neutral as possible.”
Right, I have an expert right here. Why didn't I think to ask her about the inside story of this railway? Duke Vane wouldn't speak directly due to his stance, but he never said I couldn't learn through other noble channels.
“It’s just a railway, isn't it? Although the project is large and the impact significant, why are there so many conflicts of interest?”
“Hmm, it’s very complicated. It’s not that I don’t want to tell you, but I’m worried whether you can understand.” Miss Valente hesitated for a moment before explaining, “The railway plan looks like it has more pros than cons on the surface, but it’s hard to say. From the very beginning, this plan was essentially an open conspiracy.”
“Huh?”
“The entire plan was first proposed by those from Salter. All the data, including the projections, were true and accurate, and couldn't be deceived by Lande's professionals. If executed, it would certainly benefit Lande’s future. It’s not just their bankers who could make money; once implemented, the focus of Lande’s entire industry and economy would be placed on the railway project for the next twenty to fifty years, which would naturally lead to a relaxation of development in the New Continent. Everyone has been fighting for spheres of influence in the New Continent all these years, and there has been constant covert conflict between Salter and Lande. While executing the railway plan is beneficial for the mainland, it has a significant impact on the development of the New Continent. You haven't received professional education in this area, can you understand if I put it this way?”
Someone else might not understand, but as a transmigrator, Lynch understood all too well: “I read a story from the First Age of mythology: a weak nation, in order to exhaust the power of a strong nation, sent someone to suggest that the strong nation build a canal. The strong nation knew it was a conspiracy but agreed anyway. In the end, the weak nation held out for a few more decades, and the strong nation also profited greatly from the canal.”
“Yes, that’s exactly what it means. But it’s even more troublesome. Take the Dockworkers’ Mutual Aid Association, for example; the reason they oppose it is not just for the transport on the Lande River, but also includes trade with the New Continent. The interests in the New Continent are being restricted, and the ones most affected are the dockworkers. The various conflicts of interest are too complex. If you are truly interested, I will write a detailed report for you in a few days. In any case, the Valente family does not intend to pick a side, especially since this matter involves diplomatic relations with the Kingdom of Salter, and it wouldn't be appropriate for a family of the Valente status to pick a side.”
“Hmm? Wait.” Lynch’s heart stirred. “So this matter is actually led by the Kingdom of Salter? Then Princess Chloe……”
“She is one of the representatives. She, along with the Count of Lorand family who supports her, and several other Salter royals in Norin, are the other representatives.”
“Hiss, so you mean it wasn't Mayor Hoffman and Prince William begging the banks behind her for loans, but rather she who was begging Prince William to push forward the railway project?”
Miss Valente was stunned, then nodded thoughtfully: “That should indeed be the case.”
“So the one who forced her to use this method to hide the gem is very likely Prince William’s faction. She didn't want to offend Prince William, yet didn't want to truly give the item to him, which is why so many things came up.”
“It is very likely. Ah, right, how is the gem?”
“Heh heh.”
Lynch licked his lips, mysteriously took out the gem, waved it in front of Miss Valente, and then placed it in the noble lady's palm. But as he placed it, the ending of the story about the banana fan flashed through his mind.
Could it be that she is also a fake, and tricked the gem back?
Of course not. Miss Valente just held her breath, her eyes shining as she stroked the gem. However, compared to Lynch’s embarrassing reaction, she quickly recovered from the red glow.
“I didn't expect you to actually succeed so quickly, Detective.” Her crystalline gaze focused on Lynch, and her soft voice hid a faint sense of reverence. “Is there anything you cannot do?”
“Cough, cough, of course there is.” Lynch blushed, looked to the side, and said awkwardly, “For example, having the leaders of various factions personally come over to say hello while sitting in a carriage.”
“Pfft, you are truly terrible at flattery.” She gave Lynch a soft glare, then turned her gaze back to the gem, sighing softly in admiration: “It’s truly beautiful. Is this the Flaming Red Lips?”
“Hmm, it is real.”
“Is it true that legend says one can find the Gate of Falsehood and Reality with it?”
‘Can it? Neighbor.’
Lynch also wanted to know the answer to this question.
【No.】
‘Hmm? Is the legend false?’
【I just told you, it is real.】
‘What does that mean?’ A confused Lynch suddenly changed his expression, his eyes widening. “Are you saying this thing is the real Flaming Red Lips, not a replica?”
“What are you talking about?” Miss Valente was startled by Lynch’s sudden exclamation. “Is this thing fake?”
“Due to reasons that are inconvenient to explain, I can be certain that this is the real gem, not what we thought was a replica.” Lynch stared at the gem in Miss Valente’s hand, his voice chilling. “I wouldn't have realized it until I got the item, but I suspect that it was the real gem that was lost from the very beginning, not a replica as she claimed.”
“No one could have found a real item to replace a fake one on such short notice; there wouldn't have been time. Unless preparations for the replacement had been made from the very start.”
“Only one person had enough time to do that, and she played everyone for fools.”
“Princess Chloe.”
Rate on N.U.
