“On what basis did you compile this list?”
“People in his circle whose alibis around the estimated time of Young Duke Joen’s death remain ambiguous.”
Rodi handed the folder back.
“I think proceeding with this makes good sense.”
She probed gently.
“Among them, is there someone you suspect as the culprit?”
“Conjecture without definite proof is forbidden.”
At that fastidious answer, one of Rodi’s eyebrows arched subtly.
“We are currently conducting an investigation based on an incident from fifteen years ago, where hardly any evidence remains. What is more, the life of the currently abducted lady cannot be guaranteed.”
“…”
“Finding conclusive proof is well and good, but wouldn’t it be better to think a bit more efficiently and proactively before more victims pile up?”
At her chiding, Likens let out a long sigh.
“For now, the least likely is… Gemma, who was once my wet nurse.”
“Why is that?”
“She has never learned swordsmanship or magic. Some of the victims were able-bodied men, so in terms of sheer physical strength, it would be impossible.”
“I see.”
It was a rational hypothesis.
“What about the other four?”
Likens took care to offer as objective an answer as possible.
“I consider their likelihoods to be roughly equal. They have trained in combat or magic, and since they come from noble families, they would possess a basic knowledge of poisons.”
Even as he laid out his reasoning, he looked distinctly reluctant.
“You look rather displeased.”
“Count Heiser and Viscount Tein have been like uncles to me. And with Grandfather included as well… none of this sits pleasantly with me.”
Acknowledging the possibility that someone close to him could be a brutal serial killer would hardly be easy.
“When do the re-interrogations begin?”
“In the order of the list, starting tomorrow morning.”
“May I sit in?”
“If it is merely observing, yes.”
“Could I perhaps ask a question?”
“A question?”
After a moment’s thought, Likens spoke guardedly.
“…Hmph. If it is only a single, simple question.”
Rodi gave a light nod.
“That is plenty.”
✦ ✦ ✦
The next day, five people entered the interrogation room one after another.
From behind the mirrored glass, Rodi and several knights watched Likens put his questions to them.
First was Gemma, who had been Likens’s wet nurse fifteen years ago.
“I was fond of Lord Joen. He was always delicate, a wonderful man who knew how to treat the servants with consideration.”
“It is true… back then, Lord William and Lord Joen argued frequently.”
“At the time of the incident, I had briefly entrusted the young master to a maid while I looked along the toy street for something to cheer him up.”
Second was Count Heiser Gor.
“Good heavens, I can hardly believe I have been summoned again. That incident fifteen years ago was a great tragedy for us all.”
“Lord William and Joen certainly quarreled often. Joen would often vent his frustrations about his father to me as well.”
“At the time of the incident? Hmm, it was so long ago that I do not recall clearly… but I believe I was having a cup of tea at home.”
Third was Viscount Tein Ginie.
“Joen was always a good friend. A humble man who knew how to enjoy the finer things in life. Though I do not know how Lord William saw it…”
“Back then, relations between Lord William and Joen were hardly amicable. Lord William went so far as to warn that if Joen continued loitering around the arts, he would restrict his inheritance.”
“At the time of the incident, you ask… I believe I was riding through the woods to get some fresh air. It has been far too long to say for certain, though.”
Fourth was Duke William Magzeta.
“From his youth, Joen was a sensitive, tenderhearted boy. He cried so easily, and I always wanted him to grow into a strong, magnificent heir.”
“Certainly, once he came of age, we… did not get along well. And it is true that I made remarks bordering on threats regarding his inheritance. I admit to all of it.”
“At the time of the incident… I was drinking alone in my study.”
Fifth was Nior Menien, who had quarreled with the young duke in high society back then.
“I have no intention of opening my mouth until my lawyer arrives.”
“At the time of the incident? How am I supposed to remember something from fifteen years ago?”
The knights grumbled at Nior Menien’s uncooperative attitude.
“Lord Nior Menien clearly has no intention of talking.”
Someone sneered.
“Well, is it any wonder he lost the count’s title to his younger brother?”
Hearing this beside them, Rodi recalled what she knew of Nior Menien.
‘Born the eldest son of Count Menien, only to lose the title to his younger brother due to pure incompetence—a troublemaker through and through.’
“Doesn’t something seem suspicious about him?”
one knight added, his tone dripping with doubt.
“From what I hear, Lord Nior is often out late at night.”
“Ah, I heard that too. Lady Menien apparently complains to my wife all the time about how her husband disappears every night.”
At those words, Rodi glanced back at Nior Menien’s system window.
[Name: Nior Menien
Age: 47
Weaknesses: Frequent Infidelity, Gambling Addiction, ??, ??, ??]
‘He certainly isn’t a good man, but he isn’t the culprit.’
Besides, Rodi had already checked the system window for every single person who stepped into the room.
And she had found it.
[Weaknesses: Serial Killer, Patience Pushed to the Limit After Being Unable to Kill for a Long Time, ??, ??]
Knowing who the true culprit was meant she was not surprised, but still.
‘Patience pushed to the limit, is it?’
That meant Rafi Violet did not have much time left.
‘Even if they continue investigating based on these statements, it will take several more days.’
Worse, every single person who had given a statement, save for one, was an aristocrat. None could be casually detained.
‘In the meantime, Rafi Violet will be killed.’
Rodi sank into thought.
‘How can the culprit be detained before the victim is murdered?’
As her mind raced, an idea soon came to her.
‘Shall I… cast some bait?’
Her mind made up, Rodi turned to look at Likens as he emerged from the interrogation room looking weary.
“Lord Magzeta.”
“What is it?”
Likens gave her a puzzled look.
“Please allow me to ask just one simple question.”
Having given his word beforehand, Likens gave a slow nod.
“Very well.”
Rodi broke into a bright smile.
“Thank you!”
He paused briefly at her smile before asking,
“Must they be brought back in one by one?”
“No, it is a question fine for all five to hear at once.”
At that, Likens gave an order to a subordinate.
The subordinate brought all five people back into the interrogation room.
As they walked in, complaints arose from the group.
“Why keep dragging people back and forth?”
“Weren’t we finished already?”
Rodi stepped inside the interrogation room.
Her presence—thoroughly out of place in such a setting—drew everyone’s attention.
“Who is that woman…?”
someone whispered.
“Rodi Evant.”
“Good day, everyone.”
Holding her skirts, Rodi gave a polite greeting.
“Pardon the intrusion, but I would like to ask you all just one simple question.”
Nior snapped brusquely,
“What is this? You aren’t even a noble anymore. Where do you get off giving orders?”
She offered a serene smile.
“You need not answer if you prefer, though I cannot say for certain how that might reflect on the investigation.”
“…”
At that quiet warning, Nior held his tongue.
Standing straight, Rodi asked in a low voice,
“Do any of you happen to know the word ‘Nakhwa’?”
At the unexpected question, each of the five gave a response.
First, Gemma the commoner.
“What does that mean?”
Second, Nior.
“Commoners are always so ignorant. It means falling flowers, doesn't it?”
Third, William Magzeta.
“That is my understanding as well.”
Fourth, Tein Ginie.
“Indeed, a word rich in poetic taste.”
Fifth, Heiser Gor.
“There is one more meaning that I am aware of.”
William asked with a curious expression,
“And what would that be?”
“I am told that on the distant eastern continent, there is a technique where designs are burned onto the surface of wood or silk using hot irons. They call that ‘Nakhwa’ as well.”
Viscount Tein marveled at that.
“As expected of Count Heiser. Your knowledge is profound.”
Heiser smiled and looked at Tein.
“Not at all. It is merely something I heard from Joen long ago.”
Rodi smiled pleasantly.
“Thank you all for your thoughtful answers. You may go now.”
Curious looks met her, wondering why on earth she had asked such a question.
Among them, one gaze felt exceptionally sharp.
Creeeak.
Without showing the slightest reaction, Rodi leisurely strolled out of the interrogation room.
