Lynch tilted his head to glance at Officer Natalie. She stared straight ahead with a solemn expression, but the slight curl at the corner of her lips made it clear she was thoroughly pleased with having startled him.
Lynch had indeed been taken aback, but for an entirely different reason.
A single word from anyone here could likely sway half of Rhine City. He was merely an ordinary private detective; even if he had made some modest contribution, it hardly warranted drawing the attention of so many important figures.
Good fortune falling from the sky wasn't necessarily a blessing. There was likely more to this, and he needed to tread carefully.
With these thoughts in mind, he still maintained a nervous façade on the surface, keeping his head down as he followed behind Mr. V, cautiously making his way up to the rostrum.
“You are Lynch? I heard you graduated with secondary education diplomas in both archaeology and natural history, so I assumed you’d be older. To think you are so young—not even twenty yet, are you?” After listening to a few words whispered in his ear by Mr. V, the elderly man scrutinized Lynch with considerable surprise. “His Excellency Victor briefed me on your achievements last night. Truly astounding. I felt it imperative to invite you over so I could personally express my gratitude for your service to Rhine City.”
In truth, Lynch felt utterly uneasy.
With so many eyes fixed on him from below and several prominent figures right in front of him, the moment felt as agonizing as enduring torture. Yet his pride flared, and he did his best to maintain his composure, removing his hat to bow respectfully to the three luminaries. In the process, he shot a deep glance at Lorant in his wig.
He hadn't forgotten that both the mayor and the speaker had been mentioned by the spider man, Jeremy. But to avoid alerting them prematurely, he pretended to be entirely oblivious and focused his attention on Duke Vane.
“Young man, you performed splendidly last night—intelligent and courageous, a true role model for the kingdom’s youth. Even so, you must prioritize your safety in the future. I heard that if a super expert hadn't invoked a beam of moonlight, you would have been in grave danger.”
Huh? Why bring up such an unrelated topic right now? Good thing I asked Natalie earlier, or I wouldn't even know what he was talking about.
Somewhat puzzled, Lynch played dumb. “Was that moonlight really invoked by a super expert? I had no idea.”
“Heh, perhaps. We aren't certain either. Everyone is merely guessing such an individual exists, as many things would otherwise be unexplainable.” Duke Vane gave a noncommittal smile. “Having been in closest proximity, why don't you share your thoughts? Do you think this super expert exists? And if they do, what might their goal be?”
Lynch grew even more baffled, failing to grasp Duke Vane’s intentions. Just as he was about to give a perfunctory response, realization suddenly struck him.
Could he think the so-called super expert was helping me last night? Is he testing me?
No wonder. That explains today's grand reception—it’s just like a company boss suspecting an employee has powerful backing.
It's all to curry favor, offer extra perks, and lean in my direction.
What should I do?
Lynch rapidly calculated in his mind.
Trying to explain would likely be impossible; once someone harbored such suspicions, denials would only make things murkier.
Besides, why should he explain?
Rejecting benefits handed to him on a silver platter was practically asking for divine retribution.
Since you love letting your imagination run wild so much, I might as well let you indulge to your heart's content.
Having made up his mind, Lynch smiled and shook his head. “I really couldn't say. I'm just an ordinary private detective; the world of legendary experts is far beyond my reach. I wouldn't understand it, and I imagine such a person might not even exist. Even if they truly did, I don't believe she had any ulterior motive—it was likely just a sheer accident.”
“She?”
“Ah, well, you mentioned moonlight, so I pictured a lady. Hahaha.” Lynch laughed awkwardly. “In short, none of this has anything to do with me. I'm just a down-and-out private detective.”
“Hahaha, I understand.”
Though Lynch had no clue what the duke understood, Duke Vane was visibly pleased, beaming as he spoke:
“You took such immense risks for the kingdom and for Rhine last night; the kingdom will never overlook your meritorious service. Aren't you a private detective—and one in your world of mystery at that? How about this: starting today, you are a long-term special advisor to the Governor's Mansion, with a monthly stipend of three pounds, delivered personally to your agency at the end of each month.”
“As an advisor, you won't need to perform any extra duties. The sole requirement is that whenever the Governor's Mansion encounters a troublesome mystery-related case in the future, it will be forwarded to you through the Watchers, and your commission will be settled normally. You must prioritize commissions from the Governor's Mansion as part of your advisor responsibilities; otherwise, the advisor contract will automatically terminate.”
“Furthermore, Victor selected two special documents for you from our Vane family vault, supposedly something you urgently need at your current stage. Tonight, I will have someone deliver them along with the advisor contract to the Watchers’ club for him to handle.”
Such a good deal exists? There really are extra benefits after all.
Lynch licked his lips, anticipation stirring in his chest.
Three pounds a month—more than enough to cover his rent and food without worry. It was a substantial sum, and he didn't even have to do anything except maintain this connection. Any actual commissions would be paid separately, making it essentially free income.
Yet all of this was merely the icing on the cake; the duke’s gesture itself was the most significant reward. With the duke setting an example, whenever the high officials present needed to handle mysterious incidents in the future, even if only to give face to the duke, they would prioritize Lynch. This was an exceptionally precious intangible asset.
Still, what Lynch truly looked forward to were those two special documents. It wasn't hard to guess that they were most likely mystery documents that would allow him to comprehend abilities. That was what he needed most right now, and their market value was exceedingly steep, ranging from a dozen to several dozen pounds—something current Lynch couldn't afford even if he emptied his pockets.
Just as Natalie had said, while the cash wasn't astronomical, it was a truly bountiful harvest, leaving Lynch feeling a bit self-conscious for a moment.
“Hahaha, young man, you helped Rhine’s city hall diffuse a storm of public opinion. If we mistreated you, who would ever be willing to serve the kingdom and Rhine in the future? Accept these rewards with peace of mind. In the days ahead, Rhine City will have plenty of matters requiring the service of capable youths like you.”
Reward for work done—fair enough.
Lynch quickly set his mind at ease and stopped demurring. After thanking Duke Vane and bidding farewell to Mr. V, he hurried out of the assembly hall accompanied by Officer Natalie.
He truly couldn't get used to the atmosphere inside. Only after stepping through the main doors of city hall did Lynch let out a long breath, stretching vigorously before turning back with a grin at the lady officer.
“Thanks. The moment I heard it, I knew you fought for this on my behalf. Aside from you, nobody knows what I'm desperately lacking right now.”
“I merely relayed your needs to Victor; he's the one who chose them for you. If you want to say thanks, go find him.” The lady officer smiled despite herself as she spoke, rolling her eyes at Lynch. “Today's mission is done; all that's left is waiting to receive the documents tonight. What's your plan now? Head to the Investigator newspaper agency like you said yesterday? After the torture of last night, I highly doubt anyone's even working there today.”
“Sure there are! We journalists couldn't care less about pulling all-nighters.” Before Officer Natalie could finish, one of the reporters waiting outside city hall spoke up. “We just came from the newspaper office—everything's running as normal.”
“You're from the Investigator?” Lynch and Natalie exchanged a glance. Lynch mentally chastised himself for being slow; the Investigator was a major newspaper, and with so many reporters camped out here, there was bound to be someone from their staff. “Do you know which paper a reporter named Donnie Narton works for?”
“You know him?” Several reporters whispered amongst themselves. “He belongs to our paper, but he’s been missing for five days.”
“His partner, Maya Sers, went missing with him too.”
Just as I suspected—there really is a connection.
A chill ran through Lynch's heart. He glanced at Officer Natalie, who was also narrowing her eyes in contemplation.
After a brief thought, Lynch deliberately inquired with a nonchalant tone, “Can't find them for now? That’s not good. Do you know who covered the stories regarding the Bester Tunnel a while back?”
“What bad luck—seems it was them as well. Though we aren't completely sure, so you'd better go ask at the newspaper office.”
Lynch and Natalie looked at each other, sensing an invisible thread tying all these matters together.
Just as the two were about to pry further, several impeccably dressed gentlemen stepped out of city hall. The crowd of waiting reporters immediately swarmed them, leaving Lynch and Natalie cast aside.
Rate on N.U.
